Aside from Cornell University and Ithaca College Ithaca, New York is pretty much an abstract sleepy city to those unfamiliar with its hidden gems. It's coooooold, people like to complain. And in the middle of no where. Both are true. However, one visit to the Finger Lakes during the middle of July and all winter worries will soon be forgotten. Its no wonder where "Ithaca is GORGES" got its slogan or why its thought to be 100 square miles surrounded by reality. I highly encourage anyone who loves to swim, bike, hike, run or enjoy vineyards to come explore up North. Although the taxes are ridiculously high everything else is relatively cheap. Queue multiple ice cream trips per day. (Its required in the upstate life). Come visit Ithaca if you love:

1. Beautiful weather

Ithaca is cold. Its a well known fact. But in the summer, the sun shines and birds sing and its easy to forget months of cold. It doesn't get too humid and rainy days usually bring cooler temperatures. So, not much to complain about.

2. Ice cream

Soft serve. And huge portions. New Yorkers love their questionable 'small' sizes which would probably be larges in other states. Fun fact: there are several in Ithaca (Purity Ice Cream, Dennis' Homemade Ice Cream, Sweet Melissa's, Scooby Steve's on South Hill, Cornell Dairy Bar) and if you want to be adventurous, check out Cream at the Top, a personal favorite in Lansing and Cayuga Lake Creamery in Trumansburg. I can attest that any is a good choice. And like most places in upstate New York, many are open during the winter because who doesn't love ice cream in -20 degree temperatures!?

3. Ithaca Farmers' Market

We're talking all local vendors, lake side farmers market with a view. Visit if you love homemade crepes, pizza, burritos, ice cream, and an assortment of Asian, Cambodian, Indian and Cuban vendors, just to name a few. Check out the flowers, local produce and handmade crafts. Basically the epitome of Ithaca which brings out the hippie-local living-organic-all natural-cage free-gluten free side. #LocalLiving #EatMoreKale

4. Wegmans

Aka upstate New York version of some people's Trader Joes but with a dine in option the size of a Safe Way or a Giant. Free samples on Saturdays and probably the only grocery store with an entire gluten free, organic, and international food isles to please every type of eater. Avoid the hours from 4-6 because its a zoo. And holidays. Because everyone you know and their mothers will be in Wegmans.

5. Collegetown Bagels/ Ithaca Bakery

This is a no brainer to all the college students in Ithaca. I believe there are about 6 locations, give or take, and make the BEST bagel sandwiches, coffee and pastries. It's local and relatively cheap for all those foodies out there. Plus, the CTB in Collegetown is open until the crack of dawn for all those procrastinators out there.

6. Daytrips to the City, Niagra Falls, Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes

Need I say more? Ithaca is about 5 hours from anything important (NYC, Canada, D.C. you name it). I have had the best road trips with my friends on spontaneous adventures to Canada, camping and hiking in New York. Anything is possible with a great playlist and good company. Once my friends and I spontaneously hiked the tallest peak, Mount Marcy and I survived it in my mother's 30 year old hiking boots, a push up bra and cotton shirt. 0/10 would recommend. Seriously.

7. Wine Tours

Wouldn't know because I am #Underage but rumor has it wine tours are the bee's knees especially if you get a party bus. Who doesn't love wine and cheese on Cayuga lake vineyards? They also have Bacon on the Lakin, a crowd pleaser. Sample a variety of bacon at every vineyard. Can I get a hell yea. Here is a picture of me and my favorite food chicken because I am underage and cannot drink wine.

8. Finger Lake Trails (FLT)

At one point in my life, I used to run every day and now its more of a feeble walk but hey! If you love running on beautiful trails nestled in a valley or through the forest, then FLT are for you. They can be found here and wind around gorges and all throughout the gorgeous state of New York.

9. Cornell University

Go Big Red! This one seems obvious, but besides funding Ithaca's economy Cornell offers a bunch of free events for the community during the summer. If you like "exciting performances, thought-provoking lectures" then this is the place for you. It's also the most scenic university in the country (if you beg to disagree, I suggest you come see for yourself) and its fun to just walk around campus. Cornell Plantations are a great place for a picnic, run or to pick the flowers (just kidding).

10. Grassroots Festival

Come celebrate Ithaca's hippie side once again and relish in local music, dancing, yoga and fun times with friends and enjoy the entire Ithaca community packed into a tiny fairground. Seriously. You will find your old math teacher, cousin's friend's neighbor and anyone you have ever met from Ithaca. Cue Telekenetic Walrus, Sim Redmond Band and other Ithaca classics. Just don't forget your hippie glasses, tie dye tank tops and face paint and most importantly GLITTER.

11. State parks, hidden waterfalls and CAYUGA LAKE

There are three state parks in Ithaca: Buttermilk Falls, Tremen and Tagghannock which all hold "gorges" waterfalls perfect for swimming with friends, hiking or picnicking (you just have to pay for parking). There are also lesser known swimming spots such as Second Dam, East Shore and Flat Rock which are a bit quieter and I do believe illegal. So perhaps not those. But the best part is Cayuga Lake which is over 40 miles long and over 400 feet deep and perfect for swimming and renting kayaks and standing up paddle boarding. Once I swam across Cayuga Lake. Guess which side that was.

In case you were wondering how I spend my summers, I hope this list has convinced you to come visit me in Ithaca. Hurry! Only 2ish weeks left before Fall. I promise endless adventures and hangouts with my goats and I. You know you want to.