Ithaca-Cortland Winter Getaway
Winter’s Best Kept Secret
The Ithaca–Cortland region is the perfect destination for a winter getaway in New York. The Ithaca-Cortland region is a true winter wonderland with ample outdoor winter adventures but the fun doesn’t end there. Winter activities pair perfectly with the region’s rich culinary discoveries and inspiring cultural experiences. Let us help you build the perfect winter getaway that balances seasonal adventures and educational discoveries.
Start booking your winter getaway now and base your exploration in either Ithaca or Cortland where you’ll find accommodations for every type of traveler.
Top Ideas for Outdoor Adventures in the Ithaca-Cortland Region:
- Downhill skiing or snowboarding at one of three ski resorts including Central New York’s largest ski resort, Greek Peak Mountain Resort
- Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Lime Hollow Nordic Center
- Snowy hike to one of Ithaca’s famed waterfalls, frozen for the season
- Stroll through the winter gardens at the Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Enjoy bird watching at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s 5 miles of peaceful trails through a 425-acre sanctuary
- Thrill chasing with the mountain coaster or snow tubing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Top Ideas for Cultural Experiences in the Ithaca-Cortland Region:
- Marvel at the Hyde Park Mastodon—one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found. like the Museum of the Earth
- Visit the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Center at Namgyal Monastery, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s official North American seat
- Take a step back in time at Cortland’s 1890 House Museum, built for a late 19th-century inventor
- Take in an exhibit at the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University
- Shop Ithaca Commons and Press Bay Alley and don’t miss Buffalo Street Books, Odyssey Bookstore and Autumn Leaves Used Books
- Indulge in some self-care at the spa at Hope Lake Lodge or August Moon Spa at La Tourelle
Top Ideas for Hands-On Learning in the Ithaca-Cortland Region:
- Bespoke candle making at Poured Candle Bar in Ithaca to create one-of-a-kind candles, diffusers, and perfumes
- Make delicious West African dishes at Asempe Kitchen Cooking Classes
- Throw some pottery at Pottery Works, Cortland’s first community pottery studio located in the historic Cortland Corset Building
- Take an artistic workshop at Feel Goods offering classes in stained glass, ice dyeing, block printing, macrame, clay, crochet, and knitting
Top Ideas to Savor the Flavors in the Ithaca-Cortland Region:
- Ithaca is the epicenter of the craft cider scene, visit one of the region’s award-winning cideries like South Hill Cider
- Warm up with a locally crafted beer (consider taking a tour of a brewery like Homer Hops Brewing) or sip a handcrafted spirit at a distillery
- Taste world-famous wine from the Finger Lakes with a visit to a winery (without the crowds of the high season)
- Explore Ithaca’s Restaurant Row to discover new culinary cuisines or dig into a cozy meal and customize your steak at Dasher’s Corner Pub, an old-school eatery dating back to 1905
- Get your caffeine fix at one of the region’s coffee shops boasting house-roasted coffee like Coffee Mania or Gimmee Coffee!
For more inspiration, check out the full, detailed winter getaway itineraries on Visit Ithaca and Experience Cortland websites. Whichever itinerary you choose the Ithaca-Cortland Region will be your new favorite winter destination.
