If you’re looking for a getaway that blends wine, wellness, and history, Cayuga County in Upstate New York should be on your list. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, it’s an underrated destination with something for every type of traveler from outdoor adventurers and history buffs to foodies and those in search of peace and reflection.
Disclaimer: This trip was hosted by Visit Cayuga. As always, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own.
💡 Travel Tip: The closest major airport is Syracuse Hancock International (SYR), just under an hour’s drive from Auburn, the county’s main hub.
Where I Stayed
During my visit, I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Auburn, which was centrally located and convenient for getting around. While it was a good base, I’d also recommend looking into the Inns of Aurora, a charming lakeside property that perfectly matches the peaceful and restorative vibe of the trip.
☀️ What To Expect In Summer
I visited in July, where summer in Cayuga County is beautiful. Expect warm, sunny days in the mid-70s to 80s, perfect for outdoor activities on the lake and hiking trails. Evenings cool down slightly, which makes it ideal for wine cruises or relaxing dinners outside.
Day 1: A Calm Start With Yoga
I began my trip with outdoor yoga at Izzo’s White Barn in Aurora. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the week, calm, grounding, and surrounded by nature. This experience really set the stage for Cayuga’s focus on wellness.
📍 Izzo’s White Barn: 2062 State Route 90, Aurora, NY 13026
Day 2: Walking In Harriett Tubman’s Footsteps
Day two was a powerful introduction to Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Auburn. Touring her home and walking her property was unforgettable. I learned how, after the Civil War, Tubman became an entrepreneur and community leader, opening the Home for the Aged, selling baked goods, and running a farm that provided food for others. She used these efforts to purchase 25 acres of land, securing her lasting mark in Cayuga County.
📍 Harriet Tubman Home: 180 South St, Auburn, NY 13021
📍 Howland Stone Store Museum: 2956 State Route 34B, Aurora, NY 13026
📍 Opendore Project: 2978 State Route 34B, Aurora, NY 13026
Day 3: Nature, Water, and Wine
Visiting Sterling Nature Center was one of the highlights of my trip. Standing on the shoreline of Lake Ontario felt like being at the beach with wide open skies, waves rolling in, and a peaceful energy. Later, I tried Fair Haven Water Bikes, a unique and relaxing way to get out on the water. The evening ended perfectly with wine tasting and pizza at Colloca Estate Winery, a cozy way to close out the day.
📍 Sterling Nature Center: 15730 Jensvold Rd, Sterling, NY 13156
📍 Fair Haven Water Bikes (at Colloca Estate Winery Docks): 14678 West Bay Rd, Sterling, NY 13156
📍 Colloca Estate Winery: 14678 West Bay Rd, Sterling, NY 13156
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures
This day was all about adventure. Hiking through the waterfalls and gorges at Fillmore Glen State Park was breathtaking, and horseback riding at Southern Tier Stables gave me a whole new way to take in the rolling countryside. Both activities left me feeling connected to the land and reminded me how diverse Cayuga’s outdoor offerings are.
Watch this short clip from my hike at Fillmore Glen State Park in Cayuga County, New York, to see the waterfalls and trails that make it one of the best hiking spots in Upstate New York.
Later that day, I also went horseback riding and took a wagon ride at Southern Tier Stables another unforgettable way to explore the landscape.
📍 Fillmore Glen State Park: 1686 State Route 38, Moravia, NY 13118
📍 Southern Tier Stables: 4697 E Lake Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035
Day 5: Reflection and Legacy
I ended my trip reflecting on Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary contributions. The Equal Rights Heritage Center helped me better understand her impact in the broader fight for freedom and equality. Finally, visiting her resting place at Fort Hill Cemetery was a moving experience that leaves you thinking about life, legacy, and how far her courage reached.
📍 Equal Rights Heritage Center: 25 South St, Auburn, NY 13021
📍 Fort Hill Cemetery: 19 Fort St, Auburn, NY 13021
Final Thoughts
Cayuga County surprised me at every turn. In just five days, I experienced wellness through yoga, adventure through hiking and water biking, and deep history through the legacy of Harriet Tubman. Combined with local wine and lakeside views, it truly is a destination that offers a little something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to the Finger Lakes region, I highly recommend adding Cayuga County to your list. It’s a place where you can slow down, connect with history, and enjoy the beauty of Upstate New York.
This trip was hosted by Visit Cayuga. As always, all opinions and experiences are my own.
I just watched the video and read all about your trip which sounds amazing the scenery was beautiful the hike the views amazing. Need to check out this place.Thanks for sharing keep up the great work.
Thank you so much and I’m so glad that you enjoyed it! Cayuga is so beautiful and you should plan a trip there soon!
What an awesome recap! This trip was beyond incredible. It was great to learn so much about Harriet Tubman’s history but then also be able to relax and explore.
Thanks so much for sharing.I enjoyed watching the videos and seeing how beautiful this place is
I am happy you had a great time.I would love to visit or day too,.
This was very informative. I really would take this trip to rejuvenate. I didn’t know how rich the area is and the wonderful history being celebrated by locals. Very well done.