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WINERIES
Except for sparkling wines, you should fill glasses only about half-way. Much of wine's pleasure comes from its aroma, which should be allowed to develop in the top half of the glass. To truly savor it, swirl the wine gently before inhaling its essence. Driving and wine Never drink and drive or allow your friends to. Storing wine You don't have to have an elaborate or expensive "wine cellar" to store wine properly. Just keep it in one place (preferably cool, away from direct sunlight), with the bottles on their sides to keep the cork moistened. Opening the bottle
ANTIQUES Whether you’re out for a Sunday drive to check out “old stuff” or a specialist in the market searching for a great bargain, Tompkins County antique dealers are in the heart of the Finger Lakes antique region, encompassing hundreds of dealers, some of whom are also appraisers of antique merchandise. With the greatest demand for American antiques and furniture from 1830 till 1890, Tompkins County antique dealers carry a wide range of item, spanning all areas of the world. On the whole dealers are “enthusiastic about sharing information to buyers and browsers alike,” said J.R. von Reinhold Jamessson of the Tompkins County Area Antique Dealers Association. Though there are many more second-hand stores and antique businesses than those in the Association, Jamesson said the Association tries to guarantee that nearly 75 percent of the items available are truly antiques, meaning that they are over 100 years old. He said that exceptions to the age-rule are made for items that are more sensitive to wear over time, like textiles. Search the many antique dealers in the area using the Attractions Search to the left. LODGING Where should you stay when you visit the area? That depends on you. Bed and breakfasts, chain hotels, one-of-a-kind inns and lodges, and campsites of all kinds abound not only in our cities, but throughout our scenic countryside, as well.
Seeking something a bit more cozy and intimate? We are blessed with more than our share of gracious inns and charming bed and breakfasts; from the elegant Rose Inn to the spirit-restoring Angel Arms B&B and Wellness Retreat, you'll find a dizzying array from which to choose. If you prefer the great outdoors, our area offers everything from cabins and campsites at Buttermilk Falls State Park, to Willowood Resort's RV camp, to scenic spots to unroll your sleeping bag and pitch your tent at Cross Lake or Black Rock. With over 250 listings in our directory, we know you'll find your ideal accommodations. TRANSPORTATION Despite its somewhat daunting hills and gorges, Ithaca has one of the best public transportation systems around and easily the envy of cities twice its size.
Taxis, airport shuttles Ithaca used to have two cab companies, Blue Light and Cayuga Taxi, but they were consolidated last year under one group, Ithaca Dispatch, for the sake of greater efficiency. Just don't be surprised if the driver shows up at your door in a taxi bearing one of the older names. Call 277-7777. They're usually prompt and helpful. If you're looking to get to the Syracuse airport, call Ithaca Airline Limousine Service at 273-3030. The service charges $45 for a one-way trip, $70 for a roundtrip ticket to Syracuse's Hancock Airport from your door. Regularly scheduled runs from the Ithaca area depart at 4 a.m., 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., 12 noon, and 2 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. OUTDOORS
Warm Weather Cayuga Lake: No visit to Ithaca is complete without a visit to our beautiful lake. The largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga can be an endless source of fun. Whether you're renting a two-person sailboat and catching the breeze, or lounging lakeside at Stewart Park, there is always plenty to do. Try a dinner cruise on the M.V. Manhattan, rent a canoe, kayak, or speedboat, or go for a swim at Myers Point. For More Adventurous Souls: Are swimming and canoeing a little too bland for your taste? Never fear, we have activities to get even your adrenaline pumping. To see the "big picture" of the Finger Lakes, get a lift in a hot air balloon or learn how to skydive. Or for another unique perspective, go scuba diving on some of the wrecks in Seneca Lake.
Taughannock Falls Concert Series: An outdoor concert is held every Saturday during the summer beside Cayuga Lake at Taughannock State Park. To make an event of it, bring something to throw on one of the park's many grills, a Frisbee for fun, and a chair or blanket so you can relax and enjoy the music. If you arrive early, be sure to make the hike to Taughannock's most striking natural feature - the second highest, single-drop waterfall in the United States. Cold Weather Cross Country Skiing: You've used a ski machine in the gym; now try the real thing. With several shops in the region renting cross-country equipment, instruction available, and a plethora of beautiful trails, this is your golden opportunity to see why so many people love the sport. Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off: This annual February event takes place on the Ithaca Commons. Don't let cold weather keep you away - the chili will definitely keep you warm! The area's finest chefs stir up chili of every ilk, from vegetarian to white turkey to traditional beef and beans. Plus, you can browse some of the nicest shops in Ithaca. Ithaca Falls: You may wonder why you'd visit a waterfall in the winter, but once you've visited the enormous Ithaca Falls - 150' high and 175' wide - you'll understand! Beautiful at any time of year, the falls are particularly gorgeous when frozen. And when the spring thaw arrives, you'll be amazed by the raw power of them. Sleigh Rides: What could possibly be nicer than admiring the snow-covered countryside from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh? Perhaps the only thing better is warming up afterward by a cozy fire with a fabulous meal on the way. And both are readily available in the Finger Lakes. SKIING
Ski Reports Snow conditions and resort information from OntheSnow.com. Here's a list of local ski centers: Downhill Greek Peak Ski Center: Route 392: (800) 955-2SKI. Bristol Mountain: Route 64, Naples: (716) 374-6421 Song Mountain: Off Route 81 near Preble, south of Syracuse: (315) 696-5711 Labrador Mountain: Route 91 in Truxton: 842-6204. Toggenburg: Route 80 in Fabuis, near Syracuse: (315) 683-5842 Cross-country Podunk Cross-Country Ski Center: On Podunk Road in Trumansburg; there is a charge for trails and rentals are available: 387-6716. Connecticut Hill State Wildlife Management Area: Off Route 13 southwest of Ithaca; also accessible off Route 79 west of Ithaca; no charge. Hammond Hill State Forest: Off Route 79 east of Ithaca; no charge Finger Lakes National Forest: Route 79 west to Bennettsburg (18 miles), then right on to Burnt Hill Road; no charge. 546-4470. Arnot Forest: Off Route 224 in Town of Cayuta; no charge. GOLFING
STATE PARKS
Buttermilk Falls On Elmira Road (Route 13), just past the City of Ithaca's southwestern limit, Buttermilk can be reached easily by bus and bike. Its namesake falls is near the park entrance, but it's really two parks: Lower Buttermilk and upper Buttermilk. These are connected by hiking trails along the rim and in the gorge. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park office: 273-5761. Robert H. Treman
Taughannock Falls On Route 89 near Trumansburg, at 215 feet, the namesake's waterfall is the state's tallest, higher than Niagara Falls. The waterfall is easy to see from three ways: a rim overlook reachable by road, from the end of a 1-mile flat path along Taughannock Creek at the bottom of the falls, and from a rim trail loop of about three miles from the park's entrance. The park also may be the past place to glimpse Cayuga Lake, and features a boat-launching area with docking and a small swimming beach. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park office: 387-6739. Watkins Glen The gorge features 19 waterfalls and a host of plunge pools. The gorge trail goes under one of the falls. Other trails go along the rim and connect to the Finger Lakes Trail. The main entrance is on Route 14 in downtown Watkins Glen, a village on Seneca Lake worth exploring in its own right. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. Park office: 535-4511. Fillmore Glen On Route 38 in the southern Cayuga County Town of Moravia, Fillmore's heart is a narrow gorge with creek-side and rim trails. The park, about 40 minutes' driving time from Ithaca, is usually less crowded in the summer than parks closer to the city and Watkins Glen. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Park office: (315) 497-0130. HIKING & NATURE TRAILS The Tompkins County area is a hiker's paradise, encompassing about 75 miles of the Finger lakes Trail system in addition to a number of spurs and purely local trails. Here are a handful of hikes in the Tompkins County area with a brief description of their features, length and some indication of relative difficulty. Easy means just what it suggests: clear, generally flat terrain with little climbing; moderate indicates some degree of climb through part of the way; strenuous means that event the best hikers will have to stop and take a breath. All are well blazed and reasonable easy to follow. Larch Meadow Nature Trail
Robert H. Treman Park This contains one of the most picturesque hikes in the area. You reach the head of the trail just off the junction of routes 13, 34 and 96, roughly 1 mile south of the city limits. Unless you're a camper and intend to pay to enter the park at the nearby vehicle entrance, you'd better park across the road in a dirt parking area adjacent to the bridge that spans Enfield Creek. The one-mile walk itself, part of a section of the FLT that eventually goes up to Connecticut Hill, is comparatively easy, with only one brief, steep slope near the beginning. Finding the entrance to the trail is the hardest part - after that it's clearly marked: From the dirt parking area, walk down to Enfield Creek and look for a narrow concrete walkway that passes under the bridge. Follow this until you emerge on the other side of Route 13 into a small clearing just outside the park and adjacent to a paved no-parking area. From here, you'll see a blazed path that will take you into the woods and the entrance to the trail. Six Mile Creek Gorge Just a stone's throw from downtown Ithaca is one of the most attractive short hikes in the area. Less spectacular than some, Six Mile Creek Gorge is nonetheless serene, wooded and shady. But it's also a favorite dog walking spot, so it's not a bad idea to wear not only sturdy shoes for the walk itself, but ones that can be easily washed! The best access is from the intersection of Giles and Water streets where there's a small parking lot adjacent to the pond behind Van Natta's Dam. Here you'll find the entrance to the Elizabeth Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, and a series of gravel paths that form a section of the Circle Greenway that girdles the city. A wildflower walk follows the creek upstream, then loops back through the woods to the parking lot. The Cayuga Nature Center This 135-acre sanctuary six miles north of Ithaca is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife and contains an easy-to-follow network of trails that are fully maintained and open to the public free of charge, seven days a week. Stop at the frame kiosk (part way up the driveway on the right). Here you'll find a large, detailed map of the center showing the complete network of trails and the system of marking each. Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary This 220-acre bird sanctuary near the dead-end of Sapsucker Woods Road is not only home to an astonishing variety of birds, but to any number of other denizens of marsh and meadow. The trails, part of Cornell's Laboratory of Ornithology are so close and accessible that even an experienced hiker is likely to overlook them in the course of looking for new places to hike. All are easy and perfectly level. What's more, they need no blazes, since the trails themselves are perfectly obvious - wide and "paved" with tanbark and wood shavings. These are easily the most "foot-friendly" trails in Tompkins County, and several are well on their way to becoming wheelchair accessible once the wooden boardwalks that link some portions are widened. It's a perfect place for a short afternoon walk at almost any time of year. The 3/4-mile Robert A. Wilson Trail, the longest loop of several trails west of Sapsucker Woods Road, begins just off the parking lot of the Stuart Observatory. The somewhat longer East Trail (and its extension loop) begins immediately east of Sapsucker Woods Road and about 1/4 mile south of the main parking lot of the Stuart Observatory. There's just enough parking adjacent to the wooden gate off Sapsucker Woods Road for about four cars, but you can always park up the road in the observatory parking lot and walk back. Buttermilk Falls State Park One of the most readily accessible trails to those living within the city runs from the lower entrance of Buttermilk Falls State Park to Treman Lake just above the second or upper entrance. It's scenic and quite short - just under 2 miles in one direction - but you should take your time since portions consist of a continual stone "staircase" that ascends steeply to the upper park from the base of the falls. The entrance is 1 1/2 miles south of the city on Route 13; there's usually plenty of parking except on the hottest days when swimmers head for the pool at the base of the falls. Two ¾ mile trails straddle the gorge and ascend to the upper reaches of the park, affording a spectacular view, a dam and Lake Treman, a small body of water completely surrounded by its own 11/2 mile trail, kingfishers, and at least one family of beavers. Taughannock Falls State Park Quite aside from its most striking natural feature - the second highest, single-drop waterfall in the United States - the park also contains two hiking trails. For those who want a shorter, more leisurely and level walk, there's the 3/4-mile Gorge Trail. On the other hand, younger or more vigorous hikers can choose either of two 1 1/2-mile rim trails that circle the gorge in a 3-mile loop. To get to the park, drive 9 miles north of Ithaca on Route 89 until you reach the entrance where the park straddles the highway. Two paved parking lots - a larger one on the lake or east side, and a smaller one on the west side - usually have ample space except on major holiday weekends in the summer. Since both trails are readily accessible from the main entrance of the park, they provide a rather unique opportunity for all members of the family to enjoy a hike, regardless of age, eagerness or disability. THE FINGER LAKES Cayuga Lake
Canandaigua Lake In the northwestern corner of Yates County, Canandaigua is the furthest west of the Finger Lakes. It is known for Squaw Island toward its northern end; the Finger Lakes have very few islands. One of the smaller lakes, Canandaigua is just 15 ½ miles long. Keuka Lake Keuka is the only Finger Lake to exhibit a "Y" formation, rather than the long, slender "finger" like the other lakes. You can enjoy spectacular views from the bluff overlooking the fork in the "Y". One of the cleanest of the lakes, Keuka is also known to be a good lake for sport fishing. Owasco Lake
Seneca Lake Seneca Lake, named for the Seneca Indian Nation, is both the deepest and the widest of the Finger Lakes. A number of barges have sunk in the lake over the years, and make for an interesting scuba dive. If you plan to go diving or swimming, be aware that sharp zebra mussels have flourished, making some type of protective footwear a must. If you'd rather catch fish than swim with them, Seneca is a terrific choice. It is rated an excellent fishing spot, and is particularly well-known for its lake trout. Skaneateles Lake Skaneateles is the clearest of the Finger Lakes, and boasts an AA water purity rating; however, it does not have much plant life, and hence, less wildlife than the other lakes. If you go to Skaneateles to fish, you'll find pickerel, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. SHOPPING
The Ithaca Commons is one of a handful of pedestrian shopping areas in the U.S. An eclectic collection of retailers line the Commons, with shops offering handmade pottery and gifts, upscale jewelry, rare books, and apparel that runs the gamut from second-hand to cutting-edge. You'll also find an assortment of wonderful restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. Check our calendar for special events on the Commons; your visit may happily coincide with anything from free summer concerts to February's Chili Cook-Off. If diving into a bargain bin or plowing through racks of markdowns is a key element of your perfect day, you should consider visiting Waterloo's Premium Outlets. With more that 80 outlet stores offering everything from designer apparel to bargain-priced books to brand-name cookware, this outlet center is a bargain hunter's dream come true. Waterloo Premium Outlets is located about an hour's scenic drive from Ithaca.
Historic downtown Skaneateles offers a wide array of charming shops, galleries and boutiques, many housed in restored buildings dating as far back as 1796. You'll find a diverse array of wares: unique fashions; antiques; original artwork; hand-crafted jewelry; and much more. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy beautiful Skaneateles Lake, which is only steps away. If you'd rather enjoy the convenience of a comfortable, climate controlled mall, we have two for you to visit. Pyramid Mall of Ithaca offers more than 40 shops with three large department stores, a 10-screen movie theater, and a food court with eight delicious choices. The Finger Lakes Mall, in Auburn, features over 50 specialty stores and also offers three department stores and a movie theater. Either mall is a good choice for a rainy day shopping day excursion. This is just a very small representation of the extensive shopping opportunities you will enjoy in the Finger Lakes region; please be sure to browse our directory for many other wonderful shopping areas and stores.  Print this article
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Just remember two simple formulas: 45-55-65, and 3-2-1. Sparkling wines or champagnes should be well chilled (to about 45° F/7°C) prior to serving, so refrigerate it for three hours. White table wines should be served at about 55° F/13°C, so count on two hours in the fridge; the same goes for late harvest or ice wines for dessert.
First a word of caution: When opening a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne, never shake the bottle or point the cork in the direction of another person. Hold the bottle in one hand and the cork in the other, then twist the bottle until you hear a gentle pop. Sparkling and white wines should be opened just prior to serving, while red wines can be opened well before serving to allow them to "breathe" – that is, mix with air to develop their full aroma and flavor.
Are you here for business? We'd suggest one of our state-of-the-art hotels and conference facilities, such as the Statler Hotel in the heart of Cornell University, or the lovely Geneva on the Lake.
BusesWith more than 40 different bus routes, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) serves the transportation needs of 2.8 million riders per year, shuttling students from two campuses as well as the permanent residents of the city and outlying areas. Look for the blue and white buses bearing a leonine logo on the side. Fares are cheap. You can travel for either $1 within the City of Ithaca and all surrounding neighborhoods (zone 1), or $2 to any other suburban areas of the county and the rural towns (zone 2). There are reduced youth (6-17) fares (Zone 1 = 75¢, Zone 2 = $1.50) and senior/handicapped fares (50 cents and $1). A joint venture of the City of Ithaca, Cornell University and Tompkins County, TCAT's hours of service vary between campus, city, suburban and rural services. Schedules can be picked up at the Cornell Transportation office at 116 Maple Avenue, the Willard Straight Hall Ticket Office, Day Hall Information and Referral Center, Textor Hall at Ithaca College, or Center Ithaca on the Commons.
If you love nothing more than a good adventure in the great outdoors, you've come to the right place. From the die-hard outdoors person to the weekend warrior, the Finger Lakes region has something for everyone. With six major lakes, six downhill ski resorts, 12 state parks, 24 golf courses, and biking, hiking, skating, fishing, cross-country skiing and water sports to your heart's content, you'll never be at a loss for a great escape, no matter what the season. You can find full information in our directories, but here are just a few places and events you shouldn't miss:
Seneca Waterfront Festival: If you've never experienced the sheer exhilaration of watching a cardboard boat race (and yes, the cardboard boats are manned), here's your big opportunity. The famed Cardboard Boat Regatta began in 1995, and has grown every year since. Entertainment for kids and adults, music, food and more are all part of the fun.
When the snow flies in the Finger Lakes, skiers have several options for fun in the snow, whether it is of the downhill or cross-country variety. 
Although Mark Twain once suggested that playing golf was nothing more than a good walk spoiled, many find that playing the game is a great way to enjoy scenic Central New York. There are quite a few public golf courses, and many offer weekday specials and other discounts. If you aren't quite up to par just yet, you might try one of our golf simulators to get a read on your game. We also have several excellent shops for custom clubs and repairs, should the need arise.
The state parks in the Finger Lakes region provide opportunities to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Each has camping facilities, picnic areas, as well as pavilions for large group picnics and miles of trails. Peak season is summer, but the parks are also perfect for viewing the area's fall foliage and some parks offer cross-country skiing in the winter. Fees are charged for parking, $6 per car, but if you go by foot or bike, park entrance is free. An annual parking pass costs $49. Visit the state park Web site at nysparks.state.ny.us or call (800) 456-CAMP for information and reservations. Here are a few of our favorites:
On Route 327, the lower park is in the Town of Ithaca and the upper park is in Enfield. The hiking here is a little more strenuous because of the change in elevation, but the upper cascades and glimmering pools are worth it. You also can drive to the upper park. A highlight is Lucifer Falls near the upper park, where there's also a grist mill. Excellent views of fall foliage. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Park office: 273-3440.
A part of Buttermilk Falls State Park, this trail embraces within its one-mile circumference a great mix of habitat, and consequently is home to a wide variety of wildlife - deer, wild turkey, turtles and the marsh wren. Not surprisingly, it's long been a favorite spot for local birders. Access is on Sand Bank Road just off Route 13, about 100 yards south of the main entrance to the park. There is ample room in the large parking lot adjacent to a soccer field. Entrance to the clearly marked trail is at either end of this field. Whichever way you go, you'll enter a gentle loop that surrounds the woods and wetland. The trail itself is fairly easy to follow, but there are also the remains of some numbered posts every few yards. These numbers, beginning at the east entrance to the trail across the soccer field, correspond to extensive descriptions of flora and fauna provided in an excellent brochure usually available in a rack on the outside wall of the comfort station next to the soccer field.
The largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga can be an endless source of fun. Whether you're renting a two-person sailboat and catching the breeze, or lounging lakeside at Stewart Park, there is always plenty to do. Good swimming spots include Myer's Point and Taughannock Falls State Park. Taughannock also offers lakeside barbecue grills, picnic tables, and during the summer, a concert series.
The smaller of Cayuga County's two lakes, Owasco is only 10 miles long, and a mile across at its widest point. Owasco is well-known for its rocky shores, so boaters new to the area should pay close attention. Sport fishers will find a healthy population of smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, and land-locked salmon.
Do you proudly carry a "Shop Until You Drop" key ring or boast a "Born to Shop" bumper sticker on your car? Do you delight in finding that irresistible, 90% off bargain? Or are you a discrimating shopper, preferring exclusive little boutiques? No matter what your criteria for the perfect shopping experience, our friendly Finger Lakes retailers are certain to meet your expectations.
If diving into a bargain bin or plowing through racks of markdowns is a key element of your perfect day, you should consider visiting Waterloo's Premium Outlets. With more that 80 outlet stores offering everything from designer apparel to bargain-priced books to brand-name cookware, this outlet center is a bargain hunter's dream come true. Waterloo Premium Outlets is located about an hour's scenic drive from Ithaca.
