Travel
Travel Note
Accommodations
Accommodations in June • Luxury: • The Statler Hotel: Located on Cornell’s campus, this upscale hotel offers a combination of academic charm and luxury. It’s perfect for those looking for a comfortable stay with easy access to both nature and culture. • La Tourelle: A boutique hotel just outside Ithaca, known for its relaxing atmosphere, scenic views, and on-site spa. Great for those looking to combine relaxation with outdoor exploration. • Mid-Range: • Hotel Ithaca: Conveniently located near the Commons, Hotel Ithaca offers a comfortable stay with easy access to downtown and a rooftop bar with great views. • Budget: • Airbnb: For a more affordable option, there are plenty of short-term rentals available in and around Ithaca, including lakeside cabins and cozy apartments.
Travel Note
Travel Tips & Weather
Travel Tips for June • Dress in Layers: While the weather is generally warm, evenings can be cool. Bring layers for comfort, especially when out in the evenings. • Book in Advance: June can be a busy time in Ithaca due to festivals and the influx of summer tourists. Be sure to book accommodations and reservations for popular events and restaurants well in advance. • Bring Bug Repellent: As June is a wet month, you might encounter mosquitoes, especially around the lake and in wooded areas. Bring repellent to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience. Weather in June • Temperature: June in Ithaca generally brings mild to warm temperatures. Expect daytime highs ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), with cooler evenings dipping into the 50s and 60s (10°C to 18°C). It’s a comfortable time to be outdoors, with less humidity than later summer months. • Rain: Showers are possible, as June is a transitional month before the hotter summer temperatures set in. It’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Travel Note
Shopping and Local Culture
Shopping and Local Culture • Ithaca Commons: This pedestrian-only area is the perfect spot for shopping for local art, handmade crafts, or locally sourced goods. There are also a number of independent bookstores, antique shops, and quirky boutiques. • Handmade and Local Goods: The Ithaca Farmers Market and various pop-up vendors in the area offer handmade goods, local cheeses, farm products, and artisan bread. Be sure to pick up something unique to remember your trip. • Ithaca Farmers Market: The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food. June is the height of the growing season, so you’ll find everything from strawberries and cherries to fresh greens and local cheese.
Travel Note
Outdoor Dining and Patio Options
Outdoor Dining and Patio Options As the weather warms up, many of Ithaca’s top restaurants offer outdoor dining options. Some notable spots: • The Boatyard Grill: Enjoy fresh seafood with a lakeside view at this restaurant overlooking Cayuga Lake. • Just a Taste: A trendy spot for tapas and craft cocktails, with outdoor seating available. • The Heights: Located on Cornell’s campus, this restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor terrace with great views. • Collegetown Bagels: Perfect for a casual meal or brunch, offering outdoor seating along College Avenue.
Travel Note
Ithaca’s Outdoor Concerts
Ithaca’s Outdoor Concerts • Ithaca’s Summer Concert Series: Throughout June, there are weekly free outdoor concerts in the parks and commons area, offering local bands and musicians a chance to showcase their talent. Bring a picnic blanket, relax, and enjoy the music.
Travel Note
Finger Lakes Wine Trail
Finger Lakes Wine Trail • June is an excellent month for wine lovers, as the Finger Lakes Wine Trail is in full swing. Many of the region’s best wineries, such as Shaw Vineyard, Herman J. Wiemer, and Damiani Wine Cellars, host tastings, tours, and wine events. Some wineries also offer food pairings, live music, and outdoor seating with lake views. • Finger Lakes Wine Festival: Held later in the summer, but June is a great time to visit wineries before the crowds arrive. Consider taking a wine-tasting tour or a guided boat tour on Cayuga Lake to visit several wineries.
Travel Note
Traveling early? Ithaca Festival (June 5-8, 2025)
Festivals and Events in June Ithaca Festival (June 5-8, 2025) • The Ithaca Festival is one of the town’s largest events, held annually in early June. It’s a celebration of the local arts, music, and community spirit. Expect: • Live music: Local and regional bands perform on multiple stages throughout downtown. Genres include rock, folk, jazz, and world music. • Parade: The festival kicks off with a colorful parade featuring community groups, floats, musicians, and performers. • Street Performances: Artists, dancers, and performers line the streets, offering impromptu performances and street art. • Art Vendors: Local artisans and crafters display and sell their handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, and paintings. • Food and Drink: Numerous food vendors serve a wide variety of cuisines, including local farm-to-table options, international food, and local beer and wine from Finger Lakes wineries and breweries.
Travel Note
Key Ithaca June Attractions
Waterfalls and Hiking June is a great time to explore the area’s famous waterfalls and hiking trails. The foliage is lush, and the waterfalls are often flowing strongly from the spring runoff. • Ithaca Falls: A must-see during June, Ithaca Falls is especially impressive after the spring rains. The falls are within walking distance of downtown, making it an easy stop. • Buttermilk Falls State Park: This park features a series of stunning waterfalls, and the trails around the park are in full bloom. The water levels in the falls are usually high in June, making for a beautiful scene. • Taughannock Falls State Park: One of the tallest waterfalls in the region (215 feet), Taughannock is a sight to behold in June, with its surroundings green and vibrant. The park has multiple trails, including an easy walk to the base of the falls. • Robert H. Treman State Park: Known for its rugged beauty, this park offers challenging trails and a series of waterfalls, making it ideal for experienced hikers. Cayuga Lake • Boating and Kayaking: With warm weather and calm waters, June is a perfect time to explore Cayuga Lake by boat or kayak. You can rent boats at Taughannock Falls State Park or Cayuga Lake State Park. Consider renting a sailboat for a scenic tour of the lake or a kayak for a more intimate exploration. • Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway: Take a leisurely drive along the scenic byway that runs alongside Cayuga Lake. The road offers breathtaking views of the lake, surrounding hills, and wineries.
Travel Note
Cornell University
Cornell University • Cornell Botanic Gardens: The gardens are in full bloom in June, with wildflowers and a variety of plants creating vibrant landscapes. The F.R. Newman Arboretum and the Catherine M. Woodwalk are particularly lovely spots for a stroll. • Cornell Plantations: A former botanical garden that is now part of the university, these extensive gardens are a peaceful escape. June is an excellent time to visit, with various blooms such as rhododendrons and peonies in full color. • Cornell University Campus: Take a guided or self-guided tour of the campus to explore its architecture, including the iconic McGraw Tower and the Cornell Clock Tower, which offer panoramic views of Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region.
Travel Note
Day Trips and Nearby Exploration
Day Trips and Nearby Exploration • Robert Treman State Park: A quick drive from downtown, it offers a more rugged hiking experience, waterfalls, and swimming opportunities in natural pools. • Watkins Glen State Park: A 45-minute drive away, Watkins Glen is one of the most famous state parks in New York, known for its stunning gorge and waterfalls. It’s a great day trip if you enjoy hiking and photography. • Finger Lakes National Forest: Located near Watkins Glen, it offers over 30 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for a quiet escape into nature.
Travel Note
Family-Friendly Fun
Family-Friendly Fun • Sciencenter Sciencenter – A fun, hands-on museum for kids of all ages with interactive exhibits and educational activities. • The History Center in Tompkins County The History Center – Explore Ithaca’s local history with exhibitions and events that are both engaging and informative for families.