Finger Lakes and Cayuga County Launch American Road Trip

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, NY - With air travel facing ever climbing prices the road trip is rapidly making a trendy comeback. Travelers can have a taste of Americana and the classic road trip via Cayuga County's stretch of the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway in the Finger Lakes. The experience-driven vacation route now fuses shopping, dining and leisure experiences reminiscent of bygone times.

Frugal and extravagant travelers alike are bound to find something to put in their shopping bags along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway. Dotted with everything from the renowned MacKenzie-Childs to the local mom-and-pop shop, there are treasures to be found at every price point. This exploratory vacation offers a unique alternative to typical city shopping trips.

Where to Shop:
$$$ - MacKenzie-Childs (3260 State Route 90, Aurora, NY 13026) - Since 1983, MacKenzie-Childs has made handcrafted ceramics, each piece a one of-a-kind collectible. The company also designs hand-decorated furniture and other home furnishings. (www.mackenzie-childs.com )

$$$ - Aurora Shoe Company (1690 State Route 90 King Ferry, NY 13081) The Aurora Shoe Company was founded on the idea that a good pair of shoes should be made well and fit comfortably. They use American made materials and assemble all of their shoes in house and by hand. Their simple leather shoes are timeless in style and universal in their appeal. (www.aurorashoeco.com )

$$ - Aurora Arts & Design Center (371 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026) - This unique shop houses a multitude of businesses under one roof. Alexander Millen specializes in antiques, art and eclectic accessories for the home as well as jewelry and gifts. Trillium Graphics is a full service graphics and portrait studio with local photography by Jacqueline Conderacci in the form of prints, books, and cards. Local artisans are also represented from all over the Finger Lakes with a wide range of art and crafts from contemporary paintings and ceramics to local music and books. (www.auroraartsanddesigncenter.com )

$$ - Copperesque (157 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, New York 12160) - Copperesque specializes in Custom Picture Framing and Stained Glass Design, as well as works by local artists and small companies focused on creating products by hand in the United States. You will find handbags, journals, jewelry, art tile, and pottery as well as other unique boutique treasures as you browse our restored 1870's storefront shop. (www.copperesque.com )

$$ - Jane Morgan's Little House (378 Main Street, Box 14 Aurora, New York 13026) - Jane Morgan's Little House was founded in 1962 by its namesake. Randi Zabriskie has been with the shop since graduating from Wells College in 1974 and purchased the business from Jane in 1993. Raised in the New York suburbs, Randi strives to present a collection of separates and special occasion outfits as well as handbags and accessories that are unique in the Finger Lakes area. The collection reflects a dedication to timeless looks that reflect the trends--tradition with a twist. (http://janemorganslittlehouse.com )

$ - The Produce Place (293 Cayuga Street (state route 90) Union Springs, NY 13160) - The Produce Place features local produce at its best. It also helps shoppers with their own growing needs supplying: fruit trees, berry bushes, rhubarb plants, horseradish plants, grape vines, bulk seed and a great selection of soil amendments. The Produce Place features four greenhouses on site. There is also deli area which offers premium deli meats and cheeses, homemade macaroni, potato salad and cole slaw as well as baked goods; Mary's pies, Tom's cookies, along with quick breads, muffins, rice custard, focaccia, cinnamon rolls and so much more! Shoppers will also enjoy the gift shop. (http://www.theproduceplace.net )
Where to Eat:
$$$ - Aurora Inn - The Aurora Inn offers an elegant indoor dining room as well as lakeside dining on their spacious veranda, perfect for taking in Finger Lakes sunsets. The award-winning, refined American cuisine is inspired by the changing seasons and fresh regional products and pairs perfectly with the vast array of Finger Lakes wines on their list. (www.aurora-inn.com )

$$ - Pumpkin Hill Bistro - The Pumpkin Hill Bistro menu features down to earth comfort food "with a twist" served at moderate prices in a unpretentious, but charming atmosphere. Delight in the charm of the bistro's peaceful storied setting, while enjoying a fine selection of Cayuga Lake wines and delectable culinary options. Diners can also shop for unique antiques and gifts at the Country Store. (www.pumpkinhillbistro.com )

$ - The Fargo - Casual food and atmosphere are the calling card of this historic restaurant and tavern, which is located directly across the street from the Aurora Inn. With food made fresh, from scratch daily and desserts prepared by the Aurora Inn pastry chef, the Fargo is no ordinary bar and grill.

Where to Stay:
$$$ - Aurora Inn/ E.B. Morgan House - Aurora Inn, set on the shores of Cayuga Lake amidst a heritage village, has a pedigree dating back to 1833. The original Finger Lakes inn, built in Federal style with red brick and wide columned balconies, has been impeccably restored with understated elegance to appeal to even the most discerning guests. The quintessential bed and breakfast is renowned for being a lakeside haven with hammocks and Adirondack chairs putting calm and relaxation at the forefront. The Aurora Inn has the intimacy of a bed and breakfast with services and amenities that only a luxury hotel can offer. (www.aurora-inn.com )

Formerly the home of Colonel Edwin Barber Morgan, co-founder of the New York Times and American Express, the E.B. Morgan House offers seven stylish guest rooms, exquisite living spaces, gracious porches that overlook the lake and lawns and an exceptional collection of original modern art. (www.ebmorganhouse.com )

$$ - Dill's Run Bed & Breakfast - Dill's Run Bed and Breakfast is located along the east side of Cayuga Lake on Scenic New York State Route 90 in the Town of Ledyard. This lovely Italianate Victorian house was built in the late 1830's by R. Dill and has recently been restored. It is located on 15.5 acres just four miles north of Aurora, 15 minutes from Auburn, 35 minutes from Ithaca and 25 minutes from Seneca Falls. (www.dillsrun.com )

$ - Auburn Holiday Inn - Located in "history's hometown," this hotel provides an ideal budget-friendly home base for families participating in the great American road trip. (www.hiauburn.com )

Located near the heart of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga County's towns and villages are perfect for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and enjoying the lush Finger Lakes Region. Visit www.tourcayuga.com or call 800-499-9615 for more information.

The Finger Lakes, eleven pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York, encompasses 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots to boot. The region is easily accessible from key hubs like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto, making it the ideal weekend getaway destination.

In addition to an abundance of Thoreau-esque lakeside retreats, the region offers world class vineyards, farm to table culinary delights and internationally acclaimed annual festivals. With more than 100(!) wineries spread between 14 counties, the Finger Lakes region is known to produce the best Rieslings and Gewurztraminers outside of Germany, thus making it the ideal epicenter for winemaking and discovery.