The best places to go on a date in Ithaca

Every weekend my boyfriend comes to visit, we go through the same conversation.

“What do you want to do this weekend?”
“What is there to do?”
“Nothing.”

But despite the initial instinct to assume there’s no where fun to go on a date around here, we prove ourselves wrong every single time.

Taughannock Falls

This 215 foot waterfall with rocky cliffs nearly 400 feet above the gorge is breathtaking no matter who you’re with. You can drive up to the top to see it from high above or start at the bottom and walk the path to get to the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall is the perfect distance to have a conversation and strategically use rocks to get over small streams without tiring yourself out. Once you’re at the waterfall, you can enjoy the view and peaceful sounds with your date or take a dip to cool off.

Every single restaurant in the Commons

Red’s Place, Viva! Taqueria, Kilpatrick’s Publick House, Mahogany Grill, Ithaca Ale House, the list goes on and on. If you want a classic dinner date, go to the Commons. You’ll never run out of restaurants to try in Ithaca so you’ll never go wrong with a dinner date.

There’s bound to be a wait at every single restaurant on weekend nights, but that just adds to the date. Walking around the Commons, especially as the sun is setting, is one of the most underrated things to do in Ithaca. While you wait to be seated, you can window shop and people watch as your stroll the stone.

Farmer’s Market

The Ithaca Farmer’s Market is a great place for a date because of its location, food and flowers. Right on the water, it’s the perfect place to grab local, fresh food and eat on a bench by the lake as the fall leaves change colors above you. The flatbread pizzas are delicious, and don’t forget to end with an elephant ear for dessert!

Cornell Clock Tower

Not many people would think of taking a date here, but it can be fun and romantic. During selected times, Cornell lets the public walk up the stairs to the top of the tower and hear a Cornell Chimes concert. You can go during the day or at night for a beautiful view while being serenaded by the chimes.