9 Towns in New York With Thriving Local Businesses
New York State is known for many things but most especially as home to the financial capital of the world. With the two largest stock exchanges in the world, and massive investment banks and companies, New York City is a hub of world finance. Like the magical pixie dust that makes people fly, this financial aura of the Big Apple has rubbed off on several towns around the state and today, many are brimming with local businesses serving tourists and raking in millions yearly for residents.
Whether you are an economist or businessperson looking for a place to invest or a traveler looking for a spot to spend your money and enjoy great experiences, these towns in New York are great destinations to visit for their thriving local businesses.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring sits at the deepest point of the Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands region, serving as an escape from New York City. Here, visitors will be bombarded with sights of numerous businesses, from restaurants to boutiques, and more. To begin, the Cold Spring Depot is a foremost eatery in town, housed in a former train depot, offering outdoor dining alongside a beer menu. More thriving food establishments in town include The Main Course, providing tasty meals in a cozy environment.
Cold Springs invites visitors to enjoy a collection of amazing artworks and paintings at Buster Levi Gallery and purchase some as souvenirs while leaving. Poor George is the town's top lifestyle boutique, featuring a variety of men's and women's fashion wear, including vintage and handmade clothing. Cold Springs Antiques Center is one more business here worth mentioning, as it boasts a collection of ancient photos, earthenware, lamps, and more.
Geneva
Geneva is on the Northern end of Seneca Lake, where it prides itself as the world's lake trout capital. It also has a unique downtown shopping district full of restaurants, galleries, antique stores, cafes, and boutiques. This town is home to the Geneva Antique Co-op, one of the best places to shop for antiques at affordable prices and experience heartwarming nostalgia. Stomping Grounds is another thriving business in Geneva, offering books, gift items, frames, and cards for all seasons.
When it comes to dining, the town features Kindred Fare, the quintessential Finger Lakes dining experience, marked by farmhouse meals and communal dining. The Rusty Pig is another great name here, welcoming visitors to enjoy great craft food and beer while giggling at the funny business name.
For the love of arts and nature, head to the Vines of New York Arts, a women-run art gallery displaying nature-inspired artworks, pottery, handcrafted jewelry, soy candles, and photography (it is currently closed but set to reopen fall/winter of 2024). Fashionistas in town can always shop to their fill at Earthly Possessions Boutique, which has colorful jewelry and fun clothing collections.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown sits on the southern tip of Otsego Lake and is famous for hosting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Business-wise, the town is a beehive of commercial activities, with local storefronts offering various products and services. Here, local handcrafted spirits and whiskey are abundant at the Cooperstown Distillery, while mouth-watering delicacies are available at the little Cooperstown Diner or Doubleday Café. Danny’s Main Street Market is another food market that combines exotic meals such as gourmet luncheon sandwiches, hand-rolled bagels, and local artworks in one setting for visitors.
Additionally, the Cooperstown Farmer’s Market is open every weekend for local shopping, dining, and outdoor fun. For art lovers, the Cooperstown Art Association Gallery is on Main Street, always waiting to entertain visitors with amazing artwork.
Woodstock
Woodstock is a quaint town in the Catskill Mountains popular for its natural scenery, art, music, and downtown area brimming with local business activities. Bring your wallet and patronize the town’s businesses, starting with Pearl Moon, a family-run restaurant featuring American cuisine. Next, grab antiques ranging from lamps, metal toys, and pottery to fine arts and furniture at the Vintage Modern Antiques from April to December. The Woodstock Artist Collective and Woodstock Artists Association & Museum are more establishments where you can explore and purchase artwork in town.
Don’t miss the Woodstock Farmer’s Market, better known as the Farm Festival. This event hosts tons of vendors sampling local foods, clothing, fresh produce, and antiques amid music and fanfare. Other great businesses in town to patronize include Twin Gables (offering art-decorated rooms) and Sweetheart Gallery (with North American contemporary artworks).
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs has a statewide reputation for its mineral springs, which has attracted many tourists to the region. Once here, visit charming 15 Church for seafood, locally crafted cocktails, filets, and a range of other delectable delights. Or head to Olde Bryan Inn for sandwiches, steaks, and other great American meals.
Proceed to Crafters Gallery to shop for artworks, gift items, and home décor. Those who love wines can visit the Saratoga Winery to sip and enjoy light meals and music. Meanwhile, the Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open for weekend visitors and features music, local crafts, artworks, fresh produce, and more.
Clayton
Clayton is an adorable riverside town, bustling with local business activities for locals and visitors alike. For those who love souvenir shopping, the town is home to Captain Spicer’s Gallery and Gift Shop, which displays nautical items, home decor, clothing, and accessories. The Michael Ringer Gallery is in town for art lovers, exhibiting admirable paintings and sculptures made by local artists. Clayton is also home to several restaurants offering tantalizing meals, like Di Prinzio's Kitchen, which overlooks the St. Lawrence River.
More thriving commercial establishments in town include Hunner’s Market (for groceries and local produce) and the Lost Navigator (with beers, cocktails, and games). For lovers of wine and spirits, there is the Clayton Distillery, featuring locally crafted spirits and wines to the delight of every guest.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a beautiful town in the Adirondack Mountains full of thriving businesses to patronize. Twigs Rustic Gallery is a great place to start, as it features locally-made Adirondacks chairs, crafts, fine arts, and a winery for daily wine tastings. Critters is another great business here, lavish with clothing items themed after various animals and other collectibles.
Proceed with a cup of coffee at A New Leaf Coffee House and enjoy delicious pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and steak at Dancing Bears Restaurant. The town also invites visitors to enjoy art exploration at Gallery 46 or Guy Brewster Hughes Art Gallery and check out historic exhibits at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a historic fort town along the magnificent Lake Champlain. Here, visitors can start a day with a plate of palatable seafood at Eddie’s Restaurant, or make do with hand-cut steak and homemade pasta. Otherwise, indulge in a casual dining experience at Fort View Inn, which has views of Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga.
For shopaholics, Hidden Treasures is a great spot in town worth stopping as it boasts neat antiques, ranging from canoes and furniture to old paintings and dishes. More shopping satisfaction is available at Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe, with seasonal gift items, gourmet foods, framed prints, and colonial decor. Meanwhile, the town also hosts the TI Arts Gallery, welcoming visitors to explore local artworks and enjoy musical performances and cultural events.
Ithaca
Visit the charming college town of Ithaca and be swayed by its charming scenery and numerous local businesses. Here, Moosewood Restaurant has remained a premier business, famed for providing some of the best natural vegetarian delicacies in the country. Tap into its rich dinner, lunch, breakfast, and dessert menu to experience mouth-watering sensations created with ingredients from local farms in the area. Ithaca Bakery is an alternative for culinary indulgences, serving freshly baked bread, coffee, fresh salads, soups, and innovative sandwiches.
Turn away from the food establishments and shop for local products such as handcrafted baskets, pottery, locally-made soaps, and more at the Ithacamade. Art lovers can visit The Mink Gallery to admire and purchase its collections of incredible paintings. For weekend visitors, hit the Ithaca Farmer’s Market for a shop-till-you-drop experience.
These small towns in New York may not have the glitz and glamor of the famed Big Apple, but they effortlessly steal the hearts of vacationers, especially those with a love for shopping. Come with full pockets and step into their cozy downtowns to find thriving local businesses sprinkled across main and adjoining streets. Stroll along these streets, shop for antiques, enjoy local cuisines, sip on coffee, and be kind enough to leave tips and smiles as you explore. After the downtown adventures, head to their surrounding outdoor attractions and have more fun.
