Ithaca, New York can certainly be a challenging place sometimes. From not having a legit mall nearby (at least legit enough for a Jersey girl) to the often frigid weather and constant threat of snow, it’s easy to forget about all the wonderful things Ithaca has too.

1. Hills and lake view

Let’s be real, Ithaca’s terrain and topography are as pretty as it gets. It doesn’t get much better than sitting on the slope at Cornell or driving by Cayuga Lake on a sunny day.

2. A thriving music scene

Ithaca is filled with local music, you just have to know where to look for it… or stumble into a bar. Ithaca doesn’t just have local music though, it also gets chart-topping big names at Cornell’s Slope Day and regular concerts at shows IC puts on.

3. Weather that makes 50 degrees feel like 70

Ithaca is the only place I know of where because it is so cold outside for a majority of the year, when it gets even just 20 degrees above freezing your body is mentally and physically ready for you to break out your shorts.

4. Ithaca hummus

The best hummus ever. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on life. That’s right, LIFE.

5. Wegmans

Not specific to Ithaca, but still a wonderful establishment in the city. From fresh bread to salads, to smoothies and gluten free options galore, Wegmans is a foodie’s dream.

6. Buses to New York City

They may not be the fastest, or the most comfortable, but we’re really lucky that Ithaca has buses to the city. I know tons of friends at other schools who simply can’t make a weekend trip to NYC because there just isn’t a mode of transportation. We shouldn't take Campus-to-Campus for granted.

7. It’s full of students

It’s so awesome to walk around Collegetown or downtown Ithaca and see a population literally swimming with students.

8. The girl scouts here take Venmo

Maybe they do this in other places too, but honestly girl scouts taking venmo is the best thing that’s happened in a LONG LONG time. RIP to my bank account and my diet.

9. Starry skies

This could just be a thing I appreciate since I rarely see stars from where I live at home, but if you are looking to stargaze and question your identity, Ithaca’s got you covered.

10. Food trucks

Ithaca has gotten a wide range of food trucks now. From Louie’s Lunch, the crepe truck, the sushi burrito truck, the taco truck, if you like food on wheels, Ithaca’s the place for you.

11. Beautiful sunsets

Sunsets in Ithaca are somehow like no other. They always have extraordinary color schemes and there is just something about knowing you’re kind of in the middle of nowhere watching the sunset that makes things it even better.