Ithaca College is in the heart of the Finger Lakes region known for its stunning gorges and farmland overlooking Cayuga Lake. Home also to Cornell University, there is always something going on, with constant events and activities. Recently ranked as the number one college town in America by The American Institute for Economic Research, the town and larger community play a key part of Ithaca’s quintessential college experience.

Visitor Information: Tour Ithaca

Transportation: The local airport is the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, located just a few miles from the Ithaca campus. Most families use the Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York, offering more airline options, approximately an hour and 15-minute drive. Amtrak train service is also an option, although the nearest station to Ithaca is in Syracuse. Are you traveling by bus? Shortline Bus or Greyhound will take you from the Port Authority in Manhattan to the Ithaca Bus Station.

Stay: Parents have been raving about the new Marriott on the Commons, quickly becoming many families’ first choice, located a skip away from The Commons, a pedestrian open-air mall with over 100 shops and restaurants. If it’s booked another good option is the Hilton Garden Inn, clean, new and also across from The Commons. Another popular choice is the Hampton Inn Ithaca. If you have time and are making a weekend out of your visit, just a few miles from Ithaca, La Tourelle is a small 54-room family owned hotel set on 70 country acres. Wandering the grounds, hiking the trails that connect to Buttermilk Falls State Park and watching the sunset in their gazebo are just a few of the things that make this such a special place.

Coffee: Mingle with the students at their go-to spots that include Gimme Coffee, Collegetown Bagels, Press Café, and Ithaca Coffee in the Commons.

Breakfast: You can always count on a good old fashion diner for a great meal, and State Street Diner delivers a local favorite open 24/7. Ithaca Bakery is an institution in town, the longest running family-owned bakery in Ithaca, serving the community for over 104 years. It’s a good choice for lunch as well with excellent sandwiches. The fried chicken and waffles are legendary at Waffle Frolic.

Lunch: Mahogany Grill’s entire menu is from locally sourced ingredients. The Tap Room at the Ithaca Brewery, a short drive away, offers delicious wood-fired pizzas, great burgers and fries and their famous beer on tap. On a nice day, enjoy the seating outside. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) Vegetarians must visit Moosewood Restaurant, famous for its groundbreaking, best-selling vegetarian cookbooks and its early commitment to serving local, organic foods since 1973.

Dinner

Casual: Travel to New Orleans for the night at Maxie's Supper Club , a Cajun restaurant with a cool vibe and great bar. Serving inventive American fare, students rave about their meals at Coltivare. It’s a tour of Thailand, India, Vietnam, China, and Japan at Mia Tapas Bar & Restaurant. For pub style fare and the best burgers head to Red’s Place in the heart of town just off the Commons. Other good choices are Ale House and the above mentioned, Mahogany Grill.

A Step Up: Simeon's diverse menu will appeal to everyone in your group. John Thomas Steakhouse, located in La Tourelle has been compared to NY’s famous Peter Luger’s Steak House—quite a compliment indeed. Newly opened, Cafe Cent-Dix offers classic French cuisine.

Late Night Snack: If you want to see the kids en-masse, head to Sammy's Pizza - a madhouse when the bars close.

Local Attractions: Within 10 miles of downtown Ithaca, there are estimated to be over 100 waterfalls. Pretty impressive stats leading to the local slogan—“Ithaca is Gorges." For information on different hiking options see here. On Saturdays and Sundays over 150 vendors, all from within 30 miles of Ithaca, descend on Steamboat landing for an incredible Farmer's Market not to be missed. Smaller markets are held during the week at different locations, check online for information.

Views from a College Counselor: Stuart Nachbar of Educated Quest remarks on his recent visit to Ithaca: “Ithaca College is more than just the “other” private college in Ithaca, New York. It is also one of the best places in our country to study Accounting, Film, Communications, Marketing, Music and Theatre as well as several of the health professions. Ithaca, the city, has often appeared on lists of “best college towns.” The reputation comes not only from the presence of Ithaca College and Cornell but also the abundance of recreational options for boating, hiking, skiing, and more. Graduate from either school and you’re likely to own one or more t-shirts that state “Ithaca is Gorges.” The Ithacan, the college weekly, is one of the more comprehensive newspapers that you will find at a mid-size school. It also publishes a unique Year in Review that is worth taking home from a campus visit.” To see Stuart’s full profile of Ithaca click here. Be sure to click on the extended profile link at the bottom of the page to see a comprehensive guide that includes facts on SAT and ACT mid ranges, comparable colleges, curriculum, the alumni network, safety on campus and costs—just to name a few.