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30 Best Stops Between Scranton and Ithaca
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Scranton to Ithaca?
The direct drive from Scranton to Ithaca is 106 mi (170 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 4 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Scranton to Ithaca, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Tanner Falls and Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, or the ever-popular Wayne County Historical Society.
Visiting Scranton or Ithaca? See our Scranton Trip Planner and our Ithaca Trip Planner.
106 mi
Total Distance
2 hrs 4 mins
Drive Time
30 stops
Cities / Attractions
Best stops along Scranton to Ithaca drive
The top stops along the way from Scranton to Ithaca (with short detours) are Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Other popular stops include Animal Adventure Park, Tioga Downs Casino Resort, and Elk Mountain Ski Resort.
1
Adam Y — Google reviewPaula — Google reviewRobert G — Google reviewCorie N — Google reviewBeth M — Google reviewKelly — Google reviewVincenzio — Google review
Wayne County Historical Society
Museum
Non-profit organization
Specialty Museums
Probably one the best local history museums ever for kids - the history 'basement' was fantastic. Very detailed exhibits on every angle of this county for the adults too.
Rosie G — Google review
Reasonably priced attraction in Honesdale. We spent about 35 minutes here with our kids. It's not huge but it was the right size for the kids to not get bored. I could have spent more time if I read all the exhibits but they would have been waiting for me
It appears to be a small space however boy does it open up once inside! Beautiful art and an arrowhead collection to knock your socks off!
Good exhibits and a knowledgeable staff.
Small with lots of great local historical objects to see and learn about. Liked that they gave a nod to the families that donated. Kids area was hands on cool. Wish their gift shop had more historical objects to purchase rather than just books.
Small very interesting museum covering many different topics.
Only cost $5 for an adult, free for kids! The hands on exhibit was a fun place for kids and had lots of interesting tidbit bits for adults to peruse while the kids played. They could pretend to catch some fish and harvest from the garden to make some food in the house, dress up clothes are provided too! My kid went on a school trip and wanted to go back again she loved it so much.
Very interesting place to connect with local history.
2Shelly — Google reviewDi P — Google reviewCandy W — Google reviewMegan M — Google reviewDonald B — Google reviewBrian B — Google reviewRatzy S — Google review•
Tanner Falls
Nature & Parks
Hiking area
Historical landmark
Waterfalls
Quick and beautiful trails in a gorgeous part of Pennsylvania. The bridge is closed and, as I understand, will likely stay closed for a while, if not permanently.
There is limited parking (4-5 spots) right by the bridge and some short trails leading down to both the falls and some ruins (from that parking area). The path is steep and slippery, so I recommend wearing hiking boots. I would classify the trails as moderate to strenuous, even though they are short.
The falls and nearby area contain a lot of history, and I recommend looking into it further beyond what I can cover in this review. I hope they can save the bridge and at least allow pedestrians to use it.
Visited 8/19/23.
Sam L — Google review
What an amazing spot to find on our bridge tour today. The triple span pin-connected Pratt Pony Truss is in a state of disrepair but is wonderful nonetheless. Attributed to the Morse Bridge Company out of Youngstown, OH, there is speculation as to the ages of the three spans, as they each display unique design elements. 1885 is what a stolen placard read. The eastern span uses riveted lace bracing on its top chord, while the other two use solid chords. The pin connections show different fasteners. The good folks at Historicbridges.org speculate that the spans may have been brought here from three separate locations, hence explaining the design differences between them. Excellent bridge, excellent waterfall. I hope that the powers-that-be choose to restore this unique span.
Beautiful falls! I think the road in said locals only but I kept going 😁 it dead ends at the bridge and there's parking for a few cars. The hike down is short but mostly rocks, and very steep, hiking shoes advised. I wish I had brought my chair, so peaceful and gorgeous.
To start, there was no signage to get here. When you do find the area, the bridge is locked and out of commission, it appears to be a very steep climb down to the waterfall with no definite spot that says “Tanner Falls this way” or similar, and there are all sorts of warning signs to wear bright colors during hunting season or risk being shot! When we headed here with our 9 year old with cerebral palsy, we had no idea there would be such issues. Hopefully I’ll save some people from wasting their time.
The waterfall and bridge area is very cool and a great experience! Getting to the falls was a bit more challenging and confusing. We weren't sure what/where to park originally, but ended up parking at the bottom of the gravel road after seeing multiple over vehicles there. The small pathway leading to a decent viewing area is quite narrow and definitely on the steep side.... not accessible for all abilities. The pathway gets even steeper before you can make your way closer to the water level. Proper hiking boots and bug spray are highly recommended. Tanners Falls is an interesting area to check out, but much more on the moderate to challenging side of trails with the steepness factor.
If you are coming to see these falls there’s 2 ways you can get there. A parking lot at the entrance of the trail is fine but there isn’t a sign anywhere. The trail is up the road across from the lot, about 3/4 of a mile away, this road can also be taken to a small parking lot right next to the falls. We enjoyed the walk from the parking lot. Once you get there the bridge is “closed “ but a hole in the fence and you can walk through. Not sure if it’s allowed, the small trail down to the rock formation is awesome. There’s another trail past the large rock walls to the river. Some amazing rock walls down this path.
Awesome little nook, with history of water mill. Definitely worth a visit to explore.
I visited the place last week with my two granddaughters. It was completely deserted and had no signage. I took the risk and access the waterfall via a small steep path off the dirt road on a cul-de-sac. I told my granddaughters not to try this on their own because it is a very dangerous place as it is not accessible by a main road and anything can happen to them and no one will know where they are. They should coordinate off the place with large signs, warning people to stay away.
4.6
(151)
3.5
(24)
State Rte 4007, Honesdale, PA 18431, USA
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Travelers
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3Summer P — Google reviewAlexis P — Google reviewT M — Google reviewMatthew L — Google reviewDebbie M — Google reviewTim D — Google reviewWilliam P — Google review
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
Winery
Nightlife
Family winery with a Tuscan-inspired space for tastings & by-reservation pizza dinners on Fridays.
Had a good friend recommend this place and so my wife and I did a spontaneous trip here we enjoyed a glass of wine. Unfortunately, upstairs dining was full. We had no reservations, but did not take away from the experience. Everyone was very attentive to us a willingness to serve and please, and be extremely accommodating. We sat downstairs. My wife enjoyed the beer flights which I have to say was impressive. The pizza is delicious. The beer cheese with the pretzel was out of this world my goodness it
Was so so good! Highly recommend the artichoke dip simply divine
Anonymous R — Google review
I was going through the photos on my phone and came across these pictures that I took of our trip to Maiolatesi's and had to jump on here and give them a shout out! I met two of my girlfriends here for some picky food at the end of the summer last year. We had such a great time here! We sat outside on their deck overlooking the beautiful property. Sal, the owner, sat down with us when one of my friends had questions about a red wine and how it makes her blotchy. He was so sweet and so informative! He probably sat with us for about 15 minutes or better explaining their wine making process and how it differs from others. He encouraged her to order the red wine and said that if it made her blotchy, it was on the house. Needless to say, the wine was amazing and not one blotchy spot appeared! We ordered a couple pizzas and the crab cake sliders and everything was absolutely delicious!!! The staff was incredibly nice and very helpful when inquiring about the menu and drinks. Can't wait to head back there again!
We arrived at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars around 8pm, close to closing time, but you'd never know it from the warm welcome we received. Our server Francesca graciously seated us and even arranged for offered a charcuterie and cheese with the kitchen already being closed; a gesture that set the tone for the entire evening.
Laurie provided stellar wine recommendations. We ended up choosing the Trimanette and Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, both of which were excellent. The Sangiovese came highly recommended as well and is definitely on our list for next time.
We can't wait to return for a full dinner experience. Highly recommend Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
This is the place to come for great atmosphere, friendly service, incredible wine selection and food. Must try their meat and cheese board, Lola Pizza and Philadelphia Panuozzo sandwich. Great portions and fresh ingredients. Thank you Sal and staff for a wonderful time! Highly recommend!
We've eaten here several times and the food is always great and the view is incredible. I definitely recommend a seat on the patio for dinner. 😊
We had a wonderful experience yesterday. We met Sal the owner, our waitperson was attentive and friendly, the wine was very good and the food was delicious. All that on top of a beautiful fall day with scenic foliage. We'll be back!
An unforgettable experience, in that the proprietor berated members of the staff to the verge of tears in front of customers and put the entire place on edge.
Other employees consoled the impacted staff, and their comments made it clear this is a common occurrence.
Sal’s rationalization of the behavior when challenged by customers was distasteful and demonstrated no ownership.
The steak sandwich was phenomenal. Loved the wine as well.
My wife and I stopped by Maiolatesi Wine Cellars while staying in the area during a trip up north from New Jersey. We were delighted to find such a beautiful place so close to our hotel. The venue was on a par with some of the best ones in both Pennsy and Jersey (and we've been to a LOT of them). We both did the tasting with guidance from Tori (thanks Tori!), and found the numerous styles of wines offered very pleasing to our palates. A pleasant surprise was the port wine, a shot glass of which I have been enjoying almost every night after dinner. Kudos to Sal (the wine guy), who was most gracious, and stopped by our table for a friendly and informative chat before we left. Maiolatesi is only about an hour from my son's house in Jersey, so we WILL be back! We HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting Maiolatesi for a pleasant afternoon with a glass of good wine, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside . . .
4India K — Google reviewL S — Google reviewMelissa O — Google reviewAndrew L — Google reviewSusan L — Google reviewKaiden K — Google reviewAdriel P — Google review•
Lahey Family Fun Park
Mentioned on
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Lahey Family Fun Park, located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, is a lively and family-friendly amusement center that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The park features an arcade, mini-golf course, batting cages, go-karts, and bumper boats on a natural pond. It's the perfect destination for families looking to have fun together.
Great place for the whole family.. go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, arcade, 2 mini golf courses.... super friendly and helpful staff.. reasonable prices... will definitely go back .. !!!
Elmer R — Google review
We went for some fun with our girls, 7 & 3 years old. We started with mini golf, the girls enjoyed it as did we. They enjoyed the different holes and seeing the chipmunks running around, we even saw tappoles. We went inside and my husband took our 7 year old on the go carts while I stayed in the arcade with the toddler. We all had fun and we played more when they were done. We would've gotten food if they had it but looked like it was just ice cream and small snacks like chips.
Nice mini golf. We chose the left side, which was pretty challenging. Greens looked pretty new. Arcade, bumperboats, batting cages, and go karts, but we didn't try those
Overall was a decent experience. Website didn't reflect inflated Halloween Mini Golf pricing and one of the 2 courses was shut down. Neat decorations but the Overall state of the courses (off the green) needs attention. We also opted for the batting cages, and after a few technical difficulties a Staff member came down to supervise the machine to ensure it would not get further clogged. After that, the batting cages went well! Nice inside environment, but all teenage staff that everytime you walked up to the counter to buy something or ask for assistance they were all sitting and on their phones, and with airpods in.
Overall a great experience. A little sad all the fountain weren't running on our section of mini golf. We did the arcades, bumper boats, and go carts as well. Boats were in need of a little upgrade, but other than that a nice day for our family including our 11 and 3 year old.
The very young girl working at the bumper boats needs some training. Their hard to get off and at 57 it was a struggle did she help....no not until I fell on the deck but after I was hurt I didn't really need her help. Four weeks later and my leg still hurts. The mini gold was great the go karts were fun as hell but should offer eye glasses because I got dirt in my eye. Price is reasonable.
My brother had a lot of fun on the bumper boats and I really enjoyed their "Falls" mini golf course. I also liked the go carts, with a nice track. I didn't get to go on the other mini golf course or the batting cages, because we ran out of time on our visit. I would come back again next time I can!
Its a good rate and your younger kids will enjoy. The go Karting is fun and the mini golf will keep your little ones entertained. The arcade could use a little work and the batting cages could be better aligned but a good time for your kids will be had for a reasonable price.
4.4
(1260)
4.0
(51)
500 Morgan Hwy, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, USA
5
200 Cranston Ave
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
4.0
(39)
North Abington Township, PA 18414, USA
I'll never travel to Ithaca without this trip planner again
6Landyn E — Google reviewGenevieve A — Google reviewCesar R — Google reviewLindsey N — Google reviewAmmar P — Google reviewJ. D — Google reviewCourt H — Google review•
Elk Mountain Ski Resort
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Opened in 1959, this local resort offers a range of lifts, trails for all levels & 2 terrain parks.
Elk Mountain is one of our favorite ski resorts in Pennsylvania, within a drivable distance from the Washington, D.C. metro area. We originally discovered it by chance when my daughter’s team had a slalom and GS competition here, and we immediately fell in love with the mountain.
Unlike many corporate-owned resorts on the Ikon or Epic passes, Elk Mountain is privately owned and well-maintained. The terrain is fantastic—steep, wide, and impeccably groomed, making it a dream for carving. The mountain offers a great mix of trails, catering mainly to intermediate and advanced/expert skiers who are looking for an exceptional on-slope experience rather than off-mountain amenities.
The grooming and snowmaking are top-notch, ensuring excellent conditions throughout the season. While the lifts and lodge are old and could use some updates, they remain functional. A word of caution: the dual lifts hit hard on the back of your legs, so be mindful to avoid bruising. The food selection at the lodge is decent but on the expensive side, as expected at ski resorts. The bathrooms, however, really need renovation, especially the outdated faucets that make it frustrating to wash both hands simultaneously.
One of the best aspects of Elk Mountain is its fair and consistent lift ticket pricing. Unlike resorts with unpredictable dynamic pricing, Elk offers fixed rates and discounts for multi-day passes, making it a great value for serious skiers and snowboarders.
In short, this is a phenomenal mountain for those who prioritize great skiing over luxury amenities. The breathtaking views, well-maintained slopes, and challenging terrain make it an unbeatable destination for dedicated skiers and racers. We’ll definitely be returning!
Tatiana Z — Google review
We went night skiing at Elk Mountain on the weekend, and overall, it was a solid experience. I’ve been skiing consistently since I was six, so I’d say I’m pretty experienced. The slopes were nice but definitely icy—not much they can do about that.
I do wish more trails were open at night, and the lifts felt a little slow for the amount of mountain you’re gaining, especially with the number of people Elk Mountain attracts. Hopefully, that’s something they can improve in the future.
Overall, factoring in service, trail conditions (within their control), and the overall experience, I’d give it a 4.6 out of 5.
This is one of my favorite ski places in PA, I come up from Philadelphia area as it's better than a lot of other mountains. Always has great conditions and not as crowded as some other places. Ticket prices are reasonable especially considering the size of the mountain, range of expert levels, and with fewer people you get more skiing in. My only complaint is I wish they had more trails open for night skiing. The night ticket isn't worth it, with only a few main trails open, and they start closing off other trails around 4:30, so get most of the skiing in during the day. Overall a great time though.
Great experience at Elk Mountain Ski Resort.
Family friendly, price point very affordable, instructors are very good, staff professional and friendly.
Lodge is well kept, food … mmm maybe I am used a different variety, but it was goo. Food and alcohol prices are very very good.
Definitely coming back.
Such a family friendly, authentic place. Kind and helpful staff, food and drinks available for purchase but also space for picnics in the lodge (plus free drinking water and hot water for your own hot cocoa!). Slopes were groomed, lifts all operational. Hula hoops available for teaching new skiers on the beginner slope. Oh, and if the upper parking lot is full then a truck comes around to the lower lots to shuttle people right up to the slopes and back down at the end of the e day.
This is by far the best ski resort in PA. Value for money and they have good food.
If you want to get your elevation training in for trail running, this the place to go. Nice views from the top once you get up. Several black diamonds to challenge you legs and rebound meandering blue squares to run down and up. There’s a gravel road on back side roughly mile long you take to challenge your gravel and loose rocks running. Just a nice place to hike, march , and run in the summer.
We went for the Fall Festival. So fun. Very clean and the food wasn't bad. On the expensive side but good.
4.5
(1331)
4.5
(165)
344 Elk Mountain Rd, Union Dale, PA 18470, USA
7Lisa W — Google reviewChristina R — Google reviewAdam U — Google reviewDenise D — Google reviewLauren W — Google reviewAnn N — Google reviewConnor D — Google review
Creekside Gardens
Garden center
Nature & Parks
Store
Gardens
I cannot stress it enough how much I love this place and everyone who works here. I especially love the Sunday Fundays! Such a relaxing environment, in general, but also during the Sunday Fundays. I love all the things I’ve been able to create from painting rocks to creating a whole scene with mushrooms and acorns! It truly is a great experience just walking around enjoying nature and it’s set up beautifully. Even the store inside is so nice and they have so many great things (the fall items are my fav). I’ve been coming here for years and I will never stop going. I highly suggest that everyone should and they will not leave disappointed!
Ariana B — Google review
Such a beautiful place to explore when they have their pumpkin walk. The inside is magical, and I love all the unique things they sell.
I ordered plants for our community garden here in NJ. Everything arrived healthy and beautiful. Thank you.
Incredible place! So many plants! Loved the places to sit down and enjoy the water features. We went during the pumpkin walk and enjoyed the atmosphere.
We were here on a Saturday in August. There was a small farmer's market with food vendors, fresh breads, vegetables, etc. The pavilion was being rented for a Celebration of Life ceremony. The grounds are beautiful, so I can see this being a very nice venue for hosting events. Plenty of helpful staff and a diverse selection of indoor, outdoor, native and pollinator plants. Inside, you'll find decorative pieces, crystals, a water feature, and small trinkets that would be perfect for gift giving. Public restroom, gravel parking lot.
Wonderful place to visit any time of year, but ESPECIALLY during the fall for the pumpkin walk.
If you love houseplants, this a great place to go. They have a large variety and super helpful Staff as well. So many small items or gifts to buy as well. And then support small businesses!!
It is a charming stop for anyone interested in plants. They also have a shop full of unique finds. And the water feature in the heart of the store is incredible.
Our family has found our new favorite nursery!
A wonderful and eclectic collection of herbs, flowers, shrubs, and young trees. (not to mention all the landscaping inspo) They also have an excellently decorated, intimate event space available for rent. The staff was honestly extremely helpful and kind. We are very excited to get back in the summer for the butterfly house. It's highly likely we will be coming back each season - we cannot wait to see what they have available throughout the year.
8Joanne D — Google reviewGarth G — Google reviewMichael P — Google reviewRobin D — Google reviewHector S — Google reviewStephanie T — Google reviewNick L — Google review•
Dietrich Theater
Movie theater
Fun & Games
Theater showing independent films & current releases as well as playing host to workshops & classes.
We hosted my daughter’s birthday party at the Dietrich Theater and it was fantastic! They allowed us to bring in any movie of our choosing for a private viewing. We had the entire theater to ourselves. Each child received popcorn, a bag of M&Ms and the drink of their choosing. After the movie, they served pizza (it was from neighboring Samario’s, so delicious) and cake; they even ordered the cake with the coordinating Trolls movie theme for us. Ronnie and his staff were so kind and hospitable. I had to do so little, just show up with some decorations and party favors. The other parents that accompanied their children really enjoyed their experience too. My daughter and her friend had a blast, and for some it was their first experience at a movie theater. If you are looking for a place to host a party or just want to catch a flick, this theater is the ticket! It’s also worth noting their popcorn is the best!
Kelley N — Google review
We just visited for the first time for their winter film festival and had the best time. Lovely classic indie movie theatre. Really friendly staff. Great quality visuals and audio. Good selection of snacks and drinks. Such a reasonable price too for the movie and the snacks compared to the big chains. It’s a 90 minute drive for us but totally worth it. Definitely check it out.
Fantastic small town theater with 4-5 screens. It also serves as a venue for music and entertainment. Regularly shows classics and runs yearly film festivals.
Take yourself back to Main Street Movie Night USA in style.
The theater is beautiful and well-maintained. Affordable and tasty snacks. The original theater was built in 1936. It closed in the 1980s and was restored and reopened in 2001. A real gem.
We were in town on the 4th of July with our 5-year-old and it’s the only thing open. It’s walkable from The Hampton Inn nearby.
Would love to come back on a bustling evening sometime soon.
We saw the Nickelback documentary there tonight, and it was an amazing place. It was like stepping back in time to the movie theaters of old. Full of character, stylish and clean as a whistle. The staff were all dressed in nice clothing and so friendly. The snacks were reasonably priced and the seats are very comfy. If we lived closer, we'd go there often. Highly, highly recommend!
The mixed my slurpee flavor together so instant 5star nice small theatre with a cozy atmosphere
Easy access, old charm, in a cute town. Very friendly too. Will go back again and again!
Excellent movie theater!!! Straight up old fashioned feel not many people never crowded excellent place!!!!!
4.8
(603)
5.0
(52)
60 E Tioga St, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA
9Clifford F — Google reviewJared G — Google reviewJenn G — Google reviewRobb R — Google reviewCandice M — Google reviewMatt M — Google reviewCraig C — Google review•
Priesthood Restoration Site Visitors' Center
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Religious organization
Sacred & Religious Sites
Historic Sites
Wonderful restoration of the Isaac Hale and Joseph Smith homes. You can see that great lengths were taken to make everything in the homes period accurate. The visitor center is also well thought out and gorgeous. I love the use of Pennsylvania Bluestone. We loved the experience.
Matt N — Google review
The Priesthood Restoration Site is a must-do historical site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's also fantastic for those who are not members of the church but who are interested in the foundational beliefs. They've even put in a safe walking path in an underpass below the busy road so there's no concern about traffic.
Highly recommended!
If you're looking. If you're searching. If the wells you keep finding do not fill you up. If the water you taste is not that of everlasting life. If you're yearning for the fruit that is sweeter than any other fruit.
If any of this feels familiar, then I recommend you check out the priesthood restoration site. The heavens opened and God spoke through his messengers.
As a historical marker and a place you can tour, this place is simple and wonderful.
A well done historical sight for members of the LDS faith or not. Beautiful settings! Informational tours. FREE.
Clean bathrooms.
Visiting the church history locations, and walking on the grounds where history was made always helps the individual/me to have a deeper understanding of the events and how they occurred.
This was mine and my families first time visiting and it was a wonderful experience! We could definitely feel the spirit here, and the tour was great!
We felt the Holy Ghost bear witness to us that Jesus Christs priesthood was restored through his servant John the Baptist to Joseph Smith. If you are visiting on a Sunday make sure to attend the church here it was a wonder experience to be amongst the Saints in this area.
Wonderful tours here telling about so many things that happened here from 1790 to 1832, with the Hale and Smith families.
5.0
(760)
5.0
(18)
27832 PA-171, Susquehanna, PA 18847, USA
10Jordan H — Google reviewShawna E — Google reviewMoMo S — Google reviewLauren M — Google reviewE H — Google reviewNathan C — Google reviewAnnmarieRoze — Google review•
Frog Pond Farms
Farmers' market
Shopping
Gift & Specialty Shops
A great place to get fresh vegetables and produce. I was so pleased with everything I bought and all they had to offer. I traveled an hour and a half to get here. It was worth it. Great prices. Will be going back. I highly recommend this Farm Stand!!
T G — Google review
My favorite place for plants and local produce. 🌷
Huge selection and fair prices. They have farm animals as well which are fun to visit but not applicable to me. I heard others raving about the donuts but I did not indulge this time around. This will be a regular spot for me especially during the spring and summer months.
This place has so much! I love when they run their flat sales! Their flowers are always so pretty.
Fruit and veggies always good. Rabbits amd chickens are not fed properly and do not have access to water. They have large breed fluffy puppies for sale all the time. These puppies are not being cared for properly. They are outside all day in the heat, have no water, are bloody, and have flies all over them.
Walked into the first room when we got there which houses chicks and bunnies, etc. and was instantly hitting the face with the smell of death (which given my profession I I am unfortunately very familiar with). The animals were lacking water, looks lethargic, and then when I looked around the corner I saw dead animals sitting in a bag with flies encompassing them. Comment was made and shrugged off that they have “fly traps”. I advised it was 100% rotting animals and was told they would look into it.
I look forward to going to this farm with my Dad every fall. Great produce. Beautiful area. Great prices! Completely worth the drive.
Extraordinary amount of fresh produce and it was all in great shape when we visited. The donuts are made on the spot and have an incredible gooey texture, one of the best I've ever had. The produce and cheeses and bagels are all local and the prices are as low as you'll find anywhere.
Always a great place for good variety of produce and flowers. Animals are fun to look at for the kids. I took these pictures while I was waiting for a child watching the animals before we did our shopping. We can always count on this place to have in season produce and some local produce.
4.6
(1020)
4.5
(40)
2001 NY-7, Bainbridge, NY 13733, USA
I'll never travel to Ithaca without this trip planner again
11ÜNSAL T — Google reviewJonathan S — Google reviewSarah A — Google reviewCharles H — Google reviewAmy W — Google reviewCrystal D — Google reviewTiffany R — Google review
Animal Adventure Park
Temporarily Closed
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Animal park with 100 species, offering hands-on encounters with animals and educational talks.
Great zoo! Just an hour outside Scranton, PA. Beautiful paved walkways great for strollers and wheelchairs. Beautiful clean enclosures for the animals. Greatest part for toddlers or kiddos is you get to feed the animals. You can buy a bucket of food for a separate cost. It’s like a giant petting zoo but with zoo animals! Safe! As there is tubes to send the food to the animals. Highly recommend.
Stephanie M — Google review
We visited both parks on the same day, and I recommend starting with the Zoo first. Buy your tickets there, as you’ll get a discount for the Safari.
The Safari took about 30–45 minutes, depending on how often animals stopped us in search of food. Passing through different sections felt like going through a toll booth—only instead of attendants, curious animals were waiting to be fed. It was a very fun and interactive experience, but be careful—some animals will stand right in front of your car.
The Zoo portion was okay, although most animals were either sleeping or hiding from the sun and heat. We still managed to see tigers, lions, and a variety of farm animals.
Next time, I’d like to try the VIP experience for a closer look at the animals. Overall, it was an enjoyable visit! 😉
Very nice zoo. The walk though is easy and not very long. You do get alot more up close views of the animals that larger zoos dont offer. I highly recommend doing the safari. You use your own vehicle and have animals coming to say hi throughout the ride. It took us about 1 hrs to drive though. The animals will stick their heads in your car to feed. Get some cool selfies and give children a unique experience they'll remember forever. Buy the feed buckets. Its kind of expensive but makes the experience so much better:)
We went here with our local friends. We had a wonderful time! This place has such a wide variety of animals. Everything was clean and well maintained. The ability to pet and feed so many animals is an experience unlike any other.
I do wish some of the enclosures had more going on for some of the animals as some seemed bored (pacing)... But every staff member we saw was caring and attentive.
Considering it is 20 minutes outside of Binghamton, this place is great. The Zoo itself is a good size, for sure, and it’s spacious, modernized, and relaxing. The layouts of the animal exhibits is well thought out, offering the chance to see most of the animals.
The Preserve / car park is much larger than I expected, with major themed sections of the leisurely drive.
Overall, the animals are very docile and friendly, with the chance to feed many of them.
I think I may have had more fun than my grand kids and they loved it. The animals were beautiful and to see them so close was amazing. There were white a few cars at the gate but everyone guess at their own pace and once inside we didn't really see any cars until the end
What a great experience. The animals are so well taken care of, the staff was friendly. We went to the zoo first and then the safari, and spent 3 hours between the 2. We will definitely be back.
Well worth the drive for our first visit. Both parks were well kept and very clean. You can clearly see how well the animals are taken care of. As a mom of two young ones I really appreciated the baby spots offered around the park that were cooled with AC and private/clean changing areas. Highly recommend visiting both parks, we did the walk through first and were given a discount for the drive through after.
12Rebecca S — Google reviewJoelle A — Google reviewSundeep V — Google reviewJoHanna S — Google reviewTactical L — Google reviewJocey F — Google reviewAubrey W — Google review•
The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier
Mentioned on
Children's museum
Museums
The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is an engaging educational facility designed for children of all ages. It offers over 30 interactive exhibits and programs that aim to stimulate curiosity and interest in various subjects such as arts, sciences, and humanities. The center's 22,500 square-foot space features themed exhibits like 'Santa's Workshop,' 'Haunted Hallows,' 'A, B, C Bank,' and 'Take Flight.'
Let me just say this. I do not write reviews on places, but I absolutely LOVE Discovery Center! I’ve been going there since I was a kid and I still love going and carrying on the tradition with the new adds to the family. Each time I go they have new things !! I’m now almost 20 years old and still LOVE going..sometimes I think I wanna go more than the kids. It’s so nostalgic for me… prices are amazing!!! Never done a bday party there but they seem so fun! And there’s things close by to eat as well! The store is my favorite thing there! (Last pictures are me and my little sister 🥹)
Lily M — Google review
I attended a wedding in the garden and then the reception here. The place is beautiful, the staff was phenomenal and sooo helpful! I was very impressed!!
This place is absolutely perfect for young kids! They had just set up Halloween decorations and it was so cute and themed. Its almost like a big circle with a big playground situation in the middle and a lot of themed areas surrounding the outside. It was extremely easy to navigate. My kids could have spent an entire day here! It was also extremely affordable, which makes it much easier for us to plan another trip back! I also felt that it was very very well thought out from the layout, to the designs, to the decorations. The minor details were absolutely incredible. And it was full of educational elements through play!
Fun learning place for kids. So many areas covering variety of okay skills for kids. It's hard to get the kids to leave the center, so we planned our entry a couple hours before closing and that works out pretty good. Staff are professional and helpful. Definitely recommend checking it out with kids.
Great experience at a great price! We had taken our kids over 10 years ago. We went with our daughter, son-in-law, and our granddaughter! The exhibits are all informative and hands on! Both indoor and outdoor activities are interesting and appropriate for all ages!
Great place for the little ones! Our son had a blast when we visited. Thank you!
This place is underrated for how amazing it is. It was so great for kids (and adults, who are we kidding) who get overstimulated after overexposure to loud noises. There were so many different types of play areas, including dental, auto mechanic, tree house, bugs/insect, firefighter, and grocery store (and more!). The outdoor garden area was beautiful with activities and engaging all ages all without being insanely expensive.
We will definitely be back!
Very fun and had lots of activities for our growing and learning toddler. Even us adults had our fun. Everything is so well kept which is so hard to find nowadays especially with an interactive museum of sorts.
Staff was very friendly and all exhibits are extremely well thought out. The imaginary play is leveled up here as all the details are there.
I can’t wait to bring her back each year as she continues to grow and learn.
4.6
(215)
4.6
(133)
60 Morgan Rd, Binghamton, NY 13903, USA
13Elizabeth F — Google reviewMei H — Google reviewNishat T — Google reviewNina L — Google reviewSamantha H — Google reviewCrystal R — Google reviewJmkrocks — Google review
Ross Park Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Ross Park Zoo, located in Binghamton, is a long-standing zoo and animal conservation center that offers an opportunity for families to spend quality time together while learning about wildlife and the importance of animal conservation. The zoo showcases a diverse range of species including birds of prey, big cats, panda bears, lemurs, wallabies, red wolves, and endangered animals. Visitors can engage in various activities such as Nature Play, education stations, face painting, and informative talks.
We brought our family to the Ross Park Zoo for a few hours. It is absolutely beautiful and if you are bringing strollers, definitely take the path left and around the circuit to make it easier otherwise it is all uphill.
The staff were fantastic, especially the young woman in the gift shop/admissions office. What a fantastic outing.
For those with ND children- the atmosphere was very quiet when we went with very few guests on a Thursday. I had these concerns prior, so I thought that I might share- not overstimulating at all for our sensitive littles. Also the playground was a nice break in the day. 14/10, will visit again. :)
Paul D — Google review
This is a cute little zoo, but it could use some TLC. It’s on the smaller side—we spent about 45 minutes walking through and took our time. The animal selection was nice, though we did notice a strong smell around some of the enclosures. That might be because you can get closer to the animals here than at most zoos, which is both unique and surprising. I loved seeing the wolves, artic fox, red pandas, and I learned that porcupines can climb (who knew!?) It was also neat to see the peacocks full plumage open!
Some areas of the grounds, like the garden statues, are a bit worn and could definitely use a refresh. That said, I really liked the little hidden shack along the walking path—it made for a cute photo op! The staff was friendly, there was no wait to get in, and the admission price is super reasonable. I think the zoo has a lot of potential to grow and probably just needs a bit more funding to really shine. I was even thinking a variety of animal encounters (even for an extra fee) might help with fundraising—but I get that it’s probably more complicated than it sounds. If you have kiddos, it’s definitely worth a quick visit!
It’s such a cute zoo with surprisingly good variety of animals! This is the first time I’ve seen sand cat and pallas cat. The enclosures are all nestled among trees, the wolf enclosure especially is very spacious. It seems like the viewing areas are also well planned, I could get good pictures of pretty much all the animals. Additional note for parents: the family bathrooms are quite spacious, which is a huge plus for taking kids there.
Not bad, have bunches of animals to explore. Not really that neat but it’s a fun place to spend the day specially if you have kids or as a date with beloved ones. Just get ready to take a mountain walk for a mile. A lot of the animals felt like they are very weak or not well fed however they have a few nice and unique animals as well.
Very nice zoo. Everything was clean and all the staff was friendly and helpful. We were able to see all the animals moving around. There is plenty of shade for boot days
This zoo was much smaller than I remembered. However it has a clear 1 mile path around it. We enjoyed the penguins and it does have a small snack shack.
It’s a small zoo, but with some cool animals. You get a closer look at some of the animal than you might at bigger zoos. It’s a fairly easy walk that can be done within an hour without rushing.
Hands down the best zoo experience we’ve ever had. We drove all the way from Toronto just to see the Pallas’s cats—my girlfriend’s absolute favorite. When we told the staff about our trip, they went above and beyond: they printed out a full fact sheet on the animal and even surprised us with a hand-painted artwork as a gift. Truly thoughtful and unforgettable.
14Екатерина К — Google reviewMike Z — Google reviewJenny J — Google reviewRyan M — Google reviewAlysha V — Google reviewCookie C — Google reviewAlexandra A — Google review
Phelps Mansion Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Nestled in the heart of Binghamton, the Phelps Mansion Museum is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture that beckons history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Originally constructed in 1870 for Sherman D. Phelps, a prominent local figure, this magnificent brick and stone mansion showcases exquisite period furnishings and intricate design elements. Designed by renowned architect Isaac G.
Very interesting. It was once used as a women's club. I found it disheartening that all the married women were identified as Mrs. Husband's Name. I realize it was some time ago, however these women lost their first names in the pictures. The architecture was beautiful. This is the last of the homes on Mansion Row.
Amy T — Google review
We recently visited this museum, and I can truly say it is worth a visit. From the very beginning, the atmosphere draws you in and makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Our guide was outstanding — knowledgeable, engaging, and ready to answer every question. The way he presented the historical facts made the entire experience both informative and captivating.
Being inside the house itself felt surprisingly comfortable, as if the history around you came alive. You could really appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of everything on display.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it to anyone considering a visit. The guide was exceptional, and thanks to him you genuinely feel immersed in history.
Thank you, Helen
Beautiful preserved mansion in Binghamton that conveys the spirit of gilded age. Mansion is brick constructed not only on exterior but also its interior walls. Guided tour was quite informative. There is ample parking next to the mansion and near the library. Area might be sketchy though as I saw person shooting up drugs in mid-day at library’s parking lot.
Awesome little museum. It’s a miracle that so much of its history gets preserved til today (thank you, Monday Afternoon Club). I am mesmerized by the vintage furniture and the abundance of shapes in this house.
Animal elements ranging from fish, squirrels, birds, griffins, lions fill in the nooks of this house. Adorable!
I hope more people get to visit Phelps Museum and to see how women’s club is involved in the story of this house.
Tour guide Joe knows the inside out of this house, thank you for leading us through history!
The Phelps Mansion is a magnificent Gilded Age home located in Binghamton, NY. The house was built in 1872 by architect Isaac Perry, who also worked on the NY State Capitol building. The mansion was owned by Binghamton businessman Sherman Phelps. Altogether, the house has 9 bedrooms, four bathrooms, a full kitchen, and has fireplaces in almost every room.
Some of the best highlights of the house are the wood carvings that can be seen in different rooms. The staircase is also a stand out because of its large size and black walnut woodwork. You will also notice that most of the rooms are very “tall” and have high walls and ceilings. Most rooms also have large mirrors to create a brighter atmosphere.
The dining room is one of the best rooms in the house with its long dining table and intricate wood carvings located around it. The library also is unique with its fireplace. Many other rooms in the house are decorated with artifacts from Binghamton’s history. Be sure to check out the paintings throughout the house as well. Most of the furniture in the house is not original to it, but the house goes out of its way to depict what the house would have looked like when it was first built and at the height of style.
The Phelps Mansion offers both guided tours and self-guided audio tours. It is best to buy a ticket on their website for a tour. It is possible to buy a ticket at the door. The Mansion does a great job exhibiting the history of Sherman Phelps and his family, but Binghamton as well. This is a great place to visit in Binghamton.
The house is absolutely spectacular. I have already been there twice and intend to go back. The staff is super nice and very informative. Can't wait to return and see the house during the holidays (I've heard it gets decorated). Truly, this piece of history has hit the jackpot when it comes to being preserved and kept as it would have been when it was built. Others are not so lucky. But, I'm sure glad some are. Stepping into this house is almost like stepping into the world of any history lovers dreams. All of the furniture is antique. The woodwork is utterly impressive. And the house has a very rich (no pun intended) history. As a bonus, even the bathrooms that visitors can use are quite nicely decorated, beautiful, and clean. One hundred percent would recommend that people visit.
Edit: Went to see it decorated for Christmas and it was gorgeous.
My husband and I immensely enjoyed our house tour with Joe, our very knowledgeable, easy-to-understand tour guide. The property is well-maintained and happily will be preserved as a reminder of Binghamton’s rich past history. Being from New Jersey, I knew nothing of the area at all and this tour enlightened my curiosity.
Absolutely my favorite historical place in Binghamton. Their programs are wonderful. The docents are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the house and its history. I've come back repeatedly and learned something new every time!
15Mo D — Google reviewD ( — Google reviewChristopher H — Google reviewJimmy M — Google reviewHuyen T — Google reviewDale G — Google reviewAshley D — Google review•
AMC Vestal Town Square 9
Movie theater
Fun & Games
This AMC is not unlike the others as far as cleanliness and comfortability but i really loved the decorum. As we walked down the long hall to the final theater, we passed a bunch of 80's-90's movie posters and the nostalgia was for real. I really enjoyed seeing all those old posters from my childhood as i went to see the new AMAZING movie released by Marvel..
Definitely recommend
Anew S — Google review
Love AMC! Reclining seats, capability to live up “bar” between seats and make a “loveseat” for you and your companion.
I did receive raw chicken tenders, and shortly thereafter a raw fried dessert. That was a bummer. Overpriced snacks, as theaters are apt to have. So pretty standard stuff.
Very clean, Crew are really nice :) love going there!
At AMC in the Town Square, I really do enjoy the comfortable seating and the powerful speakers. Ever since the Cinema Saver closed in Endicott, I now relay on AMC for all my movie. Just being able to recline and sit back takes the stress out of everyday life and gives me a chance to escape reality for a while which is nice. I don't really mind the prices of the concessions. AMC will continue to be my reliable source for entertaining movies.
Really enjoy watching movies in the comfortable reclining seat and they always have great movie props popcorn bins and drink containers!
The usual you'd expect from a chain movie theater. Usually clean, well staffed, and the pre-ordered food is always on time. This theater has made many upgrades over the years, all for the better and I hope they're able to keep it up!
Best chairs in the local theaters! They just need to be more strict about people talking all movie or being on their phones.
First time to AMC theaters and me and my family seen Final Destination BloodLines (highly recommend btw) and prices are kinda steep I the recliner seats are so comfy they are leather and have drink holders and I almost fell asleep in them also in this theater they have slush es and pretzels and hotdogs only complaint is the popcorn is dry and you have to add your own butter that isn’t even real butter it’s just like butter flavoring or something
4.5
(1750)
4.5
(123)
2425 Vestal Pkwy E, Vestal, NY 13850, USA
I'll never travel to Ithaca without this trip planner again
16Bobbi B — Google reviewHilary R — Google reviewMinami S — Google reviewAngiangell G — Google reviewBobbiJo C — Google reviewJordan M — Google reviewJoshua T — Google review•
Bowman Lake State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Tent & cabin camping in remote hardwood & evergreen forests, with lake swimming, birding & fishing.
Absolutely beautiful State Park. Staff are extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. Great place for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and biking the campsite roads. If you are looking to get away from the normal, packed in like sardines, paved camping, come here!
Tricia P — Google review
Site 106 can be very wet and seems to be the only one that is low. All the other sites were great
This is a nice, wooded state park. Sites are small and shady but we had no trouble parking our 27' trailer. The place was very quiet and clean. There is a cute little lake with a swimming beach and playground.
Wish it was not raining on Saturday evening. Otherwise this would be a fantastic camping experience.
Beautiful views and a lake is there if you want to cool off on a hot day. I really like hiking around the lake. The camping area was great, it was spacious and has a great fire pit. I was expecting the campsites to be more secluded and farther apart, but I could see other compsites and others could see us. Otherwise it was an awesome weekend.
We enjoyed this park. It was clean, quiet, and a great place for children. It has a nice beach also. We've camped in many places and this one rates high.
If you enjoy actual camping, where you have a little bit of space, and a little privacy, this campground is excellent. No water or electrical hookups. This place is a little off the beaten path, but was worth the trip, and we'll definitely be back. The staff were friendly, and you could tell that they try hard to take care of the place and keep it well cared for. There are many many good sites here. It would have to be a jam packed 4th of July weekend with no reservation for you not to be able to find at least one that worked for you. Very few of them are "on top" of each other, except for a few that are purposely that way for group/family camping. A very decent place to fish/boat with kids. Nice beach with concessions, and a playground.
What a fun place with a lot to offer for being such a beautiful, secluded place. We spent the memorial weekend there and everyone had a great time. They had crafts for the kids, activities and games, swimming, a movie night, and a live band all in one weekend! Large campsites with good space in between. Cozy little cabins to rent as well. Will go again, would highly recommend going to escape the everyday life stresses. Great place to relax and recharge.
4.6
(441)
4.0
(19)
745 Bliven Sherman Rd, Oxford, NY 13830, USA
17Viktor P — Google reviewV M — Google reviewStephanie H — Google reviewJason ( — Google reviewJill R — Google reviewMelissa S — Google reviewElias V — Google review
Early Owego Antique Center (formerly J.J. Newberry Co.)
Antique store
Shopping
Antique furniture store
Architectural salvage store
Coin dealer
Collectibles store
Always a good time! So many treasures to find. I have a deep love for Newberry's store, so being in the building with the iconic floor tiles, staircase and leftover details tugs at my heartstrings!
Shahndra L — Google review
My girlfriend and I's favorite local antique shop. We can and have spent all day exploring the double floors for treasures ranging from everything including the kitchen sink.
The folks who run it are also always so nice, and helpful for unlocking and finding the goodies within. We've been coming here for over a year now, and no two times have been the same.
Included are photos of a microscope slide collection from tge 1950's I snagged there.
Such a cool experience, so much to offer. You could easily spend hours here looking through every display case, booth, and shelf. So many one of a kind finds. Definitely best aside some time if you’re going to come here and you want to get through everything!
They also have information on other local businesses to check out.
Staff was friendly. Happy to see they take card and Apple Pay.
Huge antique store with a variety of all kinds of items from tea pots to books to vintage tools, glassware, clothes and jewelry. Plan to spend minimum of an hour there, more if you want to see upstairs. In the back right corner there are a lot of clothes. Grab the key from the front counter if you need a restroom break. Some items are a bit pricy compared to other similar stores.
A short family outing to Owego and we stopped by to check out some antiques! This is a great place, located inside of an old department store. I've gotta only go three stars because as beautiful as all of the vintage items are inside, they're priced VERY high. Also, each section is owned and arranged by a different person. That person is not there 🤷♂️. All in all, a lovely store, but more of a museum than an antique store.
Nice place to plunder through and find treasures. We spent about an hour here and found several items we could not live without. There is not a lot of parking. There are a few slanted pull in spots on the street but they only accommodate a vehicle about 20 ft long.
They have an incredible variety of items offered here. I can spend hours meandering the student vendors' booths and admiring the many vintage treasures. The staff is very friendly. However, the prices are much higher than I see elsewhere. I once inquired about opening a booth there myself, and I then knew why the vendors have to overcharge. It is expensive to sell your merchandise there. I do buy items here, but only special ones or ones that are priced fairly. It is worth it to me to just enjoy the atmosphere and step back in time. It is definitely worth a look. You never know what you might find!
We stopped by on our way out of town and let us just say this - sooooo much to see, so little time. You need a day to slowly walk through and see all the wares from the 100 vendors they have here. Two floors worth of some good stuff and others that are more specific. Check them out and see for yourself, just make sure you have time and a big enough car in case you decide to get something haha.
18Cristina S — Google reviewMaisy H — Google reviewGabrielle B — Google reviewJohnny K — Google reviewElisha — Google reviewKalani B — Google reviewDee S — Google review•
Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Casino
Fun & Games
Wagering at game machines & harness-racing track, plus entertainment via concerts & bar events.
Nice little casino and horse track. Good choices to eat or snack. Parking garage or valet parking aside from the lots. Nice antique barns out back. Didn't win big, but had fun trying. Clean restrooms.
Michelle R — Google review
Great location! We stayed the night before we headed into Cooperstown, NY for our sons tournament. It was the perfect stop before a long week. Great pools for the kids, restaurant food was amazing and good attentive service. Not to mention for the price it was all well worth it.
Casino was bigger than expected and everyone was very friendly. I would definitely recommend.
Planning a wedding from across the country is no small task, but thanks to Shannon, it was truly a dream come true. I live in Arizona and was so nervous about coordinating everything from so far away, but from the very first day I met Shannon, she made the entire process feel like a walk in the park.
We had our wedding at Tioga Downs on the Terrace, and it was absolutely beautiful – better than I could have ever imagined. Shannon was not only incredibly professional and organized, but also warm, friendly, and genuinely invested in making our day perfect. She was always available to answer questions, calm my nerves, and offer helpful suggestions every step of the way.
On the day of the wedding, I didn’t have to worry about a single thing – all I had to do was show up and enjoy every moment. Shannon handled everything behind the scenes flawlessly, allowing me, my husband, and our guests to simply soak in the joy of the day.
I can’t recommend Shannon enough. She is an absolute gem and a huge reason why our wedding was so special. Thank you, Shannon, from the bottom of my heart!
My family and I love coming here. My kids and I use the hotel, pool, eating, arcade, and watch horses, while my husband goes to enjoy the casino. We love the rooms especially the suites. The rooms are clean overall, and all the staff are fantastic, especially Leeda at the front desk. I find her and many others to go above and beyond with service.
Nice smaller casino and a beautiful horse racing 🐎 track. Didn't stay at the hotel so cant comment on that. It's nice that they do stuff for the spectators at the horse 🐎 track. And good luck to whoever wins this year's Horse 🐎 Play!
My husband and I enjoyed this casino. This was our first time here. We both got $10 free play and my husband got another $10 for it being his birthday. It is smoke-free, which is a huge plus for us. The parking is free and the food prices are comparable to regular restaurants, unlike a lot of hotels and resorts that jack up their prices. The staff here are all helpful and friendly. They have electronic and manual slots, blackjack, baccarat, and multiple poker tables, craps, roulette, bubble craps and a virtual table roulette. This place is over 3 hours away from our home and we plan on coming back in the future.
We were so blessed to have found Tioga Downs for our stay. We were in NY for business and our RV decided to hiccup and we had to have her towed to a garage about 35 miles away in Binghamton. We were able to relax, enjoy and play while we waited for repairs! Your hotel staff is AMAZING!!! Shelly (Manager) welcomed us like family! Leda and the girls at the front desk were always so helpful. The cleaning staff…wonderful. We had to keep extending our stay as our repairs kept being delayed! I can now say we actually vacationed at Tioga! We were there almost a week! Thankful for the Country Fair Buffet. It was like cruise dining! Trevor is an incredible go to for everything we needed to know about your food offerings to help with allergens and information. Regina served us and made us feel extra special. We almost knew everyone on a first name basis. Great staff!
Shawn Drum (Poker Host)…a friend now and hope to see him again upon returning to NY. We call Florida home so not sure when we can get back, but when we do…we will look forward to it! If you read this, please be sure our love and kudos to those mentioned above get expressed to them somehow! Those kind, caring and compassionate people who love what they do are keepers! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only visited for a buffet lunch on the off chance. Great choice! Good selection of salad/hot food and dessert. Pleasant servers. Worth a visit.
4.2
(5464)
3.5
(167)
2384 W River Rd #1406, Nichols, NY 13812, USA
19Mweeyums — Google reviewMartha S — Google reviewJesse B — Google reviewTrent — Google reviewSamuel R — Google reviewJessica M — Google reviewLindsey — Google review
Iron Kettle Farm
Temporarily Closed
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
What a wonderful experience for children of all ages! A very fantastic selection of all things pumpkin and autumn. You could spend hours here and enjoy every minute of it.
Tim H — Google review
First trip of the season. Time to get the garden ready, if it ever stops raining. It's hard to not smile surrounded by so many beautiful flowers and veggies.
Going back again for a third time today (in the rain) this Spring season. Beautiful flowers, perennials, and vegetable plants! Hanging baskets are healthy and lovely, too. Friendly staff, everything neatly organized, and prices clearly visible. Great place to decompress from work AND SHOP! Thank you, Iron Kettle!
This is a great local farm and greenhouse. Really nice animals that seem happy on display. The baby goats were super cute! Awesome gift shop. Plenty of plants available in the greenhouse. The staff was very helpful! We were finally able to find the seeds for giant pumpkins that we have been searching for.
This is a wonderful pumpkin farm and country store. There is a shop for homemade items, children rides, home decor, and of course homemade food. They take cash, cards, and e-payments. The parking is free and there is a petting zoo to boot.
Really nice experience! It was pretty busy, but the lines weren't too long, and there's a lot to do. The pumpkins were a little expensive for my taste, but they have a large variety. Lots of animals to look at and feed. Corn maze, haunted house, hay ride, etc. You name it, they have it. Good fresh baked food and drinks also. Very fun for the family.
It's ok, but it's really more the tradition of going and the hype people make it to be then actually being that great. They have a ton of stuff but everything is WAY over priced. We go every year , the kids enjoy looking at the "pumpkin people" (which is free) , the animals (which is free, except some quarters to feed them) and we usually do the corn maze and "spook barn". As mom I always make sure to get the traditional "watch me grow" picture. It's always super crowded. The line for tickets is always long. You need to know exactly how many tickets you need as you don't want to buy any extra at $1.25 per ticket. If you have the ability to tell your kids no and not do everything there is there and just pick 1 or 2 "pay" things then just enjoy the free things , as long as you don't mind crowds (and usually some mud) then it's a fun family place. Make sure you go between meals so you don't have to eat there and if you plan on eating there take cash and a lot of it. Also don't fall into the pumpkin farm trap. *If you get a *4 pumpkin at some place like Aldi BEFORE you go to the pumpkin farm the kids won't beg you for $12+ pumpkin (that's the same size) at the pumpkin farm.
This is a wonderful place to celebrate the fall season. There is a lot to do and see. It's a working farm, so there are many different farm animals you can feed and sometimes pet. They grow corn and pumpkins behind the main buildings and the hay ride takes you through the back of the farm to see the pumpkin patches. They setup a lot of fun activities during the fall, such as haunted houses, corn maze, obstacle course, several playground areas, and pumpkin sling throwing. All of these things are paid through buying tickets. Currently, in 2023, tickets are $1.25 each or $12 for 12. Wristbands for unlimited access are $15 when available and are the best choice for kids 13 and under. They post prices for each activity at the ticket booth so you can do the math based on what each person wants to do. They have many locations for food/snacks, and they have a country store in the main building. For a family of 4, I would expect to spend $100 if you limit the visit to rides and food. If you are buying pumpkins and other items in the country store, their prices are in the high end in the area. We go every year and love it for the experience. Its a family tradition for us.
20Christopher F — Google reviewStephanie V — Google reviewJ F — Google reviewBeautiful M — Google reviewPatrick G — Google reviewAlbertina M — Google reviewAaron O — Google review
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Mentioned on
Hotel
Outdoor Activities
Greek Peak Mountain Resort, located in Cortland, is a popular destination for active families and adrenaline-loving teens. The resort features an Adventure Center with thrilling activities such as a mountain coaster, zip-lines, ropes challenge courses, and the Virtusphere virtual reality adventure. Additionally, visitors can enjoy mountain biking trails, a tubing center, and Euro bungee.
I've been here at least 10 times now. We enjoy ourselves every time. The water park is small compared to other places like great wolf lodge or Kalahari. The smaller park works for me. It may not be suitable for older children or adults. There's a bar and restaurant on sight. Across the street, they have mountain coaster and zip lining. The rooms are nice and they're quiet at night. This is good for a 1 or 2 night stay.
Marcus C — Google review
I thought the place was great. Scenic views, a pool, water rides, great food, great staff and the list goes on and on. I did have two issues. In my experience, I had to pay for anything with plastic - no cash. And, my shower drain was clogged and I couldn’t get it fixed until the next day. However, it was great. The staff was awesome. I’m probably going to go skiing there this upcoming winter.
Very clean, professional and friendly staff. My boys love coming here! We enjoyed the s'mores kit, Starbucks coffee and the Greek Peak Salad. Just make sure to check on the days and hours of the activities to plan accordingly during off season times. We will definitely be returning for the winter activities. Thank you to Hope, the manager for assisting in a slight issue that we had.
Went to Greak Peak for a birthday getaway. Awesome place to stay so much stuff to do in one central location. Definitely recommend the steakhouse in the lobby ...fantastic food. Super family friendly. Only giving four stars because we were a bit disappointed that they didn't have a pool for hotel guests unless you paid for the full water park.
Only went to the fall festival. Didn't get to ride the coaster because the line was too long and they close immediately at 6pm. And the part of the line we were at wouldn't not make it in by then. N they offers no accomadations. I would have came back on Sunday to be able to ride it. Needless to say lesson learned and will not participate in their fall festival next yr.
This is a very nice location. It is a timeshare property so it's not a conventional hotel. It was pricey, but it is a resort. Would be ideal for a fall getaway with the coaster ride and zip line!
So we booked a room for an up come a for Cortland College. Looked amazing looking forward to staying Booked through Expedia. NEVER once had a problem with EXPEDIA. Got a call from the hotel that Expedia overbooked us coincidentally the same time 2 Weddings were going in that weekend and 12 other cancellations had to be made!!! That is just saying they needed the rooms for the wedding guest instead which we booked way back in August. So will never use this Hotel at all. And why didn’t they catch the overbooked rooms back then ??!!!!
I booked a 3-night stay at Greek Peak Mountain Resort through Groupon for a baseball tournament. The listing gave the impression that room included a kitchen, and we paid over $1,000 expecting a quality room with amenities. The website stated that all suites included kitchens. I phoned to confirm and was directed to an automated attended and when I asked ”Does my room include a kitchen?” the response was “All suites include a kitchen with a full sized fridge.” I went ahead and bought groceries for our stay.
When I got to the hotel and checked in, I inquired about the kitchen, I was informed that there was no kitchen. Staff seemed indifferent, stating that some rooms have kitchens, some don’t. When I got inside the room, there was not even a fridge.
To make matters worse, another family on our team — who booked the exact same Groupon deal and paid the same price — was given a huge, two-floor suite with a full kitchen and modern furnishings.
This is clearly unfair and misleading. The worst part was the attitude of the staff. Not interested in accommodating my children and my needs. I have never posted a negative review but I want to make my experience heard.
Would never stay here again, and recommend people avoid this location.
I'll never travel to Ithaca without this trip planner again
21Emily L — Google reviewJ C — Google reviewChloe J — Google reviewAl — Google reviewKatie W — Google reviewTyler V — Google reviewMaria L — Google review•
Cascades Indoor Waterpark
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
No limits water paradise for a nine year old. Grandma (me) did my first water slide. The adjoining arcade gave long play times for each turn, and the burgers tasted fine after hours of water play. We had a great day!
Liz H — Google review
A fun place to bring the kids for an afternoon.
Short story: our kids loved it and it was worth it for us. Nothing especially stand out about it, but was perfect for our afternoon trip.
Long story: We went on a Thursday afternoon (4pm-8pm). My 5yo and 2.5yo boys loved it. The kiddie pool wasn’t open at first, they said due to short staffing, but after a little bit it opened up and was open until about 7pm. Luckily he did great on the bigger kid area, but it wasn’t busy. If there were a lot of bigger kids running around on it, he might not have done as well with it.
There are 4 larger slides: 2 that required being 42” or taller (they advised adults not to ride these because I would probably hit my head…lol), a larger one that required a tube that you could ride single or double and required being at least 42”, and the fourth required being at least 48” tall.
The wave pool was nice enough, there’s a pool and a hot tub that are indoor/outdoor that are fun.
The food was classic theme park quality, but we expected it and didn’t mind. I paid $12 for 4 chicken tenders, a soda and fries-which isn’t too bad in my opinion. There are also a few other restaurants nearby that we didn’t try.
We dried off and ended the night with a half hour in the small arcade, which was a fun extra activity.
Overall not a bad place, fun for kids, and we would come back.
Water park was great for kids with variety of slides and places to play. Kids had fun and enjoyed themselves.
Lifeguards were a disappointment, many just sitting on chairs, it’s hard to lifeguard when you are slouched over in your chair. If an emergency actually occurred there is no way there reaction time would be quick enough. Never been to a water park where lifeguards are sitting. Child hit her head in one of the slides and cut her finger… also slipped in wave pool. When we went to first aid they didn’t even ask what had happened when asking for ice and a bandage. Safety and rules of the slides were not being enforced by the lifeguards either, many kids fooling around , running and pushing and nothing was said or done. Water park was good overall just don’t think guest safety is at the top of their list!
A pretty nice indoor water park, not so big but good enough for kids from 6 months to 8-9 old to have fun. I wouldn’t say older kids because of limited adventurous water rides. Tickets not very comparably for playing adult or kids over 42 inches $42 compared to six flag resort at about $50 but more luxury rides and options. But non-playing adult is only $18. One specialty worth mentioning is their outdoor heated pool which is awesome during winter time and hot spring (smaller size)Also got arcade games available. Food is average pricing but for hamburger is only bread and beef patty, no lettuce, pickle, tomato or anything.
False Advertising & Poor Customer Service
We've been loyal customers for 4-5 years, but this experience was beyond disappointing. The listing clearly showed a furnished cabana, yet upon arrival, we found only basic chairs—nothing like what was advertised. On top of that, modifications had been made to the cabanas without any prior notice.
Why am I paying this price if the accommodations are not what were promised? If the amenities and experience don’t match what was advertised, then the cost should reflect that. Instead of offering any sort of discount or resolution, we were simply told we could return it—nothing else.
After years of coming here, we expected honesty and better customer service. Unfortunately, this experience has left us questioning if it’s worth returning.
Great facility but they don’t accept cash. You have to spend 15 minutes filling out everything online just to use the facility because they don’t trust their employees to take cash.
Cash is legal tender and for you to not accept it at all is beyond insane. My kids love this place but let me choose how I want to pay why do you need my birthday and emails for everyone? Just let me give you money and use the waterpark.
The water park was nice. Didn't have to wait to get on slides. Lots for everyone to do. The lifeguard staff needs significant training. The Lifeguard working Rapids 3 (Orange tube slide). Was pushing the tubes down before people were even ready leading to two kids getting hurt. One of which was my son. My son was crying at the bottom and clearly in distress but the lifeguard just starred at us until she saw my wife get in the water to help. Another lifeguard was on their cellphone while working a slide. Definitely a lack of training.
Have been coming here for many years, and today was the first time ive had an issue. Kids were throwing a football in the pool and the adults were not adulting. We waited a bit to see if anyone was gonna stop them and no one did. The lifeguard actually gave it back to them to throw at one point. When it finally came at my son and almost hit him inthe face knocked over our drinks and we got up packed up and went to the counter. A ma ager said we could get a refund hopefully we will....but totally uncalled for. There should not be any football throwing...its too small an area and too many little kids running around jumping in....especially today. Parents fault I get it...but stop it before it starts and say no to the football. Could have been a trip to the ER and a much different outcome if we hadn't been paying attention.
4.3
(65)
3.8
(203)
2000 NY-392, Cortland, NY 13045, USA
22Brett C — Google reviewElise K — Google reviewKevin C — Google reviewKristofer F — Google reviewRobert W — Google reviewEmily K — Google reviewSharon — Google review•
Highland Forest County Park
Park
Outdoor Activities
Forests
Jogging Paths & Tracks
Equestrian Trails
Hiking Trails
The management of this place is incredible! Huge parking lot in front of skyline lodge. 3 separate trail tracks for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and hiking/snowshoeing. Sign in at trailhead so that if you are in trouble, they will know. The hiking trails (M,L,K,T) are dog friendly and so well marked. So they can locate you if you are in trouble. Hiking is free and skiing pass is like 30 dollars per season. Love this place so much. They also offer horse drawn sleigh rides and the front of the hill has a hike up, free, sledding area.
Yi-Shin S — Google review
I've been a few times. It's a nice wedding venue, and they also offer a variety of trails for hiking, and snow shoeing or cross country skiing (rentals are available for both) surprisingly affordable, very helpful and friendly staff makes it nice for a first timer. Trails for skiing are clearly marked and easy to navigate
This is a nice walk. It’s not a hike but if you’re in the mood to get outside this has a path through the woods. There is poison Ivy on one of the paths but it’s wide enough to avoid it. Just be aware it’s there and consider this if you’re planning a visit. It’s a tapered area not a hike but a walk without any challenges. I wouldn’t suggest a rainy day because it’s muddy . This is however perfect for going cross country skiing in the winter. There are paid packages for that which are inside the building. So, it’s free to walk but in the winter a pass or package would be necessary for cross country skiing or snow shoeing. Prices seemed very reasonable !
Beautiful cross-country ski trails. A wonderful sliding hill. Great trails for hiking in any season. Modern facility for dining, special events and rental cross country equipment if needed. Nordic ski patrol for extra safety and assistance.
Went with my family for sledding. Huge hill. Not too steep but very fun and fast with long runs. Great views of the valley below.
Groomed xc ski trails from expert to novice. Rentals available. On s separate trail system hike or snow shoe.
We love coming here and hiking around. The trails are well marked, but be sure to have a map just in case. The main trail at one point passes a lean-to and crosses a stream. In the stream there are some cool rocks and if you are interested in rocks or fossils, take a look. Some people leave interesting ones on the picnic table near the lean-to. Be sure to watch your step, as the stream is hoke to little critters that can be hard to see, and we don't want to be disrupting them too much. Past that point in the trail you will eventually go through a couple forest shifts from mostly pine trees, to lush warm green trees. If you keep your voice down you can hear an occasional raven or see some deer or other animals on the trail.
Many beautiful trails! You can rent horses too! Sits on a mountain top. Lodge has a multitude of old photos of the farming. A pioneer museum you can view by appointment. Beautiful place!
4.8
(289)
4.5
(23)
1254 Highland Park Rd, Fabius, NY 13063, USA
23Adam M — Google reviewAnand S — Google reviewFeroz A — Google reviewCarrie P — Google reviewShana D — Google reviewKristan M — Google reviewShruti S — Google review•
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Mentioned on
State park
Nature & Parks
Nestled in 811 acres of lush wooded parkland, Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features hiking paths, a serene lake, a stunning waterfall, and well-equipped campgrounds for nature enthusiasts. Located just 10 minutes away from the Robert H. Treman State Park area, Buttermilk Falls is often considered even more picturesque than its renowned neighbor.
Beauty around every corner. The gorge trail starts with a ton of stairs, but there are 2 falls just on the way up. The climb is worth the view. There are multiple falls along the trail all relatively close giving you amazing photo opportunities. There is a swimming area at the bottom of the falls right near the parking area and restrooms. There are also camping and picnicking areas. This is one of my favorite waterfall trails out of the many in the area
David N — Google review
I came here with a couple friends while visiting from out of state. The waterfall system was pretty cool to see and the trail was well maintained. There are some wetter spots on the trail from the falls and plenty of stairs, so I'd be mindful of these things as you traverse it. It's a cool spot that plenty of people were seeming to enjoy. There are also trails leading off the falls if someone wanted to hike longer and I thought that was cool. 5 stars from me!
This is a nice well-kept state park much like many of the New York State parks we visited. Unfortunately at the time we visited (early August 2025), there wasn’t enough rain in the past few days which resulted in just a trickle to be seen on the main falls.
But the staff was very helpful in guiding us to the Gorge Trail from the Lower Park area (main area) to see the other falls and pools. It is a hike up with trail and steps of about 1/2 mile and you can see 5-6 smaller waterfalls which look great.
The main falls at the parking area also has a nice pool area - clean and clear water.
A beautiful park with a waterfall. Ideal for families wanting to enjoy a picnic or do camping. Great outdoor activities for kids.
Lots of cabins built inside the park for families to book and enjoy. 10 USD Vehicle entry and parking fee. Loved the beauty of the place.
Buttermilk Falls is absolutely stunning! The trails are well-marked and offer something for everyone — from easy scenic walks to more adventurous hikes with beautiful waterfall views at every turn. The cascading falls and natural pools look like something out of a postcard, and the sound of the water is so peaceful. The park is clean, family-friendly, and perfect for a summer swim or a quiet nature escape. Don’t forget your camera — every corner is photo-worthy. Definitely one of the most beautiful spots in New York!
Easy waterfall to visit. Plenty of parking spaces, picnic tables and clean bathrooms available. You can walk right up to the falls with no hiking required if that is what you are looking for. Hiking optional.
Absolutely love this park and falls. It is very easy to access from parking area and does have trails if you want to hike or explore the other parts of the falls and see some great views from other areas. This is by far one of my absolute favorite places.
Gorge trail is closed starting mid Oct this season except weekends. $10 parking fee. It was quiet wet and muddy trail so ensure to have hiking shoes and poles.
4.7
(5869)
4.5
(1039)
106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
24Terrance H — Google reviewTomáš G — Google reviewJudy R — Google reviewAmy J — Google reviewKeqi G — Google reviewRobert D — Google reviewÜNSAL T — Google review•
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Mentioned on
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Cornell Botanic Gardens, established in 1875, spans over 4,000 acres and features specialty gardens, an arboretum, and educational programs. The gardens have partnered with other organizations to launch a website called Out on the Trails at IthacaTrails.org. This GPS-enabled site maps all the trails in Tompkins County and allows users to search based on their desired experience such as distance, difficulty level, scenic views, wildlife viewing opportunities, or picnic spots.
Formerly known as the Cornell Plantations and consisting of 25 acres, Cornell Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular attractions around Ithaca and has something for everyone, which is why my partner, his family, and I came for a visit on this beautiful Saturday.
Located in the center of the Cornell University campus, but also including the adjoining F.R. Newman Arboretum and over 3,500 acres of natural areas, there were hiking trails, nature walks, gardens, ponds, woodlands, meadows, glens, waterfalls, fens, bogs, and, of course, “gorges.”
The well-kept gardens were easy to access, easy to walk around, and were extremely quiet. It’s very kid- and pet-friendly. The historic core revolves around the herb and perennial garden. Admission is FREE, but one does need to pay a parking fee to enter the park on weekdays. It runs you $1.50 per hour, so it's exceptionally reasonable, but it's free on weekends.
We enjoyed our drive through the campus to get to the botanic garden, which we can recommend.
Eloy Y — Google review
It was nice. Unfortunately we were there after a rain storm and the blooms were off the trees. The grounds are well kept and clean. The paths are nice and wind around so you can see the gardens from many different vantage points.
Absolutely loved it! What a great place to have in the city. With the arboretum, it's huge and you can walk in the nice climate of the trees even in warm weather for hours. This was the highlight of our trip in NY.
You simply must not miss these gardens, as they are truly remarkable in every aspect. I especially enjoyed the fragrant herb garden. Furthermore, I greatly appreciate the immense history that permeates the campus.
The botanic gardens are just beautiful! It was free to enter, we just paid a minimal fee to park using a QR code. We went to the herb garden near the center and the flowers were gorgeous. Lots of pollinators there too. Then we drove to the sculpture garden, pond, and overlook. The wildflower section didn't have much this time of year but it was a pretty forrest walk. Loved it!
Wonderful layout garden that so rich in knowledge. My personal favorites are the fragrance plants and eatables. Wish there were samples that offer smells, and Tastes
A beautiful space for walking through very well maintained gardens. The main parking lot does fall under Ithaca's paid parking system, but weekends, evenings, and holidays have free parking. The Mullestein Garden is especially lovely in the depths of winter when the rest of the outdoors is cold and gray.
Cornell Botanic Gardens is not your typical manicured botanical garden—it's more like an extension of the natural forest surrounding Cornell University. The highlight here is the walking trails, which feel like you're exploring a peaceful woodland rather than a traditional flower-focused garden. Nestled in the heart of the university, the trails are well-kept, relaxing, and perfect for families, students, or anyone looking for a scenic walk.
If you’re expecting endless rows of exotic flowers, you may be surprised—but if you enjoy nature, quiet trails, and a serene atmosphere
4.8
(1879)
4.7
(378)
124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
25Bill L — Google reviewDennis S — Google reviewCindy W — Google reviewHeidi — Google reviewJenelle — Google reviewThomas A — Google reviewE — Google review•
Cortland Repertory Theatre
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Stalwart theater company staging family-friendly, summertime productions in a circa-1906 building.
Great theater, great seats, sound is spot on, restrooms were clean, snacks available at intermissions, friendly staff, beautiful lake views
Stephanie C — Google review
Saw "Beauty and the Beast" opening night. Everyone on stage was excellent from their vocals, their choreography, their expressions / gesters, interactions with the audience...
I have been going to local plays for several years and have seen a markably increase in the talent. Bravo to all!!
It's great to see these older venues still being used....
We have gone to two plays at this place and I can't wait for next year.
The actors and actresses do an amazing job of whatever play is being done.
Just saw Newsies and it was AMAZING! The cast was energetic, the acting was spot on and tell vocals "wowed" me! It's sold out until it's done this summer and I understand why! Well done!
Love it and you better get tickets for Escape to Margaritaville soon because they are selling fast and the show is great and don't forget "IT's five o'clock somewhere!"
The entire theater is well suited for these plays, as the seating offers a great view of the presentation by the players. A wonderful sound and lighting setup provides and compliments the setting. The actors are very talented and the plays offer a myriad of types of shows. This season our favorite is the Wizard of Oz.
I love this little theatre, have gone at least once every summer since I bought a recreational place nearby in 2004. This is their 49th year of putting on local entertainment and it is just a delight in a small community like this. Kirby, the chief of the operation, is a bright and upbeat fellow who always manages to bring in great talent and stage wonderful shows. This year it was a 50's love story set in a soda fountain shop with rocking good music all night. Due to the pandemic we were outdoors under a tent but the weather was perfect so it worked out just great.
4.9
(115)
4.5
(15)
6799 Little York Lake Rd, Preble, NY 13141, USA
I'll never travel to Ithaca without this trip planner again
26Hills L — Google reviewYunong S — Google reviewSara M — Google reviewKyaw H — Google reviewKonstantinos R — Google reviewCharlie L — Google reviewCandor F — Google review
Cornell University
Mentioned on
University
Sights & Landmarks
Educational sites
Cornell University, established in 1865, is an Ivy League institution located near a picturesque lake. The campus boasts ornate buildings and offers breathtaking views of the McGraw Tower and rolling hills. The Statler Hotel at Cornell University provides luxurious accommodations with modern amenities like LCD TVs and coffee makers. Situated in Ithaca, New York, the city is renowned for its stunning gorges, waterfalls, and esteemed educational institutions including Cornell University and Ithaca College.
Came here for a campus visit with my son and was impressed with the remarkable campus and its facilities.
Eric H — Google review
It is one of the most beautiful universities I have been to. Looks like I am standing in the sky watching downside hills, rivers , buildings; also like standing on the buildings hundreds years ago, feels how the past people think and learn in the university. The waterfalls is great to watch and it’s free parking after 5pm. The only bad thing is that when I am passing the walking road , one young people just drive until he sees me , and yell on me which is his fault not yield on the walkers on the yielding sign of walkers. Be careful if you walk over there , seems some young divers there is careless driving.
A quiet, historic campus perched on a hill above the small town of Ithaca. The stone buildings are beautiful but feel a bit tired—roads are rough, parking is a nightmare, and the campus, while scenic, feels somewhat isolated and less alive than other major universities.
Highlights:
• Uris & Andrew D. White Library: Gorgeous, especially the cast-iron stacks in White Library. Feels like walking into a magical archive.
• Sage Chapel: Breathtaking interior. We walked in as a student practiced Bach on an instrument that looked like a piano but sounded like a pipe organ—absolutely heavenly.
• Café Jennie: Tucked inside the Cornell Store. Great macaroons, cozy atmosphere, and shelves of books by Cornell authors.
• Morrison Dining Hall: Modern, clean, with a good pasta bar.
• Cornell Dairy Bar: A hidden gem for fresh, creamy ice cream.
Worth a visit for the views, the libraries, and the intellectual charm—but be ready for hills, potholes, and a sense of quiet detachment.
Beautiful campus, had a great tour. Their ice cream was delicious!
The most beautiful campus ever built 🌸🔥🌄
We received a very nice prospective students tour. I guess I will be updating this review if we get accepted :)
Campus was very spread out and not as historic looking as expected. However, there are some beautiful stone buildings sprinkled around campus. One cannot undervalue the power of an Ivey league education. My blood runs big red.
Excellent university. Top notch architecture. Would have given 5 stars but toilet paper thinner than my grandma’s breath.
27Kathy C — Google reviewKirk S — Google reviewNicole G — Google reviewNaditha R — Google reviewRyan S — Google reviewCaitlyn A — Google reviewGeorge A — Google review•
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Mentioned on
Non-profit organization
Sights & Landmarks
Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a must-visit destination in Ithaca, offering a wonderful experience for nature enthusiasts. The trail system provides varying landscapes, from well-built wooden platforms to scenic dirt trails with viewing platforms overlooking wetlands. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching around the lakes and through peaceful woods, or observe live bird activity at the Cornell bird feeder YouTube cam.
A world-renowned hub for bird research, conservation, and citizen science, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology blends cutting-edge science with public engagement. Located in a beautiful sanctuary near Ithaca, New York, it offers visitors stunning trails, birdwatching opportunities, and interactive exhibits. I was fortunate to visit and interact with some of the staff members and visitors, making the experience even more inspiring. Whether you’re a scientist, birder, or nature lover, it’s a wonderful place to explore the wonders of birds and biodiversity.
Ubaya M — Google review
If there were more than 5 stars we would have gladly given them! Arriving yesterday with 2 bird-loving enthusiasts, we were warmly welcomed by Rachel who was incredible! She was waiting to greet the eldest bird lover, my mother. At the age of 102, Catherine had the best time recognizing the variety of birds, while Rachel showed us some of the hands on displays. Rachel's kindness and genuine interest in making Catherine's experience a positive one was beyond what we ever expected. Thank you, to the staff and especially Peter Leipzig and to Rachel for bringing so much joy to someone who has dedicated her life in helping others.
Always a fun way to spend a few hours when in the Ithaca area. The interactive museum installations were so enjoyable. I recommend the trail/walk around the pond when visiting
Lots of different trails to walk. So many different kinds of birds and wildlife. Interesting to see the different things Cornell is doing. They have a whole area that has a fence. They are seeing how deer affect habitats. worth checking out. They have an observation area inside. As well as a gift store and learning areas.
It was marvelous. The birds, the environment, suitable for children. This place is incredible because it has separate rooms for interacting with bird sounds, natural encountering places etc.
This place was an unexpected delight. The family and I are visiting Ithaca and ran into some rainy weather that spoiled a lot of outdoor plans we'd made for the day. We decided to give the lab a shot.
Peter was working the front desk, and he gave us a verbal your of the public area, and was very helpful with my son, encouraging him to log his bird observations into the touch screen device they had for such things. There is a really cool interactive area with a microscope, short videos, and art made from feathers and bones. Also there was a small art gallery featuring realistic nature renderings (and a whole how-to video series in the auditorium)
It was free to the public and provided us with a very entertaining 2 hours. Really cool spot!
Fun museum about birds, the front desk lady was so awesome about explaining everything. They offer binoculars to borrow to view the birds and ducks in the water out front. There is hiking options, but it was pretty cold when I was there. There’s a theatre room with different short videos about different birds. Many interactive activities for kids and adults. Don’t forget to go upstairs! This was a cool experience.
If you are interested in learning more about birds, this is a great place to visit. The indoor setup is kid friendly and fun. Can spend 1-2 hours here. There are also viewing areas for wild birds and short easy trails. Free parking at site.
4.9
(465)
4.7
(446)
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
28Ashish K — Google reviewShruti S — Google reviewMavis A — Google reviewGreg M — Google reviewAngelo G — Google reviewMichael P — Google reviewRoshelle M — Google review•
Robert H. Treman State Park
Mentioned on
State park
Nature & Parks
Robert H. Treman State Park, also known as Enfield Glen, is a must-visit destination near Ithaca, NY. The park features a picturesque gorge with stunning waterfalls and a stream-fed swimming hole surrounded by hiking trails and camping areas. While the initial part of the gorge trail is relatively flat and meandering, the northern end offers breathtaking sights including giant waterfalls and epic gorges that leave visitors in awe of nature's beauty.
Absolutely amazing Park!!! The waterfalls are just amazing! And it's absolutely beautiful and you can actually swim in a couple of the waterfall pools underneath the fall. Only when an approved lifeguard is there if you have children. absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend that you make that a definite stop when exploring.
Gillian — Google review
We went here on a weekday. Pretty quite and less crowded on a weekday. The Gorge trail was little treacherous but it was worth it. A great view of the waterfalls. Make sure you do this hike on a pleasant weather. Sunny day might kill you
Not a popular state parks so we came here with less expectations and were pleasantly surprised with the beautiful hikes. Gorge trail was pretty flat hike. Lots of waterfalls to see till the 115 ft Lucifer falls.
We saw folks taking the rim trail too to view the Lucifer falls from the viewing deck.
Trail to the swimming hole Enfield Glen falls has a pretty flat trail. Not very crowded too. But swimming was closed when we reached at 4 pm.
Folks can take the trail from the lower to the upper entrance but we drove as they have parking lots in both places.
Starting from the Old Mill, the Gorge Trail is an unforgettable hike through some of the most stunning natural scenery in the region. The trail winds along dramatic rock formations carved by centuries of water flow, with cascading waterfalls and lush greenery at every turn. The stone steps and ledges offer breathtaking views—but also call for good, sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery in spots.
This is a mild to moderate hike that rewards every step with visual splendor. The sound of rushing water and the cool shade of the gorge make it a refreshing escape on a warm day. Whether you're an avid hiker or just out for a scenic walk, this trail is a must-see.
Well worth the hike to see the upper falls! Take the gorge trail to see the best view of the upper falls. It is a nice hike with lots of stairs, tree roots and rocks. There are about 100 steps when you get Close to the point with the best views... But worth the hike!
A must see whenever you are visiting Ithaca!!! Beautiful stony trail that takes you to an amazing array of cascades and waterfalls throughout the park!!! Lucifer falls was the highlight of my day!!! Trail has lots of steps so take your time when visiting and enjoy the views!!
Amazing place with heart stopping scenery!! The park is VERY clean. Trails are well maintained (and amazing). Swimming area is legendary! Everyone is super friendly and happy to help. I lost my watch while using the diving board…they found it!! and returned it to me!!! I just can’t say enough great things about this place….🙂❤️
This hike was unexpectedly breathtaking. The views are amazing. Felt like a scene from a movie. Takes approximately 45 mins but we spent far more time than that just admiring the views all around.
4.8
(4182)
4.7
(1379)
105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
29Ryan K — Google reviewMichael M — Google reviewTim S — Google reviewZajira R — Google reviewMonica F — Google reviewGregory H — Google reviewRyan M — Google review•
Fillmore Glen State Park
Mentioned on
State park
Nature & Parks
Fillmore Glen State Park, nestled near Moravia in the Finger Lakes Region, is a picturesque destination offering camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. The park boasts several waterfalls including the famous Cowsheds Falls, which cascades about 37 feet. Visitors can explore different waterfall trails such as the Gorge Trail and North or South Rim Trail to enjoy stunning views of rocky cliffs and lush vegetation.
Very family friendly.. there is a play ground with picnic tables . Pavilion wheelchair accessible with lots of tables. volleyball net .the swimming area is closed for repairs. Bathrooms very clean .Trails are very well marked . Views are amazing ! Picnic areas along trails with storm shelters .
Linda C — Google review
Filmore Glenn State Park is a well-maintained park with good staff, costing $8 to enter. It features a great pavilion, swimming, and camping areas. I chose the recommended 1.5-mile Gorge Trail for a scenic hike, but it was cut short by a hazardous, out-of-order bridge; a warning sign at the trailhead would have been appreciated. The park also hosts weddings, with restrooms and another pavilion visible from the Gorge Trail. Overall, it was a good mid-day hike experience.
The trails and waterfalls are beautiful. Well worth a bit of hiking. The road to the upper area is extremely rough so be warned. The Cowshed Falls are a must see. The camping is open field right on top of each other at the road's edge.
Gorge trail was awesome, both rim trails were very scenic. All trails were well maintained. South rim was moderate hike. North rim from entrance is a steep hike up stairs to start then nice trail after. Also appreciate all the tables and benches along the rim trails especially right at the top of both rim trails. Perfect resting spot after the climbs.
Nature's wonderful spot, there's tables & some grills first comes get them 😁, bathrooms n showers, nice playground, 1 hoop but it's located in the parking lot, usually people don't park near, there's camping sites available, there's long & multiple trails to choose, the trails are not leveled, some stairs in areas, multiple wooden bridges, stunning views, you will connect with nature, 1 of the trails you walk most of the time by the water, is so relaxing 😌, they have a seasonal natural pool, no chlorine or stagnant water, with a designated area to jump in while the lifeguards are on watch, is truly a gem, make sure to bring trash bags with you to keep clean this amazing place. There's a small fee for cars. 1 volleyball net.
Fabulous walk and stunning views along the Gorge Trail. Not a difficult hike. Lots of waterfalls and shade.
One of the nicest State Park campgrounds I've been to. Sites are huge but the campground itself is small. Great hiking trails
Fillmore Glen State Park is a very nice state park. The best part of the park is hiking the gorge trail. It has beautiful scenery, picturesque waterfalls, and is nice and cool on a summer day. The gorge trail is a moderate hike, with few challenging spots. If you are just hiking the gorge trail it is a 2.5 mile out and back hike.
The trails around the gorge are nice, but don’t offer the same beauty that the gorge trail does. Compared to other similar NY State Parks like Watkins Glen, this trail is easy and much less crowded. Parking here for day use is easy. There are campsites in the park and they looked nice. Add this hike to the list of the most gorgeous places in Central New York.
4.6
(1190)
4.0
(102)
1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
30Allison H — Google reviewAmo F — Google reviewRyan P — Google reviewM. K — Google reviewVictoria — Google reviewLella D — Google reviewScott B — Google review•
Anyela's Vineyards
Mentioned on
Winery
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
Anyela's Vineyards is a standout among the wineries in Skaneateles, offering stunning views and an expansive facility. The vineyard boasts a selection of exceptional reds and whites, with unique flavors that stand out in New York State. Visitors can enjoy live music while savoring wine and taking in the breathtaking scenery of Skaneateles Lake. The friendly and knowledgeable staff add to the inviting atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind with a glass of wine.
All was great. My husband was really enjoyed it our time in here. The scenery was pretty, the service was great, for the wine there was something he didn’t like but there’s one wine he enjoy it he bought one bottle home. Pizza was also good seems homemade. Nice place to hang out and chill.
Lizzay B — Google review
This winery is part of Farm Fest & I had never been to a winery so, we went today. Gorgeous grounds, wonderful staff & the owner was so nice & informative. We were able to take a beautiful tour with the owner & learned how winery is made. From root to your belly! I thought it was very interesting!
This winery has an amazing view facing the Finger Lakes with a patio to sit, drink, eat and relax . It was my first time vising a vineyard, and I was impress, Beautifully manicured garden and a Relaxing Gazebo seating area to taste the local family owned wine.
I had such a beautiful experience just walking through the grapevines and just tasting a few, from right off the vine.
The property and views are great. The sweet Riesling was my favorite, the reds I tried were pretty good.
Anyela's Vineyard is the gem of Vineyards in Skaneateles! It is also the only one I am aware of given the high cost of land in the area. This large vineyard offers some great views, a nice facility and the best reds I have ever had in New York State! All of the (4) reds I tried were amazing and unique. The whites were a hit a well and on par or better than most others in the region.
We came at an off peak time of year, but we can see how this location would be packed during prime season. They have a jazz festival with attracts thousands of visitors each year. There is a specialty room (lower level accessed from outside) which is available for parties.
Carter was our wine expert on our visit. From the area and knowledgeable not only about the winery but the lake and geography of the area as well. Who knew it is the finger lake at the highest elevation and boasts some of the cleanest water in the United States. He added interesting insight to our experience. We will return again!
HINT: If you are looking for an excuse to visit the area (Summer concerts and live music along with a Charles Dickenson Christmas Carol events during the weekend (the later in town). The area is beautiful and somewhere worthy of checking out!
Love this winery! Great staff. Beautiful views.. amazing wine... thank you!!
Good service, nice flight sampler of white wine and beautiful space indoor and out. We were able to enjoy a stunning fall day on the patio overlooking the lake.
The wine is fantastic. Definitely taking a bottle with us.
<Edit> Came back to get four more bottles of wine the next day. Well worth 45 minute trip out and back.
4.6
(291)
4.5
(200)
2433 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
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