Explore

All around Ithaca

Getting around the homestead. We have maps of the grounds, games available for check out, and loads of information about area attractions in the Main House. Drinks and snacks are available during evening 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.

**Please note that indoor common area hours, including our bar and guest lounge, may vary due to COVID-19. Wine, beer and snacks can be added through the booking form and will be waiting in your room at check-in. Orders can also be easily placed for contactless delivery throughout your stay. We appreciate your understanding as we do our very best to provide a safe stay for all guests. Please see CoV-19 Response for more information.

Ready to head out into the world?

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, 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. 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 also a favorite – fun, delicious + family friendly. Hedging more in the direction of brunch / lunch: Circus Truck and Ithaca Bakery serve up distinct, albeit different, Ithaca experiences. Johnny’s Kitchen is a seasonal favorite, and a lovely drive.

Park time. Where to begin? Robert H. Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, 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.

Lunch & casual dinner. Ithaca Beer Co., Viva Taqueria, Asia Cuisine, Lev Kitchen, Saigon Kitchen, + Diamonds New Delhi are some of our go-to spots for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The Rook, Maxie’s Supper Club, Northstar House + 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), and Italian Carryout (pick up + delivery) 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 and we highly recommend a stop by FLX Wienery for lunch en route.

Fancy pants dinner. Looking to make a good impression? Gola Osteria, Cafe Cent Dix, Mercato, Heights Cafe (also serves lunch), Hazelnut Kitchen in Trumansburg, Dano’s Heuriger on Seneca, the Cellar in Corning, and FLX Table in Geneva have you covered.

Your basic bar. Choose the Chanticleer if you’re looking for a true local “dive”. The Westy and Rhine House are our local locals bars that also have outdoor seating. Liquid State = beer hall + fried chicken!

Serious cocktails. The Watershed and Argos Inn & Bar both bring it with service and atmosphere. The Rook and Mercato both have great bars 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, Women’s Rights National Historic Park.

Wine, cider, distilleries. Ithaca Beer Co., 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.