Ithaca Commons

Though things were a little pricy in some stores, this was a great way to spend the afernoon. I enjoyed the array of shops. Me and my gal pals went shopping for hours. Plus there are a ton of great little restaurants right there for lunch. We went to the Moosewood (really well know for their cookbooks) and loved it. What an experience!!

I disagree with the negative reviews about the Commons, but I suspect they did not like it because it is not a bustling, sanitized shopping place. It has a small playground my daughter loves, bookshops, eclectic stores with bizarre stuff, and some very nice restaurants. It was a bit down at the heel a few years ago, but it is not at all scary lately. Check out the Wikipedia entry on it. For touristy things, there's a scale model of the solar system that starts in the center of the Commons with a small Sun model and the closer planets, and it stretches out down Cayuga street 3/4 mile, planets appearing every few blocks, ending with Pluto at the ScienCenter. Dunno what they'll do with Pluto not a planet anymore LOL.

I cant understand why someone would say its a waste of time. If you like cool stuff...you will like the commons!! They have all sorts of unique gifts there!! And I thing that it is really great that people dont have to worry about stupid cars getting in the way of shopping!! So GO..Enjoy the commons..But if you are a housewife or someone that just doesnt like adventure then you had best stay home where its nice and boring!!!

The Commons are like a blast from the past. It's not everyday that one gets to hang out, play chess, shop in unique stores, or eat in vegetarian friendly resturantes. It's a wonderfully resfreshing trip!

The Commons is an experiment that has failed. Lots of vacancies and poor quality stores. If they wanted to revitalize it, they would restore vehicular access and create diagonal parking.

Go to the mall.....much more stores and better bargains. don't waste time at the commons. Lots of people just "hanging" around...Very scary for my children, and we are from the area!