Enjoying Downtown

Eclectic eateries, independent boutiques and more than a dozen art galleries make downtown Ithaca a mecca of urban culture. The Commons - a unique pedestrian center lined with some of the city's most interesting architectural facades - is the centerpiece of Ithaca's engaging social and civic life. Just a short stroll away is the Dewitt Mall, a historic building housing a broad collection of locally-owned specialty shops.

The dining scene in Ithaca is as flavorful and diverse as the community itself. Scattered throughout the downtown sector are a variety of dining establishments from around the globe, from upscale bistros to casual cafes and taverns. The Moosewood restaurant has made a prominent mark on the gastronomical map with their numerous cookbooks of exceptional vegetarian cuisine - just one of many reasons that Ithaca is considered by many to be the state's best culinary outpost outside of the Big Apple.

Few centers of commerce and culture are closer to natural beauty than downtown Ithaca. During the warmer months, follow a walking trail to one of Ithaca's many waterfalls or take in an outdoor concert. Enjoy a festival for every season hosted on the brick-paved walkways of the Commons. Catch a film at Cinemapolis, a distinctive art house movie venue; or a performance at the beautifully renovated, historic State Theatre. Touted in the New York Times as one of America's "Best Emerging Cities", Ithaca is unquestionably the ideal playground for all.