Happy August, friends!

We hope you’ve been enjoying the summer as much as we have. Luckily, we’ve still got several weeks left of it — and Ithaca has many months of gorgeous outdoor weather left for us all to enjoy. We hope you’ll choose to enjoy some of it with us!

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Did you know that if you are a New York State resident of 62+ years, you can obtain free vehicle access to most state parks? There are several state parks very close to Grayhaven, so if you’re planning on visiting, check it out!
More info HERE.

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Are you planning your leaf-peeping quests yet?
HERE and HERE are good places to start!
Grayhaven makes a great home base for all of your leaf peeping, winery, and waterfall visiting adventures.

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Lots of great concerts coming up at the State Theater in September + October, come for a night mid-week or make a weekend trip of it!

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If you are thinking about an October weekend, Grayhaven’s 2023 annual pumpkin carving / movie / s’mores party is scheduled for the 14th! Always a great time.

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Also not to be missed is the second installment of our book binding series with the wonderful Laura Rowley.

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Keep your eye on our Instagram account; there are always fun motel happenings that we love to share!

Last but not least, here’s the list of August events here and near Grayhaven.
Hope you’re able to join us for one or all…

Upcoming Events at + Near the Grayhaven Motel Saturdays through Aug 27th: Weekly at 9am, 55min pilates classes outdoors at the Ithaca Yacht Club led by Liz Zaharis of Z-Core Pilates! August!: Visit any of several art galleries around Ithaca throughout August for Seeing Ithaca: Through the Eyes of Artists, a multi-gallery art exhibit. The Cherry Gallery will feature artworks from the residents of Lavender Hill, one of the first all-queer artist communes – that was located in the Ithaca area!  Friday, Aug 11th: Ithaca Artist Market is a once a year gem! All 88 booths will be filled with over 80 artists, local arts organizations, and food, wine & beer vendors. The East Hill Jazz Group will set the mood throughout the day! Jewish Noir book launch with Kenneth + StevenWishnia; part of the Ithaca is Books Fest! 7pm + free, at Autumn Leaves Used Books on The Commons. Saturday, Aug 19th: Take a wood-fired pizza-making class at Stonebend Farm, about 10mins from Grayhaven’s door in Newfield! 11am – 3pm. Click the link for tickets and info.  Friday, Aug 25th:Mikaela Davis play at Deep Dive! From 8-12:midnight. Tix = $18 adv/$25 @door.    Thursday, Aug 31st: Bronwyn Exter plays at our neighboring cidery, S Hill Cider! 5:30-8:30 w/food + cider served all day; wood-fired pizza during the event!Visit www.grayhavenmotel.com for more information on booking and events!

If you’re looking for a fun weekend away, any weekend is a good one to visit the Finger Lakes. Here are our August ’23 suggestions.

Recommended itinerary for August 11-13th:

FRIDAY: Check in and enjoy a drink and Nate Cowles’ photography in our guest lounge before moving onto the Cherry Gallery to view GenderQueer Pioneers: The Lavender Hill Legacy, showcasing art from both Lavender Hill Collective’s residents, and contemporary artists channelling their legacy. Stop by the Ithaca Artists Market and then make your way to dinner at Maxie’s Supper Club (reservations encouraged) Dinner can be found anywhere on or near The Commons, as well. Enjoy!

SATURDAY: Start the day with a fantastic breakfast sandwich + coffee at Hound + Mare before discovering the shops and offerings around The Commons, Press Bay Alley and DeWitt Mall. Head to Buffalo Street Books (in DeWitt Mall!) in time for the 2:30p Ithaca is Books Fest event: Queer Romance Panel with TJ Alexander, John Jacobson, Aurora Rey, Leigh Abramson & LaQuette.

SUNDAY: Drink coffee and read the Sunday NYTimes in the lounge surrounded by Nate Cowles’ lovely nature photography. Check out by 11am and head to brunch at Cafe DeWitt, just up the way from us. If you have time for more Books Fest events, stay a little longer for the 1pm panel, Queer Feminist Publishing in Ithaca: A Historical Perspective with Nancy K. Bereano & Dr. Jeff Iovannone at CAP Artspace downtown.

Recommended itinerary for August weekends:

FRIDAY: Check in, grab some fantastic slices (or El Salvadoran delights) at Pizza Aroma and head to Stewart Park for the 7:30pm Movies in the Park showing! 

SATURDAY: Start the day at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market for a dizzying array of breakfast choices plus  park in Fall Creek neighborhood near Linn or E Court St to hike the lovely Cascadilla Gorge Trail! Free parking, free hike. Gorgeous views! OR go swimming at any number of our lovely natural falls, parks or pools. Treman, Taughannock, Buttermilk, and Myer’s Point are our faves. Try Flat Rock for wading, laying on warm rocks, glimpsing wildlife, and relaxing cloud-gazing. Looking for chlorine? Municipal Cass Park or Alex Haley Pools are nearby and outdoors!

SUNDAY: Corning, NY is a short drive and makes a great rainy (or any) day visit. Plan to stop for a few hours to blow your mind at the Corning Museum of Glass. They offer daily demonstrations on glass-blowing, breaking, etc. You can even sign up to take a class with one of their experienced glassworkers! A Finger Lakes must-do.

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See you soon!