Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit This Historic College Town in New York

Looking for a great fall day trip in New York? It doesn't get much better than Ithaca. As the home of Cornell University, it's got a great college town atmosphere. Another big draw is its beautiful natural surroundings. Not only is it right on Cayuga Lake, but it's also loaded with waterfalls. With the crisp, cool weather and gorgeous fall foliage in New York, don't waste another minute indoors! Ithaca is a great spot to get out and enjoy all the resplendent beauty that is fall in New York.

New York never looks better than when it's decked out in the beautiful hues of autumn. And nowhere is that truer than the town of Ithaca, New York. Even its location is stunning. Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes, and Ithaca sits along its southern shore.

Formally established in 1821, Ithaca has a population of around 30,000, but it still maintains that idyllic small-town atmosphere. You'll feel right at home here, and there are lots of great restaurants and shops to check out. When I first arrive in a new place, I always like to grab a cup of coffee, and you'll find no shortage of great places to get a caffeine boost. Some of the most popular coffee shops in Ithaca include FairPour Coffee Roasters, Botanist Coffeehouse, and DE Mokha Coffee.

And while the small businesses are certainly worth checking out, it's the natural landscape that makes Ithaca shine. Lakes, creeks, gorges: there's a varied landscape, and New Yorkers agree that it's one of the prettiest towns in the Empire State.

Wondering where to see the best fall foliage in Ithaca? There are three state parks in the area that all deliver on autumnal scenery: Buttermilk Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park. If you're picking up a theme of waterfalls, you're exactly right—there are over 150 waterfalls in the region! If you only have time for one, be sure to visit the mighty Taughannock Falls, the region's tallest at 215 feet.

Ithaca is also famous for being home to Cornell, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful college campuses around. It may be the youngest of the Ivy League schools, but it was still founded 160 years ago, so there's plenty of history to admire. One can't-miss attraction on campus is the famous suspension bridge, which crosses the Fall Creek gorge.

Whether you're taking a walk through campus or just driving around admiring the scenery in the rest of the town, you're sure to find Ithaca makes for a great day trip in New York!

Have you visited Ithaca, New York? If not, it may be high time for a visit. Share this article with a fellow travel enthusiast and begin planning your adventure. Or, if you'd prefer, create your own day trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.