The Best Small Towns in Upstate New York for a Weekend Retreat
Upstate New York refers to that part of the Empire State located to the north and northwest of the Greater New York City Area. As no accurate definition of ‘upstate’ exists and the region’s specified boundaries are debated, it is usually assumed that the Upstate region excludes New York City and Long Island, while most sources also keep out all or portions of Westchester and Rockland counties. Categorized into distinct subregions such as the Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes region, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital District, Central New York, Western New York, and Mohawk Valley region, Upstate New York features majestic mountain ranges, abundant waterways, strong agricultural industry, well-liked tourist destinations like Niagara Falls and the Catskill Mountains, and innumerable picturesque small towns that are idyllic retreats for your weekend escapades.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, affectionately called “The Spa City,” occupies the Hudson River valley in east-central New York’s Saratoga County, approx. 30 miles north of the state capital Albany. Numerous natural mineral springs in the area have helped develop the town as an acclaimed upscale resort destination. With a population of 28,491 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, Saratoga Springs exudes a small-town charm in addition to being an art & cultural hub. The National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs History Museum, and Saratoga Automobile Museum are some noteworthy points of interest. Broadway - the town’s quintessential Main Street has historic properties, quirky shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and hotels such as Saratoga Arms Hotel, and The Inn at Saratoga. Roughly 15 miles southeast of downtown Saratoga Springs is the Saratoga National Historical Park - the site of the historic Battles of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War, and a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts.
Cooperstown
Otsego County’s seat of government, this adorable village is set at the base of Otsego Lake in the Central New York Region, around 60 miles west of Albany. A major portion of the waterfront village is included in the Cooperstown Historic District, comprising 232 contributing properties. Nevertheless, Cooperstown is best known for being home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, which draws millions of baseball fans yearly to witness the displayed baseball-related artifacts. Other notable attractions include the Clark Sports Center, Glimmerglass Opera, Farmers’ Museum, and Fenimore Art Museum. All year round, outdoorsy types can partake in multiple recreations at the adjacent Glimmerglass State Park overlooking the spectacular Otsego Lake, besides enjoying their stay at Cooperstown’s famed accommodations like The Otesaga Resort Hotel, The White House Inn, and Landmark Inn.
Lake Placid
This teeny village is situated close to its namesake lake’s southern edge in the Adirondack Mountains of North Elba town in northeastern New York’s Essex County. Founded in the 1800s as an iron-mining town, Lake Placid entices travelers with its impressive terrain featuring luscious green hills, lakes, mountains, and ski slopes. Widely known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, the town is favored by adrenaline junkies who look forward to taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and recreation. Winter sports enthusiasts must head straight for the nearby Whiteface Mountain which offers downhill skiing, ice climbing, speed skating, mountain biking, hiking, and gondola rides. However, Lake Placid is not just an acclaimed winter wonderland; the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, Adirondack State Park, Lake Placid Lodge, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, and Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort welcome vacationers throughout the year.
Skaneateles
An affluent village in Onondaga County, Skaneateles is rightly christened after its location on the Skaneateles Lake’s northern extremity at the eastern tip of the Finger Lakes region. Often dubbed “The Roof Garden of the Lakes” due to its high altitude, Skaneateles Lake - the ‘cleanest’ among all Finger Lakes, is the village's most popular attraction. The Genesse and Jordan Streets, which form the heart of the 17-acre Skaneateles Historic District are filled with countless mid-19th and early 20th-century buildings, retail shops, banks, boutiques, real estate offices, and eateries. Tourists can rest for the night at any one of Skaneateles’s prominent hotels like Skaneateles Boutique Hotel, The Bond 1835 Inn, and 34 State Historic Luxury Suites; or find time to attend the town’s annual festivals such as the Skaneateles Festival of Music, Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, and Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show.
Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay, a blissful Jefferson County town in Northern New York’s Thousand Islands region, is located along the southern shores of the Saint Lawrence River, near the US-Canada International Border. The town provides holidayers a close-up view of the islands and historic sites through several boat tours from the waterfront, aside from opportunities to engage in recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking in pristine waters. Spend quality time at either Capt. Thomson’s Resort or Rock Ledge Motel, after exploring some of Alexandria Bay’s interesting sites such as the George C. Boldt Yacht House, Boldt Castle, Cornwall Brothers’ Store, Church of Saint Lawrence, and many more.
Beacon
Named in remembrance of the signal fires that flared up from the Fishkill Mountains’ summit to alert the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Beacon occupies the foothills of Mount Beacon, on the eastern banks of the Hudson River, around 58 miles north of New York City. Initially, a factory town lovingly called “The Hat-Making Capital of the US,” Beacon witnessed an artistic and commercial rebirth with the setting up of Dia Beacon, one of the world’s biggest contemporary art museums. The many city parks including Mt Beacon Park, Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, and the Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park are ideal places to reconnect with Nature. Sightseers must not miss Beacon’s wonderful historic sites of interest such as the Reformed Church of Beacon, Bogardus-DeWindt House, Howland Cultural Center, Madam Brett Homestead, etc., and de-stress after an eventful day at the Chrystie House Bed & Breakfast or at The Swann Inn of Beacon.
Saranac Lake
One of Upstate New York’s most charming settlements and a year-round vacation destination, Saranac Lake is situated within the boundaries of Adirondack Park, approx. Nine miles west of Lake Placid. Nicknamed “The Capital of the Adirondacks,” Saranac Lake tempts outdoorsy types with its multiple cultural attractions and outdoor recreational activities. In the warmer months, Lake Flower offers seasonal recreation such as fishing, boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding. During winter, besides ice skating, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling activities at the neighboring ski resorts, travelers can take part in a yearly 10-day winter carnival. Moreover, the Saranac Lake Community Store, Adirondack Carousel, different art galleries, free concerts held at live music venues around the town, historic properties, and accommodations like Hotel Saranac - Curio Collection by Hilton entices vacationers visiting Saranac Lake.
Overshadowed by New York’s populous metropolis, New York City, the tiny communities of Upstate New York are waiting to be discovered by holidayers. Each of these small towns captivates tourists with its incredible natural splendor, fascinating heritage, luxe hotels, award-winning diners, vibrant celebrations, and a myriad of recreational activities. So, if you are on the lookout for serene locales to spend your weekends, these Upstate New York towns promise a perfect getaway from the cacophony of busy cities.
