Aurora New York: The Idyllic Village That Is Home To The American Girl Doll

Aurora New York, pop under 700, is a small and famous. This village in New York State has gained the sobriquet of "one of the safest places to live". Aurora, NY is famous for another reason — the idea for the American Girl dolls was born there. The educator, philanthropist, writer and entrepreneur, Pleasant Rowland created the American Girl Dolls, along with her alma mater Wells College. But the village is known for so much more.

Aurora NY is located near Ithaca on the banks of the Cayuga Lake. The college town is home to Wells College and has a small population. But it is rich with historic sites.

Here are some of the things to do in the city of Aurora in upstate New York.

Visit historic sites

Rowland created the American Girl Doll because of her interest in history. It is this interest that led her to reinvigorate many of the historic sites in the village. Historic estates and cosy cottages have been converted into hotels, shops and restaurants. 

One such landmark is the EB Morgan House that is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built in 1858 for Colonel Edwin Barber Morgan and his family. It is now being run as the Inns of Aurora.

Wine and dine

Aurora is part of the Finger Lakes wine region. Hearts & Hands is the closest winery to Aurora. The ideal place for some QT, one can walk through the vineyards whilst sipping a Reisling. The winery is run by Tom and Susan Higgins, a husband and wife team and overlooks the eastern shore of the Cayuga Lake. There is a tasting room and curbside pickup available.

Make pottery and ceramics

Another thing this village is known for is its pottery and ceramics. Handmade ceramics are made by local artisans in MacKenzie Childs. It is located on a Victorian farm overlooking the Cayuga Lake. The facilities, which opened in 1983 are open for tours, shopping, gifting and a chance to develop an interest in pottery.

Visit the opera

The Morgan Opera House is a restored Victorian building which still has the original raked stage with pressed tin proscenium, leaded glass windows, original seating, crafted woodwork and superb acoustics. The 117 year old, Tudor-style building was designed to be a community center but later also served as a library and a jail.

Treat your sweet tooth

For cupcakes, cookies, bread and other baked goodies, Karen's Country Confections LLC is a small bakery that makes everything from scratch. If beer is more your kind of treat, Fargo Bar & Grill is open for business.

Live like an American Girl Doll

This little town is focussed on the local and its history. It also lays emphasis on the business that helped the village become of some repute. The Pleasant Rowland and MacKenzie Childs came together to convert the historic Rowland House into a guest house. The rooms of this Queen Anne-style mansion are designed in the signature black and white checks called “Country Checks” — a MacKenzie Childs signature pattern. Guests can request the room of their choice.