If you’re an international student like me who isn’t making the long trek home for American Thanksgiving, here’s a list of fun things to do so you don’t feel lonely over the break.
1. Try every new hot drink at CTB
Fall has begun, and with it comes CTB’s hot drink menu, which is Spongebob-themed this year! My favorites are the Chapple (apple Chai) and Doodlebob (a chocolate marshmallow latte).
2. Splurge (or window shop) at Urban Outfitters in the Commons
Get ready for the cold, snowy Ithaca winter with chic sweaters and accessories from Urban Outfitters!
3. Get your nails done at Cayuga Nail Spa
Cayuga Nail Spa is an easy bus ride away and offers $7 manicures if you show your student ID! They also offer a range of other services including gel nails, pedicures, eyelash extensions and massages.
4. Go to the movie theatre
Cinemapolis in the Commons offers more low-key movies, whereas Regal at Ithaca Mall offers all the mainstream movies. Check out the Disney Pixar movie Coco, which is being released on Thanksgiving weekend, or watch a hipster indie movie in the Commons – whatever floats your boat!
5. Get a warm bowl of Vietnamese Pho from Saigon Kitchen
Saigon Kitchen is arguably the best restaurant in Ithaca according to reviews from Yelp and TripAdvisor. A steaming bowl of pho is perfect for a cold, gloomy day.
6. Go on an adventure to Ithaca College
Take the bus to Ithaca College to get a view of Cornell’s campus you won’t find anywhere else! Feel free to check out our neighbors’ campus too (if you wish).
7. Re-decorate your room at Target
Head to Target on Black Friday to pick-up some fun and fresh accessories to spice up your room. It will definitely be a bit chaotic, especially if you go in the morning, but the deals are worth it!
8. Spend the afternoon at Wegmans
One of the things I love to do is spend my entire afternoon at Wegmans. I head there for lunch, catch up on some homework in the cafe (which has incredibly fast wi-fi), grab groceries, then head home for dinner with my fresh produce!
9. Catch a sports game
The men’s hockey team will be facing off against Niagara University on Tuesday, Nov. 21st at 7:00pm in Lynah Rink. Get your tickets here.
10. Walk around the Cornell Botanic Gardens
If the weather is cooperative, walk over to the Botanic Gardens to take in the natural beauty hidden on Cornell’s campus. Make sure to dress warmly!
11. Climb the Clock Tower
Walking up all 161 steps of Cornell’s iconic McGraw tower should definitely be on your Cornell bucket list. Check the schedule here to see when it’s open so you can get an up-close and personal listen to a chimes concert. Be warned, the view is stunning, but the ~bingalee dingalee~ of the chimes is painfully loud.
12. Take a day trip to NYC
Coach USA offers 3 busses a day to NYC for $50 round-trip. The bus drops you off straight at Port Authority.The Cornell-operated Campus to Campus Bus also runs daily but is much pricier and offers less travel times. If you do decide to make the trip down, go and support Cornell Men’s Hockey as they take on Boston University in the Red Hot Hockey series at Madison Square Garden.
13. Hike Cascadilla Gorge
Assuming it hasn’t snowed, make the trek down Cascadilla Gorge to witness the epitome of Ithaca’s landscape: the gorges. Make sure you go with a friend and wear proper footwear for adequate traction.
14. Go for a morning run around Beebe lake
Take in the brilliant colors of upstate New York’s fall foliage in our own backyard. Beebe Lake has a trail around its perimeter that’s great for running, walking and Instagram pictures.