Ithaca

At the south end of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca punches far above its size when it comes to live music. Two universities keep the audiences young and the bookings adventurous, from the restored State Theatre to dive stages, brewpubs, and gorge-side wineries. Jazz, folk, indie, and jam acts all find a home here, and on any given weekend the choice is less about whether there's a show than which one to pick. The scene runs year-round, but summer and the academic year are when it's busiest.