7 Off-the-Map Towns In New York
While many associate New York with the city that never sleeps, nearly 87% of the state is actually rural, making the Big Apple only a small piece of what New York truly offers. If you are looking to explore this remote stretch of New York, you are in luck: many towns serve as gateways to its mountains, forests, and lakes. Others, meanwhile, are destinations in their own right, with art and culinary scenes impressive enough to fill an entire weekend. So leave the city mindset behind for the weekend and get ready to explore some of New York’s most remote corners.
Rhinebeck
Located in the Hudson Valley and surrounded by the Catskills, Rhinebeck is a village known for its art and culinary scene. The Ferncliff Forest is just north of town, a nature preserve with 12 miles of hiking trails, a fire tower, and a pond that visitors can explore. There are several local art galleries to check out in the area as well, such as the Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery, which displays the works of Jacaruso, along with invitational solo and group exhibitions. The studio also offers weekly watercolor classes and other periodic workshops for those interested in honing their art skills! To conclude your day, grab a bite at Terrapin Restaurant, which serves high-quality pasta, fish, and meat dishes.
Watkins Glen
The small community of Watkins Glen has gained recognition in recent years for its proximity to numerous waterfalls. Many of these falls are located in Watkins Glen State Park, a centrally located park that features a series of 19 waterfalls in under two miles! In addition to hiking, a few of the popular activities in the park include camping, biking, picnicking, grilling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Sugar Hill State Forest, meanwhile, is just a few miles west of town, spanning 9,000 acres and offering miles of trails for hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers as well. If you aren’t much of a camper, you can still find some peaceful comfort at the Idlwilde Inn, which is set on 2.5 acres that overlook Seneca Lake in a 1892 Victorian mansion.
Arietta
Travelers looking to truly disconnect will appreciate Arietta, one of the state’s largest yet least populated towns. This town, situated along the southern edge of Adirondack State Park, has endless outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. There are several secluded, yet gorgeous hikes to add to your travel list, including Echo Cliffs, a roughly 1.5-mile hike that leads to a beautiful overlook of Piseco Lake. Jockeybush Lake Trail is another excellent hike in the area, featuring a collection of beautiful waterfalls, stream crossings, and a lake. To extend your stay in this peaceful area, consider lodging at the Balsam Inn and Cafe, which has amenities like a wine bar, coffee nook, kitchen, and common area available to guests.
Pulaski
Pulaski sits in the countryside between Lake Ontario and the Chateaugay State Forest, making it an excellent base camp to explore these two natural wonders. Travelers wanting to explore the lake can visit Selkirk Shores State Park, a scenic spot to watch the sunset, fish, and hike or bike through meadows and woodlands. East of town, meanwhile, lies Chateaugay State Forest, a 4,014-acre piece of land that sits on the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. There are currently eight miles of trails to explore throughout the forest, which are open to hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Heading back to town, you’ll find plenty of mouthwatering restaurants to try, including RiverHouse Restaurant, a casual dining spot that is steps away from the Salmon River.
Keene
Nicknamed “The Home of the High Peaks,” Keene is part of Adirondack Park and is home to 15 of the 46 High Peaks, including the state’s tallest, Mount Marcy, which stands at an elevation of 5,344 feet. Travelers wanting to hike Mount Marcy can do so nearby, departing from the Van Hoevenberg Trail. The trail is fairly challenging, stretching 7.4 miles one way and featuring a 3,166-foot elevation gain. Besides the 46 High Peak hikes, there are plenty of alternative hikes in the area, such as Hurricane Mountain, a scenic hike that features a historic firetower, extending for nearly seven miles round-trip. On Sundays between October 18th and December 21st, travelers can stop by the Keene Arts Center in town to shop at the Keene Winter Market, which features a variety of local vendors selling art, dairy, produce, gifts, and more.
Hammondsport
With a population of under 600 residents, Hammondsport may seem unassuming, but it has actually been a hotspot for outdoor recreation since the 19th century. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Keuka Lake, a Y-shaped body of water where travelers can spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding. If you need to arrange a rental, Keuka Water Sports offers both kayak and SUP rentals in the summer. The agricultural community is another important aspect of Hammondsport’s culture, home to several farms, orchards, and vineyards. Crooked Line Farm & Orchard has a pumpkin patch open each fall, open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays each weekend. If you are looking for a leisurely weekend of wine tasting, Weis Vineyards is a good starting point, a boutique winery with German roots that overlooks Keuka Lake.
Tannersville
Affectionately known as “the painted village in the sky”, Tannersville’s main street is lined with brightly painted, century-old buildings, making it an underrated destination for art lovers, After appreciating the colorful architecture, head to the Orpheum Performing Arts Center for a show, a 247-seat theater that hosts everything from chamber music, pop, folk, international, and dance performances. If you are looking for a souvenir, you will almost certainly find it at CMF Kaaterskill Shoppe, which sells gifts from local and regional artists, such as ceramics, t-shirts, tote bags, scarves, and puzzles. The culinary scene is just as impressive, home to local joints like Mama’s Boy Burgers, which serves a nostalgic menu of shakes, burgers, and fries.
An Adventure Through The State’s Quieter Side
There is so much to explore in New York beyond its well-known cities and vacation destinations, and these seven towns are some of the best proof of that. Each of these secluded communities offers something unique, whether it be a day of waterfall hiking or an evening appreciating a local folk or pop concert. One thing is for sure: You will likely have a newfound appreciation for the state’s quieter side by the end of your adventure!
