Let’s get writing! Discover some of the many amazing stories waiting to be told in Cayuga County. From history to equal rights, shopping to dining, and wellness to recreation—there are countless narratives at your fingertips. Let us help inspire you as you develop a story of your own.

Take a Walk in the Footsteps of Harriet Tubman

With Auburn serving as Harriet Tubman’s chosen hometown—where she spent the final 50+ years of her life after regaining her freedom—there’s no better place to learn about her story. On historic South Street, the Harriet Tubman Home stands tall, honoring one of history’s bravest women and offering the chance to witness her legacy firsthand. A few blocks away, in the restored AME Zion Church building where Tubman herself attended services, now stands the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park—set to open to the public in 2024. Known affectionately as “History’s Hometown,” there’s no better place than Auburn to learn about the legendary activists, abolitionists, suffragists, and more of the Finger Lakes region.

Craft Beverages for All

In Cayuga County, it’s not just our rolling hills that are captivating; it’s the craft wineries, breweries, and cideries. Home to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail—the country’s very first trail of its kind—we offer so much more than just wine tastings. Whether you want to learn more about the winemaking process, witness the meticulous harvesting of grapes, or marvel at the careful oak barrel aging process, our 10+ award-winning wineries are sure to delight. And for those more interested in a cool beer or a crisp cider, we have plenty of those as well! Orchards laden with apples provide the perfect raw materials for skilled cider makers, and our craft brewers regularly push the boundaries of flavor in order to redefine beer time and time again. Here in Cayuga County, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to provide a wide array of craft beverages for every palate.

Fabulous Farm-to-Table Foods

Embracing the agricultural heritage of the region, Cayuga County’s dining landscape is rich with farm-to-table, sustainably-sourced, and organic options. Many of our farms offer immersive experiences, allowing visitors to pluck sun-ripened apples, select the perfect pumpkin for Halloween, delight in hydroponically grown strawberries, and so much more. Farmers’ markets dot the county, showcasing an even greater array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted goods. Our farm-to-table restaurants take pride in their menus, featuring locally raised meats, freshly picked vegetables, homemade cheeses, and more.

The 3 R’s: Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate

Anchored on the shore of Cayuga Lake and surrounded by 350 acres of bucolic fields and vineyards, the award-winning Inns of Aurora make up an iconic Finger Lakes resort, far removed from the busy pace of modern life. Its five grand and luxuriously restored estates layer the spirit of these historic buildings with contemporary approaches to wellness and design. Whether you’re seeking a state-of-the-art spa experience, a relaxing weekend getaway, or a gentle reconnection with nature, Aurora is sure to provide just what you need.

Go Beyond

For those looking to go beyond their comfort zone and try something new, Cayuga County is the perfect place to do it. Here, we invite visitors and residents alike to “go beyond” and to check a line off their bucket list in an approachable and cultivated way. With an area steeped in natural beauty, adventure is just steps away. We have free, accessible, and easy to explore options for everyone looking to experience the great outdoors. From our nature center to our State Parks, our fishing opportunities to our biking trails, we really do have something for everyone’s interests—and options for all skillsets and abilities.

Fact Sheets

For more information on these or any other topics, please contact Ash Murray, Public Relations Manager at ash@cnof86.com