11 Most Inviting Towns in New York
With a population of around 20 million residents, New York stands as one of the most populous states in the United States, the fourth most to be exact, trailing just behind Florida. It is best known for the massive metropolitan city of New York City, but many also come here for the smaller, possibly more inviting towns in the State's more rural and more northern areas. Let's take a look at 11 of the most inviting small towns in the Empire State. We will dive into what makes them interesting and worth seeing, including notable natural, historical, and cultural landmarks that should not be missed.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, situated in the Finger Lakes region, is a small town best known for its wonderful outdoor scenery. Being at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities are popular here. The Skaneateles Conservation Area also has ample hiking trails and places to have a picnic.
Downtown Skaneateles features well-preserved buildings dating all the way back to the 19th century. The historic character of this town can be seen through structures like the Sherwood Inn, which dates back to 1807. This inn provides all with a look into the town’s history while offering you the ability to stay for the night. Dropping by this winter? The Dickens Christmas event, where actors in period costumes recreate scenes from Charles Dickens's works, is worth visiting for readers and people in the holiday spirit alike.
Alexandria Bay
Seated in the Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River on the border of Canada, Alexandria Bay is an inviting village that attracts outdoor adventures and those looking for some of the best scenery in the far northeast of the Country. It primarily serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands, an archipelago of over 1,800 islands dotting the river.
Downtown Alexandria Bay offers a mix of waterfront dining, souvenir shops, and recreational outfitters catering to visitors eager to explore the region's natural wonders. Boat tours, ranging from leisurely sightseeing cruises to thrilling high-speed adventures, provide glimpses of historic mansions, secluded islands, and abundant wildlife. Boldt Castle, a grand estate built on Heart Island by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt in the early 20th century, is a highlight of the Thousand Islands. Visitors can tour the castle and its grounds, marveling at its opulent architecture and romantic backstory.
People looking to get outdoors will find a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking in nearby state parks like Wellesley Island State Park and Thousand Islands State Park. Scenic overlooks like the Thousand Islands Bridge will provide spectacular views of the river and its countless islands.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is located on the banks of the Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands with amazing views of the river and the surrounding mountains, it is a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the big city for a weekend.
The main street of Cold Spring is loaded with amenities and cool historical landmarks. The Hudson House, a historic hotel, provides accommodations with a view of the river, making it a cool place to stay the night while learning a thing or two. For more history, you can explore the nearby West Point Foundry Preserve, a site that played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War, now transformed into a park with trails and interpretive signs.
Outdoor activities are abundant, with the Breakneck Ridge Trail being one of the most popular hiking experiences in the area. This challenging trail rewards hikers with stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding highlands, particularly eye-popping in the fall when the foliage changes color. For a more relaxed outing, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the Cold Spring Waterfront Park, which provides picnic areas and fishing spots.
Aurora
On the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a village with a mere 614 residents in New York's Finger Lakes region. It is home to Wells College, founded in 1868, which contributes to the town’s academic and cultural vibrancy. The Aurora Inn, established in 1833, is a historic hotel that offers waterfront views and fine dining, further reflecting the village's quaint yet notable heritage. For a bite to eat during your stay here, The Fargo Bar & Grill, a local favorite, is a highly recommended locale.
During warmer weather, be sure to explore the lake, which can be done by kayaking, sailing, or fishing. Long Point State Park, located just south of Aurora, offers hiking trails and picnic areas with stunning views of Cayuga Lake.
Cooperstown
At the southern tip of Otsego Lake, Cooperstown attracts visitors not only for its scenery but also for being the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which beckons sports enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to its baseball heritage, Cooperstown is rich in other cultural offerings. The Fenimore Art Museum, housed in a neo-Georgian mansion, displays American folk art and Native American artifacts. Nearby, the Farmers’ Museum provides a glimpse into rural life in the 19th century, featuring historic buildings and regular demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Outdoor activities around Otsego Lake are easy to find. Glimmerglass State Park, located just north of Cooperstown, is replete with hiking trails, picnic spots, and campgrounds, making it a great location for nature lovers. If you are not interested in sleeping in a tent or RV, do not fret, the Otesaga Resort Hotel, an imposing structure from 1909, offers luxurious accommodations with great views of the lack from the comfort of your room.
Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley and is conveniently positioned a short day's drive north of New York City. Being on the banks of the mighty Hudson River, Rhinebeck features tree-lined streets and classic architecture that reflect its colonial past as an important trading hub. Historical sites include the Wilderstein Historic Site, a Queen Anne-style mansion that now serves as a museum.
The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn considered one of the oldest continuously operated inns in America, allows you to spend the night in a piece of American history during your stay here. To pick up some healthy, locally grown food, the local farmer's market, held yearlong in the heart of Rhinebeck, brings together regional produce and artisanal goods available for sale.
Be sure to check out the Ferncliff Forest, a nature preserve with maintained trails and an observation tower that delivers expansive views of the Hudson River and the nearby Catskill Mountains.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, situated in the Adirondack Mountains, is rife with wonderful landscapes and historical significance in winter sports. As the host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid has a unique place in sporting history, and this history can easily be explored at a number of different destinations throughout town. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum offers exhibits on the town's Olympic history, while the nearby Herb Brooks Arena continues to serve as a venue for ice sports.
Surrounding natural beauty is a significant draw, with the Adirondack High Peaks providing numerous trails for hiking, such as the popular Cascade Mountain trail. In winter, Whiteface Mountain is a top-tier spot for skiing and snowboarding, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the region during all seasons of the year.
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad is available for seasonal train rides through the surrounding hills, allowing visitors to appreciate the area's natural beauty in comfort. Additionally, the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, the home and burial place of the famous abolitionist, adds a more historical dimension to your trip to Lake Placid.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is another iconic town nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. As par for towns in this region of the state, it is full of natural beauty, but it also boasts a collection of nearby natural springs. These mineral-filled springs have long been a draw for visitors seeking their reputed health benefits.
Saratoga Spa State Park encompasses several of the town's mineral springs, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and cultural attractions like the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The park also features the Classical-style Roosevelt Baths & Spa, where you can see for yourself the healing properties of the mineral waters through available spa treatments.
With a mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern amenities, downtown Saratoga Springs is a buzzing hub of activity. For some fun at the tracks during your stay, the historic Saratoga Race Course, established in 1863, is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the United States and hosts world-class racing events during the summer months.
Hudson
On the east bank of the Hudson River, Hudson is a place best known for its compact downtown area, one that is brimming with antique shops, art galleries, and trendy boutiques housed in a collection of elegant historic buildings. For one, the Hudson Opera House is a cultural center dating back to 1855. It hosts performances, exhibitions, and community events that are available to all. Be sure to also make a short trip to the nearby Olana State Historic Site, which offers guided tours of the former home of Frederic Edwin Church, a prominent Hudson River School artist, set amidst picturesque landscapes designed by the artist himself. For something a little different, the FASNY Museum of Firefighting is a museum that has displays that cover over three centuries of firefighting history.
Hudson's culinary scene is also thriving, with farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and craft breweries contributing to its reputation as a foodie destination. The weekly Hudson Farmers' Market showcases locally grown produce, homemade goods, and live music. The Upper Depot Brewing Co. is notable not only for its great drinks and food but also for being housed in an old train depot, giving it a fun and unique atmosphere to spend some time in.
Woodstock
Woodstock gained international recognition in 1969 when it hosted the iconic Woodstock Festival, a defining moment in the history of rock music. But today, it has so much more to offer.
Cultural events abound in Woodstock, with music festivals, film screenings, and art exhibitions happening all year (maybe not as big as THE Woodstock festivals of the past, but still fun and enriching). The Maverick Concerts, held in an outdoor concert hall in the nearby woods, plays classical music performances, for example. The Woodstock Artists Association & Museum showcases works by local artists, while the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, founded in 1902, continues to inspire creativity with its artist residencies and workshops.
Explore the surrounding wilderness near the Catskills Mountains, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes scattered nearby. Overlook Mountain, with its panoramic views from the top, complemented by a historic fire tower, is a popular destination for hikers.
Tarrytown
For some, the waterfront of Tarrytownm, which has amazing views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Palisades over the Hudson River, makes it a destination worth making a drive out to. On top of this, destinations like the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, with its network of hiking trails, carriage roads, and scenic vistas, draw outdoor enthusiasts from all over. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is another attraction that runs through Tarrytown and has opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking with a unique view along the historic aqueduct route.
Historical sites like Kykuit, the former estate of the Rockefeller family, and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving is buried, provide insight into the kinds of people who used to call Tarrytown home. Nearby, Sunnyside, Irving's former home, offers guided tours and picturesque gardens that evoke the author's romantic vision of the Hudson Valley. A short jaunt away, the Tarrytown Music Hall, a beloved cultural landmark dating back to 1885, hosts concerts, performances, and film screenings that enrich the town's cultural fabric.
Feel Welcomed in These New York Towns
From the historic streets of Saratoga Springs to the artistic enclave of Woodstock and the tranquil shores of Alexandria Bay, these towns offer a multitude of experiences that captivate visitors and residents alike. Whether seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, or simply a scenic retreat, these are just a few of New York's inviting towns beckon with open arms, promising moments, and cherished memories that are sure to enhance any trip through the Empire State. See how many you can visit this summer!
