Lavish Lounge
288 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
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Explore culture, connect with the past, celebrate the present, discover authentic experiences
Black residents have been making meaningful contributions in Cayuga County since the area’s beginning. During your visit, connect with the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to authentic experiences. From museums and historic sites to cafes, wineries, breweries, and community events—it’s hard not to find something to do. Visit Cayuga County and learn about the people who changed the course of history, or visit Black-owned businesses to eat, drink, and shop.
Our communities continue to live out the legacy of its historic residents: Harriet Tubman, William & Frances Seward, and more. While Harriet Tubman is most well known for her bravery as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and as a spy in the Civil War, she was also a highly successful entrepreneur and businesswoman in her time.
Today, Cayuga County’s residents maintain and build upon Tubman’s entrepreneurial spirit by running their own restaurants, selling art and artisan products, and offering a wide variety of other services. While you’re here, shop local and explore the Black-owned shops in the area that are carrying on this legacy.
Business Owner Highlight of the Month
Meet Erica Manners owner of Essentially Erica. Erica describes her self as an artist, photographer, blogger & mom.
As a lifestyle photographer she likes to capture people as their true, authentic selves and prefers a shoot that’s unscripted and unposed.
“ I’m so honored to already have so much success and support in my small businesses and I can’t wait to look back on this in the future and see how much it’s grown! “
“Visiting Auburn, NY was so important for tracing my African American roots in this country. So much of our history has been scuttled and even banned in parts of the country. Being able to tour a town with strong abolitionist ties that hold such important parts of our freedom-fighting legacy is a life-changing experience. I want more people, specially those who look like me, to visit Auburn and experience the golden history that’s still visible in the town’s foundation.”
– Jeroslyn JoVonn