12 Nicest Small Towns In Upstate New York

Sometimes you need to venture to some of the nicest small towns in Upstate New York to get away from that big city noise. The light pollution, the soot in the air, and the sound of traffic can get tiresome. And many big city dwellers eventually make the decision to travel Upstate for a peaceful weekend to unwind and reset. So, where should you go? With so many beautiful towns to choose from, where do you start? Here are 12 nicest small towns in Upstate New York to put on your list.

These small towns offer plenty to do while providing much-needed rest and relaxation.

Hudson

So, you want to escape the big city, but you're worried it'll feel too rural, and you don't want to feel out of place. Then, Hudson, New York, is the perfect small town for your New York City escape. Hudson has a population of around 6,000, but its historic architecture and numerous boutique shops make it feel like Brooklyn was transported and dropped into the countryside. Get away, without the culture shock. However, in the event you want to feel like you're on a break from the big city, there are many things you can try to make it feel like a real vacation.

Consider these options while visiting Hudson: Warren Street, lined with art galleries, vintage shops, and restaurants. Try 225 Warren Bar and Grill, then walk on over to 314 Warren for books, gifts, and home decor. Once you've had your fill of great food and good shopping, head to the Henry Hudson Waterfront Park for beautiful river views and spots to take in the fresh air, have a picnic, or perhaps meditate. It sure beats the crowds at Hudson Riverfront Park in New York City.

Ithaca

Ithaca is naturally stunning. It's surrounded by beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and forest trails for the nature lovers. Cayuga Lake enriches the beauty of Ithaca, resting gracefully at the southern tip of this remarkable Finger Lake.

The mixture of college vibes, wine, and small-town charm makes Ithaca a popular destination. Visit Downtown Ithaca, or Ithaca Commons. Their pedestrian-friendly streets make it extremely safe to wander around, looking for cute and cozy cafes like Alley Cat Cafe, and restaurants like Capital State Kitchen for some tasty sushi. Don't forget that Ithaca Falls are very close to downtown. Therefore, getting to some of Ithaca's breathtaking waterfalls is easier than you think. This lovely town is perfect for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a diverse range of options.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is a gorgeous small town in Upstate New York, perfect for those who love scenic beauty and outdoor sports. With a population of slightly over 2,000, Lake Placid receives over 3 million visitors per year, with more than 1 million visiting the area's sporting sites.

A few popular outdoor sporting sites include The Olympic Center, Whiteface Mountain, and The Olympic Jumping Complex. The Olympic Jumping Complex has multiple options for outdoor fun, including ski lifts, a zip line, and a gondola ride with stellar views. You can spend your entire day here.

Cold Spring

For a calm and scenic weekend getaway, Cold Springs offers a unique atmosphere where autumn meets storybook chic. Residents and tourists alike can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, hiking, cycling, and kayaking. For those seeking relaxation, the scenic waterfront and well-maintained parks offer numerous tranquil spaces.

What about sites and good old-fashioned sustenance? If you're a coffee lover, there's a popular place called Cold Springs Coffee House. Don't forget to pick up their seasonal Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte, it's a cold brew to swoon over. From here, you can head over to Boscobel House and Garden, a well-preserved Georgian mansion and historic museum that contains collections of decorative arts from the Federal period. Not to mention the admission grants you access to 68 acres of the lush gardens. You can also check out Magazzino Italian Art Museum or the Stone Crop Garden if you're a plant lover.

Village of Skaneateles

Pack your Dior sunglasses and your faux minx fur, because the Village of Skaneateles is not just rich in history and beauty, but it's also rich (with affluent individuals residing here). Named after one of the Finger Lakes, the lake is stunning and serene. It's a truly remarkable sight to see.

While visiting, you can support local shops like The Local Branch, which offers cute apparel for all ages. Sip house-made Bourbon at the Last Shot Distillery, and purchase one-of-a-kind local artwork at the Skaneateles Artisans. After that, keep the vibe going by taking a hike on the Charlie Major Nature Trail before calling it a night.

Saratoga Springs

Welcome to Health, History, and Horses. Yes, that's the slogan for Saratoga Springs. And yes, horse racing is something to put on your list when you visit. However, if that's not your thing, you can see some of the museums or national parks, such as the Tang Teaching and Art Gallery or the Saratoga National History Park.

Saratoga is home to natural mineral springs that provide naturally carbonated water. Discovered over a century ago, these mineral springs put Saratoga on the map and drew many visitors to the area. The mineral springs are said to promote health and wellness by providing essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, silica, bicarbonates, sodium, and potassium. Congress Park is situated at the heart of the springs and is a must-visit destination.

Cooperstown

Cooperstown is a one-of-a-kind small town for the baseball lover. It is nicknamed "America's hometown," boasting small-town charm and attractions that all baseball lovers will enjoy, such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Within Cooperstown, you'll find folk and Native American art at Fenimore Art Museum, performances at the Glimmerglass Festival, and as many boutique shops as you can handle.

Many of the sites cater to baseball lovers, however, there is something for everyone, such as the Wine Walk in a Corn Maze, where you get to sip your favorite wine while trying to find your way out.

Corning

Corning, New York, best known for its glass manufacturing, is a small town in Upstate New York. Today, you can see world-class glassmaking at the Corning Museum of Glass and explore the streets of the Gaffer District, otherwise known as their Downtown.

One of the sweetest attractions is the Chocolate Trail. This tour of various chocolate eateries throughout the Gaffer District will captivate everyone's sweet tooth. Pamper yourself with luxurious chocolate-scented soaps, exquisite chocolate cigars, and chocolate martinis. It's a paradise for sweets lovers, featuring top ice cream parlors, coffee shops, and more.

Saranac Lake

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a small town exuding vibrant fall colors, near a lake, as you wake up to birds chirping? Saranac Lake is that small town that gives you the fall vibes, the scenic beauty, and the sites you need to see. The scenic beauty alone brings visitors all year round. But don't just come for the scenery, visit for all the other things the town offers. Downtown Saranac offers visitors a variety of locally owned stores, including the Book Nook bookstore, located at 7A Broadway, which is essentially the heart of downtown.

Enjoy the "cure cottage" architecture while learning about the history. Cure cottage is a term coined during the outbreak of tuberculosis from 1873 to 1945. They used these cottages to help treat and cure TB patients, hence the term 'cure cottages'. Pair that knowledge with the Saranac Laboratory Museum to learn about the tools and processes they used for TB during those times. The museum displays exhibits that focus on local history, science, and patient care. If you're interested in ecotourism, learn about the loons and their crucial role in the ecosystem at the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.

Watkins Glen

Also located on Seneca Lake is Watkins Glen. What sets Watkins Glen apart from the city of Seneca Lake is its proximity to nearby natural preserves and hiking trails. For example, you have the Gorge Trail that boasts an impressive 19 waterfalls, incredible foliage, and beauty to leave you spellbound.

After you're done hiking the beautiful trails, head over for some tasty delights at one of Watkins Glen's restaurants. You have your choice of Seneca Harbor Station, a restaurant inside a restored train shop serving incredible seafood. If you're not a seafood fan, try some Italian food at Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizza Co. It's a traditional Italian restaurant serving pasta, pizza, salads, and more.

Aurora

With a population of approximately 600, Aurora is a storybook village on Cayuga Lake. It's a picture-worthy small town that already looks like a postcard, lined with 19th-century homes, flower-filled gardens, and tranquil lake views. This small town makes the perfect romantic getaway.

Take a walk along Cayuga Lake, one of the longest Finger Lakes, for perfect romantic sunset views. Go wine tasting at one of the many wineries around town, like the Buttonwood Grove Winery. During the summer, the winery offers live music to help you unwind well into the night. Every visit to Aurora requires a stop at the MacKenzie-Childs Factory, a boutique shop offering unique finds and a variety of art events throughout the year.

Chittenango

For a more rustic yet cozy feel, head to Chittenango. Chittenango is the home of writer L. Frank Baum, author of the infamous Wizard of Oz. You can see Baum's legacy all over town with its inspired yellow brick sidewalks, Oz festivals, and Oz-inspired artwork. In the spirit of Oz, you can visit The Wild Animal Park and see the lions, tigers, bears, and other cute animals.

After an Oz-filled day, head over to the locally owned DeMario's Eatery to taste one of their delicious hot sandwiches. If you're craving dessert, try Dad's Soft Ice Cream before exploring the rest of this nice town.

Ready for a Nice Small Town Vacation in Upstate New York?

While you plan your next trip to Upstate New York, don't forget to put some of these nicer small towns on your list. After all, the big city will always be there, and the cozy feeling you get from these small towns will make you want to visit each of these for many weekends to come. Have you been to any of these? Which one was your favorite?