In Ithaca, Downtown really is down town. Nestled at the bottom of 50 mile long Cayuga Lake and surrounded on three sides by hills, the city center looks up to Cornell University and Ithaca College and the older suburbs. There was a long-sustained rumor that the Little Rascals filmed their boxcar hill run on one of the tree-lined streets that heads straight into town, and when you visit you'll see why that was a hairy ride.
Craft drinks in an elegant setting.
Locally owned (by many - it's a cooperative after all) organic food market with fantastic ready to eat options.
Really good local beer and really good local food. Really good.
Wide selection of instruments and sheet music.
Historic theatre with a great calendar of events.
Second-hand duds. Good stuff.
Where locals go for coffee.
Hands-on science museum for all ages.
Farm to table butcher with fantastic meats and charcuterie.
Six miles of wide trails accessing the beautiful lake frontage and waterways.
Another waterfall among many...
Great take out for warm nights, eat in during the winter.
Eclectic collection of all things sewing and knitting.
New and used outdoor clothing and gear, information hub.
Groovy vibe, nice people, beautiful items. And yes, it's a barbershop.
Names one of the thirteen most influential restaurants of the 20th century by Bon Appetit magazine. Curious?
Resale shop for the little people in your life.
Local theater in an old hangar.
Blissful city escape in the heart of downtown.
Used books, open late.
Toys for all ages.
Tasty tapas and excellent wine.
Ithaca's independent, cooperatively-owned book store.
A slice of New York City nestled over on West State Street.
Elegant bar food, cocktails, and trivia.
Find a thoughtful gift in a curated collection of American Crafts.
A beautiful collection of artisan crafts.
A hip boutique specializing in vintage, indie, and modern clothing.
A Thoughtful Selection of Wine and Spirits
Everything you need to live green.
Get some delicious, locally-sourced ramen, dumplings, salads, and pho.
The Civilian Conservation Corps were very busy in the Finger Lakes area in the 1930's, dedicating time and energy to creating access to the stunning gorges and waterfalls throughout the region. The Cascadilla (cas-ca-dil-la) Gorge trail is another of the Corps masterworks. Linking downtown Ithaca to the Cornell campus 400 feet above, the trail hugs the gorge walls alongside the creek, removing you from all aspects of city life, aside from other pedestrians using the trail to traverse town. The Corps built beautiful stone steps to ascend the waterfalls and bridges for crossing the creek when necessary. This stunning bit of tamed wilderness is maintained by Cornell Plantations and only accessible after all the ice has melted. And not to be missed -- the annual 4H Duck Race -- a fundraiser where thousands of yellow rubber ducks are released down the falls. A must see in Ithaca!
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