7 Charming New York Towns For The Perfect Getaway
New York, the Empire State, is a land of contrasts. While the city never sleeps, the small towns bask in slumber. The state motto "Excelsior!" or "Ever Upward!" in Latin reflects its mindset following the Revolutionary War. But getaways aren't a rat race; they are me-and-family time of new experiences and fleeting moments. These seven charming New York towns for the perfect getaway reflect the other, less-hectic side of New York, with rainbow waterfalls, wineries, and waterfronts galore to book into your calendar. No vacation is necessary when you can chill out along the Adirondack Coast or recharge by Lake Skaneateles to avoid burning out.
Canandaigua
Who knew? The "Chosen Spot" is 25 miles southeast of Rochester, on Canandaigua Lake's north shore, one of the Finger Lakes. Having embraced the Native American translation, the waterfront downtown stages an inviting mix of local restaurants, shops, and galleries, including the popular New York Kitchen, the storied institution of the New York Wine & Culinary Center. Kershaw Park is a sprawling beachfront with trails, a go-to for swimming and boating with launches and fishing spots. The two chain hotels offer waterfront serenity at unbeatable prices next to Roseland Wake Park.
Take a morning stroll along the colorful boathouses on Canandaigua City Pier and return at colorful sunset. Leading you along historic architecture to the climax just north, the 50-acre Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park features an 1887 Queen Anne mansion with tours plus exotic flora in formal gardens and arboretums. Alongside great dining comes lakeside wining, with no better place for gourmet tastings of the regional wines, particularly Rieslings. In addition to lush vineyard strolls, drop by Dove Brewing Company or Heron Hill Tasting Room for a cultural tour.
Crown Point
Perched on the Adirondack Coast, Crown Point is the entry point into New England, across Lake Champlain to Vermont. Large by land, tiny in population, the Empire State Trail winds through the heart along the river-like lake. It is just 10 minutes north to a British fort at Crown Point and Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, most unconventional. Adjacent to the 2011 Lake Champlain Bridge, Crown Point State Historic Site comprises Fort St. Frederic and Fort Crown Point, built in 1759, almost 30 years before the town's establishment.
For an overlooked town, Crown Point offers attention-grabbing landmarks and unobscured views. It is a popular birding spot, with boat launches for a different perspective and recreation on Lake Champlain. The local museum features interpreters who tell the story, while New York State Campground provides convenient access to it all for the outdoorsy to explore. Warm and hospitable, this charming town is ideal to really get away. In addition, it is also the terminus of the over 4,000-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, all the way to North Dakota.
Geneva
Another upstate gem, this storybook-like town appeals to water babies and history buffs alike on the northern rim of the largest Finger Lake by volume. Pack a picnic from the local market, or head straight down Linden Street downtown for a vibrant outdoor cafe scene. Closed to traffic on weekend nights, it is ideal to mingle and people-watch. Farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, and craft breweries incorporate locally grown fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Drop by the circa-1894 Smith Opera House theater for music, dance, kids' plays, and cinema.
Seneca Lake, only marginally shorter than Cayuga Lake, draws fishing and boating enthusiasts, while the flat, rural roads that wind through the unspoiled nature and past other small towns make it a haven for recreation and a mecca for cyclists. From an 18th-century castle to an eclectic food scene, cheers to a perfect couples retreat, and wash it down with award-winning wines. Belhurst Castle and Winery, a landmark 1880s stone castle, is well worth seeing to the south but may put you back as an accommodation option. Microtel Inn & Suites offers great comfort on a budget.
Hudson
Hudson is accessible via Amtrak, 120 miles north of the Big Apple, to the cozy train station on the east side of the Hudson River. From the Public Square to the Promenade Hill Park, this trendy town is made for walking and people-watching between fascinating attractions. Stay at the uniquely designed Rivertown Lodge or the budget-savvy St. Charles Hotel. From Spotty Dog Books & Ale, a bookstore on Warren Street, to Poured Candle Bar, a candle store, drop by Hudson Brewing Company or the antiquated Story Screen Cinema with an arcade.
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park offers trails, amenities, and picnic spots, plus the departure point for Hudson Ferry Co. The sturdy red-brick Hudson-Athens Lighthouse gives off New England vibes on the Hudson River, with a green light and fog bell. Don't miss the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, one of the world's largest with hands-on exhibits, or the Antique Warehouse, only if you've got room in the trunk for a piece of furniture. Basilica Hudson is an unmissable cultural venue, while the renovated Hudson Hall presents performances and exhibitions.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, on "Long Lake" in the Iroquoian language, casts a spell on families, nature lovers, and celebrities alike as a favorite place to return. Welcoming thousands year-round at the northern edge, fertile soils seasonally sprout a lavender field. Meanwhile, the nearby Lockwood Lavender Farm fits a French countryside with white clouds. Alongside locally grown grains, used for the finest spirits and small-batch liqueurs, lush vineyards thrive in a favorable environment and climate for cold-weather grapes, shipped to Eastern Europe for winemaking.
The historic district has a buoyant vibe to shop for gifts, view art, and dine, plus the Skaneateles Historical Society, off to the side. It is a hop to the waterfront for boating, swimming, and relaxing in sparkling water views. Next to the long pier, Clift Park's charming gazebo and Thayer Park's grassy lawn beckon sunset picnickers after a stroll along historic homes lining the lakefront. Take a fishing charter or Charlie Major Nature Trail, a popular hike, plus the Last Shot Distillery tasting room along the way. The Finger Lakes Lodging and Whispering Winds Motel offer great rates.
Troy
Coming from Albany minutes south, Troy's 50,000 is noticeably smaller for a change of pace and scenery on the easiest getaway. Plus, it is just a really cool new town to discover. There's something Parisian about its beautiful architecture — think thin-sided buildings, cafes, and attractions lining the Hudson River. The dog-friendly Prospect Park sprawls over the riverfront city with courts and grills to chill out in top views amid rare tree species like hawthorn, magnolia, catalpa, and European beech, plus the metal dinosaur structures add a layer of character.
Strolling along its countless revivals — the Victorian, Gothic, and Greek — is an evocative look into Troy's soul, vulnerable to influences and transformation through Troy's Historic District, on the National Register. After reflecting, lighten the mood at Bard & Baker Troy, the district’s first board game café, or on a shopping spree through heartwarming galleries, toy stores, and gifts, plus local weekend markets. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que serves comfort food over live music and spectacular views, while Olde Judge Mansion B & B is a beautiful building for an overnight.
Watkins Glen
Spliced by the Barge Canal on the southern shore of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen welcomes weekenders in a lush natural embrace. The name nods at the state park, one of the world's most unique places. It is a verdant netherland to explore, with rim trails, trout fishing, and an outdoor pool under sparkling waterfalls. Snap a selfie by the Pier House with benches to relax by the red building stark against the blue lake. The peaceful lake scene comes alive during the Summer Jam, with 600,000 attendees and over half a century of history celebrating life by the lake.
Clute Park features a rock pier and pink sunsets, plus a recreation area with an RV/tent campground with a boat launch and sports facilities. Even the comfort creatures at the pink Blackberry Inn Bed & Breakfast or Watkins Glen Villager Motel can save, since most attractions are free in the outdoors, like the state park's Gorge Trail and Rainbow Falls. Meanwhile, across the canal, Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area boasts Sarah's Falls, an observation deck, and a launch dock. From creeks full of rainbow trout to the renowned Seneca Lake Wine Trail, it is a real scenic respite.
From the Hudson Valley to the Catskills and the Hamptons, NY's sheer conglomeration of state parks, lakes, and mountain ranges is a playground for the outdoorsy. These seven towns across the state are accessible, suit every interest, and are cost-effective for the perfect getaway. Geneva is a storybook-like town with a castle on Seneca Lake's northern rim, while Watkins Glen has fairytale nature all the way down the second-longest shore. Choose a town to exchange the hectic pace of a concrete jungle for the lighthearted atmosphere of some of NY's best for a getaway.
