7 of the most overlooked Towns in Upstate New York
To many Empire State residents, Upstate New York is associated with natural beauty. From the imposing Catskill Mountains to the powerful and grand Niagara Falls, you will find some of the country’s most jaw-dropping settings within the borders of this region, which is why it is such a popular tourist destination. Nevertheless, as with all regions, there are always a few overlooked spots whose attractions will have you questioning how the locals have kept them a secret. From historic wine routes and lakeside castles to mellow piers and romantic mineral springs, these 7 Update New York towns may be overlooked for now, but with attractions this good, they may not stay hidden for long.
Cooperstown
The charming town of Cooperstown is primarily known for its star attraction: the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And while the museum is a beloved way to engage with the iconic American pastime, this waterfront town has so much more to offer beyond its reputation for sports. In the mid-1800’s, Cooperstown was a thriving retreat for vacationers, its scenic surroundings and setting on Lake Otsego making it the perfect place to unwind in the summertime. With the warmer months approaching, waterfront accommodations like the Otesaga Resort Hotel will grant you an up-close glimpse of the beauty enjoyed on holidays so long ago. Alternatively, Glimmerglass State Park has some of the lake’s best sandy beaches and lakeside trails.
In town, this “Village of Museums” also has a ton to offer beyond baseball, like the Fenimore Art Museum which is set to reopen for the season on April 2nd, 2024, and the The Farmer’s Museum, one of the oldest living history museums in the world. If you visit anytime from June through October, Cooperstown’s Main Street also hosts a twice-weekly farmers market. Later in August, this 2024, Cooperstown will also host its annual Glimmerglass Festival, a world-renowned opera and performance festival. All in all, Cooperstown may have a reputation for baseball, but its nature, art, and cultural scene are the true homerun.
Geneva
Over in New York’s gorgeous Finger Lakes region, Geneva is another lakeside town perfect for those looking to savor a blissful day trip or weekend away this spring and summer. Bring the whole family for a day at Seneca Lake Park, where hiking, biking, swimming, and boating are just a few ways to enjoy the glacial lake. Or try out the Kashong Conservation area for a more secluded system of nature trails and picnic spots. With a serene tributary of Seneca Lake and over 80 acres of forest, field, and brush to explore, this conservation area is as enchanting as it is vast.
If romance or self-care draws you to Geneva, the Belhurst Castle and Winery is an accommodation that takes rejuvenation to the next level. Named a “World’s Best Wine Hotel” by Wine Enthusiast and one of the “Most Romantic Places in New York State,” this Victorian landmark offers incredible views of Seneca Lake, providing the perfect setting for your getaway. Indulge in award-winning wines at Belhurst Winery, treat yourself to a day of relaxation at the Isabella Spa and Salon, and savor a meal at Edgar’s Restaurant to see what life in a castle is like.
Kingston
If you are after a more lowkey day trip without the castle-costs, why not spend the day exploring a historic waterfront town for the price of as little as a coffee? In Kingston—New York’s very first capital—history and culture is embedded in every corner of town, and a ton of attractions are free to see. The Rondout, for instance, is a spirited part of town to take in Kingston's historic architecture and waterfront views. Overlooking the Hudson River, this waterfront district is home to some of Kingston’s most unique businesses, many housed in charming buildings whose architecture styles span 4 centuries. Grab a coffee and a pastry at Half Moon Rondout Cafe and take in the sights, from river views to window shopping.
Deeper into Kingston, you can also find historic buildings dating back as far as the 1650’s in the Stockade District. A helpful tip is to hit-up the Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery on 63 Main Street for a free brochure to guide you through the area. Once you find yourself further into town, an artsy stroll can be enjoyed in the Midtown Arts District. Vibrant murals adorn the buildings and businesses like an outdoor museum and there are tons of actual galleries as well, like The D.R.A.W. Studio and Broadway Arts. All in all, while Kingston’s attractions may feel a bit underwhelming to some, this is the perfect Update New York town for those looking to enjoy an easygoing and affordable day traveling back in time.
Aurora
If you are someone who finds bliss in the simple pleasures of a charming village, look no further than Aurora, New York. Truthfully, this darling community of just over 600 residents is “a dollhouse-worthy village” as cited by Town and Country Magazine, which takes on a whole new meaning when you learn about the town’s revamp. In the early 2000’s, entrepreneur Pleasant Rowland (creator of the famous American Girl doll brand) oversaw a massive renovation of the town’s buildings, refurbishing many to renew their historic integrity. Today, the rehabilitated 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets are truly reminiscent of something out of a storybook.
As part of the Finger Lakes Region, Cayuga Lake is another scenic feature of the town. Strolling the shores at Long Point State Park is a fabulous way to appreciate Aurora’s natural beauty during the day, while evenings can be reserved for wine tastings along America’s oldest wine route. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has some really dazzling stops, like Long Point Winery, favored for its rieslings, or Bright Leaf Vineyard, known for their esteemed chardonnays.
Dunkirk
Hidden away on the shores of Lake Erie, the town of Dunkirk is as underrated as they come. But if you are a more introverted traveler looking to embrace the mellow pace of a small town, that may be just what you want. Spring and summer in Dunkirk is when this lakefront town is at its busiest, but even then, the marinas and shores maintain a mild atmosphere other beach towns lack. The Dunkirk City Pier is a town-anchor and a great first stop, the pier stretching into the lake for unbeatable views of the water. The boat and kayak launch are also right next door, and you can grab a bite at 64 On The Pier, a bar and grill right on the water’s edge. A little further east will bring you to one of Dunkirk’s coziest shores (Dunkirk Beach) or you can head west towards the historic Dunkirk Lighthouse, an active beacon first established back in 1826. All things considered, if you are looking for a laid-back town to enjoy some sun without the hassle of crowds, Dunkirk offers the perfect escape.
Malone
For a town worth visiting year-round, Malone is a breath of fresh air—and fresh air is in high supply. Bordered by rolling farmlands and lush forests, this rural town is all about the outdoors, no matter the season. It is an especially great place to bring the kids if you are looking to cut back on screen time and encourage a reconnection with nature. Winters are for tubing and skiing at the Titus Mountain Family Ski Center in the Northern Adirondacks, but spring and summer is when the “fun heats up as winter cools down.”
Meacham Lake Campground is a really charming lakeside campsite great for families looking to savor the outdoors, and it is set to reopen for the season on May 17th, 2024. There are also tons of outdoor events in the summertime to keep everyone active and entertained, like an annual Kids Fishing Derby and Hendrickson Hatch Fly Fishing Tournament. But if all else fails, you can always tee off at the Malone Golf Club and reward yourself with a bite at Bokie's Drive In, a 50’s-style drive-in restaurant. Like Dunkirn, Malone is a more secluded New York Town without heavy foot traffic, but sometimes, the peace and quiet is just what we need.
Saratoga Springs
If you are looking for a more relaxing day outdoors, the town of Saratoga Springs has a pretty remarkable attraction where you can do just that. Nicknamed “the Queen of the Spas” for the 21 public mineral springs throughout Saratoga, the best place to see the springs in action is Saratoga Spa State Park. Here, you can enjoy countless mineral springs in the park’s classical bath and spa houses and this is just the beginning of what this unique park has to offer. You can catch a show at the renowned Saratoga Performing Arts Center or the more intimate Spa Little Theater, and delve into other on-site attractions like the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
Once the weather allows, the Victoria Pool and Peerless Pool Complex are the true crown jewels of the park, offering a gorgeous retreat for cooling off in the summertime. These historic pools were originally built in the 1930’a and 1960’s, and as the older of the 2, the Victoria Pool is also the more sought-after due to its luxurious aesthetic. Surrounded by arched promenades, lion water spouts, and a smooth limestone deck, you may just forget you are in a state park.
Final Thoughts
Upstate New York may be known for its famous natural attractions but if you are a traveler who takes joy in seeking sights and experiences not often found with a quick Google search, then you will love what these towns have to offer. Whether that means swimming in a historic swimming pool at Saratoga Spa State Park or exploring the “dollhouse-worthy village” of Aurora, these towns offer the chance to create truly one-of-a-kind memories you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
