A- Overview:
Nestled in the heart of New York State’s beautiful Finger Lakes region, is the city of Ithaca. The Ithaca area offers mountain biking and hiking through glacially carved gorges. Theatre and the arts abound in the region, and local restaurants downtown and in Collegetown are sure to serve up the ethnic cuisine of choice. Ithaca is an active and energetic community; with outdoor recreation and sport choices for each of the four seasons.
Ithaca is a college town, fortunate enough to have two major institutions of learning looking down upon it from the beauty of the surrounding hills. Ivy League Cornell University and the smaller, but no less academically prestigious, Ithaca College add zest and vitality to Ithaca and swell its population during the academic year.
It was Cornell University that made the name Ithaca known worldwide. Named after Ezra Cornell, who had made a fortune through his early involvement in the telegraph industry, the university was founded, bearing his name. The school opened to students in 1868 and has become known as one of the greatest universities in the world. Ithaca Conservatory of Music, which followed in 1892, is now known as Ithaca College and has a student population of over 6,000.
Located on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, the New York State city was named after the island home of the Greek hero Ulysses. With the advent of rail transportation as well as the steamboat, by the mid-19th century the city was a busy transportation center for the region, served by several rail lines and daily steamboat departures.
Ithaca had an early history of filmmaking. On the Cornell University campus is a suspension bridge over the gorges where the silent serial thriller “The Perils of Pauline” was filmed. In those days of the Wharton Brothers film production, Ithaca was known as “Hollywood on Cayuga.” It provided the perfect setting for spectacular feats involving villains and heroines of the silent screen. Live music provided by local orchestras accompanied the films when they were shown in downtown Ithaca at the Lyceum Theater. In recent years, the city also served as the location for the filming of the 1985 movie, The Sure Thing.
During a visit to Ithaca you can visit central New York’s award-winning wineries, swim beneath towering waterfalls, ski and skate throughout the winter, take in the museums and galleries, or just stroll and shop along the downtown Commons or at the Dewitt Mall, home of the world famous Moosewood Restaurant. Pick up a souvenir moose or “Moosewood Cookbook” after enjoying a fabulous home cooked meal.
On Saturdays and Sundays in season, a visit to the local Farmers’ Market is a must. The rule there is that all items sold must be grown or crafted by the vendors or their families. What a fascinating place to explore! The Market consists of a series of pavilions on the shore of Cayuga Inlet. It is filled with stalls offering fresh produce, jams and jellies, local dairy products, meat and eggs, bouquets of seasonal flowers, plants, and handcrafted items. Tables and benches arranged on the lawns overlooking the water provide a pleasant setting in which families congregate to spread out the homemade delicacies purchased at the market for a picnic lunch. There are boat rides on the inlet and a festive spirit of community prevails.
The Finger Lakes region is rich in vineyards, and is ideal grape growing country. For a time during the 1980s California wines dominated the market and many Finger Lakes wineries shut down. They have reopened and tours and tastings are back! New York State wines are grapey and fruity, similar to Rieslings, but perkier. They are much sought after by wine connoisseurs.
Ithaca is home to some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers, and boasts a business environment that values intellect, achievement, and success. Some of Ithaca’s well known residents have included: Carl Sagan, scientist, Alex Haley, writer, Vladimir Nabokov, writer, Rod Serling, creator of “The Twilight Zone”, and Toni Morrison, writer.
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, urban sophistication, or hometown friendliness, Ithaca has it . Rolling hills, breathtaking gorges, and splendid lakes offer countless outdoor activities. Fantastic restaurants, exciting nightlife, vibrant theater, mainstream and independent cinema, and live music abound. Time spent in Ithaca will be remembered and treasured forever.
B- City Information:
Population: 28,287
Elevation: 1099 feet above sea level
Land Area: 5.5 square miles
Location: Located in the central New York Finger Lakes Region
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Ithaca, it’s noon in NY City; 11am in Chicago; and 9am in Los Angeles). Ithaca observes Daylight Saving Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
22.6
23.6
32.4
43.8
55.5
64.5
68.8
67.4
59.5
48.5
38.9
28.2
High temperature (°F)
31.2
33.2
42.3
54.5
67.3
75.7
80.1
78.7
70.9
59.4
47.2
36.1
Low temperature (°F)
14.0
13.8
22.5
33.2
43.5
53.2
57.3
56.0
48.0
37.4
30.7
20.4
Precipitation (in)
2.1
2.1
2.6
3.3
3.2
3.9
3.6
3.4
3.9
3.3
3.1
2.5
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
18
15
16
14
13
12
11
11
11
12
16
18
Wind speed (mph)
11.1
11.0
11.1
10.8
9.5
8.9
8.2
7.9
8.5
9.2
10.5
10.7
Morning humidity (%)
79
79
79
76
77
81
83
88
89
85
82
82
Afternoon humidity (%)
70
65
61
55
55
58
57
59
62
61
68
72
Sunshine (%)
35
41
46
50
56
61
64
61
55
47
30
28
Days clear of clouds
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
6
6
6
3
2
Partly cloudy days
7
6
7
7
9
11
13
12
10
8
6
6
Cloudy days
22
19
19
17
16
13
12
13
14
17
21
23
Snowfall (in)
24.5
20.6
16.4
4.3
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
8.5
21.7
Local Seasons:
The two busiest times of the year are September – June with Cornell University and Ithaca College in main session and in the summer when tourists come to experience the beauty and tranquility of the area. The summer season is quite lovely and very comfortable. With the daytime temperatures reaching the 80’s and the evenings in the 50’s, it’s the perfect time to experience many of the outdoor sites and activities available, not to mention the utter beauty of the area. Summer also has the most sunshine. Spring and fall are absolutely beautiful. In the spring, nature comes alive with a re-birth of new colors. Fall is the reverse as nature prepares for the coming of winter with a vibrant change of colors, transforming the entire area into a perfect foliage experience. Winters are moderately cold and snow is seen on many days, the greatest number of days being in January. It’s an ideal time to enjoy a fine meal at one of the city’s many restaurants while sipping on a warm drink with a fire roaring nearby. Whatever the reason for a visit or whatever the season, Ithaca will make the visit one to remember.
How to Get There:
By Air
Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
1 Culligan Drive, Airport Terminal
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-257-0456
The airport is conveniently located near the city and is served by regional and local airlines
Ground Transportation
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service are available at the airport as well as at select locations in and around the city.
By Car
From Buffalo:
Approx. 3 Hours. Take NYS Thruway (I-90) to Exit 41, Then take Route 318 East to Route 89 South into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor’s Center.
From Boston Massachusetts:
Approx. 51/2-6 Hours. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 West ) into New York State, continue on I-90 (NYS Thruway), to Exit 34A, and follow I-481 South to I-81 South. Take exit 12 at Homer, then follow Rt. 281 South to Route 13 South into Ithaca. Or, take the Mass. Pike (I-90 West) to I-88W. At Bainbridge take Route 206 West to Whitney Point. Then take Route 79 West into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor’s Center.
From Philadelphia:
Approx. 4-41/2 Hours Take I-276 West to the Northeast Extension or Route 9 North to I-81 North to Exit 8. Then follow Route 79 West into Ithaca. Turn right onto Route 13 North. Follow signs to Visitor’s Center.
From New York City:
Approx. 4-41/2 Hours Take I-80 West to I-380 West, then I-81 North to Exit 8, then Rt. 79 West into Ithaca, turn right onto Route 13 North. Or take the Palisades Parkway North to Route 6 West to Rt. 17 West. Then I-81 North to Exit 8, continue as above. Follow signs to Visitor’s Center.
From Montreal:
Approx. 5-51/2 Hours Take 401 West to I-81 South. Continue on I-81 South to Exit 12. Then follow Route 13 South into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor’s Center. From Toronto: Approx. 4 Hours Take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) West to Rt. 190 (now in the US) to Rt. 290 then I-90 East. Then, follow directions from Buffalo.
By Bus
Greyhound
Brenda Wallace Bus Terminal
710 W State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-7930
New York Trailways
800-295-5555
How to Get Around;
Due to the many outdoor sites and activities available, the best way to get around is by car, either personal or rental.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Art in the Heart of the City
The Commons
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-8679
Hours: Open year round
Admission Free
Sculptures remain on the pedestrian-only Ithaca Commons year round. Shops, boutiques, and restaurants inside the Centre Shopping Center are open during all business hours. Annual Sculpture show on the Commons starts in mid-June.
Asia House Gallery & Museum
118 South Meadow St. (Rt.13)
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-8850
Hours: Open year round, Tue.-Fri.11am-5pm, Sat.10am-2pm or by appointment.
Admission Charged
Asia House Gallery is renowned for original works of art in all media and from all periods. The Gallery specializes in sculpture, scrolls, screen & prints from China, Japan, India, Tibet and Russia. Eight intimate, elegant Galleries of Oriental Treasures. Heirloom quality European & American furniture and period accessories. Featuring Fine Arts & Archaeological artifacts from the Far & Middle East.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Route 13 South
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-5761
Hours: Limited cross-country skiing, summer recreation program, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades and rapids. A natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls provides swimming with the feel of an old swimming hole. Upstream, a scenic trail circles Lake Treman.
Cascadilla Creek Gorge
Court St. & University Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850
800-284-8422
Hours: Season: April- November
Admission Free
Known as “the greenway connecting town and gown.” A natural greenway in the heart of an urban area, one of the dramatic natural places that makes Ithaca unique. Gorge walk is 1.3 miles with many stairs.
Cass Park Rink & Pool
701 Taughannock Blvd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-9211
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Season: Year round, summer swimming daily, June-August, 12pm-7:30pm
Admission fee
Cass Park is a regionally active park with: Swimming pool, Cayuga Waterfront Trail, four tennis courts, 20 athletic fields, playground equipment, a picnic pavilion, and outdoor Ice Rink offering public ice skating, hockey games, and broomball.
Cayuga Nature Center
1420 Taughannock Blvd. (Rt 89)
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6260
Hours: Open year round,
Season: Year Round, trails open daily dawn-dusk
Admission Charged
Discover nature by climbing into the forest canopy of Treetops Tower, viewing the summer butterfly house, and by exploring the interactive displays featuring a live animal collection.
Circle Greenway
Greater Ithaca Area
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-274-6570
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Circle Greenway is a ten mile self-guided walk or bicycle trip that touches Ithaca’s natural and urban features including gorges, the waterfront, Cornell University Campus, and the Downtown Ithaca Commons. Free Brochure and map at City Hall or at the Ithaca/Tompkins County Visitors Bureau.
Community Recreation Center-The Rink/The Field
1767 E Shore Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-RINK
Open year round. Public skating schedule starting October 1st Mon-Wed. 2-5pm, Fri. 7-9pm, Sat. 4-6pm and 8-10pm, Sun. 6:30-8:30pm.
Admission Charged
Cornell Lab of Ornithology/Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-254-2473
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am -5pm; Fri 8am -4pm, Sat. 9:30am – 4pm, Sun. 11am – 4pm
Admission Free, donations accepted
The Lab of Ornithology is an international center for the study, conservation, and appreciation of birds. It is located on the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. Visitors experience the sights and sounds of birds in the observatory’s multimedia theater and view other interactive exhibits. Featured are paintings by renowned bird and wildlife artists. Enjoy views of Sapsucker Woods pond and bird-feeding garden through an expansive wall of windows. Hike more than four miles of trails through the sanctuary.
Cornell Plantations
One Plantation Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-3020
Hours: Closed to vehicles in winter. Information is available at the Garden Shop. Mon-Fri. 9am-4pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12pm-4pm. Drop-in tours beginning at the Gift Shop on Wed. & Sat. at 1pm.
Admission Free
Cornell Plantations’ arboretum, and botanical garden are a museum of living plants with a network of trails through campus providing natural areas for hiking and nature study. Guided tours available for groups.
Cornell University
410 Thurston Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-2000
Hours: Open Year Round
Cornell is an international teaching and research Ivy League University offering Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, Hotel Management, Architecture, Engineering, and many other areas of study. Cornell’s campus is frequently heralded as one of the most beautiful in the nation with 745 acres nestled among woodlands, gorges, and waterfalls. Walk around campus on a self-guided tour or take an escorted tour. Learn and see all the wonders of Cornell University.
Danby State Forest
off Route 96B
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-753-3095
Hours: Open Year Round
Admission Charged
State forest area offering rustic hiking trails.
Dewitt Mall
Seneca and Cayuga Streets
Ithaca, New York
Formerly Ithaca High School, this building and its predecessor have occupied the site for more than a century. Framed photographs of “the old school days” decorate the halls. The Mall contains Greenstar Cooperative Natural Foods Grocery and deli; Pastimes, which sells area memorabilia; the Dewitt Restaurant and deli; Guitarworks; a children’s specialty toy store; and the world famous Moosewood Restaurant.
Downtown Ithaca Commons
The Commons
State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-8679
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
One of the largest pedestrian malls in America. Historic downtown Ithaca is home to the award-winning “Commons,” a pedestrian marketplace with an international flair. One can browse among downtown’s many unique specialty shops featuring apparel, art, ATM locations, fine crafts, jewelry, children’s store, specialty pet boutique, books, music, sporting goods, and contemporary furnishings or enjoy a variety of foods at any number of different places to eat. There is more shopping and great ethnic food at Center Ithaca and DeWitt Mall, as well as adjacent to The Commons on Cayuga and Aurora Streets.
East Hill Recreation Way
Maple Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8035
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
2.2 mile multi-use trail that runs parallel to Cascadilla Creek and up through the Cornell Plantations. Cross country skiing.
Farm Trail Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension
615 Willow Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-2292
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Will arrange farm visits and garden tours.
G F Charters
Slip #22
Allen Treman State Marine Park
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-2861
Hours: Open April – October, call for additional information
Admission Charged
April 1st-Oct. 20th– 8 hr trips on Cayuga Lake starting out of Ithaca. Everything is supplied except food, drink, and fishing licenses. Includes a captain and crew who assist all day, clean the catch, bag it, and supply receipts.
Greater Ithaca Art Trail
Tompkins County Area
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-5072
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Unique concept designed to bring together over 50 regional and community artists. Self-guided tours of studios: sculptures, paintings, photography, wood carvings and more.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Fine Art
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-6464
Hours: Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed holidays.
Admission Free
Designed by I.M. Pei, the museum houses an impressive collection that spans forty centuries and six continents with particular strengths in prints as well as Asian and contemporary art. Offers panoramic views of Cornell, Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. Group tours available.
Ithaca Children’s Garden
Cass Park, Rt. 89
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-2292
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Located on a 3-acre site in the developing Cayuga Lake waterfront area, the Ithaca Children’s Garden is a garden in the making that currently features a wetland habitat garden with turtle’s earth sculpture and a labyrinth.
Ithaca College
South Hill
Ithaca, New York
Founded in 1892 as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, Ithaca College is an outstanding private, coeducational college offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, communications, health sciences and human performance, humanities and sciences, music, and interdisciplinary studies. It has an enrollment of over 6,000 students.
Ithaca Falls
Lake St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-1313
Hours: Open year round from dawn to dusk
Admission Free
Over 15,000 years ago, receding waters and erosion worked to form a one mile long gorge called Fall Creek. Features include six waterfalls, cascades & rapids. A small park is located on the south side of the trail for picnics.
Ithaca Paintball
619 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-3904
Hours: Open daily, call for reservations
Admission Charged
Full line and full service paintball store and field complete with all the latest in paintball technology and custom playing fields, designed to bring out the strategist in everyone
John Hartell Gallery
Sibley Dome at Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-255-3299
Hours: Open year round, Mon.-Fri. 8am-4:30pm
Admission Free
Weekly exhibits of art and architectural work by students, faculty and guests.
Museum of the Earth at PRI
1259 Trumansburg Rd
Rte 96
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-6623
Hours: Mon. Wed., Fri. & Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-4pm; Thurs. 10am-7pm. Closed Tuesdays
Admission Charged
Experience what life was like beneath an ancient sea, track a herd of dinosaurs dashing across NYS, or touch relics of a world carved by ice. Concentrates on the geology & paleontology of the Northeastern US. The Museum exhibits over 650 specimens from one of nation’s largest and finest fossil collections, including the skeletons of the Hyde Park Mastodon, Right Whale #2030 and the 500 foot mural, Rock of Ages Sands of Time.
Robert H. Treman State Park (Upper and Lower Enfield Glen Parks)
Rte 327
RD 10
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-3440
Hours: Open mid May – late November
Admission Charged per car
Enfield Glen is the scenic highlight of this park. This is an area of rustic beauty with craggy gorges and winding trails bearing names like “fire and brimstone” with waterfalls named Lucifer Falls and Devil’s Kitchen. Limited cross-country skiing, summer recreation program, old mill located at upper park, picnic area, swimming, playground, camping, cabins, dump station. Summer recreation programs and winter activities available.
Sciencenter
601 First St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-0600
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm; open Mon Nat’l holidays.
A hands-on science museum and outdoor science playground, the Sciencenter boasts over 150 exhibits including a walk-in camera, water raceway, and two-story kinetic ball sculpture, curiosity corner, animal room, and Discovery Space. Sponsor of the Carl Sagan Planet Walk. Also offering Galaxy Golf 18 hole mini-golf course.
Six Mile Creek Gorge
Ithaca, NY 14850
800-284-8422
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
An Indian trail that offers remnants of an old mill building and the Elizabeth Mulholland Wildflower Preserve. Noted for its rich woodland flora.
South Hill Recreation Way
Hudson St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8035
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and college athletic teams. This trail also serves as a commuter route between the South Hill residential area, Ithaca College and Downtown. Built on an old railroad bed, this hard-packed gravel trail has an accessible entrance off Crescent Place. Many benches and a level rest area. 2.9 mile multi-use trail.
Stewart Park
Corner of NYS Rts 13 & 34
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8364
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Free
Formerly the site of the Wharton Brothers silent movie studios, Stewart Park now is home to playing fields, a children’s playground, picnic area, concession stand, tennis courts, and the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary.
Striker Fishing /Sightseeing
Cayuga Lake
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-256-8214
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Fishing and sightseeing charter on Cayuga Lake.
The History Center in Tompkins County
401 E State St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-8284
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
The History Center in Tompkins County is the gateway for learning about the people, places, things, and stories that have shaped your past. You are invited to examine history through a local lens by exploring thousands of historic photographs, documents, diaries, scrapbooks, genealogies, maps, and more in the History Center Research Library. Discover the excitement of exploring the past at the History Center in Tompkins County.
Tompkins County Public Library
101 East Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-4557
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Free
At Tompkins County Public Library visitors can find a world of information at their fingertips. Learn to “Navigate a Sea of Resources” with the help of librarians. At the library, visitors may connect to special databases, search the library catalogue for CDs, DVDs, videos, or their favorite author. Explore the Internet or simply sit back and read. Enjoy programming for all ages, from story telling to music on Sundays, from book discussion groups to author readings. Join cultural celebrations and appreciate art displays and other exhibitions.
Nearby
Arnot State Forest
Off Chaffee Creek Rd.
Newfield, NY 14867
607-753-3095
Hours: Open year round
Admission Charged
State forest area for hiking. Mostly unmarked trails.
Finger Lakes Skydivers
Ovid Airport, Parish Rd.
9752 Kingtown Rd.
Trumansburg, NY 14886
800-SKYDIVE
Hours: April-November, Wed-Sun 9am-dark
Admission Charged
Experience the thrill of a tandem skydive over the beautiful Finger Lakes. Reservations required.
Finger Lakes Trail
Several sites in Tompkins County
6111 Visitor Center Rd.
Mount Morris, NY 14510
585-658-9320
Hours: Open year round
Admission Free
The Finger Lakes Trail is a footpath for hikers which stretch 560 miles from the PA/NY border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve, crossing beautiful and remote areas of the Southern Tier. Over 50 miles of the trail is in Tompkins County. These trails connect several State Land areas in Tompkins County including Connecticut Hill, Robert Treman State Park, Danby State Forest, and Shindagin Hollow State.
Freebrook Farms
39 Fall Creek Rd.
Freeville, NY 13068
607-844-8754
Hours: Open winter, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Horse-drawn sleigh rides for couples or groups up to 25 people. Buggy and sleigh museum open by appointment only- approximately 25 vehicles.
Greek Peak Mountain Ski Resort
2000 NYS Rt. 392
Cortland, NY 13045
607-835-6111
Hours: Open 7 days and nights in the winter. Call for tubing & cross-country hours & availability. Open Sun.-Thurs. 9:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat. 9:30am-10pm
Admission Charged
Great downhill skiing, and tubing are only 45 minutes from Ithaca, at Greek Peak Mountain Ski Resort. One of central NY’s largest resorts. Full service offering skiing, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Park Road (Route 89)
Trumansburg, New York
Taughannock Falls for which the park is named, is one of the outstanding attractions of the northeast. The 215 foot waterfall plunges through a rock amphitheater whose walls reach nearly 400 feet. An easy 15-20 minute drive from downtown Ithaca.
Wind Rider Balloon Company
44 Deer Run Rd
Newfield, NY 14867
607-564-1009
Hours: Reservations required, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Scenic Hot Air Balloon flights over the Finger Lakes Region. FAA certified commercial pilot since 1984. Reservations required. Experience unique adventures.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Route 13 South
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-5761
Hours: Limited cross-country skiing, summer recreation program, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades and rapids. A natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls provides swimming with the feel of an old swimming hole. Upstream, a scenic trail circles Lake Treman.
Cass Park Rink & Pool
701 Taughannock Blvd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-9211
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Season: Year round, summer swimming daily, June-August, 12pm-7:30pm
Admission fee
Cass Park is a regionally active park with: Swimming pool, Cayuga Waterfront Trail, four tennis courts, 20 athletic fields, playground equipment, a picnic pavilion, and outdoor ice rink offering public ice skating, hockey games, and broomball.
Cornell University
410 Thurston Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-2000
Hours: Open Year Round
Cornell is an international teaching and research Ivy League University offering Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture, Hotel Management, Architecture, Engineering, and many other subjects. It is also the home of Big Red football. Cornell’s campus is frequently heralded as one of the most beautiful in the nation with 745 acres nestled among woodlands, gorges, and waterfalls. Walk around campus on a self-guided tour or take an escorted tour.
Downtown Ithaca Commons
The Commons
State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-8679
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
One of the largest pedestrian malls in America. Historic downtown Ithaca is home to the award-winning “Commons,” a pedestrian marketplace with an international flair. One can browse among downtown’s many unique specialty shops featuring apparel, art, ATM locations, fine crafts, jewelry, children’s store, specialty pet boutique, books, music, sporting goods, and contemporary furnishings or enjoy a variety of foods at any number of different places to eat. There is more shopping and great ethnic food at Center Ithaca and DeWitt Mall, as well as adjacent to The Commons on Cayuga and Aurora Streets.
Ithaca Children’s Garden
Cass Park, Rt. 89
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-2292
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Free
Located on a 3-acre site in the developing Cayuga Lake waterfront area, the Ithaca Children’s Garden is a garden in the making that currently features a wetland habitat garden with turtle’s earth sculpture and a labyrinth.
Ithaca Falls
Lake St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-1313
Hours: Open year round from dawn to dusk
Admission Free
Over 15,000 years ago, receding waters and erosion worked to form a one mile long gorge called Fall Creek. Features include six waterfalls, cascades & rapids. A small park is located on the south side of the trail for picnics.
Ithaca Paintball
619 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-3904
Hours: Open daily, call for reservations
Admission Charged
Full line and full service paintball store and field complete with all the latest in paintball technology and custom playing fields, designed to bring out the strategist in everyone. Offers rental packages with group discounts.
Sciencenter
601 First St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-0600
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm; closed Mon except the following National holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July,
Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans’ Day. The museum is closed: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
A hands-on science museum and outdoor science playground, the Sciencenter boasts over 150 exhibits including a walk-in camera, water raceway, and two-story kinetic ball sculpture, curiosity corner, animal room, and Discovery Space. Also offered is Galaxy Golf, an 18 hole mini-golf course.
Stewart Park
Meadow Street
Ithaca, NY
Always a favorite with the whole family. An excellent playground, lots of room to run and play. Pavilions, grills, and outdoor tables for picnics. Benches by the lake for a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view.
Nearby
Freebrook Farms
39 Fall Creek Rd.
Freeville, NY 13068
607-844-8754
Hours: Open winter, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Horse-drawn sleigh rides for couples or groups up to 25 people. Buggy and sleigh museum open by appointment only- approximately 25 vehicles.
Greek Peak Mountain Ski Resort
2000 NYS Rt. 392
Cortland, NY 13045
607-835-6111
Hours: Open 7 days and nights in the winter. Call for tubing & cross-country hours & availability, Open Sun.-Thurs. 9:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat. 9:30am-10pm
Admission Charged
Great downhill skiing and tubing are only 45 minutes from Ithaca, at Greek Peak Mountain Ski Resort. Full service offering skiing, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Loon-A-Sea Charter
3063 Jacksonville Rd
Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-387-5474
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Specializing in smallmouth bass fishing and sightseeing tours of Cayuga Lake. Guiding on Seneca, Ontario, Cayuga and the Susquehanna River as well. Hourly rates.
Wind Rider Balloon Company
44 Deer Run Rd
Newfield, NY 14867
607-564-1009
Hours: Reservations required, call for additional information
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Light in Winter
Held in late January through February
Location: Ithaca
800-284-8422
The festival celebrates the fusion of music, art, and science with programs appropriate for ages 12 and up. Performances are held at the historic State Theatre, Cornell and Ithaca College campuses and will feature a variety of international performers. Many related activities are offered for all ages throughout the weekend along Ithaca’s Discovery Trail, at the Kitchen Theatre, and Solá and State of the Art galleries.
June
Ithaca Festival
Held in early June
Location: Downtown Ithaca
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-3646
One of Ithaca’s largest festivals and craft show celebrating the local area. Music, performers, and food vendors.
Juneteenth Festival
Held in mid June
Location: Southside Community Center
305 S. Plain St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-4190
Celebrates the final emancipation of slaves in the USA. Music, food, and more.
July
Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival
Held in late July
Location: Trumansburg Fairgrounds
607-387-5144
80 plus hours of continuous musical concerts on three stages.
Sidewalk Sale Days
Held in late July
Location: Ithaca Commons, downtown Ithaca
607-277-8679
Special discounts and savings in many of the stores located on the Downtown Commons pedestrian mall. Mall specialty stores with numerous tables and racks of items on sale.
Community Fireworks Show
Held in early July
Location: Ithaca College
800-284-8422
Come see the fireworks display and enjoy all the fun activities. Fireworks start when it is dark. View on campus or anywhere you can see the two Ithaca College towers.
August
Downtown Ithaca’s NASCAR Race Day
Held in early – mid August
Location: On the Downtown Ithaca Commons, Ithaca
607-277-8679
Help kick off the Nextel Cup Races in Watkins Glen. Meet NASCAR drivers, explore NASCAR race cars, buy memorabilia, enjoy wonderful food from local vendors and dance the day away to musical entertainment.
Trumansburg Fair
Held in late August
Location: Rte. 96, Trumansburg
607-887-6504
Come join the fun at the Trumansburg fairgrounds. There is so much to see and do, midway rides, games, truck and tractor pulls, fireworks, food, and the ever popular Demolition Derby.
September
Corn on the Curb Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Downtown Trumansburg
607-387-4471
The festival is an annual celebration of the agricultural roots of the Trumansburg area. The event features corn chowder and cornbreads prepared by local restaurants, as well as live music. Other “corny” snacks and activities are also available.
Ithaca Youth Bureau Community Celebration
Held in mid September
Location: Cass Park
People of all ages are invited to enjoy a day of live music, food, rides, dragon boat races on the inlet, cooperative games and family activities at Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Cass Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
October
Finger Lakes Antique Show and Sale
Held in early October
Location: Women’s Community Building, Ithaca
607- 272-1247
Annual Antique Show and Sale: many vendors.
Finn Funn Weekend
Held in early October
Location: Clarion University Hotel, Ithaca
The festival is an annual Northeast regional gathering of people of Finnish origin and descent and others interested in promoting Finnish culture and heritage.
Friends of the Library Annual Fall Book Sale
Starts the 2nd week in October. Bringing book lovers from around the country to Ithaca, this popular event offers for sale a warehouse full of collectors’ editions and used books, children’s books, CD’s, magazines, and other printed material. Volunteers work many months in advance to arrange the donated items on shelves by category. Prices decrease each day during the week of the sale. Lines stretch around the block as book lovers vie for entrance to this treasure trove.
Location: Esty Street, Ithaca
607-272-2223
Six Mile Creek Harvest Festival
Held in early October
Location: Six Mile Creek Vineyard, Ithaca
607-272-WINE
Live music, hayrides, food, fun.
Apple Harvest Festival, Craft Show and Sale
Held in early October
Location: Downtown Ithaca Commons
607-277-8679
A special regional festival featuring bountiful produce, apples, cider, baked apple goods. Craft fair, complete with performers, musicians, puppeteers, singers, story tellers, dancers, and band. .
Art Trail Open Studio Weekend
Held in mid October
Location: Tompkins County
800-284-8422
Find over 50 artists year round and discover exciting art throughout the Greater Ithaca area. Visit artists during Open Studio Weekends or call ahead to make plans with artists. Explore art studios, talk with artists, learn how art is made, and buy are in a relaxed atmosphere.
Fall Family Weekend
Held in mid October
Location: Cayuga’s East Shore, Groton
Experience the essence of October with a Fall Family Weekend at the beautiful eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Hosted by three area attractions: Bakers’ Acres Garden Center, Indian Chimney Farm, and King Ferry Winery.
Halloween Capers at the Cayuga Nature Center
Held in late October
Location: 1420 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
607-273-6260
This annual event features two haunted trails, one that visitors can walk at their own pace, the other with a guide on a timed ticket, which visitors receive when they pay for admission. Also enjoy hayrides, cider pressing, face painting, story telling, marshmallow roasting, critter encounters, and more.
December
Downtown Ithaca’s Holidays Around the World
Held in early December
Location: All through Downtown Ithaca
607-277-8679
Come join the fun in Downtown Ithaca. Food, crafts, and tons of entertainment.
Trumansburg Festival of Lights
Held throughout the month
Location: Village of Trumansburg
607-387-9254
A festival celebrating the holiday season. Lighting of village Christmas tree, sing-a-long, music, crafts, horse and carriage rides and dessert contest.
Entertainment
Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
116 N Cayuga St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-4816
Call for performance schedule
A 35 member professional ensemble, the CCO is the official Ithaca orchestra and presents a subscription season including six full concerts, three chamber concerts and a holiday special “Caroling by Candlelight.” The group’s programs are frequently highlighted by guest appearances of nationally known soloists.
Cornell Cinema
Willard Straight Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-3522
Season: Year Round
Cornell Cinema is considered one of best campus film exhibition programs in the country. They screen over 400 films annually including classic foreign and Hollywood, documentaries, silent films with live music, international cinema, unusual children’s films, recent art house hits and more. They also host visiting filmmakers. Seven nights a week in the beautiful Willard Straight Theatre on the Cornell campus during the fall, spring and summer sessions.
Cornell Music Department
101 Lincoln Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-4097
Call for performance schedule
Performance is an integral part of Cornell’s cultural life and an essential part of its undergraduate programs in music. The Department of Music encourages music making through its offerings in individual instruction and through organizations and ensembles that are directed and trained by members of the faculty. The Music Department sponsors more than a hundred concerts and lectures on campus each year, given by faculty members, students, and distinguished visiting artists; most are free.
Hangar Theatre
Taughannock Blvd. at Cass Park
Rte 89
Ithaca, NY 14851
800-284-8422
Season runs June – August. Evening Shows at 7:30 & 8pm depending on nights; matinees at 3pm.
The Center for the Arts at Ithaca, Inc., also known as the Hangar Theatre, is committed to providing exceptional theatre experiences of high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Strong education and training programs are central parts of our commitment to the local and national artistic communities.
Historic Ithaca’s State Theatre
107-113 West State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7577
Season runs year round, call for performance schedule
Historic Ithaca’s State Theatre offers a calendar of events featuring performances of nationally recognized, as well as outstanding regional music groups, dance companies, and theatre troupes.
Ithaca Ballet
607-277-1967
Call for performance schedule
The Ithaca Ballet, housed at the Ballet Center of Ithaca, is one of upstate New York’s only repertory companies. The ballet is a professional ensemble corps, having a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works. Nationally known, and a member of Regional Dance America, the troupe tours the Finger Lakes Region.
Ithaca College School of Music
3322 Whalen Center
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-274-3171
Call for additional information
Founded as a Conservatory of Music in 1892, the school has a long tradition of excellence in music performance. The guest artists presented are second to none, and the affordable ticket prices and multiple discounts make for the “best buy” in classical music in the Southern Tier.
Ithaca College Theatre
201 Dillingham Center
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-274-3796
Season runs September – May, call for performance schedule
The Dillingham Center on the campus of Ithaca College is the home of the George R. Hoerner and Richard M. Clark Theatres. The Department of Theatre Arts presents drama, comedy, musical, opera, and dance productions.
Kitchen Theatre Company
116 N Cayuga St. (in the Historic Clinton House)
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-4497
Season runs year round, call for scheduled performances.
Bold – Intimate – Engaging “See it here first.” – Syracuse New Times Critically acclaimed and nationally recognized, this is downtown Ithaca’s year-round professional theatre. KTC provides an engaging mix of regional and world premiere plays to Central New York in an intimate 73-seat theatre that encourages a bold relationship between audience and actor. The theatre offers 6-Play Mainstage Season ~ Kitchen Counter Culture series ~ Family Fare theatre for all ages.
NYS Baroque
Ithaca Unitarian Church (Concert Site)
Buffalo & Aurora St
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-273-1581
Season runs year round, call for additional information.
Orchestra, on Original Instruments, offers unique performances of 17th & 18th century music using techniques and instruments of the period.
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
430 College Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-254-2700
Season runs September – May, call for performance schedule
The Center is home to Cornell University’s Department of Theatre, Film & Dance. Excellent plays and dance performances.
The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble
607-273-3586
Call for performance schedule and additional information
The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble is a professional vocal ensemble whose mission is “to create for ourselves and for our community the experience of music’s ineffable power to touch the human heart and mind.”
Sports
Cornell University
410 Thurston Ave.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-255-5241
Call for game schedules for all events and additional information.
Come enjoy a host of spectator sports year-round.
Finger Lakes Vineyards offer tours and tastings on the Seneca and Cayuga Lake wine trails.
Locally at:
Americana Vineyards Winery 56
4367 East Covert Road
Cayuga Lake wine trail
Interlaken, NY 148473
607-387-6801
Cayuga Lake wine trail
Bellwether Hard Cider
Cayuga Lake wine trail 1
1609 Trumansburg Road (Route 96)
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-433721
27
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
Cayuga Lake wine trail
6800 Route 89 at Elm Beach
Ovid, NY 14521
607-869-5158
56
Frontenac Point Vineyard
Cayuga Lake wine trail
9501 Route 89
Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-387-96195
Hosmer Winery
Cayuga Lake wine trail 5
6999 Route 89
Ovid, NY 14521
607-869-3393
Lucas Vineyards
Cayuga Lake wine trail
3862 County Road 150
Interlaken, NY 14847
607-532-4825
Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Cafe
Cayuga Lake wine trail 5
7448 County Road 153
Ovid, NY 14521
607-532-9401
Cayuga Lake wine trail
74
Signore Winery
Cayuga Lake wine trail 1
153 White Church Road
Brooktondale, NY 14817
607-539-7935
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Cayuga Lake wine trail
1551 Slaterville Road (Route 79 East)
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-9463