In chaos theory, the butterfly effect postulates that a single flap of a butterfly’s wings can change the entire course of weather systems worldwide.

In New York’s Cayuga County, the Lake Effect, while perhaps not as potentially far-reaching, can certainly change the course of the days spent outside the chaos of everyday life. Relaxation and rejuvenation abound throughout the county, which boasts more freshwater coastline than any other county in New York State. Visitors can nourish the soul, too, with stunning natural sights, community events, cozy bed-and-breakfasts and other local fare.

On the Water
While the benefits of consuming proper amounts of water are great, the benefits of being in or around water are healthy, too: Hot water can stimulate the immune system, cold water can reduce inflammation and all water can cushion joints. Lakeside air can regulate the production of certain body chemicals that stabilize moods. The sound of lapping waves is known for its calming lull. In essence, water does a body good.

Eight lakes—Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, Duck, Como, Ontario, Cross and Otter—and the Erie Canal make Cayuga County prime country for those interested in the restorative powers water has on physical and mental health. Drink them all in along the Seaway Trail, a national scenic byway that stretches 454 miles from New York through Pennsylvania to the Ohio state line. The trail is dotted with numerous sights and attractions, with a special focus on four big names in water: the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and Lake Erie.

If visitors want to hone in on just Cayuga, though, there’s a trail for that, too. The state’s Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway circles Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s linear-shaped Finger Lakes at 38.2 miles. Carved by glaciers during the ice age, Cayuga Lake welcomes visitors today with a bevy of lakeside pursuits near Aurora: swimming, picnicking and boating at Long Point State Park; shopping at antique stores and boutiques, or for tableware and home furnishing at MacKenzie-Childs; performing arts at the Morgan Opera House; and sampling wines at area wineries. Byway maps are available on the trail’s Web site.

When tourists are ready to get in the water, Finger Lakes Scuba in Auburn offers diving opportunities and rents out all necessary equipment. Silver Waters Sailing in Fair Haven charters sailboats and offers sailing lessons on Lake Ontario and Little Sodus Bay. Numerous fishing charters are available around the area, as well as bait and tackle shops (and the only Bass Pro Shops in the northeast).

Activities Ashore
Vacationers don’t just have to get out on the water to enjoy it—they can also take it in with a casual or upscale meal at one of Cayuga County’s lakeside restaurants. The Aurora Inn’s dining room, overlooking Cayuga Lake, offers American country cuisine paired with regionally produced wines. Cascade Grille, set on the shore of Owasco Lake in Moravia, serves up steaks, fresh seafood and local produce in a casual setting. And the Pleasant Beach Hotel restaurant, situated on Little Sodus Bay in a 1910 Victorian building in Fair Haven, offers fare and cocktails inside or out.

Tastes of a different kind line the Cayuga Wine Trail, which encompasses 16 wineries around Cayuga Lake. The typography is well-suited to growing grapes: Early-morning sunshine ripens grapes, and because they’re planted on steep slopes running toward the shoreline, air patterns create a microclimate every autumn that yields perfect harvests. Continuous air flow in this region extends the growing season to 165 to 175 days, three weeks longer than most other areas within the Finger Lakes.

The wine trail, the first in the state and a model for the ones to follow, highlights independent vineyards in the area. Tourists can either grab a trail map and brochure and head out on their own or spring for one of the trail’s travel packages, complete with accommodations and special treats such as wine vouchers, spa gift certificates and dining.

Take a cultural break at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn on Owasco Lake. Located in an 1880s carousel building once part of Emerson Park amusement park, the Merry-Go-Round is hailed as Broadway in Finger Lakes; six large-scale musical performances are staged each year through the summer and fall seasons. Shows for the 2009 season are The Full Monty; High School Musical; No, No, Nanette; A Chorus Line; Buddy; and I Left My Heart.

Upcoming Events
• July 4 through Aug. 16
Sterling Renaissance Festival, Sterling.
Unfolding on the banks of Lake Ontario is this year’s Sterling Renaissance Festival, open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Included are a festival marketplace, games and rides, a gift shop and tavern. (800) 879-4446; www.sterlingfestival.com.

• July 10-11
AuroraFest, Main Street, Aurora.
This annual event commences Friday night with a Blessing of the Boats Cookout at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a battle of the bands at Wells College. Saturday will see Fun Run Races, a Fun Swim Race, the Blessing of the Boats, Taste of Aurora, kids’ games, a parade, jousting, music, drinks and fireworks. (315) 246-0016; www.tourcayuga.com/events/events.php.

• July 26 through Aug. 1
Bon Ton Roulet, throughout the Finger Lakes.
Take in the area’s vineyards, hills and picturesque waterways by bicycle along a 350-mile route. Stops along the way allow for snacks and meals, drinks, and tours. Entertainment is scheduled nightly. Wholesome meals begin and end each day, and riders can camp or stay in nearby accommodations. A short route is also being offered this year. (315) 253-5304; www.bontonroulet.com.

• Aug. 9
The Great Race, Emerson Park, Auburn.
Now in its 32nd year, the Great Race takes off with five run, bike and paddle (canoe or kayak) races at 9:30 a.m. The feature event is the Traditional Canoe Race; rounding out the event is a lunch, refreshments and live entertainment. (315) 252-7139; www.great-race.com.

• Aug. 21 through Sept. 7
Lake Ontario Fall Fishing Derby, Lake Ontario.
Daily and overall monetary prizes will be award to anglers in four divisions in this seasonal fishing derby. (888) 733-5246; www.loc.org.

Planning Your Trip
For more information on all that’s going on in Cayuga County, and to request a brochure or visitors guide, call (800) 499-9615 or visit www.tourcayuga.com.