Discover Ithaca: "Ithaca is Gorges" (and So Much More)
Welcome to Ithaca, New York, where waterfalls are more common than fast food chains, and the local motto "Ithaca is Gorges" isn't just a pun—it's a lifestyle. Perched at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, this vibrant college town of about 32,000 residents mixes hippie soul, academic buzz, culinary brilliance, and enough outdoor adventure to fill your Birkenstocks.
With Cornell University and Ithaca College fueling the brainpower, and farmer's markets, indie music, and more waterfalls per square mile than any other U.S. city fueling the vibes, Ithaca proves that weird + wonderful = a great place to wander (and eat very, very well).
Podcast: Dive Deeper into Ithaca
Listen to our dedicated podcast episode to get the full scoop on Ithaca's gorge-ous landscapes and funky charm!
Your Ithaca Ebook Guide
Want to take Ithaca with you? Our comprehensive ebook guide is packed with even more tips, maps, and itineraries for this unique Finger Lakes town.
Ebook Coming Soon!Top Attractions & Things to Do
Ithaca Falls
A stunning 150-foot cascade right in town—nature's grand entrance.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
4,000 acres of gorge-hugging trails, floral displays, and zen zones.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Lakeside shopping for local produce, international eats, and boho jewelry—live music often included.
Downtown Ithaca Commons
A pedestrian paradise of cafés, bookstores, street performers, and progressive energy.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Natural swimming holes, stone staircases, and Insta-worthy cascades.
Taughannock Falls
Just north of town, this 215-foot waterfall out-talls Niagara and inspires audible gasps.
Unique Ithaca Stories & Facts
Waterfall Capital
Over 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius—some say there are more drops here than in your inbox.
Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae
Ithaca claims to have invented it in 1892. Rival towns may protest, but they're just salty.
Carl Sagan's Stargazing Spot
The late Cornell professor often watched the cosmos from Libe Slope—a popular picnic and stargazing hill.
Finger Lakes Funk
Ithaca is known for its fusion of academia and arts, earning a rep as "the Berkeley of the East."
Planning Your Ithaca Adventure
Best Travel Seasons
- Spring (Apr–Jun): 50-75°F, waterfalls rush, campus lawns bloom, farmer's market flair.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): 70-85°F, perfect for hiking, swimming, and wine-tasting.
- Fall (Sep–Oct): 50-70°F, dazzling foliage, harvest festivals, cider everything.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): 20-40°F, snow-draped trails, cozy cafés, sledding on Libe Slope.
Travel Essentials
Recommended Stay: 2–3 Days for gorges, food, music, and maybe a philosophy class.
What to Pack: Trail shoes, raincoat (Ithaca is gorge-ously damp), reusable bag for market hauls, and an open mind.
Safety: Super safe—watch your step near gorge edges and check trail conditions after heavy rain.
Accessibility: The Commons and most campus spots are walkable and accessible; some trails have stairs or steeper paths.
Where to Stay in Ithaca
Luxury: The Statler Hotel
Located on Cornell's campus with Ivy League views. From $250/night.
Mid-Range: Argos Inn
Art-filled boutique hotel with a killer cocktail bar. From $180/night.
Budget: The Grayhaven Motel
Retro, minimalist, and close to Buttermilk Falls. From $110/night.
Camping: Robert H. Treman State Park
Wooded sites near waterfalls. From $20/night.
Local Flavors: Dining Highlights
Moosewood Restaurant
World-famous vegetarian spot that redefined hippie food with flavor.
Just a Taste
Tapas-style dishes and a wine list that winks at you.
Purity Ice Cream
Old-fashioned ice cream shop serving sundaes since 1936 (possibly invented here!).
Sangam Indian Cuisine
All-you-can-eat Indian buffet downtown—naan heaven.
Explore Nearby (Within 20-30 Miles)
Taughannock Falls State Park
Higher than Niagara, easier than you'd think to access.
Trumansburg
Tiny town with big personality—cool cafés, music bars, gateway to wine country.
Watkins Glen (30 miles)
Slot canyons and waterfalls that feel like Narnia.
Cayuga Nature Center
Treetop walkways, wildlife exhibits, and a giant climbing tree.