Kilpatricks

Sometimes all you want is good tavern food. We stopped into Kilpatricks on Seneca Street in Ithaca and were very pleased.

We went at an off hour for dining and the restaurant was mostly empty, with a few diners sitting in booths. However, we chose a table near the windows so we could people watch while we dined.

We ordered the Golden Claddagh, a pulled pork sandwich, and the Ambler Batter Haddock Sandwich. We both upgraded our sides, so we also received the black and tan onion rings and the Irish Chips.

The pulled pork was very good. Tender, juicy, with just the right amount of sauce that had a perfect smoky barbecue flavor without over powering the meat. The fish sandwich was good - a nice crispy, crunchy breading and the fish was nicely cooked inside.

However, the stars of the meal were the sides. The black and tan onion rings were delicious. They had a lovely onion taste while the flavors of stout and lager beers still seeped through on the breading. They were served with a dipping sauce so smoky, tangy and delicious that I found myself dipping my fish and chips into it as well.

The Irish chips are house fried and then topped with garlic, pecorino cheese and green onions and served with a ranch dipping sauce. These were also fantastic. The combination of fresh garlic and pecorino on top of the thick cut chips was wonderful and addicting. Add the ranch dipping sauce and I couldn't stop myself from eating the whole basket. (YUM!)

Corks and More

After a day of touring wineries around Seneca Lake, there was nothing more we wanted to do than to sit down and enjoy a few dishes at the local wine bar. We stopped into Corks and More, a bit hidden and right on the water in Ithaca, for a light dinner and a few glasses of wine.

The concept was a lot of fun. Diners purchase a reloadable card and use that card to pay for their wine in the machines. Wine is dispensed in a 1 oz., 3 oz. or 5 oz. option, a good way to try a variety of wines without over drinking. Wines varied from sweet to dry and local to South American and Australian.

They also have a full service kitchen with full meals, soups, and tapas. We decided to try a few of the crostinis, which are perfect two-bite creations. We tried the Pan fried prosciutto with mozzarella and basil, brie with apples and onions, Pesto Chicken with Fontina Cheese, and the Sausage and Pumpkin Butter with Sharp Cheddar Cheese. The brie with apples and the sausage and pumpkin butter were, by far, our favorites.

The pre-loaded card for the wine dispensers was also able to be used for food, making it a very convenient way to pay for out of towners.

There is also a full service bar, as well.

Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca

We only spent one night at the Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca, but it was a comfortable stay.  The front desk staff was very friendly, and helpful in giving us some information about Ithaca.  For parking, you need to park across the street in a garage and get your ticket validated by the front desk, but it is free for guests.  The wi-fi speeds are adequate and the room was very clean upon arrival.  You'll also get 2 free bottles of water at their pantry and use of a Keurig coffee machine in your room.  There is also coffee and tea available in the lobby 24/7.  The hotel is also just a 1 minute walk from the Ithaca Commons area, although we found this pedestrian area disappointing as many shops were out of business when we visited.  When staying in Ithaca, we'd recommend this hotel.

Buttermilk Falls

Located within the town limits of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls has plenty of parking and is only a 1 minute walk from the parking lot. The falls themselves look like they are running down a flight of stairs and are a nice sight to see.  There are also some walking trails around the falls area.

Taughannock Falls

The Taughannock Falls, about a 25 minute ride from the center of Ithaca, are definitely worth the trip. The falls are located right next to Cayuga Lake, and it is a quick 2 minute walk, mostly stairs, to the viewing area from the parking lot.  They viewing area was perfectly built to allow for excellent photos and is definitely worth the few minutes spent here.