The sun is shining and students are actually venturing outside of the library, laying out in the Arts Quad and tossing around Frisbees. This can only mean one thing: spring is finally here! Whether you’re celebrating the warm weather by heading down to the gorges, playing football, or getting a tan on the sidelines, there is no doubt that stretching your legs is the cure for the winter blues. Cheap Dates has three fabulous ideas for taking advantage of the beautiful weather with that special someone.
$ — Springtime in Ithaca is perfect for picnics. If you don’t have a car, just head over to one of the many “gorges” spots on campus (excuse the pun, we couldn’t resist). Beebe Lake, tucked away on North, offers a quiet, picturesque spot for picnicking. You and your date can take a short stroll around the lake, maybe even take a dip, and then sit down to a delicious lunch. Or try right across the road at the Cornell Plantations where you two can wander the trails and then picnic in its flower gardens. After lunch, head over to the Cornell Dairy Bar for a scoop of mango sorbet or Sticky Bunz ice cream.
$$ — If you haven’t been to the Farmer’s Market yet, now is definitely the time to go! Our favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning is to walk down to the market at Steamboat Landing and spend a few hours taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of the market. The Farmer’s Market is only a short walk from Collegetown through the Cascadilla Gorge. You and your date will forget the stress of school as soon as you hear the water trickling down the falls. The Farmer’s Market boasts cuisines from all over the world, from Cambodian and Cuban to local, organic fare. You can wander among the many different stalls, which sell everything from pottery to beeswax candles. Grab some delicious barbeque food from Scooters BBQ and sit on the dock while listening to the local musicians play. Don’t leave without trying Dennis’ Ice Cream, an Ithaca legend, with flavors such as summer peach and moosetracks served in a warm waffle cone. The ice cream will certainly make the walk back up more enjoyable!
$$$ — If the nostalgia of knowing we’re leaving this place in just under a month is making you misty-eyed, how about taking your special someone out on the lake for one last big date? What could be more romantic than watching sunset over Cayuga Lake, skimming over the blue waters, breeze in your hair while sipping wine and holding your sweetheart? Cayuga Lake Cruises offers brunch and cocktail cruises for 2 hours and $28 a person, and dinner cruises that last 3 hours at $40 a person. Not only is it a great opportunity for a picturesque photo, but a gourmet meal only sweetens the deal. Try the French toast or portabella sandwich at brunch, and the grilled ribeye with red wine and shallot sauce for dinner. Get a group together for a discounted rate and the option of customizing your own menu. Enjoy Cayuga Lake while you’re still here! See www.cayugalakecruises.com for more information.