For an important reminder about judging a book by its cover or size, consider Aurora NY. This lovely town proves some of New York’s smallest places are the destinations with the most to offer visitors. For trips out along the water surrounded by amazing views and shopping at such unique places as MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora, the small towns that make up the Finger Lakes Region are some of the most charming you’ll ever stumble upon. Let’s discover why you need to pack up and head out to Cayuga County!

1. Cayuga Lake

Long Point State Park, 2063 Lake Rd, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
James Willamor/Flickr
Peacefully sitting along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, one of the best small towns in New York — Aurora, NY — has about 700 residents. Like so many lakes that make up this scenic region, the water in Cayuga Lake is absolutely stunning. Aurora is just one of several amazing towns found around this lake, also referred to as Aurora-on-Cayuga.

2. History

Aurora, NY 13026, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The charming town is full of historical markers that give a bit of insight into the local history, teaching something new every time you turn a corner! In 1980 the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District, covering roughly 50 buildings in town, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. From monumental pieces of our local past to important buildings, these historical markers offer proof that Aurora is a fascinating place to live and visit and one of the best small towns in New York. Find out more about the history of Aurora, NY, and all the reasons why you'll want to come to one of our best-kept secrets, on the Aurora Historical Society website.

3. The Aurora Inn

391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
The Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor
Out of all the wonderful places to visit in Aurora, NY, one of the spots you'll instantly hear about is this luxurious inn. With a gorgeous view of the water, the Aurora Inn is one of the most popular places to stay in town. For more about this lovely place, visit the Inns of Aurora website.
The handsome building dates back to 1833 adding character to the elaborate furnishings.
The Aurora Inn/TripAdvisor
Each room offers an out-of-this-world coziness with minute attention to their soft details, especially a crackling fire on a nippy evening.

4. 1833 Kitchen & Bar

1833 Kitchen & Bar, 391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
1833 Kitchen & Bar/Facebook
And best of all — the Aurora Inn has a world-class restaurant that's also one of the most scrumptious places to eat in Aurora, NY, with the most sophisticated style. The 1833 Kitchen & Bar offers a phenomenal menu that changes with seasons and features ingredients sourced from the local area.
Enjoy this surprising light dish from the fall à la carte menu.
1833 Kitchen & Bar/Facebook
Sauteed scallops in brown butter and bacon vinaigrette with fennel apple slaw, carrot puree, and white beans never looked prettier. See what other cuisine is offered on the 1833 Kitchen & Bar Facebook page.

5. MacKenzie-Childs

MacKenzie-Childs Aurora, 3260 NY-90, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
MacKenzie-Childs Aurora/Facebook
For a joyful, leisurely activity there's no better place to relax and shop than MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora. Other states may have their own MacKenzie-Childs stores, but the heart of this company lies on a farm in Aurora, one of the best small towns in New York. Like something out of a painted picture, the scenery and buildings that make up the MacKenzie-Childs' property will positively charm you.

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The gorgeous Farmhouse was built in the late 1800s as the homestead for a prosperous dairy farm, and is now open for free 40-minute tours throughout the year, giving a look at 15 different rooms on three floors.
Mackenzie-Childs/TripAdvisor
The property at MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora contains so much history, such as the former Cornell horse barn, beautiful gardens, open fields, a historic greenhouse, and a pond.
And every summer the famous MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale draws people from all over to Aurora, NY.
MacKenzie-Childs Aurora/Facebook
We like the eclectic, one-of-a-kind inventory that can only be found here. Discover more about this enchanting store on the MacKenzie-Childs website.

6. Rowland House

Rowland House, 453 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
gcorcella/TripAdvisor
Just a quick 5-minute walk from the Aurora Inn, the Rowland House, dating to 1903, is another amazing place to stay that makes the town of Aurora so delightful and one of the best small towns in New York.
The inn features 10 rooms that are all unique and four whimsy guestrooms— along with a private lounge —that are decorated with the playful designs of Mackenzie-Childs in Aurora.
Rowland House/TripAdvisor
If a town in New York was crowned as the place to have the most inns with amazingly chic and cozy rooms, Aurora would probably take the cake. And speaking of food, this inn also has an incredible dining room. To find out more about this extraordinary place, visit the Inns of Aurora website.

7. The Village Market

385 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
The Village Market/Facebook
One of the best things about the town of Aurora, NY, is that most everything worth visiting is within walking distance and right along Main Street. The Village Market is the quaint, small-town shop you've always dreamed of, offering all sorts of delicious sweets, fresh produce, and other delicious items. Discover more on the The Village Market Facebook page.

8. Fargo Bar & Grill

Fargo Bar & Grill, 384 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
Fargo Bar and Grill/Facebook
Aurora, NY, has a handful of mouthwatering restaurants to visit, and one place you won't want to forget about is Fargo Bar & Grill.
From the juicy, well-loved burgers to finger-lickin' good wings, it's easy to find something to feast on at this casual eatery.
Fargo Bar and Grill/Facebook
Check out the interesting menu on the Fargo Bar & Grill Facebook page.
From interesting boutiques to historical sites, charming inns, waterfront views, and great restaurants, it's impossible not to fall in love with one of the best small towns in New York.
Rowland House/TripAdvisor

What are some of your favorite qualities about Aurora, NY? If you’ve visited, please share your experience in the comments.

And discover even more fun activities in Aurora, NY. For another memorable scenic destination along with excellent cuisine, head up to this secluded waterfront restaurant in New York — you’ll be glad you did.

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In New York

Carolyn Harmon | October 05, 2023

What are some of the best small towns in New York?

Here are some of the coolest small towns in New York that you should visit.

  •  New Paltz is one of New York's most charming historic towns near the beautiful Minnewaska State Park, another must-see destination. The rich history dates back to the 1600s when it was inhabited by the Esopus Indians. Seeking religious freedom, the French Huguenots arrived in 1677. Explore the local trails, take a scenic drive, or check out The State University of New York campus located here. You'll also find some fascinating local shops and delicious restaurants, such as Garvan's, which sits in a historic building constructed in 1759. Go for lunch, dinner, drinks, and wine, and some of the best sandwiches in the state. And if you pay attention, get in on a trip to Ireland. For more information, visit Garvan's website.
  • Chittenango is world-renowned for being the famous birthplace of L. Frank Baum, who wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. And not surprisingly, it now offers the All Things Oz Museum, operated by volunteers who curate more than 15,000 pieces owned by the foundation of which usually 1,200-1,600 pieces are on exhibit, including Judy Garland's autograph. We also like the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, a restored drydock that was the building and repair site for cargo boats in the late 1800s. Oh yeah, this incredible small town town also has a beautiful waterfall.
  • North Creek is one town everyone should visit, especially in the fall. Up in the Adirondacks and situated along the Hudson River, it makes sense that it's one place you can board the North Creek Railway. Yes — if it's fall, book that autumn foliage excursion today by visiting the Saratoga & North Creek Railway website. The charming town is also known as the home place of Gore Mountain, a popular skiing destination.
  • Geneva: This town might be the king of phenomenal views as it is conveniently located along the Finger Lakes region, making it the perfect home for the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. And the pastoral countryside makes it a perfect setting for such places as Seneca Lake State Park, a lovely 151-acre preserve overlooking the lake. And don't miss out on the chance to visit Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, offering wine tastings and a cozy cottage to rent on the gorgeous property.
  • Mattituck is home to an annual strawberry festival and an enthusiastic Mattituck Historical Society. These folks offer two interesting tours of the 1799 Jesse Tuthill House and the 1841 Ira Tuthill House in addition to operating a museum. The site includes a 1760 schoolhouse, an outbuilding, a milk house, and the New Egypt Schoolhouse built in 1792. For more information, visit the Mattituck Laurel Historical Society website.

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