8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Upstate New York
For most people, New York conjures images of soaring skyscrapers, bright neon lights, massive billboards, and the indelible Statue of Liberty. True to its moniker, The City That Never Sleeps, New York is also synonymous with a vibrant energy and fast-paced tempo. Here’s the good news: Those longing to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and other heavily populated areas don’t have to abscond from the Empire State to do so! Below are eight hidden gems in upstate New York waiting to be explored, each offering a more subdued rhythm without compromising on beauty and charm.
Cooperstown
Set at the southern tip of Otsego Lake, Cooperstown is by no means a secret to fans of America’s Pastime. Here, you’ll find the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which boasts an impressive Plaque Gallery and several interesting artifacts and interactive exhibits paying homage to the hallowed sport. Be sure to visit the Fenimore Art Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of American and Native American artwork.
Nearby at the Farmers’ Museum, one of the oldest living history museums in the United States, you’ll be treated to craft demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities that shed light on rural life in the 19th century. Hyde Hall, a grand home of nearly 50 rooms built by landowner George Clarke, was likely the largest domestic structure built in the US between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, for its part, is the oldest covered bridge in the country. Beyond arts and culture, you can enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and kayaking. Shoppers rejoice: Antique shops, farmers’ markets, and specialty shops are aplenty.
Auburn
Auburn lives up to its nickname of History’s Hometown, offering a rich array of cultural activities. Start your visit by checking out interactive displays showcasing New York State’s progressive roots at the Welcome Center. Auburn is historically significant for its ties to Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and social activist who made 13 missions to rescue roughly 70 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad. Tour the Harriet Tubman Home and pay your respects at Fort Hill Cemetery, where she was buried with military honors. The only home owned by Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State William H. Seward, who sold Tubman seven acres of land, is accessible to the public via guided tours. Founded in 1936, the Cayuga Museum of History and Art comprises three buildings: the Willard-Case Mansion, where guests can view displays of local art, and the Carriage House Theater, which now operates as a multi-arts space. Children of all ages can enjoy a wide selection of books and games at the Seymour Library, while nature lovers can savor splendid lake views at Emerson Park.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs has been dubbed the Queen of the Spas for its rich heritage as a health resort. It was entrepreneur Gideon Putnam who sought to create a spa resort amid the wilderness upon uncovering several mineral springs in the early 1800s. He named one Hamilton Spring after New Yorker and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Mineral water, in effect, contributed exponentially to the area’s growth as visitors were drawn to its supposedly medicinal properties. This commitment to wellness lives on at Saratoga Spa State Park, where you’ll find classical bath and spa houses along with mineral baths. Other points of interest at the park include the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the National Museum of Dance, and the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Saratoga National Historical Park features the Saratoga Monument, which memorializes the American victory in the Battle of Saratoga. Learn more about this turning point in the Revolutionary War through exhibits and educational films; you can even explore the ten-mile historic around the battlefield on foot or by car, bike, or tour bus. If you’re into horses, you’ll be happy to know that the Saratoga Race Course is recognized as the oldest sport facility in the US. Take a leisurely stroll at Congress Park, open year-round, or work in some mountain biking at the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve.
Seneca Falls
History, charm, and plentiful activities collide in Seneca Falls, the Birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement. Comprising 25.3 square miles and home to nearly 9,000 residents, it’s the largest community in Seneca County. The first settlers along the Seneca River arrived in the area in the late 18th century with orders from General George Washington to remove the Cayuga Indians from the Finger Lakes region. Gradually, the area became a hotbed for social reform on issues ranging from women’s rights and slavery to temperance.
Among the fantastic historical sites on offer are Women’s Rights National Historical Park, which commemorates the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, which celebrates important contributions by American women. The Seneca Falls Historic District encompasses approximately 50 structures on 362 acres that have been preserved and deemed of lasting value. For further context on the history of this lovely town, tour the 23-room Victorian mansion that houses the Seneca Falls Historical Society. After a busy day sightseeing, stop by the 576-acre Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve for some quiet respite.
Kingston
If a beautiful town that suits diverse interests is on your radar, look no further than Kingston. Situated 91 miles north of New York City, it became New York’s first capital in 1777. That same year, it was burned in the Battles of Saratoga by the British during the Revolutionary War. Lined with a myriad of quaint boutiques and restaurants, the eight-block Kingston Uptown (or Stockade) District makes the perfect setting for an afternoon jaunt with friends or family. It is the original site of the mid-seventeenth century Dutch settlement of Wiltwyck, which was later renamed Kingston by Governor Peter Stuyvesant when it fell into English hands.
Almost two dozen of the town’s original pre-revolutionary stone houses remain standing and occupied. Structures spanning four centuries, including Federalist, Georgian, Greek Revival, Victorian, Art Deco, and Contemporary, will vy for your attention. Enjoy a marvelous cruise on the Hudson River, including a stop at the brick Rondout Lighthouse, ride an antique trolley, experience first-rate performing and visual arts, admire animals at the Forsyth Nature Center, or enjoy a number of water sports. Without a doubt, this town has something for everyone!
Ticonderoga
Like Kingston, Ticonderoga brims with historic charm. Gracing the shores of Lake Champlain and wedged between New York’s Adirondack and Vermont’s Green Mountains, it’s home to Fort Ticonderoga, a key site in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. Experience engaging battle reenactments, experience illuminating exhibits, and relish beautiful scenery at the six-acre King’s Garden. Remember to visit Mount Defiance for commanding views of Ticonderoga’s military landscape and to learn how the summit shaped America’s history. In addition, the Ticonderoga Historical Society highlights the contributions of the region to the history of New York and the United States. The Society is housed in the Hancock House, a replica of the Hancock Manor on Boston’s Beacon Hill. The Hancock House was the residence of Thomas Hancock, the uncle of John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and president of the Continental Congress. With a library, exhibit gallery, parlor, and herbal garden, there’s plenty to see inside and out. And whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, play tennis, or enjoy a boat cruise, Bicentennial Park is worth a visit.
Hudson
Offering a glimpse into the past with various historic buildings and museums is Hudson. Originally inhabited by the Mahicans, it was settled in 1783 by a group of Quaker merchants and whalers, and just two years later, it became the first city to be chartered in the US after the Revolution. Its proximity to the Catskills and other outdoor preserves makes it a huge draw for lovers of the outdoors. Meanwhile, its superb restaurants, coffee shops, and antiques along Warren Street attract foodies and shoppers year-round. Having earned TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award and been voted “Best Historic Site” in the Albany Times-Union “Best of the Valley” poll, painter Frederic Church’s historic home and studio, OLANA, is a sight to behold. Tour the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships on the Hudson River for 150 years. Alternatively, you can take in scenic views of the Hudson from Henry Hudson Riverfront Park. A favorite haunt of locals and visitors alike is The Spotty Dog Books & Ale, which doubles as a bookstore carrying over 10,000 books and bar offering a wide selection of beers, wines, and ales. Speaking of bubbly, you can also unwind with a drink at Hudson Brewing Co., the town’s first brewing company since Prohibition.
Geneva
Set in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, picturesque Geneva offers a rich history and a variety of attractions and activities. The village of Geneva was incorporated in 1806 and then again in 1812 and 1871 before becoming the city of Geneva. The town of Geneva, which surrounds the city, was originally part of the town of Seneca, but officially became a separate entity in 1872. The area has unquestionably deep roots in agriculture and farming, which is reflected in the wide array of farmers’ markets, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants throughout. Want to sample terrific wines while soaking up stunning lake views? Choose from several popular locales, including the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Ventosa Vineyards, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Three Brothers Wineries and Estates. The property surrounding elegant Belhurst Castle, which now functions as a hotel, restaurant, and winery, was originally the site of a Seneca Indian village and home to the Council of the Six nations of Iroquois. Located along South Main Street are charming rowhouses reminiscent of the buildings prevalent in Georgetown and Boston. Catch a live performance at the Smith Opera House, built in 1894, or go fishing with friends at Seneca Lake State Park. Geneva, after all, is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World.
There’s no doubt that New York’s allure extends far beyond Manhattan. In fact, the eight quaint towns highlighted above are steeped in history, offer welcome respite from city life, and feature an abundance of shops, restaurants, parks, theaters, and other venues for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast, wine connoisseur, or avid shopper, the sheer number of options at your disposal is almost dizzying. So don’t just read about them—book a trip today and experience one or all of these undiscovered jewels firsthand!
