The Best Small Towns in Upstate New York to Chill Out In 2024
Upstate New York is significantly different than its southern counterpart. Unlike the urban sprawl in and around New York City, the much bigger northern portion of the state is exemplified by its vast wildlands, more laid-back vibe, and sparsely populated (compared to the bigger coastal cities especially) small towns. Here is a list of the best small towns that are worth a visit in 2024. Whether you are looking for a park to find adventure in, a historic destination to learn from, or simply a nice hotel or resort to spend the night, there are multiple locations that may fit the bill for your travels this year.
Skaneateles
Located in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, Skaneateles makes for a great summer escape by the water. This charming town, situated on the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake, is one of the cleanest lakes in the United States and is an extremely popular place for cottaging.
Be sure to take a stroll along the lakefront near downtown Skaneateles, enjoy a boat tour, or relax in Clift Park, which has picnic areas and places to go swimming during the summer months. To learn more about this town, the Skaneateles Historical Society Museum, located in a former creamery, provides exhibits on local history and the region’s cultural heritage. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve offer scenic hiking trails with great views of the natural landmarks within them.
The 2024 Skaneateles Festival will be attracting music fans with its classical and contemporary performances.
Watkins Glen
The town of Watkins Glen attracts visitors with its stunning natural beauty, much of which is easy to reach, particularly the Watkins Glen State Park, which features a dramatic gorge carved by glacial activity. This park has a network of trails and bridges, allowing you to explore a series of cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking rock formations.
Downtown Watkins Glen is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and local wineries. with this fertile region of New York being ideal for grape growing. The Glen’s historic district, also located dowtown, is full of beautiful architecture, including the iconic Seneca Harbor Park, which provides waterfront access and top-notch views of Seneca Lake. The park hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and festivals upcoming in 2024.
For those interested in wine tasting, the nearby Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers a chance to sample local wines and enjoy picturesque vineyard views. Watkins Glen is also famous for the Watkins Glen International racetrack, which hosts various motorsport events, drawing automotive fans from across the country.
Corning
Sometimes called the "Crystal City," Corning originally gained fame for its prolific glassmaking industry, highlighted by the Corning Museum of Glass. This world-renowned museum is a unique institution on the history and art of glassmaking, teaching visitors through live demonstrations and interactive workshops where you can even create your own glass souvenir. Corning also hosts several annual events, including GlassFest, a celebration of glassmaking with live music, art exhibits, and family activities.
For those interested in the history of Corning beyond its association with glass, the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes provides info about the pioneers who originally settled in this area. You will also find the Rockwell Museum located in the former city hall. This museum primarily displays features on American art with a focus on the American West and Native American history.
There are many protected forestlands around town, including Mcarthy Hill State Forest, and Goundry Hill State Forest, and for a park directly in town, there is Fallbrook Park, each containing pleasant walking paths.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains, is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. This small town offers a surprisingly large amount of attractions, including hiking, skiing, museums, resorts, and more.
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum contains memorabilia and exhibits related to the town’s Olympic history, while the Olympic Center provides you with ways to skate on the historic ice rinks within. Mirror Lake, located in the center of town near the museum, is a fun place to go kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking along its shores in the warmer months. Just outside of Lake Placid is the surrounding Adirondack Park, containing extensive hiking and biking trails, as well as spots for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Another educational landmark nearby is the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, the home and burial site of the famous abolitionist, which is home to historical exhibits and more scenic walking trails.
In 2024 there is still time for adventure in the nearby wildlands, while if you wait for the winter, ski resorts like Whiteface Mountain, are abundant.
Canandaigua
Sitting on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in the region, the town that shares its name will be a delight to visit in 2024. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including boating, fishing, and swimming at the Canandaigua City Pier and the nearby Kershaw Park, which features amenities like sandy beaches, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
This year, make sure to pay a visit to the Canandaigua Farmers Market, held weekly during the warmer months. Here, you can sample and purchase local produce, artisanal goods, and crafts made in the surrounding area.
For history buffs, the Ontario County Historical Society in Canandaigua will give you insights into the region dating back centuries through exhibits and various educational programs that are held throughout the year. Furthermore, the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a destination with lush gardens, a historic mansion, and walking paths, making it a perfect place for a walk at any time of the day.
Catskill
This historic town of Catskill sits on the banks of the Hudson River. This place is a draw for its artistic community and has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including those from the influential Hudson River School. It is probably most notable, however, for its proximity to the Catskill Mountains, a very well-known vacation spot for New Yorkers.
To uncover more about this charming place, the Catskill Historical Society operates a museum downtown that shines a light on the town's history, including displays about the area’s role in the American Revolution and the later development of the area as a holiday destination.
As you can imagine, outdoor adventurers flock to the nearby Catskill Mountains for the world-class hiking, fishing, and camping that can be found within them. The Catskill Park offers a network of trails and picturesque vistas, including the iconic Kaaterskill Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in New York. Also, the Hudson Valley, aside from being a treat for the eyes from its banks, is a fun place to embark on a boat ride, whether it is on a kayak, canoe, or motorcraft.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown attracts the curious and sports fans alike with its variety of world-class museums. Known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown is a top choice for sports enthusiasts from around the world. Along with honoring the best players ever to play the game, the museum covers the history of baseball through its extensive collection of memorabilia and multimedia displays.
There is more to see beyond baseball here. The Fenimore Art Museum showcases American folk art, Native American art, and 19th-century paintings, set within a historic mansion overlooking nearby Otsego Lake. Nearby. Moreover, the Farmers' Museum will give you a detailed account of what the average 19th-century rural life was like in this area, with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits.
The scenic beauty of Otsego Lake makes Cooperstown a popular destination for boaters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers, with Glimmerglass State Park offering hiking trails, swimming areas, and camping facilities too.
Kick Back in New York in 2024
There is so much to do in New York besides experiencing the crowds of the Big Apple (although NYC is worth visiting at least once). From the lakefront splendors of towns like Skaneateles and Canandaigua, the museums of Cooperstown and Corning, to the plethora of outdoor adventure that can be found in Lake Placid, it is tough to run out of ideas for a road trip in this upper region of the state.
