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I went to Cayuga County to dig deeper into the legacy of Harriet Tubman, the woman who has always been one of my greatest sheroes. Her bravery, determination, and unshakable fortitude carried her through extraordinary risks as she dedicated her life to helping others on their journey to freedom. This region is where she chose to spend her final years, and walking in her footsteps was an experience I will never forget. Discover Cayuga County, New York, where Harriet Tubman spent her final years and where today’s culinary journey shines.
One of the most eye-opening moments was a foraging walk, where I learned about the kinds of foods freedom seekers could expect—or hope—to find along the Underground Railroad. It put into perspective just how resourceful they had to be, surviving on what nature offered while seeking safety and liberty.
What I didn’t expect was how this historic area has blossomed into a vibrant food scene of its own. From Civil War armories turned into gastropubs to family diners with gourmet flair, every meal in Cayuga County told a story. I came for Harriet’s history, but I stayed for the flavors that gave me an entirely new appreciation for the community she called home.
Prison City Brewing: Elevated Pub Fare in a Historic Armory
251 North St., Auburn, NY
Housed in a Civil War armory, Prison City Brewing blends history with flavor. I ordered the Abundance Bowl with grilled chicken, quinoa, goat cheese, and roasted root vegetables, all brought together with a maple ginger vinaigrette. It was the perfect pick-me-up after a long flight.
And here’s a pro tip: start with the buffalo chicken pierogies appetizer. They are pure comfort food with a bold twist, especially when paired with one of the house-brewed pints.
Osteria Salina: A Sicilian Feast in Downtown Auburn
16 State St, Auburn, NY
Dinner at Osteria Salina felt like being transported straight to southern Italy. I savored my linguini with polpette, tender meatballs in a rich sauce, while eyeing the towering lasagna my friends ordered. The arancini was divine, crisp on the outside and creamy within, and the sangria was top-notch.
We each dug into our own plates, but the lively atmosphere, Sicilian-inspired menu, and warm service made the whole evening feel like a celebration. It was easily one of Auburn’s most memorable meals.
New Hope Mills Café: Breakfast with History
181 York St, Auburn, NY
Starting the day at New Hope Mills Café was like tasting history. The family-owned company dates back to 1823, and their pancake and baking mixes are beloved across the region. I went for the classic breakfast with thick-cut bacon on the side, exactly the way breakfast was meant to be.
Pancakes, French Toast, Corned Beef Hash, and more were devoured by my companions – and no one could clean their plates.
Pro tip: add cheddar cheese to your grits. Just saying.
The menu also tempts with Banana Crunch French Toast and hearty breakfast burritos, so you will leave well-fueled for a full day of exploring. And don’t skip the gift shop. Let’s just say ten packages of pancake mix somehow made their way home with me…
Café 108: Dining with Purpose
108 Genesee St, Auburn, NY
Lunch at Café 108 proved that food can nourish both body and community. Every dollar spent supports the Auburn Public Theater, which makes every bite feel even more meaningful. The menu is full of fresh wraps, vibrant salads, smoothies, and plenty of fun extras like thick cookies and quirky sodas.
I went with a wrap and one of their smoothies, a combo that hit the spot and left me feeling good about supporting the arts while enjoying a great meal.
Dugan’s Country Grill: Comfort Food with Gourmet Roots
3228 NY-34B, Aurora, NY
On our final day, Dugan’s Country Grill in Aurora served up farm-fresh diner favorites with surprising sophistication. I ordered the cheeseburger scramble, a dish that felt especially fitting since it happened to be National Cheeseburger Day. The home fries were crisp and flavorful, and the scramble itself was plate-licking delicious.
The Beakfast Defibrillator is another popular option that one of my dining companions picked. 3 slices of French toast, 3 eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese all in one tower of temptation.
Chef Mike Dugan’s Four Seasons background shines through in everything from his famous Reuben to the hearty breakfasts. It is comfort food with polish, the kind that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Long Point Winery: Savoring the Finger Lakes
1485 Lake Rd, Aurora, NY
The perfect finale came at Long Point Winery, where award-winning wines met sweeping Cayuga Lake views. I went with a wrap for lunch, simple and satisfying, before turning my attention to the real stars of the stop.
Tasting Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Franc with friends while overlooking 72 acres of vineyards felt like raising a glass to both history and hospitality.
Final Bite on a Culinary Journey Through Cayuga County
Cayuga County is where Harriet Tubman built her home, her community, and her legacy. Walking her land and learning how freedom seekers survived on foraged plants made me pause and really feel the grit it took to endure those journeys. I could almost imagine her determination in every step.
And then there was me, sitting at tables across Auburn and Aurora, tucking into meals that blended heritage with creativity. From a cheeseburger scramble that made me want to lick the plate clean to a glass of Pinot Grigio overlooking Cayuga Lake, each bite and sip felt like another way to connect with this place.
This region still feeds people — body, mind, and soul. It once nourished Harriet’s mission, and today it nourishes visitors with flavors as memorable as the history itself. If you come to Cayuga County for Harriet Tubman, stay for the culinary journey, because here, history and hospitality show up side by side on the very same plate.
