6 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Upstate New York
Upstate New York offers the charm of small-town America combined with all the amenities and events travelers could dream of. The towns here have main streets where the buzz never stops as shop doors open onto century-old sidewalks. The communities live and work among stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys, and still consider their main streets as part of their local pride.
If you want to experience the heart of upstate New York, start with the most popular main streets. You will find history, great food, and nature delivered in one unique package.
Saratoga Springs, Broadway
Broadway in Saratoga Springs is aptly named, since there is culture and character wherever you look. Gideon Putnam laid out Broadway in the early 1800s to connect the Upper Village to the Lower Village. After the street was built, it was lined with lavish hotels, including the Grand Union Hotel. Over the years, these buildings gave way to modern replacements, but much of the Victorian architecture remains. For example, the Adelphi Hotel, with its elegant porches, still overlooks Broadway in 2025.
Aside from the history, you can enjoy several events on Broadway throughout the year as well. If you visit in June, you can dance to live music at the Belmont on Broadway. Should you visit during the holidays, stay for the Saratoga Tree Lighting and Saratoga Festival of Trees during the first week of December. The tree lighting ceremony officially kicks off the Victorian Streetwalk Weekend, while the tree festival is hosted by the Catholic Charities of Saratoga and features handmade wreaths, beautiful trees, and other holiday centerpieces.
Hudson, Warren Street
Warren Street in Hudson is a heavenly haven for foodies and hard-core shoppers. Hudson was once a quiet river port, but it has been transformed into a popular arts center, drawing professional restaurateurs and designers from New York City and beyond. Warren Street in 2025 boasts colorful and vibrant storefronts and cafes that offer excellent coffee and breakfast options. You will find valuable antiques at White Whale Limited and eclectic art at Lili and Loo.
If you want to explore Warren Street's food options, Verdigris Tea offers some of the finest teas in the world, scrumptious baked goods, and a wide variety of chocolates. You can also view the wonderful artwork of regional visual and ceramic artists. If you want fast food, Baba Louie's is known for its sourdough pizzas, and you can also get a variety of beverages here.
Rhinebeck, East Market Street
East Market Street is quite possibly the most charming main street in the Hudson Valley. Long-time favorites for shopping include Rhinebeck Mercantile for premium clothing. For art lovers, Rhinebeck's Artist Shop offers a wide selection of art materials, gifts, and custom framing. There is also a farmers' market in the municipal parking lot on the main street every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Beyond shopping and dining, you will also find outdoor beauty in Rhinebeck. A short drive away, you will find the Wilderstein Historic Site on Morton Road, where the grand Victorian home of Margaret Suckley stands along the Hudson River. When you are back on East Market Street, be sure to stop by Samuel's Sweet Shop, which is co-owned by none other than Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Skaneateles, Genesee Street
Genesee Street in Skaneateles is located along Skaneateles Lake. It is a picture-perfect street with a unique character that you will experience nowhere else in New York State. For instance, you can go gift shopping at the quirky First National Gifts, which is a restored bank building. Snow and Rose offers artisanal goods and home décor.
Genesee Street's location also offers fantastic views of the lake, and you can take a walk on the pier, which extends over the water. If you want to get even closer to the water, book your spot on the Judge Ben Wiles boat for a leisurely cruise. Genesee Street also provides access to Clift Park, where you can go swimming (at a fee) or just sit under the gazebo and relax.
Cooperstown, Main Street
Main Street in Cooperstown is only two blocks long and features the village's only traffic light. Still, Main Street is one of the best main streets in small-town New York, especially since it is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. If you love baseball, you can also take photos with wax figures of several baseball legends at the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum. This museum also features a Baseball Bloopers Movie Theatre.
Main Street's shops lean fully into the baseball theme, with Cooperstown Bat Company going the extra mile with personalized engraved bats. Finally, you can end the perfect baseball day at The Cooperstown Diner, where you will find the 'biggest burgers' in the smallest diner. The diner has served many celebrities over the years, including Ron Howard and Gregory Hines.
Saranac Lake, Main Street
On Main Street in Saranac Lake, the vibrant mountain-town spirit combines with community creativity for a truly authentic small-town main-street experience. The Village Mercantile, owned by local residents, offers outdoor gear and apparel for those seeking to explore the mountains. Bloom Boutique specializes in women's accessories and clothing. The boutique also sells jewelry, beauty products, and home goods.
At the end of Main Street lies Lake Flower, where you can paddle away on the water or picnic on the lake shore. And during summer, the street hosts art walks and live music events, while winter welcomes the North Country New Year celebration.
Discover The Main Streets Of Small-Town New York
You do not always have to go in search of grand destinations in big cities. Sometimes, the real adventures lie in the proud main streets of small towns in cities like New York. So, if you want to travel with intention, find these main streets, linger at the roadside cafes, and marvel at the outdoor attractions at your fingertips. When you leave again, you will carry the charm of small-town New York with you wherever you go next.
