Guidebook to Downtown Ithaca!

Welcome to the heart of Ithaca! Highly walkable with tree-lined streets, Downtown Ithaca is a close-knit community with a wide variety of events, local small businesses, the Commons, and multiple nature sites, all within a mile or so. ~~~~~~~ Restaurants: ~~~ Visit "Restaurant Row" on the 100th block of N. Aurora St, for some of Ithaca's most beloved restaurants. From your AirBnb, walk 4 blocks north on Buffalo St, then take a right and walk one more block. You'll be right on restaurant row! Find Viva Taqueria Ithaca Alehouse, Just a Taste, Asian Cuisine, College Town Bagels, Luna Street Food and even more, just around the corner from the Commons! ~~~ In the West End of town on the 400th and 500th block of State St (walk 4 blocks south from the Ithaca Commons), there is the State Street Diner, Franco's Pizza, The Rook, Maru Ramen, and Saigon Kitchen. ~~~~~~~ For brunch: ~~~ Cafe Dewitt is a local Ithacan favorite. In the bottom floor of Dewitt Mall (one block north from the Cayuga St side of The Commons), it has been open for over 30 years. Try a masterful omelet or one of their local farm-to-table sandwiches, soups, or salads. Waffle Frolic serves homemade decadent savory and sweet waffles and drinks in a counter-service style in the middle of the Commons. ~~~~~~~ The Commons: Since 1975, two blocks of State St have been transformed into Ithaca's walkable city center. Populated with yet more restaurants, shops full of local artists' and artisans' work, clothing and jewelry shops, outdoor stores, and many other specialty boutiques. There's an overlook to Six Mile Creek less than 2 blocks from the Commons. Walk to the Cayuga St side of The Commons (west), turn left and walk one block, turn left onto Green Street, and follow the walkway on the right side between Green St Pharmacy and Urban Outfitters to find a hidden gem of Ithaca. Benches along the water overlook are designed to reflect the sound of the moving water to the people sitting on the bench. A perfect place to sit and enjoy Ithaca's beauty. ~~~~~~~ Walkable Nature: ~~~ Cascadilla Falls is a short walk from this apartment. A few blocks and you'll be right at the base of one of Ithaca's most iconic gorge walks. Enjoy the waterfall from a quiet grassy area or hike the gorge trail. ~~~ Ithaca Falls: This is Ithaca's landmark downtown waterfall, with a mild 2 minute trail that allows you to stand close enough to feel mist carrying off the crashing water. It's magnificent and worth a quick view, even from the car. ~~~ Fingerlakes Waterfront Trail: Enjoy Cayuga Lake on a paved beautiful trail running along the inlet, through Ithaca's Farmer's Market, and all the way through Stewart Park along the base of the lake. A mild, flat walk with plenty of parking along the way, this is a pleasant way to enjoy Ithaca's natural beauty. ~~~ Ithaca's Farmer's Market: A permanent, beautiful wooden structure along the inlet, the Farmer's Market is bustling every weekend with dozens of vendors. There are many many food vendors of all sorts, plenty of organic farm vendors, arts and crafts vendors from homemade beeswax candles to silk screen clothing and unique wood working.