Ithaca, N.Y., July 8, 2008—Outside magazine has confirmed 
something most Ithacans already know: Ithaca is one of the 
best towns in America.

The magazine ranked Ithaca sixth in its list of “The 20 
Best Towns in America.” The article appears in the 
magazine’s August issue which goes on sale today.

In compiling the list, Outside magazine editors spent more 
than two months reviewing cities that had overcome 
adversity and were "riding on a wave of civic reinvention 
and fresh ideas."

The top 10 cities on the list best exemplified places that 
were reinventing themselves and working towards 
progressive change, said Outside Senior Editor Jeremy 
Spencer. Editors looked at how each city invested in 
itself, rated the natural beauty available to residents, 
looked at cultural amenities and tried to identify which 
towns were truly reinvesting in their own best assets, 
Spencer said.

Washington, D.C., was first on the list, followed by 
Chattanooga, Tenn.; Ogden, Utah; Portsmouth, N.H.; Tacoma, 
Wash.; Ithaca, N.Y.; Louisville, Ky.; Eureka, Calif., and 
Columbia, Mo.

In its coverage of Ithaca, Outside noted the creation of 
the downtown Commons, new investment in several downtown 
residential and commercial projects, creation of the 
Cayuga Waterfront Trail, rehabilitation of the abandoned 
Ithaca Gun factory and growth of the town’s sustainable 
EcoVillage community.

The Outside article is the most recent in a long string of 
media accolades for the Ithaca community. Since 2001, 
Ithaca has been featured in at least 30 “best cities” 
lists.

—30—

 

Ithaca, N.Y. - The eye-catching gorge on the cover of the 
Ithaca/Tompkins County Travel Guide isn't the only 
thing “green” in the 2008 publication.

The annual tourism directory, created by the 
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention and Visitors Bureau, underwent 
an earth-friendly makeover this year to minimize resource 
consumption and reduce its environmental footprint. The 
changes could make it the first “green” travel guide in 
New York State.

“We’ve looked, and we think we’re the first county in the 
state to make the environment a priority in producing our 
travel guide, “ said Suzi Munoz, the visitors bureau’s Web 
and publications manager. “We worked hard to create a 
guide that promotes the county without compromising our 
ecological future. We’re proud of what we’ve created and 
we think the community will be proud too.”

For the 2008 edition, the visitors bureau redesigned the 
publication to minimize paper use, eliminating more than 3 
million pages from the print run. By consuming almost 40 
percent less paper than 2007, the move preserves forests 
while keeping 9.6 tons of printed material from entering 
the waste stream.

In addition, this year’s publication is printed entirely 
on recycled paper. The cover is “FSC Certified” 50 percent 
post-consumer-recycled paper, meeting the Forest 
Stewardship Council’s highest standards of sustainable 
forestry and manufacturing. The text stock is 100 percent 
post-consumer-recycled paper. The switch from standard 
paper saves 238 trees and eliminates an additional 7.5 
tons of trash.

The entire project was printed locally by Cayuga Press 
using soy-based inks in an eco-friendly process that 
recycles virtually all chemical, paper and metal waste. 
Local printing and production further benefits the 
environment by reducing unnecessary transportation, 
limiting CO2 emissions from long-haul trucking. 

To help defray expenses associated with the project, the 
visitors bureau enlisted the support of the tourism 
community which helped underwrite the project through paid 
advertising. This is the first time advertising has 
appeared in the annual travel guide.

“We couldn’t have made this move without the support of 
our tourism partners,” said Fred Bonn, director of the 
visitors bureau. “We’re thrilled so many businesses 
stepped forward to back this initiative. It’s truly a 
reflection of what this community values. I think we’re 
sending a real message here, that as a community we’re 
united in doing our part for a sustainable future.”

The Ithaca/Tompkins County Travel Guide is distributed 
free of charge to residents and visitors at lodging 
properties, attractions and visitor centers throughout the 
region. Readers are asked to do their part for the 
environment by sharing their copies with others and 
properly recycling the publication when out of date. For 
more information, contact the Ithaca/Tompkins Visitors 
Bureau at (800) 284-8422.

—30—

Ithaca, N.Y. (Aug. 23, 2007)—With beers from 30 craft 
brewers and live music from local favorite Sim Redmond and 
Austin sensation Shelly King, the inaugural Ithaca Brew 
Fest, Sept. 8, is on tap to attract beer lovers throughout 
the region.

Lodging packages from official Brew Fest hotel sponsors, 
Hampton Inn and Ramada Inn, start at just $139 per night. 
For lodging specials, click on the "Package Deals" button 
at the top of this page.

Held at Stewart Park from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, the event 
features tastings of craft brews from New York, the 
Northeast region and as far away as California. The 
festival is the brainchild of Ithaca Beer Company 
president Dan Mitchell.

“There’s tremendous interest in craft beers in Ithaca and 
the Finger Lakes, but there’s never been an event here to 
bring beer lovers together,” Mitchell said. “We felt it 
was time. Ithacans love good food, good music and good 
beer, and the Brew Fest has it all.”

Each brewer will offer samples of three different beer 
styles, with festival goers enjoying two-ounce tastings of 
each brew. Attendees will receive a souvenir tasting glass 
to use throughout the festival and keep as a memento of 
the event.

The musical lineup includes the African-influenced roots-
rock of Ithaca favorites, the Sim Redmond Band, and the 
reggae-soul of Kevin Kinsella. Austin, Tex., powerhouse 
Shelly King rounds out the music schedule, bringing her 
alt-country, blues blend to Ithaca for the first time. 
King was recently named the 2008 Texas State Musician of 
the Year.

Ithaca Brew Fest is open to those 21 and older. Proof of 
age is required at the festival gate with age controls 
strictly enforced. Brew Fest tickets are $25 in advance 
and $30 at the gate. Designated driver tickets are $10. A 
portion of the proceeds will help revitalize Ithaca’s 
historic Stewart Park and support the New York State 
Brewers Association.

Advance tickets are available at Wegmans stores, the 
Clinton House Ticket Center in downtown Ithaca and at the 
Ithaca Beer Company, 606 Elmira Road, Ithaca. Tickets may 
also be purchased online at BrownPaperTickets.com. For 
information call (607) 273-0766 or visit 
IthacaBrewFest.com.

The Ithaca Brew Fest is presented by the Ithaca Beer 
Company and sponsored by WVBR, the Hampton Inn, the Ramada 
Inn and the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the Northeast, 
Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes getaway. Travel and lodging 
information is available at VisitIthaca.com, or (800) 284-
8422.

—30—

Ithaca, N.Y. (July 10, 2007)—Thanks to irrefutably sweet 
evidence discovered this winter by two local high school 
students, Ithaca has won the “Sundae War," and to 
celebrate, the community is invited to a free 
downtown “Sundae Dinner.”

On July 18, organizers will give away approximately 
3,000 “Ithaca Cherry Sundays” on the downtown Ithaca 
Commons. The festivities start at 5:00 p.m. and will 
continue to 8:00 p.m., or until supplies run out. In lieu 
of payment, donations will be accepted to support the 
United Way of Tompkins County’s Hunger and Food Security 
Initiatives. The program supports food banks and hunger 
organizations throughout the county.

“This is a fun way to celebrate Ithaca’s history and help 
the community at the same time,” said Stacie Maybee, event 
coordinator for Ithaca Forward, one of the groups 
organizing Sundae Dinner. “It’s wonderful that Ithaca is 
the sundae’s hometown, but it’s even more important that 
we can use our history to help people in need today.”

America’s first ice cream sundae was created at Platt & 
Colt’s pharmacy on East State Street in 1892 but the fact 
was in dispute until Ithaca High School seniors Meredith 
Buchberg and Laura Willemsen unearthed incontrovertible 
evidence earlier this year. Working as Corsen Fellow 
researchers at the History Center in Tompkins County, the 
two discovered original letters, shop ledgers, newspaper 
clippings and period advertisements confirming the 
sundae’s creation in Ithaca. They also found evidence that 
invalidates the competing claim made by Two Rivers, Wis., 
Ithaca’s chief rival in the sundae controversy.

Sundae Dinner will feature original Ithaca “Cherry 
Sundays.” The historic treat will be recreated using 
ingredients that closely match the homemade original—
premium Purity vanilla ice cream and imported Fabbri 
Amarena cherries. Ice cream fans who want a modern sundae 
should BYO chocolate, nuts and whipped cream.

Along with sundaes, guests will be treated to visits from 
New York’s Dairy Princesses and live performances from the 
legendary Keith Frank and the Soileau Zyedco Band. Direct 
from southwest Louisiana, Frank’s Ithaca appearance is 
part of the Ithaca Downtown Partnership’s summer-long 
Downtown Concert Series. Music begins at 7:00 p.m.

“Sundae Dinner” is sponsored by the Northeast Dairy 
Association, Purity Ice Cream, the Ithaca Downtown 
Partnership, the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention and Visitors 
Bureau and downtown merchants. The event is coordinated by 
Ithaca Forward, a committee of the Tompkins County Chamber 
of Commerce whose mission is to build community 
connections for young professionals through innovative 
opportunities and events focusing on personal development 
and civic leadership.

—30—

Ithaca, N.Y. (June 8, 2007)—Ithaca is the first port of 
call, July 2-3, for the historic canal schooner Lois 
McClure on its three-month voyage through New York’s Erie 
Canal system. The McClure’s Grand Canal Journey will cover 
1,000 miles in 100 days, and include stops at 25 ports.

The schooner’s journey is a partnership of the National 
Park Service Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the 
New York State Canal Corporation and the Lake Champlain 
Maritime Museum. The museum owns and operates the Lois 
McClure as nonprofit educational resource.

To celebrate the McClure’s visit to Ithaca and promote the 
Cayuga Waterfront Trail, waterfront merchants and 
community organizations are hosting a two-day schooner 
festival on Inlet Island, July 2-3. The event offers 
public tours of the McClure, interpretive presentations of 
Ithaca’s Erie Canal history, music and informational 
displays by community organizations. All activities are 
free and open to the public, with donations accepted to 
benefit the Waterfront Trail. Hours are 11:00 a.m.– 6:00 
p.m. July 2, and 10:00–6:00 July 3. Food and beverages are 
available from waterfront merchants.

Ithaca is the only city on the voyage to see the Lois 
McClure under sail. The ship’s masts will be lowered 
following its passage of Cayuga Lake to accommodate low 
bridges throughout the remainder of the canal voyage.

Area boaters can join the schooner as it sails south down 
Cayuga Lake on the afternoon of July 1, and again the 
morning of July 4 as the vessel departs on its northbound 
journey. Spectator vessels are reminded to practice safe 
boating during the busy holiday period and allow the 
McClure ample room while navigating area waters.

The schooner Lois McClure is a full-scale replica of an 
1862-class sailing canal boat. Constructed in Burlington, 
Vt. and launched July 3, 2004, Lois McClure is 88 feet in 
length and 14 feet in beam. Its two masts carry 1,300 
square-feet of sail. The original sailing-canal boats were 
designed to sail from distant lake cities to canal ports 
using wind power. Upon reaching a canal, the masts were 
lowered and centerboard raised, transforming the vessel 
into a typical canal boat.

For additional information on the McClure’s Ithaca visit, 
call the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau at 
(607) 272-1313, or go online to VisitIthaca.com. For 
details on the vessel itself and the summer-long Grand 
Canal Journey, visit www.GrandCanalJourney.org.

Ithaca, N.Y. (June 1, 2007)—People have visited 
Taughannock Falls for centuries, but this summer, falls 
touring goes high-tech. A free downloadable podcast 
available at VisitIthaca.com provides visitors an audio 
tour guide to enrich the experience of visiting New York’s 
tallest waterfall.

The 15-minute podcast provides companion audio for hikers 
on the popular Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail. The podcast 
offers insights into the geology, history, wildlife and 
natural features visible along the three-quarter-mile 
trail to the base of the falls. Narrated by park 
naturalist, Sarah Fiorello, the podcast condenses 300 
million years of Earth history into an enjoyable hour-long 
hike and encourages visitors to use all their senses while 
exploring the Gorge Trail.

The podcast is a joint production of Finger Lakes State 
Parks and the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and 
Visitors Bureau. Six months in the making, the project was 
created to take advantage of a simple technology that can 
vastly improve visitors’ experience to the area.

“Portable audio players are everywhere and we thought it 
would be great if visitors could use them to enhance their 
enjoyment of the falls,” said Suzi Munoz, podcast project 
coordinator for the visitors bureau. “This gives people 
the freedom to take a guided tour of the falls whenever 
they want and lets them come away with a deeper 
appreciation of an awe inspiring site.”

Towering 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is the tallest free-
falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Three 
stories taller than Niagara, it was formed at the end of 
the last ice age approximately 12,000 years ago. The falls 
were protected as part of the New York State Park System 
1925.

The Taughannock Falls podcast was recorded by John Hilton 
with natural sounds provided by Lang Elliot Nature Sounds. 
The podcast file is available for download at 
www.VisitIthaca.com/WalkingTours. Simple downloading 
instructions, companion trail maps and additional 
information on the Finger Lakes State Parks are also 
available on the site.

Ithaca, N.Y. (March 1, 2007)—Winter Recess, Ithaca’s 
citywide celebration of classroom teachers, closed its 
inaugural year as the community’s largest winter tourism 
event. More than 1,300 teachers, school district 
employees, friends and families attended the weeklong 
festival, Feb. 17-24.

“The response was simply overwhelming, that’s the only 
word for it,” said Fred Bonn, director of the 
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We doubled 
our target attendance and surpassed our highest 
projections by 30 percent. It was such a success, we’re 
definitely making Winter Recess an annual event.”

Preliminary reporting shows 1,304 guests attended Winter 
Recess, including 591 educators and 713 family members. 
The event attracted 724 out-of-county attendees, injecting 
an estimated $75,000 into the local economy. Area hotels, 
inns and B&Bs reported 308 Winter Recess guests, leading 
to record-breaking February occupancy at several 
properties. Visitors came from all areas of New York and 
several outlying states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and Vermont.

“The economic impact is fabulous, but that’s only part of 
the story,” Bonn said. “Roughly 40 percent of attendees 
are residents of Tompkins County. Local teachers really 
enjoyed this event and that was a goal of ours. When 
tourism benefits locals as much as visitors, everyone 
wins.”

Winter Recess included more than 75 scheduled events at 41 
locations around the community. Most events were free and 
open to the public. Educators and their guests qualified 
for discounted lodging, dining, shopping and activities at 
more than 55 local businesses.

“The community really embraced this celebration,” Bonn 
said. “Local businesses, event organizers and educational 
institutions deserve tremendous praise for getting 
involved. We can’t thank them enough.”

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a division of the 
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. "It was especially 
gratifying to see many local businesses benefit from this 
festival and to hear from visitors how much they enjoyed 
shopping at the retail and service businesses in our 
community" said Jean McPheeters, the president of the 
Chamber.

Coinciding with the statewide February public school 
break, Winter Recess saluted the work of educators while 
promoting the surprising variety of activities available 
on Ithaca’s diverse winter calendar. The festival website, 
IthacaLovesTeachers.com, recorded more than 42,000 page 
views before and during the event.

Less than a half-day’s drive from everywhere in New York, 
Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes getaway. Travel and lodging 
information is available at VisitIthaca.com, or (800) 284-
8422.

—30—

Ithaca is rolling the dice this winter on an unusual 
celebration for an improbable group of VIPs. The Finger 
Lakes community is pooling its resources and betting on a 
first-ever festival honoring New York State public school 
teachers.

Ithaca’s “Winter Recess,” Feb. 17-24, offers the state’s 
pre-K-12 teachers and their guests a discounted week of 
outdoor recreation, indoor relaxation and entertaining 
education. Held during the statewide February school 
break, Winter Recess takes all Ithaca’s assets: its 
attractions, theaters, spas, shops, restaurants, clubs and 
inns—adds the brainpower of Cornell University, Ithaca 
College and Tompkins Cortland Community College—and puts 
it on sale for a teacher-friendly week of mental and 
physical rejuvenation. The celebration allows teachers a 
chance to relax, refresh and renew among friends at what 
may be the nation’s first statewide teachers festival.

“We’ve looked, and can’t find a city anywhere that’s tried 
this before,” said Fred Bonn, director of the Ithaca 
Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s risky 
committing your entire town to a celebration of teaching, 
but we feel strongly about this. Ithaca is built on 
education. It’s our industry. With this event, we’re 
coming together as a community to acknowledge teachers 
across the state and say, thanks—we get it.”

The weeklong celebration offers a packed calendar of 
family events, headline concerts, theater performances, 
winter recreation, winery tours and more. Most events are 
free or steeply discounted for visiting educators. Among 
the notable speakers and performers:

•	Louis Sachar, author of the Newbery Medal-
winning “Holes”
•	Bluegrass artists Rani Arbo and Jerry Douglas
•	Comedian and Tonight Show regular Jeff Dunham
•	Renowned concert violinist Leila Josefowicz
•	From the PBS Nova series, “The Elegant Universe,” 
physicist Sylvester James Gates

Area lodges are providing affordable accommodations during 
the event with teacher rates ranging from $45 per night 
for economy motels to $99 per night for luxury, four-star 
inns. In addition, area restaurants and retail shops are 
offering significant teacher discounts throughout the 
week. The discount programs are available to all public 
school teachers, district employees and their guests. 
Union membership, school IDs or letters of employment are 
required at check in. Details will be posted Thanksgiving 
weekend at IthacaLovesTeachers.com.

Less than a half-day’s drive from everywhere in New York, 
Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes getaway. Travel and lodging 
information is available at VisitIthaca.com, or 800-284-
8422.

Cayuga Lake's east shore is hopping in October as four 
unique agricultural enterprises join forces in their third 
annual Fall Family Weekend, Oct. 14-15.

Bakers Acres, Indian Chimney Farm, King Ferry Winery and 
the Plantsmen Nursery offer a diverse range of events and 
activities to entertain and delight people of all ages.

Bakers Acres will host its annual Apple Fest, Oct. 14.  
Activities include horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, 
mouth watering chicken barbeque, apple cider, apple 
donuts, apple pies and apples to bring home.

Indian Chimney Farm, a unique small farm, offers an open 
house, Saturday and Sunday, featuring alpacas, horses, and 
other farm animals.  The Alpaca Gift Shop offers luxurious 
handcrafted alpaca products and gift items for everyone on 
your list.  Hand-spinning demonstrations, live eagles and 
hawks from Cornell, and other activities will entertain 
the children while the parents relax in the idyllic 
setting.  An antique farm tools museum and horse and pony 
rides by Patchwork Therapeutic Riding Center add interest 
for all ages.

King Ferry Winery is showcasing free tastings of their 
award-winning Treleaven wines on Saturday and Sunday. On 
Saturday, an ice cream truck from Cayuga Lake Creamery 
will delight the child in everyone.  On Sunday the winery 
adds brick oven flat breads, desserts and a live band.

The Plantsmen Nursery is opening up their beautiful 
gardens to the public.  Plan to enjoy the fall colors of 
their woods, fields, ponds, and wetlands.  Unique garden 
art, refreshments, live music, and a children’s play area 
will bring joy to all.  An end-of-year 25% off sale will 
ensure everyone goes home with a special treasure for 
their gardens.

For information and directions, call 607-280-2010, or 
visit our website at: www.FallFamilyWeekend.com

Ithaca, N.Y.—Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but on 
the new Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, great scenery is 
official. Just read the signs.

Celebrating its official opening Sept. 14, the newly 
designated scenic route circles the longest of New York’s 
Finger Lakes. Running from Seneca Falls in the north to 
Ithaca in the south, the 87-mile route forms one of the 
nation’s few true loop byways. It’s the only one to mix 
wine country ambience with towering waterfalls, deep 
gorges and ocean-like views. Together, it forms New York’s 
finest new fall foliage drive.

“Cayuga Lake is rich in history, scenery and activities,” 
said Trish Riter, chairperson, of the Cayuga Lake Scenic 
Byway board. “Being off the Interstate system, it’s been 
something of a hidden gem for years. Now, by earning a 
designation as one of New York’s official scenic routes, 
we’re sharing this treasure with the rest of the world.”

The byway links four state parks, a National Wildlife 
Refuge, 19 wineries and numerous lakeside villages, shops, 
restaurants and family activities. A highlight of the 
drive is Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall in the 
Northeast. At 215 feet, it’s three stories taller than 
Niagara. The variety makes the byway an ideal destination 
for an autumn escape into the lush Finger Lakes region.

The scenic designation process took a decade to complete 
and required the work of three county governments, several 
state agencies and a tireless committee of volunteers. To 
earn the designation, byway proponents had to undergo a 
lengthy nomination and approval process that included 
detailed surveys of scenic, historic, cultural, natura, 
and archaeological significance, along with thorough 
studies of environmental and economic impacts. The 
nomination was approved by the state in 2001, a not-for-
profit byway management board was established in 2002 and 
signs marking the route were installed this summer. 
Statewide, there are more than 70 scenic byways, roads and 
parkways.

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is managed by Cayuga Lake 
Scenic Byway, Inc., a not-for-profit organization 
dedicated to supporting, enhancing and promoting 
sustainable economic growth along the byway corridor. 
Information is available online at www.CayugaLake.com.

Less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the metro 
Northeast, Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes getaway. Travel and lodging 
information is available at VisitIthaca.com or 800-284-
8422.

Ithaca, N.Y. (June 26, 2006)—Visitors to Ithaca, the 
birthplace of the ice cream sundae, will get a cool treat 
from the sweltering heat this July. To Celebrate National 
Ice Cream Month, Ithaca restaurants will offer 
complimentary Purity Ice Cream sundaes, the area’s 
signature brand, on Sundays in July. The sweet offer is 
valid with purchase of any entrée at participating Ithaca 
restaurants serving Purity Ice Cream.

Though several cities claim to be the birthplace of the 
ice cream sundae, Ithaca has the oldest documented proof. 
An Ithaca Journal ad dated May 28, 1892 describes 
the “Sunday” as a new treat. Later articles detail its 
creation in Ithaca “on a whim” one hot Sunday afternoon in 
April 1892. After the day’s sermon, local pastor John M. 
Scott and parishioner Chester Platt, took two dishes of 
ice cream, splashed a candied cherry on top and covered 
the entire dessert with cherry syrup—making Ithaca the 
true birthplace of one of America’s favorite summertime 
treats.

Purity Ice Cream, the Pride of the Finger Lakes, was first 
produced in Ithaca1936 when Leo Guentert opened his shop 
on First Street. Over the ensuing 70 years, Purity’s 
unmatched quality and taste turned it into a regional 
favorite, tickling the taste buds of Central New Yorkers 
with flavors like Finger Lakes Tourist, Bulldog Crunch, 
and Boomberry, along with traditional varieties.

Less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the metro 
Northeast, Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes wine country getaway. Travel and 
lodging information is available at VisitIthaca.Com, or 
800-284-8422.

Participating Restaurants:

Antlers Restaurant
The Boatyard Grill
Joe’s Restaurant
Juna's Café
Kilpatrick’s Publick House
Lost Dog Cafe
Madeline’s Restaurant
Maxie's Supper Club
Olivia

—30—

Washington, D.C.—Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine 
made official what most Ithacans already know. This is one 
smart place to live.

In its June, 2006, issue, Kiplinger’s ranked Ithaca eighth 
in its list of America’s 50 smartest places to live. 
Ithaca was the smallest city in the top 10, and the second 
smallest in the top 50.

To determine the ranking, Kiplinger’s polled its readers 
to learn what people valued in a hometown. Fun, vibrancy, 
affordability and quality of life came to the top of the 
list. Kiplinger’s staff crunched the numbers then sent 
reporters into the field. 

Editor Sean O’Neil visited and came away impressed by the 
city’s low unemployment, low housing costs, 
entrepreneurial business climate, great lodging and fine 
restaurants. He also enjoyed Ithaca’s quirky character, 
calling it an “Ivy League outpost” full of great food, 
beautiful scenery, all-American looks and counterculture 
politics.

Ithaca beat out a number of comparable college towns 
including Iowa City, Iowa (10), State College, Pa. (19), 
Ann Arbor, Mich. (25), and Burlington, Vt. (48). To read 
more, pick up a copy of the June 2006 issue, or visit 
www.kiplinger.com/personalfinance.

This is the latest of many accolades Ithaca has earned in 
the national press. Earlier this year, “Relocate-America” 
named Ithaca one of America’s top-five relocation cities. 
In March, 2005, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Ithaca 
one of America’s best places to retire. In 2004, “Cities 
Ranked & Rated” honored Ithaca as America’s best emerging 
city. Ithaca has also been hailed as the best healthy city 
in the Northeast (Organic Style magazine, 2003), a top-
five mountain biking town (Bike magazine, 2002), and 
America’s most enlightened city (Utne Reader, 1997).

Located less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the 
metro Northeast, Ithaca is a progressive community 
renowned for breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding 
recreation and world-class thinking. Home to Cornell 
University and Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, 
fine lodging and abundance of top-quality restaurants make 
it an ideal base for any Finger Lakes wine country getaway.

Contact:
Bruce Stoff
Marketing Communications Manager
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau
(607) 272-1313
Bruce@visitithaca.com

Ithaca, N.Y.--Visitors to Ithaca can step through time 
this summer, and all they’ll need is a pair of walking 
shoes and a collectible souvenir slide viewer called a 
HistoryCam.

The palm-sized viewer holds a dozen historical images of 
downtown Ithaca. These are choreographed in a half-mile 
walking tour that matches modern streetscapes with 
identical views from earlier centuries. The antique scenes 
are rich with local landmarks, but it’s the images and 
stories behind them that make the HistoryCam tour 
remarkable.

“It’s not your average walking tour,” said Judy Dietz, 
community liaison at The History Center in Tompkins County 
and HistoryCam creator. “One minute you’re walking in the 
present, then you click the HistoryCam, and you’re seeing 
crowds of people on the same street corner a century ago. 
It’s literally time travel at your fingertips.”

Instead of opting for a trendy portable digital platform, 
Ithaca’s program is intentionally low tech. The retro-
style slide viewer and companion booklet are reminiscent 
of historical souvenirs from a bygone age of American 
kitsch.

“This is all about having fun, getting outside, and 
learning something in the process,” Dietz said. “It’s 
simple by design so that visitors can take home a memory 
of Ithaca that’s a little unexpected.”

The History Center designed the tour in part to showcase 
its renowned historical image collection. The center’s 
archives contain more than 100,000 photographs that 
chronicle the community’s history over 150 years. From 
Ithaca’s silent film industry to trolleys, trains and 
steamboats, the vast collection is free to explore at The 
History Center’s Research Library.

HistoryCams are available throughout Ithaca in hotels, 
B&Bs, gift shops, visitor information centers and at The 
History Center. Proceeds benefit the History Center. For 
more information, visit www.TheHistoryCenter.net. 

Less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the metro 
Northeast, Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for 
breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and 
world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and 
Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and 
abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base 
for any Finger Lakes wine country getaway. For trip-
planning information, contact the Ithaca/Tompkins 
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-28-ITHACA, or 
VisitIthaca.com.

Contact:
Bruce Stoff
Marketing Communications Manager
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau
(607) 272-1313
Bruce@visitithaca.com

Ithaca, N.Y.—Rembrandt Ripple ice cream, 17th Century lute 
music, period poetry and 1,000 tulips; it’s Rembrandt’s 
birthday and Ithaca is going Dutch.

Music, art, and ice cream are among the highlights this 
spring as Cornell University and surrounding Ithaca 
celebrate the opening of "Rembrandt at 400,” a surprising 
new exhibit at Cornell’s Johnson Museum of Art. Running 
April 1-June 18, the show offers a glimpse into the 
artist’s least well-known works—his etchings.

Rembrandt created close to 300 etchings in his lifetime, 
using them to pay for the exquisitely detailed oils he’s 
famous for today. Etchings printed during his life are 
rare, and several in the exhibit are on museum display for 
the first time.

“We’re showcasing a facet of Rembrandt’s work that you 
rarely see, and doing it in a way that’s definitely not 
stuffy,” said Frank Robinson, Johnson Museum director and 
exhibit curator. “We’ve created an exhibit that’s as 
entertaining as it is informative.”

Entertainment takes center stage, May 7, when the museum 
hosts a free Rembrandt birthday party, complete with Dutch 
chocolate cake and “Rembrandt Ripple” ice cream. Created 
for the event by the award-winning Cornell Dairy, the 
signature flavor is an unforgettable blend of French 
vanilla ice cream, sweet cherry swirl and rich dark-
chocolate chunks.

Other highlights include costumed appearances by Rembrandt 
and his wife Saskia, performances of 17th Century Dutch 
music and exhibit tours by Robinson, a noted Rembrandt 
scholar. Visiting gardeners will also enjoy expert 
presentations on Dutch tulips, followed by tours of the 
Johnson gardens where more than 1,000 hybrid Rembrandt 
Tulips were planted for the celebration.

Studios along Ithaca’s Art Trail are offering private 
studio visits with local artists, and Ithaca’s kid-
friendly Sciencenter is presenting hands-on demonstrations 
in the science of analyzing and restoring great works of 
art. Area inns are involved as well with numerous 
Rembrandt birthday packages. Lodging information is 
available at VisitIthaca.com.

Cornell’s Johnson Museum is a spectacular I.M. Pei-
designed facility overlooking Cayuga Lake. Its world-
renowned collection fills six floors. Information is 
available at www.museum.cornell.edu.

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, less than a 
day’s drive from everywhere in the metro Northeast, Ithaca 
is a progressive community renowned for breathtaking gorge 
waterfalls, outstanding recreation and world-class 
thinking. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, 
the city is famous for its shops, cultural amenities and 
overabundance of top-quality restaurants. With 76 lodges, 
more than 80 nearby wineries, three state parks and a busy 
festival schedule, Ithaca is an ideal base for any Finger 
Lakes vacation. For trip-planning information, contact the 
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-28-
ITHACA, or VisitIthaca.com.

Contact:
Bruce Stoff
Marketing Communications Manager
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau
(607) 272-1313
Bruce@visitithaca.com

Ithaca, N.Y. — You say you want an evolution? You’ll find 
it in Ithaca, Feb 9-13, as the community celebrates the 
birth of Charles Darwin.

Leading scientists, researchers and scholars from Cornell 
University, the Paleontological Research Institution’s 
Museum of the Earth and Ithaca College collaborated on 
Ithaca’s Darwin Day Weekend events, honoring the 
scientific legacy of a man who remains controversial 150 
years after the publication of his work, “Origin of the 
Species.”

“Judging by the recent debate over ‘intelligent design,’ 
Charles Darwin and the science he represents remain 
misunderstood even today,” said Warren Allmon, director of 
the Paleontological Research Institution and adjunct 
associate professor at Cornell. "By collaborating on this 
celebration we are trying to educate the public about 
evolution and why it matters."

Darwin Day Weekend events range from hard science, to 
family fun, to film screenings. Researchers and armchair 
scientists are invited to panel discussions on 
evolutionary biology. Families can explore evolution at 
the Museum of the Earth in hands-on games and 
demonstrations comparing real fossils and living animals. 
Science educators can find tools for positive discourse in 
a lecture on evolution and creationism in the public 
schools. And filmgoers will enjoy screenings that include 
a debut documentary on intelligent design, along with a 
showing of the 1960 courtroom classic, “Inherit the Wind.”
For schedules, visit www.museumoftheearth.org.

Area hotels and B&Bs are supporting the event with Darwin 
Day Weekend packages that include free event admission, 
guided tours, and complimentary commemorative items. 
Details are available at VisitIthaca.com.

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, less than a 
day’s drive from everywhere in the metro Northeast, Ithaca 
is a progressive community renowned for breathtaking gorge 
waterfalls, outstanding recreation, and world-class 
thinking. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, 
it was recently named America’s number-one emerging city 
by "Cities Ranked and Rated." As the designated tourism 
promotion agency for Ithaca and surrounding Tompkins 
County, the Ithaca/Tompkins CVB provides information on 
area lodging, dining and activities to more than 1 million 
travelers annually.

Contact:
Bruce Stoff, Marketing Communications Mgr.
Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau
(607) 272-1313
Bruce@VisitIthaca.com


—30—

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Christopher Grant
Phone: 607-280-2010
Email: Chris@IndianChimneyFarm.com

Four area attractions host ‘Christmas on Cayuga’s East 
Shore’

Lansing, NY – November 14, 2005
Indian Chimney Farm, Creations By Carol, Cleveland 
Antiques, and Country Antiques at Bakers Acres, all 
located near the East Shore of Cayuga Lake, announce a 
collective ‘Open House’ at their lovely gift shops 
November 25 and 26 from 10am to 4pm.

Spend a lovely afternoon the day after Thanksgiving with 
your family touring these attractions.  All four offer 
unique and memorable gifts items that are handmade in the 
USA.  Complimentary refreshments offered at each stop.

Indian Chimney Farm   404 Conlon Road. Lansing, NY - 607-
533-8866
Enjoy a unique small farm experience and take home a 
special gift with a story.
Visit this breathtaking alpaca and agritourism farm to 
meet the alpacas, horses, and a new llama named Chip.  
Browse the expanded Alpaca Gift Shop, offering a huge 
variety of luxurious alpaca apparel at great prices, take 
stroll on the Community Tree Walk along the gorge or check 
out the demonstrations and exhibits in the barn.

Creations by Carol  59 Emmons Road, Lansing,  NY-607-533-
7160
	Creations by Carol is an abundant gift shop in a 
scenic farm setting.  Unique dried floral arrangements, 
fresh boxwood trees and centerpieces for the Holidays, 
eucalyptus wreaths, salal wreaths, Holiday decorations and 
other gift items. Professionally designed using 
perennials, annuals, herbs and grains grown on our farm. 
Custom orders welcome.

Cleveland's Antiques 
Corner of Sherwood Rd and Rte 34B, Aurora, NY - 315-364-
7266
Some antique Christmas thoughts:  sterling silver, 
primitives, linens, quilts, flow blue, picture frames, 
pictures and jewelry.

Country Antique's at Baker's Acres
1114 Auburn Road (Route 34), North Lansing, NY - 607-533-
9110
Country Antiques, Dance Hall Antiques in the lodge at 
Baker's Acres. 
This multi dealer shop features a large selection of 
antique furniture, glass, accessory antiques and 
collectible items. 
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

END

Book Lovers’ Paradise

The 2005 Fall Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held
at 509 Esty Street in Ithaca from October 8th through
October 17th and October 22nd through October 24th. 

This sale is one of the largest in the USA, with over
one-quarter of a million items for all ages including
hardcover and paperback books, records, videos, CDs, DVDs,
audio books, computer games, computer software, cassettes,
comic books, graphic novels, role-playing games, maps,
posters, pamphlets, patterns, posters, sheet music, puzzles,
games, and select magazines. 

Items are arranged in nearly 80 categories. We have added
several new categories this year including inspirational
fiction, military fiction, role-playing games, and posters.
Maps will be available as you enter.

Prices are based on 4 categories, and each day some prices
decrease. On opening day, items are between $4.50 and $1.00.
Some prices decreasing daily. Check our web site
(www.booksale.org) for a description of the categories.

This year we have a huge selection of art books, many with
beautiful color plates. We also have a wide selection of
photography and architecture books. Since not all books can
be displayed on opening day, books continue to come out of
storage during the sale. When all books are out of storage,
a sign is posted in that section. So, you may want to make
several trips.

We have a special room, called Collector’s Corner, where
special books can be found. They are individually priced.
Most are about, although some rare books may be more.

On opening day there is a limit of 50 items per purchase. 

The sale will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all days with
the exception of opening day (October 8 when the hours are 8
a.m. to 8 p.m.) and the last day (October 24, commonly
called bag day, when the hours are 12.00 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

On Tuesday, October 18, 2005 we will be open from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. for people over 60 years of age or anyone with
a handicap that makes shopping amid crowds problematic. 

On Tuesday, October 25, 2005 we are open from 3:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. for any not-for-profit organization, teachers, and
home schoolers; anyone entering the building that day must
bring a letter on their organization’s letterhead stating
for whom they are selecting items. We ask that people bring
their own bags or boxes with them. Any books taken at this
time may not be re-donated to the sale.
END

Contact: 
Carrie Shearer
Email: cshearer@twcny.rr.com

Contact:  Debra Manter, Director of Marketing & PR, La 
Tourelle Resort & Spa
607-330-2851

East Meets West At La Tourelle Resort & Spa 
With August Moon Spa Debut

4,500 Square-Foot Spa Fuses Asian Therapies 
With Modern Western Knowledge & Technology



Ithaca, NY –October 20, 2005 – La Tourelle Resort & Spa, 
located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, announces 
the grand opening of August Moon Spa, a fusion of East 
meets West, on October 23.  With the opening of August 
Moon Spa, the addition of 19 guest rooms to the resort, 
the opening of Le Petit Café and the opening of a new 
Adventure Center, La Tourelle Resort & Spa is now the only 
luxurious Resort & Spa in the Finger Lakes Region that 
offers personalized spa treatments, culture and adventure 
experiences; and a New York quality steakhouse all located 
on the same beautiful property.  

A thoughtful blending of traditional Asian therapies with 
modern Western knowledge and technologies, the August Moon 
Spa is a haven for the senses.  The Asian touches are felt 
from the moment guests enter the spa from the Asian-themed 
décor at the entrance to the black slate tiles, maple wood 
floors and shogi screens.  Continuing the Eastern feel, 
all guests will slip into a kimono before their treatment 
and have the opportunity to relax in one of two 
Tranquility Rooms boasting either a waterfall or 
fireplace.   

The August Moon Spa offers seven treatments rooms, half of 
which feature private Jacuzzis, and boast amenities to 
accommodate couples, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, skin care 
and a Vichy Shower.  The August Moon Spa also has men and 
women’s locker rooms each offering a steam room, a sauna, 
showers and changing areas.  A hair and nail salon, 
fitness room and boutique are also located in the August 
Moon Spa.

All treatments at the August Moon Spa feature high quality 
products such as the popular Jurlique and B. Kamins lines 
in addition to organic and locally produced ingredients 
such as maple sugar and honey (from the renowned Finger 
Lake wineries).  Signature treatments include the Sushi 
Wrap ($105 for 50-minutes), the Buttermilk Falls 
Experience ($105 for 50-minutes), Five Elements “Aroma” 
ssage ($100 for 50-minutes) and the Ying-Yang Facial ($95 
for 50-minutes). 

The new guestrooms at La Tourelle Resort & Spa will boast 
a fireplace, Jacuzzi and balcony overlooking the 
spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.  The 
resort’s new Le Petit Café will be located just off the 
lobby and will feature a breakfast buffet and a light 
healthy lunch and early dinner menu.  

For further information call (607) 273-2734 or visit 
www.augustmoonspa.com.  For hotel information and 
reservations visit www.latourelle.com or call 
607-273-2734 or 1-800-765-1492.  August Moon Spa is open 
daily from 
8 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Set on 70 acres of countryside only four miles south of 
the city of Ithaca, La Tourelle Resort & Spa is a French-
styled inn featuring 54 guest rooms.  All accommodations 
include a plush feather bed; a cable television; a 
refrigerator; high-speed Internet access; a iron and an 
ironing board; a hairdryer; coffee maker, dual-lined 
telephone; an AM/FM alarm clock radio; and a desk and 
chair set with task lights.  Located next to the hotel is 
one of Ithaca’s best restaurants, John Thomas Steakhouse, 
which specializes in prime ‘dry-aged’ beef and serves up 
an array of fresh seafood.  La Tourelle Resort & Spa 
offers a ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests 
and is ideal for banquets, meetings, retreats and special 
occasions.  The adjacent canopied flagstone patio is 
perfect for outdoor functions.  The Augusts Moon Spa 
encompasses seven treatment rooms including one with a 
Vichy shower full service salon and fitness center.  The 
recent renovation also included the addition of nineteen 
lavish guest rooms featuring spectacular views of the 
surrounding countryside.  The Adventure Center at La 
Tourelle arranges customized itineraries for guests who 
seek to embark on Ithaca’s many adventures.   La Tourelle 
Resort & Spa is just a 3 ½ hour drive from NYC and 1 ½ 
hours from Scranton. 

###


 

 

September 7, 2005

September 11th Art Route – Presented by Cayuga Lake’s East
Shore Merchants

Ithaca, NY—Merchants and More on Cayuga’s East Shore in New
York’s Finger Lakes region presents The Art Route, Sunday,
September 11, 2005

Five members of Merchants and More on Cayuga’s East Shore;
businesses along Cayuga Lake’s 42 mile long eastern shore,
are participating in 2005’s Art Route featuring works by
local artists in five different venues along the trail.
Merchants participating include the East Shore Coffee House,
The Federal House Bed and Breakfast, King Ferry Winery, King
Ferry Hotel, and Long Point Winery. 

East Shore Coffee House located next to Rogue’s Harbor at
2075 East Shore Dr. will be featuring oil paintings by
Jeremy Kirchgraber. The coffee house is open from
7a.m.-4p.m. and is having a coffee special of buy one
espresso, get another half price.

The Federal House Bed and Breakfast, located at 175
Ludlowville Road in Lansing will feature several artists at
the event from 12p.m.-4p.m. Caroline Spellman will show her
paper filigree artwork with demonstrations of the techniques
of quilling.  Quilling is a craft that has been practiced
since the Renaissance.  Narrow strips of paper are rolled
into coils, shaped and glued into place.  
At the height of its popularity, in the Victorian Era,
quilling was a way for ladies of leisure to amuse
themselves.  Patterns were published in women's magazines of
the day, and decorating tea caddies was a common use for
quilling.  
“While I continue to do some pieces in the tradition of
those Victorian ladies, I am attempting to elevate quilling
to a new level of artistry with my illustrations of birds
and fish.” says Spellman.  Caroline will have both
Victorian-inspired and wildlife art on display.
Also at the Federal House, weather permitting, Cuba Ray will
be painting in the garden and will have a variety of works
in oils, pen and ink, and watercolor on display. 
Matthew Binkewicz will have his photos of Cayuga Lake and
Ludlowville Falls for sale, and Katrina Binkewicz will be
showing mixed media works. Light refreshments and Bed and
Breakfast baked specialties will be available.

King Ferry Winery at 658 Lake Rd. will be showing fine art
photography by Susan Nerberg next to their tasting room
where their fine wines can be sampled from 12p.m.-5p.m.

Further along the trail at 1847 State Route 90N, King Ferry
Hotel will be showing the popular nautical woodcarvings of
Lawrence Sansoucie.

Long Point Winery at 1485 Lake Road in Aurora will be
featuring photographs by Carl Markowicz along with their
fine wines available for tasting from 12p.m.-5p.m. 
For a full list of merchants and upcoming events visit
www.CayugasEastShore.com

###

For more information Contact: 
Heather Weber
PR & Communications Manager
Ithaca/ Tompkins County 
Convention & Visitors Bureau
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Heather@VisitIthaca.com
Phone:  M-F 8-4p.m. 607-272-1313
Cell: 607-592-1787
www.VisitIthaca.com

NEWS RELEASE

Media contact: Amy Naim 607.273.6623 ext. 26
                           naim@museumoftheearth.org


Life-size bronze Coelophysis sculpture to be unveiled at the
Museum of the Earth at PRI

Ithaca, NY - On September 24, an ancient, but permanent
fixture will be unveiled at the Museum of the Earth; a
life-size bronze sculpture of the mascot and logo of the
Museum, the dinosaur Coelophysis.
 
Created by acclaimed Brazilian sculptor Yure Berkeley Lima
de Alencar and generously funded by PRI Trustee Peter
Stifel, the 10ft. long, about 1,000 pound sculpture will sit
on a 4-ton block of brownstone that will serve as its base,
and reside on the plaza of the Museum. 
 
A chance to meet the artist will take place on Saturday,
September 24th at noon at the Museum as part of the Natural
History at Noon series, where the entire sculpture-making
and casting process will be presented, and will be followed
by a brief unveiling ceremony.

The Coelophysis is the only dinosaur represented by fossils
found in New York State, thus making it a symbol of the
Earth’s history in our own backyard!  
 
For more information or to attend this free talk, please see
our website: www.museumoftheearth.org or call 607.273.6623
ext. 22
The Museum of the Earth is located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd
(rt. 96) in Ithaca.


END

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Christopher Grant
Phone: 607-280-2010
Email: Chris@IndianChimneyFarm.com
Website: www.FallFamilyWeekend.com

Three Finger Lakes Attractions Create Exciting Event for
Entire Family

Lansing, NY - September 19, 2004
Bakers Acres, Indian Chimney Farm, and King Ferry Winery
offer two days of events and activities for everyone in the
family in their second annual Fall Family Weekend.

On October 8 and 9, 2005, all three attractions offer a
diverse range of events and activities to entertain and
delight people of all ages.

Bakers Acres will host their annual Apple Fest on Saturday,
October 8th. Horse drawn wagon rides, mouth watering chicken
barbeque, apple cider, apple donuts, apple pies and apples
to bring home are just the beginning.  The Antique Shop and
Kendra's Garden room offer shopping opportunities for
everyone.  Activities and attractions include: Jack Flick's
Petting Zoo, Cayuga Nature's Reptiles, Story Reading by
Susan Rosenkoetter, Cheryl the Clown, and the SPCA from
Cortland.

Indian Chimney Farm will host an open house at their
Agritourism farm on Saturday and Sunday.  This unique small
farm features alpacas, horses, and other farm animals.  The
Alpaca Gift Shop offers luxurious handcrafted alpaca
products and gift items for everyone on your list. 
Storytelling, face painting, and other activities will
entertain the children while the parents relax in the
idyllic setting.  An antique farm tools museum and daily
nature hike with the Finger Lakes Land Trust round out their
offerings.  The second annual Alpaca 5K and fun run start
the day on Sunday, at 9am.

King Ferry Winery is showcasing free tastings of their
award-winning wines on Saturday and Sunday.  Kevin English
brings his Lite 97 radio remote to the winery on Saturday,
along with an ice cream truck sure to delight the child in
everyone.  On Sunday the winery adds a chicken barbeque and
free live music to entertain and feed the many folks who
make this event part of their fall.

Each attraction offers free admission and parking.  As the
businesses are within a short drive of each other, families
can journey between them to learn about many aspects of
agriculture, from fancy wines to friendly horses, antique
farm tools to tasty local apples.  

Bakers Acres is located on Route 34 in North Lansing, NY. 
(607) 533-4653

Indian Chimney Farm is located at 404 Conlon Rd, in Lansing,
NY.  (607) 533-8866

King Ferry Winery is located just off route 34B on Lake Rd.
in King Ferry, NY. (800) 439-5271

For more information, call 607-280-2010, or visit our
website at: www.FallFamilyWeekend.com

END

Contact: Lynn Usack, Publicist, 607-962-9417,
usack@corning-cc.edu 


Eleven Galleries open new shows on Gallery Night of Ithaca,
September 9th, 2005
Gallery Night of Ithaca opens the Fall 2005 showcase on
Friday, September 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with new
exhibits and receptions in eleven downtown galleries, all
located within easy walking distance of each other. The
evening promises to be an exciting opportunity for all art
lovers to see eclectic selections representing local,
national, and international artists while enjoying Ithaca’s
vibrant downtown. For this coming Gallery Night there will
be three group shows, seven solo shows, and a dual exhibit
by two local photographers. In addition, there will be a
free drawing for a $100 gift certificate good towards a
purchase in any of the participating galleries; watch for
other special discounts available that night. Information
will be available at each of the galleries and on the Web at
www.ink-shop.org. 

Beginning at the Community School of Music and Arts, located
at 330 E. State Street, gallery visitors can enjoy new work
by featured faculty artist Annemarie Zwack, as inspired by
ancient Mesopotamian art, in her exhibit entitled “Where the
Wheel was Born”.  Her quilt paintings and fabric art reflect
on Iraq's history and present stories.  Walking west on
State Street and crossing over Aurora Street, visitors will
enter the Ithaca Commons. At 222 The Commons, The Titus
Gallery will be presenting a vibrant exhibit of pastels,
entitled “Plein-air Pastels” by Patricia Young, inspired by
trips along the Eastern US and in Europe.

Further down, at 156 The Commons, Shangri-La Gifts will host
a rare exhibit by renowned papyrus artist Said of the Delta
Papyrus Center, Egypt, entitled “Shadows of Pharoah”, an
exhibit of gouache paintings that includes information about
the papyrus-making process. Continuing west through the
Commons, visitors will come to Spirit and Kitsch Gallery, at
148 The Commons, which will be featuring a collection of
hand-built pots entitled “Spirit Pots”, by artist Pamela
Goddard, who uses an ancient technique from naturally
colored clay in diverse colors of the earth.

Leaving the Commons and crossing Cayuga Street, visitors can
slip into Handwork Gallery, 102 West State Street, to see
photographs of local scenes by Handwork members Richard
Welch and Harriet Sutherland in their show entitled,
“Photography of the Eastern Seaboard and the Southwest”,
which includes most of the waterfalls in the area. On the
second floor of the same building, The Ink Shop Printmaking
Center will showcase Ink Shop member Craig Mains’ unique
monotype collages and stenciled forms depicting destruction
and mishap in his solo show entitled “Calamity: Vehicles,
Dwellings and Structures”.

Less than half a block to the west, The State of the Art
Gallery at 120 W. State Street is excited to host a group
exhibit of current and recent Cornell MFA graduate students,
showcasing works in a wide range of media. Traveling north
on Cayuga Street, gallery visitors will come to Ithaca
Gallery on 112 North Cayuga Street, a new gallery
participating in their first Gallery Night event. There,
visitors can indulge in a visual feast of flora and fauna by
the local chapter of the Guild of Natural Science
Illustrators Finger Lakes in their first annual group
exhibit. Nearby at 116 N. Cayuga Street is the Clinton House
ArtSpace featuring artist Mark Iwinski’s large woodblock
prints created by printing directly on the end-grain of
ancient elms and other old growth stumps.
 
Diagonally across from the Clinton House at 215 N. Cayuga
Street, the DeWitt Mall houses the remaining two galleries
on the walking tour. Sola Gallery, on the first floor, will
feature Barbara Mink’s lyrical paintings in her solo exhibit
entitled, “Tables and Tableaux”, capturing a colorful range
of subjects from interiors and still-lifes to faraway skies.
On the second floor of the same building, The Upstairs
Gallery opens their 42nd season with a diverse invitational
representing over 50 artists, entitled “Ithaca Artists
2005”, with works as varied as the artists themselves.

Gallery Night of Ithaca is the collective endeavor of the
participating galleries, supported by grants from the
Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County/NYS Council on
the Arts Decentralization Program and the Constance
Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts.
-30-

 

July 27, 2005

Ribbon Cut and Doors Open to New Hilton Garden Hotel
and Cornell University Office Space

Ithaca, NY—The Ribbon was cut as eager community members
entered Seneca Place on Tuesday, a 9 story mixed use
facility housing Cornell University Office Space, as well as
the 104-room Hilton Garden Inn, the newest brand of Hilton
Hotels. This facility now graces the downtown streets of
Ithaca, New York. The building sits steps away from the
downtown Ithaca Commons marketplace, one of American’s
vibrant and historic pedestrian shopping malls. 
Seneca Place will not only bring the vibrancy of 300 Cornell
University employees to the downtown streets, but with 104
new tower guest rooms occupying the Hilton Garden Hotel
scheduled to open August 1st, visitors are faced with more
opportunities for convenient accommodations to explore this
Finger Lakes city and surrounding countryside.
Ithaca is home to Ivy League Cornell University, Ithaca
College, and a diversity of arts, cultural attractions, and
delectable dining including the Moosewood Restaurant which
sits adjacent to the new hotel. Situated at the southern
gateway to the Finger Lakes Region, Ithaca is the perfect
home base for an extended vacation where one can explore the
third largest wine producing region in the country, mountain
bike at some of the top groomed trails in the east or hike
through craggy gorges viewing waterfalls that tower Niagara
Falls. 
The Hilton Garden also offers 1,300 square feet of meeting
and banquet space, offering convenient and upscale options
for meeting planners. 
The Hilton Hotel brings to downtown Ithaca a second
convenient hotel choice to the roster of full service
downtown hotel properties. The Hilton brand touts a
complimentary 24-hour business center, 24-hour pavilion
pantry, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, on site restaurant
and full service American Grill, an is conveniently located
2 miles from Cornell University and 4 miles from Ithaca
College. Most intriguing is the view of Cayuga Lake, the
longest of the eleven Finger Lakes, from the tower rooms
that sit above the city. 
For information contact the Ithaca/ Tompkins County
Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VisitIthaca.com,
800-284-8422. 

###

For more information Contact: 
Heather Weber
PR & Communications Manager
Ithaca/ Tompkins County 
Convention & Visitors Bureau
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Heather@VisitIthaca.com
Phone:  M-F 8-4p.m. 607-272-1313
Cell: 607-592-1787
www.VisitIthaca.com