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Nestled on the western shore of Owasco Lake in Auburn, NY, part of the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Springside Inn stands as a testament to the area’s history and natural beauty. Under the stewardship of innkeepers Sean and Beth Lattimore, along with their children Sydney and Sean Jr., this charming retreat offers visitors a unique blend of historical significance and modern hospitality.
My journey to Springside Inn began at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, located about 45 minutes northeast of Auburn. I arrived in early September 2024, just as autumn was beginning to whisper its presence. The weather was still lovely and warm, not yet touched by fall’s chill, and the leaves were only starting their colorful transformation. It’s an incredible time to visit the Finger Lakes, with comfortable temperatures and the promise of spectacular foliage just around the corner.
About the Springside Inn
Despite arriving late at night, the inn’s hospitality began before I even stepped inside. A key was left outside with clear directions on how to enter, a thoughtful touch that made me feel welcome from the start.
Making my way to a second-floor room, I navigated narrow stairs—a charming reminder of the inn’s historical nature. It’s worth noting that there’s also a third floor, but no elevators. This lack of elevator access may pose challenges for guests with mobility issues, so it’s an important consideration when booking. Each floor houses a few rooms, all with attached baths.
Mornings at Springside Inn start early, with coffee service and continental breakfast beginning around 6 am. What makes these mornings truly special is Sean Lattimore, who rises before dawn to personally set up the breakfast. I spent my mornings chatting with him and I was consistently impressed by his cheerful demeanor and ready smile, even at such an early hour. For early risers like me, it was a perfect start to the day, filled with warm conversation and local insights.
It’s worth noting that before the pandemic, the inn provided a more extensive breakfast service and had a full-service restaurant. While the current offerings are more limited, the inn occasionally holds special events like Sunday brunch, harkening back to its restaurant days. If you’re looking for a hot breakfast, you’ll need to venture out to one of the local eateries in Auburn, which Sean is always happy to recommend.
History of Springside Inn
Springside Inn’s history dates to 1851 when it was built by Reverend Samuel Robbins Brown. Brown, a pioneering educator and one of the first American missionaries to Japan, established Springside as a boys’ school. His connections to Japan, which began in 1854, add an intriguing international dimension to the inn’s early years.
The inn also holds a special place in the story of the Underground Railroad. Legend has it that Springside Inn was built to be a part of this secret network helping enslaved people escape to freedom. By 1864, the property was owned by John N. Knapp, who had close ties to William Seward, the former Governor of New York and then-Secretary of State under President Lincoln.
Knapp would often travel the country by train to promote Seward’s political agendas. During these absences, it’s said that Harriet Tubman would arrive by “cars” (railroad cars) and find refuge in the cemetery and woods behind Springside Inn. She would also reportedly stay in the vacant house when Knapp was away. This connection adds another layer to the area’s abolitionist history, intertwining Springside Inn with the heroic efforts of Tubman and the broader struggle for freedom.
Today, as you walk the grounds of Springside Inn or rest in your room, you’re not just enjoying a comfortable stay—you’re inhabiting a space that played a small, but significant role in one of the most important movements in American history.
Over the decades, Springside evolved from a boarding school to a private residence, then to a summer resort, before transitioning into the year-round hotel and restaurant it is today. The Lattimore family now stewards this historical gem, embracing a philosophy of “tradition redefined.”
Springside Inn is not only a charming place to stay, but also a popular wedding venue. With several flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Front Lawns, The Grove, the Heritage Room, and the Terrace Room, the inn can host everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
Stunning Natural Surroundings
One of the most charming aspects of the mornings here is the dew that blankets the grass. When I asked about walking around the property, Sean recommended waiting a couple of hours until the sun had dried off the dew to avoid getting my shoes wet. He noted, with a hint of amusement, that as an Arizona native, I might not be as accustomed to the morning dew as the locals are. The Finger Lakes region is indeed much more humid than the arid landscapes of Arizona, making this simple morning phenomenon a novel experience for some visitors.
The natural surroundings of Springside Inn offer more than visual beauty, they provide a unique soundscape as well. Sean shared an amusing anecdote about a guest from New York City who complained one morning that there must be a broken pump that had kept him up all night. Sean had to explain, much to the guest’s surprise, that the sound wasn’t a malfunctioning piece of equipment, but rather the nightly chorus of bullfrogs croaking in the pond on the front lawn. It was Mother Nature, not a broken pump. This humorous incident serves as a reminder of how close to nature you are at Springside Inn, even if it might take some city folks a night to adjust!
One of the unique aspects of staying at Springside Inn is the constant presence of Lattimer. Living right next door to the inn, he’s always available to help guests with any needs or questions. His enthusiasm for the property is infectious, and he’s more than happy to share its history and hidden gems. During my stay, he even took me on a thrilling golf cart tour of the property, often four-wheeling up hills, which was super fun and offered a comprehensive view of the inn’s grounds.
The inn’s location on Owasco Lake is one of its most attractive features. Owasco is the sixth largest of the eleven Finger Lakes, located in the center of the chain. What makes it special is its intimate size compared to larger lakes like Seneca or Cayuga, offering a more peaceful, less crowded experience. The lake’s crystal-clear waters provide an ideal habitat for various fish species, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Just a short walk from Springside Inn is Emerson Park, a 135-acre oasis at the northern end of Owasco Lake. With one mile of lake front and two miles of river front, the park offers a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages. Boat launches, boat slips, a disc golf course, playground and picnic shelters dot the landscape. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and restored seawall, swim, picnic, and even walk their dogs in designated areas.
For water enthusiasts, Owasco Paddles, located within Emerson Park, provides rentals of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for the whole family. They’re even dog-friendly, offering canine life jackets and non-slip mats for four-legged friends.
Getting to Know the Owasco Lake Area
Theatre lovers will be delighted to find the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park. Known as “Broadway in the Finger Lakes,” this professional theatre performs favorite hit musicals from May to October in a historic carousel building, adding a touch of cultural flair to your visit.
The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its wineries, and several are within easy driving distance of Springside Inn. Anyela’s Vineyards, perched on the western slopes of Owasco Lake, offers stunning views along with their award-winning wines.
When it comes to dining, the area offers excellent choices. Elderberry Pond Restaurant stands out for its farm-to-table cuisine, with much of its produce grown on-site. For a more casual option, Prison City Pub & Brewery in downtown Auburn offers craft beers alongside gourmet pub fare.
The area around Springside Inn is rich in history. The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum, located across from Emerson Park, allows visitors to step back in time and experience life on a turn-of-the-century farm and family homestead.
Auburn is also proud of its connection to Harriet Tubman, and several sites pay homage to this American hero. The Harriet Tubman Home and the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church offer insights into Tubman’s life and legacy.
Another must-visit is the Seward House Museum, home to William Henry Seward, one of the foremost politicians of the 19th century. This beautifully preserved home offers guided tours that delve into the political and personal life of Seward and his family.
For those interested in New York’s progressive history, the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center features a state-of-the-art exhibition titled “Seeing Equal Rights in NYS,” bringing to life the state’s history of supporting equality.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a base for exploring the Finger Lakes or a unique venue for your special day, Springside Inn offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort. As you relax by the pond, listen to the bullfrogs, kayak on Owasco Lake, or explore the wealth of local attractions, you’ll be part of a continuing story that spans over 170 years of American history.
Just remember to bring a car—while the inn provides a serene retreat, you’ll need wheels to fully explore and enjoy all that this rich, historic landscape has to offer.
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