These Small Towns in Upstate New York Have the Best Historic Districts

Upstate New York, known for its incredible state parks, pictorial lakes, its dozens of waterfalls, and quaint towns, should be on your travel list. If all one has experienced is the Big Apple, consider branching out and discovering what the rest of the state has to offer. Funny enough, there’s no universally accepted definition of the towns and countries that make up “Upstate.” Some say it’s everything north of the Capital District, others say everything above Westchester, yet others from Lake George claim they represent the term. Who knew? And if one is an outsider, let the locals settle it because you’ll be too busy enjoying the Finger Lakes, discovering the rich history, and marveling at the period architecture to care. There are truly some small towns in Upstate with historic districts that are almost too charming to describe. They must be seen and experienced!

Hudson

Named after the 18^th century explorer Henry Hudson, the town of Hudson is in Columbia County. In the 17^th century, the area was settled by the Dutch, who purchased this area of land from the Mahican people, an Eastern Algonquian tribe. It was once a whaling port and later became known for its antique trading. The town is bounded by the Hudson River, and most of downtown is a protected historic district.

Hudson serves as a living textbook example of American, Federal-style architecture from the Revolutionary War period. Hudson Hall at the Hudson Opera House is an 1855, 5,000-square-foot building with a grand staircase. It’s one of New York’s oldest theaters. Tory Savings Bank Music Hall is a stunning example of 19^th century style and is the site of a colossal period pipe organ. 

Today, Hudson is known as the “Brooklyn of Upstate” with its coffee shops and boutique shopping. Warren Street is at the heart of the town, and Supernatural Coffee and Bakery is a great place to start one’s day. Accessible by train and walkable, it’s easy to explore Hudson without a car. If one wants to explore nature on a hike, the High Falls Conservation Area is a great place to do it in the area. If art is more one’s speed, the Art Omi is a nearby 120-acre sculpture park.

Saratoga Springs

“Health, history and horse” is the slogan of the town. More than two centuries ago, Saratoga Springs became known as a popular resort for its mineral springs. It’s also the home of the Saratoga Race Course and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A recent New York Times article described the town as “An urban oasis” (nytimes.com). The southern section of Broadway’s commercial historic district has many period buildings from the days of the town’s founding.

There are also historic neighborhoods with lovely Victorian homes. The Adelphi Hotel on Broadway was built in 1877 and is the last 19^th century era hotel in the area. Bethesda Episcopal Church on Washington Street is an 1842 Gothic Revival. City Hall on Broadway is a stunning three-story brick building from 1871. Consider Saratoga Springs Tours for a walking tour of the historic architecture of the town that will take you through the downtown, the neighborhoods and Congress Park. 

Cooperstown

Their official website described the town as “…America’s hometown, Cooperstown has small-town charm and world-class attractions…” (thisiscooperstown.com). Located in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains and along Otsego Lake, the town of Cooperstown is roughly 60-some miles from Albany and Syracuse. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, as this town is where baseball, America’s pastime, was born.

The Farmers’ Museum was originally opened in 1944 on the land once owned by James Fenimore Cooper. Cooper was a novelist who coined the term “Glimmerglass” to describe Otsego Lake in his 1841 novel, The Deerslayer. The term caught on and is shared with the name of the local opera house, school, and popular annual festival, where operas and musicals are enjoyed in the lakeside opera house.

Included in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980, the historic district of the town includes hundreds of period buildings and the local post office. Be sure to explore the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, Hyde Hall (a purportedly haunted British American country house from the time of Jane Austen) and the Leatherstocking Trolley, a tour that will take one to all the must-see sites and historic places.

Aurora

Aurora is a college town located along the shores of Cayuga Lake. The picturesque village in the Finger Lakes Region is a hidden gem. Named Chonodote by the Indigenous people thousands of years ago. The village was later settled during the Colonial period but was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. Aurora has been the site of notable schools and seminaries, but the town is probably best known for Wells College (for the education of women). The college lies at the heart of the town and is still its largest employer.

The Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes Aurora Steam Grist Mill and Mosher Farmstead. Founded in 1789, the Inns of Aurora is a 4.5-star gorgeous luxury hotel and property, which is the ideal place to stay in town and offers a spa and lake views. Just strolling around the Rockwellian downtown there are so many period buildings to see and quaint restaurants to try, like the Fargo Bar and Grill. One might also attend a show at the Morgan Opera House, stop by the Village Market or sample the local wine in the Finger Lakes Wine Region. 

Skaneateles

The lively downtown of Skaneateles lies along the lovely blue of Skaneateles Lake. The name means “long lake” in the Iroquois tongue. There’s a real sense of community in this town with a series of fun festivals throughout the year, including Fall Fest, Curbstone Festival, Dickens Christmas, Easter Scavenger Hunt and the Antique and Classic Boat Show. There’s excellent dining and shopping from the Bluewater Grill, with its lake views to the farmer’s market to the boutique clothing and accessories of Bev and Company.

There are many water activities to enjoy in this town, as well. However, their 17 acres of the historic district with its well-preserved 19^th through 20^th century residences and commercial buildings is worth a look. The Skaneateles Historical Society has a fine walking tour, where one will see the Packwood House (now Sherwood Inn), 1 National Bank and the 1835 Thayer Mansion, among other period sites. 

Rhinebeck

Part of both the greater New York metropolitan area and the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area is the town of Rhinebeck. Known for its pretty parks and gardens, the town also boasts a rich colonial history and was an economic hub in the 18^th century. Besides experiencing the tranquility and beauty of their gardens and green spaces, the town offers over 40 specialty shops and a thriving arts and culture scene. Irwin Garden is one such shop with fresh and dried flowers, apothecary, and antiques. Betsy Jacaruso Studio and Gallery features landscapes and botanicals in watercolor and oil with weekly classes in painting and drawing. Then there’s the Dutchess County Fairgrounds which is the site of the Dutchess County Fair. The historic district encompasses 167 acres with 272 buildings and 200 years of settlement history. One notable landmark, among many 18^th century buildings and homes of various styles, is The Beekman Arms, which is America’s oldest operating inn. 

Canandaigua

On the northern end of Canandaigua Lake, the town of Canandaigua was a center for the agricultural industry in the 19^th century. Presently, it offers spectacular views, boating and water activities. There’s also a remarkable historic district with the Granger Homestead being one of the jewels at the heart of many carefully maintained 19^th century architectural wonders. The 1812 courthouse, First Congregational Church, and the abundant examples of Federal and Greek Revival homes, make Canandaigua a must for history lovers and admirers of period architecture. There’s more than lake views and real estate to admire, this town offers wine tasting at the Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience and the Lake Brewery Tour. For those looking for something more active, don’t miss the Aerial Adventure Park.

The Best Historic Districts in Upstate New York

For those who appreciate enchanting little towns full of deep history, grand architecture, lovely vistas, art, festival scenes and nature activities, consider visiting Upstate New York and enjoying all this state has to offer.