Are you eager to visit a town immersed in nature, with one of the best farmers’ markets in the U.S., and plenty of galleries and museums? Then, Ithaca in New York may be what you’re looking for. Located about 54 miles south of Syracuse, this town recently won first place for ‘America’s best towns to visit in 2025,’ according to CNN. With over 150 waterfalls and scenic gorges scattered throughout its surroundings, this place was named America’s Best “Gorges” little city.
Here, tourists will find numerous hiking and biking trails that lead to scenic waterfalls. The town is situated on the banks of Cayuga Lake, offering visitors the opportunity to try a variety of water activities. Those who prefer to make the most of the town itself can visit one of Ithaca’s many museums, which range from art galleries to science exhibitions.
The town also abounds in shopping venues and is home to a farmers’ market, which was recently named one of the best in the U.S. by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice. The best time to visit Ithaca is during the fall, when temperatures are mild, students have returned to university, the crowds are smaller, and the foliage is at its peak. This makes the summer an ideal time for planning your trip to this picturesque town.
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Where Is America’s Best “Gorges” Little City?
Aerial of Ithaca, New York
CNN released a list of America’s best towns to visit in 2025, and Ithaca, New York, was awarded first place. This small town boasts over 150 waterfalls with numerous scenic gorges and earned CNN’s highest score thanks to its ‘natural wow-factor, outdoor activities, wine and cider, college-town culture.’ Ithaca and its surroundings offer a variety of cascades, gorges, and stunning waterfalls to explore.
There’s so much variety that everyone can find the ideal spot for a picnic or a chill day in nature without being disturbed by thousands of tourists. This picturesque town, located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, boasts a variety of wineries and cider houses that can be easily reached with a short drive from the city center.
In Ithaca, people will also find one of the most popular farmers’ markets in the country, a historic state theater, a pedestrian-only mall with great shopping opportunities, and beautiful botanical gardens. The town is also often praised for its university vibes, with its two universities: Cornell University and Ithaca College.
Quick Ithaca Facts
- Ithaca is located on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake and has a population of about 33,000.
- The city was founded in 1790 and is named after the famous island of Ithaca in Greece.
- Writer Vladimir Nabokov wrote his masterpiece “Lolita” in this town
- In the 1910s, Ithaca was the capital of silent film production.
Even though it’s a small town, Ithaca has plenty to offer for all types of tourists, and famous people have lived here. Other notable examples include author Alex Haley and astronomer Carl Sagan, as well as Vladimir Nabokov, who nearly destroyed his manuscript after several publishers rejected it due to its controversial topic.
Interestingly, L. Frank Baum, the writer who created the popular Wizard of Oz, most likely visited Ithaca when the town was paved with yellow bricks. Today, the town is vastly renowned for its many waterfalls, but back in the 1910s, it was the capital of silent film production. Wharton Studios produced several movies here.
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Best Things To Do In Ithaca, New York
Ithaca has a variety of activities for all types of tourists, from beautiful trails heading to picturesque waterfalls to one of the best farmers’ markets in the U.S., along with a variety of museums and galleries.
Outdoor Activities
Taughannock Falls during Autumn
Of course, if you’re coming to Ithaca, you must see some of its waterfalls. When added together, these reach a height of 7,342 feet, equal to about 1.39 miles of falling water. Four main parks near this city offer some of the best views of the cascades. These are:
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Robert H.Treman State Park
- Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Allen Treman State Marine Park
Ithaca is situated on the shores of Cayuga Lake, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Another great option is to explore this area and try various water activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Ithaca also has a variety of hiking, biking, and running trails.
The Gorge Trail in Taughannock Falls State Park offers segments suitable for all fitness levels. For those who prefer a bike trip, the Black Diamond Trail features mixed terrain, while the Cayuga Waterfront Trail is paved.
Shopping
Ithaca is home to a farmers’ market, which has recently been named one of the best in the U.S. by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice. Vendors have been selling their fresh products here for over 50 years. According to Visit Ithaca’s official website:
In addition to the bounty of produce, you’ll find a delicious and diverse variety of prepared dishes and snacks including authentic Laotian, Cuban, Indian, Cambodian and Thai cuisines, Amish jams, macrobiotic meals, and local organic meats, eggs, and artisan sourdough in your made-to-order breakfast.
If possible, consider exploring the market on Saturday, when street musicians tend to perform, making your visit even moreunforgettable. The Commons is another area worth visiting, making this one of the best towns in New York for its downtown main streets. This consists of a four-block pedestrian mall built in 1974. Here, you’ll find various vintage and thrift stores and plenty of restaurants.
Arts & Culture
Ithaca can also be a great destination for art and culture lovers. For instance, the Gallery at The Ink Shop and Olive Branch Press is the ideal place to learn more about the art of printing, while the State of the Art Gallery features unique works by visual artists from the Finger Lakes region.
Other museums and galleries worth visiting include the Museum of the Earth, John Hartell Gallery, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. If possible, also book an evening at the State Theater of Ithaca to watch one of their many shows, which include live concerts, theatrical productions, classic movies, dance performances, and readings.
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Getting To Ithaca & The Best Time To Visit
Cayuga Street in downtown Ithaca with trees in fall colors
The best way to reach Ithaca is by flying to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, located about five miles north of the city center and served by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. However, if you can’t find the right ticket, you can always opt for Syracuse airport, which is also relatively close, being less than 60 miles away.
The best time to visit is during autumn, when you can get that perfect fall vibe that will give you the impression of being in a Gilmore Girls episode. In this season, temperatures are neither too cold nor too warm, while trees showcase the most vibrant yellow, red, and brown hues, making this one of the best towns to visit during the fall.
The best time to see foliage in Ithaca is around the third week of October. However, this can change based on the early climate. The diverse terrain typical of Cayuga Lake ensures tourists will also find colors in late October and sometimes even in November.
The best spots to see local foliage are the trails around Cayuga Lake, such as the 5.5-mile Cayuga Waterfront Trail, connecting Cass Park and Stewart Park. This flat trail is ideal for those seeking to capture beautiful pictures of their surroundings while fully immersing themselves in nature.
- Population
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19.51 Million ( 2020)
- Founded Date
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July 26, 1788
Thanks to its popular farmers’ market, numerous museums and galleries, and unspoiled natural surroundings, Ithaca offers something to tourists all year round. However, try to opt for the fall to make the most of America’s Best “Gorges” little city.
