Ithaca Day Trip Guide
Ithaca, NY is our urban oasis. We’re pitched on the edge of Buttermilk Falls State Park, a short 5-minute drive from downtown. Just like glamping blends Nature and comfort, Ithaca blends the beauty of the great outdoors with the convenience and variety of an eclectic city.
To help you make the most of your next vacation (or staycation!) in Ithaca, we’ve curated a day trip guide with our favorite stops and activities to connect you with Nature and the gifts of the region from sunrise to sunset.
To help you navigate each of the stops highlighted, check out this Google Map!
Gimme! Coffee | 430 North Cayuga Street
Fuel your day of adventures at this speciality coffee roaster that uses sustainable practices to create an array of blends and has a great neighborhood vibe. Be sure to try their irresistible pastries!
Puddledockers | 704 West Buffalo Street
Rent a canoe or kayak to explore Ithaca by water. If you make a reservation for early on Saturday or Sunday, you can kayak to the farmer’s market!
Ithaca Farmer’s Market | 545 Third Street
Gather your favorite picnic fix-ins at this iconic farmers market, set right on the water of Cayuga Inlet. The market, open Saturdays and Sundays from May through November, offers fresh produce, prepared foods, and arts & crafts produced within 30 miles of the market. During the week, you can visit GreenStar Natural Foods Coop instead, a natural health food store with a generous selection of basic and locally-produced ingredients and supplies, prepared foods, and bulk foods.
Buttermilk Falls State Park | 112 East Buttermilk Falls Road
The trailhead to Upper Buttermilk is on the grounds of Firelight Camps, between tents 3 and 4. After a steep 1-hour hike to the lower park, you’ll be greeted with a swimming hole, waterfalls, and a shaded playground. The hike back to camp is about 1.5 hours.
Downtown Ithaca Commons | 171 E M.L.K. Jr. Street
Located just a short 6-minute drive from camp, this pedestrian-only section of Ithaca includes a strip of unique restaurants, shops and often live music from street performers.
Just A Taste | 116 North Aurora Street
One of Ithaca's longest-standing restaurants serving seasonal tapas made from local ingredients and wine flights. We recommend getting in line when the doors open, especially on weekends!
Bar Argos | 408 E State St
A great spot for a night-cap, located in the Argos Inn, with classic and inventive housemade cocktails that earned Best Craft Cocktails in the Ithaca Times in 2018.
Firelight Campfire Lounge | 1150 Danby Road
Wind down by the campfire with a homemade s’more kit and an artisanal beverage from the Firelight bar. The game library in the lobby tent is stocked with classics like Monopoly, playing cards, and Scrabble.