Life Experience

Winter Clothing link

• Indoor areas and buses are usually heated, so lightweight clothing paired with a heavy coat is best. (Layering is recommended.)
• Suggested attire:
  • Upper body: moisture-wicking thermal underwear + warm sweater + windproof and waterproof jacket. Thick gloves and a warm hat are essential. Also carry lotion and lip balm.
  • Lower body: thermal leggings + outer pants. Snow pants are an option for very cold weather but may be uncomfortable indoors. Footwear options include waterproof, non-slip snow boots or high-top hiking shoes. Winter road salt may damage boots, so regular maintenance is recommended.
• You can buy winter gear at local malls. For discounts, consider visiting outlet centers further away.

Movies link

• Ticket prices range from $10–$15, with student discounts around $8–$12.
• Tickets are available at Regal or via the Atom app.
• Movie types:
  • Blockbusters: IMAX, 3D, 4DX, Standard
  • Indie Films: Art films, documentaries
• Movie venues:
  • Regal Cinemas (in Ithaca Mall; shows blockbusters in 3D but no IMAX; may close soon, so Syracuse may be the next best option)
  • Cinemapolis (Downtown; screens indie and art films, often features award-winning selections)
  • Cornell Cinema (Located in Willard Straight Hall, opposite Cornell Store. CU Grad Students: $5.50. Occasionally offers free screenings.)

Fun Classes (Listed in 161 Things Every Cornellian Should Do) link

• These courses aren’t always available, so check the course catalog early in the semester:
  • Wines: HADM 4300: Introduction to Wines
  • Psychology: PSYCH 1101: Intro to Psychology
  • Magical Mushrooms: PLPPM 2010: Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds

Life & Festivals link

• Summer (late May/early June): Ithaca Festival – a vibrant local parade.
• Fall (October): Apple Harvest Festival.
• Wine Tasting: Cayuga Wine Trail is a popular regional tour.
• Local Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company
• Seasonal activities: fruit picking (Indian Creek), horseback riding, lakeside picnics, and boating.

Other Experiences link

• Luxury spa services: RASA SPA, Inns of Aurora
• Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: On-campus art museum designed by architect I. M. Pei. Collaborated with Taipei Fine Arts Museum in 2017.

Outdoor Attractions link

• Ithaca is ideal for hiking, with many trails and waterfalls:
  • Ithaca Trails: Variety of trails for all skill levels.
  • Finger Lakes Trail: A 580-mile path across the region.
  • Ithaca College Natural Lands: Great for walks and bird watching.
  • Ithaca Falls: A wide, powerful waterfall near downtown. Scenic trails follow Fall Creek.
  • State Parks (fewer open trails in winter, parking fees in peak season):
    • Buttermilk Falls: Closest park, bus accessible, features a dam and Lake Treman.
    • Robert Treman: Features outdoor pool and Lucifer Falls.
    • Taughannock Falls: Tallest waterfall in the eastern U.S.
    • Watkins Glen: About 1 hour away, features long gorge trail and stone bridges.

More One-Day Hiking Options link

• Cascadilla Gorge Trail: Starts behind the Schwartz CPA bus stop, takes ~30 minutes to Commons.
• Six Mile Creek and Mulholland Wildflower Preserve: Located south of campus.
• Cayuga Trail: East of campus, takes 5–6 hours to complete.
• Finger Lakes Trail: Entire trail is 50.4 mi, but most hike segments. Bus shuttle works; ideal for overnight trips.
• Ithaca Trails: Variety of trails for all skill levels
• Group Hikes: Cayuga Trails Club
• Travel Planning: Visit Ithaca offers guides and free brochures.

Stargazing link

• Great stargazing spots in Ithaca:
  • Cornell Fuertes Observatory: On campus, open Fridays.
  • Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory: Off-campus, excellent visibility.
  • Ithaca College: Offers views of Cornell.

Nearby Attractions link

• Stoughton Farm: Farmers market, corn maze, corn cannon (~30 mins)
• Seneca White Deer Tour: Eco-bus tour of an old military base with white deer (reservations required, 45 mins)
• Corning Museum of Glass: World-class collection (~1 hr)
• Howe Caverns: Famous cave attraction (~3 hrs)
• Darien Lake: NY’s largest theme and water park (~3 hrs)
• Niagara Falls: Iconic falls (~3.5 hrs); U.S. side for close views, Canada side for full panorama (Canadian visa not needed for R.O.C. (Taiwan) passport holders, but U.S. reentry requires valid documents)
• Thousand Islands: Scenic archipelago at U.S.-Canada border (~3.5 hrs)
• Adirondack Mountains: Northern NY’s forested hills and lakes (~5 hrs), great for camping
• Cornell Ornithology Lab: Offers birding programs and tours
• Ithaca College Natural Lands: Protected area with trails, great for walks and birding