When you live in Manhattan, it’s commonplace to see film sets, movie stars, and television shows filming in your neighborhood on any given day. It comes with the territory in the city that never sleeps. But the state of New York has many beautiful towns that are appealing in their own right. While New York City is known for the hustle and bustle, there are many regions across the state with small towns known for their scenic views, quiet and stately essence, and historic preservation.
1. Briarcliff Manor, New York
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Briarcliff Manor, New York, is known for its gorgeous Tudor-style homes, serene atmosphere, and stunning views of the Hudson Palisades and the Hudson River. If you love shows like The Gilded Age, you will truly appreciate the exquisite, historic homes in Briarcliff Manor. For those who love a good historical fiction book or television show like Bridgerton or Queen Charlotte, this town has archived history with great detail.
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There are many interesting historic landmarks like the Old Croton Aqueduct and the stately Briarcliff Lodge, which reflect the town’s legacy of ambition, power, wealth, and refinement. Today, Briarcliff Manor provides a nice balance between tradition and contemporary life. The town’s local arts scene is thriving, and the town has many of the best nature preserves, historic trails, and cultural institutions of Westchester County. Briarcliff Manor is a great destination for those who have an appreciation for both the old and the new.
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2. Dobbs Ferry, New York
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Dobbs Ferry is known for its quiet elegance, pretty tree-lined topography, and breathtaking waterfront. Dramatically set above the river’s eastern bank, it offers sweeping views of the Palisades and a landscape shaped as much by geology as by centuries of human endeavor. Dobbs Ferry was once a very important crossing point during the Revolutionary War, and the place where George Washington negotiated the British evacuation of New York in 1783. That historical essence permeates its streets, architecture, and civic consciousness.
The town has many cute, independent shops, and thoughtfully preserved historic homes coexist alongside modern and contemporary design. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is a definite must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts. And, other historical and cultural destinations include: The Mead House, The Keeper’s House, the Zion Episcopal Church, and the Dobbs Ferry Playhouse.
3. Athens, New York
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Visiting Athens, New York, is like stepping into a beautifully preserved 19th-century film set. Known for its maritime history, charming and ornate architecture, and proximity to the Hudson River, the town is perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and those who love water sports. The village of Athens boasts Victorian, Federal, and Greek Revival structures, and the town has a wonderful aesthetic. Athens offers a small-town feel, but offers lots of culture and whimsy. For those who have a reverence for times past, there’s the Brick Row Historic District and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.
For nature lovers, there are beautiful hiking trails like The Willows at Brandow Point, and lots of walking opportunities along the Riverfront Park. And, for those who love costumes and wardrobe design, there are lots of unique vintage stores for scoring your next best wardrobe accessory. What sets Athens apart are its quiet streets lined with old-world buildings and its lively restaurant scene.
Are you feeling inspired to step off the beaten path and head to one of these three dreamy small towns in New York? If so, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s Itinerary Tracker as you prepare to curate where to eat, stay, and play while in New York.
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