"Bar Argos, Downtown Ithaca. It's more of a craft cocktail lounge than a bar. Part of the Argos Inn - a beautifully restored mansion featuring impeccable guest rooms -- Bar Argos is an elegant blend of past and present, featuring historic preservation cocktails alongside locally and seasonally based mixes. The bartenders are masters of their craft, and while they are fully capable of mixing your favorite drink, it's much more fun to tell them what you're in the mood for and what you like and let them surprise you with a uniquely crafted beverage. Ask about their shrubs. There is no food served, but you'll often find one of the local food trucks parked outside on busy nights. Photo credit to Ed Dittenhoefer."

"GreenStar Market, Downtown Ithaca. GreenStar feels like one of those uniquely Ithaca places. Equal parts local co-op grocer and community organization, GreenStar’s 45 years in Ithaca has provided our community with healthy fare and a growing roster of local initiatives. In 2015 alone, the cooperative reinvested 4.9 million dollars back into the local economy – 59 cents for every dollar spent. And while GreenStar serves as a guidepost for giving back to community, being a good employer and making organic and local food accessible to everyone in our community regardless of location or income – we must take a minute to simply speak of the food. The glorious food! The co-op is fascinating, but if you're just interested in a well-stocked organic market with lots of ready to eat options at the deli, GreenStar has you covered. From a delicious bakery to a gigantic bulk section – the market has it all. You can join the co-op’s 11,000 strong membership - and get a small discount and voting rights, but anyone is welcome to shop this Ithaca landmark."

"Ithaca Beer Company, Downtown Ithaca. Ithaca Beer Company not only offers world-class craft beer, but also features their Taproom brewpub. Visit the brewery on its own, or stop by and enjoy amazing burgers and pizzas (created with fresh local ingredients!) and of course, a slew of fantastic beers. Definitely try the flights so you can sample them all. The dining room is open year round, but in the summer, this family-friendly spot features live music, bocce ball, and a fire pit."

"Purity Ice Cream Co., Downtown Ithaca. “The Ice Cream of the Finger Lakes” consistently makes the lists of must have ice cream. Made in small batches, this ice cream shop still uses recipes created by their original founder in 1936. And while their flavor list is long – our personal recommendations are the Bulldog Crunch, Boomberry and Sea Salt Caramel. But while ice cream is the anchor of this local landmark – their offerings just continue to grow, expand and delight. A short list of must haves: the eggnog – yes, it costs more than your supermarket fare, but one sip and you’ll know why; the sammies – clever takes on the ice cream sandwich – who wouldn’t love a gingerdoodle and black raspberry combo; the muffins, the pies, the cupcakes, the bars, the ice cream cakes….oh the list!! Oh, but wait….if Purity didn’t get you there….they are now serving breakfast on weekends and lunch weekdays. The gluten free pancakes are the best we’ve ever had – like ever ever ever...and that Happy Bowl for lunch – sautéed greens, toasted quinoa, pan-seared salmon (or not!), avocado, sprouts, miso dressing...it’s definitely worth smiling about. Absolutely worth the hype. (oh, and thanks to great local photographer Allison Usavage for these pics!! www.allisonusavage.com)"

"Hickey's Music, Downtown Ithaca. Located in the old Ithaca Clock factory (for many years home to the Library Book Sale), Hickey's Music dates back to 1892, making it a foundation of the strong Ithaca music scene. Every family with a kid in school band or orchestra is familiar with Hickey's and their wide selection of instruments and sheet music. We like to go and play with the ukuleles. They offer great programs too, including their own School of Rock, for all ages. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the vibe is kind of cool, but not too cool."

"State Theatre, Downtown Ithaca. The State Theatre is dear to the hearts of Ithaca locals. Originally designed in 1928 to host vaudeville entertainers and films, entering the theatre is a little like entering a castle. With crenellations and gothic doorways and some collegiate symbolism thrown in, not to mention the moody lighting of public spaces, it's understandable that the local population expended a great deal of energy to save the historic building when damage and decay threatened it with the wrecking ball in the 90's. Now it's a favored venue for well-known musicians given it's fabulous acoustics, as well as stage performances by local theater and dance companies. Recently, organizers have started showing old films (you know, 1970's favorites like Indiana Jones, E.T. and The Shining), a movie experience like no other. If you go to a show, make sure you look up."

"State Diner, Downtown Ithaca. For some reason, 1936 was a big year food-wise in Ithaca - both Purity Ice Cream and the State Street Diner opened their doors. Since the, the diner has been open 24 hours a day, serving up their classic American fare as well as Greek and Italian staples. Unfortunately, after a fire a few years ago that closed the business for several months, they reopened with a more limited schedule, only serving from 6am to 10pm every day. But, you can still get great french fries, milkshakes and, of course,breakfast all day. BREAKFAST ALL DAY. Love that."

"Trader K's, Downtown Ithaca. Second-hand clothes for the whole family. Carefully culled selection of goods brought in by customers and even some great local yard sales. Trader K's has been in business for 20 years and knows the market. Everything is either trending style-wise or classic wardrobe additions. You can often find great shoes for a fraction of the original cost, Halloween costumes, and a varied selection of men's clothing. They have two locations, on the commons and near the mall -- both worth a visit!"

"Gimme Coffee, Downtown Ithaca. You know how you arrive back to the states, after an extensive stay in Italy and almost as soon as you land you mourn the loss of your beloved Italian made cappuccino? Well – get to a Gimme Coffee! The production of your coffee – from roast to brew – is what’s important for the folks at this Ithacan coffee roaster (although, many of us breathe a sigh of relief to know we can find Gimme! In Manhattan and Brooklyn as well.) And its why, undoubtedly, they were named Roaster of the Year in 2013. You can find Gimme! Locations scattered around Ithaca – or other establishments serving Gimme! but our personal favorite spot is located on Cayuga Street, by the creek, and a perfect spot to sit, with your cappuccino for as long as you dare. Great ambiance, perfectly pulled shots, and some latte art to top it off. And, don’t miss the baked goods if you're hungry and their plentiful tea selection."

"Ports of New York, Downtown Ithaca. This is one of the hidden gems in Ithaca. Difficult to find but worth the hunt, this beautiful little building and the winery it houses has been a labor of love for owner Frederic Bouche. He greets you at the door, a one man operation, and gives you the history of his family's winery in France and a tour of the process for creating his "Meleau" or port, as it would be called if trade agreements did not prohibit the use. He makes both a red and a white from local grapes processed to juice by one of the area vineyards, adding honey to provide more sugar to the fermentation process. Stop in and pick up a bottle for a picnic, but don't be in a hurry, you'll leave knowing far more about port wine than you did going in."

"Friends of the Library Book Sale, Downtown Ithaca. May & October weekends - locals plan their schedules around attending the book sale. The first weekend of the three weekend stretch is the most expensive, but aside from rarities and first editions, nothing is over $4. Go on the first day and you'll wait in the longest lines, but you'll also get a glimpse of the folks who camped overnight to be first inside. Ithaca is a town full of advanced degrees, so it makes sense that book sale patrons often behave like band groupies when confronted with such a literary mecca. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, can be found at the book sale. 1970's craft magazines? Oh yeah. Science textbooks, history, biographies, loads of scifi, mystery and trade paperbacks? Yup. A huge children's corner, board games, movies on VHS and DVD, comic books, record albums... you get the picture. If you're in town when the sale is on, just go. You won't be disappointed."

"Significant Elements, Downtown Ithaca. You never quite know what you will find there, which makes going so much fun. They have reclaimed clawfoot tubs, way too many toilets and sinks, wood moldings and ornate hardware, furniture, doors, and other salvaged goodies. Well worth your time to explore the multi-floor collection of goods for sale. They also repair furniture as part of their preservation mission."

"Ithaca Skate Park, Downtown Ithaca. Recently, there was a lovely story shared on Facebook by a dad who took his youngish daughter to the skate park. She was a little intimidated by the older teens and hung back watching, but a young man approached her and gave her some tips about riding and made her feel welcome in the space. It's that kind of place. The new park was completed in September 2015, expanding the old park's offerings with new concrete ramps, handrails, and a staircase. The funds for the expansion were raised by a local group over a ten year period and a local store, Homegrown Skateshop, was instrumental in meeting grant deadlines for construction. It's free to use as long as you play nice."

"Sciencenter, Downtown Ithaca. Ithaca is a town of scientists, so it's no surprise that this nationally renown hands-on museum began as a volunteer-run science program in the local schools in 1983. Since then, tens of thousands of volunteer hours have built and maintained the museum as it stands today, housed in a funky two story building in Ithaca's active North Side. Highlights (meaning our favorites) include the the live animals and Tidepool Touch tank, the gravity dam (pretty much anything with running water), the Mars and Stars exhibit, and the Science Playground - check out the sound waves explorations. The Scream Chamber where you can measure the decibel meters of your friend's scream is pretty cool too. While it's a great place to take your kids, unaccompanied curious adults will not feel out of place."

"The Piggery, Downtown Ithaca. This is the place to go if you're a paleo diet fan. Actually, this is the place to go if you are a proponent of supporting local businesses. Really, this is the place to go if you like to eat MEAT. Boasting as Ithaca's only farm-to-table butcher, the Piggery offers meat and charcuterie from both their Trumansburg farm and area partnering farms. The sausages and sliders are terrific, and the salami is great for picnics. You can pick up dairy items, condiments, and freshly baked bread for a ploughman's lunch to take to any of the area parks. We once purchased a container of bacon jam there, which is honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten."

"Ithaca Farmers' Market, Downtown Ithaca. Ithaca Farmers' Market because is one of the best Farmers' Markets in the country. People in California, CALIFORNIA, rave about our farmers' market, so I guess we should too. Here's the deal, it's crazy popular so ditch your car and ride your bike on the Waterfront Trail. Plan on grabbing lunch, you will wait in line and it's worth it. The breakfast burritos are particularly good. Take your grub to the water's edge and sit among the willow tree roots, while kids play around you. Feed the ducks. It's pretty idyllic. The local high school held their prom at the market, which, rumor has it, was simply magical. You could get married there too, after hours, of course. Think fairy lights."

"Northstar House, Downtown Ithaca. Northstar House bills itself as a cozy neighborhood pub, but it's really more of a bistro specializing in a daily mac'n cheese dish, lots of local offerings and ingredients, and a great beer selection. The hip Star Wars/Day of the Dead artwork alone probably disqualifies it as a pub. It is a great place to go on a date or with a crowd of friends, especially when you can sit in the beer garden. That said, it does have a bunch of locals who eat there regularly (is that the definition of the neighborhood pub?), and the bar is a great place to hang out. The wait can be long, but happily the beautiful Ithaca Falls is a short two block walk away. The Physics Bus lives on the street opposite the parking lot and is worth checking out too."

"Ithaca Falls, Downtown Ithaca. You'll forgive us if we seem a little jaded about the magnificent waterfalls in our little city of hills. We have an abundance. This one is particularly accessible - with a great vantage point from the Lake Street bridge. You can walk in and enjoy the mist from the force of the falls - a 150 foot drop - mingling with the anglers and fishermen. There are plans afoot to turn the area into a proper park, but the creek bed is perfect for a quick trip and beautiful walk."

"The Westy, Downtown Ithaca. There is a speakeasy feel to Da Westy. You're sneaking in through an alley to the back steps of the bar, the only entrance. In the summer, the alley is filled with seating, it makes for a great hangout. In the winter, the bar is big and airy with a pool table and board games. There is a good selection of beer every day, with a $3 special on Wednesdays and Sundays. Signature drinks are served in mason jars - a nice touch. This is an Ithaca favorite, and with good reason."

"Viva Taqueria, Downtown Ithaca. The food here is cheap and delicious. There are favorites of course – the escabeche, the chorizo, the calabacitas – the list is long. You can grab a burrito at the taqueria and eat on the Commons, but then you can't enjoy a margarita, and they are not to be missed. The full serve restaurant (the cantina) has a solid bar menu and all the favorites that you can get to go. Food is fresh, healthy and wonderful. Don't forget to look for the hippo head."

"Sew Green, Downtown Ithaca. Sew Green is a local not-for-profit devoted to supporting creative reuse, youth apprenticeships and jobs for area teens. The shop features a smorgasbord of curated donations for all things sewing and knitting for sale. You never know what you will find when you go, but there are sure to be buttons and brightly patterned fabrics in the selection, as well as tools and other notions. They also offer classes and workshops for students of all ages."

"Saigon Kitchen, Downtown Ithaca. This place has been "discovered," and rightly so since it's the best Vietnamese food you're going to find in upstate NY - the flavors and food quality would not be out of place in a larger city, and happily the prices don't reflect the value. It's worth the wait, even if the line is a little long. Lots of people go for the Pho, but we prefer the Vermicelli dishes and sharing a bunch of appetizers. Every table has the spicy chili oil concocted by the restaurant's owner, and it is perfect for pepping up dishes you're sharing with the less spice tolerant (our kids)."

"Old Goat Gear Exchange, Downtown Ithaca. They are the all things outdoors hub. Want to know about local mountain biking or trail running? How about area climbing or snowboarding? Go see these folks. It's a shop selling new and used outdoor clothing and gear, as well as deeply discounted samples, so if you get caught in Ithaca without the right gear for the weather (changing all the time!) this is the place to go."

"Narrative, Downtown Ithaca. A barbershop with rugged heirloom quality clothing and accessories for guys, with a few teasers for women. This is where you'll find Wolverine boots and a leather bicycle strap for that bottle of wine you can't get in your panniers. Groovy vibe, nice people, beautiful items."

"Moosewood, Downtown Ithaca. In case you didn't know, Moosewood was named one of the thirteen most influential restaurants of the 20th century by Bon Appetit magazine, and it's easy to see why. A collectively owned restaurant and business with 40 years of creating delicious vegetarian fare, and with 13 cookbooks under their belt as well, they single-handedly (multi-handedly?) shaped the landscape of vegetarian cooking for generations. The restaurant is what you might expect from an icon: clean, simple, and well-lit, with local artists' works gracing the walls in a constantly evolving display. The food is delicious, even if you aren't a vegetarian, and they have expanded into vegan and gluten-free. Everything is a la carte. Their soups are amazing. Amazing. Buy the cookbook amazing."

"Mimi's Attic, Downtown Ithaca. Don’t miss this hot-spot for second-hand furniture and household goods! They sell larger items on consignment and buy smaller items outright - the turnover is rapid. You can go in twice in the same week and many things will be gone. No style is overlooked, one week you'll find a Danish modern table, the next week a Stickley settee, the week after that your grandparent's sofa. They are very clever with creating vignettes, but often don't bother due to the high turnover. Think you'll have to scour craigslist for a blender? Think again. When we were looking for one, they had four of good repute. Where else can you find a crazy bright stacking bento box for school lunches?"

"Mama Goose, Downtown Ithaca. A giant storefront filled with gently-used second-hand children's clothing, toys, baby gear and maternity wear? Yes, please. This kid friendly shop features wonderfully well-sorted and vetted used items in addition to an interesting assortment of new goods. Adorable bento boxes, cute new shoes, Ergo baby carriers, baby legwarmers – the team at Mama Goose does an incredible job of curating their eclectic stock. And, their annual coat sale has families lining up around the block – because who wouldn’t love to score a deal on near perfect condition snow gear."

"Hangar Theatre, Downtown Ithaca. In 1912, when Ithaca was a budding Hollywood, before the film industry discovered the wonders of year round summer in southern California, it built a municipal airport down in the marshy flats by the lake. The Hangar Theatre gets its name from the building acquired in 1975, almost 30 years after the airport moved to its current location, a building with a leaky roof and seats upcycled from Ithaca College's old theater. The night of the very first performance it rained, soaking the actors and equipment and halting the performance. Despite this inauspicious beginning, the Hangar has thrived, providing years of excellent theatre for the local populace and adding an educational component for area students. The summer Kidstuff series is phenomenal. A major fundraising drive in 2010 financed a much needed renovation and the theater is now used for musical and speaking events as well. The lobby has a great series of photos of the original airport, make sure to take a look if you're there for a show."

"Cafe Dewitt, Downtown Ithaca. A long-time Ithaca favorite for brunch, it's located in the 100-year-old Dewitt Mall - another interesting historic building transformation as it served as Ithaca High School from 1915 until 1960 when the current campus was completed. Cafe Dewitt sits in middle of the main thoroughfare, perfect for people watching, though if you're not a fan of that the wall of fish tanks serves as a great distraction while waiting for your meal. The French toast is worth the wait."

"Autumn Leaves Used Books, Downtown Ithaca. If you love books, the smell of old books – collecting and finding rare reads and popular gems….visit Autumn Leaves, a treasure in Ithaca. A brightly lit old store space on the Commons, open late on weekend evenings, as every bookstore should be, it offers the wide variety of non-fiction and fiction you would expect in a college town. The selection of books is fantastic, the layout is organized and logical, they also offer a decent selection of music and have a cafe on the second floor. A knitting group meets there on Saturday mornings; in case you're interested."

"Alphabet Soup, Downtown Ithaca. Need a gift for a kid? Or a friend who acts like a kid? Alphabet Soup has a fabulous collection of toys, games, books, and collectables. An entire aisle is dedicated to the jokester in the family, and Totoro is featured on a whole host of products from lunch boxes to wallets. You can find the usual selection of Legos and Playmobile, but look beyond it to the science gear and games, the huge collection of stuffed animals, and the art supplies. They also have a small but extremely well-curated selection of books. Don't take your kids unless you plan to spend the day there."

"Just A Taste, Downtown Ithaca. Just A Taste is the perfectly social dining experience. The extensive menu of tapas ensures you'll find something for everyone, and the best part is sharing plates with the table. Not to mention an incredible list of wine flights! Sample your way through an incredibly delicious and diverse meal."

"Buffalo Street Books, Downtown Ithaca. Buffalo Street Books is Ithaca's independent, cooperatively-owned book store. It has a wide and varied selection, a cozy atmosphere, and a staff that is always ready to give a recommendation. There is a large children's section, complete with a stuffed buffalo for reading. It's the perfect place for a book lover to browse and stumble upon something special."

"Franco's Pizzeria, Downtown Ithaca. If you're craving authentic New York-style pizza, head over to Franco's. The pizza is thin and crispy with a wide selection of toppings ranging from the classics to the deluxe. The atmosphere is laid-back and cozy-- it truly feels like a slice of New York City nestled over on West State Street."

"Monk's On The Commons, Downtown Ithaca. Located in the Mariott Hotel on the Commons, Monk's is the perfect mix of soulful food and sinful cocktails. The menu is full of elevated bar food, but still affordable for a night out. Be sure to stop by for trivia on Tuesday nights at 7pm, you might win yourself some beer, appetizers, or desserts!"

"15 Steps, Downtown Ithaca. 15 Steps offers an extensive collection of American Crafts, ranging from jewelry, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber and visual art. They display local and national artists alike, so you're sure to find something beautiful, thoughtful, and completely unique."

"Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative, Downtown Ithaca. Handwork has a beautiful collection of crafts created by talented artisans from the area, and across the country. The store is staffed by the artisans themselves, so be sure to ask about their work! With over 45 members, Handwork has a varied selection, including pottery, woodworking, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, wearable arts, leather, dried florals, paper, fine art and photography. You are guaranteed to find something unique, thoughtful, and high-quality."

"Petrune, Downtown Ithaca. Petrune is the place to find your newest piece of vintage or indie clothing-- especially if you want something from 1950 or earlier! The atmosphere is quirky and chic, and they have a variety of options for men and women alike. This boutique offers friendly staff, gorgeous window displays, and stylish pieces you won't find anywhere else."

"Red Feet Wine Market & Spirit Provisions, Downtown Ithaca. If you're looking for knowledgeable staff, an impressive selection of wine and spirits, and the perfect amount of ambiance, look no further than Red Feet. The staff is happy to help with custom recommendations, and the prices are varied so every budget is considered. Be sure to stop by on Thursdays from 5-7 pm for weekly tastings, and keep your eyes open for special events including local wine and spirit experts. No matter what you're in the mood for, Red Feet Wine Market & Spirit Provisions has something for you."

"Home Green Home, Downtown Ithaca. Home Green Home has a vast selection of sustainable, organic goods, from furniture, kitchen wares, clothing, baby products, and more. The atmosphere is soothing, and the staff is friendly. It is the perfect place to find a unique gift that is also kind to the planet."

"BoL Eatery, Downtown Ithaca. BoL is an asian-inspired ramen joint that also serves up some amazing dumplings, salads, and pho. The service is quick and the atmosphere is casual, with generous portions. Ingredients are locally-sourced, and there are ample vegetarian and vegan options (the coconut curry broth is amazing, for vegans and meat-eaters alike!). You are sure to leave feeling satisfied."

"Cayuga Nature Center, The Hills East South West. Go for the treehouse. The Center, which is housed in a gorgeous old lodge on a bluff over looking Cayuga Lake, has a lot of old world charm with it's big windows and stone fireplace. Built as a Preventorium for children during the Tuberculosis era, it is now an educational center for learning about local wildlife and native plant and tree species. With miles of trails to walk, gorges to explore, and a permanent collection of animals to visit, you can spend an entire afternoon here soaking up the atmosphere. For many, the big draw is the 6 story treehouse. Built in the woods in a creek bed, as you climb you become a voyeur in the active world in the treetops, spying on the birds and squirrels as they go about their business."

"Glenwood Pines, The Hills East South West. The Pines, as it's known locally, is an Ithaca staple for burgers. From the outside it doesn't look like much, your standard roadside diner, but inside has a charming family friendly atmosphere with long tables and arcade games - the kind of place kids of all ages love. The fries are perfect, which is important in a burger joint. They have what's known as the Pinesburger Challenge - eat 4 Pinesburgers in an hour and you get a t-shirt and your picture on the wall of fame. Or shame. One is enough since they're served on Ithaca Bakery's French bread - yikes!"

"Upper Treman State Park, The Hills East South West. Everyone knows about Lower Treman State Park, with its campsites and swimming hole, but the real gem is the Upper Park. Drive past the lower park entrance and wind your way up to the Upper entrance on the same road. From there you can visit the old mill with exhibits detailing the history of the park area, picnic in the shaded glen, or take a brisk hike into the gorge where you will be wowed by the majesty of approaching the 115 foot Lucifer Falls from the top cliff. The trail offers several options - walking all the way down to the lower park or circling below Lucifer Falls and climbing up the other side of the gorge, my family's favorite. Fair warning: the stairs are a little vertigo-inducing."

"Fontana's Shoes, The Hills East South West. They resole and reheel shoes, almost unheard of in our throw away society, but it makes sense as the business was initially started in 1907 by an Italian cobbler. They have a great inventory of new shoes - a great balance of fashionable and practical - and take the time to measure and fit your foot precisely. Expect to find brands and styles that not only look good -- but are good for your feet! Old-time customer services meets wearable high quality shoes -- Fontana's is a must! And if you can make their annual sidewalk sale -- all the better!!"

"Copper Horse Coffee, The Hills East South West. Roast master Jesse Harriot is the kindest and funniest coffee dude you'll meet. He is also super successful - Copper Horse Coffee can already boast winning America's Best Espresso 2015 title despite opening only the year before in 2014. That is because Jesse is focused on the science of good brewing - and he loves to share his knowledge. While Copper Horse is primarily a wholesale roaster selling locally to restaurants (who have their own special roasts) and local markets, if you catch Jesse at the roaster he'll brew you a cuppa and share all kinds of fun facts about beans and roasting."

"Heart Stone Wall, The Hills East South West. Located at the end of the Blue Trail in the Roy H. Park Preserve off Irish Settlement Road in Freeville, this lovely hike takes you back to Six Mile Creek. Winding through meadows and along a gurgling brook, once inside the woods you eventually find yourself at a lean-to. From there, scramble down to the creek bed where you will find a beautiful shale wall filled by many visitors with heart-shaped stones. It is magical.Be sure to use the southern trail head noted in the coordinates. It's a small parking lot. The larger trail head starts off on a boardwalk over a marsh and will not connect to the Blue Trail."

"The Carriage House Cafe + The Loft, The Hills East South West. The Carriage House Cafe + Loft is a charming old stone carriage house converted into a spacious cafe and bar. Be sure to stop by the cafe for brunch (the brioche French toast is simply divine) or the Loft bar for some excellent cocktails, barrel aged drinks, kraft beers, and cold climate wines. They also host game nights, live music, and private events. The space is perfect for a cozy bite, day or night. Brunch: Tu-Fr 9a-2p and Sa-Su 9a-3p Bar + Lounge: We-Th 4:30p-11p and Fr-Sa 4:30p-1am"

"Asian Noodle House, The Hills East South West. The decor is nothing special, but the food is delicious. Leaning towards Thai, they offer a host of Asian cuisines, but not a fusion - let's get that straight. Fantastic for lunch or dinner, the service is fast and the food is reliably good. The Thai iced coffee? You'll be buzzing all afternoon."

"Museum of the Earth, The Hills East South West. They have a Stegosaurus. And a Mastodon skeleton found in upstate New York. That right there is worth your entrance fee. Our personal favorite is the Right Whale skeleton dominating the lobby - so much to talk about when confronted with the enormity of this creature. The museum is the public education component of the Paleontological Research Institution, whose mission is primary research. The permanent collections are amazing - climb through a glacier? The "Rock of Ages, Sands of Time" series of paintings representing 550 million years of fossil flora and fauna in chronological order? Every second Saturday you can bring your fossil mysteries to the museum and experts will help you identify them. Then they'll tell you where to go to find more. We love a visit to Portland Point Quarry….coming soon in the Lansing guide! And…don’t miss the beautiful new mural by local artist Mary Beth Ihnken…we could do a guide just based on her work (also seen at Purity Ice Cream Co., Viva Taqueria, Mama Goose and the Piggery – all places in our list – but you can find her work all over Ithaca!)"

"Indian Creek Farm, The Hills East South West. Hands down, the best and most scenic u-pick farm in the area. High above Cayuga's waters, Indian Creek Farm offers seasonal apples, peaches, berries and vegetables to pick yourself or purchase from the stand. Even better, the Farm has wonderful spots to hang out and eat - so bring some cheese and bread to go with your fruit and plan on making an outing of it. There is al fresco dining for a large group in the old orchard and a ring of uprooted stumps for climbing. Be sure to grab a brochure at the farm stand - the back cover tells you which of the many farm dogs is friendly and which one will steal your lunch."

"Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Hills East South West. Birds are a big deal in Ithaca, and it's not because of the number of Canadian geese choosing to winter here. Ithaca is home to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a world leader dedicated to the study and conservation of birds. The organization boasts 90,000 friends and members and engages 400,000 participants in their citizen-science programs. From building the world’s most comprehensive online archive of audio and video recordings of animal biodiversity to creating bird identifying apps – the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is an Ithaca and global treasure. The striking visitors' center sits firmly in the middle of a 230-acre sanctuary - stop in to collect a map of the 4+ miles of trails, to borrow binoculars, and to see the recently completed "Wall of Birds" mural, painted by artist Jane Kim. Each of the 271 birds featured is life-sized and painted in brilliant color; she’s ambitiously been painting a bird a day since 2014. The observatory overlooking Sapsucker Woods pond is the perfect place to meet a friend - bring coffee and watch the bird feeding garden. Admission is free, public educational events are frequent and terrific – and don’t skip taking a second to browse the gift shop – it’s hard to resist all that great Charley Harper merch!"

"Cornell's Johnson Art Museum, The Hills East South West. The Museum was designed by I.M. Pei in 1968, and the building takes advantage of its perch on Cornell's slope by providing a spectacular view of the city and the lake from the fifth floor. Hosting a collection of more than 35,000 works (view them through their online database!) the Museum hosts over 80,000 visitors annually. With free admission, great public programs (including events for kids) – we couldn’t miss putting the Johnson on the must see list. Artist lectures and Art for Lunch where curators, educators or special guests lead a tour of new exhibits at the lunch hour, are more great reasons to make room for the Johnson when touring Ithaca. Keep a close eye on their temporary exhibit space – wonderful shows coming through – including a drawing exhibition from Kurt Vonnegut’s collection that we’re still talking about!"

"Cornell Plantations, The Hills East South West. The Plantations is one of those places that means something different for every local. We always think of it as the 100-acre Arboretum, a curated collection of trees sitting on a hillside overlooking Fall Creek. This is where the locals sled in the winter - follow the road in (it's closed as soon as the snow falls) and listen for the screams. All summer trails and a little used road are accessible for biking and running. There is also the Mundy Wildflower Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the Nevin Welcome Center, as well as the various natural areas the Plantations department maintains throughout the city. They host well established conservation and educational programs – guided tours, lectures, special events – you name it. The website has a very good listing of events and a map, but beware of parking - Cornell is notoriously unfriendly about ticketing."

"Brooktons Market, The Hills East South West. A mere seven miles outside of Ithaca and housed in a building that has been a storefront for over a hundred years, Brookton's Market supplies the hamlet of Brooktondale with local dairy, meat, and produce, as well as pantry essentials. Better yet are the fantastic homemade soups, sandwiches, and dinner specials available to eat in or take home. They host musical evenings, Wednesday dinners, and Sunday brunch. It's a gathering place for the locals - particularly popular for lunch. Often used as a spot for meetings, you might find yourself privy to heated discussions about local issues."

"Taughannock State Park, The Hills East South West. Taughannock Falls (Ta-gan-neck for you out-of-towners) is the most striking and accessible of all of the tremendous waterfalls littering the landscape around here. Part of the NY State Park system, it offers a challenging rim trail that takes you around the top of the gorge and along the creekbed before the waters plunge uninterrupted 215 feet into the gorge carved out over thousands of years. The more popular trail option is the flat wide 3/4 mile gorge trail that meanders alongside the creek to the base of the waterfall - this walk is especially pleasant on a hot summer day as it is mostly shaded and allows access to wading in the shallow creek waters. The park acreage sits on a delta that extends out into the lake and offers huge lawns for kite flying and pick up games, as well as a designated swim area and boat launch. Take a picnic in the summer - there are Saturday concerts and open air movies for families. Great to visit year round."