It’s no secret, New York has been known to have locations that provide people with a bit of a tongue twister. In October, we'll double back upstate again (hopefully to see some fall foliage), and eat and drink our way through Hudson Valley and Dutchess County. Woodstock. See more ideas about small towns, new york state, towns. Summer is the most popular time to visit Lake George, when vacationers enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. For bird’s-eye views without the adrenaline rush, ride the six-passenger chairlift on Hunter Mountain instead. Living in Syracuse we have been to 4 areas. Others consider Upstate to be everything north of Westchester County. The Saratoga Race Course was founded in 1863 and is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to this small New York town. The Museum at Bethel Woods covers the 1960s and the cultural and social changes that gave rise to the historic music festival. Our 5 Favorite Escapes From New York City, 18 Best Experiences In The Watkins Glen Area, 19 Tips For Visiting The Corning Museum Of Glass, How To Spend A Long Weekend In Quaint Margaretville, NY, Sean’s Bar Is The Oldest Pub In Ireland, And Possibly The World, Graceland Announces It Will Hold In Person Events For Elvis Week, How To Spend A Fantastic Long Weekend In Lawrence, Kansas, For details on Gateway Blend's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, highest, fastest, and longest zip line in North America, the town of Lake George in the Adirondacks, Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, the best things to see and do in Lake Placid. And from cute towns I’d never heard of to sweet cities I know like the back of my hand, I had some really special moments. Glaciation blessed it … The castle was never completed, but it remains an incredible sight and attraction in the area. The town is estimated to host 30,000 visitors annually! Much of the population are students of Wells College, a small school that was once only for women. I’m using the Westchester County definition. Just have time for a long weekend trip? And just a few blocks away, the Lily Dale Assembly offers a variety of events and activities. For a slower-paced experience in Saratoga Springs, stroll through the Yaddo Gardens. Housed in the beautifully restored plant that once bottled water from Saratoga's natural mineral springs, this museum celebrates America’s love affair with cars. There are also many beautiful places to hike in this peaceful small town in the Adirondacks. But you can visit the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery for a different peace and music experience in Woodstock. Here are 34 charming, sometimes overlooked small towns worth visiting in Upstate NY. Then Hudson Valley is a great option – it's just a 1.5 to 2... 3. When you’re ready for a break, browse the shops, bars, and restaurants of the Ellicottville downtown area, being sure to pop into the Winery of Ellicottville to explore wines ranging from very dry to dessert. The castle was originally commissioned by George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Book Lake George accommodation here | Book Lake George airbnbs here. Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott of Everyday Wanderer understands the tremendous benefits of travel. These 11 Towns In New York Have The Strangest Names You’ll Ever See. It is hard to find as it was only published locally in New York State. (Get a flyover of the course here.). You can even sign up ahead of time to take part in a class where you get to learn how to make your own glass! The area is most well-known for the Corning Museum of Glass, which is a museum entirely dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass. A Taste of Upstate New York. Jump to a detailed profile or search site with . Road Trips | There's so much to see and do in Upstate New York, but one thing you need is a car. Raquette Lake. Like many of the other destinations on this list, Lake George is ideal for shopping and fine dining. If you like hiking, there are plenty of great parks and green spaces. For now, our plan is to road trip up to Corning in September, then explore the Thousand Islands. Which of these small towns would you like to explore most? Get a quote for your trip here. It’s also worth taking a drive up through Cornell University before heading out on your next adventure. Saratoga Springs is one of the loveliest small towns in upstate New York. The 16 Most Charming Small Towns in New York 1. A couple towns in the region (Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Hudson) are served by the Amtrak train line so you don't even need a car! It's especially great if you want to hike and don't mind being a little farther from town! Transition from history to science at the Niagara Power Project Visitors Center and discover the role the falls play in generating power. 12 small towns near NYC to visit right now. This recently renovated area in downtown Ithaca is the perfect place to spend the afternoon, with a mix of eclectic shops, internationally recognized restaurants, and more. Not too far from Minnewaska State Park, the remote area is a great place to take a scenic drive or explore... 2. Or enjoy a tasting and live music at The Saratoga Winery. This is a very popular destination during the summer and draws significant crowds at times. Then Hudson Valley is a great option – it's just a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from New York City. Nearly everyone’s heard of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, and visiting Woodstock is practically a portal back in time. There are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore. Inside a former school, the Lily Dale Museum provides a historical overview of the town. Note: Please check the state’s official website before you travel in order to ensure you are following all current travel and safety guidelines. New York Very Small Towns and Villages (fewer than 1000 residents) New York Very Small Towns and Villages (fewer than 1000 residents) ... Cities, towns, and villages in New York between 1000 and 6000 residents ; More data: Zip Codes, Counties, Businesses, Houses, Weather Forecasts. When hiking, watch for wildflowers like creamy white bloodroot, soft pink lady slipper, and bright red columbine. Ithaca, NY holds an incredibly special place in my heart. 1. Bethel. The Best Stuart Weitzman Lowland Lookalikes (Under $100!) However, there are millions of people who live upstate or on Long Island in small, welcoming towns. Ithaca. New Paltz. Activities & Points of Interest in Hudson, Book Hudson Valley hotels here | Book Hudson Valley airbnbs here. And for water views beyond Lake George, discover Lake Luzerne and more on this scenic drive. There’s a tranquility and quietness in Lily Dale that you simply cannot find anywhere else. It’s the true definition of a small town, with an estimated year-round population of 275 people. Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage Scott taps into her experiences growing up all over the United States and Europe. Inspired by the Renaissance gardens planted in France and Italy, this idyllic green space features flowing fountains, fragrant roses, and a woodland rock garden. Over the years, the town was the site of the first major battle of the War of 1812 and the final stop for American slaves seeking freedom in Canada. Although the hamlet has less than 300 year-round residents, it welcomes nearly 100 times that in visitors each year as folks interested in the paranormal and New Age beliefs pilgrimage to Lily Dale. Try the sponge candy, a Buffalo-area treat made from a mixture of corn syrup, sugar, and baking soda that’s dipped in chocolate. When we say small, we mean Aurora. The smallest city by area is Mechanicville, which covers 0.91 square miles (2.4 km 2) (of which 0.08 square miles (0.2 km 2) is water). To get prepared for our Upstate New York road trip, I've asked fellow travel blogger Holly, of HollyHabeck.com to share her best tips for what to do in the region. Check out these beautiful small towns in New York, and you’ll quickly learn to love the slower pace and fresh outdoors that make this upstate region the perfect getaway! Whether you’re visiting Upstate New York to ski, ice skate, or snowmobile in the winter or to canoe, hike, or attend a music festival in the summer, these are the quaint towns you won’t want to miss.