13 Small Towns In New York To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
Miles outside Manhattan and its sky-high glass buildings and towers is a world of unending natural beauty replete with picturesque apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, tumbling rivers and creaking brooks, alongside cozy lodgings and other exciting things to do year-round. From the Finger Lakes and its lush vineyards to the Adirondacks and its alpine lakes is a seemingly endless bucket list of getaway destinations, no matter the season. Starting with Lake Placid, whose very name points to a tranquil Neverland with apple orchards and waterfront views, the following are the 13 small towns in New York for a weekend getaway.
Lake Placid
We know we could be stirring up a diplomatic storm with places like Skaneateles, but Lake Placid could be the best place to visit for a weekend getaway in New York. There are many hidden gems here, like Caffe Rustica, which serves decadent Italian dishes, and Henry's Woods, a wooded preserve that offers trails for hiking, running, and biking, as well as a premier Rocky Knob trail. It also has excellent ski features, meaning winter is not a terrible time to explore it. If you like to hike, the nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg is a relatively easy hike with some of the best views of the High Peaks. If spending the night, The Haus is located right on Mirror Lake and the view is consistently on a spectrum of spectacular.
Saranac Lake
The best and freshest ice cream in the Adirondacks is served in Saranac Lake, a nature lover's paradise with sparkling lakes and trembling mountains. Donnelly's, a well-known beacon to the worn-out hiker, is a family-run ice cream stand open Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's known for two daily flavors, flat-top cones, and creamy texture. Saranac Lake and the area around it are home to some of the best hiking trails in the Adirondacks, including Baker Mountain, part of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area. There's the nearby McKenzie Pond hike, for a more challenging outdoor adventure, and the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail, suitable for hikers who enjoy soaking up the fall colors. As the sun bows out, a clean and cozy room at Hotel Saranac is what you need. The best part is that the hotel offers easy access to downtown and the nearby nature trails. This trip can't be complete without passing by the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, more so if you appreciate the literary genius of the Scottish novelist and poet.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is at the north end of Skaneateles Lake and is as beautiful as anything that man and nature can create. You will see people walking their dogs past local boutiques, tourists window-shopping and browsing restaurant menus, all in a relaxing atmosphere that constantly makes you suppress a grin. You can't miss the white gazebo, a beloved icon and a natural gathering place, and the lake, a shimmering beauty that sometimes turns into an impossibly vibrant shade of blue. There's the Skaneateles Brewery, for smooth ales and crisp lagers, and Elephant and the Dove, an upscale Mexican eatery with tongue-tingling delights. Meanwhile, Clift Park is a soft, soothing space to watch boats and birds, while the Barrow Gallery is a wonderful place for followers of the Hudson River School of Painting. The latter is where to appreciate original art that celebrates the beauty of Skaneateles and the whole of central New York. Skaneateles Boutique Hotel is a convenient place to stay because of its location near the restaurants, shops, and the lake.
Rhinebeck
The charming village of Rhinebeck, once touted as the “Violet Capital of the World,” is today a quaint getaway with top-tier spa offerings, especially at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a world-class facility reminiscent of an old-world chic Parisian Hotel. From taking in the Himalayan salt sauna to the eucalyptus-infused steam room to the heated spa whirlpool with private bar, this facility can easily fill up an entire weekend. You can start with a hearty breakfast at Bread Alone, a local favourite that has been whipping up a hearty array of delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and organic wood-fired breads, before strolling through the picturesque downtown and enjoying its laid-back look and feel. There's Winter Sun & Summer Moon, the perfect place to browse a gorgeous selection of globally inspired clothing, handicrafts, and jewelry, and Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill, which offers breathtaking views and a short hike. It doubles up as the best place to see the sunset and the moon rise. Spend the night at The Gables of Rhinebeck Inn, a charming place with old-world rooms, a winding staircase, and a claw-foot bathtub.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is the perfect getaway if you want to be hopping from one brewery to another, and from one winery to another, punctuating your trip with a stint at the outdoors or other awesome cultural touch points, including the iconic Glen Theatre, one of those fine old theatres that dates back to the vaudeville days. The feeling in the theatre is intimate and the sound system exceptional. You can experience the thrill of racing at Watkins Glen International, the premier road racing facility in the Empire State, or spend the entire day at the phenomenal Watkins Glen State Park, probably the most famous outdoor space in the Finger Lakes. Think of almost 20 waterfalls packed into just two miles of gorges, as well as awesome hiking trails with splendid views. Meanwhile, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail boasts over 30 wineries, meaning you will find something that is fine-tuned for your taste buds. Spend the night at Seneca Lodge, and cozy up with a beer at the lodge's tavern before bed.
Naples
Your weekend can be about sipping sparkling Cabarets, exploring quiet forest trails, or bobbing about on the water. They can also be about experiencing one of the most popular autumn festivals in the Finger Lakes: the immensely popular Naples Grapes Festival. Take note that Naples likes to style itself as the Grape Pie Capital of the World, and the festival, a two-day carnival that lights up the town every year in September, features grape-inspired foods, artists, live music, a pie contest, and a beverage garden. Other than that, you can catch a matinee at Bristol Valley Theater, dazzle your tongue with Bourbon Blend Reds at Inspire Moore Winery, one of the most hospitable wineries in this part of New York, or gorge on flavorful grape pies at Cindy's Pies, an adorable hangout that has been a beloved fixture of the town for several years. Sleep in the Maxfield Inn, an authentically restored house, right on Main Street.
Canandaigua
If you love kayaking, few places give the experience that Canandaigua does. The town sits on the northern shores of the eponymous lake, a 10,000-plus-acre beauty that provides a beautiful backdrop to the city and the surrounding countryside. You can rent a boat at Seager Marine Rentals and Charters and go tubing with friends or family around Canandaigua Lake, or opt for a 2-hour cruise on the luxury pontoon boat with a patient and knowledgeable captain. There's the Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, a clean, swoon-worthy space perfect for picnics and boat rides, and Kershaw Park, a beautifully maintained lakefront park with scenic views of Canandaigua Lake. Punctuate your adventure with the sticky Brussel sprouts at Rose Tavern, a local favourite with several scrumptious offerings. The Lake House on Canandaigua is an upscale accommodation option with a relaxing atmosphere and delicious water views.
Old Forge
You can visit Old Forge at any time of the year, but for a weekend getaway that will leave an imprint on your mind, fall is an incredibly beautiful time to swing by. The weather is mild and pleasant, the foliage is green and lush, and the Adirondacks’ vibrant colour show reaches a scintillating crescendo. You can prioritize a scenic chairlift ride at the McCauley Mountain Ski Center, which doubles up as a great place for hikes and leaf-peeping, or the mind-rousing watercolour exhibits at View Arts Centre, a friendly local gallery for admiring local talent. Before spending the night in a peaceful cabin at Old Forge Camping Resort, which also offers cottages and several RV sites, visit the 5-star-rated Kurt Gardner Photography Gallery, especially if you love the wilderness, seeing animals, and admiring amazing scenery. Although Kurt Gardner currently works in the advertising and fashion photography world, his real passion is nature photography. His one-of-a-kind photographs of the Adirondack Park are sky-level bangers.
Cooperstown
Otsego County’s Cooperstown is widely associated with the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, a must-see for fans of the game and the ultimate homage to America's Pastime. Even if you don't accept that baseball was invented here, like a decent number of historians, Cooperstown still has an enviable relationship with the game. Take it slow at the iconic Plaque Gallery to explore the plaques of players you grew up idolizing, where each plaque describes the player's accomplishments. Bear in mind that the museum has three floors of exhibit space, and, therefore, you should plan accordingly. However, if you have never heard of names like Hank Aaron or Ted Williams, you will find the atmosphere at Brewery Ommegang nothing short of enchanting. There are stunning views to enjoy, live music, a large bonfire pit on weekends, and multiple outdoor seating areas. More than that, Ommegang is known for its authentic Belgian-style ales. There's the Fenimore Art Museum, which keeps an excellent collection of American folk art, and Otsego Lake, an outdoor playground that offers swimming and other recreational opportunities. Keep in mind that Cooperstown Bed and Breakfast serves eggs from their own birds.
Saratoga Springs
With a penchant for turning first-time visitors into multiple repeat ones, The Spa City is another visit-worthy location with tons of colour and charisma. For water lovers, as are many human beings, visiting the historic Saratoga Spa State Park is always fun. You will certainly want to go see the spouter and try some of its outflow, then work your way to Congress Park, an outdoor attraction uniquely situated in the center of town on Broadway. You can take pictures and walk around, then sample the spring and mineral water fountains that draw tourists from almost every nook of the Northeast. Some have modest palatability scores, but others are certainly great. Food lovers have Cantina for enjoying trendy Tex-Mex on sidewalk tables, and Country Corner Cafe for hearty breakfasts featuring homemade pastries. You can then drive up North Broadway to admire the glorious Victorian mansions, then spend a peaceful night at Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge.
Hudson
Hudson is a small but charismatic town, especially along Warren Street, where you've got all of the shopping and stores, as well as lots of cozy cafes and family-owned restaurants such as Via Cassia, known for its exceptional pasta dishes, outstanding salads, and delicious tiramisu. Patrons particularly rave about its bistro-style atmosphere. That said, as long as you swing by this end of town before the sun goes down, Promenade Hill Park is a special little park with one of the best views of the Catskills that you can ever ask for. You can sit on the grass and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as bald eagles and ospreys wheel about in the sky. You will certainly want to visit Olana State Historic Site, which Mark Twain described as “an exalted hill of art.” Alternatively, pass by Spotty Dog Books & Ale, especially to sample a local craft beer while perusing the shelves for a Shakespearean classic or other mind-stimulator. In the final minutes of daylight, The Hudson Milliner will offer rest and respite.
Ithaca
Ithaca is the home base for Cornell University, an aspect that makes it the ultimate college town. The cultural flair here is epic, especially considering all the entertainment choices, dining options, wonderful museums, and one special landmark on the campus that people don't rave about enough: Cornell Botanic Gardens. Think of a heartwarming space with interesting herbs and perennials. Keep in mind that the Cornell University campus is an attraction by itself, with meandering hiking trails, nature walks, beautiful gardens, ponds, woodlands, meadows, glens, waterfalls, fens, bogs, and gorges. Nab a chair at Moosewood, an internationally famous restaurant that has produced over 10 vegetarian cookbooks (with over 6 million copies sold). Also, Ithaca's outdoor scene is scandalously attractive, with places like Robert Treman State Park and the countless waterfalls within arm's reach, including Taughannock Falls, which carves a 400-foot gorge through layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. Spend the night at the Dorm Hotel, a laid-back property with a bar and terrace.
Lake George
A weekend trip to Lake George can include anything from enjoying the thrill of parasailing and seeing the lake from 300 feet in the air to swimming, paddling, and boating at the aptly named Million Dollar Beach, a summer dream with over 50 acres of sand, with plenty of room to spread out. There's Fort William Henry, a restored Colonial fortress of the 1750s French and Indian War era that offers interesting tours, musket and cannon demonstrations, and, of course, some of the most beautiful views in the area. It is a nice place to experience what it felt like to be in the front line in defense of the British Colonies from French invaders during those tumultuous days. If you are spending the weekend in Lake George, one of the best spots to eat and enjoy the area's charm and ambiance is the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, a comfortable brewpub with craft beer, American comfort food, and rustic lodge-style atmosphere. As for spending the night, Sundowner on Lake George is a budget-friendly motel with a private beach. The rooms are beautifully decorated with rustic Adirondack furniture, and the view is nothing but spectacular.
So, if you are desiring a well-timed escape from Manhattan or any other bustling city, the Empire State is beautifully pockmarked by small, laid-back towns with easy-going charm and charisma. Some sit on glittering lakes surrounded by sugar-white sand and palm trees, while others are colourful mountain towns with epic skiing opportunities. An evening with a glass of sparkling wine can be preceded by a mid-morning adventure in a park-like environment, complete with bald eagles and winding trails. A getaway to many such spots is often what you need, especially if you want to unwind and come back feeling totally refreshed.
