Wander the booths at Ithaca Farmers Market to shop with over 150 local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Stalls are packed with eggs, meat, and cheese; a rainbow of fresh produce; and tasty onsite eats like dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, and savory samosas. Look for crafts like blown glass, ceramic vases, and wood carvings for unique souvenirs. You’ll find the market under the covered Pavilion at Steamboat Landing on weekends from April through November.

If you get hungry downtown, try the vegetarian fare at Moosewood Restaurant, a sustainable hotspot for over 50 years. Feast on global dishes made the veggie way, from Moroccan chickpea stew to local burrata with heirloom tomatoes to sweet and spicy chili verde with crispy corn tostada. The atmosphere is as fresh as the food, with a light, airy dining room and a breezy patio for those balmy summer afternoons.

No need to leave the city to explore nature! In Treman Triangle Park downtown, you’ll find the entrance to the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, a 1.32-mile stone path along the Cascadilla Creek. Follow the trail and climb stone staircases through ancient bedrock within the shady gorge, past six scenic waterfalls. The trail connects downtown Ithaca with the Cornell University campus, so you may spot students as well as fellow visitors!

You could spend your entire day at the 4,000-acre Cornell Botanic Gardens, exploring arboretums, gardens, and natural areas. Learn about the cultural significance of the plants in the Young Flower Garden, or get inspired by the perennials and shrubs in the “garden rooms” of the Zucker Shrub Garden. And during cooler months, explore the Mullestein Winter Garden with plants chosen for their interesting shapes, textures, and colors. The gardens are free and open year round!

For dinner, treat yourself to lakeside eats at The BoatYard Grill. This waterfront restaurant boasts beautiful views across Cayuga Lake from the seasonal patio. In the kitchen, a wood-fired grill gives extra flavor to tender steaks, grilled lobster tail, and hearty burgers. Spending a day on the lake? You can boat right up to the restaurant, thanks to their working marina. With a chilled glass of New York chardonnay, there’s no better way to end your day.

Spend the night in one of downtown Ithaca’s charming boutique hotels. Each room in the 1831 Argos Inn has its own unique modern-meets-vintage vibe, mixing antiques and bright pops of color. It’s also an art destination, boasting original works by masters including Salvador Dali and Joan Miró! Enjoy a cocktail under the Moroccan lanterns on the bar patio, or walk just a few steps to partake in Ithaca’s nightlife.

For an overnight stay that combines classic beauty with modern comforts, The William Henry Miller Inn is hard to beat. This stately 1878 Queen Anne mansion makes an impression with its red brick facade. Inside, handsome fireplaces, intricate wood detailing, and beautiful stained glass maintain its historic character. You’ll get plenty of rest in the traditional-yet-fresh rooms with soft, soothing color palettes. Breakfast and nightly dessert included!

After exploring Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, it’s just a short drive to Seneca Lake—the largest of the Finger Lakes. Circling the lake is the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, with 28 member wineries blending beautiful views and even better vino. You’ll find a wide variety of wines here, but cool-weather varietals like riesling, cabernet franc, and pinot noir do particularly well. Stop at one or two wineries, or plan a more in-depth winery day.

Charming Ventosa Vineyards is a taste of Tuscany right here in upstate New York. From the villa-inspired tasting room to the vintage Italian varietals like Tocai Friulano and Sangiovese, it’s a true old world homage. Book a Wine Cellar Tour to see the cellar and barrel room, and learn how the winemaker approaches his award-winning wines. Then share a pesto pizza and a bottle of dry red on the expansive terrace overlooking the vines and Seneca Lake.

Three Brothers Wineries and Estates combines four unique tasting experiences in one. Visit Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars for dry riesling and award-winning bourbon-aged Barbera in a classic tasting room. Sip cheeky wines like Scandelicious at Passion Feet Wine Barn—or go for a wine slushie. Bagg Dare Wine Company is bayou-themed, and sticks to sweet wines. Or stop by War Horse Brewing Co. for craft ales, lagers, and hard ciders surrounded by soldier photos and memorabilia.