There is no time like the holiday season to appreciate and experience Downtown Ithaca. There are so many good reasons to visit… let me offer several of my favorites:
- Holiday shopping can be stressful – for me, at least. Crowded stores, bad service or no service, running all over town checking multiple stores for that hard-to-find gift… for many people, these are the unfortunate signs of the season. Try something different: come shop downtown. We offer one-of-a-kind stores with owners and employees ready and eager to help you select your perfect gifts. Park in our covered garages. Stroll leisurely on the Commons, at DeWitt Mall, and throughout our downtown district. I promise, your holiday stress will turn to holiday cheer.
- Does buying local resonate with you and your family? If you are one of the many Ithacans who value the merits of buying local, then you need to shop and dine downtown this holiday season. Why visit a regional mall with acres of asphalt and national businesses with little or no affinity to your community? Here in downtown you find local shopkeepers, people who have invested in providing their community – your community – with a vast array of goods, products, services, food, and beverage. You know the story… when you buy local, more money remains in our community, and more local people can get and keep jobs. This year, make a pledge to buy some of your gifts locally – and downtown is the best place to do it.
- When the sun goes down, the Commons takes on an enchanting character all of its own. Thousands of white lights decorate our trees, bushes, clock towers, and lamp poles, transforming downtown into a wonderland of twinkling light. It’s truly a lovely sight. Come and stroll; better yet, come shop and dine.
- Learn about the variety of goods, services, and dining that you can find downtown. We have an incredible array of products that may surprise and amaze you. We feature the community’s two local toy stores, the region’s independent kitchenware store, long-standing jewelry stores, and one of the region’s best collection of gift stores. We have the region’s two men’s clothing stores. We have a number of specialty women’s clothing boutiques. We have sporting and athletic gear stores. We offer yarn and fabric, guitars, home furnishings and decor, art galleries and art supplies, books, antiques, and collectibles. We have some of the region’s largest and most respected second hand/vintage stores. Go on-line at www.downtowntihaca.com to peruse the list of stores in the downtown area.
- Plan to dine downtown this holiday season. We have the region’s largest and best assortment of dining establishments – nearly all one-of-a-kind local treasures. Downtown’s collection of eateries is legend – come join us! Pick a restaurant you’ve never visited or return to your old favorites.
- Finally, buy a Downtown Ithaca gift card. It’s easy, flexible, and is available in any amount. They can be used at over 100 different shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in downtown. It’s the perfect gift for employees, teachers, and hard-to-buy-for friends and relatives! Go to www.downtownithaca.com to place your order, or visit our office in Center Ithaca on the Commons.
On behalf of the businesses of Downtown Ithaca, I invite you to visit downtown this holiday season. And happy holidays to one and all!