January 16 to February 1, 2026 · Downtown Ithaca
Warm up with local comfort food, collect entries, and win Downtown Ithaca gift cards.
This project was made possible in part by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.
Discover Downtown Ithaca’s Coziest Winter Tradition
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance and WSKG present the Comfort Food Trail, turning midwinter into a reason to explore Downtown Ithaca’s restaurants. Each visit earns entries toward weekly and grand prize drawings.
Scan QR codes at participating locations and order the Comfort Food Special for bonus entries in your digital passport.
Trail Dates: January 16 to February 1, 2026
Where: Inside participating Downtown Ithaca restaurants.
Prizes For Participating Diners
Weekly Drawings
Two winners each week receive a $50 Downtown Ithaca gift card.
Grand Prize
One participant wins a $150 Downtown Ithaca gift card after the Trail ends.
How the Comfort Food Trail Works
Visit Restaurants
Enjoy warm, cozy dishes at participating Downtown Ithaca locations throughout the Trail.
Scan the QR Code
Scan the Trail QR code at each stop to log your visit and collect entries in your passport.
Order the Comfort Dish
Order the featured Comfort Food Trail dish at each restaurant for bonus entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to sign up ahead of time. You can register the first time you scan a Comfort Food Trail QR code at a participating restaurant.
Look for the Comfort Food Trail QR code at each location. Scan it, follow the prompts to log your visit, and you will automatically collect entries in the passport.
There is no separate fee to participate in the Trail. You simply pay for the food and drinks you order at each restaurant.
Start Your Comfort Food Trail Journey
Explore cozy dishes, support local restaurants, and earn chances to win Downtown Ithaca gift cards.
Presented by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and WSKG, with support from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.
Open Comfort Food Passport