Auburn

At the north end of Owasco Lake, Auburn pairs a history-rich downtown with an easygoing live-music habit. The restored Auburn Public Theater is the anchor, with breweries, wineries, and bars rounding out a calendar that leans local and welcoming. It's a quieter scene than the big cities nearby, but a dependable one — there's usually something on, and summer lakeside shows are the highlight. An easy half-hour from Syracuse, it's a low-key night out in the heart of the Finger Lakes.