Laurel Guy is the author of the new book 365 Things to Do in Ithaca, New York. A Realtor and a founder of the Ithaca Artists Market and Circus Eccentrithica, she has lived in Ithaca for 35 years.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for this book?
A: There were a couple of things. I’ve lived here a long
time and I really love it. It’s so different from where I came from.
I also work in real estate, I work with people new to
Ithaca, and I’m their ambassador, their point person. I’m trying to tell them
it’s not just about neighborhoods or houses, but what it feels like to live
here. I end up [saying], You could end up here for a great meal…
One day I had an idea to write down one thing each day that
I love about Ithaca. I allowed it to be very intuitive. There are 365 days, but
there’s more in there—the people, the history, interesting folklore, but plenty
of things to do. It took me through the year.
There were two elements—wishing I could explain what it is
to live in Ithaca, and doing the project—that became the essence of it. I
realized how inefficient it is [to learn about a place]—it’s a little easier
now, online, TripAdvisor, restaurant reviews, but that’s quite superficial.
We learn a place from each other. With almost every case I
remember who told me each thing—little micro-stories. That’s how we create a community. I put it in
one curated list—“did you know?” People can talk about it, bring it to work.
You can read it chronologically or read it at random. Either way you dive into
something interesting.
Q: You mentioned that you came from somewhere very
different—where was that?
A: I have a Southern background, the Southeastern U.S. It’s
a very different mindset, very different geography. The way the place looks,
the houses look, people act—there are some similarities but there are vivid
differences and distinct seasons. Spring explodes [here], and it’s like fireworks.
It’s such a renewal.
Q: So how did you pick the thing to focus on for each day,
and how much research did you need to do?
A: It’s very intuitive. I had a certain way of doing it. One
day I put down a restaurant, the next day maybe I’d feature a historic story or
a place to take a hike. I had certain categories I tried to vary. It’s very
beautiful here—there are natural wonders and spectacular views. There’s
history—so much has happened here.
In terms of research, when I determined it would be a book,
yes, I made sure [it was researched]. When I posted it on social media it was casual, but when it
was something lasting, it was fact-checked, researched.
Q: You also have photos accompanying the text. How did you
choose them?
A: I took a lot of them, over one-third. Others are from
local photographers, who are all credited in the back of the book. That was the
fun of it—I also am a visual artist, I have a very good eye, and I had fun
taking those. I was able to utilize the archives at the History Center, our
museum here. Cornell photography was very helpful—I had to get permission.
Q: Who do you think is the perfect reader for this book?
A: Based on feedback, a newcomer. We have lots of people
coming here. We have schools, [including] Ithaca College and Cornell
University. Many people like to settle in Ithaca—it has a vibrant life to it.
They are coming here because they’re getting a job or a degree in higher
education.
Also, it could be for someone who’s been in Ithaca and moved
on. People remain extremely nostalgic about Ithaca. I have heard from old
friends who haven’t lived here for 20 years so they are crying from reading it.
It’s like having Ithaca in the palm of your hands. It’s a very unusual concept,
it’s not a traditional guidebook.
And long-term Ithacans—people are coming to me saying, I had
no idea! It’s really appealing to all those different situations. Also, let’s
say you’re not even in Ithaca but you have connections [or want to find out]
what it’s like to live in a college town, a small town…
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Another project, also Ithaca-centric, about unusual homes—unconventional…as
well as historic.
Q: Anything else we should know about 365 Things to Do in
Ithaca?
A: It feels a little like a kaleidoscopic view of Ithaca.
You could open it at random or start at day one, and every time you open the
book it will have a different perspective on this time and place. It’s even
fresh for me, even things that are familiar to me, you forget.
There’s seasonal amnesia—now it’s winter, and for the life
of me, I can’t remember, it’s hard to imagine [other seasons]. I can’t really
see summer, and when it’s summer I can’t see winter. That’s what kept me here
all this time. There’s a surprise for me every time, this change of season.
In a way that’s how all these little stories are. Whatever
it is, when I open it up, it’s incredible to remember what makes life so rich.
It’s dedicated to Ithaca with love—that’s the intent. Life is made up of these
little things, and you pick something each day.
Certain things were fun—Day 161 is a climb to the top of the
clock tower. It has 161 steps to the top. A lot of people have never done it.
You get to the top, and there’s a concert going on, a panoramic view—it’s
amazing and you get in a workout too! I hope people will enjoy it.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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