Travel Guide to Ithaca, NY

I was lucky enough to live in Ithaca, NY for a couple of years. It’s a special little city to me. What’s amazing about Ithaca is that it is in the middle of nowhere, however, is packed with so many fun and adventurous things to do. There’s something for everyone there. It’s music lovers’, food lovers’, and/or nature lovers’ paradise. Read my travel guide to Ithaca, NY to plan your next trip with your significant other, family, or solo!

Local Waterfalls

There are so many waterfalls in Ithaca that it can be hard to narrow it down for a short trip.

Recommendations

• 1. Robert H Treman State Park
  You will have to hike up a bit to see one of the most magnificent waterfalls!– but you can also take the back way and drive up 😉 Thank me and your hiking boots later.
  
• 2. Taughannock Falls State Park
  It is a little bit outside of Ithaca but so worth it! I’ll let the picture speak for itself.
  

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• 3. Buttermilk Falls State Park
  You don’t even have to hike to see the first waterfall, but the hike is worth it! Also the Ithaca Brewery is across the road, so it’s the perfect place to stop after a long hike. The brewery has great craft beers and burgers. You’ll also see the occasional chicken strutting across the green.
  
• 4. Cascadilla Gorge & Ithaca Falls
  These are also cool to check out, because they are in the middle of the residential area. I think it’s such a unique part of Ithaca. You could walk downtown to grab a coffee and drink it in front of a waterfall in less than a 10 minute walk. What a dream.
  
• 5. Watkins Glenn State Park
  This is about an hour outside of Ithaca, but it is unreal! It is a state park filled with beautiful gorges and rock formations. It’s worth the drive if you have the time.

For a full list of waterfalls click here: https://www.visitithaca.com/attractions/waterfalls

Wine

Ithaca is right on the finger lakes. There are so many winery options that you can’t go wrong. Your best option is to take State Route 89 A.K.A the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. There is also the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with great options like the Hazlitt, however, Cayuga Lake is closer. The wineries are also very close to each other so you won’t have to travel far in-between. Tastings are pretty affordable (some at only $3), so it’s a great way to spend a few hours on a budget.

Recommendations

1. Cayuga Ridge
2. Thirsty Owl
3. Bellwether Cidery- This is a cidery not a winery, but worth looking into! They have baby goats and cheese tastings!

Check out these sites for more information:
https://www.cayugawinetrail.com/
https://senecalakewine.com/

Music

Ithaca is filled with great music. In the summer, there is live music on weekday nights downtown. I recommend following DSPshow.com to discover what artists will be playing during your visit or to plan your visit around. There are numerous fun venues such as the State Theatre of Ithaca, The Haunt and the Dock.

A little outside of Ithaca is Trumansburg, the home of the GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance. If you’re a fan of electro-rock music then this is the festival for you. Artists such as Big Mean Sound Machine, Jimkata, and Donna the Buffalo have played there.

Click here for more information: https://www.grassrootsfest.org/

Festivals

Ithaca is filled with festivals throughout the year! The city goes HARD with their festivals. Most of the downtown streets shut down and are filled with vendors, live music, and fun activities! The biggest ones are probably “Apple Fest” in the fall and “Ithaca Fest” in the summer. Some of my other favorites were the Harry Potter festival (mock Diagon Alley for all my Potter fans!), Chili fest, Chowder Fest, and the Ice festival (We’re talking about a full ice bar with ice sculptures).

I recommend using this site to see what festivals are going on during your visit!
https://www.downtownithaca.com/events/

Food

You can find many different cuisines in Ithaca’s dense downtown area. From American to Asian to Ethiopian, the possibilities are endless! I highly recommend visiting on an empty stomach. You won’t be disappointed. The only thing I DON’T recommend is the pizza. Leave that to the downstate New Yorkers.

Recommendations:

• 1. Moosewood- Great vegetarian and vegan options.
• 2. Ithaca Ale House- Great burgers! If you go in the fall make sure to ask for a pumpkin ale with the brown sugar rim.
• 3. Carriage House Cafe- This is a great spot for breakfast or brunch. The aesthetic of the restaurant alone is worth the visit.
• 4. Four Seasons- A great Korean restaurant in the “College Town” area of Ithaca.
• 5. Hawi Ethiopian Restaurant- This was the first place that I had Ethiopian food and it was so delicious!
• 6. Viva -I’m not sure how authentic the Mexican food is here, but it sure is delicious!
• 7. Just A Taste -This is basically a tapas restaurant. Great place to take your girlfriends, your sister, or your mom. You boyfriend or dad will probably complain the entire time about the portion size 😀

Ithaca Novelties

• 1. ITHACA’S FARMERS MARKET- Yes there is a reason why I wrote this one in all caps. This is unlike any other farmers market I’ve ever been too. It is seasonal and held on the weekends. Make sure to leave early to get a parking spot. This is literally the most beautiful and biggest farmers market I’ve ever seen. Also it is set right on the lake! They have so many different vendors from produce, to Chinese street food, to maple syrup. This is a great place for families, friends, and couples.
  
  Click here for more information: https://ithacamarket.com/
  
  
• 2. Kava. This is a drink not a food, but an Ithaca staple. Kava is interesting and everyone reacts to it differently. It is served in a coconut and tastes a little like dirt, honestly. Even if you’re uninterested, a visit to the Sacred Root Kava Lounge and Tea Bar is worth it! It is underground so you could miss it if you’re not looking for it. It has a very bohemian vibe. Picture sitting on colorful satin pillows while sipping on some tea.

Night Life

There are several fun bars in the Ithaca Commons. Everything is pretty close to each other so you can easily hop from one place to another. There is also a lot of variety, from your stereotypical dive bar, to karaoke, to college bars.

Recommendations:

• 1. Lot 10- If you are looking for fun drinks and a place to dance.
• 2. Moonies- If you are looking for an authentic Ithaca College experience 😉
• 3. Silky Jones- If you are looking for a happy medium of the first two.
• 4. Kilpatrick’s- This is a restaurant bar that has good drinks and the occasional karaoke nights. Get a shot-ski if you plan on visiting during the winter months.
• 5. Coltivare- Another restaurant bar. This is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little more upscale.

I hope this travel guide helped you plan out your trip or inspired you to take one to Ithaca. Please drop a line in the comments section if you have any questions, comments, or other recommendations!

Check out some of my others travel recommendations on the east coast in this post! https://lifewithbecks.com/day-trip-to-boston/