Ithaca is gorges, as they say. And I can say it really is. A bustling small town, full of students from the local universities Cornell and Ithaca College, Ithaca has a lot to offer for its isolated Upstate location. The gorges are as beautiful as they are said to be, some of which I pass over to get to class in the morning. The nearby Taughannock Falls and Robert E. Treman State park are perfect day trips for picnics and hiking.
Cornell's campus is at its best in the fall as the foliage brightens to reds and yellows and as the sun sets into the rolling hills the sky is filled with every shade of violet.
Start you day with a cup of joe. A student favorite is Collegetown Bagels, with one location near campus in Collegetown and one in the downtown area called the 'Commons.' You can pick up a bagel, wrap, or sandwich, and eggs are served all day. They also have a wide variety of coffee drinks and brews on tap.
I prefer The Shop and gimme! Coffee downtown. The Shop is cozy space with linoleum ceilings and art by rotating artists on the walls. In the back is a tattoo shop if you're so obliged... The coffee is good, music pleasant, and staff are generally knowledgable and friendly. (PS, the baked goods are tasty). gimme! Coffee is an Ithaca standby; the beans are hand-chosen, roasted, and blended in house. Their locations are always full of the hippest of hip and you'll feel like a true aficionado. My co-op house buys our coffee wholesale from gimme!.
Cornell's campus is at its best in the fall as the foliage brightens to reds and yellows and as the sun sets into the rolling hills the sky is filled with every shade of violet.
Start you day with a cup of joe. A student favorite is Collegetown Bagels, with one location near campus in Collegetown and one in the downtown area called the 'Commons.' You can pick up a bagel, wrap, or sandwich, and eggs are served all day. They also have a wide variety of coffee drinks and brews on tap.
I prefer The Shop and gimme! Coffee downtown. The Shop is cozy space with linoleum ceilings and art by rotating artists on the walls. In the back is a tattoo shop if you're so obliged... The coffee is good, music pleasant, and staff are generally knowledgable and friendly. (PS, the baked goods are tasty). gimme! Coffee is an Ithaca standby; the beans are hand-chosen, roasted, and blended in house. Their locations are always full of the hippest of hip and you'll feel like a true aficionado. My co-op house buys our coffee wholesale from gimme!.
Stroll over to the 'Commons' a large outdoor walking mall and downtown area. For great vintage, try Petrune. They carry good quality men's and women's clothing and bonus: affordable records. If you're looking for a specific album, head across the street to Angry Mom Records (in the basement of the Autumn Leaves bookshop). Most likely they'll be playing experimental tunes while you shop. Be sure to check the band posters to find out about local shows. Nearby is Homegrown, a small skate shop. For stylish men's clothing and shoes, this is the place to go. Additionally, for the more outdoorsy gentlemen, Narrative Space is a personal favorite. The shop always smells like cedar and fir and they offer great pieces from brands such as Filson, Woolrich, and Redwing. I love their line of men's skincare products (Baxter of California) and Juniper Ridge incense and soaps. (And they have a barber shop!)
For a bite to eat, my favorites are Gorgers Subs (their poboys are soo tasty), Ithaca Beer Co. (for locally brewed artisan and craft beers and American fare), and Le Cafe Cent Dix (upscale, fresh French food). For brunch, the spot to be is Cafe Dewitt (show up early, space is limited) for amazing pastries, cakes and general breakfast items. or The Carriage House Cafe in a renovated... you guessed it, carriage house.
Finish off your day with a visit to the State Theatre of Ithaca or The Haunt. Both venues host musicians from Wilco to Joan Baez to Guster. Most shows are listed: here. The State Theatre is a historical theater with beautifully ornate ceilings and walls and red velvet curtains, and The Haunt is a bit of a country dive bar with plenty of room to stomp your feet.
enjoy your trip
xx
enjoy your trip
xx