A trip to Ithaca is not complete without time spent in the Farmer's Market, viewing a waterfall, visiting Cornell, shopping, and dinner in the Commons.
The Farmer's Market is open Saturdays and Sundays and features local artisans, farmers, restaurants, and wineries selling their wares. Start your day here and enjoy breakfast while you browse the vendors. Just be sure to eat before you begin sampling the wines! After going to the Farmer's Market it's only a short drive to one of the many waterfalls in the area.
Ithaca Falls is the closest and is easily viewed from the car. There is a small parking lot nearby if you'd like to park and get some better photographs. Also within a 20 minute drive of the Farmer's Market are the three state parks famous for their waterfalls: Taughanook, Buttermilk, and Robert Treman. Cornell also has it's own gorge and waterfalls worth viewing.
There are botanical gardens called Cornell Plantations that offer both traditional gardens, an arboretum, and a wildflower garden to walk through. If you park, be sure to obey the parking regulations. You may be required to purchase a parking permit from one of the kiosks located throughout the campus.
Ithaca offers great shopping opportunities. The Commons is a unique pedestrian area that has a shop for everyone. The parking garage makes it easy to park as well. After browsing the local shops grab a bite to eat.
There are many restaurants to choose from on the Commons and many offer outdoor dining. Before making your dining selection be sure to check out the restaurants on Aurora St. (right next to the Commons) for more choices.
