Things To Do
Finger Lakes Cider House
Ithaca is known for its wine and cheese trail, and if you decide to explore it, we highly recommend stopping here. They offer delicious lunch options, and their cider and wine are favorites we always pack in our suitcase to bring back to LA! We hope you swing by for a tasting! Some of our favorites include "Wine for my Friends" (which is a lightly bubbly and refreshing wine) and their "Pommeau" (a sweet apple brandy that we claim is the best in the area by far)
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Great for a hike and a swim!
Gorgers Sandwiches
The Chicken BLT Sandwich is Maxine's #1 sando here. The pulled chicken with homemade herby ranch dressing and crispy bacon on their homemade roll is to die for! You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
This lush trail showcases the best of Ithaca including quaint neighborhoods, waterfalls and the Cornell Campus. At half an hour to an hour long, this out-and-back hike has a well defined path with stairs and a moderate intensity. Starting near downtown Ithaca, it ends up in Cornell's Collegetown right next to the Schwartz Center of Theatre, Film & Dance.
South Hill Cider
This was one of the first places Maxine's folks met Steve! Their cider and cocktails are so refreshing on a warm summer evening and the outdoor seating, wood fire pizza and stunning view of upstate New York's rolling hills make for a great experience!
Six Eighty Cellars
One of the many wineries on Cayuga lake. This one has great views and tasty sips.
Myer Farm Distillers
This is place is known for their whiskeys, but Maxine can't stay away from their Cayuga Gold barrel aged gin.
Cayuga Lake Creamery
This ice cream joint is a hidden gem known for their amazing range of homemade flavors! Maxine and Steve's top picks are Purple Cow (black raspberry ice cream with dark chocolate chunks), and Seneca Salted Carmel. There's a location in downtown Ithaca at the Dewitt Mall!
Ithaca Farmers Market
This is a great place to spend a Saturday morning. Top food vendors and local artist goods. Shout out to Dennis' Homemade Ice Cream for some of the best ice cream and fresh squeezed lemonade in Ithaca. Thank you for employing Maxine through her high school years!
Ithaca Falls Trail
One of the shortest hikes in Ithaca with the biggest payoff! Very close to downtown too!
Collegetown Bagels
Best bagels in Ithaca with several locations! Great place to grab a sandwich, salad or coffee. This particular location is at the edge of the commons between the Marriott and Canopy Hilton hotels.
Gimme! Coffee
Locally owned and loved coffee spot. They have several locations in Ithaca. This cayuga street location is nestled in a cute neighborhood close to downtown.
The Dewitt Mall
Small local mall with several great businesses to check out. Green star grocery, Moosewood Restaurant (yes that moosewood), Pastimes Antiques, Guitar works and Cayuga Creamery's downtown location all find their home here.
Taughannock Falls State Park
The main Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail in Taughannock Falls State Park is a 1.5-mile (3/4 mile each way) easy, flat walk to the base of the 215-foot waterfall. There is also a driving viewpoint up the road for those who want the payoff without the sweat. The park also offers a swimming area as well as paddle board and kayaks rentals. Such a lovely way to spend a summers day!
Ithaca Beer Co
A wonderfully fun spot to grab a beer and bite while listening to some live music.