Rachel & Sam
Things To Do
Ithaca Beer Trail
Not an official "trail" but as people who dabble in beer drinking we've put together a pretty solid list. In the last decade a ton of new places have popped up, so again we recommend doing your own research but here are a few of our favorites. Ithaca Beer Co. (www.ithacabeer.com) - Having worked here for a year, Rachel is a little biased but man oh man between the beer and the food and the huge lawn its the perfect place to waste an afternoon. Lucky Hair Brewing (www.luckyharebrewing.com) - Along the Seneca Wine Trail is one of the best tiny breweries on the east coast. Bring a book and sit on the balcony overlooking Seneca Lake or bring a game and hangout on the picnic tables in the back. Grist Iron Brewery (gristironbrewing.com) - Great beer and food and plenty of seating inside and out. Also along Seneca, the brewery offers a great view of the lake. Ithaca Cider House (http://www.fingerlakesciderhouse.com/) - For you cider lovers.
Seneca Wine Trail
About 40 minutes drive from the Wedding Venue depending on the winery you're heading to. We've listed some of our favorites, mostly located on the east side of Seneca Lake, but don't be shy about making a whole day of it! Wagner Wineries (https://wagnervineyards.com) - Plenty of outdoor seating with picnic tables and affordable tastings. Wagner also has a brewery with some great beers if wine isn't your thing! Leidenfrost Winery (www.leidenfrostwine.com) - Smaller tasting room but a very personalized tasting! There's a lovely back balcony which overlooks Seneca Lake. Red Newt Winery (www.rednewt.com) - Not as close to the lake as some other wineries, but there's a really nice back balcony that you can hang out on a have a glass of wine. Also has a delicious bistro if you're looking for a place to have lunch!
Taughannock Falls State Park
About 20 minutes from the wedding venue. There's a beautiful (shorter) hike through the middle which will pop you out at the base of the falls or an equally beautiful (longer) hike around the rim. Across from the falls is an open area with plenty of room for picnicking, frisbee tossing or paddleboarding on Cayuga.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls contains an upper loop (accessible from La Tourelle!) and a lower loop which gives you beautiful views of the waterfall but is a little more of a strenuous hike.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Eat, drink and watch the ducks hang out by the pier. Honestly some of the best breakfast burritos we've ever had and tons of fresh fruits and veggies. They also offer boat tours around the lake if you have a few hours to kill.