Experience Cayuga County: A Journey Through Freedom, Flavor, and Finger Lakes Beauty

Cayuga County, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offers a diverse array of experiences for travelers.

Cayuga County, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offers a diverse array of experiences for travelers. Its three distinct regions feature art, history, theater, vineyards, lakes, farm-to-table restaurants and much more. Here are some top attractions in the Cayuga County region.

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The Harriet Tubman Home

For the decade following her escape to freedom, Harriet Tubman devoted her energy to helping her friends and family attain their own emancipation. As the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, she was almost constantly on the move between Canada and Maryland. In that time, she rarely had an opportunity to establish a home base for herself. Realizing that a Civil War was imminent, Tubman found a haven for her family in the pastoral village of Fleming, New York, just outside the city of Auburn. Visitors can come and experience the indomitable spirit of this remarkable woman at the Home for the Aged, the Tubman residence, the Infirmary ruins and related sites.

The Finger Lakes

There are many reasons to visit the Finger Lakes – gorgeous lakes, wine and culinary highlights. It also has exceptional hiking and biking, skiing, golf in the great outdoors, and of course, its family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether you are jumping in, gliding along, or sitting lakeside, enjoying the water is a Finger Lakes must. With 11 Finger Lakes to visit, there are many ways to enjoy your time on the lake. You can opt for human-powered activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Add a motor into the mix and rent a boat at different spots around the lake. Looking for a bit more pampering? Enjoy a lake cruise on a paddleboat or sail along the lakes, instead.

The Finger Lakes also offers a leisurely day of browsing through charming village shops with unique, local gifts, handmade jewelry, arts, and crafts from FLX artisans. 

For traditional shopping you can head to one of the largest malls in New York State. Eastview Mall in Victor has over 150 great stores, many unique to the region.

Sweet Treat Trail

The Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail is a self-guided, family-friendly trail that is all about the unique sweets and treats that Cayuga County has to offer. The trail is an award-winning trail featuring 21 partners. The trail is considered one of the best food trails as voted by readers of USA Today and 10Best, as well as being recognized with a Tourism Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association.