Nature Inspires Creativity

A Glance at Ithaca, New York was just what I needed but I didn't know it until I arrived and took in the beautiful natural rock formations, gorges, and waterfalls. My husband, Mike, surprised me with a get-away weekend for my milestone birthday! It was a surprise and I'm so glad it was because I never would have thought I'd see and experience such amazing nature so close to my hometown of Rochester, NY.

Our weekend started with a drive through Cayuga wine country where we impromptu stopped at Hosmer Winery for a tasting. Great little winery with some good tasting wines! We were feeling ready for lunch, so we meandered down to Americana Vinyards where we happened upon a cute lunch place with wonderful character amongst a picturesque backdrop of vines upon vines of select grapes. We had a great lunch and another wine tasting where we found a couple of wines we loved.

We got back on the road and traveled in to Ithaca, NY with a stop at Buttermilk Falls. A landmark spring where we witnessed a mother duck and her ducklings out for a swim. One of the ducklings managed to stray from his pack. A man and his wife rescued the duckling and we helped them find the pack. Happiness was acheived to deliver this cute little duck back to his Mom and siblings.

Then, the big surprise was revealed... Ithaca, NY and our home base for the next couple of days; Inn On Columbia. This place is a gem bed and breakfast built in the 1830s and beautifully rennovated to it's original architectual beauty with out of this world hospitality. The hosts are a husband and wife team who work in tandem to ensure your stay is amazing. Every detail is covered from the comfortably pristine accomodations to area attractions to the gourmet prepared breakfast meals made to order. Even the coffee is something to talk about! If you ever need a respite or a place to stay in Ithaca, this place is beyond spectacular. You can't get the hospitality and the little extras at a typical hotel like you do at the Inn On Columbia bed and breakfast!

My birthday dinner was celebrated at John Thomas, an 1850's farmhouse setting with absolutely wonderful food, impeccible service, and leisurely dining experience. The next day was filled with a good start breakfast (scrambled eggs with goat cheese and side of organic greens) and a whole day hiking adventure at Robert H. Treman State Park. There is no doubt about connecting with nature with the superior views, steep climbs, and natural beauty.

After a long day of hiking, we continued our uphill journey to Ithaca Commons where we window shopped among the charming shops, met a golden retriever at the Outdoor Store, settled on a burger and a beer at a little pub, Red's Place. Then we decided to check out this interesting ice-cream place that just opened in the Commons called 15 Below. Imagine ice-cream being made right in front of you within a matter of minutes. 15 Below uses a cold metal slab to blend the rich milk to a quick freeze with fresh fruit of your choice. We both opted for a green tea strawberry, kiwi, mango treat. And boy, was it awesome! Who knew a thai style way of cooking would inspire an ice-cream favorite? This place is brand new and sure to have continued success with the Ithaca natives and out of town travelers.

A gorgeous adventure with an incredible man!