Ithaca is home to approximately 30,000 people, and Tompkins County has around 102,000. Situated on the Southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ezra Cornell was so inspired by the views of lake and Ithaca landscape from East Hill that he decided it would be a perfect place to build Cornell University.
The city and town of Ithaca are anecdotally referred to as 10 square miles surrounded by reality, because of the transcendent influence of Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the Ithaca Commons in the middle of it all.
However, the reality surrounding the city center is pretty idyllic unto itself. Ten miles away one can take in New York’s tallest vertical water fall at Taughannock Falls State park. Drive a little further down the road, and you can be at the first of many wineries along a Fingerlakes Wine Trail boasting some of the best Reisling’s in the country, with a growing specialty of new varietals.
Closer to town are fun and beautiful hiking trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park, Treman State Park, and the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which takes you from the commons area to Collegetown. Although these trails follow some of the most spectacular falls in the county, there are over 100 gorges within 10 miles of downtown. The city and county have also invested in a nice trail system featuring South Hill Recreation Way, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and the Black Diamond Trail. The trails are good for walking or biking, and are conveniently located near city centers.
For enjoying the lake and swimming, Myers Park in Lansing is a favorite spot amongst locals. On the West side of the lake, Taughannock Falls State Park has the most infrastructure built up with a sprawling lot, boats, facilities, and BBQ grills along the West side of the lake in Trumansburg.
Whether enjoying life at wineries, eating at restaurants in the commons, hiking, or shopping, it goes without saying Collegetown Cab can transport you safely from point A to point B all day every day.