7 Coziest Mountain Towns In New York
Another cold winter is just around the corner in New York, and those who live in this state might be looking to get away from the big city and busy highways. Lucky for them and country-wide visitors, several cozy mountain towns in New York will make them feel like they are worlds apart from the noise and the chill. Whether you want to admire fall colors before the snow starts falling or just want a peaceful weekend away, you will find charm, history, and comfort in New York’s mountain hideaways. In the following seven towns, delicious mugs of cocoa, crackling wood-burning fireplaces, and the tranquility of small-town life will warm your soul this winter.
Lake Placid
It takes almost five hours to get to Lake Placid from New York City, but you will immediately see how worth it the drive is when you enter this beautiful village. And, if cozy is what you are after, your first stop should be The Cottage Restaurant and Café at Mirror Lake Inn. The restaurant sits on the shore of Mirror Lake and offers breathtaking views of the Great Range of the Adirondacks. Enjoy a hearty meal as you watch the lights reflect on the water and warm up around the outdoor fire pit.
If you plan to stay a couple of days, get an Olympic Sites Passport for access to each Olympic site in the Lake Placid area. You can hike the Brewster Peninsula Trails through the Adirondack forest and be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Placid. You can also access Whiteface Mountain, where you can catch a ride on the Cloudsplitter Gondola, which goes to the top of Little Whiteface. If you want to experience downtown Lake Placid, be sure to stop by the Palace Theatre for a nostalgic movie-going experience.
Wilmington
The small town of Wilmington is located in northern Essex County within the Adirondack Park. It is just 17 minutes away from Lake Placid, which means you can still access Whiteface Mountain and explore the Ausable River. The mountain offers snowboarding and skiing in winter, and hiking, gondola rides, and disc golf in summer. If you can make it before mid-October, you can also drive the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, which rides up the entirety of Whiteface Mountain and features a castle and cafe at the top! Another 22 minutes from Whiteface, you will find a nature park called High Falls Gorge, where there are several bridges, walkways, and waterfalls to enjoy.
If you plan on visiting Wilmington with the family, a stop at Santa’s Workshop is a must. This theme park is located in North Pole, Wilmington, and features rides and Christmas shows. There is also the famous Christmas Village, said to have inspired the one and only Walt Disney. It does not get much cozier than walking among glittering fairy lights and enjoying an authentic Christmas ambiance.
Margaretville
The quaint town of Margaretville lies in Delaware County in Middletown, on the edge of Catskill Park at the base of Pakatakan Mountain. You do not need a car to explore the town, so park your vehicle at your lodge and take a leisurely walk to the restaurants and shops. Enjoy an iced coffee and excellent pastries at Café Marguerite on Main Street, and dinner at the rustic, woman-owned Rae's before catching a show at the Open Eye Theater, a community mainstay.
There is much more to see and do outside of downtown. At Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, just minutes away, you can go skiing and snow tubing at the last indie family-run ski mountain in the Catskills. You can rent the entire mountain for a day if you want to ski and tube with friends and family. You can also hike in the nearby Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest or go backcountry camping for a few days. You do not have to pay an admission fee, but there is a requirement to ‘leave no trace.’
Windham
Windham is a tiny mountain town with around 200 permanent residents. This gorgeous little place is located in the Catskill Mountains in Greene County and is known as the ‘Gem of the Catskills.’ It is also one of the oldest towns in this part of the country, having been established in 1798. The best part of Windham is that you can visit at any time of the year and never miss out on the coziness and relaxation it offers. You can go skiing at the Windham Mountain Club or take to the mountain biking trails here. The club also offers the opportunity to play a round of golf or to go horseback riding.
If you want to go for a slow hike, the Windham Path is only 1.5 miles long and offers pretty views. If you want something a little more challenging, opt for the 6.8-mile Windham High Peak trail that offers even more stunning views and wildlife. If you visit during the fall, you can catch the Windham Fall Festival, which includes locally made goods and great food.
Long Lake
Long Lake is another year-round vacation destination in New York State. This small town sits within the Adirondack Park in Hamilton County and is named after the lake that runs through it. During the summer, there is no end to the hiking, boat tours, water sports, and bicycling that happen here. If you don’t want to visit during the hot months, you could plan your trip for the fall and view the breathtaking fall foliage from a seaplane. During winter, you can go skiing or snowshoeing to your heart’s content at the nearby Whiteface or Gore Mountains.
There is also always something happening in Long Lake, so you can visit the farmers market on Thursdays or enjoy a day on the Long Lake public beach when the weather is nice. Plus, as soon as the beach opens, there is live music to enjoy every Friday night. Book your stay at the historic and beautiful Adirondack Hotel, a perennial favorite of visitors, and get cozy lakeside.
Saratoga Springs
In Saratoga Springs, you will find both a cozy atmosphere and a buzzing nightlife. It all depends on which direction you take when you reach this popular town. If you choose a night out on the town, head to The Night Owl on Maple Avenue. This bar slash dance club offers great cocktails, delicious food, and a non-stop party. After a fun night, you can sleep in and then head to the Saratoga Race Course to catch a horse race
If you want to get to know the town a little better, you can explore Congress Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The park is perfect for just relaxing and taking in the serenity of the outdoors. Or, you can go to the waterfront park at Saratoga Lake, where you can fish, paddle boat, or kayak. The water is also a great vantage point to view fall foliage and spend a few tranquil hours doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the atmosphere.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is just an hour and twenty minutes away from New York City, making it the perfect day-trip destination. This small town in the Hudson Valley offers a scenic getaway for hikers and shoppers. If you take a walk down Main Street, you will see several delightful stores and boutiques. It doesn't get much cozier than the Cozy Corner Cafe! But if it's a nice sunny day, head to the Cold Spring Pier, where you can sit and enjoy the valley view.
For something a little more adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard or canoe to explore the valley up close. On a paddleboard, you can make your way along the shoreline or through Constitution Marsh and Foundry Cove. And at Hudson Highlands State Park, you can hike the marked trails, go fishing, or enjoy birdwatching. End a lovely day at the Cold Spring Depot, which is set in an authentic 1893 train station and offers delicious cocktails and scrumptious meals.
Finding Warmth In New York’s Coziest Spots
New York’s mountain towns offer you something you will not find in the big city: a chance to breathe again and slow down. You can look out over quiet lakes with snowy mountains as backdrops or run into a family-run shop to get a snack or two. If comfort is what you need after a tough year, or if you just need to get away from the bustle of city life, you will find it in these small towns. Whether you plan a day trip or a two-week break, each of these towns will entice you to stay longer. And, the beauty and calm you experience here will stay with you long after you return home.
