Take the Day…Use your PTO!!!
Each year, millions of hard-earned vacation days go unused, days that could have been spent resting, exploring, and reconnecting with the things that bring joy. If you’re still holding onto unused PTO as the year winds down, now is the perfect time to turn those hours into memorable moments right here in Cayuga County.
No flights, no packing lists, no stress. Just inspiring places, cozy stops, and small adventures that help you return to work refreshed and recharged. Whether you’re craving fresh air, local flavors, time with family, or a quiet moment to yourself, a Cayuga County get-a-way is the perfect way to make the most of your time off.
To help you get started, here are 8 easy, and fun day trip ideas to enjoy before the year ends.
Top 8 Day Trips to Use Your Vacation Days in Cayuga County
1. Explore Auburn’s Historic Gems & the Legacy of Equal Rights
Spend your day walking in the footsteps of some of America’s most influential leaders. Start at the Seward House Museum, home of Secretary of State William H. Seward, a champion for abolition and equal rights. Just down the street, visit Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the Harriet Tubman Home, where you can learn about Tubman’s extraordinary life as an abolitionist, Civil War scout, suffragist, and humanitarian who chose Auburn as her permanent home.
Continue your journey at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center, a vibrant interactive space celebrating the leaders who shaped progress in civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Wrap up with a reflective walk through Fort Hill Cemetery, where both Tubman and Seward are laid to rest. It’s a powerful, inspiring day trip that connects past to present in a meaningful way.
2. Take a Scenic Drive
Slow down and soak in the beauty of the season with a peaceful drive along Owasco or Cayuga Lake. The rolling hills, snowy fields, and lakeside views make for a perfect winter escape. As the sun sets, turn your scenic drive into a holiday adventure by exploring neighborhoods and villages decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. From charming small-town displays to beautifully decorated homes, Cayuga County glows this time of year, making your day trip feel extra magical.
3. Cozy Up at Local Wineries & Breweries
Sip, savor, and soak in the stunning landscapes that make Cayuga County’s craft beverage scene unforgettable. Enjoy a glass of wine at Treleaven Wines, Colloca Estate Winery or Izzo’s White Barn Winery. Many tasting rooms offer live music, seasonal flights, and warm, welcoming spaces to settle in and enjoy the moment. With every stop, you’ll find incredible sips paired with even more incredible scenery.
For the craft beer connoisseur visit Prison City Brewing and sample a few of their award wining IPA’s. Not to be missed is Mass Riot, arguably their most famous beer to date.
4. Shop Local in Charming Villages
Looking for holiday gifts or just a fun day out? Explore the shops in Fair Haven, Moravia and Auburn, Moravia for artisan goods, handmade items, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Make the most of your day off by exploring Cayuga County’s one-of-a-kind local shops. Whether you’re hunting for holiday gifts, vintage treasures, or eco-friendly finds, our small businesses offer something for everyone.
Stroll through Fair Haven and browse the Fair Haven Flea or Front Porch Gift Shop, great spots for antiques, handmade goods, collectibles, and unexpected surprises. In Aurora, stop by Mackenzie-Childs for whimsical home décor and iconic designs that delight. In Auburn, discover unique, sustainable shopping at Regenerations and Reuse Refuge, perfect for repurposed home décor, creative gifts, and earth-friendly treasures. For thrifters and treasure hunters, don’t miss Jennings Department Store established in 1860 and Haus of Hamilton Vintage & Thrift , where you never know what gem you’ll uncover.
Exploring these local shops isn’t just fun, it supports the businesses and neighbors who make our community special.
5. Indulge in a Day of Wellness
Treat yourself to a restorative escape at the award-winning Spa at the Inns of Aurora. Nestled in storybook Aurora along the serene lakeside, every treatment feels like a true getaway, a perfect way to unwind, reset, and nurture your wellness before the holiday bustle.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Winter Adventures
Embrace the season with fresh air at Fillmore Glen State Park, Fair Haven Beach State Park, Long Point State Park , Sterling Nature Center, Carpenter Falls or other scenic trails. Try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or a simple winter hike you’ll feel energized and refreshed. Hint: Sterling Nature Center offers free snowshoe rentals and many outdoor progams for both children and adults such as Owl Prowls.
7. Visit Art Galleries & Cultural Spots
Find inspiration by exploring Cayuga County’s rich arts and architecture. Visit the Schweinfurth Art Center to experience rotating exhibits, hands-on creativity, and regional artistry. Then step into the breathtaking Willard Memorial Chapel, one of the only surviving Louis Comfort Tiffany–designed interiors still intact in the world. Its stained glass, mosaics, and ornate details make it a must-see cultural treasure and a truly unforgettable day-trip stop.
8. Bring the Kids for Family Fun
Plan a family-friendly day trip to the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum and discover the holiday magic at their annual Festival of Trees. After enjoy a winter stroll in Emerson Park (located right across the street) before heading out to one of our amazing restaurants for a great meal or a sweet treat.
Make Your Time Off Count
Your vacation days are meant to be enjoyed, and you don’t have to go far to make them meaningful. Whether you take a full day or just a morning, Cayuga County offers endless ways to relax, explore, and reconnect.
So before the year ends, give yourself the gift of time.
Use those last vacation days, make a plan, and enjoy a day trip in Cayuga County.
You deserve it!
For more inspiration visit Tour Cayuga.com and explore all Cayuga County has to offer!