Gourdlandia
Artist · Ithaca ·

Gourdlandia

Artist · Ithaca ·

Artistic gourd creations, necklaces, nightlights, and workshops

gourd art
make nightlights
unique experience
friendly owner
gourd education
artistic
family friendly
crafts
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null
Gourdlandia by null

Information

77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

LGBTQ friendly
Trans safe
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

+1 607 277 0589
gourdlandia.com
@gourdlandia

Features

•LGBTQ friendly
•Trans safe
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

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10 Places to Fall in Love With Fall

"At Gourdlandia, Graham and Otto Ottoson gladly share their passion for the most versatile vegetable. Inside a simple cabin-like building, Graham Ottoson, a midwife-turned-artist, creates art from gourds. The self-proclaimed “Gourd Lady” began by making gourd lamps. Her passion only grew, leading her to open Gourdlania. Now, visitors can stroll through the gourd trellis, see “pepos” (tiny fuzzy baby gourds), and learn about the art and science of gourd cultivation. Though anyone may stop by to appreciate Gourdlandia’s wealth of gourd art, workshops are also available for those who wish to learn the craft for themselves. Otto explains how to cure and wash gourds. Graham instructs participants on the finer points of gourd carving, using her gourd-carving tools and tiny gourd jigsaw. Those seeking inspiration can peruse her vast body of work, which includes gourd marionettes, gourd masks, gourd bugles, and of course, gourd lamps.   Since the Ottosons began their love affair with gourds, Gourdlandia has quickly become one of Ithaca’s most beloved, wholesome art centers. Ask about the current gourd experiment—there is always something new in the works. Be sure to visit the restroom and check out the gourd toilet paper hanger." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/10-places-to-fall-in-love-with-fall
grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia

Joe Watson (Joe C.

Google
Amazing!!! We watched a CBS Morning piece on this place and decided to go and check it out. We emailed the owner and told her what we wanted to make and when. We made night lights and globe lights. She makes fresh cookies for everyone because it was “Art Trail Weekend”.she was patient and knowledgeable. She and her husband clearly love what they are doing, and they pass the joy to others. It was busy, but she was great and we made our products. A wonderful visit for anyone.

Stacey L.

Google
It was on my bucket list! Funky gourd shop in Ithaca. Would be cool to see garden in summer. Graham was very friendly and showed us so many things she's learned. Her creations are beautiful. You can make some gourd art when you visit!

Aleta Jane N. S.

Google
I loved going here! The gourd crafts are so cool and very unique. I even made my own gourd light, and it’s still up on my wall to this day. One of the coolest local experiences ever!

Antoinette Di C.

Google
This is so much fun and engrossing! I have returned 3 times now and hosted a birthday gathering (my own, a grown adult). Graham is super enthusiastic and is focused on creating a great experience for everyone. She is also helpful, engaged and skilled at teaching (without hovering). The space and studio is extremely well organized and thought out. there aren't enough stars to give her and the experience.

Grace X.

Google
We absolutely loved our visit and workshop at Gourdlandia! Graham is so warm, fun and artistic, encouraging everyone to explore their own ideas while ready to help if you seek her opinions. We did not understand why she predicted at our arrival we were going to have a party in the bathroom of her workshop until we took turns to try out our nightlight creations :)). We are already planning our next visit: walking in the gourd gardens and the eco-village - one of the earliest in the US.

Jamie M.

Google
We just spent four days in Ithaca and four days in NYC and Gourdlandia was my teens favorite stop. They loved learning about the process and making nightlights. Our gourd creations are our most treasured "souvenir." We just got home and they are all plugged in around the house. Thanks, Graham!

Ina S.

Google
What a fun place! You can have a short visit just to buy some gourds or gourds art, walk in the gourds tunnel, make a tiny gourds necklace or have a workshop. The owner is a wonderful, open, funny and welcoming lady, who is very artistic. The studio is amazing, cozy and full with beautiful gourds. We enjoyed our visit very much and will be back! Don't forget to take a walk in the Eco Village later.

Sharon L.

Google
Cool shop with all kinds of gourd art and decorations. Walk-in workshops are available and we had a blast making our own gourd night lights (took about an hour). Lots of guidance and gourd education!
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Eden H.

Yelp
When I was researching things to do in Ithaca I stumbled upon a placed called "Gourdlandia". A place dedicated to gourds? I had to check it out and I'm so glad I did. Not too far from town, a bit off the beaten path is Gourdlandia. When I arrived, there were some people weeding in the garden including the owner who warmly greeted us and showed us around the garden explaining the process the gourds go through in order to use them to make artwork. Afterwards we went into the shop and there were beautiful crafted lamps and other items for purchase. I bought a super cute nightlight that I can't wait to use!
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Jade J.

Yelp
Did this with my mom and aunt (they're in their 70s) and we all loved it. Enjoyable, unique, indoor experience where you don't need to be an artist for your project to turn out well. This is a great option if the weather is uncooperative and you need an indoor activity.
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Michelle W.

Yelp
I loved it here! Amazing service (they opened the store for me when they learned I was an out of towner). They took my 5 year old to make a bead necklace while I browsed and offered so much information. Not to mention, the products are beautiful!
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Meghan B.

Yelp
We were in Ithaca for a mini vaca and it was a rainy day. I googled "cool things to do in Ithaca" and saw this spot listed. I knew we had to check it out. What a simple, yet incredibly unique and cool concept. All of the art in this shop is made out of gourds. We spoke with the owner and learned so much about gourds- she even showed us the little tools that she uses. It was so cool! We purchased a couple magnets and an EPIC gourd nightlight, which we appropriately named "Gordan". My only regret is that we didn't have the time to take a class. Classes take about an hour and are completely affordable. It would have been so cool to have made a night light ourselves. We are keeping that on our to-do list for the next time we visit Ithaca!
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
My family (ages 3, 5, 12, 14, plus adults) visited twice and made a nightlight and bowls. Everyone voted it their favorite experience in Ithaca. Graham is a kind and patient teacher. We left with beautiful lights and bowls. Very reasonably priced. Highly recommended!!