Occasionally we do get out of the house. And occasionally it’s to more exotic places than Home Depot or Target. So just like our past adventures to Savannah, Florida and our road trip to Dallas we wanted to take you along for our Labor Day weekend trip to Ithaca, NY. The reason for the trip? Sherry’s brother Dan was gettin’ hitched!
Yep, that’s Almost-Doctor-Dan (as many of you know him) marrying his bride Ali during their beautiful lakeside wedding in wine country just outside of Ithaca. The ceremony was touching and fun-filled at the same time (the officiant was their friend and Wedding Bee blogger Mrs. Hermit Crab, fyi). I even got to watch my two girls walk down the aisle together (Sherry actually wore Clara in her carrier, which seemed to be a hit with other wedding-goers). Not too shabby for Clara’s first wedding.
The wedding took place at a picturesque spot called The Fontainebleu Inn, a historic estate that we got to explore a lot of as we hunted for private spots for diaper changes and nursing.
While the weekend was certainly filled with family and wedding-related adventures, we carved out some time of our own to explore the area. And thanks to some tips from readers Amanda, Kirsten, Ashley, Julie, Nicole, and Josh (via Twitter/Facebook) we were able to live like true Ithacans for a couple of days – which we’re pretty sure requires inserting a “gorges” pun periodically into conversation.
Wordplay aside, Ithaca was a scenic spot with lots of opportunities for sightseeing and photo taking (too bad we managed to forget the good camera at home). For example, here’s Ithaca Falls – which actually cascades right through the center of town:
Both Dan & Ali met at Cornell where he was getting his undergrad, and he’s now getting his PHD at Columbia and they’re living it up in NYC like Sherry and I once did. There was a HUGE area filled with gardens, lakes, walking paths, and an arboretum. Sherry’s biggest takeaway from that trip was actually these chunky stone steps that were spotted frequently (and sat upon occasionally). Makes us want to do some landscaping!
But beyond beautiful greenery, one of the things that impressed us most about Ithaca was its green-ness. Perhaps its because its residents are blessed with such a stunning natural setting that they seemed to work extra hard at being eco. We lost count of the number of places we spotted with compost receptacles right alongside the standard trash and recycling bins – like this one at Collegetown Bagels. And nearly every cup and plastic utensil that we used was recycled and even compostable.
And their Farmer’s Market kind puts Richmond’s to shame. Once we managed to find a parking spot, we loved how there was not only fresh local food to buy (or eat on the spot) but tons of housewares, clothing, and art too.
We particularly loved the style of these graphic clothes and handmade pillows. We left empty handed though because we arrived devoid of any cash (which was probably a good thing since our car was packed with baby stuff anyway).
And thanks to the tips sent by our readers, we also were able to check out a lot of stores with waste-not mentality, like Home Green Home – which even carried those beer and soda bottle tumblers I tried to make (for $8 a pop, by the way). Sigh.
There was also an architectural salvage spot called Significant Elements that carried your usual collection of old windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures along with some more interesting finds that we loved:
We also ventured into a thrift store called Mimi’s Attic that focused on just household items, including some upcycled furniture like these brightly colored pieces that would provide a fun Domino-ish pop of color.
Right next to Mimi’s Attic was a second-hand baby store called Mama Goose. It was filled with gently used clothing, books, games, and any other kind of baby gear you could think of. We even walked out with some of the Charlie’s Soap that many of our varsity cloth diapering readers had recommended for washing Clara’s dipes. So far we’re loving it by the way.
Ithaca actually had a lot of great places for kid-related shopping. At the Ithaca Commons walking mall (where we found Home Green Home) there was also a place called Jillian’s Drawers. They introduced us to the novel concept of buying gently used cloth diapers (they looked like new) and renting baby carriers so you can figure out which is best for you before buying one (which definitely can save money and storage space since you’re guaranteed to end up with something you and your wee one like). Genius.
There was also an awesome toy store called Alphabet Soup that we thoroughly enjoyed (even though Clara slept through it- figures). I couldn’t decide which I liked most: the bright recycled-wood dinosaur toy or the chunky modern alphabet blocks.
But then I spotted the Plan Toys Green Dollhouse and suddenly had a clear winner in my mind. We already own a few Plan Toys because they’re green and fun, so we were totally entertained by the thought of someday getting this dollhouse for Clara. Yes, it actually has a recycling station and solar panels.
So that wraps up our little trip to Ithaca. Thanks again to the folks who offered up suggestions for what to see and do (we also loved our dinner at the Moosewood Restaurant and the Hot Truck subs that we snagged before the wedding). We’d love to go back to Ithaca someday when Clara’s a bit older and we can take her on some of those “gorges” waterfall hikes. Ok, I think I’m done with the gorgeous/gorges puns for now.
Have any of you guys traveled to (or lived in) Ithaca and have other must-see, must-do, or must-eat items to add to the mix for a future trip by us or someone reading? Or do you have other Ithaca-like cities that you’d suggest we check out?
Yay! Looks like you guys were able to hit all the bit spots. Seeing Ithaca on YHL makes me happy :) Such a beautiful place full of awesome things to see and do!
I love that Sherry “wore” her down the isle! I notice that you each sport a different baby carrier – I’d love to hear what you think of them/why you have different ones. We had the Ergo for my daughter and while I LOVED it (I think I could still pack her around in it for hours and she’s almost 3!) I always felt like she was lost in it and she hated it! She did like her Born, it wasn’t long before she was too big for it. Now that #2 is on the way I’m looking into them again as I’d like to get more use out of one this time.
Thanks!
Hey Julie,
We started with just the Ergo (and John loved it) but for the wedding I was worried that all the clips and the heavy duty straps would look kind of bulky (and that the padded infant insert would be too hot for Clara), and I had longed for a Mei Tai carrier (since they’re a lot less bulky and made of fabric with tied straps – much thinner and cuter). So my mother in law sweetly surprised me with the Mei Tai. I wear it all the time (from around the house to when we’re out) and John uses the Ergo (his manly little bucked and strapped carrier). It’s definitely worth having two because we use them both a ton. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Hi Guys- I am an avid reader and was thrilled to see an entry on my hometown, and one true love, Ithaca.I’m glad you were able to tune into the beauty and subtle nuances of the area. I grew up there, in a town about 20 minutes outside. My siblings and I had an almost idyllic childhood (albeit rural) with bike riding, lots of open air, and plenty of space to scream our lungs out whenever we wanted. A few favorite haunts when we visit home involve Viva Taqueria on the Commons, Moosewood Restaurant (a world renowned vegetarian restaurant), Joe’s Italian Restaurant, the Boatyard Grill (on the inlet), The Nines (in Collegetown), Collegetown Bagels/Ithaca Bakery, Purity Icecream (they invented the Sundae, Rogues Harbour in Lansing (which used to be part of the underground railroad), and of course, Wine Country!
I live in NYC now, but it is always a treat to go home and marvel at the place I was raised. As far as towns that remind me of Ithaca, I would have to say, Burlington, Vermont is a close second- but only because it isn’t “home.”
Finally de-lurking, just to say… I was born in Ithaca! Actually on the Cornell campus, while my dad was working on his PhD dissertation.
There’s an amazing annual used book sale in Ithaca that is INCREDIBLE!
ITHACA!!! How excited was I to see our neck of the woods featured here?! I live in Syracuse about 45 min. north of Ithaca and we go there all the time for hiking adventures– sometimes just for a ‘quick’ picnic because it is so ‘gorges’! Fall is the best time to visit– the colors are so vivid. It’s simply phenomenial!
What a fun trip! I don’t think I’ve ever been to Ithaca, but I just got engaged (!) at Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park in NC. It was gorgeous, too!
I went to Ithaca 4-5 years ago to check out Cornell’s campus, but I haven’t been back there (even though I went to undergrad at Colgate, which is only less than 2 hours away). I’m kinda bummed now that I didn’t visit, because there seems to be a lot more there than I ever thought!
All those shops look so cute, I love the idea of renting the baby strollers and buying used diapers–if they’re clean, why not save a few bucks?
I too grew up not far from Ithaca and will be moving back to the area in January!! I did my first trail race ever (foolishly thinking it would be an easy run) in Ithaca, and I’ve done the Cayuga Triathlon a couple of times-it runs right by the falls, twice. And don’t forget the Highlander Cycle Tour with its 10,000 feet of climbing (it goes around another lake, but its darn close!)
Make sure when you return you take time to head further north into the Finger Lakes Region, there are some great local wineries (Fox Run is my favorite), grape pie in Naples, and more vistas than you would imagine.
travelonafullstomach.com
UGH, I love that fabric on the foremost pillow! I’ve seen it on a dress before, and actually saved pictures of it because I want to make it! (the dress, I mean) Anyone happen to know where it’s from or who designed the fabric?
Ithaca always seemed like such a nice place to go! I’m jealous! Bet it would have been gorgeous later in the fall!
So glad you had a good time here! We created our new wine rack & coat hooks entirely out of pieces we picked up at Significant Elements :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to Ithaca! As a Cornellian it was great to read about my favorite haunts and some new baby related ones on my favorite blog. I will have to check out those stores when I get another chance to visit.
Looks like such a fun trip :) the brightly colored furniture are so fun and happy! :)
So that means he’s not available anymore? :) (Wait, I’m married…whoops.) Well, his bride is gorgeous in her gown, which is absolutely stunning. Many happy returns to them, and thanks for sharing the details of your trip!
jbhat
Not only did you visit where I live, you visited my wedding location! We got married there last June. You hit most of my favoite places in Ithaca. I hope you got some MacroMamas at the farmers markets beacuse it’s my all time favorite (vegan corn fritters, who knew?).
I was in Ithaca Monday and Tuesday of Labor Day with my husband as part of our one year anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. I probably would have yelled OMG There’s Sherry and John and he would’ve looked at me like I had oh eight heads. I loved Ithaca it is beautiful. We checked out the Tuesday Farmer’s Market, which is held in a town park where we got amazing produce and the best corn I have ever eaten. Did you guys make it a few miles out of town to Taughannock Falls State Park?
Hey Sarsk,
We didn’t, but we’d love to check that out next time!
xo,
s
Sherry I would love to know which etsy seller made your necklace…my wedding month is May…it would be perfect :)
Thanks for the always-quick responses….you 2 never cease to amaze me!
Hey Andrea P,
Sherry’s necklace is from Karina Grace Jewelry on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/karinagracejewelry) and I got it for Sherry – with some helpful direction from her – as her Thank-You-For-Safely-Getting-My-Baby-Into-This-World gift. We did the May birthstone thing in honor of Clara since it’s her birth month.
-John
This made my day!! My husband Bill and I met at Cornell and were married in Ithaca and had our reception at The Fontainebleu Inn 7 years ago. Reading about your weekend really makes me want to go back…
Looks like you had an amamzing time! What gorgeous pictures. I love outdoor weddings. They just have a light, magical feel!
I love Ithaca. I have a sister there. I live in it’s sister city, Berkeley. I love Berkeley. You should check us out.
Looked like a great trip and a beautiful wedding! I’m excited that you were in Ithica, just 2 hours from my home in Rochester, NY! Thanks for sharing the places you went – gives me some ideas for a great day trip!
My best friend got married at the Fountainbleu in last year! Totally incredible!! I’m from upstate NY and just got married 4 weeks ago at another place on the lake. Its my favorite place to be this time of year!!
ithaca looks beautiful. i think i’m more jealous that you actually went into a jillians drawers though! i’ve bought most of my cloth diaper supplies from them – online! very cool though!
i’ve never been to ithaca, but i had a few friends who went to school up there. i love upstate new york and how crunchy it is– almost as green as vermont!
I’m going to chime in with the “I love Ithaca!” crowd here. My husband went to IC and we lived in Ithaca for a summer together before we were married. Wow, what a perfect town! Our long-long-term plan is to move back there someday. Although I don’t know how I’ll survive the winters, the rest of the year sure makes up for it! So happy to see you promoting our favorite place.
my best friend since 2 years of age is the manager of Mimi’s Attic. I am so excited that you stumbled upon it…I actually have purchased quite a few of my cloth diapers from mama goose even though I live in Minneapolis, MN. It was SO fun to see familiar places on a blog that I read every day.
If you liked Ithaca you’d really enjoy Burlington, VT. I grew up in Vermont and am currently living in Ithaca and I’d have to be bias and say that Burlington has more to offer.
Oh how I love Ithaca. We live an hour and a half by car ride. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary there.
We stayed in a bed & breakfast at the foot of Buttermilk Falls. So amazing. They had hiking trails and a natural swimming pool.
The Ithaca Commons and farmer’s market were our favorite parts of the city! The market has the best food and we really loved that it was right on the water.
We took our kids there last year and we were pleased that they loved it as much as we do! Love living near the Finger Lakes!
We lived in Ithaca while my husband went to grad school at Cornell. We LOVED our two years there and LOVED all the fun hikes in that area. One thing that we continued to go back for after we moved to NYC was the semi-annual ‘Friends of the Library’ booksale. A lot of people camp out the week before to ensure themselves top picks the first day of the sale. We, of course, went a few days after they first opened and always left with at least 2 bags full of books. Definitely something to plan your next trip to Ithaca around!
Hubby and I live outside of Rochester, NY and just recently went to Ithaca for the first time. We tent camped in Robert Treman State Park, and the weekend we went they were offering up all-park passes for free! We got to visit Buttermilk State Park and Toughannock State Park–all beautiful! Our fav. was Buttermilk, mainly because you see so many waterfalls and the hike is pretty rigorous, too. We also visit Cornell while we were there–such a beautiful campus! Glad you two had fun on your trip to Upstate NY!
I love that you wore Clara in the wedding. I am a new huge fan to baby wearing and would LOVE it if you posted which carriers you have and love! I am a fan of the Mei Tai, I use mine all the time!
Hey Lindsey,
We used a HotSling for her first few months (she’s just outgrowing that now) which I wore her in (John didn’t because it’s flowery and girly- hah). Then I started using the BabyHawk Mei Tai (which you see twice in this post) since it’s thin (so we don’t overheat) and it ties in the back, which is a bit more feminine than an Ergo, which snaps. John wears her all the time in the Ergo though (that’s his manly carrier) so when it’s all said and done, three carriers have worked amazingly well for us- we use them all the time and definitely got our money’s worth (and lots of hands-free tasks accomplished thanks to them). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ithaca looks gorges! A good friend of mine moved back there a few years ago to be with her family and raise her own family. I’ve always heard wonderful things about it and hope to make it there someday myself.
WEIRRRD that you were just here!! I must have missed that you were going. My husband and I (and 2 kids) moved here about 6 weeks ago for him to attend Cornell grad school. I have found almost all of the places you mentioned but not Significant Elements that you mentioned. THANKS!! I’ll be heading there tomorrow! ;)
Great Post-If you are ever back to Ithaca or looking for another place to buy diapers for Clara you should check out Jillians Drawers. They sell both new and used cloth diapers. It is by far my favorite site to buy cloth for both of my kids.
We went to Jillian’s Drawers! Loved it!
xo,
s
Imagine my surprise reading your title, “gorges” gave it all away :-) You were in my town and you visited all of my favorite places! Having Jillian’s, Alphabet Soup, and Mama Goose locally is really great since having our son. It sounds like you enjoyed yourself!
I live about an hour south of Ithaca in Binghamton, and I love going to Ithaca! It’s such a cute place, I love all the shops and waterfalls. I’m actually going there this upcoming weekend with one of my fiance’s brothers and his girlfriend. Cascadilla is my favorite gorge- it’s a giant staircase, so it’s a pretty tough hike, but so beautiful! Every time I have friends or family visit I always suggest we visit Ithaca.
Hi! More baby carrier questions for you as I’m shopping for them now (baby is due next month). I’d like to start using a baby carrier right away. Did you use all the carriers starting when Clara was a newborn? Is the Ergo infant insert the Heart 2 Heart version so the baby can be in a sitting position? Thanks.
Hey Alicia,
We used a HotSling for her first few months (she’s just outgrowing that now) which I wore her in (John didn’t because it’s flowery and girly- hah). Then I started using the BabyHawk Mei Tai (which you see twice in this post, no infant insert necessary). I love that it’s thin (so we don’t overheat) and it ties in the back, which is a bit more feminine than an Ergo, which snaps. John wears her all the time in the Ergo though (that’s his manly carrier, and it does have an infant insert, the Heart 2 Heart so she sits comfortably in there). So when it’s all said and done, three carriers have worked amazingly well for us- we use them all the time and definitely got our money’s worth (and lots of hands-free tasks accomplished thanks to them). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
As were many other readers, I was surprised when I opened up today’s post and saw that it was about Ithaca, NY! I grew up about 20 minutes north of Ithaca. My brother and his wife meet at Cornell and were married on the campus this July. It was so neat to see the city through your view!When I head home next time I am definately going to have to check out some of those stores that I have not been too before. If you do go back I would highly recommend a wine tour! Swedish Hill Winery is a favorite of my mom and I.
Never been to Ithaca, but have heard great things – looks like a fantastic trip you guys had! I commented once before (many months back), but I’m going to recommend it again – you guys have got to get down to Asheville, NC! You would LOVE it! Also have to put a plug in for my mom’s antique store, Bryant Antiques in Biltmore. Best antique store in Asheville! It’s probably a 6 hour drive from you (depending of course on I-95), super eco friendly/hippy, beautiful mountains and outdoor activities, and a small mecca for artists. lots of art deco architecture (i believe second only to miami in US?)
P.S. Your blog is such a nice thing to come home to! I decompress by reading YHL after long days teaching school in NoVA :)
Is that a Babyhawk I see? I love Babyhawk mei tai.
Yes, it’s a Babyhawn Mei Tai. Love that thing so much!
xo,
s
Ice cream at the Dairy Bar! Dinner (or Lunch, or a weekend!) at Taughannock Farms. Also, swimming at Taughannock Falls! Pizza at The Nines, beers at the Chapter House, aaaand martinis at Stella’s! Sorry, former Cornellian…;-)
I love everything about this post, except that it makes me want to move to Ithaca and obviously that’s not happening, so you have to tell me something terrible about it, rough winters?
I know you guys are huge rule followers/safety first folks (so feel free to ignore this) but I just want to suggest that you can totally use the Ergo without the infant insert by now. You just put her legs in the ‘frog leg’ position, happy baby and less bulk (pinky swear)
Good to know! We were wondering when she would outgrow that insert (and we thought it was around 6 months) but we’re often forgetful about looking those things up to be sure. Thanks for the heads up!
xo,
s
Ha! I love America, where else would describe things as “gently” used?!
Ithaca looks lovely though. Do you wish you were living closer to NYC?
Hey George,
We lived it up in NYC for over six years, so when we made the choice to move somewhere warmer with a yard and a house with room to grow we definitely said a tearful goodbye… but we’ve never regretted our choice. We love Richmond!
xo,
s
OMG, I had my wedding reception at the same place almost-dr. dan got married! I married my then almost dr too!! That will be 3 years ago on Sunday! I hope you stayed there too. It is such a great place.
Oh just to clarify the Ergo itself won’t recommend that you do it until like sixteen pounds or something, but just from personal experience from me and my babywearing mamma friends, it’s totally fine to do it…just make sure she’s happily froggy-legged in there.
Looks like you all had a great time!
From Bali With Love,
Anna
http://annaelizabethpoole.blogspot.com/
Great pictures. I love how Clara actually looks for the camera. :) (The picture with her in the carrier with Sherry holding the diaper cleaner) Too adorable. Such a pretty baby!
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I missed your twitter about heading up to Ithaca. That’s where I’ve been living for the past two years while the hubby was at Cornell. I’m glad you hit up all the great places Ithaca has to offer. If you visit next time, you must check out Terra Rosa, the cutest stationery and gift shop. I’m good friends with the owner and she’s brought such good taste to Ithaca! You can see the post I did about them here: http://navybeanonline.blogspot.com/2009/10/terra-rosa.html
wow, 2 worlds collide! i grew up in trumansburg, home of taughannock falls, and definitely think you should check it out on your next trip to ithaca. it’s one of the highest waterfalls east of the rockies! :)
sounds like you hit up a lot of great ithaca staples (the farmer’s market is a total can’t-miss), but you MUST try the glenwood pines for a delicious dinner next time. it’s between ithaca and trumansburg, and serves food so good i still crave it all the time even after living in boston for years!
i went to boulder, CO this summer for the first time and it reminded me a lot of ithaca. the pearl street mall is very much like the commons, and they also have a fantastic farmer’s market!
Cornell Dairy for ice cream, Carriage house for brunch-the upstairs is very pretty, Chapter house for beer. And the cornell lab of ornithology-make sure you bring your camera though for pictures!
Hot truck! So yummy!
Yay! Jillian’s Drawers! I did their newborn cloth diaper trial that is so popular, before we settled on what cloth diapers to use on our girl. Glad you got to stop by there!