10 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in New York in 2024
"New York" and "underrated" do not usually go together. This is because the northeastern state contains the largest city in America, which is arguably the most famous city in the world. But New York City constitutes a tiny sliver of New York proper. The rest is a lush, low-key highland dotted with towns that even New Yorkers seldom visit. Yet they have sights as spectacular as the Statue of Liberty, with stunning natural landscapes and vibrant communities. From the Appalachian Trail in Pawling to the Kazoo Company in Eden, here are ten such communities to see in NY minus the C in 2024.
Pawling
Pawling is a town with around 8,000 residents, about a quarter of whom live in a village of the same name. That two-square-mile village is the commercial hub of Pawling, boasting such quaint yet vibrant businesses as O'Connor's Public House and the Sunflour Bakery. The rest of town is a natural wonderland with pretty preserves like the Pawling Recreation and Lakeside Park, Pawling Nature Reserve, and West Mountain State Forest. From hiking through forests to meeting local wildlife, these sites offer a range of recreational opportunities. Putting extra paws on Pawling (but not enough to disqualify it from this list) is the Appalachian Trail, a portion of which crosses town and passes the iconic Dover Oak.
Shandaken
After putting your paw on Pawling, stick your hand in Shandaken. This 2,900ish-person town is entirely within the Catskill Mountains, providing visitors with stunning peaks and scenery. The town contains hamlets like Phoenicia and Mt. Tremper, each showcasing a unique vibe. The former is a wonderful way station where mountaineers can refuel at the Phoenicia Diner and The Phoenician Steakhouse. At the same time, the latter is an offbeat oasis with the Zen Mountain Monastery and "World’s Largest Kaleidoscope." Known as the Emerson Kaleidoscope, this landmark is a fan favorite, boasting a whopping height and width of 60 feet and 37.5 feet, respectively.
Eden
Although the origin of its name is unknown, Eden looks so much like paradise that settlers likely thought the same thing. Thus, the Western New York garden of "Eden" was born. Today, some 7,500 people live in this luxurious town just south of Buffalo. Most people visit for its natural scenery, warranting the nickname “Garden Spot of New York State.” Popular places for recreation include the nearby Franklin Gulf County Park and Boston Forest County Park.
In addition to its picturesque natural scenery, Eden boasts a variety of commercial and historic wonders. These include the East Eden Tavern & Smoke House, a popular dining spot, and the Original Kazoo Company, North America's only metal kazoo factory. Eden even hosts the a-maize-ing Eden Corn Festival, a celebrated event set to have its 60th edition from August 1 to 4, 2024, drawing visitors for its parades, concerts, and corn-related activities.
Andes
Appropriately, Andes is a town in the Catskill Mountains. Though dwarfed by the other Andes, this community is high enough to offer beautiful vistas and bountiful recreation. Around 1,100 residents and trickles of tourists can access the Andes Rail Trail and Bullet Hole Spur, a multi-mile hiking trail along an old rail bed. Those willing to travel further will adore Tompkins Falls, a small but scenic waterfall in the Delaware Wild Forest. After an outdoor expedition in Andes, visitors can relax, drink, and sleep at splendid businesses such as Diamond Hollow Books, Wayside Cider, and The Andes Hotel.
Rosendale
Rosendale is known, if known at all, for its cement. But tourists often get stuck here for other reasons. Chief among them is the Rosendale Trestle, which is a 150-foot-high, 940-foot-long former railroad bridge that can be hiked and biked for extraordinary views and exercise. Those interested in culture may prefer Rosendale Theatre, a family-run, 75-year-old theater that offers an array of plays and movies. Or, take a gander into local history at the Widow Jane Mine. This former cement mine has been closed for over 50 years but still offers iconic tours and is also a venue for events like the annual Subterranean Poetry Festival. With so much to see and do, there will be little reason to ever leave this charming locale.
Homer
Though a small town of just around 6,500 people, Homer has vibrant city-like attractions. A short stroll through the quaint downtown area unravels amazing sites worthy of Instagram posts. One such site is the giant Gothic-style former church from 1893, now a bustling venue for art and culture. Known as the Center for the Arts of Homer today, it hosts everyone from musicians like Judy Collins to vastly different artists like David Sedaris.
Also bringing city folk to this neck of New York’s woods are the region’s ski slopes. Homer itself is an underrated skiing retreat since it neighbors the Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Song Mountain Resort, and Labrador Mountain.
Chautauqua
Chautauqua is a town and lake resort nestled in the scenic abode of Western New York. This 4,000ish-person town is on a lake of the same name and in a county of the same name. Moreover, it has an institution of the same name that fostered a movement of the same name, which emphasized adult education in the late 19th century. Today, the Chautauqua Institution is an entertainment and education venue that doubles as a summer resort. While staying at the resort, you can assay local gems like the Chautauqua Bookstore and St. Elmo Spa. Outdoor opportunities also abound, and swimming along Pier Beach is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the town.
Northport
Northport, a charming village on Long Island, is a maritime gem with a rich history and vibrant community. Once a bustling shipbuilding hub, today it’s known for its scenic harbor, beautiful parks, and historic streets. Stroll along Main Street to explore unique shops, art galleries, and the beloved Copenhagen Bakery on Woodbine Avenue. The Northport Park offers stunning views of the harbor, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. For craft beer enthusiasts, Sand City Brewing Co. is a must-visit. With its quaint seaside charm and vibrant local culture, Northport is an underrated treasure on New York’s coast.
Amenia
Amenia has amenities that too few people (or too many, if you ask certain residents) have enjoyed. Lucky residents and luckier tourists grab ice cream from Fudgy's, pastries from Peggy's Sweet & Savory, and steak from the Amenia Steak House. They can eat much of the same food and combine it with a new release at the Four Brothers Drive-in, which is no ordinary theater. In addition to dinner and a drive-in movie, Four Brothers offers campsites, mini golf, a playground, an arcade, an art walk, and even a mastodon exhibit.
Apart from the lively attractions, Armenia also beckons history enthusiasts with its array of landmarks. In particular, the 1920s Beth David Synagogue, 1850 Indian Rock Schoolhouse, and 1837 Lewis Mumford House stand out. Each boasts a unique tale, retelling the past behind this underrated New York town.
Johnsburg
Johnsburg is a town with just over 2,000 people in upper Upstate New York. Its largest hamlet, North Creek, is another underrated skiing destination, and it was named one of the six most underrated ski towns in America by Unofficial Networks. Here, the Gore Mountain Ski Resort is a beautiful reprieve, boasting 2,500 feet of vertical height explorable via 110 skiing trails. Other passed-over outdoor oases in Johnsburg include the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area and The Preserve at Gore Mountain, the latter of which you can actually own a piece of.
Wrapping Up
Beyond the skyscrapers of NYC lie towns that showcase New York’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Pawling offers serene hikes along the Appalachian Trail, while Northport enchants with its historic maritime charm and vibrant harbor. Shandaken, nestled in the Catskills, boasts breathtaking mountain views and quirky attractions. Whether you’re exploring the arts in Homer or savoring local flavors in Eden, these hidden gems reveal a side of New York that is often overlooked.
