Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
What to do and see in Ithaca, New York (NY): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Restaurants in Ithaca
1. Ports of New York Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
TASTING $6 or WINERY TOURS AND TASTING $9 • Closed: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (W,Th, F), Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Reviewed By debrabV8926PH
Off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. Friendly hosts to tell about their family history and great wine!
2. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
3. Hangar Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Hangar Theatre is Ithaca's premier professional regional theatre, presenting award-winning plays and musicals, live theatre for children, experimental theatre, new play readings, cabarets, special events, art exhibits, and more. Located in a renovated airplane hangar on the site of Ithaca's first airport, esteemed Broadway stars frequently headline Hangar productions. Coming Up Next: "Hangar Hits the Runway" Dec 8 at 3pm, a fashion show and shopping event with Jane Morgan's Little House. Proceeds support the creation of costumes for Hangar productions. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Dec 13-15 Theatre Incognita presents this acerbic, hilarious and shattering journey into the battlefields of marriage and academia. "The Burns Sisters Holiday Concert" Dec 21 at 8pm, hear original songs and seasonal selections from cultures around the world. These local singer-songwriters have toured with Arlo Guthrie, creating their own blend of folk, rock, and blues. Bring donations for the food bank and be entered to win prizes.
4. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
We decided to hike the Cacadilla Trail in Ithaca, NY it starts out pretty easy but there are some spots where the stairs are steep and challenging for older folks and small children. Plus going up is one type of challenge while coming down presents another if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to attempt this hike. Other wise we all met the challenges from my 4 year old Grandson to myself at 66. Enjoy the outdoors and try this hike or just do part of it and enjoy the wonders of nature!
5. Ithaca Children's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Ithaca Children’s Garden is an award-winning 3-acre public children’s garden designed for kids, enjoyed by all, and driven by a mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. First time to Ithaca? Make sure ICG is on your itinerary. ICG welcomes ALL visitors EVERY day. From exploring the Kitchen Garden and walking the Bulb Labyrinth to climbing on the back of Gaia (the turtle giantess) and playing in the Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone, this is truly a place for kids to be kids. Pack some snacks and bring a water bottle - you may or may not encounter staff while you're there as offices are off site (at least for now). Enjoy your visit and try to leave it a smidge better than you found it... it takes a village!
Reviewed By Explore280092
Very creative, kid-oriented, interactive. Fun, fun, fun (even for grown-ups)! The anarchy zone is brilliant. Bring lunch and have a picnic.
