Cazenovia, New York
One of America's Coolest Small Towns
Whenever I tell friends/coworkers/patients we are headed up to NY to see family, they automatically assume NYC.
So when I tell them Cazenovia...
They say "where's that?"
I tell them "oh it's 30 min south of Syracuse" bc likely that's a name they have heard of.
And then my explanation of the town goes something like this:
Caz is the cutest place. It's like Lititz (PA). Ya know how Lititz got voted cutest or quaintest small town in America? Well Caz got 2nd. (Apprently. Caz was voted runner-up for Budget Travel's "Coolest Small Town in America" in 2014.)
My brother lives on the outskirts of downtown, on a lot of land, more rural.
But downtown is like a main strip, filled with shops. There's a diner where they kids loved to go for pancakes when they were little. A local grocery store. The library which has a section you can go in and buy books. A jewelry store. A candy shop. An ice cream store. Mult coffee shops. A bakery. A pizza joint the kids like to go to hangout. A bowling alley. A pub. Multiple bars. A yacht club. A spot to eat brunch on the water. A winery (RIP). A brewery.
There's water everywhere and gorgeous waterfalls.
There are places close locals have memberships to ski at.
In the summer my nephew likes to be out on the lake sailing.
Here are some of my favorites <3
The lake is about 4 miles long. I've been swimming in it, but not out on the water by boat like my brother and nephew, above.
I've hiked Chittenango Falls State Park maybe 3 times? In the winter months, the trail is often closed bc of slippery wintery conditions. The main attraction is a 167-foot waterfall!
My favorite part of the Cazenovia Public Library, has got to be the Carriage Barn Books. On most trips I find myself in there getting a good deal on a book to read, as it is a storefront for gently used books.
Critz Farms. Critz has it all man.
Come on in for a tasting of locally made wine, ciders, and beer, or get food from the cafe. "Celebrate summer at the Ritz Farms festival, cancer, or barn party, and catch live music weekends in our Tasting Room or on our patio."
Pick your own produce (I have gone blueberry picking with my dad).
Play some cornhole and other lawn games.
Go out on a wagon ride to pick pumpkins. Even to chop down your Christmas tree around the holidays. There's an extensive playground for kids.
The events are endless.
If we find a pub, we have to stop for Matt to have his drink of choice; a Guiness. He is on the hunt to find a place where the Guinness tastes as good as it does at the brewery in Dublin, Ireland.
If you're curious, McCarthy's Pub was a great spot (I loved the French onion soup) but there is only one place so far, in America, that Matt has found a Guinness living up to the standard of Ireland.
Meier's Creek Brewing Company has a location in Caz called the Cazenovia Farm Brewery. It sits up on a hill filled with hops all along out front. This place is booming. We took the e-bikes out for a ride to grab a tasting one night. HUGE! Busy. Gorgeous outside patio space.
The Brae Loch Inn. We stayed one time at the hotel for 2-nights and found each room to be a different "theme." Very historic and with great character. Fireplaces galore. The included breakfast was very good.
This place can be a busy bar scene at night. Both inside and outside. The basement: wild. hahah very large space. Almost like a maze. A bar. manyyyy places to sit for dinner. Very "antique", but in a cool way.
We typically stay at the Hilton down the street. This is my top choice. But this is if it's not booked up, and the prices aren't crazy. Otherwise you could stay at the Brae Loch, The Lincklaen House, or the Brewster Inn (have a great brunch out by the water).
Sadly, I have no pictures, but some other hot spots include:
Caz Pizza. We bought some gift cards to here, as it's a fun hangout spot for the kids. So were are told lol.
Dave's Diner - the kids loved going here for breakfast when they were little
Pewter Spoon Cafe - love the atmosphere and the coffee
Caz Sports Bowl - where family took us to bowl one evening. After a certain time the lights go out, and away we go with crazy wild lights and throwback music! So fun! Bowling, arcade, restaurant, and bar.
Cazenovia's Farmers Market this is seasonal as they setup shop outside along the main stretch downtown with various vendors!
What are your fav places or favorite things about Caz? Would love to read your comments below. 😍
