In Auburn, NY, there’s no shortage of things to do when the warm weather rolls around. Although Auburn’s bustling downtown, scenic surroundings, and remarkable history are part of our city’s fabric year-round, nothing beats getting out and enjoying everything Auburn has to offer in the sunshine. Because Auburnites and all New Yorkers can agree: there’s nowhere quite like the Finger Lakes region to spend your summer.
1. Get your sip on at one of our local wineries or breweries
It’s no secret that the Finger Lakes region is known for its world-famous wineries and vineyards. But, whether you’re a wine enthusiast looking for an intimate tasting or a brew aficionado looking for a bustling brewery—you can find it all in Auburn.
Downtown Auburn offers an exciting array of award-winning pubs and local favorites like Next Chapter Brew Pub, Shep’s Pub, and Thirsty Pug Brewing for beer. Or, enjoy a wine tasting and grab a bottle at the Underground Bottle Shop. Not to mention, living in Auburn means you’re never more than a quick scenic drive to one of Cayuga Couty’s many wineries such as CJS Vineyards, Heart & Hands, Long Point Winery, or Colloca. Or, you can always explore the other 120+ wineries in the thriving FLX region, where nearly 90% of the state’s wines are produced.
2. Soak up the joys of lakeside living
Speaking of the Finger Lakes, folks who live in Auburn enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of Owasco Lake’s North Shore year-round. Summertime in the FLX region means there are infinite ways to get out, get some sun, and get in touch with nature. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the shore, get on the water and enjoy the waves, or explore the area’s many parks and hiking trails, Auburn residents enjoy direct access to the Great Outdoors.
3. Explore our nation’s history
Auburn, NY is a city rich in history with links to influential historical figures, sites, and moments. Figures who shaped our nation’s history found their homes in Auburn. Today, residents have countless opportunities to engage with their stories. With regularly scheduled walking tours and opportunities to explore the grounds of landmarks like the Harriet Tubman Home, summer is the perfect time to stroll through the City of Auburn and pay homage to these historic sites.
In addition to opportunities for tours, talks, exhibits, and more—Auburn’s rich history is preserved by the Historic Resources Review Board, making Auburn a beautiful place to live, work, and enjoy all year round.
4. Enjoy outdoor events & activities for the whole family
Looking for some seasonal fun the whole family will love? Auburn’s summer programming is jam-packed with opportunities for entertainment. From concerts and movies in the park to hands-on educational activities for your little ones, exciting summer events are available through various Auburn venues and organizations. Plus, major festivals like Founders Day, TomatoFest, and our Summer Concert Series make summer in Auburn truly one-of-a-kind.
For those particularly interested in the arts, organizations like Auburn Public Theater, Schweinfurth Memorial Arts Center, Cayuga Museum, and The REV Theatre Company offer their own exciting calendars of events! You can view auburn’s full summer calendar here, and check out Auburn’s Parks and Recreation Department website to learn more.
5. Take a bite out of one of Auburn’s unique eateries
Calling all foodies: ready to take a bite out of Auburn? We believe the best way to get to know a city is through the food and the 315 doesn’t disappoint. And of course, no summer day is complete without a stop at a local ice cream shop like Rudolph’s Sugar Shack, or a juicy burger and a frosty brew from Prison City Brewing.
With its abundant flavor-packed local eateries, Auburn features a variety of award-winning cafés, restaurants, and spots to grab a quick bite on the go. To see our list of must-have favorites, visit our blog or explore the full list of Auburn restaurants here.
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