Nothing Common About "The Commons"

Let it be said: there is nothing common about The Commons - a four-block pedestrian shopping area that constitutes "downtown" Ithaca, New York (Between State, Cayuga, and Green Sts., Aurora, and Buffalo Sts), and which houses an eclectic array of over 100 shops, restaurants, and other assorted nooks and crannies. The fact that The Commons is nestled between Cornell University and Ithaca College just adds to the vibe and ensures that a mix of young and old, street-smart and the higher educated are alive and plentiful and keep the hustle and bustle thriving well into the early morning.

The Commons is user-friendly in every sense of the word: shops and trees and plenty of room to walk and window-shop or sit and read or any combination in-between. Like some of the greatest adventures, my introduction to The Commons was completely spontaneous: while visiting nearby Cortland University with my daughter I decided to drive the 20 miles or so to nearby Ithaca and check out the town.

For the Young and Young at Heart

It would be easy to dismiss The Commons as the typical by-product of a "college town" and maybe in a sense it is. But what I really enjoyed about The Commons was the distinct absence of name brand stores and labels. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but The Commons stood in stark contrast to other downtown districts I've visited recently and which tend to be connected to the jugular that pumps the blood of Wal-Mart and other big names.

"Way Cool" Says it All

The Commons offers something for everyone but for my own personal tastes a few locations stand out:

Comics For Collectors (207 N. Aurora St. Phone: (607) 272-3007). Of course anyone who's anyone knows that comic books are not just for kids, providing awesome illustration and great writing in a user-friendly format. I was pleasantly surprised to find the store and even more impressed to discover that the owner currently juggles several stores in the local area.

Autumn Leaves Books (115 the Commons, Phone: 607-273-8239). An awe-inspiring collection of used books and records split between the upper and lower levels and there's even a café. Browse, read and enjoy a cup of Java. What more do you want out of life!

The William Henry Miller Inn (303 North Aurora St. Phone: 607.256.4553) A cozy, historic B & B that sits a block or two outside The Commons shopping district. The WHM has an interesting history as well as comfortable surroundings. Pop your head in and say hello or better yet, spend the night.

Cinemopolis Movie Theatre (120 E. Green St. Phone: (607) 277-6115) If you to see The Transformers go somewhere else. But if you appreciate cutting edge, non-mainstream films from all over the country and beyond then this is your place.

Viva Taqueria and Cantina (101 N. Aurora St. Phone: (607) 277-1752) A person's gotta eat and Viva's is as good as any. Great Mexican food in a casual atmosphere where you can eat in or take it to go.

Getting from Here to There

Other than hoofing it, the TCAT (Tompkins County Consolidated Transit) (TCAT) provides regularly scheduled bus service throughout downtown Ithaca and surrounding Tompkins County. The main downtown bus stops are located at either side of the Commons on Green, and Seneca Streets, and at its western end on Cayuga St.

I was particularly impressed with shuttle route (#10) which places commuters on a replica trolley, and whisks them from downtown to Cornell University and back every ten minutes between 10am and 2pm Monday-Friday. The shuttle departs from the station at the corners of Seneca and Tioga Streets

A Final Tip-of-the-Hat

The Commons, in addition to everything else you can squeeze into the phrase "Downtown Ithaca" owes a huge debt to the Downtown Ithaca Business Improvement District organization or the DIBID. This not-for-profit organization is charged with the "revitalization, development, promotion and management of downtown Ithaca" and they seem to have done a heck-of-a job in what I presume is a never-ending challenge/responsibility to ensure that downtown Ithaca keeps its identity.

Yes, there is nothing common about The Commons and you owe it yourself to give the district a chance to seduce you like it did me. Here's to your next visit!