Ithaca, New York THE TOWN: Yes, we know, "Ithaca is gorges," but there's more to this upstate New York town than its gorges (and pun potential). Home to two major institutions of higher learning—Ithaca College and Cornell University—the city also has plenty of non-college things to do, thanks to its proximity to the Finger Lakes. EAT: Moosewood Restaurant, one of the most famous vegetarian eateries in the U.S., is located in downtown Ithaca. For more casual fare, the Ithaca Bakery has an impressive array of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, made with local ingredients. Beer lovers should hit the Ithaca Brewing Company's tap room, which serves some of the brewery's most popular pints, including the hoppy Flower Power IPA. STAY: The Argos Inn, a brand-new boutique hotel, isn't big—there are only 10 guest rooms. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style, with each room outfitted with luxe linens and thoughtful decor touches (heated floors in the bathroom, Apple TVs in the rooms, etc.). The adjacent bar offers a bevy of cocktails, both historic (the Boulevardier, a daiquiri from Ernest Hemingway's recipe) and modern (a drink named for the artist Peaches combines whiskey, peach liqueur, and lemon juice). PLAY: You'd be remiss if you didn't check out some of the many gorges in the area. They're fed by a series of spectacular waterfalls—some of the best are Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca Falls, and Taughannock Falls. Yearly events at Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall downtown, include the Apple Harvest Festival in the fall, the Chili Cook-Off in the winter, and the Ithaca Festival in the summer. Angry Mom Records, located in the basement of a used bookstore, is a must visit for vinyl fiends; more than 20,000 LPs are in stock at any given time. © Dennis MacDonald / Alamy