Ithaca

Located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a great college town, with a fun, bohemian vibe that emanates from Cornell University and Ithaca College. Museums, galleries, theaters and the many festivals that dot the calendar give Ithaca an erudite, cultural feel that is unique in the region.

Ithaca has all the charm of a small town that is spiked with the vitality of youth, as the year-round population of about 30,000 nearly doubles when school is in session. Downtown Ithaca centers around the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-only mall that blends the cultural arts with restaurants and shopping. You'll find galleries, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants around here. The Commons serve as a year-round hub of activity in this eclectic and vibrant city. 

Beyond the city center, Ithaca is surrounded by gorges, waterfalls and spectacular, scenic, natural vistas. Hiking, biking, and snow skiing are among the most popular outdoor activities off the lake. For watersports enthusiasts, Cayuga Lake is just a stone's throw away.