Pastoral charm, mom-and-pop businesses and commuter access in Brutus
Brutus, 11 miles north of Auburn, is a Cayuga County town offering bucolic seclusion, anchored by the village of Weedsport. “It’s very family-oriented with lots of fresh air opportunities, as well as an easy commute to Syracuse and Rochester,” says Lee Cunningham, town clerk of Brutus. While most of Brutus is rolling farmland and woodland, Weedsport is the charming commercial center with mom-and-pop shopping and dining. “Everything can be found here, or it’s 10 minutes to Auburn, where there are a few larger grocery stores,” Cunningham says. “It’s a great place to live.”
19th-century farmhouses and 21st-century manufactured homes
Brutus’ homes are generally Colonial or farmhouse styles built during the late 19th century through the mid-to-late 20th century. In Weedsport, these single-family homes are set close together along residential streets lined with traditional mailboxes and mature trees, while those on the outskirts are often tucked away with acreage. Uncovered driveways are typical, but some homes have attached garages; larger properties have room for additions like detached garages and barns. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on size, features and renovation needs.
In the Shadybrook Estates community, manufactured homes from the late 20th to the 21st century have simple vinyl siding with uncovered driveways. Depending on size, their prices range from $25,000 to $100,000.
Concurrent enrollment at Weedsport Junior/Senior High
Brutus is part of multiple school districts, including the Weedsport Central School District, which Niche rates a B-minus overall. Kids may start at Weedsport Elementary before moving to Weedsport Junior/Senior High — both are rated B-minus. Through the Cayuga Advantage Program, teens can take concurrent enrollment courses for credit at Cayuga Community College with no additional student cost.
Explore, play and swim in Brutus
Brooks, creeks and trails meander throughout Brutus. The 360-mile Erie Canal Trail offers a scenic route to explore New York. “The Eerie Canal runs through Brutus,” Cunningham says. “We get bike groups from all over the country and the world coming through.” Riverforest Park is a popular camping site with a marina, granting access to the Great Seneca River and Cross Lake. Anglers can cast lines for largemouth bass and common carp, while birders may spot merlins, wood storks and northern pintails. In Weedsport, Trolley Park is a pocket-sized green space with a basketball court, baseball diamond and picnic areas. Golfers may hit the links at the Meadowbrook Golf Club’s public 9-hole course. “And we’re basically right in the heart of the Finger Lakes,” Cunningham says. “So, all of those are very accessible.”
Mom-and-pop dining in Weedsport
Weedsport is walkable with locally owned businesses and a few chains like Dunkin’ and Arby’s. To start the morning, residents can grab a locally roasted coffee at White Rabbit Roasting Company or enjoy a homestyle brunch at the 50s-retro Cook’s Village Diner. Nino’s NY Pizzeria is the spot for a quick slice or sub, while DB’s Drive-In offers fast-food comforts like Coney Island hot dogs and double-decker cheeseburgers. Muzzi´s D´Italian Ice has over 20 flavors for dessert, including unique varieties like cucumber, coffee and honeydew. Nearby, Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company provides a social setting to enjoy locally brewed beer with occasional live music. Dollar General has household items and quick groceries, while Mary’s Barn Market has farm-fresh produce and homemade jellies and syrups. “There are farmstands all over Brutus,” Cunningham says. “People are selling vegetables, fruits, honey — that kind of thing.” For more grocery options, there’s an Aldi and a Wegman’s in Auburn.
Summer fun and Weedsport Speedway
The Brutus Recreation Commission plans summer activities for kids. Events range from field trips and cooking classes to terrarium workshops and movie showings. There’s also the annual Fireman’s Field Days in early summer. “It supports our local volunteer fire department,” Cunningham says. “There are rides, foods, book sales, crafts and a little parade that shows the fire equipment.” The Weedsport Speedway is another family-friendly summer destination, a dirt track with sprint car and kart racing events throughout the year.
Easy access to Auburn, Syracuse and Rochester
State Route 34 and Interstate 90 (also called the "New York State Thruway") pass through Brutus, providing direct routes to Auburn, Syracuse and Rochester, 11, 28 and 65 miles away, respectively. Residents drive to get around, but thoroughfares in Weedsport, like Seneca Street, are sidewalk-lined. Auburn Community Hospital is 11 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport is 28 miles away.
