Even though Ithaca is beautiful in the winter, this week’s partial thaw has many of us looking forward to the return of foliage and warmer weather this spring! This is especially true for those living in our Cornell student rentals on Dewitt Place, where we have amazing perennial gardens. When they’re in full bloom it’s truly gorgeous, and that’s not just because Dewitt Place is right next to Cascadilla Gorge!
I’m sure the Cornell spring semester is ramping up in intensity as we draw nearer and nearer to finals and, for some, graduation, but I hope this hint of spring weather has made some of you excited for the possibility of spending more time outside in nature. If there’s one thing that Ithaca provides that you can’t get in many other college towns, it’s nature!
The Cornell botanical gardens put on some fantastic attractions through the spring and summer, but maybe you would prefer to spend your free time relaxing on your porch in the sun. If you would choose the latter, I’m sure you would also love many of our Collegetown apartments! A decent number of our units have huge porches, which can offer a great place to catch up with your roommates at the end of a long day or an escape to solitude, to help you recharge and stay on top of your classes, projects, and tests. In either case, no one can deny, the excitement for springtime to come is palpable!
If you would prefer to go off campus to soak up the springtime, I have a few suggestions for you!
- The first, to the southwest of Ithaca, near the Newfield Hamlet, is the Fischer Old-growth Forest Natural Area. There are several trails and loops winding through one of the most majestic forests in the area, with some trees over 150 feet tall and over 300 years old! Although it’s about a 15-minute drive from the Cornell campus, this 100-acre area is protected and maintained as a part of the Cornell Botanical gardens. Some of the hikes can be challenging there, so make sure you come prepared!
- If a moderately challenging hike doesn’t suit your interests for warm-weather activities, allow me to point you in the direction of Treman State Park, which is actually on the way to the Fischer Old-growth Forest Natural Area! This park has a variety of relaxing and modest attractions. Most notable among them being a swimming area with a diving board right next to a waterfall (an amazing photo opportunity!), mild-incline trails around the gorge, camping areas, historical architecture, and some of the most extreme see-saws you’ve ever encountered (ride at your own risk!). There’s something for everyone there.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could plan a day trip to see both locations, perhaps work up a sweat hiking the red blaze at the Fischer Old-growth Forest Natural Area, then cool off at the Treman State Park swimming area. Sounds like a great day to me!
If you are looking for an Ithaca rental for the academic year 2021 to 2022, we do still have several options available! There are quite a few one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments available on both Dewitt Place (with free parking!) and further up the hill on Highland Place, Williams Street, and East Buffalo Street. Please contact us if you are interested in renting any of our apartments!