11 Friendliest Towns to Visit in New York in 2024
Explore the charm of small-town New York State. From the historic Saratoga Springs with its renowned horse racing and mineral springs to Ellicottville's year-round outdoor adventures and vibrant festivals, these towns promise something special. Discover Beacon's art scene, or relax by Skaneateles' clear blue lake and explore its boutique shops. Lake George beckons with its adventurous spirit and historical landmarks, while Greenport combines history with seaside charm. Whatever visitors are looking for in 2024, natural beauty, cultural richness, or thrilling activities, they’ll be sure to find it in New York's friendly small towns.
Saratoga Springs
The racing season started on July 11, 2024, but there’s still plenty of racing left at one of the oldest and most historic horse racing tracks in the United States—the Saratoga Race Track. The fabled course first opened in 1864 and has been going strong for 160 years. The 2024 Saratoga Racing Season will remain until September 2, 2024, except on Mondays and Tuesdays, which are “Dark” (no racing).
Not a horse lover, not a problem in Saratoga Springs, renowned for its famous mineral springs. The springs can be found in various parks and in Saratoga Spa State Park, where visitors can taste the waters directly from the springs or enjoy them at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, established in 1935, thanks to President Franklin Roosevelt’s visionary act to preserve the Saratoga Springs. The town has a vibrant, lively arts and culture scene, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) located in the state park is a beautiful venue to attend a performance by the New York City Ballet or the Philadelphia Orchestra who both make their summer homes at SPAC. The SPAC’s lineup for the summer of 2024 also includes concerts by John Legend, James Taylor, and Post Malone.
Ellicottville
An outdoor lover’s paradise, Ellicottville offers year-round outdoor activities in nearby Allegany State Park and in Holiday Valley, which opened as a ski resort initially in 1958 but is now a popular all-season resort featuring an Aerial Adventure Park with an array of platforms, ziplines, and obstacles; a Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster, which is similar to a roller coaster but built on a mountain, a Climbing Forest, and much more. Spend quiet time in nature at the Nannen Arboretum, an 8-acre sanctuary for hundreds of rare and exotic trees and shrubs, perfect for walks in nature.
Ellicottville is a small town that likes its festivals in 2024. From July 27 to 28, 2024, there are two festivals: the Jazz & Blues Weekend downtown and the Hilltap Festival in Holiday Valley. A Taste of Ellicottville 2024 takes place from August 10 to 11. Finally, head to town for Rock N’ Roll Weekend 2024, which features over 15 bands, live outdoor performances by Elvis and Queen tribute bands, and the annual car and truck show featuring over 250 vehicles on the downtown streets.
Beacon
On the banks of the Hudson River, Beacon is known for its charming Main Street, stunning hikes up Mount Beacon, and its contemporary art museum, Dia Beacon, which solidifies Beacon’s place as an up-and-coming art destination. The museum sits on over 30 acres of land near the river and houses the Dia Art Foundation’s permanent collection from the 1960s onward. The current exhibition by Argentinian artist Liliana Porter, a significant contemporary artist, runs until May 2025.
Outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels will enjoy climbing a 100-year-old Incline Railway Trail to see the fantastic view from the summit of Mount Beacon. Visitors can see the Hudson River, the Newburgh-Beach Bridge over the water, and the town of Beacon. Keep climbing up to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Hudson. After the 1-2 hour hike, head to downtown Beacon to stroll along a one-mile strip of unique boutiques, galleries, and cafés, like the Towne Crier Café, Clutter Gallery, and Hudson Beach Glass. Visit the tasting room at Hudson Valley Brewery to see what’s on tap.
Skaneateles
Nestled in the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles is home to the clear blue Skaneateles Lake, boutique shopping, and a historic colonial-style downtown. Visitors can explore the lake by booking a tour with Mid-Lakes Navigation. Several trips of varying lengths are available, from a 45-minute sightseeing cruise to a 2.5-hour dinner cruise. Skaneateles Marina rents kayaks and SUP boards if visitors prefer to get around on their own. Be sure to stop by Doug’s Fish Fry Skaneateles for a big piece of fish or a bowl of seafood chowder. Go early, though, as there’s usually a line-up.
The shops in Skaneateles are unique, independently-owned boutiques, so spend some time poking around in Drooz and Company, which bills itself as a modern-day general store, the Local Branch, which sells custom leather and canvas goods, and pick up a souvenir t-shirt at Roland’s.
The Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show, now in its 46th year, returns from July 26 to 28, 2024. Admission is free. The popular event draws exhibitors from New York state, the East Coast, the Midwest, and Canada. About 10,000 visitors attend each year.
Lake George
There is no end of ways to spend time in the Adirondack town of Lake George. With over ten daily cruises, the Lake George Steamboat Company offers trips varying in length from one to six hours onboard three different ships, including the Minnie-Ha-Ha—one of the last steam paddle wheel ships in the U.S. If traveling with kids, the Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor, one of New York’s largest amusement parks, will be a popular choice. After choosing from over 135 rides to try, cool off in the 500,000-gallon wave pool in Hurricane Harbor, which is hosting a Summer Blast party in 2024. Other prominent attractions in this small town of less than 3,500 residents include Lake George Expedition Park, a dinosaur theme park, and the Adirondack Extreme Aventure Course that takes visitors ziplining above the treetops.
Visit Fort William Henry to weave a little history into an adrenaline-packed trip. It was a major battle site during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). As a significant historical site, it draws over 70,000 visitors yearly, who watch live musket and cannon firings and learn about the war.
Greenport
On Long Island’s North Fork, Greenport is a pretty little town with a quaint village-like atmosphere filled with fun boutiques, eateries, and art galleries. It was a major whaling port in the 18th and 19th centuries, then transitioned to oyster farming. Today, it is a friendly spot to spend an afternoon in vintage shops and antique stores like The Time Vintage, Shearer Shop Antiques, and Lydia’s Antiques & Stained Glass.
Visitors to Greenport can’t miss the iconic Mitchell Park Carousel. Its origin is shrouded in mystery but is believed to be over 100 years old. The carousel has 36 jumping horses and two chariots. The East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation keeps most of Greenport's secrets, which showcases the 2nd largest Sea Life exhibit on Long Island’s East End. There’s a Village Blacksmith Shop, an 1840 Schoolhouse Museum, and the picturesque 67 Steps Beach. At the end of a perfect Greenport day, grab a bite to eat at the Little Creek Oyster Farm and Market or the 1943 Pizza Bar.
Ithaca
With stunning gorges and waterfalls, Ithaca is also home to Cornell University, vibrant farmers' markets, and a bustling downtown known as Ithaca Commons—a four-block pedestrian shopping area with more than 100 independently owned boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, street vendors, and entertainers. Downtown also sponsors a free, fun summer concert series every Thursday night, so visitors can enjoy live music as they wander in and out of shops, like Mockingbird Paperie, Autumn Leaves Used Books, and The Cornell Store featuring all things Cornell University.
The Sagan Planet Walk, named in honor of the renowned astronomer and Ithaca resident Carl Sagan, is a 1.2-km, 1 to 5 billion scale model of the Solar System. Visitors start at the Sun station in Ithaca Commons and end at Pluto’s station at the Sciencenter. Spend time in the center with over 250 interactive displays and exhibits. From September 26 to 28, 2024, Ithaca hosts the 2024 Finger Lakes Comedy Festival.
Lake Placid
Famous for hosting two Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, Lake Placid offers outdoor activities year-round, including miles of hiking trails, tons of water sports, and the town’s iconic Olympic Center. Start visiting Lake Placid by stopping at the Olympic Center, which is always a beehive of activity. Take some time to visit the inspirational Lake Placid Olympic Museum on the site, and don’t miss the landmark arenas: the 1932 Jack Shea Area, which continues to host international competitions, and the Herb Brooks Arena—the site of the “Miracle on Ice” game where the United States team famously beat the heavily-favored Soviet Union team, then went on to win gold. From August 4 to 11, 2024, the Olympic Center hosts the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival, which evaluates the top American female players who will join the 2024-2025 U.S. Women’s National Team. The events are free for spectators.
Canandaigua
Another Finger Lakes gem, Canandaigua (a Native American word that translates to “the Chosen Spot”), offers wine tasting, boating on Canandaigua Lake, and the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. In this part of New York State, it’s hard not to be tempted by the 30-mile Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, which starts in Victor, continues through downtown Canandaigua, and runs along the western side of Canandaigua Lake to Naples. With stops at large and small wineries, two wine centers, and a brewery, the trail can be followed independently with a designated driver or booked with a local tour company like Crush Beer & Wine Tours or Quality Wine & Brew Tours.
The Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of the few remaining estates in America with a Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion and formal gardens. The 40-room mansion was designed and completed in 1886-1887, but the original mansion was a simple brick farmhouse on 14 acres of land. Visitors from all over the world enjoy the relaxing nature and beauty of its gardens.
Aurora
Aurora is home to the well-respected Wells College, the epicenter of this friendly town. Founded in 1868, the college was for women only until it became co-ed in the early 2000s. The campus is lovely to stroll among its historic buildings and scenic views of Cayuga Lake. Another must-see destination in Aurora is the Inns of Aurora—a collection of boutique inns and properties located on 350 acres of land on the shores of Cayuga Lake. The Inns of Aurora are anchored by the flagship boutique hotel, the Aurora Inn, built in 1833.
Head downtown for a drink on Main Street at the Fargo Bar & Grill, a classic, family-friendly tavern serving pulled pork, steak and brie sandwiches, craft beer, and mocktails. A short three-minute drive from Aurora, visitors will find themselves in wine country on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which was the first wine trail in the United States. Wineries to visit include the Long Point Winery and Bright Leaf Vineyard.
Lewiston
A ten-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Lewiston is a small town with a village-like quality but plenty of activities to keep visitors busy for a day trip. With the Niagara River at Lewiston’s doorstep, adrenaline junkies can book a 60-minute jet boat adventure on Class V whitewater rapids into the Niagara Gorge from several local operators. The only choice visitors need to make is whether or not to choose a Wet Jet Ride in an open-top boat or a Dry Jet Ride in a covered dome boat.
The Artpark, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash on July 24, 2024, is a 150-acre venue offering concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, and festivals all summer long in a beautiful park overlooking the Niagara River.
Steeped in history, Lewiston was home to the first major battle of the War of 1812 and a stop on the Underground Railroad. Several attractions in town, such as the Freedom Crossing Monument, the Tuscarora Heroes Monument, and the Lewiston Museum, commemorate these two significant events.
The Takeaway
2024 presents an ideal time to visit New York's friendly small towns. Saratoga Springs celebrates its historic horse racing season amidst its famed mineral springs. Ellicottville offers year-round outdoor activities and lively festivals like Jazz & Blues Weekend and Rock N’ Roll Weekend. Lake George boasts thrilling amusement parks and historical sites like Fort William Henry. Greenport invites exploration of its whaling history and antique shops. From cultural richness to outdoor adventures, each town promises a unique and enriching experience in 2024.
