New York is a city that has remained on everyone’s lips since it boomed. It’s the center for fashion, economy, art, history, and architecture. What better place is there to visit?
So, what is New York known for? Well, when you think of an answer to that question, you probably think of the biggest tourist attractions in New York, like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park.
What if I were to tell you that there is so much more to the city than jam-packed tourist attractions? If you’re looking for unique places to visit in New York, you need to venture out of the main city a little.
Once you do that, you will find the best small towns to visit in New York that will catch your breath and make it hard to leave.
New York has a vast rural landscape in its upstate region. It extends into the Hudson Valley along the Hudson River. This area is lined with charming towns, expansive fields, and numerous waterfalls.
You can enjoy leisurely walks along the main streets, explore museums, browse through antique shops, discover hiking trails, and even go horseback riding.
If you move towards the eastern part of the state, you’ll find Long Island, which is famous for destinations like Montauk and the Hamptons. This place has beautiful beaches, thriving vineyards, and very upscale hotels. At the tip of Montauk, you can experience a sense of remoteness, gazing out from the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is often referred to as the “end of the world.”
Doesn’t that sound like the best vacation? So, let’s explore the best small towns to visit in New York to help you spruce up your vacation!
What Small Towns To Visit In New York As A Tourist?
1. Amenia
Amenia is located near the Connecticut border. It’s a small hamlet that’s filled with old architecture, antique shops, and scenic views. It’s a serene place with green pastures, woodlands, and the Berkshire foothills. This is a really fun place to go in NYC with friends because you can do activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, and hiking the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. You can stay close to nature at Troutbeck, which is a historic hotel spread across 250 acres. It has huge barns, streams, a heated pool, and fire pits. It’s a great place for a relaxing vacation.
2. Schenectady
Schenectady is just a short distance from Albany. This town has a vibrant main street adorned with classic architecture and a well-preserved street clock. The Central Park Rose Garden is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll. You can enjoy the sight of 4,000 rose bushes, a tiered fountain, and a babbling brook here.
3. Livingston Manor
One of the pros of living in New York is that you can enjoy the happening city life as well as the calmness of the countryside all at once. Livingston Manor is one of the best examples of this. It’s situated on the outskirts of the former Borscht Belt. This charming Catskills town and its neighboring Sullivan County have seen the emergence of new hotels and housing options. Some of the notable additions include the five-star Chatwal Lodge, the chic Callicoon Hills, and the environmentally conscious Catskill Project, which offers contemporary eco-homes. Some of the local favorites include The Kaatskeller, known for wood-fired pizza and cocktails, as well as Upward Brewing Company, Catskill Brewery, and Main Street Farm.
4. Corning
This gem is nestled in the Finger Lakes wine country. Corning has one of the best beverages in the city. The highlight of a visit is the Corning Museum of Glass, an impressive space that holds over 3,500 years of glassmaking history. You can even see the glassblowers in action and design your own glass ornament. If you’re planning a trip to New York, you need to visit this place!
5. Mount Tremper
Mount Tremper is located in the town of Shandaken. This can only be described as a rural haven with a handful of shops, places to eat, and local farm stands, all surrounded by the storied Catskills. The mountain is just one of the areas where you can hike. There are trails that ramble through oak and pine forest to a fire tower at the peak. The local shops are also among the best places in NYC to buy souvenirs.
6. Cooperstown
Cooperstown is known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but it offers so much more. You can enjoy art at the Fenimore Art Museum and music at the Glimmerglass Opera. You can even take part in activities like antiquing, golfing, and horseback riding. The town also offers accommodations like the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel and the charming Victorian Inn at Cooperstown.
7. High Falls
The best time to visit New York is either in autumn or the spring. Luckily, these are also the seasons when High Falls shines. You can find High Falls in the Hudson Valley. It’s a charming village that attracts city dwellers who seek a peaceful and scenic getaway. You can enjoy the natural beauty of pick-your-own orchards and explore the trails at Mohonk Preserve, including popular spots like Bonticou Crag and Table Rocks. If you’re an animal lover, you will particularly enjoy the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued animals like sheep, cows, and rabbits.
8. Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is filled with adventure. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you can explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. It’s known for its world-class wines. If you love nature, you can visit Watkins Glen State Park, which has 19 waterfalls and scenic trails like the Gorge Trail along Glen Creek. The Seneca Harbor Park Pier is also a must-visit attraction.
9. Lake George
Lake George has been a popular destination for nature lovers since the 1800s. This Adirondack village has a range of outdoor activities, like kayaking, parasailing, and scuba diving on the lake. It has over 100 islands, including Little Gourd Island, for camping. Lake George provides a mix of vintage charm and lakeside wilderness as part of the Adirondack Park.
Conclusion
A great budgeting tip for visiting New York is to explore the small towns rather than the main city. You can find accommodations, shops, and activities at half the price, and their much more scenic and enjoyable. So, take your pick of the small town that sounds the most appealing to you, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best small town in New York?
Determining the best small town in New York is subjective because it depends on individual preferences. However, some popular small towns worth visiting are Cooperstown, Lake Placid, and Skaneateles.
2. What are the friendliest towns in New York?
Friendliness can vary from person to person, but some towns in New York are known for their welcoming atmosphere, such as Saratoga Springs, Ithaca, and Beacon.
3. Where is the nicest place to live in New York?
The nicest place to live in New York depends on your individual needs. But, areas like the Upper East Side in Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and Saratoga Springs are often very desirable and comfortable.
