Inns of Aurora: Invest in Your Wellbeing

For the ultimate enchanting getaway where you can get away from it all, Inns of Aurora is the ideal spot that boast all the pampering, personalized care and unparalleled views you could want. Situated on scenic Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, the charming village of Aurora, under one square mile and designated as a National Historic District, is made up of the five restored historic inns with 54 total guestrooms, a gourmet restaurant, quaint pub and unique stores. Enjoy five-star service and accommodations in this scenic spot, nestled in the heart of New York’s wine region.

From eclectic to artsy to cozy, each inn has its own personality and dedicated innkeeper. Whichever posh property you choose, you can enjoy wine and cheese at happy hour, homemade granola bars and fair-trade coffee.

Built in 1833 by Colonel E.B. Morgan, a native of Aurora who was a founding investor in The New York Times, the colonial designed Aurora Inn boasts ten guestrooms and suites with all the comforts of home. It is also home to the village’s farm-to-table restaurant, 1833 Kitchen & Bar, where you can dig into delectable plates on the veranda as the sun sets on the lake. With seven spacious and stylish rooms, the E.B. Morgan House invites visitors to relax in their carefully designed living spaces, including a library, cozy fireplaces for evening game night and mahogany porches. This historic stone mansion can also be rented out for private stays and events.

Restored in 2014, Rowland House is a favorite amongst returning guests – with playful color schemes and décor, plus a third floor comprised of four guestrooms, private lounge and Mackenzie-Childs designs, it’s not hard to see why. Enjoy a private dinner in the grand dining room, with lighting resembling the night sky. The glorious grounds greet guests with ancient Gingko trees, a Grecian temple and two-story boathouse. Fire pits and Adirondack chairs also make for perfect outdoor fall fun. With a modern boardroom, Rowland House is the ideal spot for a mix of indoor business meetings, outdoor team building exercises and all-around fun.

The imposing white structure that is Zabriskie House has an interior that is just as impressive. Blue hues, unique accent pieces, a double parlor and three-story grand staircase with modern chandelier, plus rocking chairs on the wide porch make up this most recently redone inn. The largest of the inns with 17 guestrooms, whimsical Wallcourt Hall, originally built in 1909 as a dormitory for Miss Goldsmith’s School for Girls, now features modern design and black and orange color schemes throughout. Reopened last fall after a full renovation, the circa-1838 Taylor House Conference Center, where traditional spaces meet high-tech equipment and amenities, offers unique private event accommodations and various meeting rooms. This restoration marks the capstone to the journey Pleasant Rowland (founder of the Inns of Aurora and of the American Girl Doll empire) embarked on twenty years ago to restore the Village’s 11+ historic buildings and revitalize them to their original grandeur.

Surrounded by nature, you can take a hike on their 3.5-mile trail or explore the sights and wildlife on a complimentary bicycle. During the warmer months, relax by the water – or on the water – with their kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards. In the center of town is the Schoolhouse, where you can take wind down or focus on your wellness, especially with their yoga classes. Check out everything from a pair of Hunter boots to an easel and canvas so that you can paint the scenic scenery, plus birdwatching binoculars and even stargazing equipment. Private add-on experiences include spice blending classes with the resort’s Director of Serenity and archery lessons with resident Outdoorsmen.

A gourmet meal paying homage to the area’s history with fresh fare from the surrounding farmland awaits you at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, where you will find a menu dedicated to grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, succulent seafood and award-winning wines. Nearby Fargo Bar & Grill offers casual pub bites and an impressive craft beer selection while Village Market has take-home meals, plus chilis and chowders, fresh coffee, morning pastries and gifts to remind you of your Aurora adventure. Learn to cook your favorite new dishes for friends and family after your trip when you book a session at Aurora Cooks! a memorable and mouthwatering activity that’s perfect for date night or girlfriends’ weekend.

Perhaps the crown jewel, and definitely most calming part of Aurora, is the recently launched Spa at the Inns of Aurora. This crisp white barn-inspired spa which sits atop a hill just above the Village, is committed to helping you reach healing in both mind and body. With six hydrotherapy pools, single and co-ed spaces, locker rooms with saunas and showers, a complimentary grazing café with fresh salads, sandwiches and beverages, plus outdoor fire pits, you can spend the day in serenity. All Ayurveda-inspired treatments, from massages to body wraps, are provided by Rasa Spa.