Satur-YAY!
One of the best days you never knew you needed.
At Create Upstate, you’ll be sure to learn a lot, be inspired, and surely meet plenty of other awesome Upstate NY designers you’ll instantly miss after the final event. Well I’m here to tell you that you need not worry about losing touch with your new best friends. This year, the amazing folks of Create Upstate have decided to add a third (!!!) day to the conference in order to give everyone a chance to come together outside of the normal conference hubbub and enjoy a day about food, exploring, and kicking back with your pals. I have had the honor of helping to coordinate this day that has since been christened SaturYAY!
As someone who has yet to step foot in the city limits of Ithaca, NY, I had help from many awesome Ithaca-ites in planning what I’m sure will be a fantastic day for all. (Thanks Allison, Bonnie, and the whole team at Downtown Ithaca Alliance!) There’s something in it for everyone and in order to help you better prepare, I’ve outlined the quick and dirty of each event just for your perusal complete with my oh so very professional advice on taking all the best instagrams to document this momentous day.
1. First, a hike at Buttermilk Falls to make you feel better about all the food and drinks to follow!
What is it?
Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades and rapids. A natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls provides swimming with the feel of an old swimming hole. Upstream, a scenic trail circles Lake Treman. The park features 5 trails that wander through a remarkable variety of landscapes. Trust me, you’ll be glad you woke up early to seize the day and see these falls.
What do you need?
A water bottle, some athletic wear, and a pair of sneakers you wouldn’t mind getting a bit dirty. Do not let the supply list scare you though. By no means is this a tough hike, any experience level will enjoy it! It also wouldn’t hurt to bring a ziploc bag to throw your phone in if it isn’t waterproof. I wouldn’t want your phone to stop you from hopping around in the water if inspiration hits.
Suggested Instagram filter?
#NoFilterNecessary Seriously. These views are too good to tarnish with a filter, let them get all the likes on their own. If anything, just bump up that saturation to really emphasize how beautiful nature is. Bonus points if your caption makes a pun about TLC chasing waterfalls.
2. What is a SaturYAY without some good eats like the ones you can find at Ithaca Farmer’s Market ?!
What is it?
The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You’ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone — hot prepared foods for those in need of a meal, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, pastured meat, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones.
We’ll be stopping here for brunch/lunch where you can choose from fan favorites such as Veronika’s Pastries, Solaz Burritos, and Forty Weight Coffee. Read through this vendor directory and try not to salivate on your keyboard.
What do you need?
Cash! Vendors aren’t equipped to accept cards. Although there is an ATM on site, but why stand in one more line than you have to?
Suggested Instagram filter?
A nice Ludwig filter will really bring out the blues of your waterfront brunch pics. Let every single one of your followers be jealous of the meal you’re about to devour.
3. Finally, a trip to Ithaca Beer Co . If you explore a new place and don’t hit up the local brewery, does the trip even count?!
What is it?
We’ll cap off the day with a round of high-fives and cheers to an amazing time at Ithaca Beer Co. They’ll give us a tour of their 20-year-old brewery, home to an amazing lineup of beers we’re all too familiar with here in Upstate NY.
What do you need?
An ID and your most stylish closed-toe shoes! Kids are welcome at the taproom, but to partake in tasting, you must be 21 and able to prove it. For everyone’s safety and probably I’m assuming some health reasons, everyone taking a tour must also be wearing closed-toe shoes. Tours cost $5 per person and each ticket will be redeemable for $5 off a case of bottled product within 6 months of your tour.
Suggested Instagram filter?
For this one, I’d suggest any filter your heart desires. However, if you don’t have the Instagram add-on Boomerang, INSTALL NOW! You won’t regret it. Nothing says “Look at me and my hipster self enjoying this local brew” like a good ‘ol boomerang of you and a friend infinitely cheers-ing to a flight of tasters.
Long story short, Thursday and Friday are bound to be two of the best days of your life (or at least this year) and why stop the fun there? Kick back, relax, and enjoy Ithaca with some of your new best friends. Hope to see you all there!
