I grew up just outside Atlanta, and many friends went to schools throughout the South. Traveling to see them requires a plane ticket, which isn’t always easy. So, I often invite them to visit me in Ithaca, even though I never thought anyone would actually come. Flights can be pricey, and Ithaca isn’t the easiest place to get to, especially with its tough winters.
So, I was thrilled to get a call from one of my best friends asking if she could visit during her spring break. Without hesitation, I agreed. I was eager to share my life at Cornell with her. We began planning her visit—dates, flights, and sleeping arrangements. Then she asked a question that caught me off guard: “What fun things can we do in Ithaca?”
At first, I struggled to think of things. Living here for a while makes you forget how exciting the everyday can be for someone visiting for the first time. I started brainstorming a list of places and activities that would show her the best of Cornell and Ithaca. Here are my top picks:
Collegetown Bagels – Head here on a Tuesday for some fun trivia from Gina, the trivia master. It’ll be a challenge, but great fun.
Temple of Zeus – Let your friend try to grab a table here. While she waits, grab some pastries and coffee.
Ithaca Falls – Rain or shine, take a brisk walk to enjoy the views of the falls.
Cornell Cinema – Check the film calendar and watch a movie there. It’s a cozy experience compared to a typical theater.
Johnson Art Museum – Explore the exhibits. Even if art isn’t your thing, the top floor offers stunning views of the campus.
Beautiful Libraries – Showcase places like the AD White Library and the Law School Library. They’re worth a visit even if you’re not studying.
Wilder Brain Collection – Visit Uris Hall to see this fascinating collection.
Picnic on the Slope – If it’s nice outside, gather snacks from GreenStar Food Co-op and enjoy a sunset picnic.
Cornell Dining Halls – Take her to Morrison Dining Hall for a taste of campus cuisine. It’s large and has a wide variety.
Cornell Dairy Bar – Try out more than 20 flavors of ice cream. It’s a campus favorite.
Ithaca Pastimes – This quaint store in Dewitt Mall has postcards, trinkets, and vintage clothes. You could easily spend hours exploring.
Local Restaurants – Share your favorite spot in Collegetown. Mine is BiBiBowl.
Midnight Walk – Stroll around campus and end up at Louie’s Lunch for some tasty fries.
Fuertes Observatory – Visit on a Friday evening for some star-gazing.
Seasonal Events – If her visit overlaps with St. Patrick’s Day, catch the Ginger Run. In the fall, the Ithaca Farmers Market is a great stop.
Risley Dining Hall – Grab a gluten-free grilled cheese and tomato soup on Mondays.
Painting – Join the Guild of Visual Art’s Slope Studio hours for a laid-back afternoon of painting.
Anabel’s Grocery – Refresh with some kombucha on tap.
Attend a Lecture – Bring her along to a class. It could be a fun and embarrassing experience for her!
Cornell Store – Stop by for some Cornell merch.
Terrace Restaurant – Have lunch and tempt her into trying the orange chicken burrito bowl.
Performances – Check the campus events calendar for student performances.
Sunday Brunch – Get to the North Star Dining Room early for a great brunch experience.
Ice Skating – Spend some time at Lynah Rink.
People Watching – Return to Collegetown Bagels if the weather permits and enjoy a seasonal drink outside.
Rock Climbing – Head over to Bartels Hall for a fun climbing session.
Dinner Out – Choose a nice restaurant in the Commons for a special night out.
Movie Night in an Auditorium – Use a projector and screen to enjoy a film with snacks.
Band Nights – Catch a live band at Electric Buffalo on Thursdays or enjoy jazz at Tres Leches on Wednesdays.
I’m excited to show my friend what makes Ithaca special. It’s easy to overlook the beauty of everyday life when you’re immersed in it. But seeing it through a visitor’s eyes can rekindle that sense of wonder.
Recent Trends
More visitors have been sharing their experiences on social media lately, highlighting the charm of smaller college towns. Many appreciate the close-knit community vibe and the ability to engage in various outdoor activities, making places like Ithaca increasingly popular travel destinations.
For those interested in exploring the college experience or looking for a cozy getaway, Ithaca certainly has a lot to offer—both in campus life and the surrounding beauty.
