Davis & Nicole
Things To Do
Local restaurants
Interested in a bite to eat? Some of Davis and Nicole's favorite restaurants include: - Collegetown Bagel (an Ithaca institution) - Thompson & Bleecker ("fancy" pizza - a favorite of Davis & Nicole) - Simeon's American Bistro (slightly upscale environment) - The Rook (a more intimate spot off the main strip, with an eclectic menu) - Viva Taqueria (traditional Mexican food) - Bickering Twins (more "trendier" Mexican restaurant) - Mercato (local Italian spot) - Ithaca Ale House (traditional brew house) - The State Diner (a "classic" diner) - Uncle Joe's (no frill sports bar - where Davis watched all the UGA games)
Local bars / watering holes
Interested in a cold drink? Some of Davis and Nicole's favorite bars / watering holes include: "College" bars: - The Range - Level B (in Collegetown) - Chanticleer (local dive bar) - Kilpatricks (local Irish pub) - Moonies (enter at your own risk) Cocktail bars: - Bar Argos - The Watershed Casual bars: - Ithaca Ale House - Revelry Yards - The Westy
Cornell University
Cornell holds a special place in both Davis and Nicole's heart, which is why they decided to get married in Ithaca. The Cornell campus is beautifully located on a hill that overlooks Cayuga Lake and downtown Ithaca. A few places to visit on campus include: - Libe Slope: a popular place for students to relax outdoors (the view from the top is amazing!) - McGraw Tower: the famous clock tower on campus - Uris Library: often noted as the "Harry Potter" library on campus Also, feel free to wander around the campus and soak in the beautiful architecture and many relaxing squares on campus!
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Did you know that the Finger Lakes is considered one of America's top wine regions? And consists of over 130 different wineries? Ithaca happens to reside right on Cayuga Lake which is home to many of the best vineyards in the region. There are 12 vineyards that are part of the official Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, but feel free to plan your own adventure and visit any of the dozens of other great vineyards in the region. A few of our favorite vineyards are listed further down this page.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Ithaca area. It consists of a great park right on Cayuga Lake in addition to the main attraction. Taughannock Falls is a beautiful 215 ft waterfall located less than 1 mile down an easy hiking trail (~1.8 miles out and back on the Gorge trail) making it accessible to everyone. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, there are also the North and South Rim trails (~3.5 miles combined) which provide a view of Taughannock Falls from on top of the gorge as well as a scenic hike through the rest of the park.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
The Cornell Botanic Gardens is unique and beautiful place on Cornell's campus. It holds a special place in Nicole and Davis' heart, as well as with the broader Clifford family (many of whom were born and raised in Ithaca). Visitors can spend their time walking (or driving) around the beautiful gardens which consists of rolling hills of trees and plants from around the world. Insider tip: the best view is from the top at Newman Overlook!
Sheldrake Point Winery
Sheldrake is Davis' favorite winery in the region! It is particularly well known for its dry rosé, cabernet franc, and many other delicious wines. It has a beautiful outdoor area right off of Lake Cayuga to enjoy some relaxing wine tasting by the lake.
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Thirsty Owl is a popular vineyard in the Cayuga region. It offers a range of wines in their tasting room, beautiful lake views, and great space to relax with friends / family.
Finger Lakes Cider House
Beyond vineyards, the Finger Lakes are also home to many expansive apple farms. The Finger Lakes Cider House takes advantage of this and offers some amazing varieties of cider (primarily alcoholic) that are a nice change from the local wines. The Cider House is a local favorite for many people in Ithaca.
Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery
Frontenac Point is a frequent stop for many as it one of the closer vineyards to Ithaca. It offers a great outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard and Cayuga Lake. Additionally, it is near Taughannock Falls State Park, which makes it a great place to stop after enjoying a great hike!
Americana Vineyards Winery
Americana Vineyards is nearby Ithaca and offers a wide range of wines. It is off the lake slightly, but often has live music outside on their property, so be sure to check out their event schedule!
Ithaca Beer Co
Ithaca Beer Company is the largest brewer in the Ithaca area. They are most widely recognized for their Flower Power IPA, but you can stop by the brewery to enjoy a flight of their other great beers. You may see a couple of these beers offered during our wedding festivities as well! Additionally, the actual brewery offers a great casual restaurant and has an amazing outdoor space to enjoy on a beautiful day.
Liquid State Brewing Company
Liquid State Brewing has a tap room near downtown Ithaca! It is a great place to meet friends, try some great beers, and meet the locals. It is a relatively newer brewery, but has quickly become a local favorite!
Ithaca Farmers Market
Want to see the Ithaca Farmer's Market when it's not rented out for a wedding event? While it is the location of Davis & Nicole's welcome party on Friday, Ithaca Farmer's Market is also open Saturday and Sunday's for the local community. From morning to early afternoon, the Farmer's Market is buzzing with locals looking to support the dozens of community businesses that set up shop in the market.
Cornell Dairy Bar
Did you know that Cornell has the top ranked Agriculture program in the US? Why is that important? It means Cornell also offers some of the best ice cream in the country! Visit the Cornell Dairy Bar for fresh made ice cream straight from around the corner at the local farms.
Ithaca Commons
Ithaca Commons is the central point of the town in Ithaca. It is home to many of the shops and restaurants in town. Several of the hotels (Ithaca Marriott, Canopy, Hotel Ithaca) are located right on the Commons.