Tompkins County, New York
Ithaca
Gorges, waterfalls, Cornell, and some of the best hiking in the Northeast — all wrapped around a surprisingly vibrant college city.
Ithaca sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes, surrounded by a landscape carved by glaciers into something genuinely dramatic. The city's unofficial motto — 'Ithaca is Gorges' — is not just a pun. Within a few miles of downtown you'll find Taughannock Falls (taller than Niagara), Buttermilk Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Cascadilla Gorge cutting right through the Cornell campus.
Cornell University and Ithaca College give the city an intellectual energy and a food scene that punches well above its size. The Ithaca Farmers Market, running since 1973, is one of the best in New York State. The Commons pedestrian mall has independent restaurants, bookshops, and a live music scene that keeps the city lively year-round.
From Rochester it's a straight 1.5-hour drive south on Route 96. From NYC it's about 4 hours — long for a day trip but very manageable for a weekend. Fall is the peak season for gorge hiking when the foliage frames the waterfalls, but summer and spring are equally beautiful and less crowded.
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
Peak foliage frames the gorges and waterfalls in color. Taughannock and Buttermilk are at their most photogenic. Cornell's campus is stunning. Book lodging early — fall weekends fill fast.
Waterfalls run at full volume from snowmelt. The gorge trails reopen after winter. The Farmers Market kicks back into full swing. Fewer crowds than fall.
Warm Cayuga Lake swimming, full restaurant and winery calendars, and long days for hiking. The city is lively with students gone and tourists arriving.
Gorge trails close when icy. The city quiets down but stays open. Frozen waterfalls are spectacular if you catch them right. Good for a budget weekend.
Things to Do
Taughannock Falls State Park
OutdoorsAt 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is taller than Niagara Falls. The gorge trail (1.5 miles round trip, flat) leads to a viewing area at the base of the falls. The overlook trail above gives a bird's-eye view. One of the most accessible dramatic waterfalls in the Northeast.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
OutdoorsTen waterfalls cascade down a 500-foot gorge just minutes from downtown Ithaca. The Gorge Trail climbs alongside the falls to a swimming hole at the top. The Bear Trail loop through the woods above is quieter and equally beautiful.
Cornell University Campus
CultureOne of the most beautiful university campuses in America, perched on a hill above Cayuga Lake with views across the valley. Walk the Arts Quad, cross the suspension bridge over Cascadilla Gorge, and visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (free admission, I.M. Pei building).
Ithaca Farmers Market
FoodRunning since 1973 on the Cayuga Lake waterfront at Steamboat Landing. Saturday and Sunday mornings, April through December. Over 150 vendors selling produce, prepared food, crafts, and live music. One of the best farmers markets in New York State — don't miss it.
Finger Lakes Wineries
FoodCayuga Lake is the westernmost of the Finger Lakes wine trails. Sheldrake Point, Lucas Vineyards, and Thirsty Owl are all within 20 minutes of Ithaca. The Cayuga Wine Trail runs along the western shore of the lake — a half-day loop hits four or five wineries comfortably.
Robert H. Treman State Park
OutdoorsTwelve waterfalls along Enfield Creek, including the dramatic Lucifer Falls. The gorge trail (3.5 miles) is more rugged than Buttermilk and rewards the effort. There's a natural swimming hole at the lower park that's popular in summer.
2-Day Ithaca Itinerary
Gorges & the City
Start at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Hike the Gorge Trail up alongside the falls — it's about 1.5 miles up and takes 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace. The swimming hole at the top is worth a stop in summer. Back down, grab coffee at Gimme! Coffee on the Commons.
Lunch on the Ithaca Commons — the pedestrian mall in downtown. Moosewood Restaurant is the famous vegetarian institution that's been here since 1973. Agava for Mexican, or Taste of Thai for something quick. Browse the independent bookshops and record stores after lunch.
Walk the Cornell campus. Cross the suspension bridge over Cascadilla Gorge, walk the Arts Quad, and stop at the Johnson Museum of Art for the views from the top floor alone. The gorge trail through campus connects to the Fall Creek area.
Dinner at Hazelnut Kitchen in Trumansburg (20 min north) if you want a special meal — farm-to-table, excellent wine list, reservation required. Or stay in Ithaca for Ports of New York Winery tasting room on the Commons, then dinner at Mahogany Grill.
Taughannock & Wine Country
Hit the Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing (Saturday or Sunday, 9 AM–3 PM). Grab breakfast from the prepared food vendors — the crepes, empanadas, and wood-fired pizza are all excellent. Walk the waterfront after.
Drive north on Route 89 along the western shore of Cayuga Lake to Taughannock Falls State Park (15 min). Take the gorge trail to the base of the falls. Then continue north to Sheldrake Point Winery for a lakeside tasting with views across Cayuga Lake.
Continue the Cayuga Wine Trail north — Lucas Vineyards and Thirsty Owl are both worth stops. The drive back south along Route 89 hugs the lakeshore and is one of the prettiest drives in the Finger Lakes.
Back in Ithaca for a final dinner before the drive home. Coltivare for wood-fired Italian, or Agava for a lively send-off. The State Theatre on State Street has live music most weekends — check the calendar before you go.
Where to Eat
Moosewood Restaurant
$$Vegetarian · Downtown Ithaca
The legendary vegetarian restaurant that helped define American natural food cooking since 1973. The menu changes daily based on what's local and seasonal. A genuine Ithaca institution — worth a visit even if you're not vegetarian.
Hazelnut Kitchen
$$$Farm-to-Table · Trumansburg (20 min)
The best special-occasion restaurant in the Ithaca area. Seasonal menu, excellent Finger Lakes wine list, and a warm dining room in a converted historic building. Reserve well in advance for weekends.
Coltivare
$$Italian · Downtown Ithaca
Wood-fired pizza and pasta in a lively downtown space. The pizza is excellent and the cocktail program is strong. Good for a casual dinner that doesn't require a reservation.
Agava
$$Mexican · Downtown Ithaca
Upscale Mexican on the Commons with a great margarita list and a menu that goes well beyond Tex-Mex. The rooftop patio is one of the best outdoor dining spots in Ithaca in summer.
Ithaca Farmers Market
$Market · Steamboat Landing
Saturday and Sunday mornings, April–December. Dozens of prepared food vendors alongside produce and crafts. The best breakfast in Ithaca on a weekend morning — budget $15–20 per person for a full meal.
Where to Stay
The Statler Hotel at Cornell
$$$Hotel · Cornell Campus
A full-service hotel on the Cornell campus, operated by Cornell's hospitality school. Excellent location for campus walks and gorge access. The on-site restaurant, Banfi's, is one of the better hotel restaurants in the region.
William Henry Miller Inn
$$B&B · Downtown Ithaca
A beautifully restored 1880 Victorian B&B a short walk from the Commons. Nine rooms, full breakfast, and a genuinely warm welcome. One of the best-reviewed B&Bs in the Finger Lakes.
La Tourelle Resort & Spa
$$$Resort · Outside Ithaca
A 70-acre resort on a hill above Ithaca with spa services, tennis courts, and walking trails. The rooms are comfortable and the setting is peaceful. Good for a romantic weekend.
Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
$$Hotel · Downtown Ithaca
Reliable mid-range option in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the Commons and the Farmers Market. Good value compared to the boutique options, especially on weekdays.
Weekend Budget (USD, per couple)
Fall peak pricing. Spring and summer run 10–20% lower; winter is the cheapest season.
| Expense | Budget | Splurge |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel (2 nights, mid-range) | $200 | $500 |
| State park parking (2 days) | $10 | $20 |
| Meals (2 dinners, 2 lunches, breakfasts) | $120 | $250 |
| Winery tastings (2–3 stops) | $30 | $60 |
| Farmers Market breakfast & shopping | $30 | $60 |
| Gas from Rochester / Buffalo | $20 | $50 |
| Miscellaneous (shops, tips, extras) | $30 | $80 |
| Weekend Total | $440 | $1,020 |
Also Consider
Finger Lakes
The full wine country region — 11 lakes, dozens of wineries, and Watkins Glen gorge.
Watkins Glen
The most dramatic gorge in the Finger Lakes, plus NASCAR and wine country.
Corning
The Glass Museum city — world-class museum, walkable Gaffer District, Finger Lakes gateway.
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