Finding the good stuff right where we are.
Middle of Somewhere helps locals discover hidden gems, unique experiences, and memorable things to do across Central and Upstate New York — proving there's plenty of good stuff right where we are. Guides, essays, and dispatches from Auburn, NY.
Hey 👋 I’m Victoria.
I once told a stranger about a bagel shop opening like it was breaking news. My therapist pointed out that I do this a lot — I light up every time something new happens in Auburn, and I genuinely cannot shut up about it.
Turns out that's the whole newsletter. Every new coffee shop, every mural, every "did you hear about" — it feels personal, like the town's still writing itself. I wanted somewhere to put all of it that wasn't just my family group chat.
A little context: I grew up near Rochester, went to college in a one-traffic-light town, did a stint in Indianapolis, and landed back in Auburn (my husband's hometown) in 2018.
What you’ll find
Local spot recommendations — not reviews, more like a tip from a friend. Personal essays about small-city life. Photo-heavy dispatches. Seasonal guides for what's worth your time and what's coming up.
New issues land in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for more in between.
Browse by topic
Opinion
Dog Friendly
Cayuga County
Newsletter
Gift Guides
Guides
Practical, specific, and actually useful. No filler.
Finger Lakes
Wine, water, and small towns — the region right in our backyard.
Travel
Day trips, weekend getaways, and regional adventures from Auburn as your base.
NY State Parks
Green space worth driving for. Trails, water, and fresh air all over the region.
Rochester
An hour west and worth it. Victoria's hometown and a city on the rise.
Itinerary
Ready-to-use day trips and weekend plans, built around real places.
Auburn
The heart of this newsletter. Everything worth knowing about our corner of CNY.
Drinks
Where to eat, drink, and linger — from coffee shops to dinner worth the reservation.
START HERE
New? Start here. The essential posts for getting to know Middle of Somewhere.
Who this is for
People who live here and want better answers than "nothing to do around here."
People who used to live here and still check the Auburn Facebook groups for no reason.
People who've never been here and are mildly annoyed that Central New York is that good.
Anyone defending their own middle of somewhere at a dinner party.
Work with the Middle of Somewhere
I only ever feature one business per issue. Not a banner ad buried in a sidebar — an actual mention, written the same way I'd tell a friend about the place, sitting inside content people actually read.
If you're a local business, this works because:
It's relevant. Readers are already here for Auburn and Finger Lakes recommendations — this isn't an interruption, it's the point.
It's organic. I write about your business the way I write about everything else. No stock ad copy, no separate "sponsored" voice.
It's easy. One conversation, one placement, done. No media kit required.
My editorial judgment isn't for sale — if I wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it's not going in the newsletter. That's also why it works: readers trust the recommendation because they know I mean it.
Interested in sponsoring an issue? Get in touch →Good questions—
01
Is this AI-generated?
No. Every word is written by me—a real person who actually lives here and loves it here. I do use AI tools to help me edit.
All images are taken by me (or credited to the photographer) and never AI generated.
02
How often do new issues come out?
Dispatches come out every Tuesday and Friday. You can unsubscribe at any time.
03
Do you only cover Auburn?
Auburn is home base, but the scope stretches across Central New York and the Finger Lakes: Rochester, Cayuga County, Ithaca, and beyond. Bsically, if I’d be willing to drive there from Auburn it’s fair game for me to talk about!
04
Can I suggest a place or an event?
Yes, please!! Submit it here →
05
I own a local business, can I sponsor an issue?
Yes! Get in touch →
06
Do you do this full time?
No. Middle of Somewhere is a labor of love alongside my day job/marketing business. If you want to say thanks, there’s a tip jar!
Finding the good stuff right where we are.
Middle of Somewhere helps locals discover hidden gems, unique experiences, and memorable things to do across Central and Upstate New York — proving there's plenty of good stuff right where we are. Guides, essays, and dispatches from Auburn, NY.