8 Eclectic Small Towns In New York
The Empire State is an alluring state to visit. New York City (NYC) dominates it all, where the skyscrapers and bustling streets are part of the dynamic. However, small towns, as varied in landscape and vibe as the vast Empire, hold onto a lot of eccentricity and tranquility within nature and close-knit appeal. Youthful eclecticism is one of a kind, particularly through the eyes of a non-student in Ithaca on Cayuga Lake.
From the "Queen of the American Lakes" to New Paltz and towns painted with memories of the Woodstock Festival, behold New York's most eclectic towns. Starting with the astounding 1000 Islands to get in the mood, "true" island destinations can transport you further in mind than the geography.
Alexandria Bay
This island village in Northern New York is like the control center for the 1000 Islands. There are eight state parks in the vicinity, including Wellesley Island State Park and Keewaydin State Park. Various boat tours depart during the season, and if the budget allows, a bird鈥檚-eye view aboard a helicopter or hot air balloon is a life-changing experience.
The famous Boldt Castle is accessible via Hwy 81 through Wellesley, plus a ferry service. Soak in the imposing stone castle on a tour of the interior and stroll around its formal gardens. End the day with a dinner cruise on a Mississippi-style paddlewheel boat or catch Fourth of July fireworks over Boldt Castle.
From Bill Johnston鈥檚 Pirate Days to the Annual Powerboat Poker Run and Roaring '20s Weekend, the downtown boasts shops and restaurants. Within a stroll, Alexandria Bay Park Beach offers a roped-off swimming area with turquoise water for families with little kids. Adjacent to a small park and a bridge to a tiny island, enjoy a nice pavilion for shade and great views of the shipping channel with passing boats, Boldt Castle, and islands. From narrated excursions on a triple-decker to fishing charters, the popular Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers to visit the Boldt Castle at the end of the tour. Take the St. Lawrence River Walk overlooking Heart Island and catch the sun fizzing out at Scenic View Park.
Bethel
Bethel was host to the epic Woodstock Festival in 1969. Many journey here for Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and the Bethel Woods Museum on the actual grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The award-winning museum features social, political, and cultural events of the 1960s that led up to the Woodstock Festival, with permanent exhibits, the Museum Theater, the Woodstock Monument, galleries, a shop, and the Muse Cafe. The Pavilion Stage amphitheater accommodates 15,000 indoors, plus the sloping lawn, for a picnic overlooking the original festival site against the majestic Sullivan County countryside. Yasgur Road, the namesake of the farm, is a popular campground.
Some two hours and change from both NYC and Albany, expect great arts, history, and hospitality. Incorporated in 1809 out of the Town of Lumberland, Bethel comprises smaller hamlets of White Lake, Kauneonga Lake, Mongaup Valley, and a few others. Kauneonga Lake maintains a boat launch with access to White Lake, which is also known for excellent bass and trout fishing.
Thriving with tourism and agriculture, with fun attractions in a small-town appeal, Bethel Market Cafe serves breakfast plus goodies to take exploring on a picnic. Hector's Inn plays host and serves drinks and light food, say, after a day at Lake Superior State Park, which has immense hiking opportunities, plus row and paddle boat rentals.
Ithaca
It is easy to fall for the charms of a college town once your own college years are over. Take a trip down memory lane, indulge in splendor along the lakefront, and stay out late on a school night. Ithaca is home to Cornell University, one of the only several Ivy League institutions in the 海角社区. Staging your discoveries, Cayuga Lake is the second largest Finger Lake, only marginally smaller than Seneca. Summers are quieter in the town, named after a poetic Greek island. After a stop at Ithaca Bakery, follow another one of the creekside trails to a cultural spot or a natural retreat. The town greens range from fun to relaxing in between history, arts, a science museum, and the Museum of the Earth.
Surrounded by pristine landscapes of state parks like Allan H. Treman and waterfalls in every direction, like the iconic Buttermilk Falls, each offers a peaceful slice for adventures and fleeting moments alone in the rainbow mist. Known for its agricultural fervor, with wineries and the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, dining and entertainment cater to student dynamics. The Boatyard Grill on the Cayuga Inlet serves an eclectic American fare with a sprinkle of Asian flavor,s plus live bands on an outdoor deck. Festivals like the Ithaca Festival and the Winter Lights Festival are full of family fun.
Lake George
The enigmatic town on the south shore of the "Queen of the American Lakes" must be the King of Retreats. It has long attracted summering families from NYC along its shimmering waters. Bask on the beach, enjoy watersports, and take the historic boat cruise. Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor is one of New York's largest amusement parks. Families also enjoy discovering the Park's Dino Roar Valley. Lake George Steamboat Company offers highly demanded luncheon cruises with panoramic views of mountains, beaches, and islands. Departing from the shore next to Fort William Henry Museum, this legendary British fort, built in 1755, starred in "The Last of the Mohicans."
Take the thrilling Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course or explore and relax in the midst of Shelving Rock Falls. Just off the highway, Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail is rated moderate for a steep ascent with rocks to the resplendent summit panorama of the surrounding region and historic markers. Relax at Shepard Park with a beach and easy-on-the-eyes views. The next-door Lake George Mystery Spot is quirky and intriguing in that it allegedly defies the law of acoustics. The popular Million Dollar Beach stays serene along its 1,700 feet with swimming, lifeguards, and amenities. Dine nearby at The Garrison, where there is a bar, live music, craft beer, and a lakefront patio to watch the cotton candy sunset.
Montauk
Traveling along a string of hamlets, the "doldrums of suburban Long Island," Montauk hangs on by a small stretch of land. Nicknamed 鈥淭he End,鈥� it is a rather doomish moniker for a glamorous beach town that really feels like the beginning and fills you with wanderlust. Montauk Point State Park tips the "island" with its rocky shore and crashing waves, perfect for surf fishing, surfing, and ogling at the converging tides. Take the trail to Camp Hero Bluff at Turtle Cove, with a stop at the seasonal George鈥檚 Lighthouse Bar & Grill and Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. The bars and restaurants host a casual vibe with easy access to Kirk Park Beach. So, 鈥淲here do you summer?鈥�
This phrase and its variations may have originated in Montauk. Despite the "summer house mansions鈥� and houseboats, there is no pretentiousness in nature when the scenery is such to get exploring. Enjoy camping at Camp Hero State Park, which is 415 acres, with multi-use trails through wooded areas, beaches, and wetlands, with ocean vistas. County Park embraces Lake Montauk with riding trails and the site of the US' first cattle ranch. Ditch Plains Beach is rather large and serene without imposing on other surfers and loungers watching them, an occasional swim, and beachcombing in scenic views. Impress your date at Harvest on Fort Pond for Italian or indulge in seafood at Shagwong.
New Paltz
Just northwest of Poughkeepsie, New Paltz is the type of town everyone likes. Its popularity is often linked to college vibes, natural beauty on the Wallkill River, and fascinating historical attractions. Founded in 1677 by French Huguenots with Louis DuBois, they named it after their refuge in Germany before traveling across the sea. New Paltz wears history proudly along the historic Huguenot Street, which features seven stone houses built by 1700s Huguenot settlers. Preserved with living history demonstrations along 10 photogenic acres, it is as if European settlers just left for the day. From Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters to Dry Fly Roasters, check out one of the funky spots.
This caffeinated town cherishes the outdoors, like Mill Brook Preserve to the north. The surrounding "Gunks," Shawangunk Mountains, offer 海角社区-class rock climbing, while families can take a mellow hike through Mohonk Preserve. Break at Lagusta's Luscious over a vegan tea, coffee, and chocolate shop in a funky space with a mitzvah wall.
The Dorsky Museum of Art is part of SUNY New Paltz and features works by well-known Hudson Valley artists from around the globe. To reflect, take the River-to-Ridge Trail and visit Sojourner Truth Park.
Owego
Latched onto the bend of the snaking Susquehanna River, Owego is a tiny town with a huge heart. Hickories Park welcomes dog walkers along the trails, with enough room to park the RV and stretch your legs after a long drive. MJ's Bar and Restaurant is a top brunch spot. Home to the Tioga County Open Door Mission, scenic gardens, and amiable nature spots, Owego Riverwalk offers light-hearted exercise with river views along a nature path. Detour through Tioga County Historical Society, particularly at Christmas time, with a wonderful tree display and auction alongside a mound of exhibits on the area through time.
The lively downtown bursts with shops, art galleries, and vintage buildings. Owego Donut & Beer Co. is definitely a stop to make with the kids鈥攋ust be careful not to mix up the orders in your hands. The arts bring creatives and sightseers together, including fun festivals. Gallery 41 showcases local expression through postcards, shirts, stickers, and art decor to bring a little piece of Owego home. See what is happening at Tiahwaga Community Players. It is a juicy destination during the town's Strawberry Festival, while Brick Pond attracts locals to break away from the daily hustle through a serene birdwatching area.
Woodstock
There is no other in the Empire like Woodstock. Visiting this colorful and bohemian town is a gift to give yourself and feel at peace while having fun. Although the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair took place near Bethel, Woodstock offers culture and historical meaning behind it. Among a ton of funky attractions like a hippie bus and peace signs throughout, Buddhist KTD Monastery offers weekend tours. Pair it great with a meditation session鈥攖he place exudes tranquility to get the hang of this Buddhist practice. Not your thing? The grounds are breathtaking on a sunny stroll.
Along Tinker Street, with art and music, the day passes by in a heartbeat. Stock up on memories, vintage postcards, eclectic clothes, and festival memorabilia. Bearsville Theater in intimate rustic digs with the Bear Cafe comprises a popular pastime. Between all the juice bars, breakfast shops, and vegan bakeries, Tinker Taco offers fresh-topped variations as a snack before a hike or a full dinner afterward. It is minutes to Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, with scenic ruins and views over the slopes to the horizon. Just 15 minutes north, Indian Head Wilderness features a 7-mile loop towards a 3,573-foot peak, with bouldering sections and waterfalls to relax in the mist. The large Ashokan Reservoir is a quick drive south.
There are many exciting places in New York. So whether you are looking for a long-awaited family retreat or to indulge in seafood and the bougie vibe after a scenic road trip, the tiny Owego and "The End" in Montauk are proud to be completely different from the Big Apple glam.
Each, with a character long built through history and reinforced by quirky attractions, offers a perfect getaway for friends or a romantic escape. From Lake George in the Adirondacks to New Paltz in the "Gunks," these eight are a destination in their own right, filling you with memories.
