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New York draws millions of visitors year after year to renowned destinations like New York City and Niagara Falls, but as the country's 4th most populated state, it is also home to an eclectic mix of other attractions both big and small.

Today, we will explore some of the towns you can find within the Empire State that can be described as off the beaten path. From uncrowded lakeside communities to historic settlements filled with unique landmarks, here are some of the most unconventional spots you should totally add to your next road trip in New York.

Amityville

To many, Amityville is most famous for its association with one of America鈥檚 most infamous haunted houses, making it a magnet for those intrigued by the darker side of New York's history.

Located on Long Island鈥檚 South Shore just a short drive east of New York City, this otherwise quiet village became a cultural phenomenon after the 1974 DeFeo family murders and the alleged hauntings that followed, which inspired the book The Amityville Horror and a series of popular horror films. Though the infamous house is privately owned and not open to the public, the town embraces its eerie reputation while being home to several other attractions that you might not be so acquainted with.

It is highly recommended you also spend some time exploring Amityville鈥檚 historic downtown, as it is filled with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Take a walk through the Village Triangle Park too, home to the town鈥檚 iconic gazebo. If you're simply looking to spend some time by the ocean, the nearby Great South Bay houses a collection of waterfront parks and places to park/launch your boat.

While Amityville鈥檚 haunted reputation still draws its fair share of tourists every year, it is also ideal for those who want a quick and easy escape to the coast from city life.

Butternuts

Butternuts, sitting in Otsego County of the Finger Lakes region, is a great spot for a weekend trip and is certainly one of the most oddly named towns in New York. Founded in 1796 and named for the abundant butternut trees that once lined its creek, this town remains a hidden pocket in the state that often feels untouched by time.

Its historic center, Gilbertsville, is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an early/rare example of a planned village in the United States, complete with stone sidewalks, designated spaces for storefronts, and eye-catching Gothic Revival architecture. Landmarks for history buffs to visit include the Gilbertsville Free Library, established in 1888, and the Major鈥檚 Inn, a striking Tudor-style building turned event space.

But Butternuts isn鈥檛 simply a relic of the past. Its quiet roads and forested landscapes attract landscape photographers and those looking for a scenic and active outing during any season of the year. And like many small towns in New York, fall here is particularly beautiful, with many flocking every year to nearby parks like Wagner Farm State Forest to snap a photo or two.

Aurora

Nestled on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is an idyllic little village in the renowned Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Best Known for its collection of historic structures, many dating back to the 19th century, Aurora stands out with its picturesque streets lined with old homes. A number of these ornate domiciles were once owned by wealthy industrialists and university founders who either called this place home are visited for their summer vacations away from the big city.

Be sure to take a look at the lands around Aurora, too. The village is actually part of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, offering you access to some of the best wineries and vineyards in the state, like Bright Leaf Vineyard, which is just a short drive south. In addition to wine tastings, Aurora boasts easy access to the lake, with several local launches for kayaking, fishing, or simply taking in the view from the shoreline.

The nearby Wells College, located on the lake's edge, is now closed but has wonderful grounds that are still perfect for an easy afternoon stroll. The campus (and the area in general) is especially ideal in the fall when the lush foliage turns to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, Aurora provides a quiet yet rich experience where history and nature come together for a memorable experience.

Lily Dale

Lily Dale stands apart from much of small-town America as a town rooted in spiritualism, attracting those curious about possibly contacting life beyond the physical 海角社区! Established in 1879 as a remote hub for what was called the "Spiritualist movement," this small, gated community in western New York is now home to one of the oldest and largest gatherings of mediums in the country.

During its summer season, you can attend a number of public s茅ances, spirit communication workshops, and guided tours exploring the town鈥檚 history. Stop by the Forest Temple, a meeting space surrounded by towering trees that remains the heart of community gatherings and services. Moreover, a walk to Inspiration Stump, an allegedly sacred spot where mediums have delivered messages since the town鈥檚 founding, may offer a more intimate glimpse into the long-standing spiritualist traditions of this community. The Lily Dale Assembly Library, which holds one of the most extensive collections on spiritualism, is another big attraction for those interested in the subject

Outside the metaphysical, Lily Dale features an array of gorgeous cottages and a tranquil lakeside setting, with a chain of lakes (Mud, Cassadaga, Middle, and Lower Lake) passing through the heart of town.

Saranac Lake

Sitting in the heart of the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is another lake town that is perfect for those looking to escape into nature for a while. Also known for its role as the location of a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients in the 1800s, Saranac Lake retains a unique legacy tied to the healing power of its crisp mountain air. Come and see for yourself this summer if these claims are true. We could all use a little fresh air once in a while, regardless of your health status!

The town鈥檚 connection to this history is still visible through some of its historic buildings, including the former sanatoriums that have been repurposed into charming inns and heritage landmarks, namely the Trudeau Sanatorium (no relation to the Canadian Prime Minister).

If staying the night at a former health retreat doesn't catch your fancy, Saranac Lake is also surrounded by vast swathes of pristine wilderness, a real playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with spots for hiking, canoeing, camping, and even skiing in the winter months. The town鈥檚 location along the Saranac River adds an extra layer of beauty as it winds through the landscape, offering scenic views along its banks.

With its friendly, small-town vibe, Saranac Lake attracts anyone looking for an authentic Adirondack getaway, free from the crowds that often overrun nearby Lake Placid.

Rosendale

Rosendale is a former cement boomtown that鈥檚 transformed into one of the Hudson Valley鈥檚 most underrated small towns. Originally settled by Europeans in the 1680s, the 19th century eventually saw the area's abundant natural limestone reserves used as cement to build iconic structures like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty鈥檚 pedestal.

After the cement industry鈥檚 collapse, Rosendale reinvented itself as a community for artists and those who wanted freedom away from the bustling coastal metros. Landmarks like the Rosendale Trestle, a towering 940-foot railroad bridge turned pedestrian walkway, now draw in visitors looking to explore the beauty of the region. This bridge offers you epic views over Rondout Creek and Shawangunk Ridge. Nature lovers can also hike the nearby Joppenbergh Mountain or explore Widow Jane Mine, a defunct cement mine now used for concerts and film shoots.

Downtown, you should check out fun little spots like the Rosendale Theatre, a community-run cinema that鈥檚 been an entertainment anchor for the community since 1949.

Phoenicia

Phoenicia sits in the rugged wildernesses of upstate New York. More specifically tucked in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, this hamlet is a haven for outdoor adventurers and those who want to check out its quaint arts scene.

Tubing down the nearby Esopus Creek, a summer tradition that draws visitors looking for a laid-back adventure is a perfect way to spend a hot summer day. If you want to engage in something a bit more active, many of the local hiking trails, like the Tanbark Loop, offer you 360-degree views from the tops of the forest-covered hills around town. Whatever you decide to do, there is outdoor for all sorts of people in Phoenicia.

In town, you will find mom-and-pop operations like the iconic Phoenicia Diner, a Catskills institution serving up healthy meals at affordable prices, a great way to fuel up either before or after a day outside. Arts and culture thrive here too, with the Phoenicia Playhouse hosting local productions and the annual Festival of the Voice bringing opera and choral performances to the mountains.

Greenport

Greenport, located on the North Fork of Long Island, stands out as one of New York鈥檚 most unconventional seaside towns. Once a thriving whaling and shipbuilding hub in past centuries, it has since transformed into a vibrant destination that balances its fascinating maritime heritage with more modern attractions.

Its historic downtown is a walkable grid of eclectic shops, contemporary art galleries, and locally-owned eateries, many housed in restored Victorian-era buildings. The century-old carousel in Mitchell Park is a must-visit while in the area, and remains a family favorite, while the nearby East End Seaport Museum highlights Greenport鈥檚 nautical past, complete with a working blacksmith shop!

Vineyards stretch across the surrounding North Fork, offering tastings just minutes from the scenic waterfront. Give Kontokosta Winery a try, or book a more extensive outing with Long Island North Fork Wine Tours. If you just want to see more of the area, you can ferry to nearby Shelter Island (where you can step foot in Dering Harbor, the smallest town in New York) or explore the preserved wetlands at the nearby Arshamomaque Preserve.

Overall, Greenport is a nice alternative to the Hamptons, which is often much more expensive, more crowded, and simply not as interesting to those already familiar with Long Island.

New Paltz

A short road trip north of Manhattan will land you in New Paltz, where deep-seated colonial history intersects with a modern arts-driven community and tons of gorgeous natural scenery. Founded all the way back in 1678 by French Huguenots, its historic heart lies along Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark where stone houses dating back to the early settlement can be seen, some of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings in the country.

Home to SUNY New Paltz, the town also carries a notably youthful energy. The campus of this state university contains a web of maintained footpaths, ponds, and greenery, making it an amazing little greenspace for both students and visitors. Moreover, Main Street buzzes with local businesses, including indie bookstores, record shops, restaurants, and a revolving lineup of local art displays throughout.

Tourists are also drawn to the nearby Shawangunk Ridge, also called 鈥渢he Gunks,鈥� which is renowned for its 海角社区-class rock climbing, variety of hiking trails, and incredible viewpoints from the Mohonk Preserve. The nearby Mohonk Mountain House, a 19th-century resort, also adds a layer of historical significance to the surrounding wilderness of New Paltz.

See Another Side of New York

These towns, which you could describe as unconventional, do a great job at offering travelers in New York a break from the expected, each with its own distinct identity and story. From spiritual enclaves and historic hamlets to coastal villages and arts-driven communities, these places highlight the state鈥檚 diverse character beyond the Big Apple.

For those seeking something truly different, where local culture thrives and the unexpected is around every corner, be sure to add these highly recommended destinations to the itinerary on your next adventure through the Empire State.