9 Towns in New York that Transport You to the Past

Upper New York is one of the prettiest regions in the Northern Atlantic Seaboard, if not the United States. Lakes, mountain ranges, and historical sites fill every nook and cranny. There is also an abundance of breathtaking museums and cultural points of interest. The following nine towns will transport you to the past, both by their seclusion from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities and by their carefully preserved structures.

This region is notable for its role in the American Revolutionary War and in forming the country. Walking the grounds of these tragic yet pivotal moments is awe-inspiring. The compact downtown areas are also exceptional. The 19th-century charm and architectural styles are on full display, and a day spent in town feels like a different era.

Cooperstown

Dubbed America's hometown, Cooperstown is home to the famed National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and is a town that transports visitors to the past. The museum is the country's homage to America's pastime and has an unbelievable array of memorabilia, exhibits, and live events. The town boasts several other museums that tell the story of this picturesque town.

Fenimore Art Museum is on the banks of Otsego Lake and was once owned by notable author James Fenimore Cooper. The museum houses America's most extensive collection of American folk art and the Thaw Collection of American Indian art. The district comprises over 200 landmark structures like the 1829 Woodside Hall and the 1802 Lakelands on Main Street.

Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga is one of the most historic towns in upper New York. Legendary Fort Ticonderoga was the first American victory during the Revolutionary War. Today, it is a national monument that hosts thousands of visitors annually. Other attractions will transport you to the future, which is one of the unique things about Ticonderoga. The Star Trek Original Series Set is open daily, and visitors are encouraged to dress in their best Star Fleet costumes and tour the Enterprise.

Afterward, a walk through the town will reveal the town's deep roots and evolution. Two districts include commercial and residential properties: Amherst Avenue and the Downtown District. Amherst Avenue contains ten properties built between 1921 and 1923, while downtown includes numerous paths and parks.

Seneca Falls

Scenic Seneca Falls is famous for being the birthplace of Women's Rights. The first Women's Rights Convention was held here in 1848, and the moment is celebrated at the Women's Rights National Park. The town also has a large district that should not be missed on any visit.

The 362-acre historic district comprises 25 streets and over 50 commercial and residential properties. The structures include the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the M'Clintock House, and the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Most of the region is off of Fall Street, and self-guided tours are welcome. Christmas fans will enjoy the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, housed in the original theatre, another facet that makes Seneca Falls so interesting.

Bovina

Bovina is a quaint agricultural community with rustic charm. The town, named after the bovine, is primarily cattle country. It has warm people and fantastic hideaway restaurants like Brushland Eating House. Many visitors come to the tiny community to taste the intentionally simple menu of American cuisine.

The Bovina Farm and Fermentory is a must-see location: a rustic farmstead in the Western Catskills Mountains. The farmhouse is open to the public and offers a glimpse into a working dairy farm, where visitors are encouraged to gather, eat, and drink on the lawn.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Shavertown Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Pepacton Reservoir. Fisk Auctions, a notable local event, showcases antiques and collectibles, adding a touch of community life to your visit. Just a short drive away, Andes complements Bovina with unique shops like Kabinett & Kammer and Wayside Cider for artisanal beverages.

Bovina gets passed over by those seeking more commercial cities, but the natural settings and clean living will bring visitors to a simpler time in the past.

Saratoga

Idyllic Saratoga is known for horse racing and is home to the iconic Saratoga Race Course. The small town also played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, and this feat is honored at the Saratoga National Historical Park. The park is where two monumental battles were waged, one of which was the decisive end of the war.

The year-round battlefield is open to the public and includes exhibits of artifacts and trails that have been seemingly untouched since the war. Derby Tours of Saratoga provides a unique look into the fascinating stories of this small town through an architectural lens that tells the story of prominent families. The Heritage Area Visitor Center holds much of the information about this town that seems to still reside in the 18th century.

Corning

Known as America's Crystal City, Corning is best known as being the home of the hallmark glassware. The Corning Museum of Glass was built as a 100th anniversary present for Corning Glass Works. It has the world's most extensive collection of glass art and boasts over 300,000 visitors annually. Corning also has one of America's prettiest town squares.

Historic Market Street in the famed Gaffer District is the center of attention downtown, boasting elegant red-brick storefronts and shaded streets. The charming district is home to over 100 boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, like the Mallard Club, that exemplify the spirit of Corning. The artsy community includes the iconic 187-foot Little Joe Tower, which can be seen anywhere in the Gaffer District and was dedicated by Corning Glass in 1913.

Ithaca

In the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is famous for its gorgeous scenery and for being home to Cornell University. The noteworthy university operates the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, featuring various classical and modern works. The town boasts many historic districts, such as the Clinton Block, Cornell Arts Quad, Devitt Park, and many others.

Downtown Ithaca Commons features a vibrant and artistic culture with an academic air, evident in the public murals in virtually every alleyway. The walkable district with brick sidewalks and elegant structures offers restaurants like Moosewood and galleries like State of the Art. The cultural and academic thread running through Ithaca provides a serenity rarely felt in bigger cities.

Cortland

Cortland is dubbed the "Crown City" because it is on a plain formed by the merging of seven of seven valleys. The district contains numerous National Register of Historic Places structures, including the 1890 House Museum. The architectural masterpiece is composed of brick and features spires and a regal balcony at the front of the building. The museum chronicles the Wickwire family, prominent 19th-century residents who founded the Wickwire Wire Mills Factory, and their legacy in the town.

Over 100 18th and 19th commercial and residential structures on Thompkins Street downtown relive Cortland through the centuries. Amelia Jenks Bloomer invented women's bloomers here, and an original pair is on display at the Cortland Historical Society. The society has many exhibits and photographs detailing the town's 236-year history and is an excellent starting point for taking a trip in time.

Lake George

Lake George is a tranquil and scenic hamlet in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Fort William Henry Museum is a must-see among the many sites that transport you to the past. The fort had a pivotal role in the French and Indian War, and today, there are live recreations of the battle, guided tours, and live events, especially around the holidays.

The Lake George Steamboat Company provides authentic paddle boats, one of the best ways to experience the town. The Minnie-Ha-Ha is among the last of America's paddleboats, and the Mohican is the nation's oldest continuously operated passenger tour boat. The tours provide a glimpse into Lake George and its natural scenery. After a day soaking in the history, stop at a local winery like Ledge Rock Hill. The rustic winery captures the best of the Lake George Spirit and includes tastings, a wine shop, and live events.

A Journey Through New York's Timeless Towns

These towns transport you to the past and are among the best to visit in the region. Their significance cannot be overstated, and this is set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Ticonderoga has a prominent 18th-century fort that was pivotal in the country's founding, while Cooperstown is home to the famed Baseball Hall of Fame, among other attractions.

These eight towns' seclusion and small-town atmosphere likewise feel like a portal to the past. Friendly smiles greet visitors in the charming downtown areas surrounded by natural beauty, especially in the Fall and Winter. Architectural buffs will love the various architectural styles that tell the tale of a town's progression, especially in towns like Corning and Cooperstown. These small towns have distinctive characteristics and are among the best towns to visit in the region.