Guidebook for Ithaca
Food Scene
Press Cafè
118 W Green StGood coffee, one block away.
Inexpensive and near the house, interesting toppings. There is probably no authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex fare in Ithaca, but ordering the "A" choice in a taco or burrito gets you close, and other toppings are yummy, and they have strong delicious ginger-lemonade.
Gorgers Taco Shack
111 East State StreetInexpensive and near the house, interesting toppings. There is probably no authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex fare in Ithaca, but ordering the "A" choice in a taco or burrito gets you close, and other toppings are yummy, and they have strong delicious ginger-lemonade.
This is an Ithaca establishment. In the summer, ask to sit out back in the courtyard. Budget-friendly if you order a big plate of deep-fried russet potato wedges. Try a flight of local (or other) wine.
84 locals recommend
Just A Taste
116 N Aurora StThis is an Ithaca establishment. In the summer, ask to sit out back in the courtyard. Budget-friendly if you order a big plate of deep-fried russet potato wedges. Try a flight of local (or other) wine.
It is small and doesn't look fancy, but the sushi and Korean fare are good.
44 locals recommend
Asia Cuisine
126 N Aurora StIt is small and doesn't look fancy, but the sushi and Korean fare are good.
Taste Of Thai Express
209 S Meadow StYou can take out, or eat in and take your own beer or wine.
There's a food bar in this coop grocery, which is open to anyone. There are 3 locations, 2 within short walking distance of the house and another in Collegetown.
130 locals recommend
GreenStar
770 Cascadilla StThere's a food bar in this coop grocery, which is open to anyone. There are 3 locations, 2 within short walking distance of the house and another in Collegetown.
This is also affiliated with another location in Collegetown and with Ithaca Bakery, all with great bagels and good sandwiches.
110 locals recommend
Collegetown Bagels
420 College AveThis is also affiliated with another location in Collegetown and with Ithaca Bakery, all with great bagels and good sandwiches.
The famous Moosewood Restaurant that inspired the cookbooks.
114 locals recommend
Moosewood Restaurant
215 N Cayuga StThe famous Moosewood Restaurant that inspired the cookbooks.
Vietnamese fare. Yummy and popular. You can carry in your own beer or wine.
111 locals recommend
Saigon Kitchen
526 W State StVietnamese fare. Yummy and popular. You can carry in your own beer or wine.
Drinks & Nightlife
New local brewery has 5 oz. tastes for $2-3. Or pints or growlers. There are large indoor and outdoor spaces.
50 locals recommend
Liquid State Brewing Company
620 W Green StNew local brewery has 5 oz. tastes for $2-3. Or pints or growlers. There are large indoor and outdoor spaces.
You can sit outside, and there's a food truck, and they welcome you to bring in take out.
53 locals recommend
The Westy
516 W State StYou can sit outside, and there's a food truck, and they welcome you to bring in take out.
Sightseeing
This is a magical walk, a wooded trail with waterfalls, between the Commons and Collegetown/Cornell U. You wouldn't know you're in town, but emerge on either end to neighborhoods with restaurants and shops.
128 locals recommend
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Cascadilla Gorge TrailThis is a magical walk, a wooded trail with waterfalls, between the Commons and Collegetown/Cornell U. You wouldn't know you're in town, but emerge on either end to neighborhoods with restaurants and shops.
Parks & Nature
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Cascadilla Gorge TrailMentioned this again because it's not to be missed.
On lower part, there's a swimming hole with a waterfall. It's just north of another similar state park that also has a swimming hole with a waterfall.
373 locals recommend
Buttermilk Falls State Park
On lower part, there's a swimming hole with a waterfall. It's just north of another similar state park that also has a swimming hole with a waterfall.
TREMAN STATE PARK
105 Enfield Falls RdHas a waterfall swimming hole.
Black Diamond Trail
Black Diamond TrailThere are waterfront trails on both sides of the Cayuga Lake Inlet.
8 locals recommend
Waterfront Trail
Waterfront TrailThere are waterfront trails on both sides of the Cayuga Lake Inlet.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
124 Comstock Knoll DrFlat Rock
397 Forest Home DrWading spot.
Six Mile Creek
6 Mile Creek ParkWade under a waterfall.
Don't miss this. It's right in the city, north of downtown, south of the high school, just below Cornell's West Campus. After heavy rains, the volume of water is amazing.
156 locals recommend
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Lake StreetDon't miss this. It's right in the city, north of downtown, south of the high school, just below Cornell's West Campus. After heavy rains, the volume of water is amazing.
On Cayuga Lake next to Cornell Sailing Club. Swimming is prohibited, but people lounge and "wade."
14 locals recommend
East Shore Park
1000 E Shore DrOn Cayuga Lake next to Cornell Sailing Club. Swimming is prohibited, but people lounge and "wade."
Arts & Culture
Great views, inside with exhibits, and views of the surrounding lake and town.
149 locals recommend
Johnson Museum of Art
114 Central AveGreat views, inside with exhibits, and views of the surrounding lake and town.
Shopping
Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative
102 W State StMimi's Attic
401 Elmira RoadUsed, but curated household items.
If you are moving into Ithaca, find used items that might have otherwise gone to the landfill. There is a Triphammer location with cute clothing and bedding, too.
7 locals recommend
Ithaca ReUse Center
214 Elmira RdIf you are moving into Ithaca, find used items that might have otherwise gone to the landfill. There is a Triphammer location with cute clothing and bedding, too.
Trader K's
119 E State StUsed clothing.
Home Green Home
126 E State StOrganic items like bedding, books etc.
Essentials
Wegmans
500 S Meadow St