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 Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes” consistently makes the lists of must have ice cream. Made in small batches, this ice cream shop still uses recipes created by their original founder in 1936. And while their flavor list is long – our personal recommendations are the Bulldog Crunch, Boomberry and Sea Salt Caramel. But while ice cream is the anchor of this local landmark – their offerings just continue to grow, expand and delight. A short list of must haves: the eggnog – yes, it costs more than your supermarket fare, but one sip and you’ll know why; the sammies – clever takes on the ice cream sandwich – who wouldn’t love a gingerdoodle and black raspberry combo; the muffins, the pies, the cupcakes, the bars, the ice cream cakes….oh the list!! Oh, but wait….if Purity didn’t get you there….they are now serving breakfast on weekends and lunch weekdays. The gluten free pancakes are the best we’ve ever had – like ever ever ever...and that Happy Bowl for lunch – sautéed greens, toasted quinoa, pan-seared salmon (or not!), avocado, sprouts, miso dressing...it’s definitely worth smiling about. Absolutely worth the hype. (oh, and thanks to great local photographer Allison Usavage for these pics!! www.allisonusavage.com)
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