{"id":10013,"date":"2025-03-03T12:16:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T12:16:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-741060c8-a457-4fac-96dd-d23a1e9c4f35"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:47:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:47:42","slug":"ithaca-cortland-ny-where-to-stay-where-to-play-what-to-eat-a-4-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10013","title":{"rendered":"Ithaca & Cortland, NY: Where to Stay, Where to Play, What to Eat. A 4-Day Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ithaca and Cortland, New York, turned out to be the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and incredible food. Whether you’re squeezing in the last bit of winter fun or planning a spring break road trip, this area has plenty for families who love the outdoors. It\u2019s also an easy drive from major cities\u20144 hours from New York City, 3.5 hours from Philadelphia, and 4.5 hours from Washington, D.C.\u2014making it a great weekend getaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spent our time hiking to frozen waterfalls, skiing at Greek Peak, riding a mountain coaster, and eating some of the best food I\u2019ve ever had while traveling. If you\u2019re looking for a spot with epic hikes, hands-on experiences, and places your kids won\u2019t call boring, this is it. Here\u2019s where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, plus our 4-day itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. The lodge has studio rooms to three-bedroom suites that sleep up to 10 people, all with fireplaces and full kitchens, which is perfect for families. On-site, there\u2019s an indoor waterpark, a full-service spa, and an easy Greek Peak shuttle service, so you don\u2019t have to drive anywhere to start your day. We loved staying right next to Greek Peak Mountain Resort, where you can ski, snowboard, ride a mountain coaster, or just sit by the fire with a drink after a long day outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to play:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n

  1. Greek Peak Mountain Resort \u2013 skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, terrain-based learning<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  2. Nor\u2019Easter Mountain Coaster \u2013 longest mountain coaster in Central New York, open year-round<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  3. Taughannock Falls State Park \u2013 one of the tallest waterfalls on the East Coast, easy 1.9-mile trail<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  4. Lime Hollow Nature Center \u2013 hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country ski rentals, all-terrain wheelchair rentals<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  5. Sapsucker Woods at Cornell Lab of Ornithology \u2013 birdwatching, easy family-friendly trails<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  6. Hope Lake Lodge Indoor Waterpark \u2013 waterslides, a wave pool, and perfect after a cold day outside<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  7. Feel Goods Ithaca \u2013 DIY ice-dye workshop, fun hands-on activity<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  8. Ithaca Falls \u2013 one of the most accessible waterfalls in Ithaca, just a short walk from the parking area<\/p>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n


  9. Downtown Cortland \u2013 small-town charm with unique shops and cafes<\/p>
    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Where to eat:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n

    1. Hairy Tony\u2019s \u2013 one of the best restaurants I\u2019ve ever visited, both for food and atmosphere<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    2. Bickering Twins \u2013 Latin American food with scratch-made empanadas and tacos<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    3. Liquid State Brewing Co- amazing sours and lots of games for the kids<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    4. Milkstand Ithaca \u2013 casual brunch spot with big portions and fresh ingredients<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    5. Hollenbeck\u2019s Cider Mill \u2013 fresh-pressed cider and homemade donuts, a Finger Lakes staple<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    6. Trax Pub & Grill \u2013 slope-side dining at Greek Peak with pizza, burgers, and pub food<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    7. Cortland Beer Company \u2013 local brewery with craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    8. BRIX \u2013 locally sourced comfort food, a cozy dinner spot<\/p>
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n


    9. The Corner Brew \u2013 coffee shop with fresh bagels, an easy grab-and-go breakfast<\/p>
      <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Our 4 Day Itinerary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Day 1: <\/p>\n\n\n\n