OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

First rule of Ithaca: bring shoes with actual traction—because you *will* end up chasing waterfalls and/or your dignity down a muddy gorge.


Rolled in expecting vegan salads and found myself elbow-deep in hot wings at The Nines by sunset. This town is equal parts farmers market, campus chaos, and “did I just see a llama on the Commons?” (Yes, yes I did.)


Taughannock Falls: bucket list, but the local secret is swimming at Second Dam. Ignore the “no swimming” sign, just be smarter than me and don’t lose your keys.


Best meal? Toss-up: a $4 breakfast bagel at Collegetown Bagels or a wine flight overlooking Cayuga Lake. Also tried “cider slushies” and now I’m ruined for regular apple juice.


If you end up at Moosewood, don’t be intimidated by the hippie tofu crowd. Embrace the flavor and thank me later.


What’s the most “Ithaca” thing you’ve done? I once lost my voice at a folk festival and then found it again after a donut the size of my head.


Long-tail time: best hikes in Ithaca, secret swimming holes Finger Lakes, Ithaca gorges safety tips, vegan food guide, dog-friendly patios, quirky shops on the Commons, craft beer Finger Lakes, Collegetown nightlife, unique things to do in Upstate NY.


Ithaca really is gorges. Now show me your weirdest photos.

Did the Sagan Planet Walk with my kid—turns out Pluto is really far. Ended up at Purity Ice Cream, which honestly is worth every brain freeze.


Pro tip: never try to parallel park downtown on graduation weekend unless you’re a wizard.

Cayuga Heights squirrels have no fear—one tried to share my breakfast sandwich. If you like hiking, Robert Treman SP is muddy, loud, and full of dogs in backpacks. 10/10.

Tried to pronounce “Cayuga” correctly and failed. Drank too much local IPA and somehow bought a tie-dye hoodie.


Ithaca Bakery: try the chocolate chip challah, thank me later.

Lost a flip-flop tubing on Fall Creek, found a new friend at Stewart Park.


Anyone else do the Ithaca Festival parade and end up dancing behind a giant puppet?

Best view? East Hill Rec Way after a rainstorm. Worst decision? Walking it in flip-flops.

Saw a wedding at Buttermilk Falls, the bride had hiking boots under her dress. This is how you know you’re in Ithaca.

Anyone else order fries with “gravy and cheese” and get stared at?


Last night: music on the Commons, impromptu dance party, and an argument over the best pizza slice in town. I vote for Sammy’s.