VILLAGE OF AURORA
It's the home of Wells College founded by Henry Wells, the founder of Wells Fargo and American Express. The Aurora Inn was once a stagecoach stop for the Wells Fargo Express. Travelers going by stagecoach would often overnight at this Federal-style, columned building built in 1838. Notably, the American Girl creator Pleasant Rowland attended Wells College and actually invented the American girl doll in her dorm room (now Wallcourt Hall). She wanted to reinvigorate her beloved college town, transforming Aurora into a thriving tourist destination with beautifully revitalized estates.
Inns of Aurora 391 Main St, Aurora, NY
If you’re staying at IOA, check out a complimentary bicycle for a fun outing, or take a hike on our 3.5-mile nature trail. Sign up for a complimentary yoga class or wine tour on our activities calendar. Spend time lakeside at our waterfront with complimentary kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, or simply relax with a casual game of Bocce or giant Jenga.
The Spa at Inns of Aurora 700 Sherwood Rd, Aurora, NY
I’m not sure if we were sold by the venue or the spa. If you love spas, then you must check out this one! The luxury barn sits overlooking the lake and includes 10 treatment rooms, a cafe, a courtyard, a sauna, two indoor pools, and four heated outdoor pools overlooking the lake.
Mackenzie-Childs 3260 NY-90, Aurora, NY
Less than 5 minutes from Inns of Aurora is the famous MacKenzie-Childs! For those that don't know, MC is "that" famous checkered print pattern you see on ceramics everywhere. Check out the eclectic barn-house production studio, purchase some pottery, or just enjoy the farm's eclectic mix of animals (esp if you're an Alpaca lover!).
Outdoor activities-
Finger Lakes Wine Tours & Cayuga Lake Boat Cruises
Departing from the Aurora Inn dock 4x daily, head out on the water for a cruise of your choice, like wineries by the water, history on the lake, or a sunset cruise.
Long Point State Park 2063 Lake Rd, Aurora, NY
Canoes and kayaks are available to rent. It's located south of Wells College, off Route 90. Find neat rocks, too.
King Ferry Golf Club 1309 Clearview Rd, King Ferry, NY (10 mins to Aurora)
A picturesque nine-hole course overlooking the east shore of Cayuga Lake. A Scottish-links style with tall, wispy, wild fescue defining the off-fairway areas. The course has a driving range along with chipping and putting greens. Pull and power carts are available.
Food & Drinks-
1833 Kitchen 391 Main Street Aurora
Real farm-to-table dining (everything sourced from local farmers) overlooking Cayuga Lake at the Aurora Inn. The food it great and the view is equally so. Try the Caesar salad- per Steve!
Fargo Bar 384 Main Street, Aurora, NY
Best burger in the finger lakes? They say so! Head there (across from our venue) for a chill day leading up to the wedding festivities for bar food,beers, and a game of pool.
Village Market Main Street, Aurora
Offers visitors a selection of gifts, pantry staples, freshly brewed organic coffee, morning pastries and desserts, and a growing selection of craft beer. This quaint market also features take-home meals, soups, chili and chowders — all prepared fresh daily by chefs at the Aurora Inn.
Aurora Brewing Co 1897 NY-90, King Ferry, NY (5 mins to Aurora)
brewery perched on a hilltop overlooking Cayuga Lake just south of the village of Aurora
Long Point Winery 1485 Lake Road, Aurora, NY 13026 (3 mins to Aurora)
Long Point Winery is located on the east side of Cayuga Lake on scenic Route 90 in Aurora, New York. The winery sits on 72 acres of land overlooking beautiful Cayuga Lake.
Heart & Hands Winery 4162 State Route 90 Union Springs, NY 13160 (5 mins to Aurora)
Heart & Hands Wine Company is located in a serene setting overlooking the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake.
Quarry Ridge Winery 4242 NY-90, Union Springs, NY 13160 (6 mins to Aurora)
Nestled on the limestone and shale slopes on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Quarry Ridge Winery is a family-owned and operated winery focused on the quality and beauty of the Fingerlakes wine region.
