Short Trips Make People Happier, Provide Great Memories

If you’ve ever taken a long trip in a car with your whole family, you know that it can be stressful, costly and uncomfortable. That may be part of the reason why psychologists claim that short breaks make people happier than long holidays.

Where can you go regionally that’s an adventure, will make you happier, save you money on gas and expenses, and will reduce the stress of planning and coordinating? A place that will keep you refreshed enough to enjoy the excitement of the ride, as well as the destination?


As residents of the Central New York region, we are fortunate because we have the four seasons with adventure in every direction – from the Adirondacks to the North, to dozens of Mohawk River Valley scenic communities and historical and entertainment destinations.

If you’re one of those people who would just like to “get up and go,” consider Casenovia, NY, recently highlighted by budgettravel.com as one of the “coolest small towns” in America.  They say, “Cazenovia … may make you feel like you've discovered the perfect small town you thought didn't really exist.”

The backdrop for this welcoming community is Cazenovia Lake. You can enjoy all the typical watersports – canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, boating. And, when you go back to dry land, you can jog, bike ride or take a short car ride to historical, literary and social points of interest. Here’s a checklist of where you can go:

• Brae Lock Inn: a Scottish-themed inn with an “exceptional” Sunday brunch;
• Lorenzo State Historic Site: the home of the founder of Cazenovia. Make a special effort to come around Christmas for “Christmas at Lorenzo;”
• Lakeland Park: Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, summer concert series, winter Olympics, fireworks;
• Burton Street Fields: Baseball, Basketball and even an ice hockey rink;
• Lakeside Park: Picnic pavilions, playground, softball field, boat launch (permit required);
• Memorial Park: Special events, including a Farmers Market, Cazenovia Crusin’ with weekly displays of antique cars every Wednesday from June to August;
• Critz Farms: Farm winery and tasting room, apple and pumpkin picking, corn maze, wagon rides, animal area, playground, music, special events, gift shop, cafe, maple syrup, informational tours, u-pick berries. Tours are available weekends, as is an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast;
• Chittenango Falls State Park: Bring your camera to take magnificent photos of a picturesque 167-foot waterfall;
• International Boxing Hall of Fame in nearby Canastota: chronicles over a century of boxing history with memorabilia. The annual induction celebration is in early June.

Just minutes away is Chittenango, the Land of Oz – or at least, “All Things Oz” with exhibits and festivals celebrating and honoring their native son, and author of the Oz stories, L. Frank Baum.

Or, go to Peterboro, and stop in at the Gerrit Smith Estate. The national historic landmark is the home of abolitionist and philanthropist Gerrit Smith. You’ll see displays on the Underground Railroad and life for escaped slaves.

Fill up your gas tank, check your tires and fluid levels, pack a lunch, and have a great day!