Tompkins County, New York? Where’s that? Even residents of Manhattan may not be familiar with this area upstate. Their loss. But lucky you, because there are actually tons of exciting things to see and do in and around Ithaca, the Finger Lakes region, and other spots around Tompkins.
If you’ve ever been to a big city you know there are lots of fine sights, fine dining, and generally fine venues. But they tend to be the same from one city to the next. Zoos, aquariums, science and art museums, and all the rest are terrific. But they begin to blend together after you’ve seen the ones in Chicago, San Fransisco, New York, and the rest.
Those cities are also pretty crowded. Yet, if you want to take a vacation to an uncrowded location, you tend to think first of National Parks and other wilderness areas. But don’t overlook America’s smaller cities. They have the best of both worlds, and that’s nowhere more true than in Tompkins County, New York.
Ithaca is the location of one of the country’s outstanding universities: Cornell. And, for those who enjoy seeing the buildings, the galleries, the grounds, or even sitting in on a lecture or two, it’s a great place. But there is so much more to this area.
Did you know that only 10 miles from downtown are the Ithaca Falls? Or that you could visit Cascadilla Gorge, or see any of the other 100+ waterfalls and gorges just a few minutes away? Probably not, since these are just some of the region’s best kept secrets… secret from the average tourist, that is.
Dig a little deeper on your list of favorite travel sites and you’ll find much more to see and do in Tompkins County.
After your hike you could savor a meal at Moosewood Restaurant. Not so well known as some of Manhattan’s finest perhaps, but a delight nonetheless. Sometimes, places are famous just for being famous. Then there are places that earn their reputations the old fashioned way: by serving the finest food in an outstanding atmosphere. Welcome to Moosewood Restaurant.
If you prefer to get your lunch in the open air, visit the Ithaca Farmers Market on the lakefront any weekend from April to December. You’ll find the freshest produce, locally grown and at far-below normal prices. Created with loving care, they look and taste superb.
Now it’s time for a relaxing cruise on Cayuga Lake. Wait. Too placid for you? Fine, rent a kayak at Puddledockers and work off all the calories you want while you enjoy the beauty of this amazing scenery. Then when it’s time for dinner you can relax with a scenic dinner cruise aboard the MV Columbia and enjoy some of that outdoors while someone else supplies the motive power.
And, oh, don’t forget to visit the history museum, the tallest waterfall in the Northeast (Taughannock Falls), the educational cruise…
You see, there are more things to see and do in Tompkins County, New York than you ever dreamed. Come make the dream part of your reality on your next vacation.
(C) CallieJo Oliver @ www.LilHangout.com
