I hope you enjoy Ithaca. If you want to avoid cookie cutter consumerism, here are a few suggestions:<p>-Join a farm share. We have a zillion around here and it helps plan out meals ahead of time instead of being pulled into the event horizon of Wegmans.<p>-Speaking of, consider getting a meat freezer and hunting for deer. We have way too many and venison will last you for months.  Just be mindful of your weapons - IIRC rifles are banned in Tompkins County.<p>-Don&#x27;t take off the snow tires until at least May. Trust me on this.<p>-If you need contracting done, look to the Mennonites first. They work hard, they&#x27;re affordable, and it&#x27;s real quality.<p>-Take vitamin D supplements. The sun doesn&#x27;t exist here.