Cayuga County, NY

Summer 2025

The state of New York is mostly associated with the bustling five boroughs that make up New York City, however in central New York  there is another world where visitors can reconnect with nature, be immersed in American history and sip on local wines from the largest wine producing area in the state.  Cayuga County is located in between Rochester and Syracuse and is known as an area with rural charm with a flair of sophistication.  My travels began with a quick one hour flight from Washington, DC and a 30 minute drive to Auburn which was the base camp during my five day stay. In this travel guide you will learn about Harriet Tubman’s life after her self emancipation, outdoor excursions that range from hiking to water activities and the farm to table food scene.  I am honored that the Black Travel Alliance and Tour Cayuga County selected me to participate in the creators weekend to get a first hand account of the gems waiting to be explored.  Let’s get ready to learn, see and do all that Cayuga County has to offer.

 

LEARN:

• NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center:  All history buffs should start their visit to Cayuga County at this center to understand Auburn’s role in African American, Women and Civil Rights history.  Before entering, you will see a large statue of Harriet Tubman holding a lantern and dressed in her underground railroad traveling attire evoking a sense of determination and urgency that I could only imagine as a recipient of the sacrifice and bravery she exuded as she guided people to freedom.  Entrance to the center is free of charge and has a dual purpose as a heritage and welcome center.  Walking through the building you will encounter a digital timeline giving history highlights and as you turn the corner you are introduced to a wall adorned with large portraits of social justice trailblazers that were influential in local, state and national campaigns to make the American dream attainable to all.   A dedicated space in the back of the center displays local works of art and reprints of signage that were used during the abolitionist and suffrage movements.  After nourishing my intellectual curiosities, I was excited to see that there was a small market that was part of Taste NY that offered some very enticing delicacies from all over the state.  I settled on a bottle of organic lemonade by Harney & Sons that was equal parts tarty and sweet.  

Munch Tip:  On Saturdays there is a free downtown walking tour that starts at 9:30 AM and meets in front of the Heritage Center.

• Harriet Tubman Home: In most American History courses we learn that Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and was a conductor on the underground railroad, however there is more to the story than what is told in the public school social study books.  Tubman found her forever home in Auburn, NY when President Lincoln’s Secretary of State William H. Steward offered her to come to the area and provided her land to live on.  Tubman was not accepting this free handout and paid Secretary Steward for the land and turned the 7 acre property into a home for the elderly, the John Brown infirmary, a brick manufacturing & production warehouse business and the primary residency for her and her family.  Today, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is the steward of the grounds and provides guiding tours of the grounds.  In the main building is a small museum that outlines Tubman’s life before and after enslavement.  As part of the admission fee, visitors are able to tour the home for the elderly where you can view the first floor of the house to get a sense of how those in need were cared for.  Interpretative tours last about one hour and 45 minutes.

Munch Tip:  The compound is open from Tuesday-Saturday and there are only two tours offered per day.  It is highly suggested that you go early in the week, because it becomes very busy during the weekends.

• Harriet Tubman National Park: Located in the Black Parker Street community in Auburn, NY is the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episicopal Zion Church.  This sanctuary was Ms. Tubman’s place of worship for over 20 years and where she donated a large sum of money to help with the construction.  In 2017, the National Park Service took over possession of the church and immediately began renovating it to look like how it was during Ms. Tubman’s time.  Ranger Brittany thoroughly explained the two year restoration process and how it resulted in exposing and preserving the original stenciling that borders the ceiling and refurbishment of the floors.  Also, on the National Park grounds is the parsonage house which was built in 1913 for pastors to have a place to stay during their tenure.  Both locations do not have an admission fee and are self-guided.

Munch Tip:  The park is only open on Fridays & Saturdays from 11AM – 4PM and if desired visitors can take a ranger tour that runs at 11:30AM & 3PM.

• Opendore & Howland Stone Store Museum:  If you were heavily involved in the abolitionist and women suffragist movement in the 1800’s, you would have heard of the Howland Family from Scopio, NY.  The patriarch, Slocum Howland, pioneered the family’s involvement as an abolitionist by using his Stone Store as a safe haven on the Underground Railroad.  Since he was a tradesman, his job allowed him to provide cover for African Americans to escape from slavery and help them settle in Cayuga County or  move further north to Canada.  The Howland legacy continued on with his daughter, Emily and granddaughter, Isabel who expanded their philanthropic endeavors by becoming teachers and ultimately building schools for African American children.  I was surprised to learn that one of the schools that was built was Manassas Industrial School located in Northern Virginia which is in my neck of the woods.   In 2008, when Cayuga County acquired the dilapidated Opendore House and Stone Store they restored both structures into what visitors see today.  In the house, you will see a beautiful quilt hung on the wall with Emily Howland’s likeness and the many equal rights contributors such as Harriet Tubman surrounding the young lady.  Surprisingly, in this house, an archivist found the now infamous portrait of a young Hariett Tubman that was in a photo album that belonged to Emily.  On the third floor of the house is a large collection of women suffragist posters and memorabilia that comes from the New York state and Cayuga County chapters.   The Stone House has been turned into a museum and gives you an idea of what the general store looked like by showcasing products that would have been sold to customers.  Traveling up the narrow staircase to the attic space of the building is a treasure trove of worldly objects from the many trips the Howland family took in their lifetime.  Both historic buildings have free admission and are open Saturday & Sunday from 1PM-4PM.

Munch Tip:  In the Opendore house see if you can spot the suffragist’s Susan B. Anthony’s 1898 birthday cake.  Who would have known that food could last that long? 

SEE:

• Harriet Tubman Freedom Park:  The quaint public park in Auburn, NY pays homage to the Union Army General and Underground Railroad conductor located along the Owasco River.  As it was the goal to escape to freedom in the North, the park was strategically placed on the river which flows north to the Seneca River and located on North Street in the city.  The sculptor, Audrey Iwanicki created a moving exhibit called Harriet Tubman:  Lifecycle of a Freedom Fighter.  Three warn bicycles depict the stages of her life spanning from enslavement which is represented by a bicycle with one handle bar missing and a chain & padlock restricting movement to the third stage of freedom showing a completely unencumbered bike that is fully functional that is adorned with a basket which gives the sense of complete joy.   

Munch Tip:  Take a minute to relax on one of the benches in the park and look at the names of the donor bricks that surround Harriet Tubman’s name.  They were some of the first local advocates to campaign to get her story told more fully in the area.

• Cayuga Lake:  The finger lakes consist of 11 bodies of fresh water and the largest among them is Cayuga Lake.  The best way to see how massive it is, is to rent a boat to take you around the whole perimeter.  During the two hour trek, you will see sites such as Wells College, the once well known women’s college that was named after one of the founders of Wells Fargo & Company.  The scenic views will have you mesmerized as you zip across the water and you might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle from the shores of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Munch Tip:  Bianconi Boat Tours provides a variety of cruises around Cayuga Lake to fit your budget.  I highly recommend the History on the Lake tour and make sure to bring a couple of bottles of wine to make your experience extra special.

 

• Sterling Nature Center:  The northern part of Cayuga County borders two miles of Lake Ontario which is credited with being the 14th largest lake in the world.  This is where you will see the newly constructed Sterling Nature Center which is the hub for nature lovers to learn about the wildlife and habitat.  Special programming such as pulling water chestnuts are held on a monthly basis.  There are 11 different trails that can lead you to seeing beautiful views of the lake or to frolic with butterflies and dragonflies through meadows.  My group took the Lake Trail which was a .75 hike through the forest and led us to the shores of Lake Ontario.  It’s amazing how versatile nature is that you are one minute surrounded by trees and then you are immediately greeted by a gentle breeze from the lake.  I was convinced that if I squinted hard enough I could actually see Canada.  

Munch Tip:  Be prepared to wear supportive shoes when walking the shores of Lake Ontario.  Instead of a sandy beach, there are large rocks and debris from the trees sprawled across the shoreline.

• Fillmore Glen State Park:  The gorge park is named after the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore who was a native of the area and is best known for signing the Compromise of 1850 that enforced the Fugitive Slave Act.  The divisive law forced freedom seekers to be returned to the enslavers if they were captured in northern states and all citizens of the north would have to comply.  On the grounds, there is a replica of the one room cabin that the President was born in.  Walking into the cabin it is staged to look segmented yet functional for the 1800s.  There is a room for each part of daily living; bedroom, kitchen and living room.  The Civilian Conservation Corps can be credited with designing the park.  In the 1930’s they were charged with building the trails, dams and cabins that are used today.  There are several hiking trails and the most popular leads past a swimming hole and to a waterfall that can be temperamental depending on the season.  The park is open year round from dawn to dusk.

Munch Tip:  There is a vehicle entry fee to enter the park.  Depending on the size of your vehicle the price can range from $8-$35. 

 

• Southern Tier Stables:   Imagine being transported into the set of the hit TV show Yellowstone,  that is what my visit to the Southern Tier Stables reminded me of.  Donna & Mark Minnoe are the proud owners of their horse operation that specializes in teaching students to become expert riders, offering therapeutic riding sessions for those in need and trail rides to aspiring Cowboy & Cowgirls.  If that wasn’t enough they manage several rental units that are decorated based on old school TV shows such as Petticoat Junction and The Waltons.  During this visit, I opted to take a wagon tour of the grounds while sipping on wine and eating a few pieces of cheese.  We made a pit stop at the onsite Agricultural Museum that was stocked with modes of transportation from every era, like a Ford Model T.  We were told that couples who book a wedding at Southern Tier can use any of the vehicles as part of their ceremonies.  Those interested in trail rides or riding lessons should contact the establishment at 315-224-9085.

Munch Tip:  Looking to participate in a country line dance?  The Golden Horseshoe event space is used for everything from weddings to local musical acts.  If you’re lucky you might catch the owner’s band, Donna & The Mystics performing on select nights. 

 

DO:

•  Izzo’s White Barn Winery:   Wellness and wine go hand in hand and there is no better introduction to the Finger Lakes region to visit a local vineyard.  The family run winery is centrally located in the Finger Lakes and has a landscape that is beautifully manicured and serene.  Strategically placed is a manmade lake dedicated to the matriarch of the vineyard as an anniversary present.  Le Crescent grapes are grown in the vineyard and are used specifically to make the wine with the same name.  These grapes are part of Cornell University and the University of Michigan’s breeding program.  I tried the Riesling which is light, crisp and refreshing and the perfect beverage for a hot summer day.  The location is perfect for special events such as weddings and the barn in an ideal venue that can be rented out.  During my visit a private yoga session was arranged with Zen Den Studio.  The butterfly and warrior poses put me in a state of mind that opened my chakra and tastebuds to all that Cayuga County had to offer.

Munch Tip: The Winery can ship any of their wines to you.  If you are interested in purchasing, definitely order a bottle of Riesling.

• Elderberry Pond:  The aesthetics of this tucked away restaurant was giving mid-century vibes with a twist of modern farm charm.  All the produce for the meals from the restaurant come from the working farm that is located on property.  Sustainability is a major component to the quality of the food and the establishment uses natural products to prevent plant and insect diseases.  From the beautifully arranged place settings to the massive fireplace, I knew I was in for a good meal.  As a starter, I ordered the mushroom soup, for my entree a New York strip steak was a must and to close out the meal a layered lemon cake.  The wine selection was extensive and I was excited to see that ice wine was available, so a glass of that was added to my tab.     

Munch Tip:  When making your reservations, ask to sit in Michelle’s section.  She was very knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations.  

• Fargo Bar & Grill:  The local hangout spot with historic ties is a place where you can get a hearty cheeseburger with a hot side of fries.  The Fargo name derived from the banking partner of the Wells Fargo & Company, William Fargo.  The restaurant offers weekly specials for locals and live music on the weekends.  The items on the menu are playfully named after their mascot the moose.  Being a fanatic for all things BBQ, I ordered the Piggy Bank burger that was piled high with pulled pork, cheese curds, BBQ sauce and crispy onions.  The burger bun was so creative, it had the logo of the restaurant stamped into the bread.  Instead of ordering a regular side of fries, I switched it to the buffalo cheese fries.  This dish blew my mind, it was packed with all of my favorite things; buffalo sauce, blue cheese and green onion.  In hindsight, I should have ordered this as the main dish, it was that good.  To wash it all down, I ordered a glass of the staff pick, Moose Juice.  The drink is the house made Sangria that is topped with fresh fruit.  It provided a great balance to the saltiness of the pork.

Munch Tip:  The restaurant partners with local establishments Treleaven Wines, Ithaca Bakery and Brewery Ardennes to enhance their menu.

• Hardware Cafe & General Store:  Originally established as a hardware store in 1874, the current owners transformed the space to keep the historic charm, but elevated the store to serve the needs of the community by constructing a cafe and small boutique shop with local products.  My group arrived during lunchtime and we were ready to start diving into the menu.  I couldn’t resist ordering a milkshake made with Gifford’s premium vanilla ice cream.  To balance out my afternoon meal, I selected the chicken caesar wrap and asked for extra dressing on the side.  The prices were very reasonable and is a great pit stop if it is on your agenda to go wine tasting for the rest of the afternoon.

Munch Tip:  Only breakfast and lunch are served at the restaurant and they are open from Thursday to Monday only.

• Colloca Estate Winery:  In 2022, the winery was awarded the prestigious honor of New York Winery of the Year in the New York International Wine Competition.  I could easily see why, the Winery is an adult escape, it spans over 100 acres and is populated with grapevines, a manmade lake, tasting room and event spaces to celebrate any occasion.  Any visit to a winery should include a tasting and I had the opportunity to try seven samplings and my favorite by far was the rose sparkling wine called the Giggle Juice.  The drink had a fruity aroma, sweet and smooth palate pleasing nature.  The blend of Cayuga White Wine, Traminette and Cabernet resulted in a desirable drink that had me asking for another glass.  It is rare that a winery has the talent to make other spirits, but in Colloca’s case they are well versed in making hard cider.  Continuing the good times at the winery, visitors can catch a local band performing cover songs or order up a few pizzas and wings from the onsite trattoria.  The pizzas are cooked in an open kitchen with a large stone oven similar to the ones that you would see in Italy.  Everything is made to order, so pack your patience, the food is totally worth the wait.

Munch Tip:  The winery borders Little Sodus Bay and this is where you will find the teenpreneur company, Fair Haven Water Bikes.  The low impact water activity is a fun and unique way to explore the coastline.  The water bikes can be rented in 30 or 90 minute increments.

• Dugan’s Country Grill:  I wouldn’t normally classify breakfast as one of my favorite meals, but the dish I had at Dugan’s Country Grill (DCG) may have swayed me into a breakfast person.  The down home establishment owned and operated by Chef Mike Dugan, a Culinary Institute of America graduate shows his passion for Cayuga County in every dish that comes out of his kitchen.  Ingredients are sourced from his family’s farm and the surrounding area.  Browsing over the breakfast menu, I found it very creative that some items on the menu were named after farming equipment such as The Dozer which consisted of three biscuits smothered in homemade sausage gravy.  The standout for me was the Chorizo and Eggs entree.  DCG is not stingy with the portions, my plate was completely covered with chorizo & potatoes and topped with onion and cheese.  The two eggs that I ordered over-easy were beautifully draped on the plate and dressed with green chili sauce.  The spice level of the sauce had the right amount of heat, which pleasantly surprised me because I like putting Tabasco Sauce on most things.  Make sure to come hungry or be prepared to bring a doggy bag home.  

Munch Tip:  If breakfast isn’t your thing, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.  One of their most popular days is Fish Fry Fridays where you can get a fish plate with two sides for $15.99.    

• At Long Last:  My last meal in Cayuga County ended with another incredible breakfast that had me asking, “Can we please normalize mimosa flights on weekdays”?  Chef & Owner, Robin Long has cracked the code by offering staples that people can access all week rather than just at a typical Sunday brunch.  Case in point on Mondays the restaurant offers $4 mimosas, $5 Tito’s frozen lemonades and $5 Wildberry slushies.  Even though the restaurant classifies itself as a diner, it falls more in line with a laid back bistro that has an inviting interior with modern vibes.  I was intrigued by the mimosa flight and how you could mix and match different flavors.  The four drinks that I chose were orange juice, tropical, pink lemonade and cherry (my favorite).   Next up was the Fried Green Tomato BLT which was surprisingly hearty.  I loved the fact that it came with a side of gravy for dipping that added another flavorful dimension to an already yummy sandwich.  

Munch Tip:  The frozen lemonades can be ordered as a flight or a single serving and further customizations can be made to have it prepared without alcohol.

 

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