If you’ve spent any time in the Northeastern United States (or even if you haven’t), you’ve probably heard the phrase “Ithaca is Gorges.” It’s a play on words that has made the region famous for its rugged natural beauty – and the gorges are, in fact, gorgeous! But Ithaca’s natural features are only one element of many that make this a great place to live and study. Ithaca has something for just about everyone.
Restaurant Scene
Did you know that Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than New York City? With that kind of number, there’s bound to be an exciting variety of culinary options that everyone can enjoy. The Commons, located in downtown Ithaca, has everything from Thai to Mexican to French to American food offerings. There are also plenty of locally-grown and vegetarian options to try. Whether you need a quick bite or want a more upscale dinner, you’ll never go hungry in Ithaca.
Local Products
The Ithaca Farmer’s Market brings together 150 local vendors each week to offer high quality fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products as well as handcrafted jellies, baked goods, and other artisan products. The market convenes at various times and locations throughout the week, making it a convenient option for fresh, delicious goods.
The Great Outdoors
The natural landscape in the Ithaca area is truly unique. Head to Buttermilk Falls or Robert H. Treman State Park to see the beautiful streams and gorges for yourself. Spend an afternoon in Stewart Park watching sailboats float across Cayuga Lake. Cornell also offers extensive outdoor education programming, so those with a love of adventure can hike, camp, climb, and explore the rugged and beautiful surroundings.
Vineyards & Wineries
If you’re a wine connoisseur (or if you’d like to become one), the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is easily accessible from Ithaca. As the longest running wine trail in New York, the trail offers 15 wineries, one cidery, one meadery, four distilleries, and many other businesses. Spend the day at one or enjoy tastings at several – the surrounding scenery and range of offerings make each stop a unique experience.
Check out www.visitithaca.com for much more information on all that the area has to offer!
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