Hi there,

From Buffalo/Niagara Falls, you can take the I-90 (toll road) to Rte 89 which takes you down the west side of Cayuga Lake. I am not sure of the exit, but you can look it up on mapquest. There are plenty of wineries and beautiful sights along the way.

If you stay in Ithaca, there are plenty of beautiful inns at the state parks (Taughannock, Buttermilk Falls, etc). I live here, so have not stayed in any, but they look really pretty!

Whenever we go to NYC, we have taken Rte 17 all the way there. It is not too bad of a drive. You can also take I-80 in PA and connect from there. I can't remember the other interstates that you connect to, but you can also mapquest that.

Hope that helps a little!

Ithaca is a good choice; great nature, culture and dining opportunities.

Unfortunately, to take a totally scenic route would require not taking the thruway (I-90) but if you don't take the thruway, it will take alot longer. If time is not a concern, reply back and let me know and I'll offer up some alternate routes.

From I-90, take Exit 41 (Waterloo/Clyde) then take a right (Rt. 414) a very short distance to Rts 5/20. Take a left then a quick right to get on Rt. 89. It is a little over 40 miles. There are several wineries along the way. Since I'm not into wine, I can't offer you much advice there. I do know that the Knapp Winery restaurant is good.

My personal favorite places for natural beauty are Robert Treman State Park (located south of town on Rts 13/327 and Taughannock State Park (located on Rt. 89).

The falls at Taughannock is actually higher than Niagara.

The hike at Robert Treman is the best in the area.

If you are there on the weekend, check out the Farmers' Market on the lake (off of Rt. 13).

My favorite restaurants for dinner are Just a Taste and Maxies Supper Club; for lunch, Lost Dog Cafe and Smart Monkey Cafe. Just a Taste and Maxie's also have good brunch. I also like the Carriage House for breakfast. There are many other great options, though.

As I am a relative resident of the area, I do not have much lodging advice. I did stay once at LaTourelle; it is beautiful but a little pricy.

Drive time to NYC from Ithaca is 5 hours.

Enjoy your visit to NYS!

I think two of the most interesting choices in the Ithaca area for lodging are the McLellan House in Trumansburg and check out logtv.com for their establishment. good luck with your plans.

Jillfern,

Check out Taughannock Farms.

http://www.t-farms.com/

It's in a great location. Very close to the falls...great photo opp.

Many thanks to all of you for taking the trouble to post - we're really looking forward to our holiday

If you enjoy wine, then traveling down to Ithaca via route 89 would be most enjoyable. Not only is the view beautiful but the many wineries along the way offer something for everyone. Enjoy your trip.

Hi, did you get a reply to your Mar 08 e mail? We are going to Vegas, flying from Vegas to JFK, driving around for 10 days, taking car back to Manhattan and having 5 days in NY city. Trouble is will it be too much travelling!!!

How far is it from JFK to Niagra?

How far is it from JFK to Finger Lakes?

How far is it from Finger Lakes to Manhattan?

Hope you had a good time anyhow!

Thanks a lot

lyndabarry@blueyonder.co.uk