10 Stunning Small Towns In New York
New York holds more weekend variety than it often gets credit for, from Hudson River villages to Long Island beach communities and Adirondack towns shaped by lakes and trails. In Athens, live music at Athens Riverfront Park plays out beside the Hudson and views toward the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. In Long Beach, the 2.1-mile boardwalk and wide Atlantic shoreline create a weekend that feels completely different from upstate. For a weekend or an extended trip, these stunning communities offer enough local character and outdoor access to make each stop feel a little different.
Skaneateles
About 20 miles southwest of Syracuse is the lakeside village of Skaneateles, sitting on the northern shores of Skaneateles Lake, and it is a fitting town for a weekend escape. Clift Park sits on the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake, offering pleasant views of the blue water, wonderful picnic spots, and a public swimming area open from the end of June to the end of August. Across from the parks is the Sherwood Inn, a historic hotel and restaurant established in 1807, offering guests a comfortable stay, rooms with gorgeous lake views, a lobby restaurant with a diverse menu, and an ideal spot for weddings or family gatherings.
Just outside downtown is Anyela's Vineyard, suitable for tastings, music events, and on-site private events, while taking in views of Skaneateles Lake. Back in downtown, next to Skaneateles Creek, is Lakehouse Pub, a local bar serving classic bar food and drinks in a handsome interior with an American flag made out of beer bottle caps and large flat screen TVs, and it welcomes people with a neighborhood feel for a night out with friends and loved ones. Lakehouse Pub also hosts live entertainment on Fridays from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.
Woodstock
The town of Woodstock is full of history and natural beauty, closely tied to the legacy of the famous 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, and offers access to the Catskill Mountains and numerous trails throughout the landscape. Colony Woodstock is a local music venue and restaurant that hosts local musical talent, with patrons enjoying meals and live music. Just outside of town is the Overlook Mountain Trail, a 4.6-mile trail that ascends an old gravel road and offers sweeping views of the landscape. The trail includes the ruins of an abandoned hotel (the Overlook Mountain House), a fire tower, and the remains of an old plane crash.
South of downtown is the Woodstock Inn on the Millstream, a boutique resort hotel offering guests a comfortable stay near nature. The rooms are cozy, the gardens on the premises are beautiful, and the Saw Kill tributary adds even more charm to the hotel. Further in town is the Woodstock Playhouse, a local theater that has hosted plays, musicals, and concerts since 1938. Notable productions and shows at the playhouse include Dancers Against Cancer, Forever Young, a Bob Dylan Tribute, and Almost Floyd, a Pink Floyd Tribute. The theater is also available for rental and can host local events.
Hudson
Across the Hudson River is the city of Hudson, nicknamed the "Brooklyn of Upstate" for its quaint, walkable downtown, which gives visitors a sense they're in Brooklyn rather than upstate. The Nest Hotel is a recent downtown stay, offering cozy rooms, a 24-hour complimentary snack kitchen, an outdoor porch, and easy walking access to the rest of downtown. A short walk away from the Nest Hotel is Hudson Hall, an event venue that hosts community programs, plays, like "Behind the Curtain," and live musical performances. Hudson Hall can also host weddings, film and photoshoots, and corporate events.
Up on Warren Street is the Front Room Gallery, a space that features numerous paintings, contemporary photography, and sculptures by local artists and photographers. The gallery also hosts community events. On the shoreline of the Hudson River, Promenade Hill Park offers views of the river, the landscape, and Athens and the Catskill Mountains across the river. The park features a statue of St. Winifred and is a peaceful spot for a picnic.
Lake George
The town of Lake George is nestled among the Adirondack Mountains and sits on the southern shore of the famous Lake George. Lake George Beach, also known as Million Dollar Beach, is a 1,700-foot public beach perfect for swimming, fishing, and launching boats. About 0.5 miles from the beach is the Fort William Henry Museum, a historic fort used during the French and Indian War. The museum contains artifacts, 18th-century weaponry used in the war, details on the 1757 siege, and reenactments of experiences from the era's battles.
The Inn of Lake George is a relaxing place to spend the night or weekend in town while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and lake. The rooms offer lake views, there's an upscale cocktail bar serving drinks in the lobby, and the Inn can host private events. Just outside of town is the Prospect Mountain Trail, a 3-mile route that climbs to the top of Prospect Mountain and offers views of the lake and landscape on the way up.
Greenport
Near the eastern tip of Long Island is the village of Greenport, renowned for its fishing and oystering heritage and for its walkable community. Sitting on Greenport Harbor is Claudio's Waterfront, a seafood restaurant serving oysters, lobster, and clams, with views of the waterfront. A short drive from Claudio's is Stirling House Bed and Breakfast, offering guests a cozy, old-world feel while providing modern amenities. A chef prepares a hot, fresh breakfast on-site, and guests can unwind and recharge in comfy rooms and suites.
On the southern end of town is the Fifth Street Beach and Park, a relaxing spot in the community with a playground, basketball court, a lush green space for picnicking, and a sandy beach, perfect for swimming, enjoying the dock, and fishing. In the heart of downtown is the Ireland House - Stirling Historical Society, a museum with exhibits showcasing the village's history, artifacts, photographs, and 19th-century furniture.
Long Beach
Just 27 miles east of Manhattan is the oceanfront city of Long Beach, also known as "the City by the Sea," a beach community and an ideal spot for surfing. Beach Park offers a 2.1-mile boardwalk and a beach to soak up the sun or take a walk year-round. Beachgoers can also play volleyball and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and hotels. Right on the boardwalk is the Allegria Hotel, an oceanfront property offering clear views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel can host beachfront weddings, corporate getaways, and Kosher events such as bar or bat mitzvahs. The Atlantica Restaurant and L'Onda Lounge offer delicious meals and drinks, and there's even a pool for guests to cool off for the day.
A unique place to see uptown is the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena, an arena open year-round that offers public skating, stick-and-puck sessions, and youth and adult hockey programs. The Long Beach Sharks, a junior hockey team in the North American Tier 3 Hockey League, call the arena home and provide the community with an action-packed on-ice experience. In the heart of town is Kennedy Plaza, which also hosts Arts in the Plaza, an annual art show that begins every Saturday on Memorial Day weekend through Halloween. The show features numerous art vendors and their creations, food vendors, and live music, as a memorable way to bring the community together.
Lake Placid
Further up in the Adirondack Mountains is Lake Placid, a village that famously hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and remains a strong destination for year-round outdoor activities. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is the place to learn more about the winter games held in the village. The exhibits showcase a wide range of unique artifacts, sports memorabilia, videos, photographs, and more. The museum is also next to the Herb Brooks Arena, where the iconic 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game took place, and is still in use today.
On the southern shore of Mirror Lake is the Lake Placid Public Beach, a spot perfect for soaking up the sun, kayaking, swimming, and picnicking while enjoying views of the crystal-clear water. Just outside of town is the Northville-Lake Placid Trail, a perfect spot for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, offering views of the Adirondack Mountains and surrounding nature.
Lakeville
On the western end of the Finger Lakes region, and 29.4 miles south of Rochester, is the hamlet of Lakeville, a community sitting on the northern shores of Conesus Lake. Galene Restaurant also sits on the northern shore of Conesus Lake, serving a mix of New American and coastal cuisine, including shrimp sliders, rigatoni with broken meatball sauce, and a delmonico (ribeye) steak. Galene also has outdoor seating and a bar inside. A four-minute walk from Galene is Vitale Park, a setting perfect for picnics and barbecues. There are gardens to enjoy the flowers, and a gazebo.
A fun place to visit on the western end of the community is Minnehan's Fun Center, an amusement center offering mini golf, go-karting, batting cages, and an arcade to keep families entertained. Minnehan's also hosts birthday parties and serves all the classics, including ice cream, smoothies, and milkshakes.
Ithaca
On the southern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region is the college town of Ithaca, home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. In the heart of downtown is the State Theatre of Ithaca, a performing arts theater established in 1928. The theater hosts shows, plays, movie screenings, concerts performed by local artists, and has a gift shop. On Cornell's iconic campus is the Herbert F. Johnson Museum, showcasing over 340,000 works of art by students and local artists, along with panoramic views of the town and Cayuga Lake. Admission to the museum is free, and it hosts events, lectures, and workshops.
There are numerous waterfalls to see in and around town, including the Horseshoe Falls, near Cornell's campus, which can be seen from the Pedestrian Suspension Bridge, and the Buttermilk Falls, just south of downtown. Buttermilk Falls is in an 811-acre park open year-round, offering camping, fishing, numerous hiking trails, and a beach. On the southern tip of Cayuga Lake is Stewart Park, with willow trees throughout, a playground for families, picnic areas, fishing access, and access to the Newman Municipal Golf Course.
Athens
The village of Athens is renowned for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture and waterfront views along the Hudson River. The Stewart House Hotel and 1883 Tavern are local staples in the community, offering guests comfortable rooms for the night, a tavern in the lobby serving meals and drinks surrounded by hand-painted murals, and space for weddings, private events, and business retreats. The Stewart House also had a brief cameo in Steven Spielberg's 2005 movie, War of the Worlds.
Across from the hotel is Athens Riverfront Park, offering views of the Hudson River and its surroundings. The park is a great spot for picnics and for enjoying live music during the Athens Summer Concert Series. Up 2nd Street is Night School, a local bar and tavern serving homemade pizzas, beer on tap or in bottles, their deep-fried beers, and cocktails and wine. Night School hosts Karaoke Nights, pool tournaments, and live music.
Why These New York Getaways Work for a Weekend Trip
Whether people explore Long Island or venture upstate, New York offers multiple stunning towns to see throughout the "Empire State." From Skaneateles, Ithaca, and Lakeville, showcasing their natural beauty on their respective lakefronts, to Long Beach and Greenport, welcoming people with local attractions not too far from New York City. Visitors from the city and out of state will be satisfied with the diverse range of places to see and activities to enjoy in these communities.
