🌲🏞️ A Weekend in Ithaca: Waterfalls, Forests & a Cozy Mountain Town

This was my first time in Ithaca, and I was completely blown away! 😍 Even though the weather was hot, humid, and super sunny during my visit, the town itself was like something out of a painting—a peaceful, relaxing mountain village vibe. Ithaca is very walkable 🚶‍♀️, but be prepared for lots of hills (it is a mountain town, after all!). It can be a bit tiring, so I’d recommend exploring on a cooler, overcast day. ☁️ ▪️ Ithaca Falls A very accessible waterfall that you can easily walk to from the Cornell campus. 🌊 So beautiful—I always see people fishing here! There are actually three waterfalls along the trail from campus. This part of the trail is easy—perfect for a relaxed stroll. For something a bit more challenging (but even more scenic!), try the Buttermilk Falls trail in the outskirts. ▪️ Stewart Park Absolutely gorgeous 😍! During sunset, Cayuga Lake shimmers like gold. You can sit on a swing and slowly sway while watching the sun go down. I even spotted a cute little otter here! 🦦 ▪️ Cornell Dairy Bar A must-visit spot! 🍦 Their ice cream is a little on the sweeter side, but so delicious. A medium comes with three scoops—I tried blackberry, coffee, and maple. All were great, but the blackberry felt extra refreshing in the summer! ▪️ Cornell Johnson Museum of Art Not just for art—the views are incredible too! 🖼️ The top floor has huge windows overlooking Cayuga Lake, and the second floor has a wooden deck with comfy loungers where you can relax, feel the breeze, and even stargaze at artificial stars twinkling on the ceiling. ✨ ▪️ The Slope at Cornell Lying here watching the sunset took me back to my undergrad days. 🎓 Since I finished college in three years (with a year and a half during COVID), I really missed moments like this—lying on the grass with tons of other students, chatting, having a drink, and watching the sky change colors. 🍷🌅 So special—highly recommend! ▪️ Thompson & Bleecker Their pizza with spicy honey is SO good! 🍕😋 Definitely worth a try. 🚗 Getting to Ithaca was easier than I thought! I initially assumed I’d need to take a bus or taxi from nearby cities like NYC or Syracuse, but it turns out you can actually fly directly from JFK or Newark (EWR)! ✈️ The airport is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown. That said, it’s still a mountain town—so if you’re not already in New York State, it might be a bit of a journey. But totally worth it if you’re visiting friends or Cornell! #Ithaca #TravelNY #WaterfallChasing #Cornell #SmallTownVibes #NatureLovers #WeekendGetaway