Cornell is where we met, and it's a fun place to visit if you've never been! We recommend walking around Ho Plaza, enjoying views of the lake and town, visiting the art museum, and, of course, getting some fresh ice cream at the Cornell Dairy Bar.
Google’s one-sentence summary is “Lots of little secret areas to discover.” Definitely a place for wandering. Find and ring the bell!
For the bird lovers! A small visitors center and walking trails.
The heart of the town! Check out the shops, eateries, murals, and the Sagan planet walk
The location of our third date! Caitlyn has eaten ungodly amounts of ice cream here. Brian is reluctant to admit the same.
Our first date was here to drink tea and chill with some cats! Brian got scratched, and Caitlyn didn’t tell Brian she was allergic to cats until weeks after.
Easy to miss! A row of smaller shops and eateries
The location of one of our earlier dates. Brian remembers Caitlyn asking him about aliens. Caitlyn does not remember asking this. The Ithaca Reggae Fest will be going on there during the weekend, so please plan accordingly: https://www.visitithaca.com/event/ithaca-reggae-fest-(6th-annual)/4164/
During lockdown, we lived nearby this natural area. It was a great place for a pleasant walk between virtual meetings.
One of the most impressive waterfalls right in town! Don’t eat the dirt here; it’s contaminated with lead from an old gun factory
Want to walk from downtown Ithaca up to Cornell's campus? Take the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and see many cascading waterfalls!
Another great close-by waterfall with many hiking options
A 15-minute drive from Ithaca, Taughannock Falls offers a relatively easy and flat 1.8 mile hike to a spectacular waterfall.
If you're up for a 40-minute drive outside of Ithaca, Watkins Glen offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails and scenery.
The Finger Lakes region is known for its wine. Spend an afternoon driving (responsibly!!) along the lake, visiting wineries along the way. Caitlyn recommends The Thirsty Owl for wine and the Finger Lakes Cider House if cider is more your thing!
An hour drive away from Ithaca but worth the trip! If you have the time, definitely sign up for a "Make Your Own Glass" experience.