Make time to support local businesses across Tompkins County during your stay in Ithaca—and leave with a souvenir that actually means something. Start with the Downtown Commons to browse indie shops, street food vendors, and other small businesses.
Don’t skip the farmers markets, either—you’ll find fresh produce, honey, flowers, bread, and local art all in one spot. For take-home gifts, check out The Whimsy Mercantile, Ithacamade, or Handwork, a long-running artisan cooperative filled with locally made goods. When open studio events are happening, explore the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, where you can visit the studios of over 45 local artists.
These small stops offer a great way to connect with the community and get a feel for what makes Ithaca unique!
