This summer I was in Ithaca doing research at Cornell University. I met some beautiful, wonderful people, had some tasty food, and made lovely memories.
This is just one of a few posts that I’ll be writing over the next few weeks (or months, knowing me) about this place. I’m sharing this with you because, although my time was brief, Ithaca has made a true impact on me. I’ve been gone for only a week, yet I already feel an aching in my chest for this place.
I miss my morning runs through Cornell’s campus and Stewart Park (I’m telling you, this is one of the prettiest parks I’ve ever seen).
Stewart Park on Cayuga Lake
I miss living near College Town Bagels, or CTB as the locals call it, and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. I miss all my intern-friends and mentors. I miss the Commons, Ithaca’s downtown, where there was always something interesting – and usually a little creepy – going on. I miss the hippies and the vegans and the runners and the anti-Frackers (yes, it’s a Wikipedia link, don’t hate).
I miss the Farmer’s Market. I miss it’s abundance of all things local and organic, the food vendors milling around in their booths, and the lively hum of the townsfolk out for a weekend morning of fun.
Berry Picking
But most of all, I miss Wegmans, the grocery store of my dreams. If Trader Joes and Whole Foods had a baby with a Target-sized regular grocery store and then poured awesome sauce all over it, that would be Wegmans.
McGraw Tower on the Cornell campus
One of the things that I found to be most amazing in Ithaca is the nature. It is unlike any I have ever seen (although I have lived in the desert surround by dirt for the last 2 years). It’s insanely lush, breathtakingly quiet, and peaceful beyond explanation. I’ll stop writing now and leave you with some of my favorite photos of this beautiful place. I know it’s not food-food; instead think of it as mind-food…
View from McGraw Tower on Cornell’s campus
My favorite waterfall in Ithaca. Can you see the rainbow?
Just a bit of yoga in the middle of a waterfall
I loved the architecture of this building. In the back they had a gorgeous garden.
Libe Slope, A very unforgiving hill on Cornell’s campus
Another shot from the top of McGraw tower. Downtown Ithaca is in the distance.
Just one of many darling brooks found on Cornell’s campus
Another shot of McGraw tower
Cornell’s Big Red Barn
My most favorite part of Ithaca, the tiny dock in Stewart Park
What place has left a significant impact on you?
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Oh mann I’ve wanted to go to Wegman’s ever since my friend from NJ said his favorite EVER chocolate cake comes from there! Have you ever tried it? He really talked it up…
Oh no, I never got to try there chocolate cake! But, one of my favorite things they did make was this bread called red, white, and blue bread. It was loaded with cranberries and blueberries. Soooo yummy. If you do get a chance to go to “Weggies” you totally should!
Stewart Park – including the dock, is just SO BEAUTIFUL. Almost too beautiful to be real. Like a movie set. Reminds me of Moonrise Kingdom.
I know! It was such a treat every time I got to visit it. I hope to go back to Ithaca one day so that I can see it again. I haven’t seen that movie, but I’ll have to put it on my list to check out!