CAZENOVIA – Central New York may be quieter and draw fewer tourists than big attractions such as Niagara Falls or major centers such as New York City or Boston, but there are numerous spots that are rich with history and cultural interest.

One such spot is the Lorenzo State Historic Site, located on 17 Rippleton Road in Cazenovia. Recently closed for the installation of a new boiler and ventilation system, the Lorenzo Mansion reopened its doors to the public on Friday, July 18.

Visitors are welcome to tour the historic house, surrounding buildings, and gardens for a small admission fee. Beyond its reopening, the site is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ellen Biddle Shipman Garden. Featuring a gravel walk on the back side of the mansion, the garden was designed to follow the trajectory of the main hallway of the building. It’s lined on either side with a variety of vibrant flowers and plants, and ends with a circular walk that has a sundial in its center. The garden, with all its lusciousness and bright colors, is reminiscent of traditional gardens that are found throughout Europe and invites a quiet stroll. According to the Lorenzo website, Shipman was a woman pioneer in landscape design and an avid horticulturist from Cornish, New Hampshire.