Rest, Reflect, and Renew in Cayuga County
October is Emotional Wellness Month, and while we often think of wellness in terms of fitness or nutrition, emotional wellness goes deeper. This is a time to pause and reflect on the importance of caring for our mental health, creating space for rest, inspiration, resilience, and connection. Few places embody these qualities more than Cayuga County in Auburn, NY, the chosen hometown of Harriet Tubman.
Auburn isn’t your typical historic stop – it’s a place where visitors can honor Tubman’s remarkable legacy while also finding opportunities for personal growth. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal setting to focus on yourself this fall.
Draw Strength from Tubman’s Legacy
Harriet Tubman’s life story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. After escaping slavery, she returned again and again to guide others to freedom, risking her life for the sake of others. Later, she settled in Auburn, where she built a home and cared for her community.
Visiting the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park or the Harriet Tubman Home invites reflection. Today, they represent healing and inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, strength and hope are possible. Taking time to sit quietly or explore the places Harriet called home can be a grounding practice for emotional wellness.
Finding Calm in the Outdoors
Nature is one of the most powerful tools for improving emotional health, and Cayuga County offers plenty of ways to recharge in the open air. At Emerson Park, you can unwind with family or friends in wide-open green spaces, enjoy a lakeside picnic, or simply breathe in the crisp fall air. For a more immersive experience, explore the 1400-acre Sterling Nature Center! Walk along over 8 miles of trails, or enjoy one of their nature classes, exhibits or events. If you’re looking for something in the southern part of the county, Fillmore Glen State Park offers swimming, campsites, and three beautiful hiking trails, including a stunning gorge trail with waterfalls!
Wellness Experiences to Restore Balance
After time spent reflecting at historic sites or finding calm in Cayuga County’s natural landscapes, visitors can take their journey of emotional wellness a step further with restorative experiences designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
At The Center in Auburn, book a therapeutic massage, try acupuncture or naturopathic services, or join yoga and wellness classes in a beautifully renovated former church and school designed for relaxation and healing.
Just down the lakeshore, the Spa at the Inns of Aurora fosters deep restoration through its hydrotherapy circuits—hot soaking pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas—with hydrotherapy included with spa treatments. Round out your visit with the resort’s additional wellness offerings (like yoga) for a full reset.
To the south, New Leaf Massage Therapy specializes in Swedish and deep tissue massage, with each session personalized to release tension, improve circulation, and restore balance in a calming environment.
The Power of Creativity and Connection
Cayuga County’s arts and cultural scene offers meaningful ways to nurture emotional wellness through creativity. At the Fair Haven Community Arts Center, local exhibits encourage inspiration, while the Auburn Public Theater brings people together for live music, film, and performances that spark joy.
Theater and history also play a role in emotional well-being. Catch a show with the Auburn Players Community Theater, or connect the past and present with thought-provoking exhibits at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art. Together, these spaces encourage visitors to express themselves, find inspiration, and build connections with the world around them.
Emotional wellness looks different for everyone. For some it’s quiet reflection in a historic space, for others it’s a walk in nature, a restorative treatment, or the joy of a live performance. Cayuga County offers all of these experiences in one place, framed by the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman.
This October, embrace Emotional Wellness Month by planning a visit to Cayuga County. Explore history, immerse yourself in nature, and discover wellness experiences designed to restore balance.