One of the most well-known states in the U.S., New York is a northeastern getaway for all tourists who want to experience modern highlights and culture. With its small towns full of iconic locales and landmarks, such as the Saugerties Lighthouse and the Corning Museum of Glass, people often praise the state for its plethora of stunning attractions (not to mention the natural splendor). There is a bit of endearment to be found in every destination, with something for everyone to remember for a lifetime. These are the most charming small towns you can find in the Empire State that will bring out the best memories.
Rhinebeck
East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York, via Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com.
Most commonly recognized as the “Parlor of Dutchess County,” Rhinebeck is an architectural destination full of classical elegance and historical finds. At the Wilderstein Historic Site, a 19th-century Queen Anne Italianate country home awaits visitors who want to check out Flemish library literature, scenic overlooks, and eclectic garden moments. This villa will surely raise eyebrows for you if you are new to town. Ferncliff Forest grants a natural detour with 200 acres of old-growth landscapes, mountain biking splendors, and rugged wilderness just east of the Hudson River. Its famous fire tower is sure to catch the eye of photographers who visit.
Wilderstein Historic Site on a sunny autumn day, near Rhinebeck, New York
Take a trip to Kesicke Farm, where family-friendly vendors offer fresh produce like sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes. It also has charming pumpkin farms and a cute “Kesicke Bear” mascot that you can admire up close. Terrapin Restaurant is where you may want to be for delicious New American fare and casual bistro conversations in a heartfelt setting that was once a Hudson Valley church sensation.
Skaneateles
The waterfront in Skaneateles, New York.
Skaneateles, or “Skantown,” is a place travelers love to visit at any time of the year. The Skaneateles Historical Society offers a wealth of historical antiques and maritime relics, including boat displays, wooden toys, and artifacts that reflect the area’s commercial contributions. Those who visit may discover water-powered technologies from the past, as well as the Skaneateles Short Line RR, an interurban trolley that was once used to help villagers travel across town. If you want quiet moments away from crowds while downtown, then Clift Park is the best option with its fountain enjoyment, upscale community docks, and waterfront appreciation.
Charming shops and boutiques in the village center of Skaneateles, New York. Editorial credit: debra millet / Shutterstock.com
Wander around Anyela’s Vineyards atop Skaneateles Lake, and you may find friendly townsfolk and viticultural hospitality. The hillside locale loves to showcase its sophisticated grape wines that are noteworthy for any return trip. At Elephant and the Dove, Mexican cuisine lovers will want to savor mouthwatering tacos, cheesy enchiladas, and satisfying margarita mixtures while taking in outdoor window views.
Saugerties
A home decor store in downtown Saugerties, New York. Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com.
Saugerties is one of those destinations that deserves more recognition. The Saugerties Lighthouse is a charming 1860s landmark with red brick architecture and quaint parlor showrooms. This is also a rustic bed-and-breakfast option for travelers who are new to the area and seeking panoramic village views. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve offers vacation splendors with 161 acres of Esopus Creek bridge scenery and turkey meadows, alongside blue heron fishing and winter coyote habitats.
Esopus Creek Bridge in Saugerties, New York.
Opus 40 is a six-acre cultural highlight with an abandoned bluestone quarry, vintage stone sculptures, and terraces and ramps for trekkers to take on. It is also wonderful for those needing a slice of history at the Quarryman’s Museum, a 19th-century quarryman furnishing stop. Ohana Cafe is a cozy creperie that serves Hawaiian family specialties and the coolest kombucha around.
Cold Spring
Main Street in Cold Spring, New York.
In Cold Spring, it is easy to discover historical and natural treasures while learning about what the area has to offer. Putnam History Museum grants large-scale photography and 19th-century industrial and military endeavors on behalf of the West Point Foundry. You can find an interesting 10-pound Parrott gun there that weighs about 900 pounds, too. Little Stony Point is where you will find Hudson River beauty and sandy beach vibes. Its serene looping trails and old miner shafts are ideal for hikers who desire a bit of solace and historical comfort.
A section of Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, New York. Photo by Brian Logan Photography via Shutterstock.
Open for the season March through October, Stonecrop Gardens is 15 acres of pure bliss, featuring woodland rocks, Pit House dwarf bulbs, and English-style flower gardens. The Cold Spring Antiques Center is a former bank turned antique store that loves to sell cute knick-knacks and collectibles in a Victorian-esque locale. If you like vinyl records and oddities, this one is definitely for you.
Lake Placid
The Haus lodging on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York.
If you want a charming destination unlike any other, consider Lake Placid. Lake Placid Olympic Museum builds on its Olympic heritage with multi-exhibit displays of Lake Placid sports and memorable legacies of older players who were integral to Olympic history. You can find cool 1930s and 1980s Winter Olympic uniforms, torches, and equipment worn by players there. There is also the John Brown Farm State Historic Site for those who want to learn about a famed abolitionist, with added Timbuctoo community upbringing and slavery history.
Main Street, located in Lake Placid, New York. Image credit Karlsson Photo via Shutterstock
Take a rental boat out to sea with the help of Placid Boat Rentals, which offers convenient motorboating and kayaking pleasures to you if you want unparalleled Lake Placid viewpoints and enchanting Adirondack Mountain backdrops. Dine at Smoke Signals and absorb fresh barbecue scents as you eat splendid smoked brisket and enjoy lakefront patio seating.
New Paltz
Main Street in New Paltz, New York. Image credit Michael LaMonica via Shutterstock
Just south of Kingston, you will find New Paltz, a village town that adores its community and vibrance. The Historic Huguenot Street is known for its seven stone houses that were constructed in the 1700s by Huguenot settlers, with 10 acres of stonehouse contributions, ranging from French-speaking Protestant settlements to replica Esopus Munsee wigwams and ancestral homelands. At the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, visitors can peruse over 5,000 colorful portraits that date back to the pre-Columbian period. Contemporary residential art pieces and Asian metalworks are just some of the most fascinating elements you can find as you walk through creative exhibits.
Historic traditional Huguenot home in New Paltz, New York
Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful wildlife landmark with 56 acres of herbaceous plant habitats, oxbow hangout areas near the Wallkill River, and over 150 bird species all over the sanctuary. Maggie Mae’s Irish-style bar and mountain views are enough to motivate you to visit and bite into appetizing mozzarella sticks and jumbo chicken wings.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown, New York.
A village in the central part of the state, Cooperstown lies right at the southern tip of Otsego Lake. Visitors at the National Baseball Hall of Fame can tour through over 38,000 sporting artifacts, ranging from baseball bats to uniforms and trading cards. The landmark hosts many exhibits, such as “Souls of the Game” for Jackie Robinson’s timeline, “Diamond Dreams” about feminine roles in ballclubs, and “Autumn Glory,” which covers postseason stories and the World Series in the 1900s. Seeking local folk art and cultural vibes? Fenimore Art Museum has a welcoming presence to suit such aspects with comprehensive American Indian creations and family artistry made by novelist James Fenimore Cooper himself.
The sidewalk on Main Street in Cooperstown, New York. (Image credit: Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock.com)
For a blend of outdoor beauty and mountainous landscapes, the Leatherstocking Golf Course and Pro Shop is there to help, with its historic 18-hole golfing areas and breathtaking rolling fairways are the best ways to get out and see Upstate New York. Fenimore Farm and Country Village is more up your alley if you like charming farm animals like horses and goats, and carousel amusement that kids of all ages would adore.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake, New York. Editorial Photo Credit: Albert Pego via Shutterstock.
Also known as “The Nac,” Saranac Lake is a hidden gem that deserves to be seen by more tourists. The Saranac Laboratory Museum showcases tuberculosis treatment history and scientific advancements related to medical and technological fields. If you want nature thrills, consider Baker Mountain Trailhead, a hotspot for hikers who want rocky ledge scenery and easygoing summit exploration near Moody Pond.
Fall in Saranac Lake, New York.
If you have children who love toys and puzzles, Goody Goody’s Toys & Games is a great way to spend time in town, with its international board game collections and holiday festivities. The owners love to chat with shoppers and even help them learn different games with their open box products. While waiting at Adirondack Regional Airport for arrival or departure, be sure to stop by ADK Cavu Cafe, a quirky airport diner that makes the best bacon and French toast breakfasts.
Woodstock
The town center of Woodstock, New York. Image credit littlenySTOCK via Shutterstock.com
A quaint Catskill Mountains destination as a musical mecca and cultural part of New York, Woodstock needs no formal introduction. Thorn Preserve includes 60 acres of greenery and riparian forest relaxation that is unrivaled among other natural landmarks. Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is a famed religious retreat that doubles as a commercial and cultural monastery for travelers who want to witness Tibetan Buddhist foundations and scriptures. This is a great place for both believers and non-believers who want to enjoy inner peace and a shrine ambiance.
Prayer room at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Woodstock, New York. Editorial credit: Michael Pawluk / Shutterstock.com
For intimate nights, you can visit the Bearsville Theater, a performing arts locale with trendy acoustics, friendly bar service, and lovable local talent. If you would much rather have simple bakery tourism, Bread Alone Bakery is where you should be, with its organic wood-fired bread products, pastry delights, and sourdough satisfaction.
Corning
Street view in Corning, New York. Image credit: Khairil Azhar Junos via Shutterstock.com
Also referred to as “Crystal City,” Corning is a town that cherishes its glassmaking heritage. The Corning Museum of Glass is a typical stop with over 3,500 years of glass art creations and modern glassblowing inspiration. You can find Mesopotamian and Egyptian artifacts, sandblasting demos, and student-oriented glass workshops inside the museum. Others may enjoy the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, where textile furnishings, agricultural Starr Barn upbringing, and Federal-style Painted Post Tavern rooms make for a nice segue.
Gift shop in the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Photo by Kit Long via Shutterstock.
Soul Full Cup Coffeehouse is a tiny shop with large community vibrance, as it serves refreshing roasts and has the most appealing baklava in town. If you have a sweet tooth, then consider Old World Cafe & Ice Cream, a market-side cafe with casual sandwich lunches, gourmet gifts, and wholesome candy and chocolate chip brownies.
These small towns in New York are top contenders for anyone seeking a good time away from home. With each one providing a sense of charm and friendliness, combining historical, natural, and commercial interests, there is no parallel in what the Empire State has to offer. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar you are with travel in the U.S., few states can compare in beauty and awe, and this list will help you feel right at home in newfound destinations.