Coffee
Press cafe
118 w green st (press bay alley)
7 min walk
607-280-3288
gourmet coffee shop with a modern, minimalist aesthetic
Gimme coffee
506 w state st
15 min walk, 5 min drive
607-272-8564
trendy, world class coffee, baked goods
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Ithaca bakery
400 n meadow st
25 min walk, 7 min drive
607-273-7110
specialty coffee, frozen espresso & smoothies, international menu that changes daily
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Breakfast
215 n cayuga st (dewitt mall)
10 min walk
607-273-3473
contemporary bistro
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
(breakfast served all day)
301 e state st
3 min walk
607-273-2848
baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, & coffee
*vegan friendly
Lincoln street diner
309 e lincoln st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-216-1616
american diner fare with daily specials in a humble, old-school space
*vegetarian friendly
Angelhearts diner
401 e state st
across the street
607-319-4205
retro diner featuring vegan comfort food made from scratch
*all vegan, gluten-free friendly
Hound & mare
118 n aurora st (restaurant row)
5 min walk
607-319-4463
fresh, healthy, convenient cafe & bakery
​*vegetarian friendly
215 n cayuga st (dewitt mall)
10 min walk
607-273-3473
contemporary bistro
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
(breakfast served all day)
Simeon's
224 e state st (the commons)
4 min walk
607-272-2212
fine food in a relaxed atmosphere. fresh seafood every day
*vegetarian friendly
Lunch
Maru ramen
512 w state st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-339-0329
slow-cooked ramen, buns &
savory dishes
*local options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Viva taqueria & cantina
215 e state st (the commons)
5 min walk
607-277-1752
fresh, healthy itha-mexican food, margarita and tequila bar
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Lev kitchen
222 e state st (the commons)
4 min walk
607-256-7977
american fare with modern flare
20 tap craft beers
*vegetarian friendly
Asia cuisine
126 n aurora st (restaurant row)
5 min walk
607-256-8818
mellow corner eatery serving diverse range of pan-asian fare, from korean bbq to sushi
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Saigon kitchen
526 w state st
15 min walk, 4 min drive
607-257-8881
fresh and delicious traditional
vietnamese food, byob
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Casual dining
Bickering twins
114 n cayuga st
8 min walk
607-319-0653
authentic mexican & latin american restaurant and bar
*vegetarian & vegan friendly
Agava
381 pine tree rd
5 min drive
607-319-4366
southwestern inspired fare with
a wood-fired oven
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
*reservations available
Mama said hand pies
118 w green st (press bay alley)
9 min walk
607-280-5941
homemade hand pies with comforting flavors from around the world
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
202 e falls st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-216-8580
cozy neighborhood vibe, seasonal menu
12 rotating drafts, extensive beer list
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
*reservations available
The rook
404 w state st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-319-0180
elevated classic cuisine in a
casual atmosphere
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Silo food truck
620 w green st
15 min walk, 5 min drive
southern cooking with an ethnic twist, fried chicken & mac n cheese
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Fine dining
Hazelnut kitchen
53 e main st
trumansburg, ny
20 min drive
607-387-4433
seasonal dishes and desserts crafted from local ingredients
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
*reservations available
Mercato bar & kitchen
108 n aurora st (restaurant row)
5 min walk
607-319-5171
italian fusion cuisine, craft cocktails, excellent wine selection
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Gola osteria
115 quarry st (quarry arms bldg)
8 min walk (uphill), 3 min drive
607-273-0333
elevated italian fare and wines
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
*reservations available
Le café cent dix
110 n aurora st (restaurant row)
5 min walk
607-319-0750
elegant eatery featuring modern french cuisine, plus wine, beer & house cocktails, french wine list
*vegan & gluten-free friendly
Late night dining
Luna inspired street food
113 n aurora st
5 min walk
(607) 269-6139
globally influenced hybrid bar food
*local/free-range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Byrne dairy & deli
323 elmira rd
7 min drive
607-272-1720
only 24 hour location in town - atm, gas, deli, ice cream, lottery...
Beer, wine & spirits shops
Red feet wine market & spirit provisions
435 franklin st
7 min drive
607-330-1056
hand picked artisanal wines
Finger lakes beverage center
605 w state st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-277-beer
largest selection of micro-brews, craft brews & soda, rotating selection of 10 growler beers to-go​
The cellar d'or wine, cider & spirits
136 e state st (the commons)
5 min walk
607-319-0500
specializing in small production/estate-bottled​
Northside wine & spirits
222 elmira rd
(in the ithaca shopping plaza)
7 min drive
607-273-7500
large finger lakes wine selection
Beer bars
Northstar house
202 e falls st
20 min walk, 5 min drive
607-216-8580
12 rotating drafts,
extensive bottled beer list
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Liquid state brewing company
620 w green st
15 min walk, 5 min drive
607-555-5555
on-site beer hall with high-quality, small batch beer+
featuring Silo food truck
southern cooking with an ethnic twist, fried chicken & mac n cheese
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Ithaca beer co.
122 ithaca beer dr
10 min drive
607-273-0766
award winning craft ales, farm to table taproom, brew pub & beer garden
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Personal best brewing
321 w state st
11 min walk, 3 min drive
607-339-0324
independent micro-brewery & taproom
*local/free range options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Ice cream
Sweet melissa's
200 w seneca st
10 min walk, 2 min drive
607-277-0090
hand-made hard ice cream of creative & classic flavors, soft serve
*non-dairy options, vegan friendly
Cayuga lake creamery (dewitt mall)
215 n cayuga st
6 min walk, 1 min drive
607-227-3987
homemade ice cream made in small batches with local ingredients
*non-dairy options, vegan & gluten-free friendly
Purity
700 cascadilla st
23 min walk, 5 min drive
607-272-1545
"ice cream of the finger lakes" since 1936 in a retro vibe parlor. bakery & breakfast/lunch/dinner options
*vegan & gluten- free friendly
Gorges & waterfalls
Cascadilla gorge trail
downtown trailhead at cascadilla park, near the intersection of
court st & university ave
7 min walk to trailhead
hiking trail is 1.32 mi -
many stairs, moderate to strenuous
no fee
open may-november
a breathtaking example of the ancient bedrock gorges ithaca is known for.
the trail connects the heart of downtown to the cornell campus. the creek drops 400' following six waterfalls. the stone trails and staircases were originally constructed in the 1920s.
Ithaca falls
lake st, near intersection of
lake & falls st
20 min walk, 7 min drive
trail is 0.14 mi
easy
no fee
open year round
our most powerful waterfall with a vertical fall of 100' and a width of 150'. watch for nesting red tailed hawks and turkey vultures riding the air currents. a popular fishing hole and local sun-lounging spot.
Taughannock falls state park
1740 taughannock blvd (route 89)
trumansburg, ny
20 min drive
607-387-6739
multiple hiking trails: 0.75 - 1.5 mi
easy to difficult
* $ car parking fee apr-oct
* gorge trail and falls overlook open year round 8am-8pm
* other trails open apr-oct
swimming in cayuga lake, picnic area, playground, marina, easy drive-up to falls overlook and a summer concert series in the park
​
taughannock falls is the tallest waterfall east of the rocky mountains, at 215'. the gorge trail offers an amazing, easy meander along the 400' gorge to the base of the falls. taughannock falls state park offers something for everyone.
Cayuga lake
Ithaca boat tours
607-697-0166
*departing from steamboat landing at the ithaca farmers market dock
545 3rd st
10 min drive
one hour tours
may-oct
walk-on only
varying fee
​
*departing from 416 taughannock blvd
10 min drive
sunset cruise, eco-tours,
fat friday happy hour cruise & more
1 1/2 - 2 hr cruises
may-oct
reservations required
varying fee
Paddle-n-more
myers park, stewart park, or taughannock falls state park
607-228-3470
kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals, lessons and guided trips
memorial day - labor day
Myers park
29 auburn rd
lansing, ny
15 min drive
31 acres with extensive cayuga lake frontage, swimming, picnic areas, marina, birding, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits and a summer concert series
daily, dawn to dusk, open year round
$5 fee per vehicle
Stewart park
1 james l gibbs dr
10 min drive
seated at the tip of cayuga lake, formerly the site of the wharton brothers silent movie studios, now featuring a carousel, athletic fields, a duck pond, spray pool, municipal golf course and a bird sanctuary
daily, 8am-10pm, open year round
no fee
carousel open wed-sun 11am-7pm
small fee to ride
Running & walking trails
Cornell botanic gardens
cornell university
nevin welcome center
124 comstock knoll dr
40 min walk, 9 min drive
607-255-2400
stewards more than 3,400 acres of preserve throughout the county. walking trails, preserves, botanic garden and arboretum on campus
dawn-dusk, open year round
South hill recreation way
hudson st, across from south hill elementary school
15 min walk (uphill) to trailhead,
5 min drive
607-273-8035
mutli-use trail: 4.6 mi - easy
hard-packed gravel trail build on an old railroad bed
open year round
Cayuga waterfront trail
trailhead and parking options:
* cass park ice rink & pool
701 taughannock blvd
35 min walk, 10 min drive
​
* stewart park
1 james l gibbs dr
35 min walk, 10 min drive
​
607-592-4647
multi-use trail: 5.5 mi - easy
picnicking, boating, birding, gardens, ithaca children's garden, outdoor fitness equipment
open year round
Fitness centers
Island health & fitness center
310 taughannock blvd
25 min walk, 8 min drive
607-277-3861
cardio, strength training, aquatics center, group fitness classes.
sauna, steam rooms, hot tub.
Planet fitness
(the shops at ithaca mall)
2309 n triphammer rd
12 min drive
607-319-0763
cardio, strength training
Spas
Rasa spa
310 taughannock blvd
25 min walk, 8 min drive
607-273-1740
massage, bodywork, energy work, facials, waxing.
sauna, showers, tranquility room.
Satori spa & salon
(village green plaza)
840 hanshaw rd
10 min drive
607-266-0103
hair, nails, facials, makeup, waxing, spa packages, featuring
amika products
Norabloom botanicals & beauty lounge
(on the ithaca commons)
132 e state st
suite 201
5 min walk
607-592-8222
organic skin care, holistic facials, waxing, natural makeup, massage therapy,
spa parties
Taxi
Ithaca airline limousine
ithaca to syracuse airport
855-349-0084
Yellow taxi
607-277-2227
University taxi
607-277-7777
Gas stations
Mirabito
(east hill plaza)
301 pine tree rd
5 min drive
Byrne dairy & deli
323 elmira rd
7 min drive
open 24 hours
Sunoco
210 s cayuga st
5 min drive
Atms
M&t bank
118 n tioga st (ithaca commons)
607-274-8948
5 min walk
walk-up open 24hrs
Tompkins trust company
118 e seneca st (ithaca commons)
607-273-3210
5 min walk
walk-up open 24hrs
local interests recommended by staff:
click the category to jump directly to our recommendations!
visitor information website by ithaca/tompkins county convention & visitors bureau
for finger lakes guided tours, try
Groceries
Greenstar natural grocery - smaller downtown offering
215 n cayuga st (dewitt mall)
8 min walk
607-273-8213
natural foods market, grocery, bakery, beer, vitamins.
prepared food and hot-bar available
*organic, local & farm-raised, gluten-free options
​
Greenstar
- large mother store
770 cascadilla st
25 min walk, 7 min drive
natural foods market, produce, vitamins & wellness.
house-made prepared foods & baked goods, made to order coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, fresh-cut meat & specialty cheese
local beer & cider
*organic, local & farm-raised, gluten-free options
Wegmans
500 s meadow st
25 min walk, 7 min drive
607-277-5800
large gourmet grocery, bakery, beer, international foods, wellness & natural foods. pharmacy.
prepared food and hot-bar available - eat-in or takeout
*organic, local & farm-raised, gluten-free options
News stand/smoke shop
Commons market
122 n aurora st
5 min walk
607-273-3236
bodega with atm, cigarettes, newspapers, beer,, snacks
Ithaca farmers market
An owner-operated cooperative market (since 1973) with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. main market located on a beautiful park on the cayuga lake waterfront.
​
fresh vegetables, fruit, pastured meats, wine, cheese, bakeries and hot prepared foods...
live music & artisanal gifts
​
also: summer boat tours at steam boat landing
Steam boat landing- main market
30 min walk, 8 min drive
607-273-7109
april-december
saturdays & sundays
Dewitt park - smaller downtown offering
corner of n cayuga st & e buffalo st
10 min walk
607-273-7109
tuesday june-sept
Music
Angry mom records
115 e state st (ithaca commons)
-basement of autumn leaves book store
5 min walk
607-319-4953
buy, sell & trade lps, 45s, 78s, cds & cassettes.
specialize in rock, punk, indie, soul/r&b, country, international, reggae, psych, folk, electronic, metal and oddities
Ithaca guitar works
215 n cayuga st (dewitt mall)
6 min walk
607-592-4135
new, used and vintage musical instruments
Museums
The history center in tompkins county
110 n tioga st
(on the ithaca commons)
5 min walk
607-273-8284 ext 228
local history.
a generation-to-generation education and research center focused on engaging with the public. the center helps people use the tools of history to understand the past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping the future.
offers permanent & temporary exhibits.
Cornell lab of ornithology &
sapsucker woods sanctuary
159 sapsucker woods rd
11 min drive
800-843-bird (2473)
a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. featuring lab tours, trail walks, seminars and special events.
the sanctuary is 230 acres of forest, ponds, swamps and wildlife.
visit the egg cairn created by renowned natural sculptor and artist andy goldsworthy during his residency at cornell university.
Museum of the earth
1259 trumansburg rd
9 min drive
607-273-6623
explore earth and its prehistoric past—from the tiniest trilobites to the mighty mastodon—through engaging and interactive displays, hands-on features, stunning fossils, and science-inspired art.
the natural history museum arm of the paleontological research institution. (in conjunction with cornell and the cayuga nature center.)
offers permanent & temporary exhibits and rotating special events.
Books
Buffalo street books
215 n cayuga st
(in the dewitt mall)
5 min walk
607-273-8246
community-owned cooperative bookstore with regular events featuring local & national authors and artists
Autumn leaves used books
115 e state st
(on the ithaca commons)
5 min walk
607-273-8239
extensive array of used books with an ever-changing selection of collectible, first editions and signed books
Art galleries/museums
Ink shop printmaking center
(above community school of
music and art)
330 e state st
3 min walk
607-277-3884
non-profit, artist operated, community-based printmaking facility and gallery
State of the art gallery
120 w state st
6 min walk
607-277-1626
cooperative fine art gallery owned and operated by its members- 27 visual artists from the finger lakes region- seeking to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of the community
Herbert f. johnson museum of art
(cornell university)
114 central ave
28 min walk, 6 min drive
607-255-6464
temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 35,000 works, spanning six millennia and most world cultures.
must see: the 5th floor for amazing 360 degree view of ithaca
Film theaters
Cinemapolis
120 e green st
4 min walk
607-277-6115
first-run non-profit theater featuring independent, foreign and locally-produced films, film festival and arts events. 5 screens.
Regal ithaca mall stadium 14
(the shops at ithaca mall)
40 catherwood rd
12 min drive
844-462-7342
theater complex with 14 screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.
Live Theatre
The Cherry Arts
102 cherry street
6 min drive
607-241-0703
a non-profit arts facilitator and presenting organization. supporting a wide range of artists and arts organizations.
Kitchen Theatre Company
417 w state st
12 min walk
607-272-0507
bold. intimate. engaging
small, 99-seat stage showcasing new & familiar plays in a green building with an art gallery & bar.
Local shops
vintage clothing
​
Petrune
128 e state st
(on the ithaca commons)
5 min walk
607-277-1930
vintage and modern interpretations of classics from their own label and other indie designers- for men & women
regional artisans
​
Handwork
102 w state st
6 min walk
607-273-9400
artisan cooperative featuring pottery, jewelry, fiber, woodwork, leather, glass and mixed media
antiques
​
Found in ithaca
227 cherry st
28 min walk, 7 min drive
607-319-5078
7,000 sq feet multi-dealer antique and vintage marketplace - from 19th century formal to mid century modern
gift shop/souvenir store
​
Sunny days of ithaca
171 e state st
(on the ithaca commons)
5 min walk
607-319-5260
ithaca & finger lakes souvenirs
Ithacamade
215 n cayuga st
(in the dewitt mall)
5 min walk
607-272-1396
features creative ithaca artists & products
home goods
​
Home green home
126 e state st
(on the ithaca commons)
5 min walk
607-319-4159
healthy furnishings & green living goods
Religious services
First unitarian society of ithaca
206 n aurora st
8 min walk
607-273-7521
Immaculate conception church
113 n geneva st
10 min walk
607-273-6121
First presbyterian church
315 n cayuga st
10 min walk
607-272-2800
Religious society of friends
120 third st
20 min walk, 10 min drive
607-229-9500
