Ithaca top picks
 

I'm planning to visit Ithaca (first time) last week of may... does any of you know what's the weather like those days?<BR>I also would like to visit nearby spots, any top picks? <BR>Thanks

Could be glorious or could be cold and rainy. I've seen it as warm as the 80s and as cool as the 40s at that time of year in upstate NY. The only thing I can guaranty is that it wont be snowing! You will be in a beautiful area of NY State. there are wineries to visit, State Parks to hike in, Corning is not too far away (Corning Glass is very interesting). Make sure you eat at the famous Moosewood Restaurant (made famous by the Moosewood cookbooks).

The Frommer's Budget Travel magazine just came out with an article on things to do in Ithaca. It gives you all kinds of info on what to do &amp; where to stay. Check out budgetravel.msnbc.com. Maybe you can get the article there.

Pay a visit to Cornell University, my alma mater and a beautiful campus.

The weather is usually verynice in late May - warm days in the 60's or 70's and cool (occasionally cold) evenings in the high 40's to high 50's. Keep in mind that it's central NY state - bring an extra layer of something in case it gets colder and allow for the possibility of rain.<BR><BR>In no particular order....<BR><BR>Early morning get sticky buns at Home dairy on the Commons and then walk to upper end of Commons and get a cappucino at Silver Bird Espresso.<BR><BR>If there on a Saturday be sure to visit the Farmer's Market out on Rte 13 - one of the best small farmer's markets anywhere. Since you'll already be out that way... get a HUGE homemade ice cream cone at Purity Ice Cream and then just south of there, also on Meadow Street (Rte 13) get some lunch provisions at Ithaca Bakery.<BR><BR>Now.... get yourself in the car and<BR>a) head to Watkins Glen to walk the gorge - amazing and really worthwhile. If hiking up it is problematic, park at the top, walk down and take the shuttle bus back up (walking up is a better experience)... or... park on the west shore of Cayuga lake and walk up to the base of Taughannock Falls. Then head south on Rte 13 to lower Tremain Park. Beautiful gorge walk there also and less crowded than the Watkins Glen gorge. If you want to just stay in Ithaca, find the base of Cascadilla Gorge by the Christian Scientist church. Ignore the signs that say &quot;Gorge Trail Closed&quot; (it gets Cornell off the hook if you slip and get hurt) and walk up the gorge. At the upper end there are steps leading up to the campus near the northern end of the old quad (they come out behind Tjaden Hall near to the art museum. Now head into the Johnson Art Museum. It's an IM Pei design (not that I care for his museums but if you're an architecture buff...). They have a fantastic Far east collection on one of the upper floors with cool jade etc. and also a very good collections of prints and drawings. There's an outdoor terrace off one of the upper floors that has an incredible view of the lake. The Shakespeare Gardens on campus may be in bloom by then and worth visiting if flowers are your bag (this explains why I lived there for almost five years and never saw them!).<BR><BR>I've left a few things out and that's more than three but there's plenty to do in Ithaca. I really like Moosewood but some foodie types seem to think the food's a bit plain. There's a place next to Fall Creek Cinema called Willow - was called Renee's when I lived there but I hear the new incarnation is good and very eclectic. John Thomas is just out of town and is good for dry aged steaks - it has Ruth's Chris style food and prices so be prepared for sticker shock. My favorite Thai restaurant of all time, Thai Cuisine, is out on Rte 13 across from Wegmans. Rumour has it that it's gone downhill but I haven't been there in over a year and can't attest to that.

Thank you all for your help... I actually was thinking of drive to NY or Niagara Falls if they're near Ithaca; but I can see there's a lot to do there. Outdoor activities would be great, as also would be cultural ones.<BR>Owen, by the way, yes!, I happen to be an architect, so I surely wont miss the museum!

Amy - not sure where you're coming in from but NYC is about a four hour drive from Ithaca and Niagara Falls is nearly as far. Either would be impractical to do as a day trip. Since you're a fan of architecture... obviously there will be some other buildings of interest on the campus but I suggest you check out one particular residential street. If you're at the bottom of Cascadilla Gorge next to the church, this street starts just to the left of the church and winds up the hill along the edge of the gorge. Sign says &quot;no through traffic&quot; to keep students from using it as a short cut but you can drive or walk up it. It has a very unique feel and there are a number of really cool Arts &amp; Crafts style houses tucked into the hillside - very interesting. A drive around one of the lakes might be fun - perhaps with a few winery stops if they're open. If I recall correctly, there is a museum and interoretive center near Aurora on the eastern edge of Cayuga Lake (maybe Seneca Lake?). It's dedicated to the Roycrofters - and artisna guild or community that was an integral part of the Arts &amp; Crafts movement. They were contemporaries of Stickley and their hammered copper products, in particular, are remarkably beautiful in style and execution - well worth seeing and exploring.