These Towns in Upstate New York Come Alive in Winter
The winter is an underrated season to visit the Empire State. While New York is typically known for its towering skyscrapers and highways in NYC, the small towns take the spotlight in winter. There is nothing that says winter like the small town ambiance. They bring the charm of local community with the beauty of natural scenery together. There are many unique small towns in Upstate New York to enjoy. In Ellicottville, you can have fun on the slopes of the Allegheny Plateau. In East Aurora, step in from the cold and enjoy some time at the local theatre. Whether you are looking to enjoy the outdoors or stay comfy inside, these small towns are perfect for a winter adventure.
Ellicottville
Ellicottville is a small New York village with a big outdoor playground. The valleys of the Allegheny Plateau surround the village. When snow covers the ground, skiers head to the village to hit the slopes. Ellicottville is home to Holiday Valley Resort, which offers 60 slopes and trails down McCarty Hill for ample enjoyment.
Beyond the slopes, Ellicottville hosts winter festivals including a Winter Blues Weekend and Winter Music Jam. Around town, enjoy some of the quaint restaurants and breweries. A local favorite is the Ellicottville Brewing Company, the perfect place to enjoy a pint after a day of skiing.
Skaneateles
One of the most relaxing towns in New York is Skaneateles. Perched on the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles, named after the adjacent Skaneateles Lake, offers picturesque views. Even though boating isn't popular in the cold weather, the lake is beautiful to visit any time of year. Beyond the lake, Carpenter Falls, located on a mile-long loop trail, is another site to see in Skaneateles and makes for a great day trip even in winter.
Around the holidays, Skaneateles has a Dickens Christmas celebration that ends on Christmas Eve. The Victorian charm of the town extends beyond the holidays, with galleries that are worth exploring. A popular one is the John D. Barrow Art Gallery, which opened more than 100 years ago. The gallery features the paintings of John D. Barrow, a well-known landscape painter.
Seneca Falls
Another town located on the Finger Lakes is Seneca Falls. Known as the Historic Gateway to the Finger Lakes, Seneca Falls is one of the most popular summer destinations. However, the town still has charm in the winter. During the colder months, Seneca Falls looks like the setting for a Hallmark Christmas movie. In fact, Seneca Falls has earned fame as the 'real' Bedford Falls, because in winter, it resembles the inspiration for the fictional town. The town is proud of its connection to 'It's a Wonderful Life' and even has an 'It's a Wonderful Life' museum to explore.
Enjoy the scenery of Seneca Falls with a walk around the picturesque Cayuga-Seneca Canal. The canal starts at the convergence of the Seneca and Clyde rivers near Mays Point and goes towards Seneca Lake.
Beyond its natural beauty, Seneca Falls is famous for its focus on women's rights. It is home to the National Women's Rights Hall of Fame, where you can learn about some of America's most famous and influential women.
Corning
A town that shines in winter is Corning. The Crystal City has a particular sparkle when snow covers the streets. Walk around the main street to see the stunning clocktower and bright lights covering the trees. Corning is well known for its innovative glass art and technology. The town is home to the Museum of Glass, where you can see 3,500 years of historic glass and experience daily live glassblowing shows. Another museum to check out in town is the Rockwell Museum, featuring a world-class collection of Western and contemporary Native American Art, and other exhibits focusing on "Art About America". To learn more about local history, check out the Heritage Village of the Finger Lakes. In winter, the history seems to come to life as you visit the one-room log cabin in the cold. Throughout the year, the Heritage Village hosts special events to immerse visitors in history.
East Aurora
East Aurora is a quaint New York village just 25 miles from downtown Buffalo. The town has some unique historic attractions to visit. One of them is the Aurora Theatre, dating back to 1925 and located in the heart of the village. Another local historic spot is the old-fashioned Vidler's 5 & 10 Variety Store. The store sells a wide variety of items, including candy, retro and collectible toys, office supplies, candles, home décor, and souvenirs. It has also served as a backdrop for movies and spans nearly a block of the street. The storefront is a great photo op opportunity.
To experience some quiet away from the town, visit Knox Farm State Park. The park is 633 acres with 400 acres of grasslands and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds, and wetland areas. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing on the trails.
New Paltz
Just 90 minutes from New York City is the small town of New Paltz. The town is most famous for a branch of the State University of New York and the Mohonk Mountain House resort, which dates back to 1869, making it over 150 years old. The Mountain House, a Victorian Castle, is located a fifteen-minute drive outside of town. In the winter, the snow dusting the castle creates a magical scene. Besides the resort, there is plenty of nature to enjoy in New Paltz, including the Lemon Squeeze hike, one of the top hiking trails in the area.
New Paltz is also home to the National Historic Landmark District, boasting more than 300 years of history across seven historic stone-house-museums. Additionally, there is a reconstructed 1717 church worth visiting.
Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck is a small Hudson Valley town, known as one of the most beautiful small towns in America. It offers an abundance of charming boutiques and historic sites. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the town's historic sites, such as the Beekman Arms, reputed to be one of the oldest inns in America, having opened in 1766.
Another historic attraction in Rhinebeck is Wilderstein, a 19th-century Queen-Anne-style country house on the Hudson River. Once the home of Margaret Suckley, a cousin and confidante of Franklin Roosevelt, it features 40 acres of grounds with 3 miles of trails offering picturesque views of the Hudson River. For more of Rhinebeck's natural beauty, the trails at Ferncliff Forest provide some of the best views in the Hudson Valley, especially beautiful any time of year. Remember to dress in layers during winter to stay warm.
Something For Everyone
Upstate New York is a popular tourist destination year-round. However, winter is an underrated season to visit. Although the weather may be colder, crowds are typically smaller, and there is a cozy charm enhanced by the snow. This is especially true in small towns where you can enjoy skiing or touring historic buildings. If you're in search of a winter adventure, either of these towns offers a truly amazing experience.
