This popular pedestrian zone, spread across four blocks in Ithaca's downtown is where both locals and residents convene or hang out for a relaxed time. Ithaca Commons centers around a host of shops, dining establishments and entertainment venues that cater to all kinds of visitors. There is something to do here, at any given time during the day. This zone also forms the setting for many of the city's festivals and events.
The Enfield Falls, also known as Lower Falls, are part of the Robert H. Treman State Park and envelop the area beneath the Enfield Glen. The area surrounding the waterfall is characterized by unruly gorges, lending the falls a raw and sublime appeal. The scenic falls can be witnessed from the swimming area near the lower parking lot. Alternatively, the multiple trails that run parallel to the Enfield Glen can also be traversed for a proper and closer view of the falls. Those who visit the Enfield Falls can also hike up to the nearby Lucifer Falls and the Devil's Kitchen.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a famous institute for the study of birds in their natural habitats. Its visitor's center has an observatory, a sound studio that simulates bird sounds, an art gallery showcasing wildlife paintings and a souvenir shop. It also organizes educational trails through the surrounding swamps.
The city of Ithaca is located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in New York. It has been named after the ancient island of Greece. The city was developed in 1795 as an agricultural center. In 1865, Cornell University, founded by Ezra Cornell, inspired much of the growth of the place. There are two more colleges here, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College, which is located nearby. These colleges invite thousands of students to the city. The economy of the region depends a lot on tourism as it is located on the shores of the longest of the Finger Lakes, the picturesque glacial lakes in west-central New York. There are some marvelous gorges formed by little creeks in the city, too.
