Where Brave Women Spring
Enjoy the freshness and beauty of springtime while embarking on a trip designed to awaken your senses.Discover wineries, shops, inns, and restaurants alongside the historical places where Brave Women helped shape the history of our country. You’ll leave with a restored sense of pride, inspired by some of our fiercest trailblazers.
Day One
Spa at the Inns of Aurora – Aurora, NY
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at the Spa at Inns of Aurora. With stunning views of Cayuga Lake, this farm-inspired spa campus features two hydrotherapy circuits, thoughtfully designed single and co-ed spaces, and therapeutic treatments provided by Rasa Spa. After your treatments, enjoy a delicious lunch at the spa’s complimentary grazing table in their seasonally inspired café. Spa guests can enjoy the pool, sauna, steam room and café at their leisure.
Howland Store Museum – Aurora, NY
Now that you’re relaxed from head to toe, take a ride through history observing the homes and properties that make up the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District. Here, you will find the Howland Stone Store Museum. Built in 1837 by Slocum Howland as a general store, it was also a station on the Underground Railroad. Slocum’s daughter, Emily Howland, devoted her long life (1827–1929) to abolition, women’s suffrage, and education, and was an acquaintance of Harriet Tubman’s. Stroll through the Museum and enjoy the unique collection of abolition and suffrage artifacts.
Opendore – Aurora, NY
Just a couple houses down from Howland Stone Store and operated by the Museum, you will find the Isabel Howland House (Opendore). This home was originally built in 1837, was purchased by William Howland in 1853 and Isabel Howland renovated the home in 1910. It is on the National Registry as part of the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, and is a stop on the Votes for Women trail, recognizing the leadership of William, Hannah, and Isabel Howland in the women’s suffrage movement.
Prison City – Auburn, NY
Take a short break from wandering through museum exhibits to enjoy a delightful dining experience at Prison City Brewery. This woman-owned and local favorite restaurant/brewery has two locations, both located in Auburn, just over a mile apart. Each spot has its own ambiance – the urban full restaurant downtown and the outdoorsy pub at the farm brewery. At either location you can sample nationally award-winning beers and enjoy an entrée from their farm-to-table menu, featuring high-end pub fare and comfort food.
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center – Auburn, NY
Your time travel will meet modern technology at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center. Here, you will find the stories of many female trailblazers that led the human rights movement, abolition of slavery, and the woman’s rights movement from the 1800s to present day. The center’s state-of-the art exhibit shows the creative ways New Yorkers found their bravery to stand for justice. Enjoy the fresh air and springtime scents as you walk next door to the Seward House Museum. On your way, pose for a picture in the courtyard, next to the bronze statue of Harriet Tubman.
Seward House Museum – Auburn, NY
The historic landmark of the Seward House Museum is the original home of brave woman Frances Seward and her husband, William, who were both abolitionists. You will be impressed by the exhibits, as the collections here are some of the most original of any historic home in America. Walk the beautiful gardens and enjoy a guided tour of the 17 rooms – left almost as though the Sewards have just stepped out and will be coming home any minute. Be sure to visit the basement, which Frances turned into a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Springside Inn – Auburn, NY
Relax for the evening with a glass of wine from one of the many local wineries and then settle into bed at the local woman-owned gem Springside Inn. Think four poster beds, claw foot tubs, exposed brick walls and original fireplaces in each of the individually decorated guestrooms. Dating back to the 1850s, it’s believed that this building was used as part of the Underground Railroad and the thickets surrounding Springside’s backyard are where Harriet Tubman hid previously enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom.
Day Two
Start your day enjoying a continental breakfast inside the Inn, or out on its veranda. If you prefer a full breakfast menu, you have many restaurants to choose from, including several woman-owned establishments.
Harriet Tubman National Historic Park – Auburn, NY
Get a glimpse into the life of legendary Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, when you visit the property she owned. Harriet Tubman, known as “The Moses of Her People,” settled in Auburn after the Civil War and lived there for the rest of her life. At the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, you will see the brick home Tubman and her family built by hand as well as the Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes, which she operated. Harriet Tubman is buried nearby in Fort Hill Cemetery.
The Apple Station Winery – Cayuga, NY
Take a moment to relax while you enjoy a nice glass of wine, one of the Finger Lakes’ well-known treasures. You’ll be welcomed like an old friend at this woman-owned and operated apple orchard, store, and winery featuring wines made from apples, grapes, and various fruit blends. The Apple Station Winery’s setting is unique and you’ll think you’ve stepped back into an old country store and filling station.
National Women’s Hall of Fame – Seneca Falls, NY
Your journey continues in the historic town of Seneca Falls, where the first Women’s Rights Convention was held in 1848. Feel the strength and courage of many incredible women at The National Women’s Hall of Fame. This iconic institution is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of great American women from the past to current day. You will find almost 300 inductees across all walks of life and professions, from Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Lucille Ball, Oprah Winfrey and 2021 inductee, Michelle Obama. Meander through the exhibits that celebrate and showcase stimulating stories of past and present hard-won achievements.
Lunch at Café 19 – Seneca Falls, NY
What better place to enjoy lunch than at a place named after the 19th Amendment? Celebrating the women’s suffrage movement, Café 19 was created with strong, bold women leaders in mind. You will see this evidenced by the modern, chic portraits of influential women suffragists. Dig into a mouth-watering selection of classic soups and salads or try other fresh combinations that will intrigue your palate.
“When Anthony Met Stanton” Statue – Seneca Falls, NY
You won’t want to miss the sculpture that depicts the moment Elizabeth Cady Stanton was introduced to Susan B. Anthony by Elizabeth’s friend, Amelia Bloomer. And the rest was history!
Women’s Rights National Historic Park – Seneca Falls, NY
Spend time exploring historic buildings and homes tied to women’s rights at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. You will see several important buildings, including the Wesleyan Chapel, where the First Women’s Rights Convention was held, and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, home of the main organizer of the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention and primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments.
del Lago Resort & Casino – Waterloo, NY
Enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment when you stay the night at del Lago, a multimillion-dollar casino and AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The gaming floor features slot machines, table games and a state-of-the-art sportsbook. For dinner, you can keep it casual or treat yourself at Portico by Fabio Viviani, del Lago’s award-winning Italian restaurant offering steakhouse-style seafood and chops. Finish off your night with a show at the Vine Showroom, where every seat offers great views of the stage.
Day Three
Before you head home from a beautiful weekend in the Finger Lakes, it’s time to do a little shopping.
Muranda Cheese – Waterloo, NY
Visit this woman co-owned farm for a unique and cheesy experience! In addition to tasting some of the 17 cheeses that have been recognized for their superior artisanal quality, you will see first-hand the passion that the farm puts into the making of its products. And you’ll see why Muranda Cheese Company is a beloved spot in the Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes Premium Outlets – Waterloo, NY
Shop till you drop at Finger Lakes Premium Outlets, which features designer and brand name products, accessories and jewelry, gifts, and specialty items. Roam from store to store as you immerse yourself in a delightful shopping experience.
