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Upstate New York is among the most beautiful areas on the eastern seaboard, or in the entire country for that matter. Containing iconic regions like the Adirondack Mountains, Hudson Valley, and the Finger Lakes, this distinctive half of the Empire State is the perfect place for an escape from the huge metropolises further south. See why residents from the likes of New York City flock here nearly all year- from vast parks to cozy downtown areas; find out if any of these seven destinations fit the bill for your next weekend retreat.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid sits in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. As one of the most notable towns in the area, it is a premier destination for a 3-day weekend getaway. Famously known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, Lake Placid offers a mix of outdoor activities and other experiences that can easily fill up your time.

Many opt to explore the Olympic sites, including the Olympic Museum and the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, which still echo the excitement of notable events like the "Miracle on Ice," an Olympic hockey game, and a major upset, when Team America triumphed over the Soviet Union. More local history can be found at sites like the John Brown Farm State Historic Site just outside of town. This detailed outdoor museum will give you a deep into the life of the famous abolitionist who once called this place home on the eve of the Civil War.

Once you have taken the time to see the attractions in and around downtown Lake Placid, be sure to spend a day in the great outdoors nearby. Hike the High Peaks, paddle on Mirror Lake, or take a scenic drive along the Adirondack Mountain Club’s trails. In winter, Whiteface Mountain provides skiing opportunities with unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is mainly Known for its mineral springs, historic racetrack, and laid-back scene. Many come here year after year for weekends full of relaxation in its natural springs and beautiful outdoor atmosphere.

Start your trip to Saratoga Springs with a visit to the Saratoga Spa State Park, where you can enjoy a soothing soak in the mineral baths or check out the park’s extensive trails, museums, and golf courses. For a park with a more in-depth focus on the history of the area, the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the pivotal Revolutionary War battle, is just a short drive away.

For something a little more thrilling during the summer months, the Saratoga Race Course becomes a major draw, attracting race fans from all over. Other cultural attractions dowtown include the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), which will be hosting concerts and ballet performances in 2024, and the renowned New York City Ballet during the summer season as well.

Ithaca

Ithaca is on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the famed Finger Lakes region and makes for an excellent nature retreat. With stunning gorges, waterfalls, and parks filled with trails and campsites nearby, adventure outside is easy to find here. Ithaca is also a college-town, with a fun and youthful atmosphere to match.

Start your visit by exploring the trails of Robert H. Treman State Park or Buttermilk Falls State Park, where waterfalls and lush forests provide a perfect backdrop for hiking and photography. For a taste of the local agricultural scene outside of town too, visit one of the many nearby wineries or take a drive along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. The Six Mile Creek Vineyard is a popular choice, with regular wine tastings being held throughout 2024.

Cornell University’s campus, perched on a hill overlooking the town, features an array of wonderful architecture, the Cornell Botanic Gardens, and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of works from around the º£½ÇÉçÇø. Furthermore, a day spent in Ithaca Commons, the town’s main pedestrian shopping area, will give you a chance to sample Ithaca's eclectic collection of shops and restaurants.

Skaneateles

Another town in the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles sits on the pristine shores of Skaneateles Lake to the far northeast of the region. The crystal-clear lake, historic homes, and small-town vibe that can be found here are excellent reasons for taking three days off to travel here.

Spend a day exploring the lakefront, where you can take in the serene views and explore the Skaneateles Pier, easily accessible on foot from the dowtown core. During the warmer months, you can take a boat tour on the lake or rent a kayak to explore its calm waters. Also in downtown Skaneateles is the Skaneateles Historical Society, a destination where you can learn more about the town's longstanding history, including its role in the Underground Railroad.

See the wildland around town at parks like the Skaneateles Conservation Area and the Baltimore Woods Nature Center. These forested areas contain a number of easy trails winding the dense woodlands that this area is known for.

Hudson

The Hudson River has many great towns located along its banks, and Hudson is among the best for reasons we will get into. Once a thriving whaling port, Hudson has transformed into a bit of a cultural hub with a rich heritage that you can explore for yourself.

Begin your visit with a walk down Warren Street, the town’s main thoroughfare, where antique shops, art galleries, and a tasty selection of eateries can be found in its beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Hudson Opera House is another picturesque venue downtown where performances and exhibitions are almost constantly running in 2024, while the nearby Olana State Historic Site, the former home of painter Frederic Edwin Church, provides a glimpse into the Hudson River School of Art and stunning views of the surrounding Hudson Valley.

A visit to the waterfront park offers a peaceful spot to relax and watch the boats along the river, while the nearby Greenport Conservation Area provides a similar experience but in a slightly more secluded area just north of town. Come in the Fall to see the foliage change into a rainbow of brilliant colors.

Beacon

Further south of Husdon in the Hudson Valley is the town of Beacon. With a thriving artistic community, it attracts visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City and who are looking for a culturally rich retreat in upstate New York.

Beacon is home to Dia, a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, a kind of ode of its own to the industry that once built this town and many communities around it. This expansive space features works from some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, making it a must-visit for art lovers. Works from the artist Dan Flavin are currently on display, with more to come in 2024

Have some fun outdoors in this beautiful area too. A hike up nearby Mount Beacon will reward you with overhead views of the Hudson River. For something a little less strenuous, go on a leisurely walk along the riverside at Long Dock Park.

Cooperstown

Otsego Lake is an idyllic body of water that is full of ways to boat, fish, swim, and engage in other water-based activities. Many who come to this paradise in upstate New York opt to stay in Cooperstown, a small town sitting at its southern shores.

There is much more to do here besides spending a day on the lake, making Cooperstown a great place to spend 3 or more days. Most famous as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown is a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts. This top-tier museum looks at the history of America’s favorite pastime, with exhibits containing rare and notable baseball memorabilia. Beyond baseball, Cooperstown’s Fenimore Art Museum presents a remarkable collection of American folk art, Native American artifacts, and Hudson River School paintings, all set in a historic mansion overlooking the lake. A visit to The Farmers’ Museum will teach you about 19th-century life in this rural area, complete with a working farm and period-accurate demonstrations.

Plan Your 2024 Weekend Escape in Upstate New York

Upstate New York is among the best places on the East Coast to plan a 3-day weekend getaway. Whether you’re drawn to the arts, outdoor adventures, or simply the tranquility of small-town life, these destinations are sure to give you diverse and memorable experiences that cater to all interests. From the historic streets of Saratoga Springs to the amazing landscapes of Skaneateles, and the cultural significance of Lake Placid, your perfect weekend escape awaits on the northern side of the Empire State in 2024.