7 Little-Known Towns In Upstate New York
There is more to life beyond New York City, with all its grandeur and charm. In Upstate New York, many small towns await discovery — or rediscovery in some cases — and are worth the trip from the Big Apple and beyond. These seven little-known towns serve as perfect getaways, offering a calmer pace of life, serenity, and unhindered fusion with nature. From Cold Springs to Narrowsburg, here are seven little-known towns that await discovery and exploration in Upstate New York.
Skaneateles
The town of Skaneateles was named after the lake of the same name in Onondaga County, just southwest of Syracuse. With the lake glowing in its natural Caribbean-blue elegance, it is an appealing first port of call for visitors to this town. The usual activities offered in the water include boating, fishing, kayaking, cruises, and canoeing. However, visitors can head to Clift Park to swim, boat from the marina, enjoy picnics on the banks, and hike the 0.8-mile Charlie Major Nature Trail that winds along Skaneateles Creek. Thayer Park is another lakeside park in town, but it is more serene and relaxing, perfect for picnics and enjoying the views. Also, visitors can learn about the town’s admirable history at the Skaneateles Historical Society with a historic walking tour and across several exhibits. Remember to shop for antiques at the Skaneateles Antique Center before leaving.
Narrowsburg
Narrowsburg is a Hamlet of about 400 people, and visitors will be stunned by the charms, experiences, and wonderful moments here. The village sits on the Delaware River and is flanked on both sides by two imposing mountain ranges: the Poconos and Catskills, making its natural landscape the first draw. Once here, visitors can head to the Fort Delaware Museum to delve into the colonial history of the Upper Delaware River through various historical programs and reenactments. For visitors who fancy the incredible world of arts, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance is a recommended destination to explore. On the outdoors, explore the 3-mile Tusten Mountain Trail, bypassing a series of quarries and a stone arch bridge, and be rewarded with stunning views of the Delaware River and surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, the Delaware River is always available for fishing, rafting, boating, and canoeing activities.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua is a lakeside town named after its namesake lake, which is part of the Finger Lakes. While its name sounds rather uncommon and unknown, this town is a gem when it comes to history, culture, and recreation. First off, the lake is the ultimate playground for everything water sports. Plus, it has a beach at Kershaw Park for basking in the sun, picnicking, and promenading. Alternatively, laid-back tourists can cruise on the lake with the Canandaigua Lady, a double-decker paddlewheel steamboat. Elsewhere, the Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park offers concrete boat ramps to explore the lake and fish, along with a small picnic area. The town's historic attractions, such as the Francis Granger House (1817), Cobblestone Manor (1835), and Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park (1887) are also worth exploring. Before leaving, experience exquisite Italian dining at the Il Posto Bistro in town.
Rosendale
Rosendale is a quaint creekside town in Ulster County, where the Rondout Creek meets the Wallkill River. The town is perfect for outdoor buffs seeking adventures and escaping from mundane city life. Visitors here can start with the 23-mile Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, ideal for biking, hiking, jogging, and horseback riding, with views of the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek, among other scenic natural highlights. Along the walk, a stop to kayak and canoe on the Wallkill River will amplify the experience. Otherwise, admire the Rosendale Trestle Bridge, a 940-foot continuous truss bridge over the Rondout Creek that serves as a pedestrian walkway for the rail trail. For a taste of history, visit the Century House Historical Society and the Snyder Estate Natural Cement Historic District to explore the history of the Rosendale cement industry and the Rosendale Trestle. If there’s still time, head to the Rosendale Theatre to relax and enjoy music, movies, family entertainment, live theatre productions, and documentaries.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is a small village in Putnam County that lies along the deepest point of the Hudson River and serves as a weekend getaway for some New York City residents. One of its highlight outdoor attractions is the Hudson Highlands State Park, comprising peaks overlooking the Hudson River, including Beacon Mountain, the highest in the Highlands. Day hikes are popular here, and the Breakneck Ridge Trail just outside the town offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains. Art fans can kick back at the Magazzino Italian Art to admire artworks hinged on postwar and modern Italian art, while the Cafe Silvia is a great spot to savor authentic Italian cuisines. For some historical experiences, visit West Point Foundry Preserve, where steam engines and ships were produced during the Civil War, and explore this beautiful natural area around Foundry Brook on guided tours. Afterward, learn about the foundry’s history at the Putnam History Museum through local artifacts and exhibits.
Aurora
Aurora is a tiny town on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, this town’s population is less than 1,000, but it is gorgeous and surprisingly brims with activities year-round. Visit this hidden lakeside gem and head to the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, perhaps the town’s most famous lodging option that doubles as an attraction. In addition to its historic guest rooms, yoga classes, fitness center, and restaurants offering regional and contemporary meals, this luxury inn offers easy access to Cayuga Lake for kayaking, and a spa where guests can go to for some pampering. For some adventures, visit the Long Point State Park to hike five miles of trails or fish and boat on the lake. Later, catch a show at the Morgan Opera House and hit the road to explore some nearby wineries including Long Point Winery, Hearts & Hands Wine Company, Goose Watch Winery, and Bright Leaf Vineyard.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a gem nestled at the foot of Otsego Lake in Otsego County. It's probably the best known of the towns on our list; it glows with history, arts, and culture, especially since it hosts famous attractions, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This attraction preserves the history of baseball in the US through various artifacts and exhibits and also honors baseball icons across the country whose impacts have been notable. The Farmers' Museum is another historic attraction in town, featuring more than 23,000 artifacts on 19th-century farm life in New York State. For art aficionados, the Fenimore Art Museum, west of Otsego Lake, is home to an intriguing collection of American folk art, American Indian art, 19th- and 20th-century photographs, and rare books, among others. On the outdoors, Otsego Lake is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. In the meantime, the town has Lakefront Park, featuring picnic benches where one can enjoy snacks and gaze at the lake, with Mount Wellington in the background. Don’t forget to visit the Cooperstown Art Association to experience some creative works.
Conclusion
Upstate New York is quite an inviting destination and deserves and rewards repeated visits. In fact, each of the seven little-known towns on our list are nestled at the backdrop of nature, offering various attractions spread out across their landscapes. Many such towns are less popular, making them even more pleasurable to visit. Tourists will discover amazing gems tucked away in these towns and be dumbfounded at how they are unknown yet magnificent. These towns bustle with best-kept natural secrets, graceful history, rich culture, and incredible arts.
