About 45 miles north of the busy college town of Ithaca, New York, this understated Finger Lakes wine country gem is a truly immersive experience—a quaint 19th-century village that doubles as a resort, with a stunning spa inspired by its wooded surroundings. Once home to Wells College, which closed this past spring, Aurora hugs the shores of Cayuga Lake. Its most recent champion is Pleasant Rowland, creator of the American Girl doll and a Wells alum, who paid for the restoration of several buildings in the tiny town. Rooms for guests are available in the Rowland, E.B. Morgan and Zabriskie houses, Wallcourt Hall, and the Aurora Inn. Lakeside activities are plentiful at the inn, and dining options include the snazzy 1833 Kitchen & Bar and the more casual Fargo Bar & Grille. Unforgettable tastings and full dinners are offered by chef Lou Ruscitto-Donato at the Aurora Cooks! demonstration kitchen just down Main Street.
Late-fall fun: For the resort’s Autumn Harvest, guests can enjoy the nature trail, foliage cruises, special wine and cider events, and more through Nov. 23. Festive Season kicks off a day later, with holiday décor tours, ice cream and whiskey offerings, champagne tastings, and Christmas in Aurora.
November Rates: Starting at $339.
Drive Time: A little over four hours.
391 Main St., Aurora, New York, (315) 364-8888
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