The Best College Town In New York
While almost everyone knows about New York City and New York State, few people have heard of Ithaca. This is arguably New York State's best college town. Ithaca is home to the Ivy League School, Cornell University. The university adds culture to the town with art collections, beautiful gardens, and exhibits. Besides Cornell, Ithaca is known for its natural beauty and is full of waterfalls. Home to a unique blend of youthful student energy, vibrant local culture, thriving restaurants, outdoor recreation, and community spirit, Ithaca has earned a well-respected place as New York's top college town. Here, we explore what makes this college town so great.
Why it is The Best College Town
Ithaca is home to the prestigious Ivy League school, Cornell University. The school has called Ithaca home since it opened in 1865. Known for it's competitive admission rate, accepting only 10 percent of applicants, Cornell has more than 23,000 students. Home to a great college with an astounding reputation, Ithaca is a town with a vibrant, youthful energy. Ithaca offers a unique small-town feel while offering big-city amenities to appeal to students. Ithaca also has lots of outdoor recreation options. The town is fairly green since it is surrounded by New York State, State Parks, and places to hike and go to waterfalls.
On the weekends, students can enjoy the thriving live music scene or check out the local restaurants. The town's unique blend of small-town atmosphere, community spirit and well-renowned colleges makes Ithaca the best college town in New York.
Community and Campus Life
Being home to two colleges, campus life is a big part of Ithaca's community and culture. Cornell University hosts many events for students to foster a sense of community. Every semester, Cornell hosts Movies on the Arts Quad. College students and their friends can bring blankets to the Arts Quad and watch a movie under the stars. At the beginning of each semester, students should look for ClubFest. Planned by the Campus Activities Office and the Willard Straight Hall Student Union Board, ClubFest is a tradition that introduces students to clubs at Cornell. One of the most timeless traditions at Cornell is Slope Day. The concert dates back to 1901 and features a main concert, Slope Fest on Ho Plaza, and Breakfast food offerings by Cornell Health.
Being such a big part of the community, students frequent the local businesses around Ithaca. Ithaca Commons is a popular place for students to go shopping. It is a two-block pedestrian mall with a record shop and book store.
Beyond student events, Ithaca also hosts annual community events, from concerts to farmers' markets. An event not to miss is the town's Annual International Rutabaga Curl. The event takes place at the last outdoor market of the year and is a fun way to lift community spirit.
Local Culture and Recreation
The Downtown Ithaca Commons is one of the town's most popular places to spend an afternoon. In this four-block, pedestrian-only section of downtown, there is always something exciting going on. Close to Cornell University, this is the perfect spot to go for a bite to eat and stroll around, checking out local shops with friends. Those looking to explore the art and history of the area should check out the art museum at Cornell University and the History Center in Tompkins County. Ithaca also has a unique museum, the Museum of Earth. This museum shows the history of the earth from prehistoric times to the present day.
Outside the downtown, Ithaca has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is known for it's waterfalls. Ithaca and the surrounding area have more than 150 waterfalls. Some of the waterfalls can be seen just past Cornell University. Buttermilk Falls State Park is a popular spot to go to enjoy waterfalls and hike through a beautiful forest area.
To unwind after a day of exploring in Ithaca, a popular spot to go is the local State Theater. Here you can enjoy local entertainment. The theater houses 1,600 seats and has over 75 performances every year. They have everything from concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and classic movies, to dance performances, readings, and community performances. Standing since 1928, a visit to the theater is a great way to enjoy an evening in one of the town's most beloved buildings.
A Thriving Restaraunt Scene
Besides the theaters, shops, and waterfalls, Ithaca is also home to exciting nightlife with unique bars, clubs, and restaurants in Ithaca. The Watershed is a local favorite bar. Set in a bookish social space, the bar features good cocktails and comfort foods. A local favorite spot for the best late-night food is the Short Stop Deli. Open since 1978, this iconic spot serves affordable and tasty subs. For those who enjoy a good pizza, Franco's is the local favorite spot in town. Franco's serves New York-style pizza with slices available daily. They even have a vegan pizza available for dairy-free pizza goers.
Ithaca is also home to cute cafes and restaurants. The town has four coffee roasters and more than a dozen independent cafes, making it easy to grab a cup of joe in the morning. Ithaca Coffee Company has been open for roughly 40 years and is a local must-try. Those looking for more than coffee to start their day should check out Creekside Café for a locally sourced, homemade breakfast. Café Alléchant is another great spot to go for breakfast. The café and eatery is in a local art gallery and serves unique, pretty food. Other local favorite restaurants include NorthStar House, Lev Kitchen, and Gola Osteria.
Local Festivals
Enjoy the comfort of local cuisine at the town's annual Apple Harvest Festival and Cider Week. Here, locals come together to celebrate the bounties of the fall harvest in September and enjoy warm apple pastries and fresh-brewed cider. In December, Ithaca also has a beloved seasonal Cook-off. The festivities take place downtown, where local chefs battle for culinary supremacy. In the summer months, Ithaca also has multiple music fests. In July, the Trumansburg Fairgrounds get ready for the Grassroots Festival, a four-day music event celebrating a range of artists. In June, Stewart Park prepares for the annual Reggae Fest. This festival is unique since it is held to support Cayuga Lake protection and restoration.
Why it's a Great Place to Live For Anyone
Considering the amenities in Ithaca, the town is a great place for students. However, even those not attending a lecture hall can enjoy the town. Ithaca is perfect for nature lovers, considering the town's proximity to local parks and waterfalls. Ithaca is located on the southern top of Cayuga Lake. This is the longest of the 11 Finger Lakes and makes the town perfect for those looking to enjoy lake life. Imagine waking up each day to swim, kayak, or paddleboard to your heart's joy. This is possible in Ithaca. The town also has a vibrant downtown and is the perfect place to spend time with friends. The Ithaca Commons is a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a local craft beer or do some local shopping. From adventures exploring waterfalls to a thriving local restaurant scene and cultural events throughout the year, it's easy to see why Ithaca is a town for more than college students.
Why Visit Ithaca
Full of natural beauty, local culture, and a vibrant, youthful energy, it's easy to see the appeal of Ithaca. With more than 150 waterfalls to see, nature lovers will never be bored. Ithaca is also a town full of local culture, from unique local restaurants to beloved annual festivities. Those looking to attend a well-renowned college should consider Cornell. The university's amenities and surrounding town will make anyone's college experience memorable.
Whether you are a student, teacher, or family looking for a new vacation spot, Ithaca has something for everyone. The best way to experience the charm of Ithaca is to visit the town yourself. Next time you are looking to take a day trip, consider paying Ithaca a visit. Seeing the waterfalls alone is worth the trip.
