Tourist Attractions in Ithaca, New York
Ithaca, New York is an ideal escape for both nature lovers and foodies with its vast forests, beautiful gorges and waterfalls, bustling farmers' markets, and local wineries. In fact, Outside Magazine ranked Ithaca the sixth-best town in America and its popularity continues to grow with each passing season.
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History
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Ithaca was originally home to the Saponi and Tutelo Indians before European expansion pushed them out. Once the Iroquois confederation was destroyed, European settlers began to develop the area, and by the 1820's Ithaca was booming as a result of the construction of the Ithaca and Owego Railway. It became famous for the Ithaca Gun Company in 1880, and their shotguns became the standard used by the Los Angeles and New York Police Departments.
Geography
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Ithaca is located on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in Central New York State, and the metro area is home to over 100,135 residents. The weather ranges from bitterly cold and snowy in the winter to hot and humid in the summer, but the unique microclimates created by the area lakes lead to short but successful growing seasons for grapes. As a result, wineries have nestled into the region, and the local Rieslings have gained notoriety worldwide.
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Types
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There are many types of tourist attractions in Ithaca, but the outdoor options remain the most popular. Gorges abound in the area and the Cascadilla Creek Gorge that connects the Cornell campus to downtown is one of the most popular. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park is one of the largest inland marinas in the state, and Buttermilk Falls State Park is beloved for its cross-country skiing and hiking trails. The Museum of the Earth is home to the numerous fossils that are abundant in the area, and Ithaca's Discovery Trail offers a little bit of everything for tourists. Eve's Cidery allows visitors to pick their own raspberries, peaches, and apples, and the Ithaca Farmer's Market houses over 150 vendors. To indulge in the regional food and wine, head to the Stone Cat Cafe and Moosewood Restaurant for meals made from local ingredients.
Features
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Other than the wealth of outdoor activities in the area, Ithaca is also home to Ithaca College and Cornell University. Ithaca College has over 6,000 students and its Conservatory of Music is world-renowned. Cornell's campus is home to 13,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students from all over the world, and its Lab of Ornithology attracts avid birders and wildlife enthusiasts. There is also fossil collecting at the base of the gorges on campus for archaeology buffs.
Considerations
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The weather should always be considered before visiting Ithaca. The winters can be harsh and uncomfortable, and the summers' humidity also puts a damper on outdoor activities because of the increase in bugs. Fall and spring are the most favored seasons for travel since conditions are usually milder, and November is a popular month because most wineries are harvesting their grapes. Another important fact to keep in mind is the limited public transportation options available.
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