DEWITT MALL Areas to Explore

This former high school building was originally designed by famed architect William Henry Miller and later transformed into a center showcasing an assortment of one-of-a-kind independently owned shops including Ithacamade, a gift shop selling handcrafted pottery, home decor, and apparel including Silk Oak clothing; Fibers, a women’s fashion boutique featuring handwoven jackets, colorful pashminas, and handcrafted jewelry. Plus, there’s Luna Love Holistic Hair Studio offering customized haircuts, organic color services and Reiki energy; and three casual eateries: Moosewood Restaurant, the world-famous vegetarian pioneer, and Cafe Dewitt, which is legendary for its weekend brunch. Plus, satisfy your sweet tooth with the rich and creamy homemade ice cream at Cayuga Lake Creamery.

This unique urban mall also includes Pasttimes Antiques Boutique, a member-owned retail cooperative, Buffalo Street Books, and Greenstar Oasis Natural Foods. Additional specialty stores in the mall offer everything from modern toys at The Cat’s Pajamas, rare coins at Cayuga Coins, a grand collection of healing stones, crystals, geodes, fossils at Sunshine’s Creative Designs, and high-quality, brandname musical instruments at Ithaca Guitar Works

Each year, Local First Ithaca publishes The Guide To Being Local. Filled with stories, photographs, coupons, and local tidbits, this book is a great gift for anyone who loves to support our indieowned businesses. The booklet is available for purchase at many shops in Downtown Ithaca including Ithacamade and Buffalo Street Books.

CAYUGA & WEST STATE

Making up the west end of the Ithaca Commons, West State and Cayuga Street is an ideal area to find more unique shops and boutiques including Handwork, a community artisan co-op; Comics for Collectors, carrying comics, graphic novels, and fantasy games for all ages; V’s Hair Salon, Alley Cats Cafe where you’ll enjoy local roast coffees, baked goods and adoptable kittens. Plus, there’s Mane and Wigs for quality hair care products. Also, Adrina Dietra selling vintage inspired intimate apparel & apothecary goods.

DINING & BEVERAGES

These corridors also host an array of locally owned and operated eateries and shops including the upscale Coltivare Culinary Arts Center and Restaurant which is owned and operated by Tompkins Cortland Community College as an institution for culinary and farm-to-table education. West State and Cayuga houses such diverse cuisines as Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine, Gorgers Sub Shop with its worldly take on sandwiches, Thai Basil, authentic Mexican food restaurant Bickering Twins along with Capital Corner offering Chinese dishes and sushi, and Nowhere Special Libations Parlor. Plus, you’ll find The Watershed a cozy tavern; and The Downstairs, a private event space with 22 taps and Chef Tammy Cacciotti’s delectable bites.

Entertainment

Some of the best entertainment and nightlife in the Finger Lakes happens on West State Street at the historic State Theatre of Ithaca. The State has been