Ithaca

Ithaca surprised me. I expected beautiful scenery, but I discovered something more—a destination where dramatic waterfalls, winding country roads, charming downtown streets and the simple pleasure of taking your time come together. Set amid the rolling hills and shimmering lakes of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca has a personality all its own—part sophisticated cultural destination, part outdoor playground, part small-town retreat. And then, of course, there are the gorges. So many gorges, in fact, that the city has adopted the wonderfully appropriate slogan: “Ithaca is Gorges.” I

For my weekend getaway, I stayed at Hotel Ithaca, an independently owned property at 222 South Cayuga Street in the heart of downtown. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how welcoming the hotel felt. The staff was warm and accommodating, and my room was clean, comfortable, and spacious - the kind of room that makes you want to unpack rather than simply drop your suitcase and head out.

With 170 guest rooms and suites, many recently renovated, Hotel Ithaca makes an easy home base for exploring the area. I quickly discovered that one of the best things about its location is that I could enjoy Ithaca’s natural beauty during the day and return to downtown energy in the evening.

THE BEAUTY OUTSIDE MY DOOR
My first real taste of Ithaca’s natural drama was Taughannock Falls, one of the area’s most spectacular attractions. The waterfall plunges dramatically into a gorge surrounded by towering cliffs, creating a scene that feels much farther from New York City than it actually is. I visited during the fall, when the foliage was putting on its own show, and the combination of colorful leaves, rock walls and rushing water was breathtaking.

After the falls, I explored the Ithaca Farmers Market, where the region’s local character was on full display. There was plenty of delicious food to discover, and I couldn’t resist a stop at a nearby orchard for fresh apple cider donuts. Somehow, eating a warm cider donut surrounded by autumn scenery makes fall taste even better.

I could have spent the entire weekend exploring Ithaca’s waterfalls. Buttermilk Falls State Park offers wooded trails, waterfalls and dramatic gorge walls, while Robert H. Treman State Park is home to beautiful Lucifer Falls. Even Cascadilla Gorge, remarkably close to downtown, offers an unexpectedly wild escape.

What I particularly appreciated was that I didn’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy Ithaca’s outdoors. I could choose a walk that suited me, stop for photographs, admire the scenery or simply stand still for a moment and take it all in. Nature here isn’t something I felt I had to conquer. It was something I could simply savor.

WINE COUNTRY, WITH A VIEW
The Finger Lakes are also known for their wine, and Ithaca is an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s vineyards and tasting rooms. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the first established wine trail in the United States, winds through the countryside surrounding Cayuga Lake. I loved the idea of spending an afternoon driving through this beautiful landscape, stopping for a tasting here and a scenic view there.

Wine country has a wonderfully leisurely feel. You don’t have to rush. You can linger over a glass, enjoy lunch overlooking the vineyards or simply take the long way to your next destination. Even if wine isn’t your thing, the countryside is worth exploring. Farms, forests, lake views and winding roads create a landscape that practically begs you to slow down.

DISCOVERING DOWNTOWN ITHACA
One of the things I enjoyed most about Ithaca was the city’s independent personality. Downtown is filled with restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural attractions, creating an atmosphere that feels lively without being overwhelming.

The Ithaca Commons, just steps from Hotel Ithaca, is the pedestrian-friendly heart of downtown. I enjoyed wandering without having a particular destination in mind—a little shopping, a little people-watching and perhaps a leisurely meal along the way.

For those who enjoy art and culture, Ithaca offers museums, galleries, performances and other opportunities to spend an afternoon doing something a little different. The Johnson Museum of Art is one place worth discovering, while the downtown area itself provides plenty of opportunities to browse, explore and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

I found that Ithaca rewards curiosity. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, I could wander down a street, discover a shop or café and let the day unfold naturally.

BACK AT HOTEL ITHACA
After a day of waterfalls and wandering, I appreciated coming back to a hotel that offered plenty to do without requiring me to leave again. Hotel Ithaca has an indoor heated pool and fitness center, along with complimentary Wi-Fi and a complimentary coffee and tea bar. The hotel also features spacious event facilities, including ballrooms that can accommodate weddings, athletic banquets and other gatherings.

I especially enjoyed the seasonal touches throughout the hotel. Fresh apples and caramel popcorn in the lobby added a charming autumn touch and made the property feel connected to the season outside.

And then there was dinner. After a full day of exploring, I didn’t have to go anywhere. I simply headed to the hotel’s Burger Bar, where I found a generous menu with plenty of choices and the ability to customize my meal. It was exactly what I wanted after a busy day—casual, satisfying and convenient. Sometimes the luxury of a getaway is simply not having to get back into the car.

THE ART OF DOING LESS
One of the things I enjoyed most about Ithaca was that I never felt pressured to fill every moment. I could have spent the morning hiking through a gorge, followed by a winery tour, a museum and dinner downtown. Or I could have slept late, had coffee, wandered through the farmers market and taken a scenic drive.

I chose a little of both. And perhaps that’s what makes Ithaca such an appealing destination. Take the scenic route. Stop at a waterfall. Sit beside the lake. Browse a shop. Have another glass of wine. Try the cider donuts. Discover a restaurant you hadn’t planned on visiting.

There is no prize for rushing through Ithaca. Hotel Ithaca was a comfortable, convenient base for my weekend, letting me experience both sides of the destination: the lively downtown and the spectacular natural landscape surrounding it.

I left Ithaca thinking that its greatest attraction may not be any single waterfall, vineyard, or museum. It’s about finding a beautiful place— and giving yourself permission to stay awhile