Ithaca is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour

The Ithaca is Foodies: Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour offers a delightful opportunity to sample local beverages and food in the heart of Ithaca. Priced at $58.47 per person, this 2-hour guided experience takes you through four local establishments, each showcasing craft beers, Finger Lakes wines, artisan ciders, and a signature cocktail crafted with local spirits. While the tour promises a flavorful journey with about two drinks per person and food pairings, it’s important to note that the experience is marred by a less-than-reliable guide service, which has been a significant concern in recent reviews. This tour primarily suits those interested in tasting Ithaca’s beverage scene and learning about local drinks’ history.

Despite some logistical hiccups, this tour remains appealing for food and drink lovers eager to savor local flavors and enjoy neighborhood stories. It’s a moderate activity with light food tastings and coupons from each tasting location, making it a good value for casual drink enthusiasts. However, potential participants should be aware of the limited nature of the experience and the small group size of up to 10 people.

Key Points

• Pricing is set at $58.47 per person, with bookings made about 22 days in advance.
• The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and features visits to four local businesses.
• Includes sampling of craft beer, Finger Lakes wine, artisan cider, and a cocktail, plus three light food tastings.
• The meeting points are at 110 W Green St (start) and 408 E State St (end).
• The tour is guided and narrated, with insights into the history of each drink in New York State.
• Recent reviews highlight an issue: the tour guide did not show up in at least one case, and the contact number was not in service.
• The tour is accessible for those with moderate physical fitness, and service animals are allowed.
• Cancellation is free if booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Downtown Ithaca

The tour begins at 110 W Green St in Ithaca at 3:30 pm and runs for about two hours. The ending point is at 408 E State St, offering an easy walk or transportation afterward. The short duration makes it a perfect option for an early evening activity or a quick introduction to downtown Ithaca’s beverage scene.

What You’ll Sample at Each Location

Participants can expect to sample craft beer, artisan cider, local wine, and a crafted cocktail—a well-rounded selection reflecting Ithaca’s diverse beverage offerings. Plus, three light food tastings accompany the drinks, which pair well and enhance the tasting experience. The tour also provides exclusive coupons from each location, adding value for future visits or purchases.

The Highlights of the Beverage Sampling

The tour emphasizes local drinks’ history in New York State, offering a learning component about when each beverage was first introduced and what influences their recent popularity. This educational aspect adds depth to what would otherwise be a straightforward tasting. The craft cocktail is specially prepared with local spirits, giving a taste of Ithaca’s creative mixology scene.

The Itinerary: Four Local Business Stops

The tour includes visits to four neighborhood favorites, each with its own story and distinctive setting. While the specific venues are not named in detail, the focus remains on providing a variety of beverage styles—from craft beers and wines to artisan ciders and cocktails. Each stop is paired with local food tastings, enriching the experience and highlighting Ithaca’s culinary scene.

Logistics: Meeting Points and Group Size

The tour starts at 110 W Green St and is designed as a small group experience, capped at 10 travelers. This intimacy allows for a more personalized narration and interaction, although recent reports suggest some scheduling issues, with at least one instance where the guide did not show up. The tour is near public transportation and allows service animals, making it accessible.

Cost, Bookings, and Advance Planning

The price of $58.47 includes sampling at four locations, food tastings, gratuities for bartenders, and exclusive coupons. The tour is commonly booked 22 days ahead, so planning in advance is recommended to secure a spot. The booking process includes a mobile ticket, making it convenient to participate. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility despite the small size of the tour.

Concerns Highlighted in Reviews

While the experience promises a guided tour filled with educational insights and delicious beverages, recent reviews reveal a concerning issue: the guide did not appear, and the provided contact number was not in service. This significantly impacts the overall value and reliability of the tour, and potential participants should be aware that customer service may be inconsistent.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

The tour requires moderate physical fitness, involving walking between locations in downtown Ithaca. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with a short walk and standing during tastings. No specific accessibility accommodations are detailed, so those with particular needs should consider this.

Comparing This Tour with Other Ithaca Experiences

This beverage tour stands out for its focus on local drinks and food pairings within downtown Ithaca. While it offers a taste of several beverage styles and local stories, its main limitation is the recent guide no-show incident, which is not typical of other Ithaca experiences like the cycle boat tour or lake wine tastings. For those seeking reliable guide-led tasting tours, this one requires caution.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This experience suits avid food and drink enthusiasts eager to explore Ithaca’s local beverage scene and learn about the history of drinks in New York. It’s an ideal introductory activity for visitors who want a short, flavorful experience with light food pairings. However, those prioritizing a well-organized, guide-led tour should verify recent reviews before booking.

Final Words on the Downtown Ithaca Craft Beverage Tour

Despite its promising premise—sampling local beers, wines, ciders, and cocktails along with food tastings—this tour’s real-world execution has been inconsistent due to the guide no-show issue. It remains a decent choice for casual drinkers interested in local flavors, especially if booked with caution and awareness of the potential hiccups. The small group size and learning about the drinks’ history add to its appeal, but travelers should confirm guide availability beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, all guests must be over 21 and carry valid ID to participate.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a short and manageable activity.

What beverages are sampled during the tour?
Participants enjoy craft beer, Finger Lakes wine, artisan cider, and a crafted cocktail made with local spirits.

Are food tastings included?
Yes, the tour includes three light food tastings paired with the beverages.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 110 W Green St and ends at 408 E State St in Ithaca.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, involving walking and standing, but service animals are allowed.

Are there any hidden costs?
All including gratuities and coupons are covered in the ticket price; no hidden fees are indicated.

What’s the main drawback of this tour?
Recent reviews report inconsistent guide service, which can significantly affect the experience.