8 Coziest Small Towns in Upstate New York
Upstate New York, a scenic region in northern New York State, is a popular destination for tourists. From the grand Adirondack Mountains to the rushing Mohawk River, miles of untouched wilderness are ready to be explored. Adventurers flock to the region in search of a new hiking route, skiing trail, or outdoor challenge. However, the region is also home to many cozy small towns, which are perfect for a relaxing vacation. These towns are rich with New York culture, heritage, and entertainment, minus the urban struggles. So, one can focus on having fun and taking in the endless views on offer!
Catskill
Catskill is an idyllic town steeped in upstate New York’s beautiful outdoors. Home to 11,300 people, it offers the perfect rest stop for nature enthusiasts. As you walk through the lively streets, you can choose between a range of options to spend your day. For example, one can start their day with a Greek breakfast from the famous Ambrosia Diner. After fueling up, head to the town’s Main Street which is perfect for tourists. Whether it is buying books from Magpie Bookshop or watching a movie at the nearby Bridge Street Theatre, there is something for everyone. Or, retreat to one of the many motels and homestays in the town’s residential neighborhoods.
After taking in the small-town vibe of Catskill’s streets, it is time to head out into the wild. Sitting between the Hudson River and Catskill Park, the area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Adventure lovers find solace in the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, a reprieve of forests, hills, and wildlife. The possibilities are endless, from hiking along the 300-mile trail system to camping in one of the peaceful campgrounds. However, keep an eye out for coyotes and black bears who are often known to prowl the forests. If you are looking for something a bit less tedious, opt for a boat ride on the Hudson River instead. Cutting through the river’s glistening waters, it is a great way to relax with nature.
Saugerties
Drive a few miles south of Catskill along the Hudson River and you will find yourself in the beautiful town of Saugerties. This slice of paradise is an amazing example of towny fun against a backdrop of lush greenery. If you’re interested in culture, head into the historic business district to witness rustic architecture, friendly people, and quirky establishments. Among the first business districts on the National Register of Historic Places, tons of cultural attractions like the Exchange Hotel, Emerge Gallery & Art Space, and Smith Hardware await exploration. Or, visit the historic Saugerties Lighthouse along the shore. Once an iconic navigator for boats, it is now a bed-and-breakfast plus museum so you can spend an entire day here! After all this exploring, grab a seat at the Smokehouse of the Catskills to indulge in their delicious smoked meat. No matter what you’re into, Saugerties has got you covered.
Nature enthusiasts also flock to Saugerties to take in its appealing views, especially at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. This sanctuary not only offers a second chance to abused animals, but has tours so you can meet them too! On the other hand, take for a wilder experience at the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. Boasting 160 acres of untamed wildlife, it is the perfect place to embrace the outdoors. Hiking, photography, biking, and kayaking are some pursuits that will keep you active and entertained. That said, keep your eyes peeled as you might spot the occasional bald eagle flying above the treeline. So, from its homely vibe to its wild surroundings, Saugerties is a mesmerizing mix of New York’s charm.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown showcases a different side of upstate New York, more suited towards cultural travelers. Established more than 250 years ago, the town is a wellspring of heritage, with tons of interesting stories to learn about. Explore the myriad of sites such as the Fenimore Art Museum, Farmers’ Museum, and Glimmerglass Opera. The Fenimore Art Museum is a building of grandeur with galleries showcasing Native American art, local paintings, and more. Meanwhile, the Glimmerglass Opera is a magnificent venue that hosts an annual art festival. From lesser-known plays to famous musicals, it is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. That said, you cannot consider your trip to Cooperstown complete without visiting the famous National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. One of the most important Baseball sites in the world, this 1936 building is a testament to the sport’s history. Exhibits, information, merchandise, and artifacts abound, Baseball fans will rejoice here! So, if you’re here for the culture, you will never want to leave.
While the heritage is abundant, Cooperstown also has a lot more to offer. Home to a quaint population of 1,800, the town has a surprising amount of vibrance throughout. Explore the bustling Main Street where one can spend the day shopping, eating, or just having fun. With tons of adventurers and locals enjoying their time, you won’t have trouble joining in! On the flip side, if you’re not much for crowded areas, head out to the peaceful environment of Otsego Lake. Sitting along Coopertown’s southern shore, it is a beauty to behold, with crystal clear waters and verdant greenery. Whether you want to head out on a boat, go swimming, or cast a line along the coast, there are plenty of options to enjoy the scenery. So, from remembering the past to having a lakeside blast, Cooperstown is a cozy destination in upstate New York.
Ithaca
Home to the famous Cornell University, few towns have a cozy environment like Ithaca. Full of 32,000 locals, tons of students, and curious tourists, there is an uplifting energy from the moment you arrive. Load up on tons of fun destinations as you head into downtown Ithaca. For example, one can take an artistic route with the colorful murals, theatres, and art-house cinema! Or, grab a meal at the Ithaca Ale House, a lovely bar & girl with rotating craft beers. After your meal, follow the crowd of students back to Cornell’s campus for an insight into what makes Ithaca famous. Perched atop a hill, the 750-acre campus offers panoramic views of the town and its surrounding greenery. Inside, one will find unique architectural styles, Sage Chapel, Wing Hall, and McGraw Tower, which are a treat for all kinds of travelers.
As you look down from campus, you may spot the massive Cayuga Lake in all its glory. So, why not check it out? A hot spot for the locals, this lake spellbinds people with its reflective waters. Hop in for a range of activities like swimming, jet skiing, and boating for some fun under the sun. Along with the lake, there are also tons of appealing formations nearby! For example, Ithaca Falls, one of the town’s 100+ waterfalls, is a 100-foot-tall combination of jagged rocks and crashing water! Perfect for pictures, it is one of the top attractions in the county. One can also enter nature’s embrace with at the nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park. Reminiscent of a fantasy novel with its thick forests, people love hiking, fishing, and camping in the peaceful park.
Penn Yan
This historic town in Yates County is the perfect place to step back in time with some wine. Penn Yan is home to one of the oldest mills in the United States, The Birkett Mills, which was founded in 1797. Visit the ancient structure which has been one of the world’s largest buckwheat manufacturers for hundreds of years. As of today, visitors love spending their time in the local shop to buy some of the organic wheat, merchandise, and flour. Not to mention, the mill lies near plenty of other heritage hotspots like the Yates County Courthouse, Knapp Hotel, and Struble’s Arcade. Outside of the historic district, Penn Yan is a drinker’s delight, with some of the best wineries in the region. From touring the scenic Fox Run Vineyards to tasting wine along Keuka Lake, it is the perfect place for an evening drink! Not to mention, there are plenty of hiking trails in the vicinity so you can always walk off the calories later on!
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, ode to its name, is a wonderland full of cultural beauty and natural springs. Sporting the slogan “Health, History, and Horses,” there are various ways to enjoy a cozy vacation here. Its mineral springs hold the top spot, inviting tired travelers with their relaxing waters. For the full experience, spend a day at Saratoga Spa State Park which is full of tranquil springs, spa houses, and baths. But, there’s more to the park than just water, as one will also find the historic Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Showcasing tons of summer performances such as classical music, dance, comedy, and jazz, it is a great place to appreciate local artists.
If you enjoyed the shows, why not continue along with similar destinations? From horse racing to automobiles, there is no shortage of interesting places in town. For example, the town is infused with horse racing heritage, as it is home to one of the oldest sporting venues of the sport, the Saratoga Race Course. So, you can watch one of the races or head over to the nearby National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to learn about the sport. With these and tons of other quirky establishments in town, Saratoga Springs is an ideal family destination in upstate New York.
Watkins Glen
After Saratoga Springs, head to Watkins Glen, another town imbued with racing heritage. However, along with equestrian tales, tourists from all over are attracted by the town’s role in auto racing. Boasting the famous Watkins Glen International race track, it has hosted major events such as the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Cup Series, and Can-Am. So, for anyone who enjoys watching cars race it out on a road track, few places are better than Watkins Glen. Even if there’s not a race, the track hosts music concerts, festivals, and events so there is always something fun going on. Outside of the track, Watkins Glen is much more peaceful, with 1,800 residents up for a chat. So, you can opt for various activities and there is always an upbeat vibe. Most tourists spend their day shopping at the local Farmers' Markets or grabbing a bite at the Glen Mountain Market Bakery & Deli.
Outside of the town’s boundaries, the environment transforms from a quaint town to a natural abode. Every direction out of town leads to an amazing park, lake, or trail that is full of outdoor opportunities. For a complete outdoor time, Watkins Glen State Park is the place to be. Spanning 800 acres with canyons, gorges, forests, and more than a dozen waterfalls, it is an outdoors person’s dream. To this end, there are always people taking in the views with activities like fishing, hiking, skiing, and camping! For those seeking some other activities, the nearby Seneca Lake is right next door in all its glory. With private boats, rental sailboats, and even public tours, everyone is sure to have fun in Watkins Glen.
Geneva
Geneva is another lively waterside town that lies on the opposite end of Seneca Lake. So, adventurers who enjoyed Watkins Glen can continue their journey here! Most of the lakeside area is full of popular fishing spots, earning Geneva the nickname, “the Lake Trout Capital of the World.” So, there are always people relaxing along the coast looking to catch some trophy fish. The activity gets even more popular during the Annual National Lake Trout Derby, a challenge to find the largest trout in Seneca Lake. If you’re more focused on eating than catching fish, opt for the Annual Finger Lakes Brew Fest instead. With tons of food, games, music, and beer, it is a bundle of joy the whole family will love. Even if you miss out on these events, the lively vibe of Geneva’s 13,300 residents feels like a party in itself. From sipping wine on the Winewagen Tour to touring historic buildings on South Main Street, there is no end to the fun.
While the town has a bustling vibe, some people may not enjoy wandering through crowded streets. The town's natural hotspots are ideal destinations in this case. Specifically, Seneca Lake State Park is revered as one of the most scenic destinations for tourists. Featuring 140 acres of glistening water, verdant greenery, and a rich coastline, you’ll forget being close to civilization. Moreover, various boat launches make it easy to head out with a boat or kayak to take on the Seneca’s peaceful allure. So, if you’re looking for a cozy mix of relaxation and fun, book your tickets to Geneva now.!
These small towns in upstate New York have something for you, no matter what your interests are! From the mountainous trails at Catskill to the soothing springs of Saratoga Springs, there are plenty of ways to have a blast. Moreover, these towns offer a cozy reprieve from the hustle and bustle of urban living. So, what are you waiting for? Book a relaxing trip to one of these lovely New York small towns today!
