Goodbye Gray Skies, Hello Sunny Days

As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” For Ithaca, spring pushes out the cloudy gray skies and for the first time in months the brilliant sun peeks out, shining down rays of refreshing warmth. To celebrate the arrival of warm weather, the maintenance crew has planted a colorful array of tulips and daffodils around campus. The grass is green, the sky is blue and the air is filled with adventure that had become lost during the cold winter. Ithaca students are craving to get out and enjoy the spring weather. Luckily, the city of Ithaca has a multitude of places to explore once the weather warms up.

When the first glimpse of sunlight emerges from the grey clouds of winter, you should be sprinting to the gorges. If you have a car on campus take a drive down to Buttermilk falls or Taughannock falls for beautiful sightseeing. The mist of the waterfalls on your face and the rushing sound of the water is a fantastic way to kick off the spring season.

If you are more adventurous, try hiking the nature trail behind Coddington Road. Follow the trail to the left of the playground until you see a broken down wooden fence. Behind that fence is yet another trail, however this one is much more rugged. Take the winding dirt path through the trees and you'll stumble upon Nine Mile Creek. This is the most popular place to swim for college students. The creek splits right down the middle of Ithaca territory and Cornell territory. If you're feeling extra adventurous this is a good location to gorge jump. The water is free of rocks and deep enough for those willing to brave the fifty-foot leap into chilly waters.

Not only is Ithaca "gorges," it is also a great place to experience different cuisines. Whether you are in the mood for Italian, Thai, Mexican or Japanese, the local restaurants in Ithaca can satisfy your taste buds.

Viva Taqueria is a California inspired restaurant where you can get fast, healthy Mexican food. The green, red and white building stands out on the corner of Aurora and State street and the inside décor is just as exuberant and high energy. However, on a beautiful summer day ask for outdoor seating and enjoy your meal under the cool shade of the outside patio. Not only does Viva offer traditional beef and chicken in their dishes, but also caters to the vegetarian and vegan community.

If you’re looking for a more exotic cuisine, Taste of Thai is definitely a go-to place. The tiny restaurant located in the Commons has been rated the number one Thai restaurant for several years in a row. The seating area is comprised of wooden tables and booths within a small room. The walls are painted a deep shade of maroon, with accents of gold scattered throughout. Although Taste of Thai is a quieter restaurant, the menu packs a much louder and spicier punch. It offers a variety of noodles, curries, and rice dishes flavored with aromatic Thai herbs and authentic vegetables such as Thai eggplant and bamboo shoots.

Each and every restaurant within the Commons offers a unique menu with its own specialty. From Thai, sushi and Mexican cuisine, to bistros and Belgian waffles with ice cream, the Commons have a variety wide enough to satisfy any craving.

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather shift in Ithaca is an easy task. Climb the gorges, lie outside in the quads and soak up the sun or explore the Commons extravagant foods and coffee shops. However, the best place to sit on those warm spring nights is near the fountains on campus by Dillingham Theatre. Sit on the edge with your feet dangling in the cool water. Feel the mist on your face as you watch the colored light show change from blue, to purple, yellow, green and pink. Sit back and enjoy the relaxation for the perfect ending to a spring evening.