Ithaca holidays
Located in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, this leafy college town is distinguished by its towering waterfalls, pretty woodlands and rocky gorges. The best holidays in Ithaca strike the right balance between nature and culture. Admire the grand buildings of Cornell University, sample farm-fresh produce, and visit world-class museums. And don’t leave without digging into an ice cream sundae — some claim the dessert was born here.
Ithaca holiday highlights
©Paul Massie 2019, All Rights Reserved
Farm-fresh food
With its rich farming heritage, Ithaca is a hotspot for farm-to-table cuisine. Stroll through the Ithaca Farmers Market and taste artisan cheese, apple cider and honey. Local produce can be found on menus everywhere, from rustic tap rooms to upscale eateries. Try and snag a reservation at Moosewood Restaurant, a local institution that’s been winning over diners with its seasonal vegetarian cuisine for over 50 years.
City of waterfalls
With over 150 waterfalls close by, you don’t need to venture far for outdoor adventures on your Ithaca holiday. Cascadilla Gorge Trail is one of the most popular hikes, starting downtown and passing six waterfalls along a short path through an ancient gorge. Taughannock Falls State Park is worth the short drive out of the city. Choose between several scenic hikes to reach the show-stopping cascade, which is taller than Niagara Falls.
Where to stay
Downtown Ithaca puts you within easy reach of top museums, restaurants and bars, plus the Cascadilla Gorge Trail and Cornell University. Lodging options range from historic boutique hotels to upscale bed and breakfasts and reliable chains. Hit pedestrian-only Ithaca Commons for unique shops, and choose from a host of international eateries along Restaurant Row.
Ithaca: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
August – October
Low season
December – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Ithaca
Places to eat
Restaurants in Ithaca keep it local by using seasonal products from the region’s farmers, wineries and breweries. You’ll find everything from New Orleans-inspired oyster bars to cosy tapas joints and all-American diners. For cheap eats, join the students at Collegetown Bagels (CTB for short). Ithaca is said to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae. Try one at Purity Ice Cream, a beloved local scoop shop that’s been going since 1936.
Take in the culture
Art fans won’t want to miss the free Herbert F Johnson Museum of Art. In a striking modern building overlooking Cayuga Lake, you’ll find an extensive collection of Asian art alongside works by famous artists such as Matisse, Manet and Rembrandt. One of the best museums in Ithaca for families is the Sciencenter, which has hands-on exhibits on everything from outer space to native wildlife.
Shopping
For the best shopping in Ithaca, head to the Commons, a four-block pedestrianised area that’s home to some of the city’s most historic buildings. Hunt for unique gifts, local arts and crafts, second-hand books and clothing in dozens of independent boutiques. Even if you’re just window shopping, the mix of heritage architecture, street performers and food stalls makes this a great place to stroll.
FAQs about Ithaca holidays
You don’t need a long time to have a great holiday in Ithaca. Three to four days are enough to take in the city’s best museums, enjoy local restaurants and explore hiking trails in the surrounding Finger Lakes region.
Whether you're interested in sightseeing, shopping, or anything in between, there are plenty of things to do in Ithaca. Ithaca Waterfalls and Ithaca Commons are just a glimpse of why this city is worth exploring.
With temperatures peaking at 28ºC (82ºF), July is the warmest month in Ithaca.
Plan your Ithaca holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -13ºC (9ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Ithaca is a safe and friendly travel destination. Taking common-sense precautions, such as avoiding walking alone after dark and being mindful of your valuables, will ensure that your Ithaca holiday goes smoothly.
The time of year you go, the airline you pick, and where you stay will help influence what you spend on your city break in Ithaca. If you're aiming to keep costs low, keep an eye out for special offers or last-minute deals on Ithaca flights and hotels. Staying midweek and flying with budget airlines are other ways to save.
With an average rainfall of 13 cm, June is the rainiest month to go on an Ithaca holiday. When the drizzle sets in, venture indoors and make the most of the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
While on your city break in Ithaca, most people you'll meet will be speaking English.
Summer is the high season and has the best temperatures for outdoor activities. Wintertime offers cheaper rates on hotels and activities, but be prepared to wrap up. To see the city come to life with stunning foliage, plan your Ithaca holiday in autumn.
During your trip to Ithaca, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your spending. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any hassles with payments.
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