[Updated September 28, 2022] If someone asks me about an ideal getaway, a weekend in Ithaca, NY immediately springs to mind.
The reason?
To me, it’s the perfect American town. There’s Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-friendly downtown plaza with interesting shops and restaurants, and lots of opportunities for people-watching. It’s the perfect gathering spot for all, including locals, college students, and tourists.
There’s also easy access to nature. Some of the best Finger Lakes hiking trails are here, allowing you to witness the splendor of Ithaca gorges and to finally understand how badly you need to take home an “Ithaca is gorges” T-shirt! And finally, in our experience, local residents are welcoming and eager to share tips on all the wonderful things to do in Ithaca, NY.
Ithaca sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Matt and I have visited several times, and we’re always struck by how different it is from nearby towns like Seneca Falls, Geneva, and Watkins Glen. Ithaca has more of a college town vibe, and if you’re looking for things to do near Cornell University or Ithaca College, I hope you’ll find some ideas here.
In writing this post, I hope to help readers make the most out of their getaway to Ithaca. The post is arranged as a weekend itinerary, full of recommendations for Ithaca hikes, places to eat and sleep, and ideas for more outdoor adventures nearby.
The activities below could easily be stretched out over a week, especially for hiking enthusiasts. Alternatively, if you’re planning just a day trip to Ithaca, I recommend following the itinerary for Day One.
The Best Time to Visit Ithaca
Please note that many hiking trails in Ithaca are closed in the winter. For those wanting to take advantage of the outdoor activities on this itinerary, the best time to visit Ithaca is from approximately mid-May to mid-October.
Summer is spectacularly green and lush, while fall in Ithaca features hikes and waterfall trails covered in canopies of brilliant foliage. If you’re planning a fall getaway, you can’t beat an Ithaca weekend!
Local attractions other than hiking are open year-round for the most part, but always check ahead for seasonal hours. Read on for an itinerary full of the best things to do in Ithaca, NY.
Day One
Morning Hike at Robert H. Treman State Park
If hiking in Ithaca is your primary goal, there’s no better place to begin your adventure than Robert H. Treman State Park. There are several hiking trails here, all which follow paths of rugged beauty. You’ll also have the opportunity to view some impressive Ithaca waterfalls.
The winding Gorge Trail follows Enfield Glen, passing 12 waterfalls along the way, including the 115-foot-tall Lucifer Falls. The Gorge Trail is 2.25 miles long and rated strenuous in difficulty.
When I visited, the Gorge Trail was undergoing maintenance and not yet open for the season. While I’m certain I missed out on walking along this rocky natural landscape, I loved the alternative hike I did on the Rim Trail, which took me along a path shaded by tall leafy trees, with the muffled roaring of waterfalls always close by.
And while I wasn’t up close to the gorge, I was able to peer over and see it from above at certain points. This is where I realized the gorges of Ithaca are a sight to behold!
The Rim Trail is 2.25-miles long and rated as strenuous in difficulty. Be prepared, as you near the end of the trail, for a very steep cliffside staircase. The views are outstanding—if a little dizzying—as you climb higher and higher, and reaching the final step feels like an accomplishment, with the reward being the Lucifer Falls Overlook.
To avoid these stairs altogether, it’s possible to drive to the Upper Parking lot and walk .5 miles in to reach the Lucifer Falls Overlook.
The Gorge Trail is closed in the winter. Portions of the Rim Trail may close in the winter depending on weather conditions. In the summer, there’s a seasonal lifeguarded swimming area here. 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca
Lunch: Burgers, Thai, or Brunch
A weekend in Ithaca, NY is bound to be filled with amazing meals. The only problem will be deciding exactly where to eat. Heading downtown is a good bet. At Ithaca Ale House, you’ll find juicy burgers, fresh sandwiches and salads, and beers that hail from around the United States.
Taste of Thai serves up favorites like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Green Curry. If you really worked up an appetite while hiking, go to Mahogany Grill for their weekend brunch or hearty lunch menu.
Ithaca Ale House – 111 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca
Taste of Thai – 216 E. State Street, Ithaca (on Ithaca Commons)
Mahogany Grill – 112 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca
Afternoon Break at Ithaca Commons
Whether you had lunch downtown or not, now is a good time to check out Ithaca’s pedestrian plaza, especially if you’re interested in shopping in Ithaca.
The plaza is lined with shops and restaurants and is the best place to sip an afternoon coffee, people-watch for a while, and pick up that requisite “Ithaca is Gorges” T-shirt.
I love Sunny Days of Ithaca, a gift shop that sells unique local gifts and souvenirs, and The Cellar D’or Wine and Cider Shop, which sells a huge selection of small-production wines and ciders.
Before you go, check out DowntownIthaca.com for year-round events like the Downtown Summer Concert Series, the Apple Harvest Festival, and the winter Chili Cook-Off.
Happy Hour: Fancy Cocktail or Craft Beer
Sink into a plush velvet loveseat, fancy cocktail in hand, at Bar Argos, a stylish cocktail lounge located inside The Argos Inn. The bar’s decor consists of colorful furniture, a zinc-topped bar, and exposed brick walls that create a warm and intimate environment.
On our visit, the crowd was eclectic and included everything from small friend groups, to couples, to individual guests reading quietly near an antique piano wedged under a bookshelf stacked with hardback classic novels.
Cocktails are housemade and have inventive names like Bagpipe Mariachi (tequila, single-malt scotch). Traditional favorites like Hot Buttered Rum and a Singapore Sling are also available. 408 E. State Street, Ithaca
If Ithaca breweries are more your style, try Liquid State Brewing Co., a beer hall that brews onsite and offers indoor and outdoor seating. 620 W. Green Street, Ithaca
Dinner: Farm-to-table or New Orleans Supper Club
Dine at the heart of Ithaca’s farm-to-table operations at Coltivare, the professionally-staffed restaurant that works in conjunction with the Farm to Bistro degree concentrations at Tompkins Cortland Community College. The TCCC education begins at the school’s organic farm, where students cultivate the produce that ultimately ends up in Coltivare’s dishes.
The farm, named TC3, is organic and focuses on sustainability. That translates into chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients to whip up menu items, all of which reflect the region’s agriculture.
TCCC students who are studying one of the Farm to Bistro strands learn the range of farm-to-table operations from vegetable cultivation to running the restaurant. If you’re interested in sampling regional cheeses, local vegetables, or house made pasta—and washing it all down with a glass of New York State wine or beer—plan a meal here. 235 S. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
If you’re in more of a mood to party, try the New Orleans-themed Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar, where you can feast on southern cuisine like shrimp and grits, blackened catfish, and fried oysters. 635 W. State Street, Ithaca
Day Two
Ithaca Farmer’s Market
I can’t think of a more satisfying weekend morning activity than browsing the stalls at Ithaca’s Farmer’s Market and selecting what I need for the week, whether it’s a haul of produce harvested from a nearby farm, a growler of locally made hard cider, fresh raw honey, or handcrafted wooden bowls.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the market is located under the Ithaca Pavilion on the shore of Cayuga Lake. There’s plenty of waterfront seating, perfect for catching up with friends over a cup of freshly ground coffee and a homemade baked good.
The market first opened in 1973 and is still committed to fulfilling its goal of bringing to the community fresh high-quality products that were grown or created within 30 miles of Ithaca.
The Ithaca Farmer’s Market hosts vendors from three categories: agriculture, food, and artisan, and there seems to be no end of stalls to browse.
I recommend arriving hungry and leaving plenty of time to shop, eat, hang out on the waterfront, and on summer weekends, enjoy the local live music.
A list of vendors and schedule of performers are posted on the website. The weekend Farmer’s Market runs from April-December. There are also two weekday markets, and a winter market from January- March. Ithaca Pavilion – Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd Street, Ithaca
Afternoon Hike at Buttermilk Falls State Park
Time to hit one of the most scenic Ithaca hiking trails.
At Buttermilk Falls State Park, I recommend beginning your hike at the Lower Park Entrance and following the Gorge Trail, which is .65 miles long and categorized as difficult. The start of this trail is marked by an unmissable cascading waterfall that feeds into a clear natural pool, where lifeguards are on duty during summer months and swimming is allowed.
For a good portion of the Gorge Trail, the climb goes up the stone steps that run alongside the falls. The ascent is steep at times but levels out often enough to catch your breath.
On the way up are ethereal rock formations rising up from the gorge, foreboding but fascinating eddies that have formed on the stone floor of Buttermilk Creek, and of course the steady beat of cascading water always in your ears. Views out onto the valley are sprawling. Selfie options are endless.
The Gorge Trail narrows and expands throughout the 450-foot climb. At the top, you can head back down the way you came, return on the Rim Trail, or continue hiking on the upper part of the trail. 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca
Spirit Sampling at Six Mile Creek Vineyard & Distillery
Six Mile Creek is one of the oldest members of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, although the tasting room, located inside a restored 19th century Dutch Colonial barn, is modern and spacious. The back deck looks out onto a rolling vineyard, so it feels more like you’re in the country than just two miles from downtown Ithaca.
At Six Mile Creek, the wines are fine but for something out of the ordinary, go for a sampling of their spirits. The gin is infused with such herbs as mint, rosemary, and coriander. Offset that with something sweeter, like the orangecello or amaretto for an ideal afternoon pick-me-up. 1551 Slaterville Road, Ithaca
If you have more time or want to take a wine-focused trip, read about planning a trip to Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake wineries.
Dinner: Tapas or Vegetarian Cuisine
It will take much more than a weekend to sample all the wonderful places to eat in Ithaca, but MIX Kitchen & Bar is one not to be missed. It’s a place where creative dishes come together in a friendly neighborhood restaurant.
The dinner menu includes eclectic dishes meant to be shared. Try a Duck Quesadilla, Vegan Crab Cakes, or Steakhouse Flatbread to start. Then move on to Wild Game Sausages or Wok Fried Cauliflower. There’s also a Butcher Block menu offering prime cuts of steak, lamb chops, and more. MIX Kitchen & Bar also serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. 205 Elmira Road, Ithaca
Ithaca is also home to Moosewood, a beloved vegetarian & vegan restaurant that has been in operation for more than 40 years. 215 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Dessert at Purity Ice Cream
Every Ithaca getaway should include plenty of dessert, so try to leave room for ice cream at this longstanding local favorite.
The retro-themed ice cream parlor has been serving ice cream to Ithacans since 1936. Order a cup or cone of homemade flavors like mocha chip or pumpkin praline, or simply stick to the staples of chocolate and vanilla.
Purity Ice Cream also serves delectable home-baked cookies, pies, and cupcakes so there’s something for everyone. A weekend in Ithaca, NY is not complete until you’ve tried Purity Ice Cream. 700 Cascadilla Street, Ithaca
Day Three
Breakfast at Café DeWitt
Remember high school when the cafeteria food was something to be avoided rather than celebrated?
Cleanse your palate of those unpleasant memories at Café DeWitt, located inside DeWitt Mall, a building that used to serve as Ithaca High School. The café opened in 1973 and has since greatly expanded their menu to include breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch.
Ithaca Journal has named them “Best of Ithaca” several times and their name constantly pops up online when seeking out the best breakfast. Local, seasonal ingredients and excellent coffee are their staples.
If you’ve spent the weekend climbing Ithaca hiking trails, Cafe DeWitt is the place to refuel! DeWitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Morning Hike at Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Yes, another Ithaca gorge! And this one is located right in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach and easy to view some of the spectacular waterfalls in Ithaca.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail has to be one of the most scenic pedestrian thoroughfares I’ve ever seen. The trail cuts through a steep gorge and connects the Cornell University campus with downtown Ithaca. When the trail is open for the season, it’s busy all day long with students, faculty, and anyone else who wants to get from campus to downtown by foot.
I wonder if the scenery becomes commonplace for those who walk it on a regular basis, but I don’t see how it could: the trail ascends higher and higher beside Cascadilla Creek, taking you past gushing waterfalls and rushing water. Sheer cliffs rise up on either side of the gorge, with improbable houses balancing on the cliff edges.
Visit at different times of year to see how the colors and textures this brilliant landscape change with the seasons. The lower trail is closed during the winter.
While many hikes discussed in this article come with a parking fee during peak seasons, there’s free street parking near the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. If you’re looking for free things to do in Ithaca, you can’t beat this hike!
More Outdoor Adventures Near Ithaca
If you loved the amazing hiking trails and waterfalls in Ithaca, there’s lots more of that nearby. If you have time after your trip to Ithaca, or even if you want to start planning for your next Finger Lakes trip, consider the following outdoor activities near Ithaca.
- Visit the charming village of Trumansburg and while you’re there, check out Taughannock Falls State Park, where you can hike to the tallest single-drop waterfall in the entire state of New York.
- Hike another awe-inspiring gorge trail. This one is in Watkins Glen and along the trail, you’ll encounter an astounding 19 waterfalls.
- How about an adventure on the water? In Watkins Glen, take a guided kayaking trip or narrated boat tour.
- Visit a wildlife preserve in Seneca Falls if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in a less strenuous manner than hiking.
Where to Stay in Ithaca
Disclosure: Please note this section contains affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase. Be assured that I only recommend products and companies I use and trust.
We visited in chilly November and couldn’t resist the lure of the heated bathroom floor at Argos Inn. We booked The Glass Porch Room, named for its floor-to- ceiling windows on three sides. The decorators of Argos Inn obviously put loving care into the details of the decor, from the French style furniture to the luxurious rain shower.
When booking the Glass Porch Room, the website clearly states that it’s located directly above Bar Argos and will therefore not be quiet until 10:30 p.m. True to their word, that’s exactly when it quieted down during our stay. I enjoyed our stay at Argos Inn, especially for the easy access to the cocktail lounge, and convenience to downtown. 408 E. State Street, Ithaca
Additional hotels located downtown include Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons and The Hotel Ithaca.
There are many more hotels in and around Ithaca to choose from. Click here to search and book your hotel in Ithaca!
If you’re looking for a vacation rental for large groups, or if you want your own space, I recommend checking Airbnb or VRBO.
How to Get to Ithaca, NY
By car: Approximate driving distances and time from major cities:
- Binghamton: 50 miles; 1 hour
- Syracuse: 55 miles; 75 minutes
- Rochester: 90 miles. 1 hour 45 minutes
- Scranton, PA: 110 miles; 2 hours
- New York City: 225 miles; 4.5 hours
- Toronto: 250 miles; 5 hours
By train: Amtrak trains do not service Ithaca. The nearest Amtrak station is in Syracuse.
By bus: Greyhound buses and Trailways buses make stops in Ithaca
By plane: Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is located five miles from downtown and is serviced by American Airlines, Delta, and United. Syracuse also has an international airport.
How to Get Around Ithaca, NY
Downtown Ithaca is pedestrian-friendly and easily walkable. To travel further without a car, check out TCAT, the local bus service.
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