7 Most Underrated Small Towns In Upstate New York
Upstate New York mountains, lakes, and river valleys are full of small towns with landscapes that rival anything on the East Coast. The seven towns on this list range from a village of 280 to a college town of 32,000. One hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Another was the state's first capital before the British burned it down. A third has stone houses from the 1600s still standing on its main street.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown sits at the southern tip of Otsego Lake, population roughly 1,800. It's best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for anyone who cares about the sport's history, packed with rare artifacts and well-crafted exhibits.
But baseball isn't the whole story. Fenimore Farm & Country Village (formerly The Farmers' Museum) recreates 19th-century rural life across more than two dozen historic buildings, with working blacksmiths, printers, and weavers bringing the era to life. Next door, the Fenimore Art Museum houses American fine art, folk art, and one of the country's notable collections of Native American art.
New Paltz
New Paltz sits about 80 miles north of Manhattan in the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1678 by French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution, it's one of the oldest European settlements in the country, and Historic Huguenot Street proves it: seven original stone houses, still standing, now a National Historic Landmark.
The town is at the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, which delivers some of the best hiking in the Northeast. The Lemon Squeeze, a tight rock scramble on the ridge, is a local rite of passage. Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian-era resort perched above it all, offers trails, gardens, and views that justify the trip on their own.
Ithaca
Ithaca is the county seat of Tompkins County, sitting at the southern end of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes. Population around 32,000, though that swells considerably when Cornell University and Ithaca College are in session.The gorges are the main draw. Streams cut deep into the surrounding hillsides, producing waterfalls and ravines that punch well above what you'd expect from central New York. Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet, taller than Niagara. Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca Falls, and Cascadilla Gorge are all within easy reach of downtown.
The culture matches the landscape. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, housed in a striking I.M. Pei building on Cornell's campus, holds over 40,000 works spanning six millennia. The Apple Harvest Festival and Ithaca Festival round out the calendar. And the density of restaurants, bookstores, and cafes reflects a town where two universities set the rhythm of daily life.
Kingston
Founded in 1652, Kingston is a historic city with a population of just over 24,000 residents. As New York State’s first capital in 1777, it played a vital role in colonial America. Today, visitors can explore Kingston’s rich history through various historic districts and landmarks. The cobblestone streets of the Stockade District remain lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including churches, courthouses, and graveyards. Located about 59 miles from Albany, Kingston appeals especially to those interested in American history. For historic charm and scenic beauty, it’s arguably one of the best destinations in the entire
Ellicottville
Ellicottville, founded in the early 1800s, boasts stunning natural beauty and remains a highly charming and inviting destination. With fewer than 300 residents, this Western New York town is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, ziplining, and lush greenery. Downtown, you'll find excellent local restaurants, boutique shops, pubs, cafes, and more, showcasing the town's cozy atmosphere. A visit to the Washington Street Historic District reveals a collection of historic buildings, while the Nannen Arboretum offers a peaceful retreat. These tranquil, scenic surroundings make Ellicottville one of the most beautiful green spaces to explore in Western New York.
Lake Placid
Situated within the Adirondack Mountains, the village of Lake Placid is a small place with a big-time attraction. The host of the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, this community of around 2,200 permanent residents attracts visitors from across the nation. For those seeking great outdoor adventure, Lake Placid is the place to be no matter what the season. Enjoy alpine sports and snow-capped mountains in the winter, while wonderful opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are always popular in the spring and summer. For a picturesque outing in a peaceful setting, Lake Placid is one of the most special places to visit in the entire State of New York.
Aurora
Aurora is about 27 miles north of the town of Ithaca, which is beautifully nestled on the banks of Cayuga Lake. Though it has a modest population of about 600 residents, visitors will find plenty of historic charm and beauty that only a small town can offer. Founded in 1795, Aurora invites tourists to stroll Main Street and its assortment of preserved 18th- and 19th-century edifices, while a casual walk or bike ride near the lake is a wonderful way to spend a day.
For wine lovers, visiting Aurora would not be complete without a stop along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Here an afternoon of sampling and savoring local Finger Lakes wines is a tasty and memorable experience, while browsing the number of cute boutique stores and other eateries makes an excursion to this town one you are sure to remember long after you leave.
While it is easy to lose yourself in the grandeur of New York City, a visit to any of these wonderful upstate towns showcases another side of America’s fourth most populous state. From the relaxing atmosphere of Aurora to the exciting outdoor activities of Lake Placid, and the history-rich streets of Kingston, the towns of New York State are a veritable treat waiting to be discovered and admired.
