Inside NY's Most Gorges Town

A founding principle of New York States of Mind is that there’s more than one way of looking at the same thing. Meet two of NYSOM’s friends in Ithaca: Chloe and Samantha. Read on for their unique Ithaca states of mind, verbatim.

The best resources for learning about Ithaca

• SAMANTHA turns to: ithacaevents.com, 14850.com.
• CHLOE relies on: Printed magazines, websites.

Go-to locale for...

• Coffee:
  • CHLOE wakes up to: Gimme! Coffee [for the] Mocha.
  • SAMANTHA agrees: Gimme! Coffee [for] The Activist.
• A sandwich:
  • SAMANTHA craves: Ithaca Bakery [for] Laura's Sweet Surprise.
• A night out with friends:
  • CHLOE heads to: The Chapter House [in] Ithaca [for] beer.
  • SAMANTHA heads to: Just a Taste: Big Red Flight, Braised Greens, Russet Potatoes with Chipotle, Spicy Shrimp, Focaccia with Garlic.
• Date night:
  • CHLOE savors one-on-one time at: Asia Cuisine [for the] bi bim bop.
  • SAMANTHA savors one-on-one time at: Mercato: Fish in parchment is always delish! Chocolate Pot de Creme - YUM!
• A glass of wine or cocktail:
  • CHLOE toasts at: Corks & More … All wines!
  • SAMANTHA toasts at: Madeline's: Ask for a bourbon flight (14 from which to choose!)
• Dessert:
  • CHLOE treats herself at: Madeline's [for] anything or ZaZa's.
  • SAMANTHA agrees: Madeline's [for the] Spyro Gyra.

The hotel you always book or recommend to friends, and why:

• CHLOE sends guests to: La Tourelle Resort and Spa: I've worked there and it is lovely!
• SAMANTHA sends guests to: Breathe the Dream - A Lakefront B&B: a Mediterranean Villa in the middle of the Finger Lakes.  Beautifully appointed, private, and lovely views!

The ONE (only one!) thing visitors must see or do, and why:

• CHLOE directs people to: Buttermilk Falls State Park! [Visit the] Wine trail [and] farmers market.
• SAMANTHA directs people to: Walk along the gorge floor of Taughannock Falls State Park: the drive is lovely from Ithaca and the walk is beautiful in any season!

Your favorite (or not so anymore) gem, and why:

• CHLOE treasures: Any of the "fests" Apple Fest, chili fest [The Great Chili Cook-off], [Ithaca] Brew Fest, Ithaca fest! They bring out the whole community and showcase all local talent!
• SAMANTHA loves: Museum of the Earth: gorgeous architecture, art, and exhibits which share why "Ithaca is Gorges."

Number of hours or days required in town for the "full" experience:

• CHLOE declares: At least a full weekend.
• SAMANTHA declares: At least three [days]. It may be "Ithacating" so best to be flexible with your plans...

The town is great for what type of visitor (please select 1-3 from options below):

• CHLOE thinks Ithaca is perfect for people who like to:
  • CURATE (the artsy intelligentsia)
  • EPICURATE (the foodie)
  • INNOVATE (the tinkerers and life-long students)
• SAMANTHA thinks Ithaca is perfect for people who like to:
  • EPICURATE (the foodie)
  • INNOVATE (the tinkerers and life-long students)
  • RECREATE (the adventure-seekers and fitness gurus)

The town is best explored by...

• CHLOE: Car.
• SAMANTHA: By foot but you often need a car to get to the gems!

The town is best explored in what season?

CHLOE and SAMANTHA agree: Summer and Autumn.