Take an autumn weekend trip to Ithaca

Touted as CNN’s best American town to visit, Ithaca, New York, boasts a bustling college town atmosphere with some of the best fall foliage in the country. About a five-hour drive from Long Island, it features stunning vistas, farm-fresh produce and quality meat and cheese.

An autumn weekend trip to Ithaca isn’t complete without visiting these popular spots, all of which will tempt anyone with an autumn mood board.

Natural Beauty

If there’s a top outdoor element people like to explore in Ithaca, it’s the waterfalls, and there are plenty to choose from.

“We have around 150 in Tompkins County, including the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies — Taughannock Falls — and taller than Niagara Falls,” said Rob Montana, communications manager for the tourism agency Visit Ithaca. “But we also have unique cascades along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, at Buttermilk Falls and Robert Treman State Park, and Ithaca Falls too.”

For even more breathtaking scenery, head over to Watkins Glen State Park. You can trek up steps and over bridges of three trails: the Southern Rim, Indian and Gorge, the latter of which contains the star attraction of Watkins Glen: a 400-foot-deep gorge. The park also offers camping sites, picnic areas and a gift shop. When planning your hike, consider the difficulty and duration, whether you wish to explore plunge or cascade falls, and the seasonal hours of operation.

Fresh Picks

A trip to Ithaca isn’t complete without visiting the famed Ithaca Farmers Market, in operation since 1973. Open on weekends from April through December, this community hub is where you’ll find everything from seasonal produce to baked goods to beverages to art, clothing and handmade decorative items. For a complete list of vendors, visit ithacamarket.com. And if you visit in early fall, be sure to stop by the annual Apple Harvest Festival held downtown on Sept. 26-28. Delight in apple cider, doughnuts, pies and crisps while enjoying live musical performances and outdoor activities.

Family Activities

A favorite among kids and adults alike is the interactive children’s science museum, the Sciencecenter. The space features indoor and outdoor play areas with hands-on exhibits to foster learning and curiosity. Out of the 250 exhibits to experience, you’ll find everything from zoology and astronomy to all things STEM and acoustic play.

You can also see what’s in bloom at Cornell Botanic Gardens, which is in the midst of celebrating 100 years. Open year-round, in addition to the 25 acres of gardens, the grounds feature nature preserves and the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum.

“Cornell University also offers the Johnson Museum of Art, as well as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods for outdoor exploration,” Montana said.

And if you have time to walk around and explore a bit, Ithaca Commons in the downtown is a great spot to shop, get a bite to eat and view the city’s murals and public art.