My First Trip to Ithaca: Healing, Hills, and a Whole Lot of Fall Beauty🌲
In November 2025, I took my very first trip to Ithaca, NY—a getaway I didn’t know I truly needed until I arrived. After researching national parks across New York State, the trails and waterfalls of Ithaca kept popping up, and with everything going on in my life, it felt like the right moment to step away and reset.
I had been dealing with a herniated disc, which forced me to miss the NYC Marathon this year—something I’ve run many times. It was especially hard because this November marked 20 years since the passing of my best friend, Reginald. Missing the marathon and the tradition I created in his memory weighed on me. So I decided to head out of town, breathe some fresh air, and find a different kind of peace.
The drive wasn’t easy—long, winding, hilly roads that I’m definitely not used to—but once I arrived, Ithaca greeted me with the kind of beauty that makes you instantly exhale.
I spent my days visiting some of the incredible natural sites that make Ithaca famous:
Robert H. Treman State Park
Buttermilk Falls
Taughannock Falls State Park
The hikes were refreshing, and the fall foliage was unreal—deep golds, fiery reds, and everything in between. I also made time to stop at Finger Lakes Cider House, which was a perfect fall treat.
As someone who loves art and culture, exploring the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the African Studies & Research Center at Cornell University was deeply rewarding. And over at Ithaca College, I enjoyed an impressive lineup of musical performances—from woodwind chamber music to a flute ensemble to a bronze and steel concert.
But the absolute highlight of the trip was my visit to Namgyal Monastery, the North American seat of the Dalai Lama. I toured their museum and library, then had a personal meditation session that brought the exact quiet, grounding energy I needed. It was powerful, peaceful, and exactly what my spirit had been asking for.
On my drive back to NYC, I made one final stop at the Storm King Art Center, a place I had always wanted to visit. Walking among massive sculptures with mountains and fall colors behind them was the perfect way to close the trip.
My first time in Ithaca was more than just travel—it was healing. It was reflection. It was nature, music, art, and peace all wrapped into one. I left with a grateful heart, stronger in body and mind, and reminded of how important it is to create space for ourselves when life feels heavy.
And yes—I definitely plan on returning.
