This 3-day summer exploration in Ithaca is a compilation of one-of-a-kind experiences. The first stop is MacKenzie-Childs, home of handmade, hand-decorated majolica pottery, furniture and home furnishings. Stretch your legs in their sprawling gardens and explore the farmhouse that is furnished with MacKenzie- Childs designs.
We settle in to our home base – the Statler Hotel located on the campus of Cornell University. Within walking distance of the Farrand, Uris and Azalea gardens, this upscale hotel is run by seasoned hospitality professionals working alongside energetic students from Cornell’s world-renowned School of Hotel Administration. A welcome dinner will be enjoyed at the Statler.
Day two will be split between the Cornell Botanical Gardens and The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, located on campus. At the Gardens, we’ll be treated to a guided tour with added talks on the Tropical collection and sustainable gardening at the Pounder Vegetable Garden. Lunch is on your own at one of the many fabulous eateries at Ithaca Commons – a four-block, pedestrian-only section of downtown. In the afternoon, we return to campus to tour the Johnson Museum of Art which was designed by IM Pei. The museum is home to over 35,000 works as well as an extensive collection of Asian Art. The 5th floor offers spectacular views of Ithaca and the Cayuga Lake that should not be missed! We wrap up day two with a farm-to-table meal at Agava, where you’ll find a fabulous choice of dishes created with fresh ingredients from local suppliers.
The final day begins with a hearty breakfast buffet at the Statler followed by a visit to the private garden of Wayne Myers. His six acres of rolling lawn and perennial beds contain more than 550 different varieties of plants nestled among fieldstone walls and outbuildings. Wayne also constructs sculptures from discarded farm machinery parts that you’ll find displayed throughout the gardens.
The last stop will be Stonegate Farm, the property of award-winning photographer Matthew Benson. Matthew will be our guide to this historic treasure. The farm was built in the mid-19th century and was originally part of a large estate. The Italianate Villa and farm outbuildings have been restored while the surrounding land has been re-cultivated as a local, organic farm and CSA with active membership. There will be farm-sourced refreshments and a book signing of Matthew’s latest book, “Growing Beautiful Food.”
Cost: $779 per person – double occupancy, $999 per person – single occupancy for members of CT Hort. Non-members please add $50.
To reserve your spot or for more information, please call Friendship Tours at (860) 243-1630 / toll-free (800) 243-1630 or visit www.friendshiptours.net and select CHS Tours.