These Towns in New York Have Rich Cultural Heritage

Compared with many other regions of the world, the USA is a young country. Countries and towns in Europe, for example, date back thousands of years. The city of Jericho, in the Middle Eastern region of Palestine, is over 11,000 years old and is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world.

However, despite America’s youth, there’s a rich history from the Colonial Period and before that to the Native American tribes that shaped the land. The East Coast and the state of New York have some of the oldest towns, buildings, and historical sites one will find in the country. If you are looking to experience early American historical landmarks and period architecture, then join us on a jaunt through some of the best small towns in the state of New York, with an abundance of history and culture to see and explore. Many of these towns are also blessed with natural beauty and tourist draws like mountains, lakes, entertainment, museums, boutique shopping, and fine dining. 

Cold Spring

Located about 58 miles north of New York City is the town of Cold Spring. Cold Spring lies along the Hudson River and is surrounded by rolling hills. The town has a rich heritage. Founded in the 1700s, the town played a vital role in the Revolutionary War, by supplying iron to the Continental Army. Settled by Dutch immigrants, the architecture of the town has been well preserved and the buildings and homes display influences from both Dutch and Colonial styles. Historical landmarks include Boscobel House and Gardens, West Point Foundry Preserve and Cold Spring Trolley Depot. Cold Springs is only a short drive from West Point (United State Military Academy). Tours of West Point can be booked up to three months in advance, and there’s a bus that will take you around the parts of the campus that are open to the public. Cold Spring’s downtown offers excellent shopping and dining options, including the Cold Spring Antique Center and Hudson Hil’s Market. 

Cooperstown

The village of Cooperstown is nestled along Otsego Lake and is roughly 60 miles from Albany, the state capital. Cooperstown is a picturesque village with gently rolling hills, green trees, and a peaceful lake. The hamlet was founded in the late 1800s by William Cooper. Cooper’s son, James Fenimore Cooper, was a novelist whose novels were set in Coopersville or nearby. He’s credited as inspiring the nickname of the town, Glimmerglass, a term Cooper used to describe the beauty and tranquility of the lake. Must-see historical landmarks are the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, The Farmers’ Museum (as the town was originally built on donated farmland) and the Fenimore Art Museum. Commercial attractions include Otsego Lake for fishing and boating and the town’s shops and eateries. Glimmerglass Antiques and Doubleday Cafe are two fine examples. 

Hudson

The town of Hudson is located along the banks of the Hudson River and framed by the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. The town was settled by merchants and whalers in the 1800s and has a well-preserved historic downtown, with many buildings from the period. With the advantage of the river, the town became a hub for trade. There are hundreds of period buildings to view, but some top landmarks include the Olana State Historic Site (historic home and gardens), FASNY Museum of Firefighting and the Hudson Opera House (one of the oldest in the state). Warren Street is where all the action is today with art galleries and shops. The Carrie Haddad Gallery is one not to miss and Regan and Smith Antiques is the place to shop. 

Skaneateles

The effervescent town of Skaneateles is contrasted by the peacefulness of the clear, blue lake that bounds it. Named by the Iroquois, the town’s lake is considered by many to be the prize of the Finger Lakes region. The town was founded in the 1800s and became a center for industry including the production of wool, carriages, paper, bricks, and ironwork, among others. The historic downtown period buildings are well maintained. Some worthy historical landmarks include the Harriet Tubman Home For The Aged, the John D Barrow Art Gallery, Skaneateles Historical Society and The Creamery Museum. The lake offers all the typical water activities that draw tourists and is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the state. There are many quaint shops on Jordan Street, such as The Local Branch, a clothing store. 

Woodstock

Enveloped by the Catskill Mountains, the town of Woodstock has winding roads and verdant landscapes. The region was once traversed by Native Americans but was settled by European immigrants in the late 1700s. Originally a farming town, the town developed an industrial base in the early 1800s and later would become a haven for artists, writers and musicians. In the modern era, the town is probably most known for the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, which captured the zeitgeist of the age, peace, love, and artistic expression. The town has many period buildings and historical sites to explore, including the Woodstock Artist Association and Museum, Bearsville Theater and the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony. Tinker Street has all the best shops and cafes, including Little Apple Café and Shop Little House, a gift shop with arts, crafts and antiques. 

Saratoga Springs

The town of Saratoga Springs is nested in a valley and surrounded by rolling hills. The village is known for its mineral springs. The Battle of Saratoga, fought here, was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. This Continental victory boosted the spirits of the underdogs, over the British. Saratoga bloomed in the 19th century, when it became a luxury resort destination, because of its popular healing mineral waters and the development of hotels and attractions. The town became a hotspot for gambling. The Saratoga Race Course, with its horse racing, was one of the top tourist draws. The must-see historical landmarks are the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Spa State Park and Yaddo Gardens. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center offers entertainment. Broadway is the main thoroughfare of the town with shops and restaurants like Salt and Char for dinner and Piper Boutique, a clothing store. This is also where many of the historic buildings will be found. 

Lewiston

Located on the banks of the Niagara River, the town of Lewiston is surrounded by lush rolling hills and trees. Like many of the towns in the region, Lewiston has a deep Native American history. It is also remembered for its historical ties to the War of 1812 and is home to a military fort from that war. The town became a center for trade and transportation in the early 1900s. Don’t miss landmarks like the Old Fort Niagara, Lewiston Historic District and Artpark State Park. The Niagara Gorge has become a commercial attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider stopping by the End of the Road Boutique, a quaint specialty gift shop. If you’re an Italian cuisine lover, one of the best local eateries to try is La Cucina Di Mamma. 

Towns with Heritage 

These small New York towns are rich in culture and historical legacy. Their downtowns are charming and full of cared for period buildings and museums to tour. Many of these towns feature important historical sites where battles were fought, cultures were shaped, and heritages forged. They also boast other natural and commercial attractions such as lakes, mountains, and fine shopping and dining.