For some students, moving to Ithaca, New York, is the first time they've experienced the beauty of all five seasons (the fifth is "mud season," usually taking place in March!). When the snow melts in spring, Ithaca's hills pop with green and flowers bloom vibrantly. While many students head home during summer, some choose to stay for a Cornell summer session or choose to live in their apartments over summer break.

Your Ithaca experience is incomplete without an Ithaca summer! Here are just a few things to get your to-do list started:

Hiking

You already know Ithaca is "gorges," especially when you can explore the Fall Creek and Cascadilla gorges during your school day. Still, there are stunning sights you should see off campus. First, you need to see Taughannock Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park.

If you're willing to take a further drive, head out to Watkins Glen State Park, an hour away from Ithaca. Go early and watch the sunrise over the gorges that you can walk through and over and under!

Swimming

Whether you're a student or a full-time Ithacan, some of the best summer memories come from swimming in safe, "gorges" locations! Robert H. Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park are great options for safe gorge swimming. Please read up on gorge safety here, and remember, the gorges on Cornell's campus are beautiful, but they are not safe swimming locations and swimming is prohibited.

Lake Fun

Students often spy Cayuga Lake from the crest of Libe Slope. It's very beautiful, and it's also very fun! Consider swimming or picnicking on Cayuga Lake when lifeguards are present at Taughannock Falls State Park or Myers Park. Embark on a boat tour or a wine cruise for a unique experience, or rent a boat on your own. Stewart Park is another great location for picnicking, recreational sports, and enjoying the lake front view. There are a lot of ways to take advantage of beautiful Cayuga Lake.

Wine Region

Did you know that there are over 25 unique wineries and cideries in the region? If you're of age, learn what makes New York wines unique! Consider traveling along Cayuga Lake's wine trail or picking a few that interest you — some also sell food for a great lunch or dinner stop.

Farm Fresh

Ithaca's wonderful restaurants serve excellent food all year round, but the warmer months are an ideal time to take advantage of a rich agricultural region. Local restaurants may change their menu depending on what is in season and accessible, and the results are delicious. Residents can also take advantage of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes or enjoy heading down to the Ithaca Farmers Market, where you can buy hot food, art, brewed beverages, and ingredients for dinner!

Local Art Scene

Before we get started on the galleries and shops, remember: Ithaca is an art gallery. When exploring downtown, keep an eye out for the many murals and art installations that beautify our landscape. Then you can duck into the many galleries and artisan shops around Ithaca. Some notable locations include Cornell's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative, and so much more.