National Plan for your Vacation Day

By: Dawn Lubaszewski

Plan your next getaway today!

I don’t know about you, but right now I am at my desk, looking out the window at the snow coming down and dreaming about my next vacation. This is so fitting because it just happens that Plan your Vacation Day is just around the corner! Did you know that the average American worker left more than four days of paid time off, on the table last year, but over 50% of Americans say they desperately need a vacation. Take some time on January 25 to dream of—and plan for—a vacation.

There are so many options that are safe and welcoming in Cayuga County-so stop dreaming and start planning your next getaway.

If you are a wine lover, make your Finger Lakes vacation truly memorable by visiting one of Cayuga County’s many award-winning wineries. Meet the winemakers, tour the vineyards, and taste award-winning wines. Most of our wineries are intimately sized giving you a chance to get up close and personal with the people that grow the grapes and make the wines. Cayuga County is home to two wine trails, The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the Ontario Wine Trail, each offering their own unique wines and special events throughout the year. Both wine trails boast breathtaking views, world-class wines, friendly staff, and an intimate wine tasting experiences. Provided you have a designated driver you can do a self-guided driving tour of the wineries, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, there are several tour companies that offer winery tours, including one that will take you wine tasting by boat!

History comes alive in the Finger Lakes when you visit the homes of William H. Seward, Harriet Tubman and other notable historic figures. See where sound on film was invented at the Case Research Lab. Take a self-guided walking tour on historic South Street or through Fort Hill Cemetery. Step back in time to Life on the Farm at the Ward O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum. The Holland Stone Store Museum, formerly a cobblestone store built-in 1837 by the family of Emily Howland, displays Howland’s contributions (1850-1920) to movements for the abolition of slavery, education, and women’s rights, including an original Underground Railroad pass and women’s suffrage posters. You will be astounded by the world-class historic sites and museums that Cayuga County has to offer.

2022 marks the 200th Celebration of Harriet Tubman’s Birthday and the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center and the City of Auburn Historic and Cultural Sites Commission and partners are planning many events and programs. This seven-month celebration will begin in March on Harriet Tubman Day and continue throughout International Underground Railroad Month in September. Programming and special events will be focused on Harriet Tubman’s’ inspirational life and legacy. But you don’t have to wait to celebrate! You can support Black owned businesses all year long.

In addition to the above celebration’s visitors can visit Auburn, NY any time and walk in Harriet Tubman’s Footsteps. Visit the Harriet Tubman Home and Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and stop by Fort Hill Cemetery to pay your respects at her final resting place. See the basement in the Seward House Museum that was used as a stop on the underground railroad. William H Seward, Secretary of State under President Lincoln and his wife Francis, were avid abolitionist and friends of Harriet Tubman. Pose In front of the statue of Harriet Tubman at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center then go inside to learn about the New Yorkers who fought for equal rights. During the summer, free walking tours are conducted by the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and begin right at the Heritage center.

Cayuga County is home to eight lakes and the Erie Canal. We have more freshwater coastline than any other county in New York State! If fishing is your passion, we have some of the finest freshwater fishing in the Northeast. If it can be caught in freshwater, we probably have it! If splashing about, swimming, kayaking, canoeing or just sitting on the beach reading is more your speed try visiting Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake or Great Lake Ontario to enjoy your favorite summertime activity, all have easily accessible public beaches —so don’t forget your sunscreen and swimming suit!

And, at the end of the day, there is nothing better than watching a lakeside sunset while enjoying a farm fresh meal, Finger Lakes wine, or great craft beer. You’ll be sure to lean back and tell yourself, “Life is good!’

Studies have shown that just thinking about planning your next getaway will put you in a better mood. So, get started and plan your next vacation today! Hope to see you soon!