I’ve spent my whole life living in Ithaca, and always feel a little extra jolt of excitement whenever September rolls around. For school? Maybe, but mostly for when the leavesstart to turn those beautiful autumn colors, and apple cider starts filling the shelves of grocery stores; that’s when I know it’s the start of Ithaca’s autumn festivities. There are so many locations to spend fall around here, and I’ve found a few of my favorites through my years here. If you’re new to Ithaca, or just want to soak in all of the fall feels, here are a few places you should consider visiting this season!
Taughannock Falls State Park
Regardless of which trail you choose for your adventure, you are sure to be stunned by the scenery! Seemingly endless autumn-colored leaves and the crisp, cool, yet dewy air surround the trails, so you can take a nice hike, and as a plus, take some aesthetic fall photos. I usually take the Gorge trail for an easy stroll with great views. It’s true that the walk to the falls is more impressive than the falls themselves, but sometimes it’s more about the journey than the actual destination.
Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill. Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill
A great place for those with a sweet tooth and lovers of fall! Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill offers a variety of fall goods and produce. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted with the scents of all of your favorite fall goods. From freshly baked pies of all sorts, to syrups, apple ciders, and produce—you won’t be able to leave this destination empty-handed. Take your time, picking out locally farmed apples from the several bins they offer, choosing your favorite seasonal bakery items, and watching the employees make apple cider donuts right in front of you. While it’s a bit outside of the bounds of Ithaca, Hollenbeck Cider Mill is still worth the visit to satisfy all of your fall cravings.
Downtown Ithaca
Downtown Ithaca’s annual Apple Harvest Festival will take place September 27-29. Matt Weinstein/Ithaca Journal
I don’t go to this area too much on a daily basis, but it’s a popular spot for seasonal events year-round! Bring family and friends to events like Applefest and Porchfest for music, goods, and Ithacan spirit! Make sure to carry some extra change with you if you go—the items here tend to be a bit on the pricier side.
Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is especially popular among new college students every fall. The Ithaca Times
If you haven’t gone to the Farmer’s Market yet, what are you waiting for? The Farmer’s Market is an Ithacan staple, offering goods from a variety of local farms and organizations. Grab a warm cup of apple cider or hot cocoa to sip on as you look at what each little stall has to offer. The market itself usually gets pretty busy, but there are plenty of spots to sit outside and lakeside paths to enjoy.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
The Cornell Botanic Gardens. Derek Doeffinger/Life in the Finger Lakes
The Cornell Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot to debrief after a long week out in the open air. With endless varieties of beautiful flowers and plants, their purpose is to enhance the environment and preserve it for future generations. Plant lover or not, you will love this spot and its picturesque scenery.