As another former Cornellian, the recommendations here are all excellent. I enjoyed wonderful Thanksgiving dinners at Taughannock Farms Inn two years in a row. The Heights is another very good restaurant. I would skip the Statler as a hotel (I agree with other posters that it is WAY overpriced), but their weekend brunch is good. For less formal dining, Sticky Rice, on E. State St., has very good Thai/Laotion carry out. For a drink, try the Chapter House . It's a little bit more mellow than some of the places in Collegetown, and they've gots lots of beers on tap. If you want to take a day trip, Seneca Falls is only about 45 minutes away - it's a lovely drive up the lake and there are wineries to stop at along the way.

Don't forget to buy an "Ithaca is Gorges" t-shirt!!!