Cazenovia is calling, and we must go.

Located 30 minutes outside Syracuse and less than 5 hours from Manhattan, Boston, and Philadelphia is the village of Cazenovia. Home to a population of fewer than 3,000 people, Cazenovia is a charming lake-side town in rural Madison County.

Whether you’re coming from the west, east, north, or south, Cazenovia has all the ingredients for a fun weekend trip: History, quaint shops and eateries, a beautiful lake, and breathtaking waterfalls. What more could ya really ask for?!

That said, here’s a lil’ guide to planning the perfect trip to Cazenovia:

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First stop: Cazenovia Lake

The main attraction of Cazenovia is, of course, its beautiful lake. Covering 1,164 acres and reaching nearly 4 miles in length, the lake is one of the many gems upstate New York has to offer. The lake provides nearly 10 miles in shoreline, reaches depths of up to 45 feet, and is incredibly scenic — aside from breathtaking sunsets and thick green vegetation, stunning lake homes decorate its edge. In the fall, the many trees around Cazenovia Lake trade in their green leaves for magnificent red, brown, and yellow colors, making it even more picturesque.

Locals and visitors alike flock to Cazenovia Lake during the warmer months to kayak, paddleboard, canoe, fish, jetski, or cruise on boats. Fishing is especially popular, as the lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass and chain pickerel. For those who enjoy birding (#birdlife) be sure to bring your binoculars — there are often geese, ducks, herons, kingfishers, and even the occasional bald eagle hanging around the lake. For those who don’t have the luxury of owning a boat — or knowing someone with a boat — Cazenovia Lake is great for paddling. There are plenty of areas to launch from, and (like most lakes) the water tends to be calm in the mornings and evenings, making for a good paddle.

Second stop: Village of Cazenovia

Cazenovia Lake isn’t the only attraction in this upstate New York destination. The village of Cazenovia itself is Hallmark-movie-charming. Picture this: You’re walking down a historic street with a gourmet coffee beverage that you picked up from a local cafe while peeking into art galleries, bakeries, and boutique shops with lake-themed decor. (If you suddenly saw your old high school sweetheart living in a boat-converted-into-a-house on the lake, then you might actually be in a Hallmark movie.)

Any history or architecture lovers out there? If so, you’ll especially enjoy perusing the streets of Cazenovia. The village dates back to 1793 — so, needless to say, there’s a lot of history in this tiny town. If you take a stroll down Albany Street, you’ll see traditional homes with historic architecture circa the 1820s and 1830s. If you want a longer stroll, you can walk a little further and check out Cazenovia College’s campus, which dates back to 1824. While the college is no longer in use — it sadly shut down after the 2023 spring semester due to a lack of enrollment and restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic — the area still makes for a peaceful and scenic walk.

Third stop: Chittenango Falls State Park

If you ask my opinion — or not, I’m going to say it regardless — Chittenango Falls is one of the more underrated places in New York…possibly America…possibly the world! (!!!) I had never heard of these falls until I was in the Cazenovia area — despite growing up a mere 3 hours away. When I finally visited, the 167-foot waterfall blew my socks off — so much that I returned a few weeks later…and then again a year later. Honestly, if I wasn’t typing this blog across the country in Nevada right now, I’d probably head back to the falls again this year, too.

If you drive about 4 miles down scenic back roads from the village of Cazenovia, you’ll reach Chittenango Falls State Park. There is a large area where you’ll pay $5 per vehicle to park. From there, you’ll follow the trail down a wooden staircase that’ll lead to the crème de la crème, Chittenango Falls:

As you can see, these falls are incredibly gorgeous.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, walk across the bridge and up the hill to complete a loop that’ll eventually lead to the main parking area. The hike isn’t long — probably about a half mile total — but it is certainly steep. I recommend wearing sneakers and leaving the flip-flops at home.

Know before your go — here are some quick facts to help you plan your trip to Chittenango State Park:

• It costs $5 per vehicle to enter
• Dogs are allowed (maximum two per party) as long as they are on a leash
• The park has pavilions that are available for rent
• There are restroom facilities in the park

Fourth stop: Food and libations

It’s not a day trip without stopping at a local brewery, right? Right! After enjoying the lake, waterfalls, and village of Cazenovia, head up the road to Meiers Creek Brewery for some refreshing brewskis and cuisine. The brewery sits on a 22-acre property with a massive parking lot, outdoor dining area, and 18-hole disc golf course. The inside is spacious with a large bar, plenty of seating, and a merch shop. As far as drinks go, there are plenty of (absolutely delicious) craft beers on tap to try. If you’re not into that sorta thang, the bar typically carries local wines, seltzers, and house-made drinks (tequila soda, vodka cran, gin and tonic, those kinds of bevvys). The brewery offers a full menu with small plates, salads, pizza, and sandwiches, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Overall, it’s a lively place with good vibes, good beer, and a good crowd.

Not into beer or craft breweries? That’s okay, we’re not judging you (well, maybe a little). But there’s no need to stress because Cazenovia has another excellent option for quenching your thirst — a local, award-winner winery. Owera Vineyards is a family-run, 57-acre winery located at the north end of Cazenovia Lake. The winery offers standard wine tastings and a cafe featuring a seasonal menu made from local ingredients. And with a sprawling (and gorgeous) property, you can’t really go wrong sitting outside, indulging in some delicious eats, and sipping local New York wine.

Personally, I’ve never made it to Owera, so I cannot give personal recommendations or include photos of the winery in this blog. HOWEVER, I’ve picked up a few of their wines from local stores, and each one was delightful. It’s also a place that locals frequently recommend, so I feel comfortable including it here as a place to check out while in Caz.

Fifth stop: Spending the night in Cazenovia

If you’re having too much fun and don’t want it to end, never fear because there are plenty of lodging options in and around Cazenovia:

1. The Brewster Inn: A historic gem dating back to the late 1800s, the Brewster Inn is located on Cazenovia Lake and includes 17 uniquely designed and decorated guest rooms — some of which feature jacuzzis, private decks, sun porches, and gas fireplaces. It’s a quaint and romantic place, perfect for couples looking to spend a night or two taking in the beauty of Cazenovia. Bonus: The hotel has an award-winning restaurant open nightly for dinner plus Sunday Brunch.
2. The Brae Loch Inn: Another historic hotel and restaurant, the Brae Loch Inn sits across the street from Lakeland Park Pier in the heart of the village of Cazenovia. Built in 1805, the hotel was originally an estate that held elegant weddings, banquets, and business meetings. Today, the hotel is still as elegant as ever and features 12 rooms plus a complimentary continental breakfast. It’s home to an intimate restaurant and pub that serves American cuisine with a Scottish and French flair. During the summer, the Brae Loch Inn features live music on Thursday, Friday, and Monday evenings.
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia:  If you’re looking for something a bit more modern — and a tad more budget-friendly — the Hampton Inn & Suites of Cazenovia should do the trick. The hotel is located on US-20, so it’s easy to access and includes a large parking lot. If you’re traveling with a group or family, this hotel is a suitable option as it includes a free hot breakfast, connecting rooms, fitness center, and indoor pool.

Welp, there you have it — enough info to make planning a trip to Caz easy-peasy. Now all that’s left to do is hit the road and start exploring.