Whether you are an Ithaca adult, child, or child at heart – if you are interested and inspired by the welcoming community of the circus and the expanded possibilities of human potential, then you need to visit Circus Culture in Press Bay Alley. As you step in and see the talented patrons doing aerial fabric, trapeze, or tight wire, just to name a few, you see the smiling face of the owner behind this magic, Amy Cohen.
Meet Michael Abdulky at Mansour Jewelers
At F. Olivers, shoppers can find an enormous selection of specialty vinegar, extra virgin and specialty olive oils that come in multiple flavors, along with shelves filled with many types of spices. Of course, Zack is more than happy to tell you the best use of each item.
Meet Peter Parkes
Meet Peter Parkes at Benjamin Peters For those seeking men’s fashion tips and/or a diverse selection of menswear, you’ll want to make it a point to visit Peter Parkes, the owner of Benjamin Peters and one of Ithaca’s most trusted retailers. Peter is downtown’s extremely knowledgeable haberdasher who comes with a wealth of experience— more than 30 years — in the men’s … Read More
Meet Jennifer Engel at Cat’s Pajamas
Want to meet one of Downtown Ithaca’s fun-loving business owners? Look no further than Cat’s Pajamas, a baby’s and children’s toy store and clothing shop in the historic Dewitt Mal where you’ll find shopkeep Jennifer Engel likely entertaining youngsters.
Meet Shawn Burke at Nature’s Apothecary
In 2015, Shawn Burke opened Nature’s Apothecary at a spot on Route 13 in the city of Ithaca. He operated the drug store at that place for a year; however, limited foot traffic at that spot lead him to look for other locations to house his business. He found a vacancy on S. Cayuga St. in downtown Ithaca and relocated Nature’s Apothecary there last year.
Buffalo Street Books
Buffalo Street Books is an independent community bookstore in the historic Dewitt Mall. It’s cooperatively owned with some 800-plus dedicated owners who all help to ensure that this tiny gem of a bookstore known as the perfect neighborhood spot to connect with other readers and writers remains a vital light in downtown.
Ithacamade Jan Rhodes Norman
Jan Rhodes Norman is one of downtown Ithaca’s truly dedicated retailers. During Jan’s past 40 years as a downtown entrepreneur, she’s developed many specialty shops in the community, including Cat’s Pajamas and Alphabet Soup, a pair of children’s toy stores that still exist today under new ownership; Sweet Dreams, a Japanese futon furniture; her longest business venture, a men’s women’s and children’s casual clothing line called Silk Oak; and Ithacamade, a gift store located inside of the historic Dewitt Mall where visitors can find handcrafted items made by highly skilled local artisans. This year marks Ithaca’s 10th year in business.
Meet Katie Spallone at The Cornell Store on the Commons
The Cornell Store is the official retailer for Cornell University, New York’s lone Ivy League University. Open seven days a week, The Cornell Store on the Ithaca Commons offers Cornell clothing, accessories, and gifts, including specialty food items with either a Cornell or local connection.
Christian Science Reading Room ~ Kay Weed
The Christian Science Reading Room has had a presence in downtown Ithaca since 1901, occupying its current location on South Cayuga Street since 2001.
Alphabet Soup ~ Greta Pearl
Ithaca’s Greta Perl loves to be where the action is, so it’s no surprise she’s the manager of Alphabet Soup, a children’s toy store on the Commons that’s typically abuzz with children enjoying some type of activity. And, you can usually find Perl joining in on the fun.
