Eileen’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Guests often ask for recommendations regarding the many lovely waterfalls in Ithaca. I hope that this annotated list is helpful. Note: keep your receipt paid to enter a state park since that receipt is valid for all state parks on that day. No need to pay for each park.
CAUTION: Never swim in any of the areas that do not have lifeguards. https://ithacavoice.com/2018/08/as-students-return-to-ithaca-fire-department-urges-gorge-safety/
TAUGHANNOCK FALLS is the “poster child” waterfall for this area. Higher than Niagara Falls at 215 ft, it is a “cataract” type of waterfall, tall and narrow. It is impressive after a rain but barely a trickle in drought conditions. You can view this easily from the well-marked “Falls Overlook” off Rt 89, where a new visitors center opened in 2017. Free parking at the overlook. You can also walk to the Falls, parking in the lot off Rt 89 (NYS Park fee $8; free for NYS resident senior citizens on weekdays only). The walk is about 30 minutes each way, a lovely, level walk though rocky in spots. Since Taughannock Falls is seven miles out of town, I suggest going there either on your way into or out of Ithaca, perhaps en route to a winery.
ITHACA FALLS plays second-fiddle to Taughannock, but I love the fact that you can walk right up to the falls, getting much closer than you can at Taughannock, and it only takes perhaps ten minutes on a mostly level but very rocky path. Do not wear flip flops :). Free parking across the street (Lake Street, off Rt 13). Consider taking in this fabulous waterfall when you go for lunch or dinner at the North Star Cafe, which has a small outdoor seating area and features local foods, just one block away on Falls Street. Ithaca Falls also is convenient to the Farmers Market (off Rt 13, on the lake, also a good spot for lunch and some wine tasting while perusing a variety of vendors - not just produce) and just down Gun Shop Hill (extension of Lake St) from Cornell University.
CASCADILLA FALLS is about three or four blocks from Ithaca Falls, so it is easy to visit both the same day. Linn Street indirectly connects the two (easier to explain this in person). Parking is a challenge, unless you choose to take your car to the parking garage in Collegetown and get Lyft/Uber to the Linn Street entry and walk up to Collegetown via Cascadilla Falls. Plenty of stairs, but they are gradual. The walk should take about 30-45 minutes. There are several spots in Collegetown to get something to eat and drink.
STATE PARK FALLS, BUTTERMILK AND TREMAN ($8 parking fee)
BUTTERMILK FALLS includes a popular swimming area at the base of the falls. The water flow is controlled based on the water level in Buttermilk Lake, and it often is just a trickle in summer months with a bit more water in the spring. Buttermilk is located just off Rt 13 as you head south from Ithaca. You can swing in to see it briefly without parking, or you can park and walk up to the lake, a mostly uphill hike that takes about an hour or so (not too sure of the time it takes - I have not done this in years).
ROBERT TREMAN STATE PARK is essentially in my backyard; Honeyberry Hill is midway between the Lower and Upper entrances to the park. The lower entrance boasts the best swimming area; you can swim easily right up to the falls. It gets crowded quickly, however. The upper entrance has the best one-hour hike, a circular route with an overlook for Lucifer Falls in the first half of the hike, and a walk along both Lucifer Falls and along The Devil’s Bathtub the second half of the hike. Lots of stairs, however. The Old Mill has both rest rooms and a great exhibition about the Civilian Conservation Corps that built the Fingerlakes Park system as well as an interesting exhibit about the mill itself.
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TREMAN RÍKISLÖG
105 Enfield Falls RdGuests often ask for recommendations regarding the many lovely waterfalls in Ithaca. I hope that this annotated list is helpful. Note: keep your receipt paid to enter a state park since that receipt is valid for all state parks on that day. No need to pay for each park.
CAUTION: Never swim in any of the areas that do not have lifeguards. https://ithacavoice.com/2018/08/as-students-return-to-ithaca-fire-department-urges-gorge-safety/
TAUGHANNOCK FALLS is the “poster child” waterfall for this area. Higher than Niagara Falls at 215 ft, it is a “cataract” type of waterfall, tall and narrow. It is impressive after a rain but barely a trickle in drought conditions. You can view this easily from the well-marked “Falls Overlook” off Rt 89, where a new visitors center opened in 2017. Free parking at the overlook. You can also walk to the Falls, parking in the lot off Rt 89 (NYS Park fee $8; free for NYS resident senior citizens on weekdays only). The walk is about 30 minutes each way, a lovely, level walk though rocky in spots. Since Taughannock Falls is seven miles out of town, I suggest going there either on your way into or out of Ithaca, perhaps en route to a winery.
ITHACA FALLS plays second-fiddle to Taughannock, but I love the fact that you can walk right up to the falls, getting much closer than you can at Taughannock, and it only takes perhaps ten minutes on a mostly level but very rocky path. Do not wear flip flops :). Free parking across the street (Lake Street, off Rt 13). Consider taking in this fabulous waterfall when you go for lunch or dinner at the North Star Cafe, which has a small outdoor seating area and features local foods, just one block away on Falls Street. Ithaca Falls also is convenient to the Farmers Market (off Rt 13, on the lake, also a good spot for lunch and some wine tasting while perusing a variety of vendors - not just produce) and just down Gun Shop Hill (extension of Lake St) from Cornell University.
CASCADILLA FALLS is about three or four blocks from Ithaca Falls, so it is easy to visit both the same day. Linn Street indirectly connects the two (easier to explain this in person). Parking is a challenge, unless you choose to take your car to the parking garage in Collegetown and get Lyft/Uber to the Linn Street entry and walk up to Collegetown via Cascadilla Falls. Plenty of stairs, but they are gradual. The walk should take about 30-45 minutes. There are several spots in Collegetown to get something to eat and drink.
STATE PARK FALLS, BUTTERMILK AND TREMAN ($8 parking fee)
BUTTERMILK FALLS includes a popular swimming area at the base of the falls. The water flow is controlled based on the water level in Buttermilk Lake, and it often is just a trickle in summer months with a bit more water in the spring. Buttermilk is located just off Rt 13 as you head south from Ithaca. You can swing in to see it briefly without parking, or you can park and walk up to the lake, a mostly uphill hike that takes about an hour or so (not too sure of the time it takes - I have not done this in years).
ROBERT TREMAN STATE PARK is essentially in my backyard; Honeyberry Hill is midway between the Lower and Upper entrances to the park. The lower entrance boasts the best swimming area; you can swim easily right up to the falls. It gets crowded quickly, however. The upper entrance has the best one-hour hike, a circular route with an overlook for Lucifer Falls in the first half of the hike, and a walk along both Lucifer Falls and along The Devil’s Bathtub the second half of the hike. Lots of stairs, however. The Old Mill has both rest rooms and a great exhibition about the Civilian Conservation Corps that built the Fingerlakes Park system as well as an interesting exhibit about the mill itself.
Food scene
DINING OPTIONS
This list of suggested eateries is a sample of places I enjoy; there are many options available in Ithaca!
The Ithaca Beer Company has a lovely beer garden and is just three miles from my house, a five-minute drive. You can view their menu at www.ithacabeer.com.
The Moosewood Restaurant on Buffalo Street downtown is our best-known restaurant, featuring vegetarian cuisine. You can view their menu at Www.moosewoodcooks.com
For fine dining, the new Italian restaurant Gola Osteria at 115 Quarry Street can be hard to find but the food makes it worth the effort. A place for a special meal. Www.golaosteria.com
Maxie's Supper Club is a popular oyster bar with Cajun food, open late. Www.maxies.com
Excellent Thai food on The Commons: Taste of Thai. Www.tasteofthai.com
Popular tapas restaurant: "Just a Taste" on Aurora Street, just off The Commons. Www.just-a-taste.com NOTE: Aurora Street is known as "Restaurant Row."
Another beer garden in a quiet neighborhood, onsite easy parking: NorthStar Restaurant on 202 E. Falls Street features local, organic cuisine. Www.northstarpub.com
Best pizza: New York Pizza, located next to Garrett's Brewing Company on Main Street in Trumansburg is worth the short trek from Ithaca, near Taughannock Falls. Garrett's Brewing Company welcomes take-out food consumed on their premises, so it is a win-win situation for those who enjoy craft beer!
Best sandwiches: The Ithaca Bakery on Meadow Street, with four satellite branches: in Collegetown, on Aurora Street, at Triphammer Plaza and and at East Hill Plaza.
Best ice cream: Purity Ice Cream on Route 13, just down the block from The Ithaca Bakery. My favorite ice cream is "Fingerlakes Tourist", which is chocolate ice cream with hazelnuts and chocolate flakes :)
The Farmers Market off Route 13 on Third Street has many yummy food booths and lakeside picnic tables. Open Saturday and Sunday. They have recently opened a night market on Thursday evenings from 5 - 9 PM, including live music. Www.ithacamarket.com
Winery restaurants further up the lake include Knapp Winery, which features outdoor seating facing the vineyard, in Romulus, NY at 2770 Ernsberger Road, and Sheldrake Point Winery, which features lake views at 7458 County Route 153 in Ovid, NY. Both places are about 45 minutes north of Ithaca. Sheldrake no longer serves food, but Americana Winery is another nearby option for wining and dining, located at 4367 E. Covert Road, Interlaken.
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Ithaca Bakery
400 N Meadow StDINING OPTIONS
This list of suggested eateries is a sample of places I enjoy; there are many options available in Ithaca!
The Ithaca Beer Company has a lovely beer garden and is just three miles from my house, a five-minute drive. You can view their menu at www.ithacabeer.com.
The Moosewood Restaurant on Buffalo Street downtown is our best-known restaurant, featuring vegetarian cuisine. You can view their menu at Www.moosewoodcooks.com
For fine dining, the new Italian restaurant Gola Osteria at 115 Quarry Street can be hard to find but the food makes it worth the effort. A place for a special meal. Www.golaosteria.com
Maxie's Supper Club is a popular oyster bar with Cajun food, open late. Www.maxies.com
Excellent Thai food on The Commons: Taste of Thai. Www.tasteofthai.com
Popular tapas restaurant: "Just a Taste" on Aurora Street, just off The Commons. Www.just-a-taste.com NOTE: Aurora Street is known as "Restaurant Row."
Another beer garden in a quiet neighborhood, onsite easy parking: NorthStar Restaurant on 202 E. Falls Street features local, organic cuisine. Www.northstarpub.com
Best pizza: New York Pizza, located next to Garrett's Brewing Company on Main Street in Trumansburg is worth the short trek from Ithaca, near Taughannock Falls. Garrett's Brewing Company welcomes take-out food consumed on their premises, so it is a win-win situation for those who enjoy craft beer!
Best sandwiches: The Ithaca Bakery on Meadow Street, with four satellite branches: in Collegetown, on Aurora Street, at Triphammer Plaza and and at East Hill Plaza.
Best ice cream: Purity Ice Cream on Route 13, just down the block from The Ithaca Bakery. My favorite ice cream is "Fingerlakes Tourist", which is chocolate ice cream with hazelnuts and chocolate flakes :)
The Farmers Market off Route 13 on Third Street has many yummy food booths and lakeside picnic tables. Open Saturday and Sunday. They have recently opened a night market on Thursday evenings from 5 - 9 PM, including live music. Www.ithacamarket.com
Winery restaurants further up the lake include Knapp Winery, which features outdoor seating facing the vineyard, in Romulus, NY at 2770 Ernsberger Road, and Sheldrake Point Winery, which features lake views at 7458 County Route 153 in Ovid, NY. Both places are about 45 minutes north of Ithaca. Sheldrake no longer serves food, but Americana Winery is another nearby option for wining and dining, located at 4367 E. Covert Road, Interlaken.
College Tours
There are many fine institutions of higher learning in this area, with Cornell University and Ithaca College heading the local list. (I have campus maps and other information specific to those colleges.) If you are here for general colleges visits, you may also consider visiting these schools, listed in alphabetical order: Colgate University, Elmira College, Hobart and Smith, Syracuse University, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Cortland, or Wells College. Ithaca makes a fine base for college visits!
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Cornell University
There are many fine institutions of higher learning in this area, with Cornell University and Ithaca College heading the local list. (I have campus maps and other information specific to those colleges.) If you are here for general colleges visits, you may also consider visiting these schools, listed in alphabetical order: Colgate University, Elmira College, Hobart and Smith, Syracuse University, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Cortland, or Wells College. Ithaca makes a fine base for college visits!
Wineries
Wineries abound in the Fingerlakes region and you will find ample choices on each shore of Cayuga Lake. Some (not all) include small restaurants. Wine tour maps are among the tourist brochures provided for each room. Six Mile Creek is the nearest winery, right on the outskirts of town.
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Knapp Winery & The Vineyard Restaurant (Restaurant is seasonal)
2770 Ernsberger RdWineries abound in the Fingerlakes region and you will find ample choices on each shore of Cayuga Lake. Some (not all) include small restaurants. Wine tour maps are among the tourist brochures provided for each room. Six Mile Creek is the nearest winery, right on the outskirts of town.
Museums
Museums in this area range from the world-class Corning Museum of Glass, to niche museums such as The Museum of the Earth and Cornell's Laboratory of Ornithology as well as the local Sciencenter and Cornell's Johnson Museum of Art. Museums often arrange reciprocity with other institutions nationwide, so if you have a membership with your local museum, be sure to check to see if that membership will be recognized at one of our wonderful local museums.
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Corning Museum Of Glass Welcome Center
121 Center WayMuseums in this area range from the world-class Corning Museum of Glass, to niche museums such as The Museum of the Earth and Cornell's Laboratory of Ornithology as well as the local Sciencenter and Cornell's Johnson Museum of Art. Museums often arrange reciprocity with other institutions nationwide, so if you have a membership with your local museum, be sure to check to see if that membership will be recognized at one of our wonderful local museums.
Breweries
If you enjoy craft beers, the Ithaca Beer Company is five minutes from Honeyberry Hill. Other fine craft beer can be found at Garrett's in Trumansburg. Located near Taughannock Falls, Garretts does not offer food but welcomes guests to bring in take-out food from the great pizzeria next door or other local establishments.
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Ithaca Beer Co.
122 Ithaca Beer DrIf you enjoy craft beers, the Ithaca Beer Company is five minutes from Honeyberry Hill. Other fine craft beer can be found at Garrett's in Trumansburg. Located near Taughannock Falls, Garretts does not offer food but welcomes guests to bring in take-out food from the great pizzeria next door or other local establishments.