Ithaca, NY

Last Stop Cornell University and Botanical Gardens
Ithaca is populated with a huge diverse student population that gives the city a young hip vibe. There are 23 colleges within 50 miles of Ithaca with Cornell and Ithaca being the two main ones. Cornell is a prestigious Ivy League college with  sticker shock tuition costs. Since Ithaca is hilly, the streets are narrow, steep and meander here there and everywhere. Parking is at premium. Returning the car unscratched with no accidents was a huge plus for me. 

Next door to Cornell University Campus is The Cornell Botanic Gardens, formerly known as the Cornell Plantations. It covers 4. 300 acres with an astounding 40 different nature areas. The temps were almost at 90 degrees with high humidity (it seems to rain a lot off and on in spurts) my daughter splurged on a new umbrella to keep the sun off. 

Upper state NY has a climate seems similar to a rainforest, abundance of flowers with  prolific blooms and large plant leaves. 

There were lots of interesting walking paths to explore. 

Parting Notes: Hidden Gem 
Discovering Upper State NY was a like a gift of many layers unwrapped each day for new surprises. We found ourselves surrounded by sprawling hills, lakes and gorges with a season bursting with color around every bend. We took moments to breathe it all in. This region was a hidden gem. Be sure to put on your fall bucket list. With all the hilly terrain it would be spectacular.

And thanks for following Ever Ready's journey.

Just in time for your 4th of July gatherings 
Strawberry Rhubarb Bars 
Tex-Mex Cauliflower Rice Salad
Watermelon-Strawberry Tomato Salad  
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