Binghamton -- What do I Need to Know? (Ithaca, Vestal: work, house)

[omadsa]

I have posted a few times now . . . but thought I'd start my own thread. Basically, my husband and I (in our mid-twenties) are moving to Binghamton (West Side) at the end of the month from Ithaca, and I know little of the area besides the stores in Vestal, Lost Dog Cafe and Whole in the Wall, and various other places of that nature.

What kinds of things do you think people moving to the area should know about? In general? Community groups (I found some info about the Triple Cities Runners Club -- great!)? Nature trails? Festivals/events? Coffee shops?

Also, are there any places we should avoid? We're still not familiar with the layout and different areas around the city.

Oh yeah: I'm not looking for more information on how "boring" the area is or how there's "nothing there." I get it, it's not NYC.

[Tioga]

The Binghamton Press puts out a real good guide to the southern tier..at least once a year. Go online to their website..Pressconnects..and see if you can get a copy. If the realtors were smart they'd get a bunch of those for newbies to the area. You don't exactly live a continent away...drive over and start from Owego and continue east..checking the area out.

[omadsa]

Thanks, Tioga!

[ekahbbekah]

Check out Chris's Diner downtown...State St... bacon egg and cheese on a bagel is the best... coffee is great there. It's loud and very greek and very informal. You may be scared at first but you will get used to it. Chris and Nikki own it... it's entertaining to watch Chris and his son Peter cook... so you can sit at the bar if you want to watch the show.

BTW, my parents will be selling their home on the west side, on Lincoln Ave... it's right around the corner from Rec Park and the neighbors are EXCELLENT! It's a great neighborhood. PM me if you want more info.

[omadsa]

Thanks for the tip! We love diners

[jstrazik]

Hi Omadsa,


It's difficult for me to zero in on what's happening in the Binghamton area without knowing your interests. There is always something going on.

Off the top of my head:

Ethnic festivals, marathons, ball games, art walks, golf courses, tennis courts, live music, wine tastings, hiking, camping, fishing, dancing, field days, car races, stand-up comedy, kayaking, ice skating, film festivals, star gazing, and so on.

Some Events:

Speedie Fest. Lots of food and festivities. Spend some cash and ride a hot air balloon.
Live at 5. A clambake/cookout with live music and, of course, drinking downtown every Friday.
The Jazz Festival.
PGA Tour.
The Pro Tennis Tour.
And much, much more.

Never go franchised. Binghamton has several exceptional restaurants in a variety of price ranges. If you would like some recommendations, I'd be more than happy to write back with restaurants and their locations.

When you read the slew of comments stating there is nothing to do in Binghamton, what you're reading about people who are too bland to get out there and enjoy life.


Enjoy.

[LaClair]

My wife and I just rented a house in the southside of Binghamton, much closer to where she works (Lourdes) than 30 miles away in PA (where she has lived for most of her life).

jstrazik, I personally would love to hear about some of those restaurants and locations. I moved here from Vermont just this past winter (we are newlyweds).

I've heard/read a lot of good, and a lot of bad about Binghamton - but it seems that's the way it is with EVERY city. All depends on whom you talk to. Where I was in Vermont is VERY boring, compared to what I've already seen in Bing.

[gold dust]

Binghamton is great!!! Hope you love it and are enjoying your new life there!

[ScranBarre]

Binghamton is a wonderful little city. It's a shame that just like its sister city of Scranton it is nothing but the butt of cruel jokes.