The bumper stickers say "Ithaca is Gorges," but this city is more than a natural beauty. Along with the gorgeous gorges and cascading waters of
Ithaca Falls and
Buttermilk Falls State Park, you'll find cosmopolitan flair. Musicians play in coffee houses and along the sidewalks of this college town (both Cornell University and Ithaca College are here). Cafés and restaurants include
Simeon's and Taverna Banfi at Cornell's student-run
Statler Hotel. Enjoy a healthy meal at
Moosewood, a pioneer in organic cuisine. Check out eclectic shops at
Ithaca Commons, one of the largest pedestrian malls in the U.S.
After you're done shopping, make room for education (this is a city of higher learning, after all). If you like
art, see the collection at the
Johnson Art Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. Step into a walk-in camera or follow the Planet Walk at the
Sciencenter, where 150 hands-on exhibits make science fun. You can sample local
wines at the
Six Mile Creek Winery. After your vineyard tour, picnic on the grounds overlooking the valley.