On Saturday, I attended my first Rose Scholars event and visited the Ithaca Farmer’s market. We walked over together from the house and I met and chatted with other students in the program on the way. The market contained various vendors selling artisan foods and craft items. What stood out for me was how the vendors were passionate about their own products. For instance, produce vendors were enthusiastic about telling us about their heirloom fruits and vegetables; they obviously take great pride in growing their own varieties. There were also local juices and wines, in which the seller grows their own fruits and presses the juice themselves. It was my first time visiting the market and I was made aware of the great variety of local products that are produced in the finger lakes region; I would love to visit some local farms and learn more about products unique to the area.

On September 9, 2018, I visited the Farmers Market. While there I was exposed to all the local companies in Ithaca and was impressed with all the beautiful crafts and businesses that are so close to Cornell! One of the vendors that I stopped by was the honey stand. The man there was selling honey straws in different flavors, and I asked him about how he made them taste so good. He told me that they’re made from his honey bees and he added artificial flavoring to get the non-tradition flavors. We continued to talk about honey, and he said to us that he, unfortunately, lost 100 honey bees in the past year. His tragedy made me realize how real our bee problem is and how it affects businesses close to home. As I was there, I was amazed at the talent and creativity that the vendors had. It made me realize that you can do business with your passion whether it be knitting, making soap, cooking, or being a beekeeper.

Farmers Market Pics -2d631zj

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.

After being at Cornell for a whole year, this past weekend was my first time visiting the Ithaca Farmers Market. The walk there was a journey on its own. I got to see the different styles of houses in Ithaca and how each of them seems to have their own personality. Having grown up in a city, the market was not what I had expected. I envisioned small fruits, vegetables, and food stands, but what I actually saw and experienced was a whole different thing. Behind some trees and a lake there is a path to the market that is located in a beautiful wooden structure. What surprised me about the market was the variety of food stands they had, which represented many cuisines. Also as an occasional painter and arts-and-crafts fanatic, I enjoyed seeing the art creations of other people. I bought a hand-made picture frame that showcases the hard work and unique style of the artist. Now I see why it is considered the second best farmers market.

This was my second time visit Farmer’s Market, but this visit to me was much more meaningful because I came in with more context and knowledge about impacts of the farmer’s market on the Ithaca community. I now know that it is an important part of our agricultural tourism, attracting up to 5000 visitors a day. I also learn to appreciate the benefits of promoting fresh, locally-produced products to Ithaca’s residents in reducing waste and transportation costs for farmers. I became more aware of the irregular shapes and the incredible variety of the fresh produce on display – it is proof of how these products were not mass produced but tended with love and care.

The weather was extremely nice on that day, which is something that I always treasure before the winter comes. I am really glad that I took the time off from work to be nearer to nature, to relax and to meet with new friends from the Rose Scholars program. It may have been short a visit but it definitely had alleviated my mood for the rest of the day and opened up my perspective on the scenery around Ithaca.

I was surprised by the continuous downhill path to the Farmer’s Market, thinking Cornell as always uphill. I have never went far outside of campus by walking, as I always took the bus either to the Commons or to Collegetown, but I have never seen such colorful and old houses in New York. I am from New York City so the environment still intrigues me how people live so far away from everything. The Farmer’s Market was bustling with people and the string lights warmed the vibe, giving a very homely feeling. I’m amazed how many people come visit the Farmer’s Market (2nd best Farmer’s Market) even though it is at a remote place, but it is worth the trip to go see the different homemade and environmentally friendly crafts there are.

Although I had already been to the Farmer’s Market before, going as part of the Rose Scholar’s program was very exciting. I enjoyed my entire time there, walking around and seeing all the products local producers had to offer. I have always thought that we should support local produce as much as we can and I am glad that a whole community comes together to do this every weekend and that we were part of it.

The information given to us in the talk that we had before walking down was very interesting. I learned how and where the Farmer’s Market started and how a Cornell parking lot had once been a location for it. I was also very  amazed to learn that the Farmer’s Market attracts as many as 5,000 each weekend. The walk down was nice and relaxing and I enjoyed it a lot. In my few times at the Farmer’s Market I had completely overlooked the surrounding areas and therefore this time I explored them. I became a fan of the scenery that surrounds the Farmer’s Market. They are all beautiful natural areas that highlight Ithaca’s beauty and the Farmer’s Market, rather than try to change them, take advantage of the beauty they offer.  This trip got me excited about exploring Ithaca a bit more and I am glad that I was part of this wonderful experience at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market.

Last Saturday, with fellow Rose Scholars, I visited the Farmers Market for the first time. I was surprised when Shiv and Sam told us that there are about 5000 people visit the Farmers Market. Since last year, I wanted to visit the Farmers Market, but I was unable to make a time for the visit. The Rose Scholars program gave me an opportunity to take a break and explore Ithaca.

I really enjoyed just observing different vendors with locally grown food and the foods that I ate at the Farmers Market were amazing. In addition, I was able to purchase handmade small bags with unique patterns. Lastly, I saw a vendor who was selling handmade jewelry made out of polymer clays, which excited me because I also make miniatures using polymer clays. Visiting the Farmers Market not only allowed me to try local foods but also provided me with an opportunity to explore Ithaca’s natural area. On the way back to the west campus, I visited Ithaca Falls for the first time and I was able to see that there are so many places out in Ithaca that I should visit.

On my way back from the Farmer’s Market I read from my WeChat Moments that a senior college student in my neighborhood, on the far other side of the earth, had disappeared, leaving a note saying that he was committing suicide.

I was holding this postcard, full of harvest and vividness, in my hand. I was breathing the cold fresh air. And although I did not speak much during the whole journey with Rose Scholar program members due to the shyness as a newcomer to Cornell, I enjoyed the trip.

The fragrance and juicy sweetness of the fruits are oozing out of the postcard. They are, however, made purely of flame-worked glass, which was something I hadn’t expected prior to visiting the Farmer’s Market as I had thought only fruits, vegetables, food and stuff were sold there. A fan of handicrafts as I myself am, I was more than amazed at the sight of the real artwork on display, far radiant than on the postcard per se.

I was about to sigh “what a sad contrast” concerning the incident happened just far away where I was from. But I held back, too afraid that this would give out an air of schadenfreude, which I meant nothing about. Sorrows happen not only back there, but in every corner of the world. And in the same time, joy and brightness is scattered around the Earth too. The feeling is too complex to depict by words.

I watched people coming and going by the little market pavilion. They are off their separate ways, minding their own business; they are living out their lives, and there was at least an air of calm and contentment on their faces, if not happiness. They are having fun, at least in this transient moment, with life. I guess that the artist doing the flame-worked glass must be loving her job, and in fact I had sometimes thought of making a living by designing and making dresses, rather than going my track on becoming an astronomer, which I always call as being “my dream”.

It was not because of I preferred artwork than astronomy; it was perhaps the difference in pressure. I am new, struggling to keep up, looking for research opportunities, worrying about graduation and PhD degrees, and often hating myself as not talented enough and sometimes even clumsy. Although I always tried to chin up and would not kill myself in any situation right now, I might render myself as slightly understanding what the senior student was suffering from.

This was life. Different life for different individuals, and sometimes resulting in striking and lamentable contrasts. I often genuinely feel that people here in Ithaca reaches more closely towards the essence of life itself. Living, doing things one enjoys everyday, and carrying on as the second hands tick on the calendar. Living with other people in peace and evolve in pleasant conversations, rather than regarding in fear the surrounding as full of predators and competitors. Completing works that one feels satisfied with and displaying them for admiring eyes, instead of toiling under pressure and hurling oneself towards the social-standard ‘success’.

I envy this mode of life. I will try to adjust my life philosophy more to the simplicity of this little town closer to nature. I feel helpless to the young man who was hopeless with life on the other side of the world–I now feel joy and pain mixing together in my heart and the feeling is hard to deal with. I can only hope that all is still well with the young man, and may nature bless Ithaca residents.

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Last weekend our Rose Scholars group took a stroll to the Ithaca Farmers Market, a giant pavilion with foods and local foods from vendors all over Tompkins County. When GRFs Shiv and Sam told me there are over 5000 visitors to the farmers market I was not convinced, there is no way that there are even 5000 people in Ithaca I thought. Well turns out I was wrong and the large farmers market pavilion was jam-packed with students, couples, and kids.

I have to admit that I have not left Cornell’s campus except for trips to Collegetown, making our morning weekend stroll all the more interesting. Just the walk alone allowed me to see what the charming little town of Ithaca was like and maybe this trip would be the reason why I would go out exploring a lot more. I would definitely recommend anyone with time on the weekends to take a nice walk to the Farmers Market and leave their comfort zones and coursework behind for a day to enjoy what Ithaca is all about.

This previous Saturday, I had the opportunity to take a trip down to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market. Although the walk there was long and a little sweaty, it was 100 percent worth it in the end. Even the walk there provided fascinating sights as I had never seen so many different colored and decorated houses before. By the time we reached the farmer’s market I was a little tired but excited to explore what the market had to offer. I made my way through the market one store at a time, making sure to visit each stand. I ended up buying some Korean food, a small succulent, and chapstick. The most interesting stand I saw was a bread stand that brought a huge bread-making machine to make fresh bread. In the end, the market was a highly enjoyable experience and I understood why it is one of the best farmer’s markets in the country.

On Saturday September 8, 2018, I had the pleasure of joining GRFs Shiv and Sam on the trip to the Ithaca Farmers Market! I learned that the Ithaca Farmers Market is ranked #2 in the world and that it attracts an average of 5,000 visitors each day. Once at the market, I was able to explore the variety of products offered and sample local foods.

My favorite part of the experience was the opportunity I had to speak to local vendors about their products and businesses. I met one vendor who made their own Kombucha, a drink I enjoy but had never had homemade before. He explained the difference in taste and production from common store brands and let me try a sample to see for myself. Additionally, I purchased a succulent from another vendor who took the time to provide me with instructions for care of the plant.

Overall the trip was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed being able to immerse myself and engage with the Ithaca community. I plan to go back again soon and would like to bring my family to the farmers market when they visit as well!

We know Ithaca isn’t that big. Yet, so much of it is left unexplored due to the boatloads of problem sets and upcoming readings. On Saturday, September 8^th a few of the Rose Scholars and myself got to burst our Cornell bubble and go out and see what Ithaca has to offer.

The walk from West Campus to the farmer’s market really isn’t that long. It’s about a 1.5 mile walk from campus. Plus, it’s not even a complicated walk. It’s really just walking straight for a while and making a few turns. Even though it’s such a short walk I had only been to the farmer’s market once before. One remark I heard that I related to was, “I’ve never walked this far away from Cornell before.”

It’s hard to leave campus, at least for me it is. Since when I’m out I’m having constant guilt thinking about how I could be spending this time doing homework. However, when I was out on Saturday I didn’t really think about it too much. The thought popped into my head a few times, but it wasn’t in the nagging way that I have experienced before.

The walk is pleasant as you get to talk with friends while venturing around Ithaca. The conversations aren’t about class. The conversation ranges from popular movies to what house in the neighborhood we think is the prettiest. There’s something far better about walking than just taking an Uber over. Not that I don’t do a lot of walking at Cornell, but walking helps to clear my mind. I get to breathe in the fresh air and live in the moment.

The farmer’s market is a hub for the Ithaca Community. And when I say Ithaca Community I don’t just mean Cornell students. Though I saw a few Cornell sweatshirts, the farmer’s market brought together couples and families.

The vendors at the farmer’s market are honestly the best at what they do. The farmer’s market isn’t like meandering through Wegmans. It’s a social experience. You get to meet the person who grew the crop, which is an opportunity that a big chain doesn’t give you. You’re greeted with a warm smile as you approach each stall and you’re encouraged to try samples. For example, when I bought a kimchi spicy pork taco the vendor encouraged me to try the hot sauces he made. He enthusiastically told me about each one and which ones he liked. You can tell that these people aren’t in it for the money. They’re doing what they’re doing because it’s their passion.

Reflecting on today I don’t see my time as a waste of time. That time out gave me a moment to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cornell. It allowed me to come back to campus refreshed and gave me a new perspective on what Ithaca has to offer me besides Cornell. I even found that I was more productive and that I got more done; perhaps because I went out and explored, instead of just sitting in my dorm room writing code.

The lesson I’d take away from today is that to be productive you can’t just sit at your desk and work. You have to be kind to yourself and give yourself time to step away and see a world beyond the task at hand. Life is about experiences, friendships, and being connected to others in our community.

Whether it’s the beautiful gorges, hiking paths, apple farms, and stunning vineyards of Ithaca, there are many hidden gems in this town of Ithaca just waiting to be discovered by us Cornellians. Over the past weekend, I believe I have discovered another one – the Ithaca Farmer’s Market.

We had been told before we left Rose that the Ithaca Farmer’s Market was ranked #2 for the best farmer’s market in the world, and upon hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel both excited and skeptical. How could Ithaca possibly possess such a farmer’s market that surpassed the many that I have been to before? This remark of mine was answered as soon as we arrived.

The market is situated under a giant pavilion right next to a beautiful waterfront. Upon walking in, I became overwhelmed by the sheer number of local vendors and the variety of goods that were offered. Being a huge foodie, my eyes quickly drew toward the food vendors, and I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of food that was offered. Whether it’s Cuban, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, Cambodian, Thai, Mediterranean, or tasty desserts you’re craving, the Ithaca Farmer’s Market is bound to satisfy your taste buds. You will not be disappointed! I sure wasn’t, and I definitely plan to visit this hidden gem of Ithaca again (mostly because the apple cider donuts were amazing).

I had been wanting to go to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market ever since I got to campus. A couple of my friends had gone a week-ish before and it was spectacular – they went at night and got to walk through the fairy light lit pavilion and watch the sunset on the dock. So I jumped on the opportunity to go with my fellow Rose Scholars.

Before heading over to the market, we learned a couple cool facts. The vendors comprise of locals within 30 miles of Ithaca, proving to be geared towards the local community. Away with big company owned products, all of the produce and crafts are hand-grown or handmade. Because the market attracts over 5,000 people, it is a huge economic hub for the Ithaca community.

The market definitely exceeded my expectations. Upon our arrival, we saw the beautiful waterfront and pavilion with a wide variety of goods including fresh produce, flowers, food, wine, wooden crafts, and jewelry. Though I didn’t get any food, I bought a little succulent that will make a nice addition to my plant collection in my dorm room. Locals and live music contributed to the atmosphere and authenticity of the market. I plan on coming back with my suitemates to have a meal, sit by the water, and have a great time (and maybe catch the sunset too!).

Despite being a sophomore this year, I’m ashamed to say I have never been to Ithaca’s Farmers Market.  I never had the need to, with Target and Greenstar Co-op a couple of bus stops away.  Therefore, I was excited to visit the market with the others.  We walked downhill to reach the market and Ubered back to campus.

Upon arriving there, we were immersed in a social hub of families enjoying food and fresh produce with their family, other Cornell kids walking around with their friends, munching on some samosas or locally baked bread from a stand.  It was interesting to see the variety of goods people were selling: glass blown ceramics (I bought myself a glass straw!), jewelry, grass-fed beef, organic beeswax lip balms and deodorant, rows of meticulously displayed succulents, and more.  I love the whole idea behind a Farmers Market: supporting local businesses.  Talking to the merchants, I see their passion in how they market their goods, how they support sustainable and ethical conditions.  Despite the fact that being environmentally sustainable is usually not as profitable, they continue to do what they believe is right.  I commend them for that. Though I am a Target enthusiast, I would rather support a small business that depend on every customer to keep their businesses thriving and open.  Target will not go bankrupt with one less customer.

It was amazing to go off campus and see what this beautiful city can offer.  I still find it slightly shocking to see couples rolling their babies in strollers; while, Ithaca is only my temporary home, there are families who have lived here for generations.  Although Cornell students (including myself) tend to rant about the never ending prelim season, onslaught of psets, and the bone chilling Ithaca weather, there is a charm to this city that draws me in.  Whether it be the proximity to gorgeous nature or something just as simple as people allowing me to cross the street (back at home in NYC, people will run you over…).  I appreciate that, and sometimes I think I could see myself living here long term.