Did you know that Cayuga County does not include all of Cayuga Lake? While Cayuga Lake runs from Seneca Falls to Ithaca, Cayuga County reaches from Lake Ontario, past Aurora and even over to Skaneateles Lake. It’s all smack-dab in the middle of the Finger Lakes region (and New York state). Whether you’re planning a trip or just passing through, you won’t want to miss these Cayuga County gems:

MacKenzie-Childs

The world-famous handcrafted home furnishings created by MacKenzie-Childs are truly one of a kind. You’ll find their headquarters in Aurora on a Victorian farm overlooking Cayuga Lake. Any time is a great time to visit – the shop, farmhouse and gardens are open year-round. Thinking ahead? Mark your calendars for the famous Annual Barn Sale, held in late July. This is a great opportunity for MacKenzie-Childs lovers to score discounts on overstock and “seconds.” Be sure to get there early!

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

America’s first wine trail! Established in 1983, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, featuring 16 wineries, is the first-organized and longest running wine trail in America. Two Cayuga County wineries are on the trail – Long Point Winery and Treleaven by King Ferry Winery.

Looking to make your holiday shopping a little more enjoyable? The 26th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree is November 22-24. Tickets sell fast! Wine lovers get tastings, ornaments, recipes and more, all while crossing gifts off their list.

Seward House Museum Haunted Tours

William Henry Seward was a New York state senator, governor of New York and a U.S. senator. He also served as secretary of state in the Lincoln and Johnson administrations. His home was bequeathed in 1951 to the Fred L. Emerson Foundation and intended to be a public museum. In October, the Seward House Museum comes to life as costumed guides take guests around the grounds and across the darkened streets of downtown Auburn, sharing chilling tales of Victorian funeral practices, ghostly encounters and true crime stories.

Owen Orchards Cider Mill & Farm Market

Bring the family to this old-fashioned apple orchard for some classic fall fun! Choose from 15 varieties of u-pick apples, take the kids on a wagon ride through the orchards and sample freshly made cider and doughnuts’-pick apples are available through the end of October. Visit OwenOrchard.com to see which varieties will be available when you visit.

Inns of Aurora

The beautiful boutique hotels that make up the Inns of Aurora offer so much more than just a place to lay your head. With several restaurants, the Schoolhouse Activities Center, wellness events, cooking classes and more, you can’t go wrong exploring this quaint historic town through the eyes of Inns of Aurora founder Pleasant Rowland. When planning your stay, choose from Aurora Inn, E.B. Morgan House, Rowland House, Wallcourt Hall, or – opening in October 2019– the newly renovated Zabriskie House.

Taking a road trip? It might be time to upgrade your AAA Membership! Make sure your plan will cover you when you travel out of town!

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