The Inns of Aurora comprise a collection of restored 19th-century buildings in the village of Aurora on Cayuga Lake’s eastern shore—the Aurora Inn, the E.B. Morgan House, the Wallcourt Hall, and the Rowland House. The restoration was funded by Pleasant Rowland, founder of the American Girl brand, who invested substantially in reviving the village and its historic architecture. The result is a level of polish and attention to detail unusual for the Finger Lakes lodging market.

Rooms are individually decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings, and the common areas display an art collection that rivals some regional museums. The 1833 Kitchen & Bar serves a seasonal menu built around local sourcing, and the lakefront setting in tiny Aurora—population under 1,000, home to Wells College—is remarkably quiet. The Inns of Aurora are the most upscale lodging option on Cayuga Lake and among the most refined in the entire Finger Lakes. Rates reflect the quality, and the remote location means you are committing to Aurora for the evening rather than using it as a base for touring.