These Towns in New York Come Alive in Spring

Spring is a beautiful time to be in New York. The snow melts, the cherry blossoms bloom, and lush greenery is abundant. This is a great time to view the state's exceptional natural landscape and explore the smaller towns, as the temperatures are ideal for strolls.

A bonus to New York in the Spring is that the state, as a whole, is less crowded than at other times of the year. As the state shakes off the cold and starts to wake up, there are also cultural and art festivals. Let's look at ten towns that come alive in Spring.

Penn Yann

Penn Yan is a playful combination of "Pennsylvania" and "Yankee," a nod to its New England founders. It is a pleasant town at the northern end of Keuka Lake. Springtime is perfect for visiting the town's abundant parks and trails, like Indian Pines Park and Keuka Lake Outlet Trail.

There is also a popular historic downtown district with community events held throughout the year, like First Fridays. First Fridays are held on the first Friday of the month, when businesses close at five, and the community gathers for food, drinks, and entertainment downtown. It is an ideal way to meet the townspeople while also enjoying the best fare and atmosphere in the area.

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen is a stunning place for nature lovers and home to the Watkins Glen International racetrack in the Finger Lakes region. Watkins Glen State Park is a stunning preserve with 305 campsites, two miles of hiking trails, and 19 waterfalls. 800 stone steps and smaller trails lead around the park and give visitors a close-up view of the 200-foot cliffs.

There is also plenty of history to be seen in town as well. The historic district comprises 33 buildings at the southern end of Seneca Lake. The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is considered one of the finest waterfront hotels in the nation and is a great way to immerse yourself in the town's rich history.

Corning

Set on the Chemung River, Corning is home to the beautiful Gaffer District, with a classic brick storefront downtown and a town clock. It was named after Erastus Corning, the railroad executive and investor of the Corning company that founded the town. The district's centerpiece is the Corning Glass Museum, the biggest museum of its kind in the world.

Several guided tours and trails run through the historic district, including the chocolate trail, which will introduce you to the artisan chocolates in the sweeter part of the Gaffer District. Coming hungry is also a good idea, as the historic district is home to over 45 restaurants, including the fine-dining Three Birds Restaurant.

Beacon

Beacon is a bucolic town on the Hudson River known for its abundant hiking trails and art and dining scene. It is an enclave for artists, and a trip down Main Street will take you to notable art galleries like Dia Art. Housed in an abandoned Nabisco factory, Dia Art displays contemporary art, and the natural lighting pouring in from the skylights also makes the building an experience.

Scenic Hudson't Long Dock Park is a must-see, especially in the Springtime. A transportation hub in the 19th century, the only historic holdover is the Red Barn, which is now the Scenic Hudson’s River Center, which hosts art educational events. There are also numerous opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and family barbeques.

Woodstock

Woodstock is most famous for the 1969 rock concert and love-in and is now known as a quaint and eclectic artist town. This little Catskills oasis is a haven for religion, artists, musicians, and anyone needing a getaway. A walk down Tinker Street, the de facto Main Street, shows off some brightly colored wooden shops, and you can find vintage gear and delicious fare at the Tinker Taco lab.

After filling up on tacos and tye dyes, check out Bearsville Theatre on the west end of Tinker Street for some homegrown blues music. A Buddhist Monastery, the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, founded in 1976, is also open to visitors. The Woodstock Playhouse, founded in 1938, hosts live music and plays throughout the year, including a Led Zeppelin tribute show in May 2024, an ideal time to visit this unique town.

Greenport

Greenport is a small, historic seaport village on Long Island. Often touted as the perfect weekend getaway, this neighbor to the Hamptons is known for its beaches, fresh seafood, and a broad culinary scene. The wineries are young but worth visiting. Macari, Pindar, and Sparkling Pointe are just a few of the notable wineries on Greenport.

Walking downtown will lead you to some amazing restaurants, including Anker, which serves American seasonal fare, and Little Creek Oysters, which serves up some of the freshest oysters in the state. Greenport's blue waters are one of the biggest draws, and staying at the Harborfront Inn will ensure you are always within view of the spectacular harbor. This is an ideal spot to walk around during the warmer months, as it has abundant classic architecture and stunning beaches.

Hudson

Hudson, on the east side of the Hudson River, is a classic and artful town with gorgeous architecture. It is known as the "dictionary of architectural history," which provides the perfect backdrop for a mild Spring day walk. This former whaling hub has architecture from every major American period, including the Olana State Historic Site and the Hudson Athens Lighthouse, established in 1874.

Located on Warren Street, Hudson Hall in the historic Hudson Opera House is a popular event attraction for locals and visitors. It offers everything from live theatre to weddings. Hudson has a gourmet grocer, Talbot & Arding, which checks all the boxes on a gourmand's list. The premier grocery store in the Hudson region offers gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, and other fine dining options from a chef and cheesemonger.

Montauk

Montauk is a small village on the Long Island peninsula. It is frequented for its beaches like Ditch Plains and is home to the storied Montauk Point Lighthouse, built in 1796 in Montauk Point State Park. The lightkeeper's house has a museum with historical artifacts and exhibits that display the lighthouse's long history.

There are six state parks, camping sites, and amazing surf fishing, where many saltwater records have been set. Camp Hero State Park includes 415 acres of preserved nature, including trails, a beachfront, and a historic military base. After a day of walking trails, stop off at one of the local restaurants like Bird on the Roof for dinner or at Montauk Brewing Company for a six-pack of local IPAs.

Skaneateles

Skaneateles Village got its name from the Iroquois word for the lake it borders, which means "long lake." The town has existed since 1830, and the village of Skaneateles at the head of the lake was incorporated three years later. The Skaneateles Historical Society is not only a great place to learn the history of this quaint town, but they also hold live exhibits throughout the year.

Several parks allow one to enjoy scenic lakes like Clift and Thayer, which are ideal for a warm day. The Anyela's Vineyards is a pleasant and classy way to spend an afternoon with vineyard tours, tasting, and other events. There are refined hotels like the Sherwood Inn and the Mirbeau Inn and Spa, with high ratings and luxurious accommodations. This is a perfect way to wind down after exploring the historic sites and beautiful nature of the Skaneateles Village.

Few places are as beautiful as New York in the Spring. The natural beauty, historic sites, and live events and exhibitions provide a pleasant environment for shaking off the cold. From the hip and funky Woodstock to the classic wineries of Skaneateles Village, New York is a remarkable place to visit.

Bovina makes an ideal family getaway and offers fresh milk and cream, while gearheads clamor to Watkins Glen for its automobile history. No matter how you spend a warm and beautiful Spring day, New York has what you want.