April overnight · Ithaca, NY

Ithaca: a glimpse of a great trip, with the wrong hotel setup

We had only about 24 hours in Ithaca, and I wish I had planned them differently. Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls, the downtown Commons and relaxed places to eat made me want to return. Our airport-area hotel felt too far from town for such a short stay, and I had not booked the true one-bedroom suite that Isamu and I need.

Waterfalls Pedestrian Commons Hotel lesson learned Try again in warmer weather

A broad waterfall cascading into a pool on a cool spring day near Ithaca

Time thereAbout 24 hours in April

StayedCourtyard Ithaca Airport/University

Next timeTrue one-bedroom suite, nearer town

Would return?Absolutely, with a better plan

The room was the big mistake

I booked the Courtyard near the airport, which felt too far from the part of town we wanted to explore. More importantly, I did not book a true one-bedroom suite. Isamu and I each need a separate sleeping space when we travel. It costs more, but it makes the trip so much more comfortable for both of us.

Downtown is where I wanted to be

The pedestrian-only Ithaca Commons was cute and easy to wander. I still regret not buying Isamu an “Ithaca is Gorges” T-shirt. With only a day in town, being closer to the Commons would have made it simpler to step out, explore and head back when we needed a break.

Falls on both ends of the trip

We saw Ithaca Falls when we arrived, checked out Treman Triangle Park, and stopped at Buttermilk Falls on our way out of town. There were waterfalls all around us, even on a short trip. April was chillier than I wanted for a trip built around outdoor exploring, so I would love to return when we can take more time with the views.

Eating out with Isamu

We found family-friendly places with enough room for a little noise and for Isamu to use a screen while we waited for food. I almost always put on his favorite Super Simple Songs or edubuzzkids videos before a meal arrives. That familiar routine helps him regulate and lets us enjoy a restaurant together.

Isamu walking on the pedestrian Ithaca Commons near a local shop — We liked wandering the Commons.

Isamu looking out from the Courtyard hotel room — The room lacked the separate sleeping space we need.

Isamu by the water with a waterfall in the background — A chilly but memorable waterfall stop.

Isamu walking near a creek and a stone bridge — More to explore than our short visit allowed.

Bottom line for autism families

Ithaca has the ingredients for a trip we would love: falls, a walkable downtown and places where we could eat comfortably with Isamu. For us, the hotel layout mattered just as much as the attractions. Next time I would book a true one-bedroom suite closer to town, give us more than 24 hours and aim for warmer weather. This was a trip I want to redo.

Explore the Ithaca Commons ↗ · Find Ithaca attractions ↗