Although New York City, the shining star of the Empire State, is most recognized for it, the state's true treasures can be discovered elsewhere. New York's little villages, which are its heart and are brimming with charm and natural beauty, are crammed with unique attractions despite being small.
New York's charming towns provide visitors with a spot to unwind, recharge, and unite with the area's natural beauty. These towns range from picture-perfect lake villages to adorable hamlets located amid majestic mountain ranges.
They have amazing restaurants, unique stores, and residents who are so amiable you'll think you've known them forever. Even better, they provide exceptional access to outdoor activities, including some of the top ski areas in New York.
These little communities in New York State are ideal for weekend getaways since they have so many exciting things to do. You should therefore prepare to bring an overnight bag because you will undoubtedly want to stay the night.
Why are you holding out? Our ranking of the top small towns in New York will help you organize your trip to the Empire State right away.
1.Saratoga Springs, NY
What a beautiful place to travel to. One of upstate New York's most charming little towns and top vacation destinations is Saratoga Springs.
It feels like you're strolling through a postcard when you walk through this cute village. Grand Victorian mansions with verandas are decorated with lovely porch swings. The streets are lined with tall, luxuriant trees, and carefully manicured gardens are bursting with vibrant blossoms. Each of your senses will be delighted by this lovely location.
Trying to find calm right now? It can be found on the side of the town's namesake bubbling spring. For a relaxing afternoon out, bring a picnic or grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint nearby cafés or restaurants.
Next, check out one of the many museums in the region. You're sure to discover one that interests you, from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to the National Museum of Dancing and Hall of Fame.
2. Skaneateles
On the shores of the stunning Finger Lake with the same name, Skaneateles Village is located. The lake that supplies Syracuse's drinking water is only 30 minutes away. It's difficult to find anything wrong with this spotless town, which provides visitors with a choice of entertaining things to do, which is pronounced either "skinny-atlas" or "skanny-atlas."
Historic Victorian and Greek Revival homes have charming rocking chairs on their front porches, adding to their attractiveness. Visit East Genesee Street if you need to indulge in some retail therapy. This region is filled with distinctive local stores, hip galleries, and delicious restaurants, making it one of the best small towns in New York.
The most well-known landmark in the community is Skaneateles Lake. It offers a captivating vista all year long and is the best location for water sports in the warmer months.
3. Greenport
In this charming fishing community, you'll be able to smell the sea before you see it. Greenport, on the North Fork of Long Island, is a welcoming city. Many of its beautiful restaurants serve up local, fresh food, and the people there are kind and helpful.
In this small New York hamlet, sailboats bobble serenely in the distance, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Little farm stands are scattered across the countryside and sell wholesome delicacies that are perfect for munching on as you travel along the scenic, winding roads.
Greenport has a more relaxed and rural feel in stark contrast to its more glitzy and affluent neighbor (we're looking at you, Hamptons). There are pristine, sandy beaches, unique art galleries, antique stores, and charming homes perfectly arranged in rows.
4.Ithaca
Ithaca, which is home to Cornell University, is much more than just a charming college town. Despite this, you shouldn't skip visiting the Ivy League campus. This adored small town in New York State is surrounded by historic structures, which give it a lovely air.
Ithaca Commons, which houses a broad variety of stores, restaurants, and other entertainment options, can be found in the town's central area. Also, there are plenty of museums to pique your interest in academia.
The region's breathtaking natural beauty is a major tourist attraction. Hiking tours through the stunning gorges that surround the area are a popular activity for outdoor adventurers. They are home to thundering waterfalls that are so stunning that your camera will beg you to take pictures. The most well-known (and stunning) waterfall in the area is Ithaca Falls. It's one of New York State's top waterfalls.
The town is surrounded by hills and lush woodlands and is situated on the shores of the dazzling Cayuga Lake, one of New York's best lakes, and the largest Finger Lake.
5. Woodstock,
Woodstock has developed into a refuge for music enthusiasts even though it wasn't the actual location of the renowned music festival in 1969 (it was held almost 60 miles away, in Bethel). This adorable village, located in Ulster County's Catskill Park, has slightly over 6,000 residents.
Tie-dye and music abound on Tinker Street, which is lined with unusual stores selling anything from antique postcards to hippie-wear to jewelry, among its many other attractions and distinctive things to do. Walking down this quaint street makes it simple to forget you're in the year 2020.
Also, you may locate some of the top eateries in the area serving the most recent produce. Here, vegans are well-served.
Do you have any additional time? Visit the adjacent Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and take a tour to learn how to meditate.
6. Lake George
The picturesque community of Lake George, which is nestled at the base of the impressive Adirondack highlands, is worth at least a weekend trip.
Lake George takes full advantage of its expansive and stunning surroundings. A popular summertime destination for water activities is the town's dazzling lake, which is surrounded by lovely boutiques and restaurants to suit any appetite.
There are a ton of attractions and enjoyable activities at Lake George. Among other enjoyable activities, you can boat, swim, go whitewater rafting, or SUP. Horseback riding and hiking are year-round activities.
Insider's tip: If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to come is right after Labor Day when the number of people starts to decline.
7. Cold Spring
From Grand Central Station in New York, you may travel by rail in about one hour to Cold Spring, a well-liked vacation spot for city dwellers. This adorable historic village, best known for its exquisite 19th-century buildings located beside the Hudson River, makes it simple to find tranquility.
Visitors to this prestigious small New York town spend their weekends on the water during the summer months kayaking, swimming, fishing, and SUPing to build up an appetite. Next they make their way to the town's charming heart, where visitors may find eateries with distinct personalities and the friendliest personnel in the area. Getting to know the proprietors of the small boutique stores will be enjoyable for those who enjoy shopping.
IIRC Manchester gets about 1400 hours of sunshine annually, London a little over 1600, but a few towns in Sussex get over 1900. Ok not New York’s 2500 odd, but it makes a difference, like this morning pic.twitter.com/jnZIn9hLao
— Jon Neale (@JonNeale) February 5, 2023
This location is ideal for a day trip from New York City because of how close it is to the Big Apple (it's only 50 miles north of NYC).
8. Lake Placid
Lake Placid has an unmatched beauty due to its setting on the crystal-clear lake and surrounding majesty of the Adirondack mountains. Here, Mother Nature is very much in evidence. Why it was chosen to host the winter Olympics twice (1932 and 1980) is understandable.
Visitors to this charming resort town tend to favor adventure. In every season, Lake Placid has a ton of outdoor activities.
There's almost never a chance to become bored in New York, whether you like mountain biking, swimming, fishing, sailing, bobsledding, skating (on Mirror Lake in downtown), or downhill skiing at one of the greatest ski slopes in the state.
Do you dislike activities? Not to worry. Enjoy a day of relaxation by the lake or indulge in as much shopping and dining as you like in the quaint downtown.
9. Kingston
Kingston is regarded as one of the best small towns in New York for a variety of reasons. The dynamic Uptown neighborhood, which is dotted with hip shops and old buildings, the Midtown neighborhood, which has additional shops and a theater, and the waterfront Downtown center, where you can enjoy trolley rides, boat excursions, and museums, are some of its primary attractions.
This waterfront location, which is located on the Hudson River, is a must-see during the warm spring and summer, which are the busiest times of year to visit Kingston. Live music, weekend guests, and sightseeing boat trips will all be present at this time, bringing the town to life.
You can go on a Teddy Bear Picnic at the Den of Marbletown, take a stroll through Kingston Point Park, see the various exhibits at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, or look for turtles at the Forsyth Wildlife Center.
10. Ellicottville
It is simpler to maneuver in a smaller town. Get rid of your car and walk through the quaint village of Ellicottville. You can walk to two ski resorts, the incredibly restorative Ellicottville Oasis Spa, as well as a variety of interesting shops and eateries.
Visitors swarm here in the winter to fly down the slopes at the exclusive HoliMont Ski Resort and Holiday Valley, where you can also take romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides.
The neighboring Griffis Sculpture Park, where visitors can wander around (and occasionally climb) approximately 250 enormous and incredibly spectacular steel sculptures, is also very popular during the warmer months.
11. Cooperstown,
It's like hitting a grand slam to spend a day, or even better, a weekend, in Cooperstown. You'll be rewarded not just with views of the tranquil lake and surrounding countryside, but also with a charm that is uncommon in most settings. You've truly hit a home run in one of the nicest tiny towns in New York State when you factor in the lovely stores, eateries, and museums.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is most well-known for being located in this little town. Ostego Lake is also there; it's a serene spot to idle away a warm day boating, swimming, or fishing in the natural region.
This charming village, which bears the name of the author of The Last of the Mohicans, James Fennimore Cooper, is a draw for authors and other creative types.
12. Aurora
Aurora has a population of fewer than a thousand, so talk about a small town. This adorable location, which is in the slightly bigger town of Ledyard in Western New York, will make you smile and make you want to start snapping pictures with your camera. A visit here is like stepping into a fairy tale.
Aurora was quietly nuzzled near to Cayuga Lake as Pleasant Rowland gave her a facelift. This small town, formerly famous for housing Wells College, is today a popular destination for visitors seeking old-town charm and establishments from the 19th century that are brimming with personality. It's one of the top tourist destinations in New York.
13. New Paltz
New Paltz is a well-liked holiday destination for New Yorkers wishing to unwind since it is best known as the location of the magnificent Mohonk Mountain House, one of the top resorts in the Hudson Valley. This is one of the most stunning tiny villages close to New York City, located only 83 miles north of Manhattan.
The Huguenot Street Historic District is a great location to get a sense of the past. Seven stone homes from the early 18th century are included inside this 10-acre National Landmark Historic District.
Around 21 miles of caves and woodland can be explored when hiking, riding a horse, or bicycling along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in the town.
Many people decide to use this charming college town as a base to explore the Shawangunk Ridge, a group of spectacular bedrock mountains that beckon the young and daring to trek or scale their jagged summits.
14. Sleepy Hollow,
Very certainly, you've heard of the sleepy Hollow, New York, little town. This charming town, located deep in the Hudson Valley, serves as the setting for Washington Irving's well-known novel The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This legend has drawn tourists to this small town for generations, but once they got there, it was the community that kept them there.
Those who enjoy natural beauty will be enthralled by the verdant surroundings and stunning views of the Hudson River. The town's central area is dotted with historic structures, which serve as a significant hint to historical events that occurred both there and nearby.
Visitors now spend their time perusing the neighborhood stores, sampling foods at the farmer's market, admiring artwork in galleries, and exploring the Kykuit Estate.
Despite these intriguing sights, the most popular thing to do in Sleepy Hollow is still to visit the creepy Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
15. Saranac Lake
Who wouldn't want to go to a charming town that is tucked away by a sizable lake and encircled by the majestic Adirondack mountains? The village offers easy access to water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in addition to a charming Main Street.
Winter, this town's best season, is when it really comes to life. At that time, visitors can lace up their ice skates, hit the slopes nearby, and explore the trails while wearing snowshoes.
Visitors swarm to Saranac Lake in February for the spectacular Winter Carnival. People come to check out a unique ice palace, participate in ice skating competitions, view fireworks, go to concerts, and eat delicious food.
16. Lewiston
Lewiston, the small village closest to Niagara Falls, is so endearing that you'll be happy you stayed. Lewiston is a historic community with heart and a refuge for the artists.
It is the location of the 150-acre Artpark, which has the area's most impressive amphitheater. Almost 150 events are held at this amazing location over the summer.
The Northwest Jazz Festival at the end of August is a must-attend event for music lovers. It's the biggest outdoor jazz event in Western New York and has a ton of incredible performers.
Nobody who was wanting to see the falls will be let down. You won't even need your car as they are that close. The Niagara Falls may be easily explored on foot thanks to Explore Niagara's free shuttle service between Lewiston and Niagara Falls.
17. Trumansburg,
The backdrop of Trumansburg, sometimes known as T-Burg by locals, is among the most stunning of all the best little towns in New York. This charming tiny hamlet is a Finger Lakes favorite for weekend warriors from NYC seeking a quiet refuge. Its biggest draw is the breathtaking, 215-foot-tall Taughannock Falls.
There is an overlook with the most stunning views at the Taughannock Visitor Center, which is located in the same park. Back in town, diners may stuff their faces with locally produced food in eateries that are so delicious they'll make you believe you're in a huge city.
The streets of the town are fascinating to wander. The historic district is heavily influenced by Gothic and Greek Revival architecture, and Main Street is so charming and lovely that you'll never get tired of window shopping.
18. Beacon
Beacon, which is only 60 miles north of New York, is a well-liked weekend retreat from the Big Apple. This charming small hamlet is a true jewel, nestled on the banks of the Hudson River between Cold Spring in the south and Wappingers Falls in the north.
The Beacon you see today is bustling with new farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, and museums that ex-New Yorkers and native Brooklynites want to visit. The Beacon is steeped in colonial history since the hilly terrain made for an ideal fighting ground for soldiers.
There are so many intriguing things to do in Beacon that you'll never get bored, whether you like to stroll along the parks' nature trails, gaze at the gorgeous hillside surroundings, or visit Dia: Beacon for a contemporary art exhibit.
19. Westfield
Westfield is located in Chautauqua County and is perched on the shore of Lake Erie. While being admired for its beauty, this adorable small town in New York is most recognized for its most precious export: the Concord grape.
Dr. Charles Welch, who popularized pasteurized grape juice and constructed the first significant grape juice facility in the world in Westfield in 1897, called Westport the "grape juice center of the world." You'll learn everything there is to know about this sweet fruit at the Lake Erie Grape Discovery Center.
The Portage Trail and Main Street districts, which are studded with old residences brimming with elegance, are awash in history.
At Portland Harbor, the Barcelona Lighthouse sits stoically. It was the first natural gas lighthouse in the nation (built in 1829), and even if you can't climb to the top, it's still worth a photo opportunity.
20. Tarrytown
On the east bank of the Hudson River, Tarrytown waits for visitors to wander through its ancient streets in search of artifacts from its colorful past.
This charming small village in New York, which is a close neighbor of Sleepy Hollow, is so charming that you'll wish you could visit in every season to see its stunning variations.
One of the most well-liked things to do in Tarrytown is to visit Sunnyside. This architectural marvel, which combines features from Tudor, Gothic, and Spanish architecture, was once the residence of the famous author Washington Irving.
Another must-see Tarrytown sight is the Tappan Zee Bridge. This three-mile, two-span bridge, a New York State Landmark, spans the Hudson River to connect Westchester County and Rockland County.
See the local art galleries, stroll the natural paths, or spend some time in the neighborhood coffee shops to get to know the welcoming locals. You can have a ton of fun in this lovely tiny town.