10 Quintessential New York Towns
New York may be best known for its namesake city, the colossal metropolis of New York City that operates as the United States’ premier economic and cultural hub. Yet beyond the massive skyscrapers and bustling streets of NYC, the Empire State expands into a wonderful melange of small towns that show different sides of this special state. From stupendous ski towns that abound in glorious Appalachian scenery to the iconically sporty hometown of “America’s favorite pastime,” these New York towns offer generous helpings of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and farm-to-table cuisine that provide balance to the hectic energy of the city.
No matter your interests and tastes, New York has plenty of lovely small towns worth exploring and enjoying. Here are 10 quintessential New York towns you have to see and experience for yourself to believe.
Amenia
Nestled right by the Connecticut state line about 95 miles north of New York City, Amenia lives up to its name (in latin) with so much beauty inside and out that’s quite pleasant to the eye. Hit the Harlem Valley Rail Trail by foot or by bike to experience some local nature, including potential sightings of wildlife like ducks, beavers, foxes, and deer. For a different perspective on Amenia’s beauty, head to Wethersfield Estate & Garden, where (depending on the season) you can hit the hiking and equestrian trails, try some cross-country skiing during winter, and wander the estate garden during spring and summer.
For a unique taste of the local bounty, head to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery for award-winning Hudson Valley wines, including their own estate-grown Riesling, Tocai Friulano, and Chardonnay. And for true Hudson Valley hospitality, book a stay at Troutbeck, the historic 250-acre hotel that has everything from U.S. Open tennis courts and a heated pool to elegantly homegrown cuisine and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites for the ultimate countryside getaway.
Livingston Manor
Located about 112 miles southwest of Albany and 115 miles northwest of New York City, Livingston Manor sits at the southwestern edge of Catskill Park, a roughly 600,000 acre natural wonderland that is one of the East Coast’s largest expanses of protected mountain wilderness. You can get a sense of the Catskills’ awe-inspiring beauty at Delaware Wild Forest, where you’ll find 47 miles of recreational trails and incredible landmarks like Cabot Mountain and Russell Brook Falls.
Livingston Manor has also been hailed as “the birthplace of fly fishing in the United States” thanks to the prime conditions for trout fishing at Willowemoc Creek, which you can try for yourself. In addition, you can learn more about the local history and culture of fly fishing at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum. Once you’re ready to kick back and relax after a long day of exploring the wilderness, check into a cozy yet comfortably luxurious stay at the Chatwal Lodge that’s set on over 100 acres by the Toronto Reservoir, or at Callicoon Hills in the mountains.
Mount Tremper
For another side of the Catskills, take a trip to Mount Tremper, which sits about 63 miles southwest of Albany and 113 miles north of New York City. If you’re up for a major hiking excursion, take the Mount Tremper Fire Tower Trail for a 6.1 mile journey to the summit for about 1,633 feet of elevation gain and terrific mountain and valley views. For even more adventures, Slide Mountain Park offers plenty more hiking trails (including one direct path to the peak of Slide Mountain), as well as fishing and backpacking opportunities on its grounds.
When you’re ready for a more relaxing side of Mount Tremper, try Emerson Resort & Spa for a comfy collection of country chic rooms and suites, a full-service spa, the world’s largest kaleidoscope, and the famed Catamount restaurant for real Catskills-style cuisine. For a more intimate inn experience, try the Howland House for a lovingly restored 1850s farmhouse with 10 homestyle guest rooms and Oliver’s Tavern right on site.
Montauk
You may have heard about this world-famous Long Island beach town at the easternmost corner of the ritzy and glitzy Hamptons (about 120 miles east of New York City), but there’s much more to Montauk beyond the celebrity social scene. At Montauk Point State Park, you can surf at one of the Northeast’s top surf breaks, and you can try some windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, equestrian riding, and even cross-country skiing (during winter). For more outdoor adventures, take a bluffside hike (or bike ride) and enjoy the ocean views at Shadmoor State Park, and check out the family-friendly beaches and campgrounds at Hither Hills State Park.
For a more colorful and creative side of the region, hit The D'Amico Institute of Art for an expansive campus full of art installations, historic artist studios, and even an Art Barge that hosts summer art classes. Whenever you’re ready to simply sit back and enjoy the beachy scenery, check into the Marram boutique resort for Montauk-style barefoot luxury near the village, or try Gurney’s Montauk for a full-service resort with 2,000 acres of private oceanfront beach and amenities like a spa and restaurants that are open year-round.
Saranac Lake
About 148 miles north of Albany, and just 110 miles (or 177 kilometers) south of Montreal (Quebec, Canada), Saranac Lake provides a serene stretch of Adirondack mountain wilderness to experience and enjoy. During winter, Saranac Lake becomes the ultimate haven for cross-country skiing, and you can hone your skills on the groomed trails of Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, or hit the 31-mile-long Jackrabbit Trail for a more natural run through open forest. If you prefer alpine skiing, head to Mount Pisgah for an intimate and family-friendly mountain with six trails serving skiers at all levels (as well as tubers and snowshoers at designated areas).
For some summertime fun and games, go to Saranac Lake Islands Campground for boating and paddling, fishing, hiking, and overnight camping. When you want an even more exhilarating adventure year-round, head to High Peaks Wilderness and hit the Ampersand Mountain trail for a 2.7 mile journey with 1,775 feet of elevation gain and phenomenal views of the surrounding mountains at the top. For more options for rustic camping (during the summer season), you can reserve space at Fish Creek Pond and Buck Pond. If you prefer more creature comforts, voco Saranac Lake is open year-round at a prime waterfront location on Lake Flower.
Lake George
Head 62 miles north of Albany (or 210 miles north of New York City), and you will land at the tranquil and gorgeous shores of Lake George. Start your lakeside journey at the famed 51-acre Million Dollar Beach for fantastic summertime swimming, sunbathing, and boat launches, then head to Shepard Park for a 350-foot sandy beach and an amphitheater that’s regularly booked and busy with summertime live shows. For even more adventures on open water, try sailing to some of Lake George’s 100+ islands, including the historic Diamond Island that experienced an American Revolutionary War battle in 1777.
Even during the winter, Lake George continues to wow visitors and locals with a vibrant collection of nearby ski areas, including New York’s largest ski resort at Gore Mountain, and the welcoming family-friendly runs at West Mountain. For more 18th century war history, head to the Fort William Henry Museum to learn about the region’s pivotal role in the early days of the French and Indian War. Once you’re ready to settle down, try the Fort William Henry Resort by the museum for a convenient in-town location, or head to The Juliana Resort for a private lakeside beach and complimentary use of various water toys (including kayaks and paddleboards).
Chatham
Situated about 28 miles southeast of Albany and 132 miles north of New York City, Chatham is a great town to dive right into the uniquely creative environment of Upstate New York. At PS21, you can catch a wide variety of performances by local, regional, and international artists, and you can wander the complex’s open trails to connect with nature. For even more eye-opening art, go to the nearby Green Lodge (typically open spring through fall) for a fascinating array of works by emerging and mid-career local artists. And when you’re in the mood to see more shows, try the Mac-Haydn Theatre for some of the most exciting off-Broadway shows this far away from the city.
If you’re planning for an extended stay in the area, check into a cozy bed and breakfast experience at the lovely Bellavista Country Estate set on 60 acres of prime Hudson Valley forest land, or book a stay at the New Concord Bed & Breakfast for a 1780s farmhouse that’s been converted into a cozy yet luxurious boutique inn.
Corning
Located around 100 miles south of Rochester and 124 miles southeast of Buffalo, the town of Corning may be best known for the glass and technology company that shares its name. At the Corning Museum of Glass, you can not only learn about how Corning became a pivotal glass manufacturing hub, but you can also explore some 3,500 years of glass history. Just across the Chemung River, the Little Joe Tower at Corning’s corporate headquarters continues to stand tall for Corning’s (the company’s and the town’s) glassmaking heritage. And while you’re here, wander around the Gaffer District to see glass making in action (during weekdays) at Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, and the Rockwell Museum for a wider collection of fine American art.
If you prefer glasses filled with tasty adult beverages, then make sure to visit Carey’s Brew House for a wide variety of craft beers, including some fine local and regional labels on tap. Then, check into a cool yet cozy stay at the Gaffer Inn for a convenient downtown location and plenty more local craft beers and food at Burgers & Beer.
Cooperstown
If you know anything about “America’s favorite pastime” of baseball, then you’ve likely heard about this town that’s about 76 miles west of Albany and 94 miles southeast of Syracuse. Even though some historians continue to question the official origin story of baseball (which was apparently first played here in 1839), it’s undoubtedly true that Cooperstown has long served as baseball’s heart and soul, and you can experience this rich heritage at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
For even more living sports history, head to Cooperstown Dreams Park for the ultimate “Baseball Summer Camp,” visit “The Home of Baseball” at Doubleday Field, and score some uniquely sporty souvenirs at local boutiques like Cooperstown Bat Company and Baseballism. After a long day of playing ball, chasing balls, and exploring the backstory of Cooperstown’s most famous balls, you can celebrate your wins at The Inn at Cooperstown for a lovely boutique hotel near the center of the action in town, or try the Landmark Inn for an elegant stay at a beautifully restored 1856 mansion.
Watkins Glen
In recent years, the Finger Lakes region has emerged as one of the East Coast’s premier wine country regions, and it’s hard to think of a better place to dive into the local food and wine scene than the scenic village of Watkins Glen (about 81 miles southeast of Rochester and 90 miles southwest of Syracuse). For a great taste of the local harvest, try Lakewood Vineyards for three generations of vintner experience and multiple award-winning wines (including Rieslings, Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, and Lembergers). For even more fabulous local wines, check out Damiani Wine Cellars, Silver Springs Winery, and Atwater Vineyards for tastings and tours.
When you feel like venturing beyond the vineyards, go to Watkins Glen State Park to experience more of the area’s natural beauty, including its signature 400-foot-deep gorge and its 19 gorgeous waterfalls. Back in town, relax at the shores of Lake Seneca at Watkins Glen Beach, and check into the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel to kick back and enjoy their well-appointed rooms and suites with stunning lake views.
New York May Have “The City That Never Sleeps,” But Don’t Sleep on These Small Towns Either
New York may be best known for “The Big Apple” at the southernmost corner of the state, but there are far more tasty morsels to bite into throughout the state. Whether you want to savor the many fine Finger Lakes wines of Watkins Glen, or you want to sample the hearty Catskills cuisine of Mount Tremper, you have plenty of delectable options. In addition, there’s much more to explore with the all-American baseball heritage of Cooperstown, the art of Corning’s fine glassworks, and the easy-breezy, beachy chic vibes of Montauk. Ultimately, all of these New York towns are quintessential for their special roles in developing the finest works of art, cuisine, and sports that serve as a timely reminder that New York has a lot more to love outside the city.
