Best hotels in Ithaca
The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
130 Statler Drive, NY, 14853
You’ll find this hotel at the heart of Cornell campus, ideal if you’re visiting the university. Make the most of the lively student atmosphere and take in the grand architecture as well as the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. There are three Tuscan-inspired on-site restaurants, and you can also hike waterfall trails from here.
Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons
120 South Aurora Street, NY, 14850
Situated alongside Restaurant Row and just a short distance from the university, this Marriott hotel is in an ideal location with spectacular views across the city. Wake up in your comfortable king or queen-sized bed and enjoy a full American or continental breakfast before you start your day.
Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
130 East Seneca Street, NY, 14850
This hotel is conveniently located Downtown, opposite the Ithaca Commons and near the city’s best restaurants. The free Wi-Fi and meeting rooms makes it ideal for those here on business. You can cool off with a dip in the pool or head to the 24-hour fitness center.
Best restaurants in Ithaca
Mercato
108 North Aurora Street, NY, 14850
Situated on ‘Restaurant Row’ near Ithaca Commons, the Italian-inspired menu at this popular restaurant changes with the seasons. Specialties include pan-roasted pork chops, buckwheat pappardelle with duck ragu and butternut squash mezzelune. For dessert, try the ginger panna cotta.
Agava Restaurant
381 Pine Tree Road, NY, 14850
This farm-to-table restaurant is situated in the former East Ithaca Train Station and decorated with colorful murals. The seasonal menu includes warm flatbread from the wood-fired oven alongside pizzas and burgers. Leave room for dessert with roasted banana fritters or Basque cheesecake tempting those with a sweet tooth.
Saigon Kitchen
526 West State Street, NY, 14850
Appetizers such as lemongrass-marinated chicken skewers and crispy squid are winners at this Vietnamese restaurant. Popular dishes include beef, chicken and vegetable pho as well as vermicelli bowls. Finish with the ‘Rainbow’ drink, a traditional dessert with yellow mung and sweet red beans, green jelly and tapioca bubbles.
Best attractions in Ithaca
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
College Avenue and Linn Street, NY, 14850
Follow this trail for three-quarters of a mile and it’ll take you from downtown Ithaca to Cornell University. Admire the dramatic scenery and stop for a closer look at the eight waterfalls. These magnificent sights reach heights of up to 80ft and includes the 20ft Cascadilla Falls.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Lake Street, NY, 14850
Take the short but popular walk along Ithaca Falls Trail to Falls Creek and Ithaca Falls. The impressive 150ft waterfall is one of the region’s most powerful and dramatically beautiful. Continue along the creek to see Forest Falls, Rocky Falls and Triphammer Falls on the university campus.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
112 East Buttermilk Falls Road, NY, 14850
This park gets its name from Buttermilk Creek which flows through it towards Cayuga Lake. There are many trails to follow throughout the park including the Gorge Trail which is considered to be the most popular. Head to the base of the waterfall after where you can take a dip to cool off.