Things to Do in Ithaca in May

Guides you across the western Finger Lakes. You will see steep-sloped vineyards that produce exceptional Rieslings and strong reds. Glide past orderly rows of young vines clinging to hillsides above the deep, Y-shaped water. Step into tasting rooms where cool cellar air contrasts with sunny lake views. The experience connects the taste of crisp, mineral-forward whites directly to the dramatic glacial landscape outside the van. It delivers a curated, stress-free look at the quiet, artisan winemaking culture of Keuka Lake. This is away from the busier trails.

It targets pioneering estates known for bold Cabernet Francs and aromatic Gewürztraminers. You will feel gravel crunch underfoot on vineyard walks. Hear vintners explain their terroir. Taste wines that benefit from the lake's deep, temperature-moderating influence. The route shows the variety and ambition of New York State's largest wine-producing region. It has a focused, expert-led survey of the stylistic range found in the Seneca Lake appellation.

Peels back the layers of this college town. It moves beyond the well-trod paths of the Cornell campus. You will feel the textured brick of 19th-century buildings in DeWitt Park. Hear stories of Ithaca's industrial past along the cascading Six Mile Creek gorge. See architectural echoes of its role as a center for spiritual and social movements. The guide's narrative connects the physical streets to the people and ideas that shaped them. This personalized walk provides context. It turns a downtown stroll into a meaningful exploration.

Turns the famous state park into an interactive puzzle. You will hear the constant roar of water plunging through the narrow gorge. Feel the cool, misty spray on the Glen's stone stairways. Your task is to search for specific rock formations, historical markers, and hidden details along the Gorge Trail. It frames the natural spectacle as a discovery mission. This injects playful adventure into a popular attraction.

Puts you in control. Tailor a day to your specific interests. Focus on small, family-run farms or larger estates with panoramic views. You will taste the bright, acidic profile of a steel-aged Chardonnay while looking over vine-striped hills. Discuss blending choices directly with a winemaker in a sunny barrel room. The experience is shaped by your curiosity. This tour offers ultimate flexibility to craft a personal wine journey along Keuka Lake's scenic Bluff Road.

You design the route. Contrast the east shore's established wineries with the west shore's newer, experimental producers. You might taste a peppery Lemberger in a modern, glass-walled facility. Then sample a traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wine in a rustic barn. Watch sailboats tilt on the wide, wind-swept lake. The day becomes a comparative study of the lake's varied microclimates. It empowers you to explore Seneca Lake wine country at your own pace.