7 Most Eccentric Towns in New York
The state of New York is one of the most famous places in the world, and for good reason! For all of the amazing history, landmarks, and natural wonders, without question, the best thing about New York State is its people. As the state with the fourth-largest population in the United States, the Empire State's people have created and cultivated some of the most unique and eccentric towns you will find anywhere. So, pack your bags and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime as we take a look at some of our favorite eccentric towns.
Hudson
Tucked into the east side of the Hudson River, you'll find the charming community of Hudson, New York, an eccentric paradise. During your time in Hudson, you can take a short ferry trip to the incredible historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse located on the Hudson River. Built in 1874, this incredible structure has been guiding ships for more than a century. When roaming around the city of Hudson, you can marvel at the old-world architecture as you stroll through the Historic Hudson District, featuring buildings dating back to 1785.
If you get peckish while roaming around, you can stop in for a bite to eat at local favorite spot, Savona's Trattoria & Bar. Perhaps one of the best ways to unwind while in town is to spend time at the Promenade Hill Park. Before you leave town, you might want to grab a coffee and go to the 40,000-square-foot Antique Warehouse to pick up some new home furnishings.
Woodstock
Home to around 6,287 people, the town of Woodstock has long been a destination for creative types. During your time in town, you can take in a show at the famed Woodstock Playhouse. Built in 1938, the historic theatre showcases well-loved classics and original content. You can then take a walk down Tinker Street, which offers a visual feast you are unlikely to find anywhere else. The bright and colorful shops, such as Woodstock Emporium and Holiday Haus. While there, you can find delectable chocolate treats and fun gift ideas for yourself and others.
To learn a bit more about the town's incredible history, visit the Historical Society of Woodstock. As a fun fact about the town, even though the famous 1969 music festival was called "Woodstock," the event actually happened in nearby Bethel, New York. For a breathtaking view of the area, head to nearby Overlook Mountain, where you can find hiking trails perfect for exploring.
Beacon
Established in 1913, the historic town of Beacon is a wonderful place for a day or weekend trip. During your time in this wonderful community, you can stroll through its Lower Main Street Historic District to see an array of beautiful historic buildings dating back to 1850. To learn more about the town's incredible history, stop by the Mount Gulian Historic Site. Built around 1730, this impeccably well-maintained house offers a window into how some of the early settlers lived.
One of the underrated aspects of New York State is its scenic beauty, as exemplified by the Madam Brett Park. Spanning 13 acres (about 10 football fields), the impressive park features hiking trails, a stream, and a small waterfall. If you're looking to relax as much as possible and just forget all the stresses of life, pay a visit to The Zen Den, a spa-like setting that offers red-light therapy. Just remember to bring your sunglasses!
Cooperstown
Lovely Cooperstown, New York, is unquestionably a mecca for baseball fans thanks to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Opened in 1939, the Hall of Fame pays tribute to some of the best to ever play the game, like legendary Yankees pitcher Richard "Goose" Gossage, "Hammerin" Hank Aaron, and the "Sultan of Swat" George Herman "Babe" Ruth, and many more. Anyone who has ever stepped foot on home plate has dreamt of having their name etched within these hallowed halls. While enjoying your time outdoors, you can visit Doubleday Field, named after baseball's traditionally credited inventor, Abner Doubleday. In 1920, the first baseball game was played on this field. Since then, it has been home to countless incredible plays.
Art lovers will want to stop by the Fenimore Art Museum to view some amazing art exhibitions. If you're brave enough, while in town, you can take a dip in Otsego Lake, but be warned! The lake can get very chilly, so warm up with a delicious meal at Mel's at 22 restaurant. Locals say their food is a real home run.
Owego
Founded in 1791, the town of Owego is home to a very rich history, some of which you will see on full display as you stroll through Owego's historic downtown. You will feel like you stepped back a few centuries as you marvel at the 19th-century architecture. While you're there, you can pop into The Black Cat Gallery, where you can pick up some locally made art to take home. Or if you prefer something a bit more vintage, you can stop by the massive Early Owego Antiques Mall featuring clothing, antique furniture, and more! To learn more about the area's local history, you can spend time at the Tioga County Historical Society.
The Owego Riverwalk is a wonderful way to enjoy the area's beautiful scenery. As you walk along the boardwalk and the sun or moon hits the water of the Susquehanna River just right, you'd swear for a second you saw heaven. If you're looking for a place to stay while you're in town, you can stay at the welcoming 1867 Parkview Inn, featuring the renowned Dugan House Restaurant.
Lily Dale
About an hour's drive from the city of Buffalo, you'll find the charming town of Lily Dale. This unique community is currently home to around 275 people, though that number can swell up to over 22,000 at times. Incorporated in 1879, the area quickly became a hub of the growing spiritualist movement. While you're in Lily Dale, you can spend time at the Lily Dale Spiritual Assembly, the world's largest center for the religion of Spiritualism. There you can, perhaps, gain some inner peace as you roam the grounds and learn a bit about spiritualism.
While the assembly features buildings up to 140 years old, to learn more about the town's history, visit the Lily Dale Museum. In town, you'll also find the beautiful Leolyn Woods, a 10-acre forest home to trees believed to be up to 400 years old. Regardless of one's view on spiritualism, no one can deny that Mother Nature is a masterful artist.
Saranac Lake
The picturesque town of Saranac Lake has drawn some of the most creative and important minds of the 20th century throughout its history. At one point, the town was home to men such as the famed writer Robert Louis Stevenson and the renowned physicist Albert Einstein, who had a summer home there. In fact, while you're in Saranac Lake, you can visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, and see where the writer of Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde vacationed. While you are in Saranac Lake, you can make your own history when you visit the Adirondack Carousel, a beautifully crafted old-fashioned merry-go-round handmade out of wood.
If you visit during February, you can take part in the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, featuring food, fun, and its ever-popular main attraction: The Ice Palace. The palace is an entire building constructed from blocks of ice! It is indeed as cool as it sounds. No matter what time of year you visit Saranac Lake, you can take an invigorating hike at the Baker Mountain Trailhead before relaxing with an amazing meal at the Lakeside Drift. This charming town is just 148 miles (238 km) from Albany, New York, which makes Saranac Lake perfect for a day or weekend trip.
As we have seen, the Empire State is a virtual buffet of unique towns. Whether you are interested in connecting with your spiritual side, learning some amazing history, or just creating memories in an eccentric town, New York State has no shortage. Each town has its own unique flavor and identity that can't be bought, taught, stolen, or copied, and that is what makes each one of them special and worth visiting. So go out there and create some memories!
