Farm to Fork Experiences
Ithaca can be whatever you want it to be, a relaxing oasis in the snow-blanketed hills, or a colorful and adventurous city to explore. From wood fires and cabins, to live music and spectacular culinary experiences, Ithaca has the vibe you’re looking for. Winter time is perfect for witnessing frozen waterfalls, cross-country skiing, learning how to tap a maple tree, or waking up in a cozy cottage all your own. With more restaurants per capita than NYC, numerous wineries/cideries/breweries, artisan cheese makers, local butcher shops, and an underlying foodie culture, Ithaca is ideal for those who want a new taste of life.
Feb-April - Science of Taste Food Tour by Ithaca is Foodies
Rediscover your five basic tastes while exploring Ithaca's restaurants on this special tour designed with winter weather in mind. Savor 5 generous tastings and 3 delicious drink pairings. Explore one of your five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) with each course. Redefine how you experience food as we discuss the hidden elements behind each taste. The tour route keeps the group warm with short walks from one establishment to the next! The Science of Taste is a narrated, guided tour. You will visit five local establishments, exploring a different one of the five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) with a satisfying tasting at each. We’ll discuss how we perceive these tastes, the ways in which they interact with each other, and the difference between taste and flavor. You’ll also learn how they’re used in cooking and you’ll find out whether or not you’re a super-taster!
Mar. 17 – Maple Fest at Cayuga Nature Center
Pancake breakfast, live music, vendors, and education activities for all ages! Come over for a feast of wonderful pancakes, maple syrup, apple crisp, sausage, Copper Horse coffee, and orange juice. Breakfast will be served in the morning, activities run from mid-morning to the afternoon. Cornell experts will give talks on Maple production. There will be a sugaring demonstration at our sugar shack, live animal programs with our Animal Ambassadors, and live music. Creameries and maple syrup producers will be on hand selling their delicious products. All proceeds benefit the Cayuga Nature Center’s mission and educational programming.
Mar.23 - MapleFest at Wellspring Forest Farm
As part of the New York Maple Producers Association statewide Maple Weekend, Wellspring Forest Farm, located 12 miles West of Ithaca and 12 miles East of Watkins Glen, will be open to the public on Saturday March 23rd with a range of events for the whole family. Admission is FREE. On Saturday, March 23, visitors are welcome from 10am to 4pm, with: Guided tours of the sugarbush at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Tastings and sales of maple sap and syrup. Live Music from Travis Knapp (10am – 12pm), Alex James (12 - 1:30pm), and Northside Stringband (1:30 - close). Maple cake balls, cupcakes, and sugar cookies by Ithacake. Local food vendors including The Pigger and Seneca Sunrise Coffee. A farm and craft market featuring local artisans including Cayuta Sun Farm, BeSpoke Apothecary, and more! Shiitake log inoculation to benefit the Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming.
Mar. 23-25 – 5th Annual Bacon on the Lakein’ by Cayuga Wine Trail (First Wine Trail in America)
You read it right; we said BACON! The wineries have paired tantalizing bacon dishes with Cayuga Lake Wine Trail wines for your pleasure. Your taste buds will thank us later. At every winery, leave a ticket stub in the piggy bank for a chance to win a BBQ Bacon Basket. One lucky person will win a BBQ Smoker! Besides sampling bacon infused dishes, you’ll sample a wine that compliments that dish, and be offered up to 3 more additional wine tastings.
Saturday and Sunday 10-5pm, ALL 14 wineries are participating. Designated Driver tickets and benefits are available as well.
Apr. 26-28 + May 3-5 – Wine and Herb Fest by Cayuga Wine Trail (First Wine Trail in America)
Drink. Eat. Garden Repeat. Get a head start on your herb garden. Collect the potted herbs and veggies featured in all 14 food samples along with the matching recipe collection. As you savor herb-prepared cuisine, you’ll be offered a wine that compliments that dish and be able to take home the recipes, so that you can be the highlight at your next get together. You’ll also be offered up to 3 additional wine tastings 2019 Herbs: Dill, Sage, Cilantro, Lettuce, Bell Pepper, Lavender, Basil, Jalapeno Pepper, Oregano, Thyme, Tomato, Parsley, Peppermint, Eggplant.
Friday 1-5pm (select wineries), Saturday and Sunday 10-6pm, ALL 14 wineries are participating. Designated Driver tickets and benefits are available as well.
May 19 – Spring Garden Fair + Plant Sale hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension
One of the Finger Lakes' most highly anticipated events is the annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale, organized since 1982 by Master Gardener volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. The Garden Fair & Plant Sale features a wide variety of vendors who offer specialty plants and gardening advice on topics ranging from growing rock garden plants to selecting native species for the garden. Plants for sale include organically grown and heirloom vegetable transplants, colorful annuals, fragrant herbs, hanging baskets, small flowering shrubs, hardy roses, fruit crops, evergreens, and specialty perennials. Master Gardeners from CCE-Tompkins and other community groups participate in the sale to raise funds or create awareness of their programs. Visitors are encouraged to bring carts or wagons to aid in transporting their plant purchases to their cars. Admission is FREE!
Can't Miss Classes: Hands-On Fun
The Piggery: Whole Hog Butchery Classes
Wide Awake Bakery: Baking Classes
Coltivare: Cooking Classes
Gourdlandia
Ithaca is Foodies Culinary Tour
Farm-to-Fork Experiences, Packages that Excite...
Don't just visit - immerse yourself! These Farm to Fork packages combine lodging with unforgettable experiences with farms, local businesses, restaurants, events, and more - they make perfect gifts for any adventure-seeker or foodie looking to think outside the box.
Winter Packages:
The Spa at Gothic Eves and Hazelnut Kitchen are teaming up in Trumansburg.
This winter, treat yourself to an afternoon massage followed by a delectable dinner. Treatments made between 2-3pm will receive a $25 gift card to Hazelnut Kitchen; where you can continue to relax by walking the historical streets of Trumansburg from The Spa at Gothic Eves to Hazelnut Kitchen for your 5pm dinner reservation. Available starting in November and running through February.
Call 607-387-6033 to indulge yourself today.
*Special offer valid select dates and times only. Spa treatment is required. Gift card is valid same day. Excludes can apply. One gift card per treatment. Not available for group bookings or other special offers and packages. Based on availability and subject to change.
