On a balmy, breezy, seventy degree Saturday we took my newly graduated nephew to investigate his future educational environs, Cornell University.
Just off campus is the much beloved Collegetown Bagels. We began our day here with lunch fueling up for the day. Featuring an extensive menu of sandwiches and desserts featured from Ithaca Bakery. For those of you who enjoy a gluten free diet they have both gluten free bagels and breads.
We arrived on campus shortly after 12 o’clock. I did not realize just how large the campus is, nor how hilly. We walked 5.2 challenging at times, miles. Cornell is a mix of ultra modern and traditional architecture, which you’d think would clash but doesn’t.
Nestled in the hills of the finger lakes in Central New York the sprawling campus is home to just over 16,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. Founded in 1865 Cornell is New York State’s Land Grant Institution. The institution is charged with advancing the lives of the state’s citizens through teaching, research and public service.
Our tour consisted of walking my nephews Monday schedule, timing the route from his residence hall (Hu Shih Hall) to each class because we are logistical nerds. The campus is sprawling, much larger than I imagined. The students will get a workout every day as they make their way to classes over the hilly terrain.
The day wrapped up with a visit to the Cornell Dairy Bar, offering Cornell Ice Cream in various delicious flavors. We sampled the BeeBee Black Raspberry; self explanatory, Big Red Bear Tracks; vanilla ice cream with brownies and a caramel swirl, and Peanut Butter Mini Falls; peanut butter ice cream with mini peanut butter cups.
I cannot imaging how moving in 26,000 people over a week will be accomplished. Later in August I will find out first hand as we start Orientation week beginning with move in day.
Ithaca, New York is a gem of a town. Filled with coffee shops, farmers markets and fantastic hiking opportunities. I am excited to investigate all of it over the next four years. I invite you all along.