What to do and see in Ithaca, New York (NY): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

June 29, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

"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. Ports of New York Winery

815 Taber St, Ithaca, NY 14850-5005 +1 607-220-6317 [email protected] http://www.portsofnewyork.com
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

Ports of New York Winery

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!

2. Robert Treman State Park

105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850-8757 +1 607-273-3440 http://nysparks.com/parks/135/details.aspx
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,301 reviews

Robert Treman State Park

Reviewed By Passenger527561

This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.

3. Hangar Theatre

801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850-9501 +1 607-273-2787 [email protected] http://www.HangarTheatre.org
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Hangar Theatre

Hangar Theatre is Ithaca's premier professional regional theatre, presenting award-winning plays and musicals, live theatre for children, experimental theatre, new play readings, cabarets, special events, art exhibits, and more. Located in a renovated airplane hangar on the site of Ithaca's first airport, esteemed Broadway stars frequently headline Hangar productions. Coming Up Next: "Hangar Hits the Runway" Dec 8 at 3pm, a fashion show and shopping event with Jane Morgan's Little House. Proceeds support the creation of costumes for Hangar productions. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Dec 13-15 Theatre Incognita presents this acerbic, hilarious and shattering journey into the battlefields of marriage and academia. "The Burns Sisters Holiday Concert" Dec 21 at 8pm, hear original songs and seasonal selections from cultures around the world. These local singer-songwriters have toured with Arlo Guthrie, creating their own blend of folk, rock, and blues. Bring donations for the food bank and be entered to win prizes.

4. Cascadilla Gorge Trail

Treman Triangle Park, Ithaca, NY 14850 +1 607-272-1313 http://www.cornellplantations.org/our-gardens/natural-areas/cascadilla-gorge
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 216 reviews

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States

We decided to hike the Cacadilla Trail in Ithaca, NY it starts out pretty easy but there are some spots where the stairs are steep and challenging for older folks and small children. Plus going up is one type of challenge while coming down presents another if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to attempt this hike. Other wise we all met the challenges from my 4 year old Grandson to myself at 66. Enjoy the outdoors and try this hike or just do part of it and enjoy the wonders of nature!

5. Ithaca Children's Garden

121 Turtle Lane Intersection of Taughannock Blvd in Cass Park., Ithaca, NY 14850 +1 607-319-4203 [email protected] http://www.ithacachildrensgarden.org
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Ithaca Children's Garden

Ithaca Children’s Garden is an award-winning 3-acre public children’s garden designed for kids, enjoyed by all, and driven by a mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. First time to Ithaca? Make sure ICG is on your itinerary. ICG welcomes ALL visitors EVERY day. From exploring the Kitchen Garden and walking the Bulb Labyrinth to climbing on the back of Gaia (the turtle giantess) and playing in the Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone, this is truly a place for kids to be kids. Pack some snacks and bring a water bottle - you may or may not encounter staff while you're there as offices are off site (at least for now). Enjoy your visit and try to leave it a smidge better than you found it... it takes a village!

Reviewed By Explore280092

Very creative, kid-oriented, interactive. Fun, fun, fun (even for grown-ups)! The anarchy zone is brilliant. Bring lunch and have a picnic.

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