Amongst our crowded daily schedules, prelim-filled weeks, and sleepless nights, it’s easy to forget about the magic of Ithaca. Especially since we live on-campus, Ithaca often becomes synonymous with Cornell, and as the days get busier and weather gets colder, it’s often feels that the world starts at North Campus and stops in Collegetown. Last Saturday, however, I was again reminded of the magic of Ithaca on the trip to the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Only a 15 minute walk from West Campus, the Farmers Market featured dozens of wooden booths, each displaying an entirely distinct array of products. From apple butter to purple potatoes, authentic Thai iced tea to beautiful watercolor paintings, the seemingly small structure was surprisingly expansive. Amongst the rustic wooden booths of the market, farmers presented the fruits of significant agricultural achievement and artisans sold the products of years of rigorous craftsmanship. In this way, the Farmers Market is a perfect encapsulation of Ithaca itself: deceptively small, yet serving as a magnificent cultural hub. Moreover, it reflects the striking duality of Ithaca, which simultaneously embodies the charm of upstate New York with the productivity and innovation of a metropolis.

Much like Ithaca, hidden away through a series of country roads and 4-gate airports, the Farmers Market was tucked away between a highway and a lake. And yet, it was a location for an immense cultural and social gathering on a Saturday morning. Myself and other students strolled through the market amongst other Cornellians, Ithaca College students, local residents, artisans, farmers, (and several adorable dogs). While such a gathering of individuals was largely motivated by a mutual desire for farm-fresh produce and breakfast samosas, it spoke much more significantly to the unique culture of its residents. Ithaca represents a wide range of people, with passions ranging from academia to agriculture to art; however, the striking tranquility of the Farmers Market points to the existence of commonality amongst Ithacans. There was a marked sense of community, of engaged individuals supporting a wonderful, time-honored local tradition. Amongst an otherwise busy Saturday, a brief glimpse at/involvement in such a culture provided a much needed moment of appreciation and reflection.

It’s easy to think of Cornell’s geographic isolation in a negative light. Indeed, New York City is an oftentimes overcrowded, long bus ride away, and, yes, the airport never fails to delay every one of my outbound flights. However, this experience made me see Ithaca in a new light. Ithaca is a cultural destination in and of itself, the Farmers Market being just one of many examples of the valuable cultural excursions possible. It implies a wonderful culture of community engagement, mutual respect, and individual pursuit. Much more than just the setting for Cornell’s campus, Ithaca is a resource to appreciate and utilize in my remaining years at school. Like many of my peers, this event has inspired me to further explore Ithaca, beyond the scope of the stops on a TCAT bus, of course.