7 Beautiful Small Towns in Upstate New York to Visit in 2024
Upstate New York is stunning in its natural beauty, no matter the season. From the historic Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes Region, this is one of the prettiest areas in North America. The towns that make up the region exemplify this beauty while adding their own unique charm.
You will find Niagara Falls, the Catskills, the Adirondack Mountains, and more here, but Upstate New York is more than just raw beauty. The historic areas, quaint downtowns, and architectural styles add to the region's charm. Here are the seven most beautiful towns in Upstate New York.
Ithaca
Ithaca borders Cayuga Lake and is home to Cornell University. The Cornell Botanical Gardens is part of the university and offers seasonal exhibits and daily tours. There are over ten natural waterfalls in Ithaca, including Ithaca Falls. The 150-foot waterfall is one of the town's signature attractions.
In addition to the natural scenery, there is much to do in town. The downtown area is a hub of activities and seasonal events. It is divided into sections: The Commons, Restaurant Row, and Press Bay, among others. The town is also very walkable, which is one of the best ways to soak in its beauty.
Watkins Glen
The small village of Watkins Glen is known for its 19 waterfalls, the Gorge Trail, and Watkins Glen International Racetrack. The Gorge Trail is one mile long and follows the Taughannock Creek before reaching Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Another notable waterfall is the 150-foot Rainbow Falls, located off the Gorge Trail.
Watkins Glen International is a historic racetrack that opened in 1948. The Glen, as it is known, hosts several racing events and live concerts throughout the year, which always draw big crowds. For a quieter experience, visit Castel Grisch Winery for a guided tour and taste some of the best wine in the region.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a charming town known for thoroughbred horse racing. Fittingly, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is also located here, showcasing the sport's history through art, exhibitions, and trophies. The town is also known for the 2,379-acre Saratoga Spa State Park.
The park is a National Historic Landmark because of its architecture, mineral springs, bathhouses, and the well-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center. SPAC, as it is known, has hosted over 1,000 performances over the past 50 years and hosts weekly events. The ten museums, boutique shops, and antique stores add to the charm and beauty of Saratoga Springs.
Cold Spring
Fifty miles outside Manhattan on the Hudson River is the scenic town of Cold Spring. One of the biggest attractions is Main Street, which features over 200 businesses that run to the Hudson River and include antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants along the route.
Main Street connects to the Historic District, which includes the Hudson River Village and gives Cold Spring its charming character. You can also take a hike along the West Point Foundry Preserve. It is a gorgeous trail along the Hudson River and serves as an open-air museum of ironworks that once served the West Point Military Academy.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is primarily known as the setting for Washington Irving's novel, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It is also a quaint Hudson Valley town with many attractions within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, is one of many meticulously preserved historical landmarks.
The Old Dutch Church is another notable historic structure. Built in 1685 and organized as a Dutch congregation in 1697, it served the community for 150 years until a new church was constructed in nearby Tarrytown. Many cultural landmarks complement the historical ones, like the Headless Horseman Bridge, which is fun to discover. This makes Sleepy Hollow one of the most beautiful small towns in Upstate New York.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum pays homage to legendary players through exhibits, tours, and the Plaque Gallery, which features bronze plaques honoring the inductees. "America's Hometown" is also home to the legendary Doubleday Field, built in the early 20th century to mark Cooperstown as the birthplace of baseball.
The Farmers' Museum, the oldest living museum in the U.S., showcases the agrarian lifestyle of the area circa 1845. You can take a trolley to the famed Main Street, the hub of the town. Here, you will find numerous shops and quaint bed-and-breakfast inns. Virtually every inch of Cooperstown is historic, adding to the town's natural beauty.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a small village in the Adirondack Mountains. It is a popular winter sports destination and has hosted the Winter Olympics. The Olympic Center, which hosted the 1932 and 1980 games, includes three ice rinks and the Speed Skating Oval. Another notable site is the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, the home and gravesite of the famous abolitionist John Brown.
Walking down Main Street is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. The pedestrian-friendly downtown includes shops, lodging, and restaurants like Generations, which has two stories with an outside veranda overlooking Mirror Lake. One can spend all day downtown and never be too far away from nature, adding to the charm of Lake Placid.
Upstate New York is one of the prettiest regions in the United States. It is home to two mountain ranges, numerous lakes, and many waterfalls. The charming villages and towns that dot this landscape add to the beauty, making it a fairy-tale place to visit.
Sports have played a prominent role in Upstate New York, and several museums and attractions pay homage through exhibits and guided tours. Cooperstown is known for baseball, Saratoga Springs is known for thoroughbred horse racing, and Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics more than once. The historic sites and natural scenery make these seven towns the most beautiful in Upstate New York.
