The Holes In the Wall of Ithaca, New York
Fall is finally taking over and taking the leaves with it! Suddenly we
are being surrounded with various colors and much cooler temperatures. So, while
we’re all busting out the leather jackets and scarfs you forgot you even had, let’s take
a minute to set down the pumpkin spice coffee and begin a different type of
Adventure.
Ithaca, New York, a breathtakingly beautiful city with its artistic character. There’s all a million and one things to do here, especially in the fall. Do you want to take a look? That was a rhetorical question; of course you do.
It’s no secret that Ithaca is home to one hundred and fifty waterfalls and I do
advise you to see each and every one of them. They don’t say, “Ithaca is Gorges” for
nothing. But, out of all of them there has to be one that is much larger than all the
rest of them.
1)Taughannock Falls and Hiking Grounds
This waterfall can be found in between the village of Trumansburg and the city of
Ithaca. This waterfall towers over this little area nestled in between the rocks being
two-hundred and fifteen feet high! This sight is located in Taughannock Falls State
Park. Going to see this waterfall is pretty popular in this area. In order to get here
you must hike along trails. This spot would be perfect for a planned, or even a
spontaneous fall adventure. Think about it; what better way to spend a Saturday
than packing a picnic and hiking up to a beautiful destination.
Like any other state park there’s wild life to be looked at and beauty to indulge in. Also, can you just picture the colorful leaves hanging off all the trees? The waterfalls in Ithaca all have hiking trails. The trails are a great outing.
Also, they offer a chance to escape everyday life and get outdoors. It allows you to
become one with nature. The trails here are not only great for walking, but also for other activities such as biking. With an easy web search you can find how each trail is ranked
in difficulty. Really, there is a path for everyone here! Ithaca has 28,000 acres of land to explore! Anyone is aloud on them. You’ll find trails all over the city, with most of them leading to waterfalls and being by one of the lakes.
2). Hot Air Balloon
One thousand feet in the air anyone? Most people I know have never ridden in a hot air balloon. Have you? Yes, and you would love to do it again? No? But, you would jump at the opportunity to experience it? Here’s your chance to get more excited. Ithaca just happens to offer hot air balloon rides.
This is perfect for anyone who loves a great view and/ or is a thrill seeker. Stewart Park offers hot air balloon rides on the daily. During this balloon ride you will be able to view the whole
region of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca really a beautiful city filled with vast mountains
and lakes. There’s no way you could get a better view than from a balloon.
3). Ithaca Beer Co.
Family-friendly, fantastic food, and beer (only if you are of age of course)?
You must be talking about Ithaca Beer CO.! Located at 606 Elmira Road, this
restaurant is a great and casual place to dine. The food is fantastic and you cannot
forget about the incredible social atmosphere. It’s impossible to not have a good
time here.
Their cheeseburgers and BLTs are grilled to perfection and topped off with a crispy bun. My mom came to visit me at college and out of tradition we had to go here. The day was a perfect fall temperature, so not cold, but not the warmest. We chose to sit outside and it was the best decision of the day. The cooling breeze was calming and the gorgeous landscape that beheld
various trees sculpted with colorful leaves added a nice view while engulfing in our
BLTs and fresh cut fries.
4). Festivals
Continuing on, festivals are huge here and they happen year round! A new season means new festivals. Festivals are easy to attend and are a guaranteed good time. With fall circling around us, what better way to celebrate.
Oh, so you enjoy apple cider? BAM! Cider Monday is happening November twenty-seventh.
Ithaca is quite the artistic town. Not only is there gallery and museums to go to, there’s also a cute festival called, First Friday Gallery night on November third. Also, there is another Gallery night December first.
One of the newer and underrated festivals is Porchfest. Porchfest is held in Fall Creek & north side of Ithaca. This is a musical event that features mostly acoustic music. What is really neat about this festival is most of the acts take place on the front porches of the surrounding houses. There is also is two stages set up that I would say be considered the main stage. Last Porchfest they featured bands such as the X-Ambassadors and Izzy True.
All in all, there are plenty of festivals in this area. Every one of them have their perks as well as a unique theme.
5). The Lakes
Ithaca is very well known for…you guessed it! The finger lakes. Cayuga and Seneca are both located in Ithaca and are the deepest and longest of all the finger lakes. Seneca Lake has a depth of an astounding six hundred and seventeen feet. Cayuga lake has a depth that’s just a tad smaller being four hundred and thirty five feet deep.
While these lakes are great for swimming and tanning on their beaches, other water activities such as, snorkeling, jet skiing, boating,and many more are doable. We discussed hiking on various trails a couple paragraphs up, so what’s even better is that there are a bunch of trails that go around the lakes too.
While you are down at one of the lakes enjoying your day and maybe having a picnic. Remember that when it turns dusk you have to look up at the sky. It will be illuminated with joyous colors in various shades of pink, reds, oranges, and purples. When mixed together, they look like the most delicious sherbet ice cream. It’s a view you definitely won’t want to miss!
So, it’s easy to come to a conclusion that Ithaca has a lot of water. Swimming is the absolute best activity you could do on a warm day. This leads me to want to share the best swimming spot in all of Ithaca. I’m not talking about what pool is the nicest, but more of what swimming hole surrounded by beautiful trees and mountainous walls of rock would be the best place to take a dip.
6). Swimming Hole or a Sanctuary?
Also known as lower falls, Enfield falls is a great swimming hole. Located in the Robert H. Treman State Park, Enfield falls is popular and was in need of a spot in this article. This swimming hole essentially works as as a getaway from everyday life -- you will be engulfed completely in nature.
Make sure you bring your family and friends too! This spot is great for relaxation and bonding. Don’t forget dates! Treat your significant other by cooling off in front of a spectacular waterfall. The swimming hole is safe to swim in. It even offers you a chance to go to the bottom of the waterfall and take a seat on the bottom with the rocks. You can’t do this with many waterfalls. It’s a delightful experience.
7). Historical Lighthouse
What better way to look over a beautifully exquisite water landscape than a lighthouse? That’s right, just when you thought Ithaca had everything, it has more. The Cayuga Inlet Lighthouse overlooks Cayuga lake and is a historic landmark. It was built in 1917, but it was moved to it’s current location in 1947. It is placed directly where the Cayuga Inlet and Fall Creek come together on Cayuga Lake. This area is known for having many birds inhabit the area. This also makes a great site for bird watching. So, if you want to check out some of Ithaca’s history on a beautiful lake and gaze at some birds this lighthouse is the place for you!
8). Brains Anyone?
The Wilder Brain Collection is an exhibit located at Cornell’s department of psychology. Burt Green Wilder was an anatomy professor and founded the Cornell Brain Society in 1889. He wanted to study and learn more about psychology through the different parts of the human brain.
His collection was once so extensive that it held between 600 and 1200 brains. Unfortunately, the collection wound up neglected for some time, thus making most of the brains unuseable.
Luckily, there is now 122 brains on display. Even some notable people’s brains are on display. Edward H. Rulloff who was a well-known murderer, has a record of having one of the largest brains in history. Helen Hamilton Gardener brain is also featured in the collection. She was a courageous woman and activist who was all for equality. She donated her brain to prove that men and women are equal.
Interestingly, Burt Green wilder even donated his brain to his own collection. This collection is open to the public. I find this psychological exhibit to be both educational and interesting. It’s something new to do and definitely not anything you get to experience every day!
Overall, Ithaca is a beautiful city and it’s impossible to get bored here with all the activities it has to offer. There is no possible way I would ever be able to fit everything on this list. Come for a visit or leave your house for a night and see all the gems Ithaca has to offer!