If you’re looking for a small town that packs a big punch, Ithaca NY may be the place for you.
Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, Ithaca boasts a seasonal population that is predicated on the annual school calendar. Home to Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tomkins Community College, it is a quintessential college town with a ‘twist,’ if you will.
Ithaca is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, as it is surrounded by the scenic Cayuga Lakes and a slew of State Parks. Parts of Ithaca are even referenced according to the hilltops that they sit atop (East Hill, West Hill and so on), almost reminding one of acropolis-esque neighborhoods amongst a nest of untouched forests.
It goes without saying that Fall is the best time of year to visit. Luckily, my significant other is currently getting his MBA at Cornell, so I have excuses to visit during the October and November months.
So, as I prepare for my next fall trip, I thought I’d give my readers a list of the top 5 activities to partake in when visiting Ithaca, NY.
1. Phở Please!
If I didn’t start here, I think my boyfriend would log in to my account and rewrite this post, so I might as well put this front-and-center.
rare eye round steak and brisket from Saigon Kitchen in Ithaca, NY
If you are a fan of Phở, (you know, that delicious Vietnamese noodle soup filled with herbs, meat and spices?), then you should visit Saigon Kitchen. It has the highest Yelp rating in all of Ithaca, it is a haven for pho and bubble-tea fanatics, and its incredibly affordable.
Nestled just outside of Ithaca Commons, Saigon Kitchen is a perfect place to grab an easy lunch or dinner and then stroll through the center of town, which boasts olive oil tasting rooms, local artists, hiking and outdoor equipment supply and exchange stores, and a slew of other wonderful restaurants.
2. Gimme Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
It probably comes as no surprise that a college town such as Ithaca has a good coffee scene. With the average snowfall approaching nearly 70 inches during an average winter, students usually opt to hike up to campus (remember those hills I talked about before?) as opposed to driving. Ergo, coffee is an absolute essential part of your day-to-day when living in this city.
My favorite spot in Ithaca to grab a cup of brew is at Gimme! Coffee. The baristas are friendly, they specialize in slow-drip coffee, and local artists exhibit their latest pieces on the walls(last time I was there a local 5th grade class had an installation called ‘what are you most thankful for’ and they were going to use the answers for a collage in their school). It’s a chain, but has a very local vibe. Oh, and the pastries are indescribably delicious…so if you come across a cheese and chive scone, you need it.
3. Visit the Gorges
Ok, I’ll take a break from all of the delicious food and drinks that Ithaca has to offer and focus on the prettiest part of your visit to Ithaca: the gorges.
Fall Creek Gorge and Ithaca Falls are my favorite spots to hike, but there are many other state parks to visit in the area. They are relatively quick hikes, and visitors are provided with a wide array of expansive views. Suspension bridges and stairways carved into the rocks along the side of the gorges are fairly standard, so hikers are given a variety of options when it comes to visiting the gorges around Ithaca.
There is also a beautiful view of a waterfall near the west end of Beebe Lake, which is located along Forest Drive near Cornell University. You can jump out of the car and walk across the bridge to take in the sight – it’s quite amazing to witness the power of this waterfall from such a close distance! (Oh, and if you are near this particular waterfall, I’d also visit Cornell Plantations, which features beautiful botanical gardens and learning centers. Great spot for families and visitors of any age).
4. Cornell University
If you’re visiting Ithaca, you have to take a stroll through Cornell. It will take you hours to see everything on the campus, but you have to start your trip near the student center, which is nestled on the top of a hill that overlooks the entire town.
The A.D. White Library within Uris Library is spectacular, as far as libraries go. I always tease my boyfriend that he never studies there -I would be so motivated to study just about everything (sans physics) in this stunning space.
Here is a fun fact about the Uris Library at Cornell: It houses one of the five copies of Abraham Lincoln‘s Gettysburg Address. This is unique because it is the only such copy to be privately-owned as well as accompanied both by a letter from Lincoln transmitting the manuscript and the original envelope addressed and franked by Lincoln.
5. Moosewood Cafe
I know, I know. Another restaurant? But seriously, I saved the best for last. Trust me.
Focused on healthy, natural foods, Moosewood Cafe has been in business for over 40 years. In that time, the owners have managed to pen 13 cookbooks; 5 of which have been nominated for James Beard Awards. The menu is vegetarian and vegan and changes not only daily, but by meal (lunch is completely different than dinner). If you are lucky you can even meet one of the owners running around the restaurant and helping to seat customers! Cookbooks and merchandise are available at the front of the restaurant while you wait to be seated, and the owners are always happy to sign them and discuss their experiences cultivating the menu and building such a wonderful array of delicious recipes. This is a must do when visiting Ithaca, so make sure you make room in your schedule to have a bite!
Cheers!
vitalità travel 