Where in the world is Cazenovia? Never heard of it? I hadn’t either until serendipity stepped in and the next thing I knew I was booking a flight to New York (that’s a good story for another time).
Since being nominated in Budget Traveler’s “Coolest Small Town in America” contest, I suspect a lot more people know about Cazenovia. Don’t worry though, Cazenovia welcomes tourists, but the essence of what makes it cool won’t change for tourism. Besides, it’s not the easiest place to get to— you have to want to go there.
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Cazenovia, One of America’s Coolest Small Towns
@PennySadler adapted for Adventures of a Carry-0n
What makes Cazenovia a cool town?
To visit Cazenovia is to step back in time. The architecture and rural landscape provide a sense of time and place that I’ve found to be uncommon in the United States, which providing all of the 21st century amenities.
Cazenovia Lake
Lake Cazenovia
What else makes Cazenovia cool? Lake Cazenovia is pretty cool—surrounded by woods, there are fun activities year round. When the founder, John Lincklaen saw the lake and the trees he decided to build his summer home there. He’s also responsible for the historic business center and instilling a desire to preserve the history and natural beauty for the residents. Another cool feature, there are no telephone lines in the downtown area. I love that!
The original plan for the development of Cazenovia can be seen in the Albany Street Historic District. To walk down Albany Street (the main east-west thoroughfare) is to walk through the nineteenth century. Architecturally and historically significant buildings, both commercial and residential, line both sides of the street.
Flickr photo by Barbara Hobbs
What I immediately liked about Cazenovia was the amazing community supporting what John Lincklaen, the founder of Cazenovia started in 1793. There is a sense of unity and pride in the people of Cazenovia that makes it a delightful place. Cazenovia may be one of the most sophisticated small towns I’ve ever visited.
I had no idea I was in one of America’s coolest small towns, but after just a few hours there, I wasn’t surprised. What surprised me was the number of things to see and do in such a small place. Impressive!
I spent two days exploring and discovering Cazenovia, and I could have easily spent a few more. Here’s what I’d recommend if you have one day, two days, or more.
Exploring America’s Coolest Small Town
The rural beauty of Cazenovia
STAY
Lincklaen House
Built in 1835, the exterior looks the same today, as it did then. It’s the perfect location for a weekend in Cazenovia, smack in the middle of the historic center of town. On Saturday morning the local market is across the street and you can walk to all the cute shops. President Grover Cleveland and John D. Rockefeller were frequent guests at the Lincklaen House… location, location, location.
Colonial architecture and decor lend a warm and cozy ambiance to twenty-three guest rooms, furnished with period decor.
I had a corner room, so there were lots of windows and good light. The colonial style four poster bed and red walls made an immediate statement. There was also a small sitting area, a comfy chair, and a writing desk. My favorite feature of the room was the built in library next to the sofa. Colonial-style furnishings are not usually my favorite, but in Cazenovia, they are perfectly charming.
My room at Lincklaen House.
Lincklaen House is very popular with locals. There’s casual fine dining in the main part of the hotel. The dining room is especially beautiful and perfect for a holiday meal. You can almost see the people gathered around the table in their plain clothes and bonnets from the 1700s. The period furniture and architectural details invite you to relax and enjoy another era.
For a more casual experience, walk downstairs to Seven Stone Steps. I loved the dark English pub vibe and the wide variety of choices on the menu. For hotel guests, continental breakfast is served in the dining room.
Lincklaen House is at the corner of Albany St. & Lincklaen. You can check rates on Expedia here. (affiliate link) Check rates and availability on Tripadvisor here. (affiliate link)
Now that you’ve got a place to lay your head down, get out and explore Historic Cazenovia.
Built in the early 1800’s, 1st Presbyterian Church
Things to do in Cazenovia?
Take an architecture walk down Albany Street. Seriously, the whole street screams photo-op. The Albany Street Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Cool antique store on Albany St., Cazenovia, New York
Cool gothic cottage built in 1847. Image courtesy of Lorenzo archives.
Rainbow chard and beets, the colors of autumn
Farmer’s Market
Except in winter, the Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday on Albany Street in Cannon Park. It’s just across the street from the First Presbyterian Church.
I wrote about the delicious foods and colorful produce I found in the Farmer’s Market recently.
Sample fresh local cheeses, produce, bread, pottery, and sweets as you stroll through the market. People are friendly and will tell you anything you want to know about their farm and the area.
Yours truly in the tasting room at Owera Vineyards
Owera Vineyards
Owera Vineyards is located on 57 acres with four under vine, and had their first crush in 2010. The tasting room features a polished rustic style and is very warm and inviting. The wines of Owera are made primarily from grapes grown in the Finger Lakes area of New York. Tapas and wood-fired pizzas are served and there is dining space in both the tasting room and outside when the weather permits: a welcome change from most vineyards, where food service is not the norm.
A standard tasting is three wines and a premium tasting is five. I went with a friend and was able to taste a total of 10 wines. Though the climate is too cold for strong red wines, the Cabernet Franc, a common red in New York State, gives a strong show.
I’d say the dry riesling was both of our favorites. Coincidentally, it won a Dallas Morning News Wine Competition in 2011
Fall foliage at Owera Vineyars
Critz Farms & Harvest Moon Cidery
This was my first visit to a true agritourism farm and I was pleasantly surprised. I got lost in a corn maze (another first), drank some hard cider that tasted like champagne, and heard an excellent bluegrass band while sitting outside on a crisp fall day. I’d call that a perfect day. But let me give you more details.
Cool Blue Grass musicians
Critz Farms has been in business for twenty-five years and is still family-owned. The day I was there, the owners were there too, hanging out with the rest of the crowd.
Outdoor seating at Harvest Moon Cidery
The farm is located on approximately 325 acres and focuses on agriculture and entertainment with a family focus. Kids can enjoy activities like the petting zoo and cow train, while adults can sit on the patio listening to live music while sipping an award-winning cider.
I visited during fall harvest celebrations so we did the corn maze. This one had a theme and you had to find each of six stations to win a prize. I rate this an adult-friendly activity, or not only for kids.
Cool corn maze
Do try the hard cider made with apples harvested and pressed there at Critz Farms. I had no idea cider could be so tasty. I always thought it was just sweet and slightly alcoholic apple juice. Wrong! I had the Rippleton Original, which was light, bubbly, and somewhat like drinking sparkling wine. It’s my new addiction.
I also tried the Heritage Hops which was unexpectedly dry —which I liked, but I prefer sparkling wine. And in case you’re wondering, yes, you can get tipsy on hard cider.
Depending on the season, you can pick your own apples, pumpkins, or Christmas tree.
Critz Farms is closed from late December until mid-March. Dates vary from year to year.
Where to eat in Cazenovia
Despite being such a small place, Cazenovia has no shortage of good places to eat. All of these are on Albany Street except for the Brewster Inn.
Pewter Spoon – I frequented the Pewter Spoon for breakfast, but they are also open for lunch. The menu is small and there are daily specials on the blackboard. Think breakfast pastries, a few egg dishes, and my favorite, homemade peanut butter on ciabatta bread with a cup of citrus mint green tea.
Cool cafe, The Pewter Spoon
Seven Stone Steps
Seven Stone Steps is located below the street level at Lincklaen House. There is an entrance through the hotel, or enter from the street. Seven Stone Steps has a dark wood interior with church pew-like benches around the perimeter and lots of carved graffiti. The menu was huge and very affordable and included pub standards, like burgers and fish and chips.
Seven Stone Steps
Brewster Inn
For a fine dining experience, I highly recommend the Brewster Inn. Located on Lake Cazenovia, the Brewster Inn’s wine list won Best of by Wine Spectator in 2009. We had a delightful Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Whatever your dietary needs you’ll find something delicious: from seasonal oysters to pasta, to a New Zealand grass-fed rack of lamb, or a crisp green salad. Brewster Inn is also open for brunch and was recently voted one of the best places for brunch in the Syracuse area.
Brewster Inn also offers accommodations. You can check their rates via this affiliate link.
If you book through the link I get a small commission that helps me pay for the site but doesn’t cost you anything.
Discover cool history
Historical photograph of Lorenzo House
History truly stands still at Lorenzo House. Completed in 1808, Lorenzo House was the home of the father of Cazenovia, John Lincklaen. Lincklaen was Dutch and arrived in the central New York area on a mission for the Holland Land Company. Legend has it that he was immediately enamored of the landscape writing in his journal, “Situation superb…fine land.”
When I first saw Lake Cazenovia from the porch of Lorenzo House, those were exactly my thoughts! Lincklaens’ descendants lived in the house until 1968 when it was given to the state of New York. Lorenzo House hosted many important visitors, such as Grover Cleveland, then President of the United States.
We arrived at Lorenzo House early and were on the first tour of the day. Our guide, Barbara Bartlett, was excellent, and no wonder, she and her mother have been associated with Lorenzo House for over twenty years! What luck to have a guide with so much experience.
Barbara personally documented every item that goes with the house. I don’t recall the exact number but it was in the thousands; furnishings, books, dinnerware, everything in the house belonged to the family.
In addition to the house, there are extensive gardens and an exhibition of carriages that will make you grateful to Henry Ford. While interesting, they don’t look very convenient.
Lorenzo House
Outdoor things to do in Caz
Chittenango Falls is a state park and the main feature is a 167-foot waterfall. The bedrock is limestone over 400 million years old. Pretty cool! I didn’t have time to hike to the bottom and take that photo. My photo doesn’t do it justice.
The hiking trails, observation points, and other amenities of the park were developed during the 1930s under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency; hiking, fishing, picnicking, and reveling in nature’s beauty are the main activities here. The park is open year-round but may have limited access during the winter months.
Cool waterfall at Chittenango Falls State Park
Stone Quarry Hill is a great place to walk and hike with stunning vistas of the rural landscape, not to mention quirky art. It is one of the first outdoor sculpture parks in the country.
Cool art at Stone Quarry
As you can see, I covered a lot of ground in two days.
Now, what do you think? Cool or not? Have you been to Cazenovia? Where is your favorite small town?
All material and photographs are copyrighted by Penny Sadler. All rights reserved.
113 comments
[…] Sadly, the Rhinecliff is now closed. You may enjoy this article about another cool small town in New York. […]
Thanks for such a nice article. I also grew up in Caz. This is jack Cook, class of 1951 from Cazenovia Central, as it was known then. I recognized 2 names from your article. Carolyn (do not remember last name and Roger Holmes. probably a different Roger though,) It is hard to sort out the past from my 90 year old brain but I sure enjoyed your article. Inspired me to search further for more information on my class members,
Jack Cook ~ email ~ cook15fl@gnail.com
My family of 5 with 2 girls and one boy lived on Syosset Lane across the street from my favorite neigbors , the Munro’s. I was a Sales Manager with GE located in Syracuse. We moved and moved from coast to coast but Caz was myt personal all time greatest place to live with a family. So many sport s to do from Ice Hockey to sailing the Lake, golf at Onadoga GC for me and a great local course. The Munro’s with girls to match my girls in age and character was special and Mrs, Janet Munro a special person. My niece from Chicago is a Junior at Colgate and I look forward to attending her graduation in two years and a visit to Caz.
Hi William, thanks for sharing your memories of Caz with me. I can imagine it would be a great place to raise a family. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
My husband & I are new to the area and fell in love with Cazenovia. We (along with our dog Shaggy) wondered if any of the homes along the lake rent their carriage homes or guest houses? Any advice or tips on how we can find unique accommodations would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance. Sherry & Ray
Hi Sherry, I wish I could help but I stayed with a friend. I’d try Airbnb or VrBO.
I was a recent college grad of SUNY Plattsbugh in 1964 & went to Caz to teach elem. school. I lived there for 5 yrs. & loved it. It is a very beautiful community. I have fond memories of my time there & try to visit whenever I return to NYS. I now live in Coronado, CA, across the bay from San Diego.
Hi Bonnie, Well, Coronado is pretty fabulous!
I read your article because I subscribe to the old house journal and there is a picture of a house Victorian with a cupola that is rotting away in this town.hope someone saves it.
A reason Cazenovia has a somewhat different flavor than other small towns with lakes is that people from all over the world could get on a sleeper train in the evening at Grand Central Station in NYC, and wake up early the next morning parked on a RR siding right on Cazenovia Lake – 125 years ago. Their host’s horse-powered carriage would pick them up.
How about the annual craft fair that their local ambulance corp puts on. Its on July 4th weekend. Over 125 crafts come to show their wears !!! A beautiful show.
This show is only fund raiser that CAVAC has. Help support this GREAT orgination. Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Thank you for helping support us !!!
I accidentally fell into your very interesting piece on Casnovia, NY while researching my family tree! How wonderful! My grandmother Rilla Rinear was born in Casnovia in 1864! Thanku so very much for giving me a view into this very unique area!
Penny:
Well, you hit all the high spots of Caz. At the tip of Lake Caz is a hotel called the Brewster which is a former Rockefeller Summer House. You can stay there or in the Coach House and eat at it’s restaurant which offers delicious meals and wine. A Chinese visitor wanted to take us to dinner and insisted on going there after I told him about it. He over spent and I assumed it was because of his management insisting he do so. I used to think of the Brewster as the split between East and West Egg as one might imagine in “The Great Gatsby.” To the right and on the road near the Braeloch Inn heading north are some rather nice homes and also a park where one can jump off and canoe the lake which I would do on weekends in a one man canoe. To the left of the Brewster were more of the country cottage type and still very nice in their own right.
In town and down one of the streets (its name eludes me) you will find an old railway station. Walk past it and you will find one of the Link Trails which runs along side Rippleton Creek for 2.5 miles. I would run that trial till its end. If you care to and at the end of that trial, you can descend a staircase and cross the road to an extension of the trail out to Chittenago Falls park. Where that trial ends you are on a road which will lead you down to the park. Chittenago was the home of Frank Baum and there are also Erie Canal (#2) sites and relating museums to tour.
In town again and this time to the west. A walk in a neighborhood and past the Rose House near the VA (I used to park in their lot) is another Link Trail which you can follow to the Art in The Park site of which you had one sculpture up. When bored (as my wife and family were still in Michigan) I would walk to the Park or disappear on the other trails for hours at a time. At times in Winter if I was not watching a game in Seven Stone Steps being served by Frank the bartender, I would be snowshoeing just outside the 4000 square foot Victorian where I rented a room. I made many friends in Cazenovia because of the owner of that home.
You did well in your description of Caz. It is hard to capture it all and there is more!
Wow! Great info! Thanks so much for sharing your deep knowledge of Caz. This article gets a lot of traffic and I’m sure readers will benefit from your comments.
Penny – My sis and I are visiting our niece at Colgate University in mid October. We are arriving a few days early so our travel agent suggested Cazenovia! Coming from Nebraska, we hope we are not too late to see beautiful foliage. We really hope we are too early for the snow! Thanks for the wonderful tips!
I was there in mid-October. It should be really nice!
Yes, Penny, Richard and I know each other. Love my 1st cousin. Our families have a lot of great memories together. Family has always
been very important.
Every former or present Cazenovian had a special experience living there or growing up there. I was one. The high school had some amazing musicals, and the college has a good history, besides having a lovely small campus. There is also an annual quilt show in nearby Morrisville. My family love to return to Caz whenever we are able. A summer joy is eating outside at the Lincklaen House, as well as picnicking on into the late night hours.
Yes Joanne and I are first cousins my mother and Joanne’s dad are siblings. We had 7 children in our family and Joanne is one of 9. We all had such great times together as children in caz so many wonderful pictures and memories together. The Ledyard Family has had 2 reunions on the Lorenzo grounds, the first one brought over 300 Ledyards from around the world. It was magical.
Wow such a big family. How wonderful to have a reunion like that and just across from the lake. It does sound magical.
I am a Ledyard and grew up in Caz and played at Lorenzo as it was my family that gave it to the State.
Thanks for Sharing.
Hi Joanne, what a wonderful legacy. Thank you so much for the comment and taking the time to read the article. I really enjoyed Cazenovia. Maybe I’ll go back one day. I’d like some cider from Critch Farms right about now. 🙂
The Ledyard family in fact sold the Lorenzo property to the State Historical Trust, in 1968, for about $250,000. It was subject to a life estate of George Ledyard, the last family member to live at the estate.
My partner and I are moving to Cazenovia next month! I am excited to be back in a small town after 17 years in Cape Coral, FL. Thank you for a great piece on the town. My biggest concern is “open-mindedness?” Hopefully, this won’t be an issue for two guys.
Hi Mark, I hope you will find it friendly too. Maybe some of the locals that have commented on this article can comment?
Good luck on your move.
Hi Mark..
Looking at the date of your comment, I am sure that you have already arrived in Caz.. And already have your answer. I know several gay men.. Some coupled some not, and ditto some Lesbian friends who hale from Cazenovia.. All lead very inclusive friend filled lives..
There is a rather vibrant LGBT etc.. Community in Syracuse.. 20 minutes up the road.. Also in Utica… Other small college towns, that also have diverse and inclusive communities, ie: Hamilton, 20 minutes east of Caz..
Seek and ye shall find, friend.
Love this!
Cazenovian reading this somehow years after it was posted. One feature you’ll now notice in town is all the pride flags popping up. The cafe mentioned, Pewter Spoon, flys one as do several houses and establishments around town. That being said, there is a lot of conservative people in town still but we are leaning towards tolerance a flag at a time.
Sounds positive!
I went to High School in Caz, and I have to say… this was my biggest issue with the town. I am not gay, but I am Jewish, and HS was rough. Not much open-mindedness, and a lot of latent (and not so latent) anti-antisemitism. Not a great place to be different.
I grew up in Caz and it`s a beautiful town.. a photographer`s paradise! I live in nearby Chittenango now.I wish the weather cooperated and you could`ve explored Chitt. Falls a bit more! It`s very beautiful there as well. I hope you can come back and see the Windmill Farm in nearby Nelson… also spectacular views!
Thanks for your comments. I too wish the weather had cooperated. What I saw was lovely even if my time was abbreviated. I hope I’ll make it back sometime as well. Thanks!
Penny, Owaghena is the Native American name for the Lake. It means “lake of the yellow perch”. Unless the schoolhas changed the name, it’s the title of the school yearbook
Hi Sheila, thanks for that. Yes, it is.
Hi Penny,
You paint such a nice picture of Cazenovia! I am moving to Central New York because my fiance is in medical school at Upstate. We are looking for good neighborhoods to live in. Are there any apartments in Cazenovia? Or in these nice areas like Cazenovia, Fayetteville, and Manlius, is it mainly homes? Thank you!
Hi Lindsay, I am sorry but I have no idea. I would the closer you get to Syracuse yes. I don’t recall any apartments in Caz but I’m really not the person to ask. It’s a very small place so that’s something to consider. Good luck on your move!
I have lived in Cazenovia all my life. There are a lot of apartments available here, to fit almost any budget. We are about half an hour away from Syracue, so it’s a pleasant drive. One thing not mentioned in the article is the college. Cazenovia College has a top-notch equine program as well as an arts and design program. There are apartments available on Main Street and several other places.
I love how people from or of Cazenovia are so proud and passionate about their town. What a great community.
Growing up in Cazenovia, I remember sliding at “Jepsons” (Former “Davis Baking Powder” Estate), Water Skiing on the Lake and Swimming at “The Rope Swing”. Most natives remember Going to the Christmas shoppers walk just before Christmas. going to the parade in town, then the Fireworks and Fair around Gypsy Bay at night. Don’t forget the craft fair at lorenzo, the horse driving competition at lorenzo, Christmas at Lorenzo or the Franklin car show at Cazenovia College in the fall.
I did visit Lorenzo and the docent that day told us about the horse driving competition. I’d love to see that.
Hi Penny! I was born and raised in the area and graduated from Cazenovia College. I waitressed at The Brae Loch Inn during college and must recommend it for a wonderful Scottish experience. You did a tremendous job explaining the beauty of the area. If you do go back, one thing we are proud of is that L Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was from Chittenango! Someone else mentioned Hamilton – another beautiful city! Thank you!
I knew about Frank Baum because the corn maize last year had a Wizard of Oz theme. 🙂 I did not go to the Brae Loch Inn, will have to try it next time!
I grew up in Caz , as we called it , & have many happy memories of it. I just went there last June for my 40th High School Reunion (go class of 75 !) It truly is one of the prettiest & most historic towns I’ve ever seen. I was surprised you didn’t say more about the Brae Loch Inn. Thanks for your great article !
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for the comments. Brae Loch Inn is a place I will have to explore more indepth on my next visit.
I was always led to believe it was Cazenovia Lake, not lake cazenovia? I used to live in Manlius and never heard anyone call it Lake Cazenovia.
Hi Becky, yes someone else pointed this out. I think I have it correct under the photo, but never got to correcting it in the article. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
The name of the lake is Owaghena
Sheila Which lake are you referring to? I only recall one lake and that was Cazenovia.
Our 5 member family had the pleasure to live on the site “Willowbank” where John Lincklaen originally lived, now 21 Forman St., it is important to note some little known facts related to John Lincklaen. John L. allways had a presence on the wall in a portrait near the front entrance.
Nearby is The Willowbank Yacht Club, former Carriage House and Boathouse of The Willowbank Estate. When the original home, then two story, now three story, burned to the ground around 1800, John Lincklean built Lorenzo. Around 1810, Willowbank was reconstructed on the original foundation for family relatives, a twin to the original floor, same as that of Lorenzo; winding staircase, 4 large bedrooms(suites), a basement kitchen originally, later established on first floor. a huge dinning room, living room, music room, and family room, most popular, with lake view. Seven fireplaces and baths throughout. Most every room had a large fire place, original source of heat. Not certain when the large coal furnace, half the size of a school bus was added, later converted to natural gas, as Village added that utility. When we bought the home in 1979 from the Mc Murtrie family, we restored a floor at a time, now a three story structure, exceeding Lorenzo as of circa 1850, with 5 more bedrooms, 2 add’l baths on the third floor. The home took on a Victorian appearance, vs Federal, with the third floor and it’s massive slate roof and Eight large windows lighting the third floor.
Lincklaen still owned the property and restored it for his family, the Childs’s around 1811. We considered ourselves very fortunate to own the property 1979-2001, a great place to raise our family, entertain friends, neighbors, children on the lake.
The “compound” still includes the stone house next to Lakeland park, formerly the main office of Lincklaen’s Holland Land Co, as well as the “ice house” contained within the home south of Willowbank. So, as many fail to know, Willowbank was John Lincklaen’s first residence in Cazenovia.
My children used “Willowbank” as subjects in their History classes, while attending Cazenovia grade and HS. We’re proud Cazenovians, still residing nearby in the friendly Town of Nelson, NY.
Fascinating. I love that Caznovians still comment on this article.
Owaghena was the Oneida/Iroquois name of what has been known for 200 years as Cazenovia Lake.
Lived in Caz for 131/2 years and taught at Cazenovia College for 18 years! one of my favorite places!
Thanks for the comments Kathleen.
Im surprised you did not mention Caz College in the mist of town.
I Rudnick
Well, I only had a short time there. Can’t hit everything in one weekend. I did cover a lot of ground though.
I have driven through Cazenovia about 50 times on my way to Hamilton. It is a cool little town but not all that unlike many towns in that area. Nice lake and scenery but honestly, so many similar places all over in that part of New York.
Hi James, I recall driving through a couple of other little villages, also very pretty, Manlius, was one I believe. I think one of the things that makes Cazenovia unique is all the telephone lines are underground, makes the downtown area very pretty. Are any of the other towns in that are the same?
Thanks for a great post about our fantastic village! I came here for a week of Quilting By the Lake in 1984 and we moved here in 1997 based on the same impressions that you had about Cazenovia. You did a great joy of describing the beauty of the place.
Corinne, thank you so much for taking the time to read it. And the nice comments – I loved it.
Thank you for writing this great piece about our lovely village. As someone else mentioned, the Cazenovia Library is one of our most prized gems. And along with the other businesses mentioned, the Brae Loch Inn is a favorite place where the food, drink, and music entice locals and visitors to meet and mingle.
Hi Valerie, I am so sorry I missed the library. I’ll just have to come back!
My sister and I grew up in Caz, Mom was a teacher at the High school, Dad was on the planning and zoning boards, we spent lots of quality time at WBYC!! So nice to read your article and recognize what a great place it is and how lucky we are to be able to call it our hometown!
Very lucky indeed! Beautiful place. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
I went to Cazenovia College from 1987 to 1989 and return every year to reunite with classmates. It is my favorite town and always great to return! It feels like coming home!
I can see why you’d love going back there.
…great memories…I worked at the Caz College pub during 86-88…I don’t get back there near enough these days but I do appreciate the area even more as I grow older. Nice article.
Thanks for reading it and commenting. Your time means a lot!
Cazenovia is definitely a cool little town. We also just selected it (October 2015) as one of our Top 50 Small Towns in America (You can see the list by clicking on my name in this comment – Cazenovia is in the #2 spot)
Wow! Cazenovia is a must see Summer destination! I hope to see this place one day. My sisters is in Connecticut and the last time I spent Thanksgiving with them, she brought us to New York City but it was the small towns that lingered in my memory. Have a fun Summer!
Cazenovia is also great in the fall!
I grew up there as did my mother. Wonderful town. My oldest daughter (23) visited there three years ago and was so impressed. Wonderful memories for me
Thanks for the comments Kathy.
Born & Raised! Proud to call it my home… even though I’m away. It’s always in my heart!
You nailed it. Well said throughout. We have relatives in Caz and love visiting. Like taking a step back in time. Quaint, tight knit community, town with a ton of character.
Thanks Frank. Really appreciate the comments.
We moved our family to Caz almost 12 years ago and haven’t regretted a day since! I don’t think a day goes by when we have what our family calls a “Caz Moment”! Anytime we come into town from a day of work, school, or a long trip and we see the picturesque Lake, the beautiful scenic views or drive thru town, it always reminds us of why we chose to live here. Thanks for writing about our quaint town with the same heart and emotion that we feel every day…
Larry thank you for the heartfelt comment.
Love this post! Thanks for the support 🙂 we think Cazenovia is a pretty special place too!
Appreciate your comment!
I grew up in Caz, as us locals call it. This just made me pretty homesick. Good thing I’m going back for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks. Just a side note it’s Cazenovia Lake, not “Lake Cazenovia”. Great piece!
Hi Jason Glad to hear you are going home for the holiday.
I grew up in Caz in the 70’s – what a wonderful and magical place to roam free as a kid. I loved the mummy comment, the after school trek to the library is a right of passage for every little laker. Great memories, thank you!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories!
I lived in Cazenovia from 1947 until I was married there in 1970. I go there every year and my mother-in-law still lives there. Driving around the country roads, visiting the old family farm on Lincklaen Street where my parents used to live, and seeing other relatives who still live there. Spent 3 days there at the beginning of October and the fall colors were outstanding. Thank you for featuring my home town.
I was there the weekend of the 10th of October and the colors were still really nice! Thanks for the comments. You’re home town is awesome.
We’ve lived here for almost 30 years (corporate location) and never left!
Hi Terry. Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m not sure how I’d do there in the winter but the rest of the year would be great!
A great place to live as well as visit. Lived there for nearly 40 years and NO one ever called the lake ” Lake Cazenovia”.
FYI it is CAZENOVIA LAKE !
LOL first time for everything as the saying goes. Thanks for the comments!
I was raised on a dairy farm just south of Cazenovia, attended Cazenovia schools and graduated HS 1957; beautiful area and people; just a short drive to Syracuse. My Great Grandfather Seymour Holmes settled nearby Caz in 1866 on Westview Farm with views over the hills to Pompey Center. I’m always happy to visit my childhood home.
Sounds like a nice childhood. Is the family farm still there?
I grew up in Cazenovia and Roger is my Uncle. The Holmes farm is still alive and doing awesome – it’s generational. Growing up in Caz was the best – my Dad built a Veterinary Hospital back in the late 50’s and it’s still alive and well, even though he is deceased. Going back to visit my home town, I’m always flooded by great memories. The lake was our playground. We spent every day we could swimming, boating, just hanging out at the town Pier. My mom owned a store on main street called the Cheshire Cat – it was an awesome gift store. All I can say is that I had the greatest childhood and adulthood being part of that small community and going back there when I do, is like taking a step back in time. I’ll never forget the best part of my life and that was being brought up in small town USA.
Hi Debbie, What a great testimonial to Cazenovia! Thank you so much for sharing your memories.
And your Dad was a great man, vet and friend. We raised our family there and I golfed w/ your dad.
If you have a chance to visit again, I suggest going to eat at BG Buda’s, delicious Itatlian restaurant, across the street from the Lincklaen House, and taking a campus tour of the College (also very historic). Thank you!
I’m sure I will return. Just a matter of time. I almost went to BG Buda’s can’t recall why I didn’t?
I have not wanted to go home to visit as much as I do right now! I love the town I grew up in and lived in for 20 years. It is perfect in every way. <3
I think this may be the best compliment/comment to date. Thank you Lisa. When were you last there?
My favorite place since 1987 where I went to Cazenovia College. Coming from NYC this was a bit of culture shock, beautiful quaint town where the people are amazing & extremely friendly. I have been coming back every year for the past 5 years for my college reunion. As soon as I set eyes on Cazenovia Lake I take a deep breath & say “I am home”.
Apparently Mr. Lincklaen fell for the lake too, and it’s the reason Cazenovia exists, unless I misunderstood…
I grew up in Cazenovia and I felt a great swell of pride reading your article. Beautifully written. If you have the chance to return in August, I’d recommend checking out the Bouckville antique show, which is the largest on the east coast of its kind.
http://www.madison-bouckville.com/index.html
Thanks for the tip! It looks like a fun market. I see Empire Brewery is slated to open next year? It looks like I need to make a stop there too! Thanks for the comment, very much appreciated.
Also there are a number of family oriented ski resorts within 45 minutes from down town. Beautiful place too grow up.
Glad you were able to visit Cazenovia and thanks for writing about it! Although I believe it was founded in 1793, not 1783. We celebrated the bicentennial with a parade in 1993.
Hi Jessica, thanks for the comments. Duly noted and corrected. Of all the places I’ve visited and written about, Cazenovia residents are the most interested in what I’ve had to say about their town.
That’s a hilarious picture taken, I guess, at Chittenango Falls State Park. The actual Chittenango Falls are considerably more impressive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittenango_Falls_State_Park#mediaviewer/File:NY_Chittenango_Falls.JPG
Hi Lonnie, You guess correct, that was taken at the top of the falls, near the bridge. Thanks for providing the great link. I don’t live in such a beautiful area; so even the top of the falls is very impressive. I had planned to go back the next day for hiking and more photos, but it poured down rain and I had to leave town that afternoon.
When my great grandfather George Strawbidge Ledyard when in his 90’s, who was the last family member to reside at Lorenzo House realized that none of his heirs would be financially able to retain the mansion and grounds, he decided that in order for the history and historical furnishings to be preserved for generations of the family to be able to still see, hear and experience what myself and my generation of bothers, sisters, cousins alike have lived through as children would always be able to visit, be able to have our family reunions , weddings etc on the grounds, and bring our children and grandchildren to see what was just as it was when we were children. If he had left it to any one heir it would have been sold to strangers and probably never seen by family again so he made a deal with NYS to have it all preserved. When our Cousin Nanny Oakman left The Meadows (another family historic mansion on Rippleton Rd) to one heir and then sold and gone from our lives. So it was a very unselfish and very smart thing he did and now the public can learn and see what we grew up experiencing. Please go and enjoy the houses and grounds of this great historic site where many presidents have come and stayed with our ancestors, you will learn so much history of NYS. Don’t forget to visit Chittenango fall state park, one of our ancestors gave that to NYS to be a state park, preserved also forever.
Richard and Joanne, do you know each other? This is fascinating. Yes, that’s what I remember about the house, how perfectly preserved everything is. I did stop briefly at Chittenango Falls. Unfortunately, it was just before the park closed so I didn’t really get to do much exploring there.
Thank you for the comments. Very informative and interesting!
No mention of the real Egyptian mummy in the Caz library?
Hi Abbey, I didn’t make it to the library.
Lovely place. You have done a great job of describing it.
Thanks Margaret. Sounds like perhaps you’ve been there?