Take an ideal wintertime escape from the city to the Ithaca-Cortland region without breaking the bank.
Start Your Winter Getaway in the Ithaca-Cortland Area
After a quick drive upstate, head straight to Ithaca Beer Co. for a tasting flight in their cozy taproom. They’ve been brewing with locally sourced ingredients since 1998. Check into the stylishly restored Grayhaven Motel, a lovingly reimagined 1950s motor lodge, one of the oldest continually run hotels in the Ithaca region. Grayhaven boasts 16 mid-century guest rooms and thoughtful touches throughout the property.
Grab a Bite and Drive From Ithaca to Cortland
Fuel up for a full day at Coal Yard Café, the place in town to get locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, and hearty breakfast items like breakfast sandwiches, shakshuka, and Flap Quacks (johnny cakes with duck confit, of course). The cozy café is a historic “coal office” of a former local coal delivery business dating back to 1901.
Snowshoe, cross-country ski, or hike at Lime Hollow Nature Center, where recreational equipment is available for rent in their visitor center. Immerse yourself in nature on one of the 12 miles of scenic and serene trails that span 592 acres. The Greater Ithaca Art Trail opens into an Art Meadow filled with immersive and interactive works of art, including various sculptures created by different artists.
On your way back toward Ithaca, grab lunch and a pint in downtown Cortland at Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom in Dryden. They serve hearty pub fare (think poutine, kimchi tater tots, and apple brie burgers) and boast an awe-inspiring selection of craft beers from breweries across the Finger Lakes.
After lunch, take some time to browse the many boutiques, eateries, vintage shops, and art galleries in downtown Ithaca at the Ithaca Commons, a four-block pedestrian shopping area downtown; the Dewitt Mall, a former school from 1914 now filled with unique shops and dining; and Press Bay Alley, the newest retail development with micro-retail spaces.
Don’t miss Buffalo Street Books (one of Ithaca’s cooperatively owned independent bookstores), Angry Mom Records (for its vast selection of vinyl records), Mockingbird Paperie (offering cards, stationery, and art from around the world), and Ithacamade (for all things crafted in Ithaca).
Dinner and Drinks at the Bickering Twins in Ithaca
For dinner, head to Bickering Twins, a popular restaurant (yes, run by twins) focusing on made-from-scratch dishes with a unique blend of Latin American flavors. With a large selection of tequila, this spot is known for its tequila flights, margaritas, and craft cocktails.
The next day, stop by Milkstand for breakfast. A former Byrne Dairy location, this Instagram-worthy spot serves American breakfast classics. Don’t sleep on the brie-stuffed brioche, vegan chorizo skillet scramble, or buttermilk pancakes!
Set out on a wintertime hike you won’t forget. Make the easy trek to Taughannock Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The falls turn into an icy, natural masterpiece during the winter months as the falls are literally frozen in time! It’s quite a beautiful and majestic sight to behold.
Try Out a Panini With Homemade Kimchi in Ithaca
Before departing, stop by Creekside Cafe for lunch in the quaint town of Trumansburg. Perched over the Trumansburg Creek and specializing in locally sourced, farm-to-table fare, the cafe hits the spot with dishes like Kimcheese Panini (with homemade kimchi), the Creek Burger Bowl (with a shitake-black bean burger), and tasty treats.
