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The Ithaca Farmers Market is one of my favorite places to visit during fall, probably because it is located at Steamboat Landing, a place whose beauty instantly lifts my spirits. From the dock’s charming wooden planks to its pavilion overlooking Cayuga Lake, the Farmers Market is both rustic and idyllic.
As I arrived at this season’s market, I found that the entrance was framed by a collection of wild sunflowers, each stretched wide to welcome a few buzzing bumblebees. “Ithaca Farmers Market” was splashed onto a poster hanging from the top of the pavilion, casting a shadow on the trucks parked near the stands, each carrying produce or supplies for its respective vendor. As people stopped by each of the stands, their eager footfalls trampled the timid morning sunlight pooling on the wooden planks of the dock. The air was filled with the aroma of spices, cooked meats and grilled cheese.
Although I have visited the Ithaca Farmers Market before, I had forgotten the sheer size of the pavilion. Starting from one end and making my way to the other, the rows of vendors seemed to stretch endlessly. There was truly everything and more: one minute I was looking at wax sculptures and the next I was looking at dainty flowers or kitchen knives or sea-glass necklaces or bright orange carrots, tempting me to buy something from everyone. Mountains of squash and radishes beckoned from a stand that read “Six Circles Farm,” and my mouth watered after spotting a display case full of truffles from Ithaca Chocolates.
Six Circles Farm Makes a Sale at Ithaca’s Weekend Farmer’s Market on Oct. 4, 2026.
There were also many ready-made food options, such as Solaz’s burritos made from fresh, local eggs, salsas and beans. Some vendors even offered free samples, like Ithaca Breadworks, where I was able to try an irresistible slice of Scandinavian sourdough.
The aroma of rye and fennel followed me as I gazed out from the pavilion to the furthest tree I could see on the other side of Cayuga Lake. The lake glimmered behind a sign that advertised boat tours, and several small boats bobbed placidly on the water. The farmers market was undeniably peaceful, even amidst the steady stream of visitors and idle background chatter.
During my visit, it was hard not to marvel at the sense of community the farmers market cultivates. Nowhere are the residents of Ithaca more connected: students from Cornell and Ithaca College, small business owners, farmers, local Ithacans and even pets all make their appearances at Steamboat Landing. At the market, everyone is able to collectively enjoy the space as they walk through the stands and talk to people they may not have otherwise been able to meet. The market is a testament to what community spaces and local business owners can do to unite various parts of Ithaca. The amount of care and pride that goes into maintaining each vendor’s farm or creating each vendor’s products is incredible. Their unique items are what pulls each Ithacan from their separate lives to gather the town together. That is what appeals to me so much about Steamboat Landing: it’s a place for both food and friends.
I already have my next trip to the Ithaca Farmers Market planned out: Before they transition to their winter market in December, I would like to go on one of the boat tours and buy earrings from Sandy’s Jewelry.
I would recommend other Cornell students to make the trip when they can as well. If we stay solely within Cornell’s campus, we miss the incredible community in Ithaca. It is so worth it to glimpse not only the broader network that Cornell resides in, but also the breathtaking beauty of the place Cornell calls home. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of campus life, making it hard to take the time to truly appreciate what Ithaca has to offer. Visiting places like Ithaca Farmers Market contextualizes our time at Cornell, allowing us to take our focus away from the toil of prelims and extracurriculars. I believe that experiences like this cultivates a richer college experience.
Angelina Lei is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Human Ecology. She is a staff writer for the Lifestyle department and can be reached at alei@cornellsun.com.
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