No, YOU’RE gorges.
April 17, 2018 8:35 PM Subscribe
My wife and I will be taking a little road trip in late April/early May from Detroit to the Finger Lakes area of NY with a two day/one night stop in Buffalo. Neither of us has visited before. Looking for recommendations on food/activities in these areas. We are interested in nature, delicious foods, hidden gems.
Things already on the list include: Eternal Flames Falls in Orchard Park, Watkins Glen state Park, the ornithology lab tour at Cornell, the Corning Museum, and the Taughannock rim trail hike (which is better, north or south?) We’re sort of bummed about this eternal winter as we’d hoped to do some kayaking during this trip but it may be too chilly to do so.
Things already on the list include: Eternal Flames Falls in Orchard Park, Watkins Glen state Park, the ornithology lab tour at Cornell, the Corning Museum, and the Taughannock rim trail hike (which is better, north or south?) We’re sort of bummed about this eternal winter as we’d hoped to do some kayaking during this trip but it may be too chilly to do so.
Best answer: Check out the Darwin Martin House and Graycliff in Buffalo if you like Frank Lloyd Wright. Buffalo has great architecture in general and lively public spaces.
posted by carmicha at 10:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by carmicha at 10:46 PM on April 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
The farmer’s market in Ithaca is amazing.
Buttermilk Falls? I haven’t been since I was a kid but it’s a good memory.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 4:22 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Buttermilk Falls? I haven’t been since I was a kid but it’s a good memory.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 4:22 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
If you haven't been, Niagara Falls really are worthwhile. Dunno what'll be open in a couple-few weeks but Goat Island on the NY side is a nice walk, the same sort of heavily mediated pseudo-nature you get in a big urban park. The Ontario side really does have better views -- more direct views of Horseshoe Falls, and the backdrop is Goat Island and li'l ol' Niagara Falls NY instead of the high-rise hotels in NF ON.
Also seconding Frank Lloyd Wright stuff if you're into architecture. There's other good architecture like the big art-deco city hall but I'm sure there are many web pages written by people who know things.
Might as well get some wings, eh? Like everyone around here, I tend to favor my local place (Loughran's, on Main near Harlem in Snyder), but Duff's in Amherst (or another location in a mall in East Amherst if you find yourself out that way) really is solid. At Duff's I recommend getting your wings dry and dipping in sauce. Honestly though you can expect to walk into pretty much any bar and get really good wings; there is Competition here.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:37 AM on April 18, 2018
Also seconding Frank Lloyd Wright stuff if you're into architecture. There's other good architecture like the big art-deco city hall but I'm sure there are many web pages written by people who know things.
Might as well get some wings, eh? Like everyone around here, I tend to favor my local place (Loughran's, on Main near Harlem in Snyder), but Duff's in Amherst (or another location in a mall in East Amherst if you find yourself out that way) really is solid. At Duff's I recommend getting your wings dry and dipping in sauce. Honestly though you can expect to walk into pretty much any bar and get really good wings; there is Competition here.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:37 AM on April 18, 2018
Best answer: Seconding the farmers market. It's only open on Saturday until early May so check before you go.
posted by peacheater at 4:43 AM on April 18, 2018
posted by peacheater at 4:43 AM on April 18, 2018
Kind of in-between Buffalo and Ithaca is Letchworth State Park, aka "the Grand Canyon of the East"
posted by mustardayonnaise at 4:56 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by mustardayonnaise at 4:56 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Seneca Falls is a cute town. It was the model for Bedford Falls (of It's A Wonderful Life fame) and is the seat of the women's suffrage movement. In fact, the downtown is a National Historic Park.
posted by DrGail at 5:48 AM on April 18, 2018
posted by DrGail at 5:48 AM on April 18, 2018
When in Buffalo, the Albright-Knox. That's all there is to it. An absolute gem of an art museum, one of the best modern/contemporary art museums in the country, if not the world.
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:30 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:30 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Thirding the Ithaca Farmer's Market. The Farmer's market will not have much in the way of produce this time of year, but there will be lots of tasty locally-prepared foods.
I actually prefer the Taughannock gorge trail, along the bottom, but the rim hike is also nice, just more of a hike. The falls are pretty full of water right now, so even if the weather is dry you might want a rain slicker to deal with the mist. Treman and Buttermilk are also lovely but with a lot of vertical climbing at the start. I'd probably pick Treman over the Lab of O unless you want a flatter hike or are full up on gorges by that point.
About 10 minutes north of Taughannock on 89 is Cayuga Creamery, which is a yummy post-hike treat. If you like wine, there are wineries all along 89, and a few other places making different kinds of alcohol.
If the weather is poor when you're in Ithaca, the Herbert Johnson Museum at Cornell is a nice place to get out of the rain. Go to the top floor for a really lovely view of the whole valley, lake, Cornell and Ithaca College campuses.
Places I bring people visiting Ithaca who like food: Ithaca Beer, Carriage House Cafe, Northstar, Dewitt Cafe. They may all have a wait depending on when you go, but have a pretty strongly local vibe. I only bring people to Moosewood if it's something they ask for specifically; because of the very small rotating menu I find it very hit or miss.
I have family in Buffalo, and will co-sign on the Darwin Martin House. Our recent obsession when there is a taco place called Lloyd's.
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:30 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
I actually prefer the Taughannock gorge trail, along the bottom, but the rim hike is also nice, just more of a hike. The falls are pretty full of water right now, so even if the weather is dry you might want a rain slicker to deal with the mist. Treman and Buttermilk are also lovely but with a lot of vertical climbing at the start. I'd probably pick Treman over the Lab of O unless you want a flatter hike or are full up on gorges by that point.
About 10 minutes north of Taughannock on 89 is Cayuga Creamery, which is a yummy post-hike treat. If you like wine, there are wineries all along 89, and a few other places making different kinds of alcohol.
If the weather is poor when you're in Ithaca, the Herbert Johnson Museum at Cornell is a nice place to get out of the rain. Go to the top floor for a really lovely view of the whole valley, lake, Cornell and Ithaca College campuses.
Places I bring people visiting Ithaca who like food: Ithaca Beer, Carriage House Cafe, Northstar, Dewitt Cafe. They may all have a wait depending on when you go, but have a pretty strongly local vibe. I only bring people to Moosewood if it's something they ask for specifically; because of the very small rotating menu I find it very hit or miss.
I have family in Buffalo, and will co-sign on the Darwin Martin House. Our recent obsession when there is a taco place called Lloyd's.
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:30 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You won't regret a beef on weck from Schwabl's; the second-most-famous Buffalo food.
posted by AgentRocket at 6:55 AM on April 18, 2018
posted by AgentRocket at 6:55 AM on April 18, 2018
I'm sorry to pile on with Buffalo recommendations when you're only going to be there a short while, but it's probably my favorite city in the US. The fast food scene is amazing. There are all sorts of local chains that serve unbelievably good food for very little money: Mighty Taco, Jim's Steakout, Anderson's, Ted's Hot Dogs... There are nice sit-down restaurants, too, but the fast food is what makes Buffalo unique, to me.
posted by kevinbelt at 7:35 AM on April 18, 2018
posted by kevinbelt at 7:35 AM on April 18, 2018
A pleasant afternoon in Buffalo:
* OK, two very long blocks. It's a mile away.
posted by ubiquity at 7:37 AM on April 18, 2018
- History: The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (641 Delaware Avenue) is the house where Roosevelt stayed and was inaugurated in after McKinley's assasination.
- Art: There is a fantastic stained glass window by Ben Shahn at Temple Beth Zion (805 Delaware Avenue, just two blocks* away). There is more Shahn at the Albright-Knox (mentioned above).
- Architecture: Besides the stuff by Wright (mentioned above), Richardsonian Romanesque began at the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane (now the Richardson Olmsted Complex, 444 Forest Avenue, less than 10 minutes by car, and close to the Albright-Knox). Olmstead was also no slouch.
* OK, two very long blocks. It's a mile away.
posted by ubiquity at 7:37 AM on April 18, 2018
"* OK, two very long blocks. It's a mile away."
It's not *that* long. My mother-in-law used to live next door to Temple Beth Zion, and my wife and I would walk down to the TR house all the time. (We got married at the Twentieth Century Club two doors down.)
posted by kevinbelt at 7:46 AM on April 18, 2018
It's not *that* long. My mother-in-law used to live next door to Temple Beth Zion, and my wife and I would walk down to the TR house all the time. (We got married at the Twentieth Century Club two doors down.)
posted by kevinbelt at 7:46 AM on April 18, 2018
Best answer: I've got some tips for the Ithaca area.
About Taughannock:
- The Gorge Trail is the best in my opinion -- spectacular views of the cliffs towering above the gorge, as well as an amazing up-close view (and face full of mist) at the falls. Only downside: it tends to be the most crowded, especially in nice weather, since it's the flattest/easiest of the three trails.
- Both the North Rim and the South Rim trail may still be closed for winter when you arrive. If they're open, don't miss the vertiginous view of the Upper Falls from the old railroad bridge that connects the two rim trails (right near the upper trailhead/parking lot). I personally prefer the woodsier South Rim trail, but do stop by the North Rim's Falls Overlook when you're driving out of the park -- it's got a picture-perfect view and a big parking lot so it's easy to do a quick drive-by.
If the timing works out on your Taughannock day, definitely stop by the Creekside Cafe in Trumansburg for lunch - it's the definition of a hidden gem. It's a teeny-tiny little mom & pop cafe with some of the best casual farm to table lunches I've had, ever. Only open Wed-Sat 8a-2p and Sunday from 9a-1p; stop across the street at Gimme for delicious coffee when you're done.
Other good nature stuff:
Six Mile Creek Nature Area -- this is a very pretty creekside ramble, especially in the spring, when the water is high and you might catch some trilliums in bloom. Park at Mulholland Wildflower Preserve.
I love the Abbott Loop -- it's a moderately steep climb with a fantastic view at the pinnacle.
Ithaca Trails and the Finger Lakes Trail sites have lots of great suggestions.
Other awesome food & drink:
The Watershed is the best bar in Ithaca right now. Super-chill atmosphere, excellent drinks and service.
Mercato and Cent-Dix: sister restaurants with fine dining, stellar cocktails, and a lovely atmosphere, on the Ithaca Commons. Mercato is Italian-inspired, while Cent-Dix is French cuisine – and both are wonderful.
Dano’s Heuriger, right on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – it’s a traditional Viennese restaurant perched on the hilltop with gorgeous views.
Finger Lakes Cider House for an awesome selection of local hard ciders.
Do not forget to visit Wegmans (yes, it is "just" a grocery store; no, my deep love for it is not ridiculous). They have a paradisiacal prepared food area that includes hot bar, salad bar, sushi bar, pizza bar, etc. It's perfect for grabbing a quick meal and stocking up on your way out of town.
posted by ourobouros at 8:12 AM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
About Taughannock:
- The Gorge Trail is the best in my opinion -- spectacular views of the cliffs towering above the gorge, as well as an amazing up-close view (and face full of mist) at the falls. Only downside: it tends to be the most crowded, especially in nice weather, since it's the flattest/easiest of the three trails.
- Both the North Rim and the South Rim trail may still be closed for winter when you arrive. If they're open, don't miss the vertiginous view of the Upper Falls from the old railroad bridge that connects the two rim trails (right near the upper trailhead/parking lot). I personally prefer the woodsier South Rim trail, but do stop by the North Rim's Falls Overlook when you're driving out of the park -- it's got a picture-perfect view and a big parking lot so it's easy to do a quick drive-by.
If the timing works out on your Taughannock day, definitely stop by the Creekside Cafe in Trumansburg for lunch - it's the definition of a hidden gem. It's a teeny-tiny little mom & pop cafe with some of the best casual farm to table lunches I've had, ever. Only open Wed-Sat 8a-2p and Sunday from 9a-1p; stop across the street at Gimme for delicious coffee when you're done.
Other good nature stuff:
Six Mile Creek Nature Area -- this is a very pretty creekside ramble, especially in the spring, when the water is high and you might catch some trilliums in bloom. Park at Mulholland Wildflower Preserve.
I love the Abbott Loop -- it's a moderately steep climb with a fantastic view at the pinnacle.
Ithaca Trails and the Finger Lakes Trail sites have lots of great suggestions.
Other awesome food & drink:
The Watershed is the best bar in Ithaca right now. Super-chill atmosphere, excellent drinks and service.
Mercato and Cent-Dix: sister restaurants with fine dining, stellar cocktails, and a lovely atmosphere, on the Ithaca Commons. Mercato is Italian-inspired, while Cent-Dix is French cuisine – and both are wonderful.
Dano’s Heuriger, right on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – it’s a traditional Viennese restaurant perched on the hilltop with gorgeous views.
Finger Lakes Cider House for an awesome selection of local hard ciders.
Do not forget to visit Wegmans (yes, it is "just" a grocery store; no, my deep love for it is not ridiculous). They have a paradisiacal prepared food area that includes hot bar, salad bar, sushi bar, pizza bar, etc. It's perfect for grabbing a quick meal and stocking up on your way out of town.
posted by ourobouros at 8:12 AM on April 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
Enfield Glen, at Robert H. Treman State Park, is spectacular; I actually preferred it to Taughannock Falls when I was there a couple of summers ago. You can hike up the bottom of the gorge and then back down along the rim, for a nice afternoon in the outdoors. There's definitely some elevation change, but it's worth it.
posted by Johnny Assay at 8:50 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Johnny Assay at 8:50 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Grew up in Ithaca.
Seconding Treman, if it's open for the spring. Quite different from Taughannock, you should do both!
Maybe the Sciencenter?
If you will be walking between downtown Ithaca and the Cornell campus, it's fun to go along the Cascadilla gorge trail.
(Two fun facts about Cascadilla Gorge: my parents were supposed to get married in the park at the bottom of that trail, in late April, but it snowed so they had to move the wedding into their living room. Then, when I came along, my Dad tried to push me up that trail in a stroller on a snowy day, and even now marvels at how stupid it was to do that when it was slippery. So, you know, beware of weather!)
posted by wyzewoman at 8:59 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Seconding Treman, if it's open for the spring. Quite different from Taughannock, you should do both!
Maybe the Sciencenter?
If you will be walking between downtown Ithaca and the Cornell campus, it's fun to go along the Cascadilla gorge trail.
(Two fun facts about Cascadilla Gorge: my parents were supposed to get married in the park at the bottom of that trail, in late April, but it snowed so they had to move the wedding into their living room. Then, when I came along, my Dad tried to push me up that trail in a stroller on a snowy day, and even now marvels at how stupid it was to do that when it was slippery. So, you know, beware of weather!)
posted by wyzewoman at 8:59 AM on April 18, 2018 [1 favorite]
Ithaca, previously, especially eats. The Nines is supposed to be closing soon, but I believe it's currently still open...
N-thing farmer's market.
If it's too cold for kayaking, you can do boat tours starting in early May.
posted by Kriesa at 9:34 AM on April 18, 2018
N-thing farmer's market.
If it's too cold for kayaking, you can do boat tours starting in early May.
posted by Kriesa at 9:34 AM on April 18, 2018
My husband and I spent quite a bit of time in and around Buffalo, and we always tried to time it to allow for lunch at Kentucky Greg’s Hickory Pit. Such tasty BBQ! Beef on Weck, though, should also be tried, as mentioned above. And you can’t go wrong with Niagara Falls.
posted by routergirl at 11:11 AM on April 18, 2018
posted by routergirl at 11:11 AM on April 18, 2018
Best answer: Folks will be kayaking in the Finger Lakes April 28-29 - the ACA Northern NY Slalom Championships on Sunday is fun to watch. There are usually kayakers in the raft derby on Saturday as well.
posted by evilmomlady at 5:27 PM on April 18, 2018
posted by evilmomlady at 5:27 PM on April 18, 2018
Best answer: You won't regret a beef on weck from Schwabl's; the second-most-famous Buffalo food.
It turns out I am physically incapable of not recommending the beef on weck at the Lake Effect just barely in Amherst near UB-South.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:44 PM on April 19, 2018
It turns out I am physically incapable of not recommending the beef on weck at the Lake Effect just barely in Amherst near UB-South.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:44 PM on April 19, 2018
Response by poster: Thank you all for the recommendations! I’m excited to check all this stuff out!
Ourobouros, Wegman’s will be our first stop when we get into town. Gotta get breakfast-making and hiking snack supplies!
posted by likeplus at 7:25 PM on April 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
Ourobouros, Wegman’s will be our first stop when we get into town. Gotta get breakfast-making and hiking snack supplies!
posted by likeplus at 7:25 PM on April 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by kate4914 at 9:37 PM on April 17, 2018