Getting around Grayhaven Motel. We have maps of the grounds, games available for check out, and loads of information about area attractions in the Main House. Read more about the amazing amenities we offer here. Drinks and snacks are available during office hours in our Bar / Reception area, as well as coffee and tea there each morning. The Guest Lounge is open daily for reading and relaxing. You’ll find the pine porch open in the warmer months, and fire going to keep things cozy in the cooler months. C’mon over!
Here are a few of our favorite places to eat and visit:
Coffee. Ithaca has a slew of excellent cafes and roasters. Press Cafe, Gimme Coffee, Botanist Coffeehouse, and Ithaca Coffee Company are some of our favorites.
For a quick & excellent breakfast sandwich you can’t go wrong with Shortstop Deli, Dolce Delight, or Hound + Mare.
Breakfast & brunch. Our nearest and dearest are State Bakery BBQ, and Dolce Delight, both serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. For a standard American breakfast, you’ll find yourself right at home at the Lincoln Street + State Street Diners or the Sunset Grill. If you like your eggs and greens sourced locally Cafe Dewitt and Alléchant fit the bill. Simeons is rumored to have the best eggs benedict in town. Milk Stand is fun, delicious + family friendly. Hedging more in the direction of brunch / lunch: Ithaca Bakery serves up a distinct Ithaca experience. Angelhearts has amazing (vegan!) donuts, breakfast and lunch. Johnny’s Kitchen and HERE are seasonal favorites, and a lovely drive. Bickering Twins also serves brunch seasonally on Sunday.
Hiking + Park time. Where to begin? Robert H. Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Sweedler and Thayer Preserves at Lick Brook, Cascadilla Gorge, Ithaca Falls, The Waterfront Trail, Black Diamond Trail, Taughannock Falls State Park, Cornell Botanic Garden. This is just what’s within 1 – 10 miles. All State parks have awesome playgrounds. On a Saturday (April) or Sunday (May) through November check out the Farmer’s Market at Steam Boat Landing. The Market moves to Triphammer Marketplace in the winter and is still worth a visit!
Lunch & casual dinner. Ithaca Beer Co., Viva Taqueria, Asia Cuisine, Lev Kitchen, Saigon Kitchen, Diamonds New Delhi, and the famous + delicious Moosewood Restaurant are some of our go-to spots for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The Rook, Maxie’s Supper Club + Bickering Twins are favorites from 4pm on. If you’ve got pizza on your mind Franco’s (pick up only), Pizza Aroma (pick up or delivery), Italian Carryout (pick up + delivery) ETA PIE are some of our faves for take out. Thompson and Bleeker for cozy table service, Neapolitan style pizza, homemade pasta, and a great glass of wine.
Ice Cream. Are you surprised this gets its own category? Soon you won’t be. Seasonal shops: Dennis’ & Sweet Melissa’s. Year ‘round: Cayuga Lake Creamery, Purity Ice Cream (also serves lunch), Cornell Dairy Bar. If you’re committed to this FLX ice cream mission, Spotted Duck (seasonal) in Penn Yan is not to be missed.
Fancy pants dinner. Looking to make a good impression? Gola Osteria, Cafe Cent Dix, Mercato, Heights Cafe, the Cellar in Corning, Rosalie’s Cucina in Skaneateles, and FLX Table in Geneva have you covered. Alléchant makes the list as well, serving a lovely dinner Thursday – Saturday only.
Weekend driver. If you’re thinking about a casual drive and a tasty relaxed meal, we recommend Sans Dumplings, Johnny’s Kitchen, Stonecat Cafe.
Local bars + breweries . The Westy and Rhine House are our local locals bars that also have outdoor seating. Liquid State and Bike Bar are a few other favorites. Flower Power is Ithaca Beer Co’s claim to fame. Personal Best = brewery + shuffle board. Steuben is a family-friendly brewery located on the west side of Keuka Lake. Aurora Brewing + Salt Point are both worth a visit if you find yourselves on the East Side of Cayuga Lake. Lucky Hare, Two Goats, and Scale House are the places to be on the East Side of Seneca Lake.
Serious cocktails. Argos Inn & Bar brings it with service and atmosphere. The Rook, Cafe Cent Dix, Mercato, Heights Cafe, the Cellar in Corning, and Rosalie’s Cucina in Skaneateles all have great bars and fit the bill if you’re looking for a drink and dinner.
Day trips. Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, Corning Museum of Glass, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Finger Lakes National Forest, Harriet Tubman Home / Auburn NY, Women’s Rights National Historic Park.
Wine, cider, distilleries. South Hill Cider, Ports of New York, Six Mile Creek Vineyards, Frontenac Point Vineyards, Bet The Farm Winery, Bellwether Hard Cider, Finger Lakes Cider House, Myer Farm Distillers, Lucas Vineyards, Sheldrake Point Vineyard, Hopshire Farm & Brewery, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
Lovely local museums include the Johnson Museum, The Lab of Ornithology, and The Museum of the Earth.
Kid friendly. Science center, Cayuga Nature Center, Ithaca Children’s Garden + Cass Park, Cornell’s Suspension Bridge.
Swimming. Robert H. Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Cass Park.
Rail Trails: Catharine Valley Trail, Black Diamond Trail, Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail, Jim Schug Trail
Mountain biking. Finger Lakes National Forest, Hammond Hill, Jenksville St Park and Shindagin Hollow are popular destinations.
Cross country skiing. Arnot Forest, Dryden Lake–Jim Schug Trail, East Ithaca Recreation Way, F. R. Newman Arboretum, Monkey Run, Hammond Hill South Hill Recreation Way, Black Diamond Trail.
Book your stay and see everything there is to discover!
