10 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In New York
Hearing someone talk about New York probably conjures images of skyscrapers, busy sidewalks, bumper-to-bumper traffic, bright lights, and loud noises. New York is known for its bustling city, known around the world as the Big Apple. However, New York State is filled with many charming towns that offer a slower pace of life, beautiful landscapes, and an interesting history that goes back to the birth of the country. When people who live in New York City crave an escape from their hectic lives, here are ten slow-paced towns they love to visit.
Skaneateles
The name of this small town is an Iroquois word that means “long lake.” Many of the locals call it Skantown. Located on the banks of Skaneateles Lake, visitors love strolling along the picturesque waterfront, where they can enjoy a wide array of delightful activities offered, like taking a kayak or a paddle boat out on the serene water. There are also a lot of great fishing spots if you want to catch some trout, bass, or perch. Moreover, you can set sail on a memorable sightseeing or dinner cruise, giving you even more unique opportunities to see the lush landscapes surrounding Skaneateles.
The area is filled with farmland and gorgeous rolling hills. The town has a lot to offer, like charming shops and eateries. Or head over to Lakeside Park and enjoy an 18-hole golf course that boasts beautiful greens and has challenges for players of all skill levels. You can also pick up a game of Pickleball. There are both indoor and outdoor courts available and there is always someone there looking for a match.
Lake Placid
Hearing the name of this town may bring up ideas of a giant crocodile preying on a small town, as seen in the 1999 comedy horror film. In reality, Lake Placid is a paradise filled with the natural beauty of the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The area is rich in wildlife, with many species of birds, fish, and woodland creatures. In addition to that, there is lush greenery lining the hiking trails. In the fall, you can watch the foliage change into deep shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors love to see the vibrant transformation every year. There are plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, like hiking the gorgeous mountain trails or fishing for trout, bass, and salmon.
In the winter, Lake Placid becomes a haven for people looking for a fun skiing experience. Several ski resorts offer access to slopes down the mountains. Whatever your skill level is, you will find drops to suit your needs. If you are an expert you can find the highest vertical drop in the east US on Whiteface Mountain.
Events happen in Lake Placid all the time. The Lake Placid Holiday Village allows visitors to buy crafts and see Santa. There are plenty of vendors selling delicious, juicy grilled burgers, authentic pizza, and sweet treats like cookies and warm, fluffy doughnuts. The Lake Placid Film Festival lets film lovers see screenings of independent and cutting-edge films. This event draws film lovers of every genre and gives them an opportunity to share their love with others and participate in seminars with filmmakers. Every summer since 1917 the professional chamber orchestra known as the Lake Placid Sinfonietta has played concerts for the people of this small town.
Germantown
The Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River frame this small town in Columbia County. Germantown is a hidden gem of gorgeous natural beauty with rolling green hills and lush, full forests. If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do, such as hiking down trails lined with vibrant wildflowers, rock climbing, or kayaking through natural preserves.
There is plenty to do in town, like looking at some art at the Alexander Gray Association, a gallery filled with contemporary art from established artists as well as those that are fresh on the scene. You can also have a cup of coffee with a friend at HappieBean Coffee, where the cozy and welcoming atmosphere helps visitors unwind and take a break with a hot, creamy latte or a delicious, sweet muffin. Grab a bite to eat at the rustic and charming Clermont Cafe, where you can get comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients. Germantown is the perfect place to spend some quiet time away from the busy city.
Saratoga Springs
Horse racing probably comes to mind when you think of Saratoga Springs because it is the home of the Saratoga Race Course. However, this small town in Saratoga County is a stunning natural beauty with the gorgeous and majestic Adirondack Mountains set as the backdrop. What used to be the hunting grounds of the Mohawk Indigenous people is now a haven for those who love to spend time outdoors. Saratoga Spa State Park offers scenic hiking trails where you can see the famous mineral springs. Enjoy leisurely, tranquil walks amid natural scenery.
Music lovers will enjoy visiting the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a premier outdoor music venue that has been hosting concerts and other events for residents and visitors for half a century. People have been enjoying the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Ballet on the stage there for decades.
Philipstown
Built on land purchased from Dutch traders in 1697, Philipstown has become a little-known nook of small-town America just north of Manhattan. The town is broken up into several villages, such as Cold Spring, which looks like a movie set with the mountains in the background and several stores, shops, and eateries lining the street. Walking down the sidewalk in Cold Spring could make you feel as if you have stepped back in time and not like you were only a short drive away from one of the busiest cities in the world.
Hop on a train in New York City, and one hour later, you will be standing in the past. Listen to a holiday concert at the bandstand, go sailing at the Cold Spring Boat Club, have a delicious dinner at Riverview Restaurant, and learn about the area's history at the Putnam History Museum. There is a lot to do in this quiet village, and being such a short distance from the city, it is a welcome getaway for many New Yorkers.
Hudson
This town was named for the river whose banks it was built on. The Mohican people dwelled there for centuries until it was settled by the Dutch. It was a major port on the Hudson River. Today, Hudson serves as a reminder of what life was like when towns were smaller and populations were less dense.
If you want to visit Hudson to escape the city for a day or two, you will have plenty of things to do. The Fireman’s Association runs a firefighting museum where you can learn about the history of fire service in New York. The Hudson Music Festival kicks off every summer and brings people from everywhere to see over 100 musical acts perform. If you want fresh organic products from the Hudson Valley area, you will enjoy visiting the farmers market every weekend! It is open all year, moving it inside during the winter.
Bainbridge
Like most small towns in New York, Bainbridge was settled by Native Americans. The Iroquois lived there for a long time until the American Revolution. It was called Jericho for many years until it became the town it is today. Bainbridge has a lot of farmland with beautiful open areas and wide-open scenery.
If you like farm life or want your children to learn about it, you will find opportunities there. Frog Pond Farms has many attractions where kids can see live farm animals. Many farms, such as Riverview Farms, sell their produce straight to the customer. Stop by and get the most delicious fruits and vegetables you can find.
New Paltz
A 90-minute drive is all it takes to get from the heart of Manhattan to the tranquil streets of New Paltz. This village is in Ulster County and exists on land once inhabited by the Esopus people. New Paltz sits next to the Hudson River and still has many things found in towns from a hundred years ago. There are seamstress shops, a blacksmith, and an old church still used by the farming community today.
New Paltz offers residents and visitors many activities throughout the year. A free haunted house is erected in Hasbrouck Park in October and gives people a safe place to enjoy Halloween. In addition, a river race known as the New Paltz Regatta takes place in the spring. It was started by a local fraternity and has since become one of the town’s premiere events.
Cooperstown
The National Baseball Hall of Fame calls Cooperstown home. Baseball is loved by many of the people who live there. However, fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Otsego Lake or hiking along the gentle rolling hills of the area is a favorite passtime as well. The streets of the town are lined with breathtaking gardens, making Cooperstown a place that is loved both in the summer as well as when the foliage begins to change in the fall.
After visiting the Hall of Fame, take in a game at Abner Doubleday Field. You can also learn about the farming community that sustains the town at The Farmers’ Museum or take in some art at the Fenimore Art Museum. Take the kids to unwind at Barnyard Swing Miniature Golf or enjoy a drink at Cooperstown Distillery.
Ithaca
Jon “Bones” Jones, Carl Sagan, and Alex Haley all have something in common. They all lived in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca is the largest town on our list, with a population of over 32,000. However, the people who live there cherish it because they are close enough to New York to go there for business or pleasure but still have a place to escape to.
Ithaca has a lot of things to do, including natural areas where you can hike, fish, and go camping. If you want a vibrant nightlife, there are many restaurants and bars to choose from where you can have a nice meal and a drink and enjoy live music. If you are traveling with your family, you will not want to miss visiting the Children’s Garden and the Children’s Science Museum. Ithaca is the most modern of our small towns, but many visitors enjoy having plenty of options without the hassle of the big city.
These 10 towns in New York offer a slower pace along with picture-perfect landscapes, an active community, and an interesting history. If you are looking for a retreat from modern life with a lot of things to do in the outdoors, somewhere to enjoy a quiet walk down a less crowded street, or a relaxing spot to have a cup of coffee, you will enjoy visiting any of these towns.
