Page 40 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

CALMING CAYUGA COUNTY
How this upstate NY region has the complete wellness package
BY KAREN BURSHTEIN
There’s a slower pace, inviting you to truly
See Cayuga Lake in winter—it’s the best time.
unwind. Isn’t that the recipe for true luxury
and wellness?
Drive to snow-dusted villages and feel like
you’re in a Hallmark holiday film. The region’s
charm extends beyond nature, as it’s also rich
with supportive communities and a notable
history of activism.
Ayurveda in Aurora
The sumptuous Inns of Aurora offers a sanctuary
after a day of hiking, wine tasting and farm-to-fork
dining (try 1833 Kitchen & Bar). Established by a co-
founder of the New York Times, the resort is a stunner
with soaring ceilings, scenic views and a stellar art
collection. Its spa, known for an Ayurvedic approach,
offers a Red Flower Hammam Pedicure. Treat your
body and soul (and soles) while you watch deer graze
outside the picture window. The treatment uses rich
oils, natural clays, healing butters and creams that
detoxify and relax your whole body.
Chasing Waterfalls and
Unleashing Your Inner Kid
The Finger Lakes region is famous for dramatic
waterfalls accessible via scenic trails, many found
in state parks. While some close for winter, you
can still enjoy frosty falls views like Carpenter
Falls and Fillmore Glen State Park. If you want to
unleash your inner child, try snow games or nature
scavenger hunts at the Sterling Nature Center in
Sterling, NY.
Grown-up Activities
Visit wineries, distilleries, cideries and craft
breweries that dot the county. Summerhill
Brewing Co. offers marvellous views of rolling
hills and a warm welcome by owners on cold
days. Don’t forget another spa visit to The Irish
Daisy/Catalfano Massage Therapy, where their
motto—“Heal the body. Quiet the mind. Renew
the Spirit”—sets the mood for one of their signa-
ture massages.
Lifting Each Other Up
Wellness also means uplifting the spirit. During the
mid-1800s, the county was integral to abolitionism,
serving as a network for formerly enslaved people
on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman,
who lived in Auburn later in life, was a key figure.
Walk in her footsteps and draw inspiration for
your own positive changes.
Support Black-owned businesses in Cayuga
County, starting in Auburn. Fuel up on delectable
sugar cookies at Caiken Baked Goods or savour
Jamaican and American cuisine at Lavish Lounge,
where co-owner Marcia Meyers ensures natural
ingredients—and love—go into every dish.
Brave Brews Festival
(March 7–9, 2025)
The county celebrates craft beverage trail blazers
at this suds-filled fest, considered one of the
nation’s top beer events. Earlier this year, Brave
Brews honoured women and non-binary leaders
in New York’s craft beverage industry. It’s uplifting
to host such an event in a region known for its
history of equal rights activism.
DS
DID YOU KNOW?
Harriet Tubman’s humani-
tarian efforts extended
beyond helping previously
enslaved people reach
freedom; she also advo-
cated for the indigent and
elderly. Tour spots central
to her and Cayuga’s story.
tourcayuga.com/
harriet-tubman
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information about Cayuga County,
NY, see tourcayuga.com/newsletter-sign-up
40
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAYUGA COUNTY | ERICA MANNERS