Lavish Lounge
288 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
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Discover Cayuga County’s Black-Owned Businesses
Explore culture, connect with the past, celebrate the present, discover authentic experiences
Black residents have been making meaningful contributions in Cayuga County since the area’s beginning. During your visit, connect with the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to authentic experiences. From museums and historic sites to cafes, wineries, breweries, and community events—it’s hard not to find something to do. Visit Cayuga County and learn about the people who changed the course of history, and visit Black-owned businesses to eat, drink, and shop.
Our communities continue to live out the legacy of its historic residents: Harriet Tubman, William & Frances Seward, and more. While Harriet Tubman is most well known for her bravery as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and as a spy in the Civil War, she was also a highly successful entrepreneur and businesswoman in her time.
Today, Cayuga County’s residents maintain and build upon Tubman’s entrepreneurial spirit by running their own restaurants, selling art and artisan products, and offering a wide variety of other services. While you’re here, shop local and explore the Black-owned shops in the area that are carrying on this legacy.
Business Owner Highlight of the Month
Lavish Lounge serves authentic Jamaican and American cuisine in a s a relaxing charming and contemporary setting. “All the ingredients and spices are natural, the food also has to fall off the bone. This is the way it should be.” says Co-Owner Marcia Meyers
In addition to amazing food Lavish Lounge hosts exhilarating entertainment by some of the best DJ’s and bands. Co-Owner Andrew Kirkland wants the lounge to be safe spot for people to dance, have fun and play games like dominoes, a Jamaican favorite and savor delicious food.
Where you go matters. Make it count.
Evita Robinson is an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, writer, and cultural entrepreneur dedicated to transforming destination storytelling. She visited Cayuga County in early 2025 to explore how Harriet Tubman’s legacy continues to shape the community today. Check out the videos below to learn more about her visit.
“Visiting Auburn, NY was so important for tracing my African American roots in this country. So much of our history has been scuttled and even banned in parts of the country. Being able to tour a town with strong abolitionist ties that hold such important parts of our freedom-fighting legacy is a life-changing experience. I want more people, specially those who look like me, to visit Auburn and experience the golden history that’s still visible in the town’s foundation.”
– Jeroslyn JoVonn
Black Owned Businesses Directory
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