11 Offbeat Towns to Visit in New York
The great state of New York, consisting of more than just New York City, is home to hundreds of villages, towns, and cities. Each of these places bring their own charm and beauty to the stature and influence of the state as a whole, yet some add in some historical aptitude and individuality as well. Here are eleven offbeat towns in New York State that are well worth visiting. From Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes Region to Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains, each of these towns has its own special attractions and attributes that make it stand out as one of a kind.
Canandaigua
The town of Canandaigua, located in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, is home to a plethora of amenities that cater to a quaint, down-home demeanor. Situated in the center of Ontario County, Canandaigua is home to the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, which showcases nine beautiful gardens and a magnificent Victorian mansion, and the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. The Granger Museum is a dedication to Gideon Granger, the longest-serving Postmaster General of the United States, as well as the four generations of Grangers who followed in his footsteps. Canandaigua is also close to several natural attractions, like Canandaigua Lake which, formerly Humphrey Bogart’s favorite summer vacation spot, now supplies drinking water to about seventy thousand people daily.
Alexandria Bay
The pastoral town of Alexandria Bay has several attributes that label it as an off-the-beaten-path town with a great link to the past. Lying astride the banks of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Wellesley Island and the town of Rockport, Alexandria Bay is home to Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House, as well as in close proximity to Grass Point State Park and Mary Island State Park. Both state parks offer a variety of opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Some other attractions worth visiting in and near Alexandria Bay are Thousand Island Bridge and the Cornwell Brothers Store & Museum. The museum showcases the importance of the St. Lawrence River in the past as well as today.
Woodstock
Situated deep within the Catskill Mountains, the town of Woodstock is best known for lending its name to a particularly famous music festival from the 1960’s, even though the festival actually occurred approximately forty miles to the southwest, on a dairy farm in Bethel. Today, Woodstock (the town) provides a variety of great opportunities to explore the boundless outdoors. Overlook Mountain and Catskill Center Thorn Preserve are both relatively close to town and are both a great experience for the entire family, while Mower’s Flea Market, which is open every weekend and has been named one of the top ten flea markets in America by FODOR’s travel guide, offers everything from toys to antiques.
Saugerties
Situated between the Hudson River and Catskill Park, in Ulster County, the picturesque town of Saugerties is a haven for adventure while not being overly inundated with multitudes of tourists. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Falling Waters Preserve, and Esopus Creek Conservatory, three great opportunities to intermingle with the animals, call Saugerties home. There are also several points of interest in and around town, including Opus 40, a park based around man-made structures, and the Saugerties Lighthouse, established in 1869. The lighthouse is now a premium bed & breakfast inn while still maintaining its lighthouse duties, offering a touch of extra light to the waters of the Hudson River in the dark of the night.
Lake George
Lake George (the town) is conveniently located at the southwest corner of Lake George (the lake). This charming, peaceful town is home to a variety of attractions, including Magic Forest Theme Park, Prospect Mountain, and Lake George itself, which is a thirty-two mile long, spring-fed lake. Some other exciting activities in and around the town of Lake George would be visiting the Fort William Henry Museum and hiking up to Shelving Rock Falls. The original Fort William Henry was built in 1755 during the French/Indian War. The museum accompanying it showcases some of the history of Fort William Henry. It also promotes several events throughout the year, like “Battles and Beverages” every March, which is a tribute to the anniversary of the museum’s opening.
Skaneateles
Further to the west, on the east end of the Finger Lakes Region in upstate New York, Skaneateles sits astride the northern boundaries of Skaneateles Lake. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve, not to mention Skaneateles Lake, the town of Skaneateles is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost nine hundred feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Cliff Park, Thayer Park, and Shotwell Memorial Park. Plus, if hiking is necessary for getting the most out of nature, the Charlie Major Nature Trailhead is approximately a mile long and runs from Mill Road to Crow Hill Road, following along a pastoral stream.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is perhaps best known for being the main inspiration Washington Irving utilized while penning his classic known as “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in the early eighteen hundreds. Possibly surprising to common knowledge though, some other famous people have ties with this small town and this town’s even more famous cemetery. Andrew Carnegie, well-known for spearheading the growth of the American steel industry, and Elizabeth Arden, who built a cosmetics empire in the nineteen twenties, are both interred in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. There are also several natural attractions in close proximity to Sleepy Hollow. Enjoy an invigorating hike at nearby Nyack Beach State Park with friends or experience a night beneath the stars with the family out at Croton Point Park.
Rhinebeck
North of Sleepy Hollow, yet south of Saugerties, on the east side of the Hudson River in Dutchess County, the town of Rhinebeck is home to a rich history all its own. Along with the Wilderstein Historic Site and the Rhinebeck Historical Society, Rhinebeck is also home to God’s Acre, the final resting place of forty-three brave men who gave their lives for their town and country during the American Revolution. There are also several establishments to experience a gourmet meal with friends and/or family, including Terrapin Restaurant and Gigi Trattoria on Montgomery Street, and Le Petit Bistro on Market Street. Primrose Hill Bed & Breakfast, on Ackert Hook Road, is an excellent choice of lodging, in case staying the night is in the itinerary.
Lewiston
Situated just above Niagara and Niagara University, the town of Lewiston, along with its surrounding village, offers a treasure trove of unexplored adventures. It is home to the Tuscarora Heroes Monument and the Freedom Crossing Monument, highlighting its rich historical legacy. Lewiston also boasts natural attractions such as Joseph Davis State Park, perfect for biking, hiking, picnicking, and fishing, and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail, which presents a stunning array of natural beauty. Additionally, Lewiston features various scientific attractions, including the Niagara Power Project Visitor’s Center and the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station, both of which offer tours throughout the year.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen, a town nestled along one of the many lakes in the Finger Lakes Region, boasts an abundance of natural attractions, including Watkins Glen State Park. This nearly 800-acre park provides all the typical amenities of a state park, such as camping at an official campground and hiking on various trails, including the Watkins Glen South Rim Trail, Punch Bowl Road, and the Finger Lakes Trail to Ebeneezer’s Crossing. The town also offers several activities, like wandering down Franklin Street, where visitors can find excellent spots to savor local cuisine. Notable establishments include Seneca Harbor Station and Blue Pointe Grille for delectable fish dishes, and Thai Elephants, which focuses on curries and dumplings.
Saratoga Springs
While many recognize Saratoga Springs primarily for its strong connection to horse racing, particularly the Saratoga Racing Hall of Fame, the town also boasts various natural attractions. Locations like Yaddo Gardens, the Saratoga Farmers Market, and Saratoga Springs Waterfront Park provide distinct natural experiences. Additionally, Saratoga Springs is rich in history, appealing to enthusiasts through its museums. The Saratoga Automobile Museum, Saratoga Springs History Museum, and New York Military Museum all contribute to this cultural tapestry. Furthermore, Saratoga Spa State Park, situated on Roosevelt Drive, offers camping facilities for those looking to stay overnight.
In Conclusion
In summary, while New York City and its five boroughs receive much recognition and praise, the upstate region offers numerous charming towns, villages, and cities that are equally deserving of a visit. From Canandaigua, with its Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, to Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Spa State Park, there are exceptional offbeat towns ready to be explored, whether for a second visit or the first time.
