This City in New York's Finger Lakes Has Wineries and Waterfalls-With Supposedly More Restaurants per Capita Than NYC

"In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca offers visitors the chance to explore stunning natural attractions and vibrant local culture. Known for its cascading waterfalls, breathtaking gorges, and sweeping views of Cayuga Lake, it's a perfect destination for nature lovers. It's also said to have more restaurants per capita than New York City."

""Original art, original music, locally grown foods, locally produced craft beverages-this is who we are and what we appreciate, and we want to share it with everyone who visits Ithaca," said Peggy Coleman, president and CEO of the Tompkins Chamber & Visit Ithaca, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. Ithaca is a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the popular Finger Lakes wine trails. There are a number of local wineries lining the nearby lakes, many specializing in riesling, which the region is known for because it has a similar growing climate to Germany."

"Ithaca is often likened to cities like Boulder, Colorado, or Burlington, Vermont, because of its independent, bohemian spirit. It's a lively, diverse destination, and a college town-home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. Here's how to explore this city, where "gorges" puns run rampant, and you're never more than stumbling distance from a great hike."

Ithaca sits in the Finger Lakes region and offers cascading waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and panoramic views of Cayuga Lake. The community emphasizes original art, music, locally grown foods, and locally produced craft beverages as central cultural assets. The area serves as a gateway to Finger Lakes wine trails, with numerous nearby wineries that specialize in riesling due to a climate similar to Germany. The city combines an independent, bohemian spirit with college-town energy from Cornell University and Ithaca College. Tourism growth has produced more short-term rentals and unique stays, with centrally located hotels and nearby upscale inns on Cayuga Lake.

Read at Travel + Leisure