There are many elements to explore in Cornell's ecosystem on a trip to Ithaca.
Cornell Orchards and Cornell Plantations:
709 Dryden Rd. (Rt. 366) across from Vet School
The Cornell Orchards and Plantations are a personal favorite of mine that are especially beautiful during the fall season. For more information and special events hosted by the Cornell Orchards, visit: http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/sites/hort.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/Cornell-Orchards-Brochure_optimized.pdf
For more information and special events hosted by the Cornell Plantations, visit: http://www.cornellplantations.org/
Sapsucker Woods
Sapsucker Woods Rd.
A beautiful outdoor getaway with various hiking trails, swamps, boardwalks, and wildlife, opened all year round. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is also located on this property.
For trail maps, bird guides, and further information, visit: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1576
Botanical Garden
1 Plantations Rd.
The Botanical Gardens refer to the broader area around the Cornell Plantations. The gorgeous area includes 12 specialty gardens with various herbs, vegetables, flowers, and sculptures. Please visit the link below for more information: http://www.cornellplantations.org/our-gardens/botanical
Sage Chapel
548 College Ave. in Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University
Sage Chapel is located in Anabel Taylor Hall on Cornell’s campus. On weekends, the Chapel holds Catholic masses, Protestant worship services, Jewish services, and Muslim prayers. To explore Sage Chapel visit:
http://dos.cornell.edu/cornell-united-religious-work
Johnsons Museum of Art
114 Central Avenue, Cornell University
The museum is open to all, free of charge. It houses more than 35,000 works in its permanent collection in addition to rotational student pieces in its temporary collection. The museum is located at 114 Central Avenue on Cornell’s Campus.
http://museum.cornell.edu/about
Pedestrian Suspension Bridge
Cornell’s North Campus
Not recommended for those with a fear of heights. The pedestrian suspension bridge offers Cornell visitor another breathtaking view of the gorges.
World War I Memorial
Lyon Hall, Cornell University
Lyon Hall to the North and McFaddin Hall to the South are the twin Army and Navy towers built in honor of the 264 Cornellians who fought in World War I. Both buildings were constructed in 1928. Three years later, Mennen Hall was built. Inside, the first floor contains an octagonal memorial room with a painting by Alison Mason Kingbury. The upper two floors were meant to be the meeting rooms and apartments for one of Cornell’s secret society’s, Quill and Dagger. Be sure to look for the plaque commemorating those who died.
The Art’s Quad
147 Goldwin Smith Hall, Cornell University
When you visit the Art’s Quad, be sure to visit Cornell’s most iconic building, the Jennie McGraw Tower, situated at the top of Libe Slope. Visitors commonly climb the tower for an exhilarating view and an opportunity to play a song on the bells at the top.
College Town
415 College Ave.
College Town is sometimes considered “Ithaca’s second city.” Within just a few streets, College Town successfully houses students in its many apartments and homes among countless restaurants, student related services, and exercise facilities. Cornell students would roll their eyes at anyone who left campus without visiting CTB, the bagel shop on the left hand side of College Ave, when entering College Town from West Campus. Since CTB opened in 1976, it has truly become monumental for the Cornell and Ithaca communities.
The Dairy Bar
411 Tower Rd.
The Dairy is another personal favorite. It is a great place on campus to experience Cornell made ice cream among other snacks made in-house. The Dairy Bar also contains a licensed dairy processing plant and multiple classrooms, ensuring you’ll encounter plenty of students despite its orientation on the outskirts of central campus. https://foodscience.cals.cornell.edu/about-us/facilities/ithaca-facilities/cornell-dairy
Purity Ice Cream
700 Cascadilla St.
Purity is considered “the ice cream of the Finger Lakes.” The famous creamery still uses its original recipe from 1936.
http://www.purityicecream.com/#!ourstory/csgz
Depending on the time of the year – one of the Sporting events (Personal favorite Men’s Ice Hockey)
Varies by Season and Event
For the full Cornell sports’ schedule, see:
http://www.cornellbigred.com/#
Port of New York
815 Taber St.
The Ports of New York is a small artisanal urban winery, producing Meleau Specialty Wines. All grapes used are grown on the East Shore of Seneca Lake. The winery offers $3 tastings in addition to $5 tours with tastings for visitors.
http://www.portsofnewyork.com/index.html
Establishment Restaurant
Statler Hotel, Cornell University
Establishment is a student staffed and operated, refined-casual restaurant in the school side of the Statler Hotel on Cornell’s Campus. Students in the Restaurant Management Course required by the Hotel School curriculum each are assigned a single night during the semester on which they design a 3-course special menu for the restaurant, which is served along side the usual menu at the restaurant.
https://sha.cornell.edu/student-experience/undergraduate/hotelie-credentials/establishment/
Ithaca Farmers Market
545 3rd St.
Depending on the time of year, Ithaca’s well-renowned farmers market rotates between five spaces. Most impressive is the outdoor market at Steamboat Landing in the warmer months. To give you a small taste of the vendors, the market offers everything from fresh wood fired pizza, locally prepared cheeses, decadent gyros, crepes, and wraps, and delicious homemade pestos, tomato sauces, and dressings in addition to locally made artwork and accessories.
Visit the link below for a more complete list and calendar of Ithaca events.