Many students at Cornell love to complain about Ithaca. “It’s too small,” “it’s in the middle of nowhere,” “the weather sucks,” or my personal favorite, “the girls are ugly” (it’s my favorite because I don’t think it’s true yet I hear it just about once every week; IMO, a simple case of “the grass is always greener on the other side”).

Lynn4’s “to do” list inspired me to write an activity addendum. I’ve tried to include more activities that involve “fringe campus” locations along with things to do in Ithaca. There is soooooo much to do here and not enough time to do it, especially considering that it takes a while to learn about all the stuff that’s out there. So if you’re a freshman or prospective student reading this, you’ll now have the opportunity to get a head start on your classmates.

What Every Cornellian Should do at CU before He/She Graduates

1.) Go see a music recital in Barnes Auditorium
A room rarely visited by students on campus unless they enroll in a large music class. Barnes Auditorium is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful auditoriums on campus.

2.) Jump off Sackett Bridge into Beebe Lake
Sure, it’s a 50-foot drop, but what an adrenaline rush! Perfect after a long run in the hot summer sun.

3.) Hang out in the gorges
Whether it’s Cascadilla, Fall Creek, or 6 Mile Creek, swimming in the gorges on a lazy Saturday afternoon is an activity that can’t be beat.

4.) Get hockey tickets to see Cornell vs. Harvard at Lynah Rink
You won’t see school pride like that anywhere else on campus.

5.) Take advantage of CU’s awesome outdoor education program
From ice climbing, to sea kayaking, to spelunking there’s a ton to experience and discover in these programs. You can take these classes for credit, or go on many of the weekend and vacation excursions sponsored by the program.

6.) Take advantage of CU’s incredible breadth of PE classes
Most dread taking their required credit of PE, but there are a lot of interesting classes to take in the PE department. Examples include: water skiing, scuba diving, downhill skiing, golf instruction, Swedish Massage, bowling, and rock climbing.

7.) Read a book in the A.D. White Room at Uris Library

8.) Go “traying” down Libe Slope
A well know past-time here at Cornell. For those of you who don’t know, traying involves first stealing a tray from one of the dining halls (usually Okenshields or Ivy Room) and then proceeding to sled down a snowy Libe Slope.

9.) Have a triple scoop cone at the Dairy Bar
Enjoy fresh Cornell fruit and milk. Take a hike down Tower road and have a sit at the Dairy Bar.


Things to do in Ithaca

1.) Eat, Eat, Eat
There are tons of great places to eat in Ithaca. Takeout favorites DP Dough and Rogan’s Corner are freshman staples, but the true greats are only accessible by car, bike, or long walk. Here’s my list of personal favorites in no particular order: Shortstop, Ling Ling Garden, Viva Cantina, Benchwarmers, The Antlers, Rogue’s Harbor, John Thomas Steakhouse, Maxie’s Supper Club, Coyote Loco, Thai Cuisine, and The Nines.

2.) Go to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market
Located on the shore of Cayuga Lake, The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is a wonderful place to spend a Saturday afternoon. The Market is place for area merchants to show off and market their crafts and produce. Fresh fruits, homemade candles, potting plants, homemade wood products, fresh honey, and homemade jewelry are just a few things you’ll find at the Farmer’s Market.

3.) Spend an afternoon with friends in Stewart Park
Take some food to grill, watch the sunset, or just throw the frisbee around for a while.

4.) Hang out in The Commons
The center of cultural and social life in Ithaca, The Commons is a large promenade 2 blocks in length that houses over 30 independent Ithaca owned shops and restaurants.

5.) Go See Taughannock Falls
One of New York State’s most beautiful natural wonders 90% of Cornell students have never seen.

6.) Catch a movie at either Cinamopolis and/or Fall Creek
Take a break from the mainstream and see a foreign or independent film at either of these cozy movie theaters.

This list is by no means complete. If there’s a fellow Cornellian reading this that feels something is missing, speak up. I will update the list immediately.

--Kenan




Recommended: Yes