Since our daughter is a student at Ithaca College, we spend a great deal of time visiting Ithaca. There are lots of amazing places in Ithaca that every guide covers (and we’ve added them here as well); we’ve discovered some truly unique things to do in Ithaca that you won’t find anywhere else.
Please check back often: We are often in Ithaca and discovering new places to add to our guide.
Printable Version is available here.
Uniquely Ithaca
Part of what makes Ithaca such an exceptional destinations are the one of a kind experiences and sites that entice visitors from all over the world.
Ithaca Commons
This is a popular spot in Ithaca because there really is something for everyone here. I enjoy visiting in the Winter, while not all the shops are open, the crowds are seriously diminished, which I prefer. My daughter gave us the grand tour as well as showed us her favorite haunts. Here are a few of my favorites:
Autumn Leaves Bookstore & Angry Mom Records
We spent quite a lot of time at this store. This is an excellent used bookstore with a huge selection of books at extremely reasonable prices, and you never know what treasure you might uncover (My husband found a rare printing of Webster’s dictionary). Also located in the store is Angry Mom Records, a music lovers’ dream. This store has a huge collection of vinyl! Both new and used (and reissued.)
One World Market
I love this store! This store has handmade jewelry, art, pottery, and unique items from all over the world. I always find something unique and fun whenever I visit. This is one of my favorite stores to Christmas shop at.
The Outdoor Store
I am outdoor gear junkie, so I never miss a chance to stop into this store, and of course, I just love to pet the adorable golden retriever shopkeepers and professional greeters.
Other interesting parts to the Commons make it an exceptional spot to visit. As you explore the Commons, take some time to really look around. You will notice mosaics on the sides of buildings, statues in the streets, and uniquely decorated storefront windows. Also located in the Common (or at least partially located) is the Sagan Planet Walk.
Sagan Planet Walk
The Sagan Planet Walk is a one of a kind memorial to the late Carl Sagan. This 3/4 mile walk, beginning in the Commons and ending at the Sciencenter, is a 1:5 billion scale model of our solar system.
Gourdlandia
This is one of the most fun and unusual places to visit in Ithaca! This farm grows gourds and turns them into unique objects such as boxes, bowls, lamps, night lights, and baskets, to name a few. Take a class and learn to make one of these marvelous creations, or just stop and shop. Either way, this is a must-visit destination.
Ithaca Farmer’s Market
This farmer’s market is a cut above the regular farmer’s market. In fact, the Ithaca Farmer’s Market was listed as one of the top 8 farmer’s markets in the United States. Visitors can enjoy not only fresh produce but baked goods, crafts, as well as music, wine tastings & street food.
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies is the North American Seat of the Personal Monastery of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. In addition to enjoying the monastery’s beauty, visitors can participate in daily meditations, classes, and retreats.
Museums
Museum of the Earth
The Museum of the Earth is truly a one of a kind museum that focuses on paleontology. If you have dino lovers and future paleontologists in your family, this museum should be at the top of your must-visit list. Much of this museum is hands-on, and presents the information in a fun and exciting way that is easy to understand.
Sciencenter
This science museum features interactive exhibits encouraging children to explore science through hands-on activities. Between April 1 – November 30, there is an enormous multi-level playground, as well as a miniature golf course included with admission.
Cayuga Nature Center
Get up close and personal with nature and wildlife at this fantastic Nature Center. Within the 100 acre Nature Center, visitors can explore the famous six story treehouse, meet live animals native to New York, and explore miles of trails. The Cayuga Nature Center is also home to the largest public aquarium in the Finger Lakes.
Parks, Hiking & Waterfalls
Ithaca is one of the most beautiful cities in New York State. Its slogan, Ithaca is Gorges, is appropriate, considering there are 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of the city; many of these falls are right in the heart of the city. More than that, this city has so many parks and places to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
Ithaca Children’s Garden
This is a magical and imaginative park that teaches children about the joy of gardening and conservation. While this beautiful place is geared towards children, adults will enjoy and appreciate the carefully cultivated gardens and fun settings.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime (Open All Year)
Ithaca Bike Share – Black Diamond Trail
Located around the city are bike rentals by Ithaca Bike Share. This is a fun and healthy way to explore the city. If you are looking for a unique way to get to Taughannock Falls, there is an Ithaca Bike Share located at the Black Diamond Trailhead (Behind the Ithaca Children’s Garden parking lot.)
The Black Diamond Trail is 8.5 mile graveled trail (a former railroad bed) that goes to Taughannock Falls. This trail is excellent for cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. (Don’t let the name throw you off – The Black Diamond Trail is named for the Black Diamond Express that ran on this trail from Buffalo to New York City.)
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime (Open All Year)
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is a gorgeous state park located on the west side of Cayuga Lake. This park has the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains at a height of 215 ft. This gorgeous waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to see. There is a gorgeous scenic overlook (just a few steps away from the parking lot) and a flat gorge trail leading to the base of the falls. You can also enjoy the shore of Cayuga Lake. In the Summer, this is a great park to cool off at.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (With proof of Rabies Vaccination & Leashed)
Swimming: Yes
Camping Available: Yes (68 Campsites & 16 Cabins)
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime (Open All Year)
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is home to one of New York State’s stunning gorge trails. There are ten waterfalls along the gorge trail, including the park’s namesake waterfall, 165ft tall Buttermilk Falls. This particular waterfall is viewable from the park at the bottom of the gorge, and doesn’t require any effort to see. If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path (aka away from the gorge adoring crowds), you can visit Lake Treman.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (With proof of Rabies Vaccination & Leashed)
Swimming: Yes
Camping Available: Yes (25 Campsites & 18 Cabins)
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime (Open All Year – however, the gorge trail is closed in the winter.)
Robert Treman State Park
This state park is full of incredible rustic beauty. There are two significant waterfalls at Robert Treman, Enfield Falls (70ft tall) and Lucifer Falls (115 tall). Enfield Falls is easy to reach on a flat trail. This waterfall is at the center of the public swimming hole into which it flows. Lucifer Falls is the heart of the park. This massive waterfall can be seen from several locations throughout the park. Of all the state parks in the area, I feel like this one has more stairs than all of them combined.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (With proof of Rabies Vaccination & Leashed)
Swimming: Yes
Camping Available: Yes (70 Campsites & 14 Cabins)
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime (Open All Year – However, the gorge trail is closed in the winter.)
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
This is a true hidden gem right in the heart of the city. This breathtaking gorge trail is 3/4 of a mile long and features eight stunning waterfalls. The waterfalls get increasingly impressive as you make your way up the gorge. This trail runs quite close to the water, with only a metal rope as a barrier; you are quite literally steps away from many of the falls.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring – Fall (The gorge trail is closed in the winter.)
Fall Creek Gorge
The area is known for its Staircase of Waterfalls. Visitors enjoy a spectacular view of Fall Creek from the suspension bridge overlooking the gorge and then follow the beautiful trail and stone staircases to view many of the falls along Fall Creek. Fall Creek flows over a series of waterfalls, starting at Triphammer Falls, followed by Rocky Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Forest Falls, and finally, Ithaca Falls.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring – Fall (The gorge trail is closed in the winter.)
Ithaca Falls
Standing at 150 feet tall and with a width of 175 feet wide, this is one of the most stunning and easy to visit of all the waterfalls in the Ithaca area. The walk to the Falls is less than 1/4 of a mile and flat, and visitors can get incredibly close to the Falls. There is also a beautiful park here that is a great place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery along Fall Creek.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime – Open All Year
Triphammer Falls
Triphammer Falls, another easy-to-see waterfall, is a substantial double-drop waterfall. This waterfall was altered to accommodate the dam construction, leading to the formation of Beebe Lake. If I’m being honest, this wasn’t my favorite Ithaca waterfall. It is beautiful, but It is difficult to find parking, and because this waterfall is located on the Cornell University Campus, there are usually lots of people around. It felt crowded here, and like we were juggling to get a good photo of the falls.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime – Open All Year
Sweddler & Thayer Preserves
Sweedler and Thayer Nature Preserves are fantastic hidden gems. Lick Brook flows between these two preserves, which are separated by a road. Sweedler Preserve on the one side of the road is the more dramatic of the two, with waterfalls for days. The hike to the bottom isn’t easy, but it is well worth the effort for the stunning beauty that awaits you at the along the way. Thayer Preserve has several trails, and while they aren’t quite as dramatic as the trails at Sweedler, they are still beautiful.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime – Open All Year
Ithaca College Natural Lands
This large forest area is located adjacent to Ithaca College and is known as the Outdoor Classroom because of its use by the school for educational purposes. Much of the Nature Lands is open to the public for hiking. What is neat about this area are the unique things you will find in the forest.
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Leashed)
Swimming: No
Camping Available: No
Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime – Open All Year
Delicious Food
There are no shortages of incredible places to grab delicious food in Ithaca. I’ve only added the places where I have eaten. As we try more restaurants, I will be sure to add them if they are good.
Ithaca Ale House
This is one of the best places to grab a bite to eat and an adult beverage in the Commons. Their menu is full of unique and mouthwatering signature dishes and a massive selection of beers on tap.
My Picks: The Hot Honey Pie Pizza and the Blistered Shishto Peppers.
Purity
Did you know that Ithaca is the birthplace of the Ice cream Sundae? Purity has been serving up delicious sundaes since 1936. This is one of our favorite spots for lunch and of course, an ice cream sundae afterward. The lunch menu isn’t extensive, but their toppings list is! There are 25 different toppings you can add to your burgers or sandwiches.
My Picks: Banana Split (These are hands down the best banana split I’ve ever had.)
Sunset Grill
This is my favorite Ithaca Restaurant! I make a beeline for the outside seating area when the weather permits. The view of Cayuga Lake is fantastic. The Sunset Grill has a sizable menu with something for everyone, and portions are enormous.
My Picks: Gyro Pita (they make it with Mediterranean style with tahini isn’t of tzatziki) and a glass of Riesling from Knapp Winery.
On the Street Pita
While this food truck isn’t always open, I make a point to stop when it is. Their gyros are fantastic, and they have picnic tables overlooking Six Mile Creek.
My Picks: Traditional gyro
Old Mexico Restuarant
Old Mexico has incredible food and amazing ambiance. This is a fun restaurant to visit. If you love your margaritas, this is the place to get them… They are like fish bowls! (Make sure you have a designated driver!)
My Picks: Quesadilla Rellena, Fried Ice Cream, and (of course) Margaritas!
Modern Alchemy Game Bar
This is where we celebrated my daughter’s 21st birthday. This is a fun game bar, and they also make unique cocktails. They have over 70 different board games and a game lounge with multiple screens and consoles.
My Pick: Drunk Apple
I will continually update this list whenever we visit a new place. Check back often.