I recently received a few gift cards for my birthday. As thankful as I am that anyone took their time and gave consideration to gift me anything, I noticed that the thrill was gone.
The thrill of shopping with free money to get that one thing that’s been waiting on my wish list.
That thrill was gone.
I wondered if maybe it’s my age, as I’ve moved on to another decade. But I don’t think that was it, either. I think it’s really simple. What I want is more places.
Who said don’t go chasing waterfalls?
There is such a thrill in collecting more cities, more countries and more exciting destinations! Adding to the collection of experiences imprinted on my soul. Evolving me as a person.
I’m visiting the breathtaking green lands of upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region, in the city of Ithaca, which is known for its waterfalls and gorges.
Ithaca Is Gorges!
According to the official website for Ithaca NY, there are at least 150 hidden waterfalls within 10 miles!
I had just enough time to find and explore two of them. I’ll need to get back here soon to find 100+ more!
Travel exists to show you that your dreams are real
What a wonder it is to stand in the presence of a mighty, cascading waterfall!
One of the two falls I visited came with an incredible vertical climb up carved-out hiking trails alongside the mighty gorge.
I’m obsessed with natural pools and springs, and will be on a quest to find warm springs on my next trip west. This organic obsession I can credit to my first natural spring experience on the climb here at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
I recently read that Buttermilk Falls takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley toward Cayuga Lake.
All about a theme, I had MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check pattern cut-in and painted in the back of my hair for Barn Sale!
Shopping for experiences
How far is Ithaca NY from Aurora NY?
Isn’t it ironic that the reason I visit Ithaca is for one of my entrepreneurial projects as a personal shopper! Once a year I shop for customers that are unable to attend the MacKenzie-Childs annual shopping event called Barn Sale in the small village of Aurora, about 45 minutes north of Ithaca (23.72 miles to be exact).
My shopping adventures here began as a customer three years ago, trekking my way 9 hours up the east coast. Purchasing all that I could take in from my favorite home decor company at once a year markdowns!
The professional shopper that I am, I travel with and bring my own cart to shop the event!
The entrepreneur that I am, I leveled-up my first trip to include shopping for other ladies who were unable to attend. For a fee, I take on the long drive, the lines and the crowds and make their purchases for them.
I’ve found that the most valuable part of this annual excursion is the visit itself. The place, and not the shopping. Once I’m permanently west coast living, I’m not sure that I’ll keep the annual commitment as a personal shopper.
I can’t imagine not taking the annual pilgrimage as a visitor.
Hands down, I choose the destination over the monetization.
What a girl needs
My priorities have shifted incredibly— and I like it!
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not sure that it’s an age thing. Just more of a growth thing.
My husband and I have made travel an intricate part of our lives as thriving human beings. I have evolved my presence online by recording our travel experiences in videos, pictures and stories that I share on my blog and on my Instagram page.
I started doing this after my first trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York.
As I continue to wander and lust for more places to go and see. More cultures to embrace and more people in different places that I can get to know. I’ll continue to share how valuable travel is to life.
I highly encourage travel and exploration.
In the meantime, you can still get me that gift card, and I promise that I’ll be grateful!
Like the waterfalls, it’s actually the gift that keeps on giving!
The gift cards have inspired me to take inventory of what’s important to me today, and what I want to collect more of in my life.
I’m an entrepreneur, creator and wanderlust at heart. I’ll still need those gift cards to purchase those furry terrain sandals, with the matching fanny pack.
Hey, It’s still New York, after all! All for my next trip to Ithaca. Always chasing waterfalls!
Like this post? Share it on Pinterest so we can all learn & grow!
My style with whimsy tip
Holy guacamole! Need I say more? I’m wearing a green avocado dress! I also wore sandals to the waterfalls. I wouldn’t recommend this for hiking the trails. It was difficult! However, they make for stylish pictures 😉
MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale Aurora, NY
SheIn avocado dress | Target satin slide sandals | Gold headband | Julie Vos bracelet | Similar to my LA Tenzin ring | Earrings | Necklace | SheIn yellow sundress | Target similar cardigan | Jack Rogers white jelly sandals | Target hair clips | Amazon fashion heart sunglasses | Courtly Check hair designed by Destiny of Hair We Are Salon |
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I love waterfalls.
Author
You and I both, Vicki!
Palem1988 same here
Incredible photos! What a colors…
Author
Thank you, color is my favorite!
Great!
Author
Rena, glad you think so too!
I’m entering a new decade, myself, in July – ‘50’! I also understand “the thrill is gone” feeling, as well. ‘Stuff’ just isn’t doing it for me, I crave time and experience, instead.
Author
I’m right there with ya! Cheers to brand new experiences in your new decade!!!
You’ve made me want to visit Ithaca
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I sure hope that you do! It’s a hidden treasure in New York. Actually, Cornell University is also there.
Awesome waterfalls! Beautiful colors! “Stuff” is overrated…it’s experiences that count
Author
Aren’t they amazing?! You said it best, Sandy! Experiences are what counts!
So pretty! (both the waterfalls and you) 😉
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You’re too kind, Thank you!
Gorgeous waterfalls!!! I would love to take a weekend trip & visit sometime!!! ????????????
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Brandy, Yes! Ithaca is wonderful for a weekend getaway!
Waterfalls are so pretty. I love them.
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Right! Such a wonder of the world!
Great pics! I love waterfalls.
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Glad you enjoyed the photos in this post. I love waterfalls, too Kelly!
Wow such beautiful waterfalls!
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Aren’t they, Beth? I can’t wait to visit again!
Wow so beautiful! I love waterfalls. For me it’s a hiking trail must have! Or at least some sort of water
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I totally agree, Kayla! I never thought I was the hiking type until I saw waterfalls for the first time.
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Kayla, hiking alongside a waterfall is so beautiful!
wow beautiful
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Thanks, Brittnee!
I understand. Shopping and things are not big for me either. I love experiences. Love these pictures. I chased Waterfalls 2 years ago with my daughter and grand kids in South Caroline. We saw some beautiful waterfalls.
Author
Oh, lucky girl! Waterfalls are amazing, Teresa. Keep chasing!
looks beautiful there! and i love the avocado dress!
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Thanks, Joann! The avocado dress is so fun, right?!
These waterfalls look amazing. Definitely going to have visit there sometime!
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You’ll be amazed by the many waterfalls to find here!
Beautiful waterfalls! Love it!
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I love waterfalls, too! I hope you can visit this place- there are so many to find and explore here!
I live like 25 minutes from Ithaca. It really is nice in that area around the waterfalls.
Author
Lucky girl! You live so close to one of the most naturally beautiful places!
Beautiful place! I love your dress
Author
Isn’t it beautiful here! HA HA, my gauc dress!
i would love to go to all a waterfall adventure through the US
Author
Yes! I want to explore more waterfalls in other states, too!
Gorgeous photos and such a lovely dress!
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Thanks, Betsy! It was fun hanging out in my avocado dress!
Last time I visited Ithica was for Woodstock ’99… I’m from CT so I often visited NY, especially upstate alot growing up. Rome. isnt too far from Ithica, it’s pretty nice too!
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Oh, so nice to know you’re familiar with Ithaca—and lucky you attending Woodstock’s return! My bestie has family in Rome, NY, however I’ve never been.
Such beautiful photos! I do love waterfalls. for me it brings calming and relaxing vibes which in this day and time is much needed!
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Dona, I totally agree 😉
So wonderfu Shaunda that you visited Ithaca, it’s a lovely town, lots of educated open minded folks. And of course Ithaca is Gorges! is the slogan. I relocated here from NYC and love it. I”m able to work from home coaching women on meditation and mindset and enjoy nature- which I couldn’t do In NYC.
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Thanks, Viv for your comment! I can’t wait to visit your city again. I think this is the perfect place for meditation and mindset!
Love your dress!!
Author
LOL! Thanks- my avocado dress!
Ithaca looks like a wonderful place to visit! Love the avocado dress!
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I’ll miss Ithaca this year in the age of covid. Can’t wait to return next year- in my avocado dress! 😉
Waterfalls are cool, but why is the water yellow?
Author
Yes- waterfalls are cool! Didn’t notice the yellow, tho!
I love going to new places these days too. Those memories made will last forever. .. I am hearing the peaceful and serene sounds of those waterfalls just by looking at your photos!
Author
Awwe, Jenn! I’m so glad you could feel the serenity.
I have never bneen to Ithica or New Yourk State for that matter but I would love to go one day. I’m a big waterfall fan too. Great pictures!
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If you love waterfalls, Ithaca is your place!