Compare Cheap Hotels in Ithaca

While Ithaca, New York is much more than a college hometown, institutes like Ithaca College, Cornell University, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Museum of the Earth and Sciencenter reflect the importance of academics here. However, the city slogan, 'Ithaca is Gorges', refers to the area's abundance of waterfalls, gorges and state parks.

Key facts

Ithaca rests on the shores of Lake Cayuga, the longest of five Finger Lakes in central New York. The best-known waterfall and gorge, Ithaca Falls in Fall Creek Gorge near Cornell, reflects the glacier-carved terrain. Its choice of restaurants demonstrates Ithaca's preference of creative farm-to-table fine cuisine. There are more restaurants per person here than almost anywhere else in the United States. Steamboat Landing's Farmer's Market offers even more palate-pleasing food: more than 150 vendors showcase fresh and prepared goods for sale. Nearby Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is a delightful place to taste the region's wines. Downtown Ithaca Commons draws art lovers, and TCAT, the local bus system, is a fast, inexpensive way to travel from downtown to Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH).

Hints and tips

Winters in Ithaca are usually long and cold, perfect for visitors who enjoy skiing at nearby Greek Creek Mountain. Summer visitors can take part in hiking and kayaking Taughannock Falls or Buttermilk Falls, attending free outdoor concerts or viewing art exhibits at Cornell.