A reminder to never judge a book by its cover or size, some of New York’s smallest towns are the destinations that have the most to offer visitors. Taking you out along the water where you’re surrounded by amazing views and even better wine, the small towns that make up the Finger Lakes Region are some of the most charming places that you’ll ever stumble upon. Now… it’s time to find out why you need to pack your bags and head out to Cayuga County!
Along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the tiny town of Aurora only has a population of roughly 700 residents.
James Willamor/Flickr Like so many of the lakes the make up this scenic region, the water in Cayuga Lake is absolutely stunning to see. Aurora is just one of several amazing towns that can be found around this particular lake and is also referred to as Aurora-on-Cayuga.
The charming town is full of historical markers that will give you a bit of insight to the local history, teaching you something new every time you turn a corner!
Doug Kerr/Flickr In 1980 the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District that consists of roughly 50 buildings in town was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From monumental pieces of our local history to historic buildings, through these historical markers you’ll quickly learn that Aurora is a fascinating place to visit.
Out of all the wonderful places to visit in town, one of the spots you’ll instantly hear about is the Aurora Inn.
The Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor With a gorgeous view of the water, the Aurora Inn is one of the most popular places to stay in town.
The historic building dates back to 1833, with each room being on an out-of-this-world level of coziness.
The Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor One of the great things about staying in hotels that are housed in historical buildings like this is that they have so much more character. Each room at the inn will make you feel right at home to the point where you’ll wish you never actually had to go back to your real home.
And best of all? The Aurora Inn has a dining room that’s also one of the best places to eat at in town.
Aurora Inn Dining Room/TripAdvisor The Aurora Inn Dining Room offers a phenomenal menu that changes with seasons and features ingredients from the local area. To find out more information about this restaurant and the inn, click here.
If you’re looking for a leisurely activity to enjoy, there’s no better place to relax and go shopping at than Mackenzie-Childs.
Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor Other states may have their own Mackenzie-Childs stores, but the heart of this company lies on a farm in Aurora. Like something out of a painted picture, the scenery and buildings that make up the Mackenzie-Childs property will positively charm you.
The gorgeous farm is open for tours throughout the year, giving you a look at 15 different rooms on three floors.
Mackenzie-Childs/TripAdvisor On the property you’ll be able to find a former Cornell horse barn, beautiful gardens, open fields, a historic greenhouse, a pond and even more.
Every year the Aurora location has their famous Barn Sale, drawing in people from all over the state.
rochesterfamily/TripAdvisor The Mackenzie-Childs decorative style isn’t one that’s for everybody, but those of us who do love this quirky home decor go bananas over it! The annual Barn Sale has people from all over the state coming to visit the town of Aurora during the summer, all coming to enjoy this one-of-a-kind quirky shopping experience. To find out more about visiting Mackenzie-Childs, click here.
Just a quick 5-minute walk from the Aurora Inn, the Rowland House is another amazing inn that makes the town of Aurora so delightful.
gcorcella/TripAdvisor Another historic building in town that people love to visit, the Rowland House dates back to 1903.
The inn features 10 rooms that are all unique and full of funky but tasteful wallpaper and decor.
Rowland House/TripAdvisor If there was a town in New York to be crowned as the place to have the most inns with amazingly chic and cozy rooms, Aurora would probably take home the cake. And speaking of food! This place also has an incredible dining room that that you’ll love to dine at. To find out more about the Rowland House, click here.
While you’re out in our beautiful wine region, you must pay a visit to the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard.
Pumpkin Hill Vineyard/Facebook Sitting on over 20-acres of land in town, the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard is a favorite wine destination to visit when you’re in Aurora.
The vineyard not only has unforgettable wine and fantastic views, but they also have amazing food as well.
Pumpkin Hill Vineyard/Facebook Since you’re out in the Finger Lakes you won’t be surprised to learn that the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard isn’t the only place wine-lovers can visit in town. Aurora is also home to the Long Point Winery and Bet the Farm Winery that will give you a great taste of this region. To find out more about the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard & Bistro, click here.
Right in between the Bet the Farm Winery and Aurora Inn you can find The Village Market, full of treats that will make your sweet tooth go wild.
The Village Market/Facebook One of the best things about the town of Aurora is that most everything you’ll want to visit is within walking distance of each other and right along Main Street. The Village Market is the small-town market you’ve always dreamed of, offering all sorts of sweets and treats that you’ll love. To find out more about this market, click here.
Aurora has a handful of mouthwatering restaurants to visit and one place you won’t want to forget about is Fargo Bar & Grill.
blueclaw13/TripAdvisor Also on Main Street, Fargo Bar & Grill is one of the best places to visit when you’re looking to quench your hunger.
From their well-loved burgers to their finger-licking good wings, it’s easy to find something to feast on at this small town restaurant.
MrBallman/TripAdvisor A casual place to grab something to eat, Fargo Bar & Grill is open every day of the week all throughout the year. To check out their great menu and to find out more, click here.
From historical buildings, quirky shopping destinations, charming inns, waterfront views and great restaurants, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this teensy tiny New York town!
Rowland House/TripAdvisor To find out more about the history of Aurora and all the reasons why you’ll want to visit one of our best-kept secrets, click here.
What’s your favorite thing about Aurora? To enjoy more scenic destinations, head on up to This Secluded Waterfront Restaurant In New York That’s One Of The Most Magical Places You’ll Ever Eat At!
James Willamor/Flickr
Like so many of the lakes the make up this scenic region, the water in Cayuga Lake is absolutely stunning to see. Aurora is just one of several amazing towns that can be found around this particular lake and is also referred to as Aurora-on-Cayuga.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
In 1980 the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District that consists of roughly 50 buildings in town was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From monumental pieces of our local history to historic buildings, through these historical markers you’ll quickly learn that Aurora is a fascinating place to visit.
The Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor
With a gorgeous view of the water, the Aurora Inn is one of the most popular places to stay in town.
One of the great things about staying in hotels that are housed in historical buildings like this is that they have so much more character. Each room at the inn will make you feel right at home to the point where you’ll wish you never actually had to go back to your real home.
Aurora Inn Dining Room/TripAdvisor
The Aurora Inn Dining Room offers a phenomenal menu that changes with seasons and features ingredients from the local area. To find out more information about this restaurant and the inn, click here.
Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor
Other states may have their own Mackenzie-Childs stores, but the heart of this company lies on a farm in Aurora. Like something out of a painted picture, the scenery and buildings that make up the Mackenzie-Childs property will positively charm you.
Mackenzie-Childs/TripAdvisor
On the property you’ll be able to find a former Cornell horse barn, beautiful gardens, open fields, a historic greenhouse, a pond and even more.
rochesterfamily/TripAdvisor
The Mackenzie-Childs decorative style isn’t one that’s for everybody, but those of us who do love this quirky home decor go bananas over it! The annual Barn Sale has people from all over the state coming to visit the town of Aurora during the summer, all coming to enjoy this one-of-a-kind quirky shopping experience. To find out more about visiting Mackenzie-Childs, click here.
gcorcella/TripAdvisor
Another historic building in town that people love to visit, the Rowland House dates back to 1903.
Rowland House/TripAdvisor
If there was a town in New York to be crowned as the place to have the most inns with amazingly chic and cozy rooms, Aurora would probably take home the cake. And speaking of food! This place also has an incredible dining room that that you’ll love to dine at. To find out more about the Rowland House, click here.
Pumpkin Hill Vineyard/Facebook
Sitting on over 20-acres of land in town, the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard is a favorite wine destination to visit when you’re in Aurora.
Since you’re out in the Finger Lakes you won’t be surprised to learn that the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard isn’t the only place wine-lovers can visit in town. Aurora is also home to the Long Point Winery and Bet the Farm Winery that will give you a great taste of this region. To find out more about the Pumpkin Hill Vineyard & Bistro, click here.
The Village Market/Facebook
One of the best things about the town of Aurora is that most everything you’ll want to visit is within walking distance of each other and right along Main Street. The Village Market is the small-town market you’ve always dreamed of, offering all sorts of sweets and treats that you’ll love. To find out more about this market, click here.
blueclaw13/TripAdvisor
Also on Main Street, Fargo Bar & Grill is one of the best places to visit when you’re looking to quench your hunger.
MrBallman/TripAdvisor
A casual place to grab something to eat, Fargo Bar & Grill is open every day of the week all throughout the year. To check out their great menu and to find out more, click here.
To find out more about the history of Aurora and all the reasons why you’ll want to visit one of our best-kept secrets, click here.
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