48 Hours in Ithaca

The Finger Lakes Region of New York is known for its vineyards, breathtaking views, and quaint and cozy B&B’s. Nestled right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake sits the city of Ithaca. To those unfamiliar with the city, it’s just another blimp on you way traversing through central New York. A strange but quaint town, “Ten square miles surrounded by reality” is an unofficial slogan touted by man townies familiar with the area. If you happen to be in this part of the state, give Ithaca a try, if only for a quick weekend getaway.

Where to Stay

While there are many great name brand hotels in the Ithaca City limits, to truly get a feel for what the city offers, you’ve got to stay with a local. Airbnb has made it much easier to find cute, funky, and comfy places to stay to give you a more authentic vibe.

Let’s Get Weird. 

Start your day off with breakfast at the Dewitt Café a strange café located right off the Ithaca Commons. Nestled cozily right into the middle of the DeWitt Mall, you can put your name on a list and wait to be seated or stroll to Buffalo Street Books and get lost in an adventure before your meal. A rotating menu of daily specials will give you endless combinations to pick from and their tasty hearty omelets will leave you full for less than $15.

When you’re finished, head outside and across the street to the heart of the Ithaca Commons. A hodgepodge assortment of eateries, shops, and boutiques, the Ithaca Commons is the pulse of the city. On any given weekend in the summer you’ll find some sort of festival or function happening. With shops like Ithaca Sheepskin and Petrune, you’ll find unique finds and can look bougie on a budget.

Talk a leisurely walk or quick drive to Istanbul. Not the city, but an authentic Turkish restaurant a little off the beaten path of downtown Ithaca in the Fall Creek area. Skip the chicken dishes and go straight for the lamb offerings. Their menu switches frequently but ask the waitress her recommendations and you’ll be sure to enjoy your meal.

Spend the rest of the day becoming one with nature. They do say Ithaca is Gorges for a reason. Head over to Taughannock Falls and explore the Ithaca areas greatest wonder. Just one of many gorges in the area, Taughannock is the beast that beats them all. Beautiful and walkable year round, a twenty-minute walk to the inlet is well worth it.

Finish a day of adventure with an evening boat cruise on Cayuga Lake. There are tons of great options to pick from and many include charcuterie and feature wines from the Finger Lakes region as you sip and sail.

Finally, head back to the Commons to Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine. Ithaca has more restaurants per capita in the state than New York City. While that’s not saying much, it’s pretty incredible to have so many authentic ethnic food options within such a small radius. Order the meat platter for two and I guarantee you’ll have leftovers to reheat and enjoy for a midnight snack.

Day 2

Let’s get boozy! Head to Agava, a southwestern inspired restaurant to grab brunch. On Sundays, you can get Bottomless Mimosas for just $10. Yes, you read that correctly. $10 total. Just one of a few perks of being in Upstate NY. Everything on their menu is delicious so you can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

Work off a mimosas hangover and head to Cornell University. A small city within itself, there are dozens of activities happening on campus each day. A Cornelian past time is to listen to a Cornell Chimes show at the top of the bell tower. Take in some of the Ivy League air while you climb the 161 steps up to the top of the tower and take in breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake and Cornell while enjoying the music from the Chimesmasters.

Don’t feel like climbing, head to Bebe Lake and go for a walk or explore the Cornell Botanical Gardens instead. Cornell’s campus is known for its breathtaking landscapes and you can enjoy it from nearly any space on campus.

Did someone say wine happy hour? No? That’s fine. Go anyways. Head into Collegetown right off campus and make you your way to the Loft at The Carriage House where you can get happy hour specials from 4pm-6pm every day. Get your bougie girl on and sit in a beautifully renovated loft while sipping on local wines and spirits.

Skip the fancy dinner today and instead check out the Ithaca Ale House. With over a dozen burger options to choose from, you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. I’d recommend the NYS Orchard Burger made with Caramelized local apples, New York State Sharp Cheddar, homemade Stella Artois Lager ketchup, and topped with crisp onion straws. Served on a toasted honey roll with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Once you’ve finished your burger, watch a play at one of several theaters in Ithaca. The Kitchen Theater is a small intimate theater that seats at most 50 people so you’re up close and personal with the action. The Hangar Theater is slightly larger and frequently brings off-Broadway hits into town for a short run.

End your visit the right way with your final stop being Purity Ice Cream. An Ithaca staple for decades, there are over 20 options to pick from daily as well as other sweets and treats.

 

Have you ever visited Ithaca, NY or Upstate New York? Where’s your favorite hidden gem located?