8 Most Neighborly Towns In New York
When most people think of New York City, "neighborly" is probably not the first word that comes to mind. Luckily, New York State offers much more to explore. Within just a few hours' drive or less, travelers can reach towns known for their tight-knit communities, walkable downtowns, and laid-back vineyards. Whether you are from one of the state's smaller towns or from the bustling Big Apple, each of these eight towns offers a refreshing reminder of life's simple pleasures and the joy of community.
Ithaca
Ithaca’s arts and music scene offers a warm welcome with live performances, public art, and community events. Each summer, the town showcases Art in the Heart, an annual sculpture exhibit that fills the downtown district with unique installations, remaining on display for the rest of the year. Founded as a music conservatory in 1892, Ithaca College has left a lasting legacy of live music that continues to thrive. Visitors can explore the town’s lively music venues, such as South Hill Cider, known for its bi-weekly jazz shows, and the Community School of Music & Arts, which hosts an array of live dance and music events, such as the Winter Village Closing Concert taking place on January 12th. Tourists can feel welcomed all weekend long at one of Ithaca’s cozy inns, such as Argos Inn, a historic 19th mansion with antique furnishings and original artwork.
Cold Spring
Just a little over an hour’s drive from New York City, Cold Spring is a popular destination for city folk in need of a change of pace. The downtown district is walkable with brick-paved and cobblestone streets, allowing travelers to leave their cars parked upon arriving. Tourists can start their morning off with a coffee and pastry at Paulette, a cafe that also doubles as a boutique. Main Street is filled with friendly antique shops, with spots such as The Cold Spring Antique Center having plenty of vintage items to explore. For a light hike, drive about 13 minutes south to Anthony’s Nose, a well-maintained trail ascending to a beautiful Hudson Valley overlook.
Cooperstown
Dubbed “The Home of Baseball,” Cooperstown primarily attracts families with its baseball attractions. The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is one of the town’s most visited attractions, showcasing the history of baseball through artifacts and containing 346 Hall of Fame member bronze plaques. Traveling in a big group? Visitors can also rent one of Cooperstown’s baseball fields, such as Doubleday Field, to enjoy an exciting game on the historic field! Even if you are not a baseball fan, Cooperstown is known for its family-friendly attractions, making it a great vacation destination for those with kids. Families can visit Fenimore Farm and Country Village, for example, one of the country’s oldest living history museums, where they will feel immersed in 1840s village life.
Woodstock
Woodstock offers an eclectic shopping and cultural experience, highlighted by its vintage boutiques, antique stores, and art studios along the iconic Tinker Street. A visit to Woodstock Trading Post is a must, a country store doubled as an ice cream parlor that has been in business since 1972. For art deco-style vintage items, travelers can stop by Three Turtle Doves. Commemorate your trip with a quirky t-shirt at Happy Life Productions, which sells creative-print and tie-dye shirts. After a morning of shopping, explore the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, which offers weekend tours of its temple, artwork, sacred shrines, and intricate architecture. Another worthwhile stop is the Ashokan Reservoir, featuring two miles of paved walkways along a massive water source that supplies nearly 40% of New York City’s water.
Shelter Island
Accessible only by ferry, Shelter Island greets travelers with a calming and close-knit atmosphere. The Shelter Island Historical Society is one of the best places to start. It is housed in a 1743 home with photographs and artifacts that dive into the town’s past. Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is another welcoming attraction, featuring a 1737 Manor House on the property and a 60-acre, working organic farm. On any given day in the spring and summer, it is not uncommon to see local residents lounging on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches, including Shell Beach, Wades Beach, and Crescent Beach.
Canandaigua
Surrounded by lakes, vineyards, and parks, it is easy to see why Canandaigua residents have such a laid-back lifestyle. Near the 41-mile Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, visitors and locals alike flock to Canandaigua’s vineyards on the weekend, enjoying a glass of wine in local spots such as Acquilano Wine Cellars and Heron Hill Tasting Room at Canandaigua Lake. Those wanting to relax with a picnic or enjoy a cool swim can head over to Kershaw Park, a nine-acre park along the northern shores of Canandaigua Lake. To take a hands-on cooking class, travelers must visit New York Kitchen, a culinary center that functions as both a full-service restaurant and an educational space.
Auburn
Auburn’s community centers largely around its art scene, home to many theaters, art centers, and the Finger Lakes Art Council. The Art Council puts on various events throughout the year, such as holiday art celebrations and seasonal open houses, that are a great way to learn more about the local art community. For a live performance, there are plenty of theaters to check out, including the Auburn Public Theater, Carriage House Theater, and Rev Theatre. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is one of the town’s most important historical landmarks, where they can visit her mid-19th century brick home.
Lewiston
Lewiston is just a 15-minute drive from Niagra Falls but has so much to see within the city limits as well. Start off your morning at Orange Cat Coffee Co. for some fresh coffee, or get a banana chocolate muffin at Village Bake Shoppe, two beloved cafes in town. Afterward, hikers can head to the Niagara Gorge Trail to take in views of the rushing Niagara River from above or experience it up close on a speed jet boat. Those who prefer to skip the adrenaline and unwind can do so at one of the nearby wineries, like Bella Rose Vineyard, which offers varieties ranging from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay. As one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad, make sure to explore some of Lewiston’s history through monuments such as the Freedom Crossing Monument and the Tuscarora Heroes Monument, both of which honor the stories of those who escaped and the heroes who aided them in their search for a better life.
Embracing Community in New York's Friendliest Towns
It can be so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to slow down and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Whether you are planning on traveling alone or with your loved ones, these eight towns have inviting music venues, parks, farms, and cafes that will make it easier to connect and value community. Who knows—you might even make some new friends along the way!
