10 Unspoiled Small Towns In New York
Away from the neck-straining skyscrapers that dot New York City and its inner core, there exists a fairytale world of Caribbean-like waters, electrifying foliage, if you time your visit right, and several majestic waterfalls. That is without putting in a word for the Adirondack Mountains, with its low-key Switzerland vibes. Many unspoiled towns dot this vast region and can serve as jumping-off points to explore what lies around. You will find Ithaca, one of the most beautiful college towns in the world, Hammondsport, loved for its nautical charm and endearing feel, and Saratoga Springs, with its iconic park. Scoping for a relaxing getaway? Discover below some of the most unspoiled towns in the Empire State.
Hammondsport
History buffs will tell you that Hammondsport is actually Hammond's port. It sits at the southern tip of Keuka Lake on a spot that looks plucked straight out from a fairytale. Many antique stores line the charm-soaked streets (check out Crooked Lake Antiques), and a beautiful park is right in the heart of town, not to mention the Glenn H Curtiss Museum, which provides a sneak peek into the history of aviation in the United States. You may already know who invented the airplane and something about the Wright Brothers. It will be fun discovering the early exploits of Glenn Curtiss, whose life and work in making aviation a successful enterprise is not half appreciated.
Penn Yan
New York has towns such as Penn Yan, which looks like a little slice of paradise locked in a time capsule. Penn Yan sits at the northern tip of Keuka Lake, whose shimmering waters clothe the whole area with a beautiful, exotic look. One can sip her way through the Keuka Lake Wine Trail amid spectacular scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. The Keuka Outlet Trail, which connects the Keuka and Seneca lakes, comes with awe-inspiring views and magnificent waterfalls. Just don't miss Mac's Dairy Bar Ice Cream, a fantastic spot for some mini golf along with delectable ice cream cones. Alternatively, Seneca Farms has countless flavors to choose from.
Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh is up north, almost close to the Canadian border. It sits on the western edge of Lake Champlain, home to the oldest known fossil reef on the planet. As if the lake is not enough, the Saranac River also flows through the town, adding a layer of rustic charm to an already beautiful spot. Start at the Twisted Carrot on Margaret Street, especially for some tantalizing scallops with carrot risotto. If looking for Greek staples and draft beer, Aleka's is just a few steps away and boasts an outside patio perfect for people-watching. Also, the Kent-Delord House Museum has been around since when John Adams was president of the United States. Linger a bit at the Plattsburgh Riverwalk before getting serenaded with bits of local history at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum.
Ithaca
Almost everything about Ithaca screams “unspoiled.” The Cornell University campus, an attraction by itself, has one of the most swoon-worthy grounds in all of New York. You will sip breathtaking vistas of Cayuga Lake, and marvel at the spectacular gorges all around while exploring on-site attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Johnson Museum of Art, and Cornell Cinema. Outside the campus, the State Theatre of Ithaca has a history that goes back more than 90 years. Of course, you can skip all these and focus on a wine tour of the area, especially because this region can make one feel she is somewhere in Italy or California's Napa Valley. Cascadilla Gorge trail, conveniently located close to the Commons, brings nature right to your feet.
Saratoga Springs
Start with the shops along Broadway, or just head straight to the one-of-a-kind Saratoga Spa State Park, where visitors get captivated by a serene environment and an immaculately maintained landscape. Saratoga Springs blends nature and man-made gloss and glitter in a way that few other New York towns are capable of. After getting a relaxing bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa — you can hit up Geyser Trail. Hopefully, you will have a cup so you can taste and sample the many springs along the stretch. From here, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will be beckoning. It is fairly small, but the Vintage Ferraris are worth every minute. There is Loughberry Lake as well — as is the iconic National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Owego
With the Susquehanna River lazily meandering by, Owego boasts a setting that makes it look cute and unspoilt, no wonder it is among the most sought-after destinations in the Empire State. The Riverwalk here is paved and beautiful and serves yummy waterfront views that will be difficult to take the eyes from. There is the Owego Donut & Beer Co., whose donuts are incredibly tasty and fresh — as are their Bavarian pretzels. The central district, the bridge that loops over the Susquehanna River, the clean and peaceful Hickories Park, Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, the best dog park for miles, and the Early Owego Antique Center (formerly J.J. Newberry Co.), are all attractions that will put the brain on pleasure mode.
New Paltz
Indeed, there is always something new about New Paltz, not so much about the charm-soaked streets and the beautiful buildings — but the look, feel, and atmosphere. This town reclines on the Wallkill River and was settled by French Huguenots more than three centuries ago. Six stone houses, all of which were built before 1712, are today maintained by the Huguenot Historical Society. Water Street Market is cool — as is the Historic Huguenot Street, which comes with a nostalgic step-back-in-time feeling. Pop inside Krause's Chocolate Shop and explore Mohonk Preserve (or Minnewaska State Park) before crowning the day with some toe-tapping music at Bacchus, which features all the trappings of an old bar.
Corning
Although Corning’s Museum of Glass deservedly steals the show, this cute little charmer has every reason to leave jaws on the floor. A beautiful river flows through it, imbuing it with a look that is part rustic, part bucolic. Other than the bass-laden Chemung River, Corning's Gaffer District is a shopping and dining wonderland with sites that sway the eyes after every yard and step. Pop inside Nickel’s Pit BBQ, especially if you have a thing for outrageously tasty briskets. At the well-laid-out Rockwell Museum, one will appreciate the triumphs and tragedies that helped create the American experience. And that is all before putting in a word for the wineries in the area, something that a first-time visitor should not miss out on.
Tarrytown
There are several ways Tarrytown looks unspoiled, especially if one is visiting the area for the first time. There is a bridge that you will swear is the most beautiful in the world and which is a pure pleasure to cross by foot or bike. Tappan Zee Bridge, now called Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, for how delicious it makes the Hudson River look, is such an underrated gem. The scenery is beautiful, with hills and trees, giving the whole area an appearance that is romantic and natural. Enjoy a live performance at the Tarrytown Music Hall, whose history goes back nearly 130 years, before exploring outdoor venues such as Tarrytown Lake trails and the aptly named Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park.
Woodstock
There are several ways to get a bite-sized feel of Woodstock and experience its unspoiled, endearing side. One can start by ambling through Tinker Street, popping inside Alba's Kitchen for some tongue-tingling pecan salad, and enjoying a cashew-based vegan ice cream at Sweet Dreams Organic Ice Cream before grabbing a front-row seat at a 1961 theater that resembles a re-purposed church. Avid shoppers will have a blast sampling Woodstock's retail scene, with shops such as Candlestick curating a world of waxy delights difficult to match in sheer scope and elegance. Taking the cue, Tibetan Arts and Crafts gives the feeling of visiting Nepal, of course, without having to hop on a plane.
The Takeaway
New York State may be home to huge cities such as the Big Apple, Rochester, and Buffalo, but this does not mean it is bereft of unspoiled spots perfect for a relaxing vacation. You can start with Ithaca, which could be the most beautiful small town in America — or head further north near the 44th parallel and explore the gorgeous waterfront towns that surround Keuka Lake. One thing will stand out: The full beauty of the Empire State is still not as appreciated as it should be.
