No trip to Ithaca is complete without doing two things:  Wineries and Waterfalls

Ithaca is at the base of the Cayuga Wine Trail, home of 16 high quality Finger Lakes wineries.  The best way to do the wineries is through a tour, so you don't have to drive and can taste to your heart's content.  There are different limo and tour companies that will take you up the wine trail. On the tours, in addition to the tastings, you can learn about the wine-making process or history of the wine region. Some tours offer different food-pairings at each winery to enhance the tasting experience.

Ithaca is located in the center of some of the most amazing geology you will find anywhere. There are four state parks within 10  miles of downtown, and they all feature incredible gorges and waterfalls.  The hikes through the gorges are really accessible for most people, and there are overlooks for those who can't make the hikes.  The best state parks to visit are Treman State Park, Buttermilk State Park, and Taughannock State Park.  Experience! The Finger Lakes does amazing interpretive tours through these gorges, if you want to experience these gorges from a local guide's perspective. If you want to take a self-guided tour, go to this webpage, download the tour to your iPod, and off you go!