WE LOVE NY! The Best Things To Do In Auburn, New York, In A Day (And Night!)

By Delaina Dixon | July 26, 2023 | Travel

Hello Divas! We are continuing to see more of our great state in our “We Love NY” series. Next stop: Auburn, N.Y.!

Located in Cayuga County, Auburn is a city rich in history and cultural landmarks. It’s the chosen hometown of civil rights Harriet Tubman, who escaped enslavement, settled in Auburn and extended her grit and graciousness to those in need. Another prominent Auburnite was William H. Seward, a prominent political figure who served as Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.

Auburn is filled with great places to see, eat and stay. Check out our handy guide below and plan your getaway today.

Start your day with breakfast at Café 108 (108 Genesee St.), a community gathering space, which provides healthy, sustainably grown delicious food, and then make your way to these destinations.

Harriet Tubman Home: 181 South St.

Spend the first hour at Tubman’s property learning about the life and legacy of the renowned abolitionist and humanitarian and bring your popcorn! Historian and house founder Rev. Paul Gordon Carter immerses you in the history of Tubman’s life as he takes on roles of those who impacted her existence—and it’s absolutely riveting. After the lecture, walk around inside the
Harriet Tubman Home for Aged & Indigent Negroes and see some of her personal belongings on display.

Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church: 49 Parker St.

Visit the church Harriet Tubman pledged $500 to help build. She attended services here for 22 years. When she died in 193, her funeral was held at the church. Now owned by the National Park Service, the church is being restored to resemble its incarnation in the early 1900s.

Harriet Tubman’s gravesite at Fort Hill Cemetery: 19 Fort St.

Pay homage to Tubman at her gravesite which sits in front of a giant pine tree planted by her nieces and nephews. It’s located on West Lawn C. Follow it with a walk down the city’s Historic South Street.

LUNCH Moro’s Table (1 E Genesee St.) uses fresh ingredients that are properly prepared using the finest product and the ingredients from the Finger Lakes region whenever possible.

Seward House Museum: 33 South St.

Discover the Seward family, which includes William H. Seward, former Secretary of State; his wife Frances, a staunch abolitionist who aided freedom seekers. The Seward House offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the influential statesman through its well-preserved rooms and historical exhibits.

Lavish Lounge (288 Genesee St.)

For dinner, try this relaxing and charming venue that serves delicious Jamaican and American cuisine that people drive for miles to get. Get the patties and jerk chicken for an authentic flavorful meal. Then see what’s playing at the Carriage House Theater 203 Genesee St.), a multi-arts theater that’s Cayuga Museum’s programming space. It’s the historical site where some of the earliest sound films were produced!

Get a good night’s rest at the Hilton Garden Inn (74 State St.) There’s karaoke on Friday nights. And you never know when you may run into famous civil rights activist Angela Davis.

For more information about Auburn, N.Y., visit tourcayuga.com.

photo credit: Amanne Media