Looking for things to do in Owego, NY? You’ll find plenty of activities to occupy your time in this historic village located on the winding Susquehanna River. Owego is part of Tioga County, which is located in the southeast corner of the Finger Lakes and is considered the gateway to New York’s famous wine region.
Tioga County is made up of an expansive agricultural landscape of dairy farms and corn fields that stretch for miles and miles. It’s also a region that’s stocked with farm-to-table restaurants, small businesses, and historical architecture. The village of Owego brings the best of Tioga County together in one scenic riverfront location.
For the best Owego views, your first stop should be Court Street Bridge (pictured above), which connects the south side of Owego to the main downtown area. Then head into the village and explore all there is to offer. Read on for the best things to do in Owego!
The Best Things to Do in Owego, NY
1. Take a Scenic Stroll on the Owego Riverwalk
I recommend making this one of your first stops to give you a sense of the one-of-a-kind scenery you’ll find here! Owego Riverwalk is a pedestrian promenade on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The paved path connects Draper Park and Ahwaga Park and runs behind the historic storefronts on Front Street.
Grab a coffee or cold beverage and take a scenic stroll on the Owego Riverwalk. You might even spot some local river wildlife.
2. Shop in Owego’s Historic Downtown
Owego is loaded with charming boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and cafés, all with names that are as interesting as the merchandise they carry.
Try the handmade treats at Fuddy Duddy’s Confectionary, or enjoy the shabby chic décor as you shop for accessories at The Left Bank. Katie’s Kreations has all your home furnishings, gifts, and jewelry. For a wide selection of toys and games, go to The Laughing Place. And be sure to leave plenty of time to inspect the stocked-to-the-rafters bookshelves at Riverow Bookshop.
3. Browse Vintage Goods at Early Owego Antique Center
Shopping for vintage goods in a historic building is a pretty perfect way to spend an afternoon in Owego. The Early Owego Antique Center is located in the old J.J. Newberry’s, a five-and-dime store chain originally founded in 1911.
Now a multi-dealer antique mall, shoppers will find an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, clothing, books, jewelry, glassware, toys, and much, much more.
At least 100 antique dealers are spread out on two sprawling floors, so expect to spend a good amount of time scouring for antique treasures. Early Owego Antique Center celebrated their 10th anniversary in early 2023.
- Address: 43-45 Lake St., Owego, NY
4. Dine at the Delicious Restaurants in Owego
Downtown Owego is lined with friendly cafés and farm-to-table restaurants. You can grab a coffee and peruse the art on display at Carol’s Coffee & Art Bar. Then dine at The Owego Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dessert, including lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Or eat in a historical setting at Dugan Restaurant, the pub at the Parkview Inn which offers a large selection of steaks, seafood, salads, and comfort food.
No matter where you eat, leave room for homemade ice cream at Ice Cream Works! (open seasonally).
I also highly recommend taking the 10-minute drive from Downtown Owego to Barstow House, where we had an unforgettably delicious dinner. It’s popular so be sure to make reservations ahead of time!
5. Learn About Local History at Tioga County Historical Society
Stop here to get an overview of this region’s history. The museum, which was established in 1914, features collections of photographs, documents, and artifacts relevant to the history and development of Tioga County.
On our way out, stop by the gift shop and browse their selection of toys, jewelry, and books by local authors. The Tioga County Historical Society also hosts annual events including special lectures and exhibits related to Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
- Address: 110 Front St., Owego, NY
6. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour to Historic Sites in Owego
Take a deep dive into Owego’s history on a scenic self-guided walking tour that can be accessed via your mobile phone.
One interesting historical fact you’ll learn is that the bridge spanning the Susquehanna River, the Court Street Bridge, is in its fifth iteration. The first bridge that crossed the river here was built in 1826; the current one has been in place since 2001 (tour stop #2).
There are more than 50 stops on the walking tour, many of which are historical buildings on Front Street. You’ll see and hear about a home owned by a former New York State Senator (tour stop #4), and a home built over a 19th century schoolhouse (tour stop #18).
You’ll also hear about the devastating 1849 fire that destroyed more than 100 buildings and led to the row of brick, mostly Greek Revival, buildings you see today in the Riverow Historic Shopping district (tour stop #26).
The Historic Owego Walking Tour is super user-friendly. Download the map, then either follow the stops from beginning to end, or simply punch in the tour stops that appeal to you. Especially for history buffs, this is one of the best things to do in Owego, NY!
7. Sample Local Wines at Glen Park Vineyards
Small-batch dry and semi-dry wines and hard ciders are produced on-site at this family-run winery. They also offer New York State craft beers on tap. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy your beverage in the cozy log cabin-style tasting room or on the outdoor patio when weather permits. Guests are also welcome to tour the Glen Park’s vineyard and heirloom apple orchard.
Check Glen Park Vineyards’ website for the their most current business hours.
- Address: 633 Allen Glen Rd., Owego, NY
8. Tour Historic Evergreen Cemetery
The cemetery’s location high up on East Beecher Hill provides panoramic views of the village of Owego and Susquehanna River Valley. Founded in 1851, Evergreen Cemetery is the final resting place for many local residents. You can simply wander around and take in the scenic vistas or search for particular graves with the help of the cemetery’s online map.
Be sure to look for the 17-foot-tall marble obelisk, which marks the grave of Sa-Sa-Na Loft (1831-1852), a young Mohawk woman whose travels as a music missionary took her and her family throughout Upstate New York, including Owego.
If you’ve followed the Historic Owego Walking Tour (mentioned above), you’ll find familiar names scattered throughout the cemetery since many of Owego’s notable 19th century residents are buried here.
Owego’s Annual Events
9. Strawberry Festival
Held on the streets of downtown Owego, the two-day event features live music, a wine and beer tent, food tents, arts and crafts, and a 5K Run/Walk. This year’s festival on June 16-17, 2023 marks the festivals 41st year!
10. Halloween Fest
Local shops hand out candy while food vendors, dancers, and a DJ celebrate Halloween in Owego.
11. Lights on the River
This December event kicks off the local holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Courthouse Square. There’s also a full lineup of music, arts and crafts, roaming magicians, and an appearance by Santa himself. The night is capped off with a parade followed by fireworks.
Things to Do Near Owego
12. Go back in time at Bemont-Billings Farmstead
Eleven miles north of Owego, visitors can tour the Bement-Billings Farmstead, which has been restored to reflect early agricultural life in upstate New York. Costumed interpreters give guided tours and describe what life was like for rural farmers in the 1800s. Tioga County’s popular annual Apple Festival also takes place here in the fall.
- Address: 9241 NY-38, Newark Valley, NY
- Open seasonally (July-September). Call 607-642-9516 for hours.
13. See Waverly Glen Falls
This 45-foot cascade is located within Waverly Glen Park, a public park with playgrounds, bathrooms, tennis courts, and miles of hiking trails that connect to Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area. Waverly Glen Park is about 20 miles west of Owego, and just minutes from the Pennsylvania border.
- Address: 85 Moore St., Waverly, NY
14. Place Your Bets at Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Lay your bets on your favorite games at this upscale casino and resort. There’s plenty to do when you want a break from gambling, too. Dine at various on-site restaurants, pamper yourself with a massage and facial at Serenity Spa, or float in the indoor heated saltwater pool.
An outdoor water slide and plunge pool are open seasonally. Tioga Downs also hosts an annual summer concert series.
- Address: 2384 W. River Rd., Nichols, NY
15. Take Nature Walks at Waterman Conservation Education Center
If you want to stretch your legs and take in some nature during your stay in Owego, there are lots of opportunities for that! Waterman Conservation Education Center maintains trails in several locations throughout Tioga County. Their main site on Hilton Road includes a museum that features displays about local flora and fauna. The center offers a complete range of information and nature trail maps.
- Main site address: 403 Hilton Rd., Apalachin, NY
16. Follow the Finger Lakes Wine Trails
The closest Finger Lakes wine trail to Owego is on Cayuga Lake. From Owego, travel 30 miles north to Ithaca, which is at the southern tip of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Stop for wine tasting at popular lakefront wineries like Sheldrake Point Winery and Thirsty Owl Wine Company.
If you want to visit wineries on Seneca Lake, drive 25 miles west of Ithaca for wine tasting at great wineries like Wagner Vineyards, Barnstormer Winery, and Glenora Wine Cellars.
Where to Stay in Owego
Below are three options for local inns that have historical significance, a ton of charm and in two cases, resident ghosts!
Belva Lockwood Inn
What used to be a boarding and day school is now a historic inn named for a trailblazing local woman. In 1863, Belva Lockwood, an author and educator, bought the Owego Female Seminary and ran it for the next two years until she moved to Washington D.C.
In 1879, she obtained her law degree and the following year, became the first woman to argue before the Supreme Court. Lockwood then ran for U.S. president in both 1884 and 1888.
The Belva Lockwood Inn is a riverfront property in the High Victorian architectural style. The five guest suites feature some original fixtures and evoke the 19th century era in which the home was originally built. Staying here also puts you right in the heart of Owego.
- Address: 249 Front St., Owego, NY
- Check availability and rates
1867 Parkview Inn
If you’re interested in being steeped in haunted history during your stay, book a room at the Parkview Inn, located in a gorgeous building on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The inn has a long and tantalizing history.
Founded in 1867, Parkview Inn is the oldest continually operated business in Owego. At one time, the inn was named The Dugan House after owner Hugh Dugan. He died in 1885 but his ghost is believed by some to linger here still.
Dugan’s spirit has company, which is why 1867 Parkview Inn is part of New York State’s Haunted History Trail. A toddler named Marguerite died here in 1909 and is said to signal her ghostly presence with the ringing of a dinner bell.
A trio of long-dead cowboys is believed to occupy the bar area. There’s also a room in the inn that paranormal investigators have found to be the site of a child’s death. That room was given the terrifying nickname of the “Crying Room.”
- Address: 145 Front St., Owego, NY
- Check availability and rates
Fainting Goat Island Inn
Book a night or two here if you’re looking for a charming inn with comfortable rooms, adorable farm animals, and spooky ghost tales. Fainting Goat Island Inn is located on the Susquehanna River and if that’s not scenic enough, the yard is populated with resident animals, namely a herd of fainting goats. This breed gets its name because when they become startled, they freeze up and fall over, though they don’t actually faint.
Inside, the décor pays homage to the goats and also to the inn’s haunted reputation. Guests have reported hearing eerie footsteps, seeing eyes look back at them from mirrors, and—most terrifyingly—having sheets pulled off them in the middle of the night.
In addition to the incredible ambience both inside and out, inn owner Marnie Streit takes great care of guests. She’ll tell you all about the inn’s history and hauntings, and let you know where to eat and what to do during your stay. Fainting Goat Island Inn is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Owego.
- Address: 1311 W. River Rd., Nichols, NY
- Check availability and rates
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How to Get to Owego
The closest airports are in Binghamton (serviced by Delta), Ithaca (serviced by Delta and United), and Syracuse (multiple airlines). Owego is part of Tioga County, which is a rural region in Upstate New York, so a car is necessary to get around. Approximate driving distances and times from major cities:
- Binghamton: 25 miles; 30 minutes
- Ithaca: 30 miles; 45 minutes
- Syracuse: 85 miles; 90 minutes
- New York City: 200 miles; 3.5 hours
Final Thoughts on Things to do in Owego, NY
I first visited Owego in 2018 and found it to be such an appealing place to spend time that I’m always looking for reasons to return! The location on the Susquehanna River, the interesting local history, and the fabulous restaurants and inns all converge to make Owego a unique and relaxing place to visit.
If you’re traveling from New York City, Owego is only 3.5 hours away, making it a very doable weekend trip. It’s also close to wine trails and nature walks, so there’s plenty to do nearby, too!