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In just a few hours, New Yorkers can leave the Big Apple behind and find themselves in the peaceful region of Upstate New York. Just north of the city, this area could not be more different. With the Adirondack Mountains, the iconic Erie Canal, and 167-foot waterfalls, it is a place where the beauty feels other海角社区ly. Many residents here are part of tight-knit communities, home to local breweries, live music venues, and well-known museums. If you are craving a break from the noise, consider a trip up north to these laid-back towns.

Lake George

Tucked away in the Adirondacks, Lake George is a small and relaxed town along the lake鈥檚 southern shores. There are so many different ways to enjoy the lake. Travelers can spend the day lounging on the golden sands of Lake George Beach, a free 51-acre beach that is staffed with lifeguards in the summer. Visitors can also enjoy the calming waters on a boat charter or cruise. Lake George Steamboat Company, for example, offers all kinds of cruises, including prime rib dinner cruises, Sunday Champagne brunch cruises, and country western luncheon cruises. For views of Lake George from above, consider hiking the Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail, a 3.2-mile round trip path that leads to the 2,030-foot summit of Prospect Mountain, with views of Lake George, the High Peaks, and Vermont.

Little Falls

Little Falls is a beautiful and walkable town along the Eerie Canal. Visitors wanting to explore the water can rent a kayak or canoe from Canal Harbor and Rotary Park, a recently renovated space that offers rentals, overnight docking, showers, bathrooms, and other amenities. Hidden within the city, travelers can find Buttermilk Falls (not to be confused with Buttermilk Falls State Park)! This waterfall, located near the Little Falls Municipal Pool, is an impressive 40-foot free-falling waterfall. To stay on the banks of the canal, travelers can spend the night at Canal Side Inn, which has been operating since 1982 and is housed in a historic building from the 19th century.

Cazenovia

Though Cazenovia has a small population, it has not stopped the town from embracing a quirky, community-focused spirit. Budget Traveler previously named it one of 鈥淎merica's Coolest Small Towns鈥�, largely due to its historic district. The Albany Street Historic District has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and features significant architectural buildings with Greek revival, gothic revival, and Italianate architecture. Travelers wanting to stay in one of the charming inns on this street may want to consider the Brae Loch Inn, which sits in a former estate building from 1805. From November to April, Cazenovia holds a bimonthly farmers market featuring baked goods, soy candles, soaps, spices, jams, eggs, produce, and other local products. In May, it transitions to its summer edition. Before leaving town, make sure to head out to Chittenango Falls State Park, which features a 167-foot waterfall and places to hike, picnic, and fish.

Hamilton

Named after the famous American patriot, Hamilton is the perfect destination for a laid-back weekend of arts and culture. A cornerstone of entertainment in Hamilton since 1895, the Hamilton Theater is a great place to catch a film today. If you prefer a live performance, check out the event calendar for Arts at the Palace, which features quartet performances and jazz shows, along with many other live events. After appreciating a film or live performance, visitors can enjoy craft beer and chef-inspired dishes in the upscale setting of Good Nature Brewing, which offers meals like fried chicken & caviar, beef tenderloin, and Glory Bay King Salmon.

Skaneateles

Travelers seeking a calming lakeside vacation will love the town of Skaneateles, located along one of the Finger Lakes. There are a couple of companies that offer fishing charters on the lake, such as Lucky Buck Fishing, which targets landlocked salmon and rainbow trout, offering visitors a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Just a 10-minute drive from town, travelers can also spend the day at Owen Orchards, a cider mill and farm market that offers u-pick apple experiences in the fall. For a sweet treat in the morning or after lunch, consider stopping by the Skaneateles Bakery, an adorable local bakery that serves scones, donuts, muffins, cinnamon buns, whoopie pies, and other baked goods.

Saranac Lake

Springtime brings endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Adirondack mountain town of Saranac Lake. Hikers can start by exploring the area鈥檚 wetlands on the Bloomingdale Bog Trail, a 3.7-mile trail that stretches along a scenic bog and is home to wildlife like beavers, bald eagles, great blue herons, and American bitterns. As the weather warms, travelers can enjoy a picnic in one of the town鈥檚 many parks, like Riverside Park, which offers mountain views and a front-row seat to boats launching into the water. Make sure to grab a drink at one of Saranac Lake鈥檚 local breweries, such as Blue Line Brewery, a family-friendly restaurant that serves a wide variety of craft beers and handmade pizzas.

Cooperstown

Known as 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Hometown,鈥� Cooperstown is a quiet town along the southern shores of Otsego Lake, best known for its ties to baseball history. Baseball fans won鈥檛 want to miss the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, home to all 346 Hall of Fame bronze plaques and exhibits that showcase the sport鈥檚 history. Visitors can also enjoy a rail biking tour with Rail Explorers, who will take passengers on a tour near the Susquehanna River, passing the Baseball Dreams Park, woodlands, and over historic bridges. Those seeking a hearty meal at the end of the day can grab a bite at Mel鈥檚 at 22, which serves freshly made, savory dishes like New England clam chowder, shrimp scampi, and parma rosa.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself in need of some peace and quiet, there are plenty of options in Upstate New York for you. If you are craving a laid-back and artsy vibe, a town like Hamilton could be the perfect destination for you. Prefer to spend the day fishing? Skaneateles makes another wonderful alternative. No matter how you define "relaxing," these seven towns will provide the escape you are looking for.