Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
Countries
Things to do in Ithaca, New York (NY): The Best Food & Drink
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Restaurants in Ithaca
1. School's Out Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
School's Out Charters offers small group and exclusive boat tours on Cayuga Lake. All Tours are PRIVATE! We specialize in Winery Tours! This is the ultimate way to enjoy the wineries. No crowded cattle buses, no traffic, just a leisurely cruise on the lake combined with tastings at some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes. Book us for an intimate customized sunset cruise or a party. Our boat accommodates from 2-6 people. School's Out Charters - the anti-limo.Established in 2009, the owners of School's Out Charters took the burgeoning winery tourism market on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and combined it with boat cruises to produce the ultimate vehicle to conduct wine tours. Our love for the lake and it's surrounding areas allow us the opportunity to share this passion for the natural beauty of the finger lakes with all of our customers.
2. Experience! The Finger Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 624 reviews
USA Today 10Best Wine Tour Company in the US. Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Winner for over 10 years. Experience! The Finger Lakes is the premier tour company in the Finger Lakes. We specialize in premium guided tours unlike anything else available in the region. Our experiences include wine tours, gorge and waterfall tours, and cultural tours of the area. We also offer Boat Tours and Food Tours out of Ithaca NY. Owned by a certified sommelier, our wine tours are fully-immersive, exclusive experiences where guests meet owners and winemakers at some of the best producers in the region. Private vineyard and cellar tours, reserve wines, and sommelier-curated food and wine pairings are designed into each tour. On-line booking available 24/7 on our website.
3. Ports of New York Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
TASTING $6 or WINERY TOURS AND TASTING $9 • Closed: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (W,Th, F), Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Reviewed By debrabV8926PH
Off the beaten path, but well worth the visit. Friendly hosts to tell about their family history and great wine!
4. Ithaca is Foodies Culinary Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Enjoy local cuisine on a guided walking tour of Ithaca's unique restaurants. During a three-hour culinary adventure, satisfy your appetite for inventive and delicious food while getting a taste for our town's history, culture, and architecture.
5. South Hill Cider
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
4 Miles South of the Ithaca Commons, The South Hill Cider Tasting Room is open Thursday through Monday. Join us for cider tastings, food, and many bottles only available at the tasting room. With beautiful views of the Cayuga Lake Inlet Valley. Safe and ample outdoor seating and views into the cidery and barrel room. We are also located on a hiking trail with a hike to a 90 foot tall waterfall.
Reviewed By 978lilyc
I am so happy South Hill Cider finally opened a tasting room in Ithaca! I have always been a huge fan of their ciders (especially the Patina) and now can enjoy visiting the tasting room where they have all of their bottles plus new/limited additions available by the glass or via flight samples. The space is really cool with lots of light and an outdoor area where you can look out into the orchards. Just a 5 min drive or so from The Commons downtown which makes it super convenient compared to many other tasting rooms in the area. Staff was super friendly and knowledgable about their ciders and the cider making process.They are dog-on-leash friendly which was also a bonus. I already can't wait to come back!
6. Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By youngblood87 - Toms River, United States
Wines were great and staff was excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable, genuinely enthusiastic about the wine making and tasting. Beautiful view and set up, dog friendly as well like most wineries in the Finger Lakes. This was an unplanned stop but we ended up buying three bottles, highly recommended if anybody is staying in area or just passing through like we did.
7. Ithaca Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You’ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone — hot prepared foods, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, cheese, pastured meat, wine, cider, eggs, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones.
Reviewed By TACOB0B
We visited on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking, just wear appropriate footwear as the parking lot is wet and muddy. About 85% of the vendors were there when we went. Everything from fresh vegetables to wines, ciders, local crafts, honey, prepared foods, and coffee. We tried a couple of empanadas which were phenomenal and our only regret was we didn't buy more. Highly recommend.
8. GreenStar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By gotarheels
This local institution has always remained true to its' roots...organic, eclectic, humanely + locally sourced. Such a pleasure to have the new location that can add to those qualities the following: -abundant and well-lit parking lot -spacious shopping aisles -beautifully displayed goods (especially the produce!) -a large selection of bulk items -an even larger selection of specialty items with knowledgeable staff to advise (vitamins/tinctures/cbd personal care/etc...) It's a Gem!
9. Finger Lakes Transport an Tour Services
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
15 years of Guided Winery Tour Transport on 3 Lakes with 70+ Wineries. Seating Six Passengers in Comfort in our CHEV UpLander Maxi-Van . Others charge well over $500.00 and We Offer 11AM to 6PM Tours for $350.00+ tax , Financing is available .
10. Ithaca Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Ithaca Boat Tours offers a wide variety of daytime and evening narrated boat tours and cruises that departing from 2 locations in Ithaca, New York. Enjoy the sunset, learn about the history of the area, or enjoy a glass wine with friends or family during any of our cruise option. Pay-as-you-board 1hr narrated tours are available Saturdays and Sundays departing from the Ithaca Farmer's Market at 11a, 12:30p, 2p May - October. We offer late afternoon matinee and a 1hr sunset cruise departing from the Thursday Evening Ithaca Farmers' Market. Additionally, we offer 2-hr Summer Sunset, 2-Hr Picnic lunch Cruises, and a Wine on the Water Cruise by reservation most every day of the week departing from our home dock. Be sure to check the schedule for special events !
