A Charming ‘Dollhouse Village’ in Upstate NY is One of America’s Best Lake Towns — And It Was Once Restored by the American Girl Founder

Aurora, New York is the kind of small town that makes you want to slow down—and maybe even stay awhile . Perched on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, this Finger Lakes village recently earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the best lake towns in America to live in year-round —and it’s not hard to see why. From lakeside luxury to quirky cultural charm, Aurora offers a rare blend of beauty, history, and small-town community in every season of the year! A village restored to dollhouse perfection ---------------------------------------------- Aurora’s story is as captivating as its scenery. The town was lovingly restored by Pleasant Rowland , the founder of American Girl and a Wells College alumna, who invested millions to bring Aurora’s historic homes, inns, and bakeries back to life . Town & Country called it a “dollhouse-worthy village,” a description that perfectly captures the village’s meticulous charm. History buffs will also appreciate Aurora’s connection to NYC royalty : the Aurora Inn (now part of the Inns of Aurora resort) was **built by Colonel E.B. Morgan, co-founder of *The New York Times****.* Luxury and leisure, year-round ---------------------------------- Aurora isn’t just a summer escape. In warmer months, the lake comes alive with sailing, swimming, paddling, and power boating. But the town’s year-round appeal shines in the colder months, when visitors cozy up indoors at the 15,000-square-foot spa at the Inns of Aurora or explore the village’s culinary delights along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail , the first organized wine trail in the U.S. For all-weather charm, MacKenzie-Childs’ 65-acre Victorian farmhouse campus offers whimsical tours, home décor shopping, and immersive workshops , making it a must-see even in winter. Culture, community, and curiosities --------------------------------------- Aurora’s small size belies a cultural punch! The Morgan Opera House hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions , and strolling through the village, visitors will find antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques —each one contributing to a welcoming, walkable atmosphere that’s easy to savor. The perfect NYC getaway, no matter the season ------------------------------------------------- For city dwellers, Aurora is just 5–5.5 hours from NYC —a manageable long-weekend escape that feels worlds away. It’s also only 20 minutes from Ithaca, home to the “Ithaca is GORGES” slogan and over 150 waterfalls, making a two-for-one nature-and-lake adventure easy . The 8 best lake towns in the U.S. to live year-round ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Green Lake, Wisconsin 2. Aurora, New York 3. Gilford, New Hampshire 4. South lake Tahoe, California 5. Lake Ozark, Missouri 6. Greensboro, Georgia 7. Truckee, California 8. Sandpoint, Idaho Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-lake-town-to-live-in-year-round-2025-aurora-ny-travel-and-leisure/