Contacts:
Meg Vanek, Cayuga County Office of Tourism, tel. 315.255.1658, meg@tourcayuga.com
Anna Tabakh, Quinn & Co., tel. 212.868.1900, ext. 225, atabakh@quinnandco.com
Travelers to Discover Spring in Cayuga County
Eat, Drink, Explore and Stay in the Finger Lakes
Cayuga County, NY – (March 12, 2012) – With spring in bloom, vacationers are encouraged to partake in a multitude of outdoor festivities within Cayuga County. Visitors can take in nature’s beauty from a hot air balloon cascading over the blossoming county or bike along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway among other things. Outdoor exploration doesn’t stop there as sailing, picnicking, swimming, bird watching, camping, fishing jaunts, hiking, kayaking and delectable dining are highly encouraged.
EXPLORE:
Sunset Balloon Rides
Travelers can take in views of the rolling hills and rich flora of Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes with a hot air balloon ride. www.fingerlakes-ballooning.com/contact.html
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Established on September 12, 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, this bird haven provides a resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Montezuma is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway. www.fws.gov/r5mnwr
Frontenac Park
This popular park in Union Springs boasts public boat launching, swimming and picnic facilities with a phenomenal view. http://unionspringsny.com/park/
John Harris Park
Situated on the Cayuga Lake waterfront, this green space offers travelers a summer concert series, picnic areas and a lovely sand covered beach ideal for swimming. http://co.cayuga.ny.us/cayugavil
Long Point State Park
This animal friendly park encourages travelers to take advantage of their boat launch facilities, beach with swimming area, picnic areas and fishing access. http://nysparks.com/parks/170/details.aspx
EAT:
$$$ - Aurora Inn - The Aurora Inn offers an elegant indoor dining room as well as lakeside dining on their spacious veranda, perfect for taking in Finger Lakes sunsets. The award-winning, refined American cuisine is inspired by the changing seasons and fresh regional products and pairs perfectly with a vast Finger Lakes wine list. www.aurora-inn.com
$$ - Pumpkin Hill Bistro - The Pumpkin Hill Bistro menu features down-to-earth comfort food "with a twist" served at moderate prices in a unpretentious, charming atmosphere. Delight in the charm of the bistro's peaceful storied setting, while enjoying a fine selection of Cayuga Lake wines and delectable culinary options. Diners can also shop for unique antiques and gifts at the Country Store. www.pumpkinhillbistro.com
$$ - Keeley’s Cheese Co. - Visit Keeley’s Cheese Co. located on McGarr Farms, where the herd of registered Holstein and Jersey cows produce the high quality milk that Keeley turns into signature cheeses. Based on washed-rind recipes developed with Irish Farmstead cheese makers and aged in an underground cellar, these cheeses are a new and unique addition to the artisan food movement of the Finger Lakes. Keeley’s Cheese Co. is a key location on the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail: www.flcheesetrail.com. www.keeleyscheeseco.com
$ - The Fargo - Casual food and atmosphere are the calling card of this historic restaurant and tavern, which is located directly across the street from the Aurora Inn. With food made fresh from scratch daily and desserts prepared by the Aurora Inn pastry chef, the Fargo is no ordinary bar and grill.
STAY:
$$$ - Aurora Inn - Aurora Inn, set on the shores of Cayuga Lake amidst a heritage village, has a pedigree dating back to 1833. The original Finger Lakes inn, built in Federal style with red brick and wide columned balconies, has been impeccably restored with understated elegance to appeal to the most discerning guests. The quintessential bed and breakfast is renowned for being a lakeside haven with hammocks and Adirondack chairs putting calm and relaxation at the forefront. The Aurora Inn embodies the intimacy of a bed and breakfast with services and amenities that only a luxury hotel can offer. www.aurora-inn.com
$$$ - E.B. Morgan House - Formerly the home of Colonel Edwin Barber Morgan, co-founder of The New York Times and American Express, the E.B. Morgan House offers seven stylish guest rooms, exquisite living spaces, gracious porches that overlook the lake and lawns and an exceptional collection of original modern art. www.ebmorganhouse.com
$$ - Dill’s Run Bed & Breakfast and Vineyard - Dill's Run Bed and Breakfast is located along the east side of Cayuga Lake on Scenic New York State Route 90 in the Town of Ledyard. The lovely Italianate Victorian house was built in the late 1830's by R. Dill and has recently been restored. It is ideally located on 15.5 acres just four miles north of Aurora, 15 minutes from Auburn, 35 minutes from Ithaca and 25 minutes from Seneca Falls. Dills Run also has a vineyard that offers some of the best in Finger Lakes wines which is open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday and by appointment. www.dillsrun.com
For the latest spring travel updates follow @Cayuga_Tourism on twitter and “like” Cayuga Tourism, NY on Facebook.
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About Cayuga County:
Located near the heart of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga County's towns and villages are perfect for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and enjoying the lush Finger Lakes Region. Visit www.tourcayuga.com or call 800-499-9615 for more information.
About Finger Lakes:
The Finger Lakes, eleven pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York, encompasses 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots to boot. The region is easily accessible from key hubs like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto, making it the ideal weekend getaway destination. In addition to an abundance of Thoreau-esque lakeside retreats, the region offers world class vineyards, farm to table culinary delights and internationally acclaimed annual festivals. With more than 100(!) wineries spread between 14 counties, the Finger Lakes region is known to produce the best Rieslings and Gewurztraminers outside of Germany, thus making it the ideal epicenter for winemaking and discovery.