Teddy’s Travels: Discovering the Charm of Ithaca, NY
Exploring the Scenic Journey to Ithaca
Situated at the southern tip of Lake Cayuga, Ithaca, New York, presents a charming escape just 91 miles from Rochester. The journey, while partly on highways, soon meanders through picturesque rural roads, where the sprawling cornfields create a pastoral backdrop. This scenic drive, lasting about one hour and 45 minutes, gradually unveils increasing signs of human life as visitors approach this city of approximately 30,000 residents.
Taughannock Falls State Park: A Must-Visit Attraction
Our first stop on this adventure was the renowned Taughannock Falls State Park, located roughly 10 miles outside Ithaca. Here, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the nearly 215-foot waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The 15-minute detour from our route was undoubtedly worth the magnificent sight.
A Culinary Experience at Moosewood Restaurant
Upon arrival in Ithaca, we successfully found street parking, a task made easier with complimentary weekend parking. Our culinary exploration began at the Moosewood Restaurant, a famed vegetarian venue in the city’s heart. The menu was diverse, catering to various tastes and preferences.
served over couscous with sour cream was my choice. Its flavors were remarkable, making it a must-try for anyone visiting. Meanwhile, Gwen tried the black bean burger, seasoned with potatoes and a large lettuce leaf, which also appeared appetizing.
Despite the generally enjoyable dining experience, I caution against ordering the bread basket, as the promised “fresh sourdough” failed to meet expectations. Nevertheless, with its cozy ambiance highlighted by a wood-burning fireplace, Moosewood Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience, albeit a little on the pricier side, with entrees costing around $22.
Sweet Delights and Shopping at Cornell Dairy Farm
No visit to Ithaca is complete without sampling the local ice cream at Cornell Dairy Farm on Cornell University’s campus. However, our attempt to procure these frozen treats was thwarted by its weekend closure. For those planning a weekday visit, the ice cream is highly recommended.
Next, we visited the Cornell bookstore, where the availability of unique items like collegiate-branded soaps and a photo booth stood out. This retail experience had us contemplating improvements needed at our local Barnes & Noble in College Town.
The Unplanned Adventure: A Traffic Stop
The return journey presented unexpected excitement as we were pulled over by a state trooper in Romulus, NY. This marked my first experience being stopped, a situation shrouded in mystery as the fine amount would only be revealed by the city court. Despite the inconclusive speed discrepancy uncovered by Life360, we cautiously resumed our journey back to the University of Rochester.
A Day at Ithaca: Rating the Experience
Evaluating the overall experience in Ithaca is essential. Here is how the trip fares on the ‘Teddy Stars’ scale:
- Price: The cost per person, when dividing fuel and food expenses, was around $45.24. Fuel costs included the 196-mile round trip with an added $1.12 toll in both directions.
- Food: The flavorsome Moroccan chickpea stew at Moosewood was a standout, while Cornell Dairy’s ice cream remains a recommended treat for weekday visitors.
- Parking: Weekend parking was hassle-free, but weekdays pose challenges, as Gwen learned during a prior visit when a vehicle was towed with a hefty $300 retrieval fee.
- Shops: Downtown Ithaca boasts a variety of small, locally-owned shops, providing ample shopping opportunities.
- Adventure/Fun: The area offers fantastic hiking opportunities, adding a sense of adventure to any visit.
In conclusion, while this journey featured memorable highlights, including exceptional dining and breathtaking scenery, it lacked adventure, earning it 2½ Teddy Stars. Future trips hold potential to enhance this rating, though the 1:45 drive is one to reconsider for those concerned with travel time.
Enhancing Your Trip to Ithaca
For travelers planning a visit, consider weekday trips to enjoy the famed Cornell Dairy Farm ice cream and avoid parking dilemmas by researching local regulations. Additionally, exploring more of Ithaca’s surrounding natural attractions could bring added thrills to your itinerary.
Overall, a visit to Ithaca, NY, promises charm and discovery for those keen on exploring nature and savoring local culinary offerings. Future trips may reveal more of its potential, yet merging these elements makes for an enriching getaway experience.
Source: https://www.campustimes.org/2024/12/09/teddys-travels-ithaca-ny/