The Complete Guide to Downtown Ithaca

Whether you are visiting Ithaca to drop the kids off at college or to visit the famous waterfalls, you may be wondering where to find the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in town. Downtown Ithaca is your one-stop destination for all these things and the perfect place to take a break and discover everything our Finger Lakes town has to offer. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or nightly entertainment, La Tourelle makes it easy to access all of the attractions downtown with our complimentary shuttle to the famous Ithaca Commons. Read on to discover all the things to do in downtown Ithaca.

The Commons

The Commons offers something for everyone from shopaholics to foodies and art lovers. The independently owned gift shops like Sunny Days allow visitors to take home a piece of Ithaca. You can also discover a variety of boutiques selling clothing, footwear, recycled items, and gourmet food. Don’t miss the cheese curds and ice cream at The Cornell Store!

For art lovers, we recommend stopping at the State of the Art Gallery to view local art from talented artists in the Finger Lakes Region. They also regularly host Gallery Night, where you can explore the downtown and admire art at several locations. Or explore the downtown and learn about science and the solar system with the Sagan Planet Walk.

Restaurant Row 

After exploring the shops in The Commons, head down Aurora Street to find a wealth of dining options on Restaurant Row. Whether you want a healthy breakfast or an upbeat dinner joint, there are endless delicious meals to discover. Stop at Viva Taqueria for fresh Mexican food, eat locally at Luna Inspired Street Food, or cool off with a refreshing drink at Ithaca Ale House. 

Dewitt Mall

Just one block north of The Commons, you will find the historic Dewitt Mall. Formerly a high school building, it is now a popular spot for dining and shopping. If you only make one stop at the mall, it should be at the world-famous Moosewood Restaurant, known for its delectable vegetarian dishes.

Cayuga & West State

If you want downtown Ithaca entertainment, visit the Cayuga and West State area. Visit bars like The Watershed and The Downstairs for late-night drinks. You can also find Ithaca’s historic State Theater, where you can listen to live music from renowned artists. Interested in watching a live theatre performance? Get your tickets for one of the upcoming productions at Kitchen Theatre! 

Ithaca Hotels Near the Downtown Commons

Downtown Ithaca is an excellent place to spend an afternoon during your Finger Lakes getaway. Return to La Tourelle and relax in one of our 54 rooms and suites overlooking our 70-acre property. Make your vacation memorable with a treatment at our August Moon Spa, or take advantage of our special offers. Let us introduce you to the magic of the Finger Lakes at La Tourelle!