Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts

Posted by downtownalliance on May 11, 2018
Posted in: Dining, Shopping, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

So, you’re still searching, or just started looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Don’t worry. Downtown Ithaca’s has got you covered.  Our unique shopping boutiques, dining establishments, and service providers offer something your mother is sure to appreciate.

Here are a few last-minute items to consider for your mother this year.

A Greeting Card or specialty item from Amuse Modern Cottage Industry or Mockingbird Paperie

Amuse sells an assortment of greeting cards ranging from funny to sentimental to 31961544_1042146972601482_5844708538550583296_nreligious and to secular.  Amuse is located in Press Bay Alley and will be open Friday (today) and Saturday from 11am-6pm and on Sunday, Mother’s Day, from 11am-4pm.

Mockingbird Paperie also offers a fantastic selection of Mother’s Day greeting cards and an incredible variety of specialty gifts.

 

A beautiful flower boutique from Bool’s Flower Shop

For decades, Bool’s has wowed mothers and mothers-to-be with their stunning freshly picked and31138088_10156221075382410_4703895161953057903_n prepared floral arrangements. This long-standing florist shop also sells greeting cards, chocolates, and local gifts too!
Bools will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

Handcrafted apparel or wearable art from Handwork ~ Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative, Ithacamade, 15 STEPS, and American Crafts by Robbie Dein

Handwork is stocked on botanical textiles and wearable art from co-op artist Esther Yaloz of Planetarium Design. Esther’s silk scarves, tea towels, lunar calendars, purses and more are part of our Fiber Sale, 15% off this Thursday through Sunday. Many masterfully handcrafted items are also on sale as part of the shop’s Mother’s Day Weekend Sale.

Ithacamade, located in the Dewitt Mall, carries a grand selection of locally made jewelry, pottery, women’s accessories, and more.

At 15 STEPS, Shop handcrafted jewelry, scarves, handbags, pottery, leather journals, locally made, gift certificates, chocolates, new arrivals, and more!  To shop 15 STEPS online, visit https://www.fifteensteps.com/shop.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, American Crafts has stocked new styles from perennial32150819_1861776090552340_1687600591716483072_o

gallery favorite; Holly Yashi.  Come to the shop to check out Yashi’s beautiful collection along with collections produced by other highly skilled artisans.

 

A Cellar d’Or Wine and Cider Shop Club Membership

Does your mom enjoy sipping on glasses of wine?  Well, then, we have the perfect gift idea for her.
Cellar d’Or  has a WIne Club curated by The Cork Report. It not only includes the best wines of Finger Lakes and other New York State regions, but it also often includes wines from lesser known American Viticultural Areas from top producers throughout the US that are NOT from California, Oregon, or Washington. Check out the link to learn more about Cellar d’Or’s clubs and sign up. http://www.thecellardor.com/wine–cider-clubs1.html

Take your mom to brunch

Hotel Ithaca, Simeon’s American Bistro, Ithaca Marriott on The Commons and Coltivare are all offering special Mother’s Day brunch menus.

Colivare
Sunday, May 13
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Reservations are encouraged but not required. Call Coltivare for reservations at 607-882-2333 or book online at https://coltivareithaca.com/reservations/.

Ithaca Marriott on The Commons
Sunday, May 13
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more info., click here.

Simeon’s American Bistro ~ Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 11 – May 13
Simeons will be offering brunch & dinner specials, including a delicious rosé wine & peach sangria!
Every Mom that visits Simeon’s during Mother’s Day Weekend will receive homemade macaroons & a $20 gift card that she may use on her next visit to Simeon’s!
Make your reservations today at https://bit.ly/2jJBbvU

Hotel Ithaca
Sunday, May 13
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For pricing and menu, click here.

Treat her to a painting class at Wine & Design

Wine & Design is hosting a special Mother’s Day Open Studio on May 13 at 1 p.m. 6c939455-d0ba-42ff-a542-67b2c0a406f8
Grab your mom and come paint whichever flower arrangement you’d like! Please reserve and pay for your seat below. Let us know your choice in the comments section. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and choose your seat. Please bring your own drinks and food. We will supply cups and a corkscrew. Email ithaca@wineanddesign.com with any questions or call 607-742-5496.
To register, visit https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendars/event.php?id=99719

Give her the Norabloom experience

Norabloom Botanicals offers a holistic, clean, non~toxic approach to beauty, health, and wellness.  Their manicures, pedicures, facials, and other spa treatments are the perfect gift to help your mother relax and pamper herself.  Learn more about Norabloom’s offerings at http://www.norabloom.com/welcome.

Downtown Ithaca Gift Card

For that hard to shop for mother, purchase a Downtown Ithaca Gift Card.  They’re valid giftcard2013roundedat more than 100 downtown Ithaca shops and restaurants and are available for denominations up to $500.  You can purchase them today from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Office located at 171 E. State Street (Center Ithaca). The office is open until 5 p.m.  You can also order them online at http://downtownithaca.com/ithaca-stores/our-store.html

For additional information about shopping, dining, and specialty services in downtown Ithaca, visit www.downtownithaca.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Ithaca’s May Gallery Night showcasing area’s new artsy bike racks

Posted by downtownalliance on May 3, 2018
Posted in: ART & MUSIC, Event, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Downtown Ithaca is thrilled to announce Ithaca’s Community Art Bike Racks, the latest addition to downtown’s infrastructure will be among the extraordinary displays appearing in this month’s Gallery Night.
This walking tour of the latest art exhibits at downtown’s galleries, shops, boutiques, and hotels is set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at 19 locations.
The Community Art Bike Racks exhibit, a series of photographs which will be on display at the Community School of Music and Arts, introduces the 12 new decorative stationary bikes racks designed by local creators — Stephanie Johnson, Taylor Brady, Linka Preus, Danielle Bates, Micah Schwartz, Robert Roemisch, Ivy Stevens-Gupta, Chris Willett, Jonathan Billing, Nellia Mattson and Daniel Sperling — and currently available for use throughout the downtown corridor. Durand Van Doren, a highly skilled artist-blacksmith for the past 40 years, fabricated the racks.  Bike Rack in front of Sew Green _Fotor
This special project was curated in partnership between the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), Tompkins County Tourism Program, BikeWalkTompkins and the City of Ithaca with support from a private donor. The project is designed to enhance Ithaca’s downtown with functional, creative bike racks while increasing a sense of community and possibility.
“We participated in this project as our effort to make Ithaca more accessible to cyclists — to encourage cycling as a viable mode of transportation. While more people are opting to travel around by bike, many areas were in need of additional bicycle parking. We’re delighted these new bike racks will be among the many highlights in this month’s Gallery Night,” says DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson.
As part of this special showing at CSMA, guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite rack. CSMA will then host a bike rack awards ceremony, reception, and walking tour during the next Gallery Night (June 8) and a bike tour on Saturday, June 9.
Details about Gallery Night’s additional exhibits are available in the Gallery Night booklet, which you can find at participating Gallery Night locations. Gallery Night information is also available at www.gallerynightithaca.com.
Gallery Night is presented and sponsored by Tompkins Trust Company, supported by the Community Arts Partnership and with90.1, and organized by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

 

Celebrate Grilled Cheese Month, and National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th, in Downtown Ithaca.

Posted by downtownalliance on April 10, 2018
Posted in: food and beverage event, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

From the classic grilled cheese on sourdough to one-of-a-kind creations, many Downtown Ithaca’s eateries have your favorite comfort food staple ready to enjoy.

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Ithaca Ale House, 111 N. Aurora St.

They claim it’s “the best-grilled cheese you’ll ever have.” It’s made with three kinds of cheese — American, Provolone, and Cheddar and grilled to perfection on crispy rosemary focaccia bread. You can choose any side dish to go with it,, but they highly recommend enjoying it with their cup of tomato soup.

Waffle Frolic, 146 E. State St. (The Commons)

Don’t let the restaurant name fool you. Though Waffle Frolic specializes in making fluffy waffles, they can sure whip up a tasty pressed cheese sandwich.  They have a handful of variations. Each is made with Havarti on rustic fresh bread, and then it can come with your choice of o-1.jpgroasted garlic and portabella, black forest ham and maple mustard, caramelized onion, apple butter, bacon, roasted turkey and red pepper,  spinach, artichoke and kalamata olive spread, artichoke and red pepper and sliced tomato.  

You also have an option to substitute with Daiya cheese.

Cafe Dewitt, 215 N. Cayuga St. (Dewitt Mall)

This quaint cafe in the Historic Dewitt Mall puts a fun spin on this classic sandwich. It’s made with local chevre (goat cheese), artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and fig rosemary balsamic vinaigrette on focaccia and toasted to perfection.

College Town Bagel, 203 N. Aurora St. 

At this favorite local hangout, you can customize your grilled cheese. The cheese selection includes fresh mozzarella, brief, goat, vegan soy, swiss, cheddar, muenster, American or provolone. Then, choose your bread or bagel (way too many yummy options to list) and your sandwich temperature (hot, cold, pressed or toasted) and your toppings (again, there are many to choose from).

Luna Inspired Street Food 113 N. Aurora St. (Restaurant Row)

Luna checks off all the boxes with its BBQ King Grilled Cheese. This tasty melt includes the restaurant’s popular braised BBQ King Grilled Cheeseshort rib topped with Memphis BBQ, classic slaw, smoked Gouda mac, NY Cheddar, fried onions, pressed bread. Oh, my and yum!

Monks on the Commons,  120 South Aurora St. (Inside the Marriott)

Monks offers a perfect grilled created using black pepper cooper, a one-of-a-kind cheese with sharp flavor, on Buttered Sourdough. And, its served with served with potato chowder — a delicious combination!

In addition, Ten Forward Cafe, The Commons Kitchen, Center Cafe (in Center Ithaca) and Kilpatrick’s Publick House are potential spots to find a version of this type of sandwich.  Enjoy!

 

The Commons Kitchen opening in Downtown Ithaca next month

Posted by downtownalliance on March 22, 2018
Posted in: Dining, Uncategorized. Leave a comment

Family style restaurant will serve home cooked meals, fresh soups, baked goods, and more

Downtown Ithaca’s Commons, home to many excellent fine dining and fast food options, will soon have a family style restaurant added to its mix.

Nadina Azzouay, a longtime home-cooker and the wife of Casablanca Pizzeria owner Adil Griguihi, is opening her own business, The Commons Kitchen at 124 East State St. (The Commons), the former Due Amici Ristorante site.

“We are delighted to welcome Nadina Azzouay, The Commons Kitchen, and its specialty dishes to our thriving community. The family style and ethnic dining experience that The Commons Kitchen will provide is going to be a wonderful addition to our diverse restaurant scene. We wish Nadina and the business great success,” says Gary Ferguson, executive director for the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), a not-for-profit organization that represents and promotes downtown’s businesses.

The new Mediterranean dining hotspot plans to open on Sunday, April 1.

“With all of the development and growth that is now happening on The Commons, this is the perfect time to open this restaurant here…We’re going to do well because we’re going to serve delicious meals that are unlike any other that you’ll find downtown,” says Azzouay.

At The Commons Kitchen, guests will have their choice of breakfast staples such as omelets and pancakes, daily homemade soup and sandwich lunch specials, Chicago style pizza, and a variety of dinner choices including vegan and gluten-free dishes. Freshly prepared baked goods including many types of bread, cupcakes, and muffins will also be available.

“It seems many people are often too busy to cook healthy, home-cooked meals. When they eat here, they’ll receive a homemade meal that is prepared using fresh ingredients, no canned foods. The meals will be very healthy and complete meals offered very affordable prices,” says Azzouay.

Customized meals will also be available upon request.

“If someone has dietary restrictions or a specialty diet, we’ll create a meal that suits them. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy eating a meal here,” says Azzouay.

Commons Kitchen will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Dine-in, take-out, delivery, and catering services will be available. Also, Commons Kitchen will be available to rent for private parties.

For additional details about The Commons Kitchen, call the restaurant at (607) 339-0790 or (607) 339-0622.

The Commons Kitchen is one of many new businesses to join the downtown community in recent months. Odyssey Wellness and Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shop also recently opened in the area. The DIA and City Mayor Svante Myrick will welcome them with a ribbon cutting ceremony at each of the businesses on March 29. The celebrations will start at 2 p.m. at Odyssey Wellness located in the Dewitt Mall followed by a ceremony at Sweet Melissa’s in Press Bay Alley.

Sweet Melissa’s is also hosting its own special grand opening event on March 31. More details about that activity can be found on the DIA’s Facebook Events Page or on Sweet Melissa’s Facebook Page.

For more information about any of these businesses, contact the DIA at (607) 277-8679 or email info@downtownithaca.com.

Seating in The Commons Kitchen

Downtown Ithaca Hosting Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on March 5

Posted by downtownalliance on February 21, 2018
Posted in: Awards, Business, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment
Celebration features special speakers, awards presentation, and dinner  Seating is limited 

ITHACA, FEBRUARY 16, 2018 —  Downtown Ithaca is gearing up for its biggest night of the year — it’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) will present the annual affair on Monday, March 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Marriott Downtown on the Commons. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and a cash bar will be available prior to the dinner.

During this time-honored celebration, the DIA will recognize the corporate, elected, entrepreneurial, and community leaders who were instrumental in the ongoing development of Downtown in 2017. Dozens of the city’s top leaders in business, philanthropy, and government will be in attendance.

The focus of this year’s celebration is Why I Believe in Downtown.

DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson will present information regarding the current and future state of Downtown and Joe Wetmore, DIA founder and Autumn Leaves Used Booksowner, will discuss the beginnings of the DIA and its early vision. The not-for-profit organization is entering its 21st year in existence this year.

In addition to these presentations, Rosie App CEO Nick Nickitas, Green Street Pharmacy Owner and Pharmacist Nicole Pagano and Urban Core LLC Co-Founder John Guttridge will provide short master talks.

The night of celebration will conclude with the DIA presenting a total of seven awards including Economic Development Project of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Office Business of the Year, Nonprofit partner of the year, Downtown partner of the year, Board Member of the Year and Downtown Entrepreneur of the Year.

“Downtown Ithaca has become a dynamic community center, thanks to the hard work and investment of many people. Our annual dinner is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and pay tribute to some of our most outstanding examples of success in 2017,” Ferguson said.

Prior to the awards ceremony, honorees and guests will be treated to a freshly prepared buffet style meal of field greens, panko crusted chicken, Mixed Vegetables and Tofu with Coconut Red Curry Thai Sauce, Cilantro Lime Sauce (gluten free & vegan), grilled vegetable ratatouille, a dessert and a complimentary glass of wine.

Seating is extremely limited to this special engagement so promptly buy your tickets by calling the DIA at (607) 277-8679, or email info@downtownithaca.com. Ticket purchases may also be made online at https://squareup.com/market/downtown-ithaca-alliance.

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Five businesses win Downtown Ithaca’s Race for the Space II

Posted by downtownalliance on February 1, 2018
Posted in: Awards, Uncategorized. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Halal butcher shop/grocery store claims top prize

Five new retailers will join Downtown Ithaca’s vibrant business community very soon as a result of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s and Urban Core LLC’s Race for the Space II competition.

DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson and Urban Core LLC’s John Guttridge announced the highly competitive retail business contest’s five winners during a special press conference held Thursday at Ithaca’s City Hall. The five finalists business plans were selected from a field of 17 business proposals submitted this past Fall.

Halal Meat and Groceries, a butcher shop and convenience store targeting international residents from Middle Eastern countries and the Gulf states, claimed the contest’s top prize.

As the winner, Halal receives a one-year rental free space located in the Press Bay Court project, at 110 W. Green Street, which is currently being built by Urban Core LLC and adjacent to the successful Press Bay Alley retail complex, also owned and managed by Urban Core. Halal also garnered a $4,500 cash award to assist with the build out.

The new Halal shop will feature an expansive selection of high quality local halal meats, international foods, spices, and more, according to the business plan created by store owner Abdul Jalil. 

Race for the Space Group shot copy

Race for the Space winners Layne Dann (Gee June Bridal), Laila Begum (Halal Meat & Groceries), Kristen Dutcher (Hair Color Art), Amy Cohen and Kiera Carman (One Ring Donuts).

Along with the one year of free rent and cash, Halal Meat and Groceries will also receive monthly technical assistance and support from a team of marketing, financial, and small business experts who have agreed to work with them to help bolster their opportunity for success. It is important to note Halal was also required to sign a multi-year lease — with the first year being the free year.

Race for the Space II’s four runner-ups are Gee June Bridal Shop; One Ring Donuts, Rogue Donuts; and Hair• Color • Art. Each of these businesses received a cash prize to assist with their business built out and also signed a multi-year lease for space at downtown locations.  
Gee June Bridal Shop, One Ring Donuts, and Hair • Color • Art will also open in the new Press Bay Court project. Rogue Donuts is currently working on finalizing a lease at another location in downtown.    

For the Race for the Space II competition, each business submitted preliminary applications followed by a complete business proposal then, lastly, completed in-person presentations to the selection jury.

“We believe these finalists will add to downtown’s vibrancy, diversity, and all-inclusive culture. Their business plans are very impressive and we look forward to working with each of them,” says DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson.

Guttridge adds, “We’re definitely excited about adding a Halal butcher shop and grocery store to our thriving West Green Street block. Halal’s services will fill a need in the community and will draw new customers to our area. All of these businesses that were selected through this competition will be excellent additions to the downtown community.”

Each of the Race for the Space II winning businesses is expected to open later this year. Keep an eye out for business opening announcements from the DIA. For additional information about Race for the Space II, visit www.downtownithaca.com or call the DIA at (607) 277-8679.

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ABOUT HALAL MEAT AND GROCERIES: Halal Meat and Groceries, a butcher shop and convenience store targeting international residents from Middle Eastern countries and the Gulf states, will feature an selection of high quality local meats, international foods, spices, and more. Halal will be located on the 100 block of W. State Street in Downtown Ithaca.

ABOUT GEE JUNE BRIDAL: Gee June Bridal is an experiential bridal boutique where its founder and owner Layne Dann handmakes custom designed, vintage, repurposed, and eco-friendly wedding inspired apparel and accessories for a bride and their wedding party. Dann currently works out of a Homer, NY location and also completes custom work at Fibers in the Dewitt Mall.  The shop will have a brick and mortar location in Downtown Ithaca in the Spring of 2018. Additional information is available at http://www.geejunebridal.com.

ABOUT ONE RING DONUTS: One Ring Donuts will serve many varieties of freshly baked donuts made with high quality ingredients. Many flavors and toppings will be available. One Ring Donuts will be owned and operated by Kiera Carman and Amy Cohen.

ABOUT ROUGE DONUTS: Rouge Donuts is a retail shop and bakery that will serve freshly baked donuts, including gluten-free and vegan options, cakes, breakfast sandwiches and coffee-type beverages in a casual, cafe setting. Rouge Donuts will be locally owned and operated and is currently working on their location.

ABOUT HAIR • COLOR • ART: Hair • Color • Art provides top-quality hair services for all ages in a creative, welcoming, community- supporting studio space. Our services include cuts, colors, intense colors, styles for special occasions and products for hair. Guest providers will offer additional services including makeup artistry and specialty styling (dread locks, specialty braiding, etc.). More information is available at http://www.haircolorart.com.

Downtown Ithaca Celebrating 20th Year of Hosting the Region’s Biggest Chili Cook-Off

Posted by downtownalliance on January 24, 2018
Posted in: Event, food and beverage event, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Chili, Silent Disco, brew tasting, Family Fun Zone and more coming February 10 on The Commons

ITHACA, NY JANUARY 24, 2018 — Downtown Ithaca’s 20th Annual Chili Cook-Off is coming to the area Saturday, Feb. 10 and will be bigger and better than ever with more than 40 participating restaurants sharing their extremely tasty concoctions and tons of other fun activities going on during the celebration.

Tompkins Trust Company presents this highly anticipated community tradition, which is set from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on The Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St. The Chili Cook-Off, which draws thousands of attendees each year, features hundreds of gallons of freshly made sweet, spicy, and/or tangy chili samples that are masterfully created by the some of the region’s best chefs. These culinary experts will be competing for coveted prizes (Best Meat, Best Vegetarian/Vegan, Best Other Chili Item, and People’s Choice Chili awards). Meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free sample options at Chili Cook-off will be available.

“People in this region simply love the varieties of chili and all the of the special activities included as part of this annual recognition of this spicy stew. This year, we’ve recruited a group of widely known restaurants that will showcase some of the very best and most creative chili and chili related recipes around. The public is truly going to enjoy what’s in store for them this year, and we thank Tompkins Trust Company for its continued support for this ultimate foodie and family-friendly event,” says Scott Rougeau, Special Events Associate for the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the event’s organizer.

During the event, Chili Cook-Off visitors can help to name the competition’s People’s Choice champion by sampling chili throughout the day and voting for their favorites. Winners of a jury contest and the People’s Choice honorees will be announced at a later day. The grand prize is the famed Chili trophy and plenty of bragging rights!

Last year’s People’s Choice and Best Presentation winner Monks on the Commons is returning and will be serving a Texas-style chili that is sure to gain many votes. Guests will also enjoy chilis from some new participants including Cornell Catering which will feature meat, vegetarian and vegan chili options.

are also ready to flex their chili making muscles. Collegetown Bagels Pub, Farm and Brewery and BandwagonLocal dining favorites and long-time chili participants Bandwagon will be serving a fired-up chili made with locally sourced meat and house-brewed beer, while Collegetown Bagel will offer both a meat chili made with grilled steak chili and a vegan tofu tomatillo chili.

For the brew lovers, Grist Iron Brewing, Bacchus Brewing Co., and Wagner Valley Brewing are among the list of beverage establishments that will provide beer tastings throughout the event.

Thousands of people attend the Downtown Ithaca Great Chili Cook-Off each year. 

 

Chili Cook-Off will also host a variety of culinary purveyors offering chili-inspired bites, such as Life So Sweet Chocolate’ssweet and spicy raspberry jalapeno chocolate truffles, local microbrews and wine (Don’t forget your ID!), and farm-fresh goods.  In between chili chowing, fest-goers can take in the annual spectacular beard and mustache competition – an artistic demonstration showcasing the latest manscape trends, and the extremely popular Silent Disco — details about this wild, wireless dance party are available at www.downtownithaca.com. For those who are young and young at heart, free face painting, games, and additional fun-filled activities will be available in the Tompkins Trust Family Fun Zone happening inside Center Ithaca.

Presale tickets for this fun-filled, family-friendly event will be available starting February 1 at the Downtown Visitors Center (171 E. State St.), and at two Collegetown Bagels locations (203 N. Aurora St., and 415 College Ave.). If you’re coming in from out of town, you can reserve tickets at will-call with your credit card by calling the Downtown Ithaca Alliance at (607) 277-8679.

As always, you can purchase tickets on the day of the event at the event (cash only). Tickets are $5 for five tastes or $10 for 10 tastes of food, wine, and beer. VIP tickets are also available and give you access to a separate, fast-moving line for tastes, plus the annual fest badge of honor, the chili necklace (while supplies last) at 10 tastes for $20 and 20 tastes for $40!

Parking will be available on the surrounding streets and in the city’s three parking garages — Seneca, Green and Cayuga Street. The parking garages will be charging a $5 special event fee.

For additional event information about Chili Cook-Off activities, visit www.downtownithaca.com, our Facebook Events Page, or call us at (607) 277-8679.

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Three Ice Fest veterans claim sculpting competition awards

Posted by downtownalliance on December 11, 2017
Posted in: Event, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

 

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Wei-Sen Liang, Aaron Costic, and Jerry Perum pose with their 2017 Ice Fest Awards.  Costic was named the Ice Fest Ice Sculpting Competition Champion while Perum and Liang earned second place and third place, respectively. 

 

ITHACA, NY DECEMBER 11, 2017 — Three veteran ice carvers took home top prizes following a series of thrilling, nationally sanctioned ice sculpting competitions held during Ithaca’s 11th Annual Ice Fest.

With a score of 77.83, Oneida resident Wei-Sen Liang, a multi-award-winning ice sculptor and Ice Fest returnee, earned a third-place finish for his impressive mermaid ice sculpture while Marcellus’ Jerry Perum, another Ice Fest veteran who’s won many awards, received 80.33 points for his soaring pelican design dubbed Peaceful Flight. His score earned him a second-place prize.

The Ice Fest’s 2017 Championship title was awarded to Aaron Costic (no score given), a 2006 Olympic gold medalist and a past Ice Fest top finisher from Ohio. Costic’s title-winning creation, which he called Wind, was a male’s muscular upper body with fanned out angelic wings on his back. The top three winners were selected by judges from the National Ice Carvers Association.

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Aaron Costic’s Ice Fest title-winning ice sculpture.

 

“We thank the 10 ice carvers who participated in these high stakes contests. They certainly offered our festival guests an incredible show. We also thank the hundreds of individuals who braved the elements to attend this exciting annual affair. We trust that everyone had a wonderful time, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year,” says Gary Ferguson, executive director for the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), a not-for-profit organization charged with organizing the event.

The DIA’s next major event will be the 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off set for Saturday, Feb. 10. Keep an eye on our Facebook Events Page for information about Chili Cook-Off and Downtown Ithaca’s other events.

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Experiential retail trending in Downtown Ithaca

Posted by downtownalliance on November 24, 2017
Posted in: Classes and community group gatherings, Shopping, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Toko Imports and other retailers offering classes, activities, and services in their shop space

Downtown Ithaca’s traditional retailers are recognizing that online retail is causing a shift in consumer shopping habits and that brick and mortar shops now need to offer hands-on and authentic experiences to draw shoppers into their stores.
This trendy way of operating a brick and mortar store is called experiential retail where shops offer a mix of retail, services, and entertainment. Shoppers will find this type of experience in many of downtown Ithaca’s shops.

The latest example of experiential retail in downtown Ithaca exists at Toko Imports, Downtown Ithaca’s specialty shop for drums and world percussion, fine hats, fair-trade jewelry and goddess-inspired gifts. This specialty shop recently added new services in its retail space that jive well with the experiential retail concept.

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Now, instructors who provide classes, workshops, or other types of group activities, can host them at Toko where a multifunctional, 500-square-foot studio space is available to rent for that purpose. The studio space has hardwood floors and plenty of natural light, a perfect spot for dance rehearsals, meetings, and other community functions.
The studio space is available to rent before and after shop hours for a reasonable fee — $20-$30 per hour. The fee is based on a sliding scale. Discounted rates are available for daytime rentals while the shop is open and for those renting the space for more than 10 hours per month. For more information, call Toko Imports at (607) 288-2307.
The public, unless otherwise noted, is welcome to attend any of the activities hosted at Toko. Upcoming activities include Latin Percussion for Beginners, West African Drumming, Doumbek drum class w/ Nikolai Ruskin, a Kid’s Percussion Workshop, along with Belly Dancing and Hip Hop dance sessions. Details, including event times and registration information, about these and other upcoming activities, can be found on Toko Imports’ Facebook Page.
Toko, located in the historic Dewitt Mall at the corner of N. Cayuga and E. Buffalo streets, is one of many independently owned and operated downtown Ithaca businesses offering a diversified retail space where visitors can shop and receive other services.

Many other Downtown Ithaca shops and boutiques also present experiential retail at their shops. One of the ways they are offering it is by providing hands-on classes and workshops.
As examples, Sew Green, downtown’s top spot for reusable sewing materials, offers a variety of classes and camps where people of all ages can learn about sewing designs and techniques, and at Jillian’s Drawers, shoppers can participate in parenting classes at the store’s award-winning community room after they rummage through the variety of gently used baby and toddler items.  More than a dozen other downtown Ithaca businesses offer classes, as well.
Combining multiple businesses into one retail space is another way downtown’s retailers are providing experiential retail.
Autumn Leaves Used Books, where customers can purchase a classic novel from the 60,000 books in stock or buy a vinyl record and enjoy a tasty vegan or vegetarian dish made fresh at Ten Forward Cafe on the second floor of the store, is one example of that model. Another example is Petrune, where guests can find quality made vintage wear and also receive hair care services at Hare and Bristle, downtown’s newest salon, located on the second floor of the shop.

A third method retailers use to provide experiential retail is by offering retail along with specialty services. This method is seen at Narrative Space, 213 N. Aurora St., where visitors can purchase name brand, high-end men’s and women’s fashions and receive a shave and a haircut at the barbershop located within the store. Shoppers will also find a combo of retail and services at Green Street Pharmacy where they can fill their prescriptions and enjoy a cream soda, a hand mixed float or an ice cream sundae at the indoor cafe. In addition, at Comics for Collectors, shoppers will be able to experience role-playing style board game demonstrations while they shop for the latest graphic novels.
Many other Downtown Ithaca shops and boutiques also present experiential retail in some way, shape or form so be sure to stop by your favorite stores regularly to see what’s available.

To learn more about the variety of products and services downtown Ithaca stores and others provide, visit http://www.downtownithaca.com.

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Great News!   FREE PARKING for Thanksgiving in Downtown Ithaca.

Posted by downtownalliance on November 20, 2017
Posted in: Business, Dining, Parking, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

The City of Ithaca will offer FREE PARKING in Downtown Ithaca starting in the evening on Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 26 inside garages and on the streets around Downtown Ithaca!

Tell your friends, family, neighbors, etc…pretty much everyone you know to come downtown to shop and dine!  Bring the whole family!

Free parking for Thanksgiving will go into effect at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and remain free through Sunday, Nov. 26.  Regular parking rates resume at 3 AM Monday, Nov. 27.

Please be advised all standard parking restrictions  (including 2-hour parking limit zones, 15-minute loading zones, accessible parking, odd-even overnight parking, etc.) will still be in effect.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!