9 Romantic Small Towns In New York For A 3-Day Weekend
The state of New York is known for some fabulous historic and natural attractions, like Central Park in Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Yet this phenomenal state has an abundance of small towns that possess their own share of attributes, ones that even bring a sense of romance and fondness to the heart while with that special person. From quaint Rhinebeck, in Dutchess County, to picturesque Sag Harbor, in Suffolk County, several small towns in the Empire State provide a taste of loving adoration for one another. Below are nine small towns in the state of New York for that perfect romantic 3-day weekend getaway.
Saugerties
The quaint town of Saugerties, situated along the Hudson River, has a plethora of romantic attractions guaranteed to provide a sparkle in the eyes of that special someone. From Seamon Park, offering amorous, leisurely paths through a variety of multi-colored Mums during autumn, to the quiet ambiance of the historic Orpheum Theater, romance can be found in this town of less than four thousand people.
The Diamond Mills Resort is also located in downtown Saugerties. With amenities like a waterside spa, gourmet boat tours, and dining each evening at the Tavern, attributes that can best be described as intimate, this luxury boutique hotel is the perfect place to spend a 3-day weekend. They are even a premier wedding venue, in case you want to marry your “best friend.”
Skaneateles
Situated at the northern end of Skaneateles Lake, one of the state’s fabulous Finger Lakes, the town of Skaneateles has an abundance of romantic attributes. Couples can check out the peacefulness of Carpenter Falls, a part of Bahar Nature Preserve, or spend time together on the tranquil surface of Skaneateles Lake, sailing, fishing, or even water skiing.
Another phenomenal attraction in downtown Skaneateles, especially for couples, Mirbeau Inn offers an amazing assortment of romantic amenities, like dining at the Bistro & Wine Bar and relaxing in a heated whirlpool in the Aqua Terrace. Mirbeau Inn is also quite near Blue Water Grill, which offers delectable food at fair prices.
Montauk
Along the eastern tip of Long Island, the town of Montauk is ideal for a 3-day weekend getaway. From Montauk Point State Park to Montauk Point Lighthouse, there are a variety of spectacular attractions that offer picturesque romanticism to this town of fewer than five thousand people. Montauk Point State Park is also home to George’s Lighthouse Bar & Grill, serving delectable seafood nightly.
There is also Shadmore State Park to consider. This fantastic attraction offers not only panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean but also options for a romantic picnic along the beach. Shadmoor State Park is also only five minutes away from Montauk Manor, which offers amenities like jacuzzis, saunas, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, and even an on-site restaurant.
Rhinebeck
Across the Hudson River from Kingston, the picturesque town of Rhinebeck is home to Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens and Ferncliff Forest. Whether you wish to spend the weekend with that special someone among nine different greenhouses, each filled with beautiful perennials and organic edibles, or explore the scenic woodland trails of Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck is the place to visit.
Downtown Rhinebeck is also home to several great dining options, including Terrapin and the Tavern at Beekman Arms. While Terrapin offers a fine-dining experience with an elegant ambiance, the Tavern has an open hearth fireplace, delicious food, and a rustic bar. Beekman Arms also has a plethora of stunning amenities, including an antique market, exceptional service, and comfortable rooms for the evening.
Woodstock
The tiny town of Woodstock, known for the 1969 Woodstock Music Fair, which was actually in nearby Bethel, has some excellent romantic attractions as well. From the Woodstock Playhouse, established in 1938 as one of the first rural extensions of Broadway, to the Woodstock Spa, providing relaxation and rejuvenation through an abundance of activities, the word romantic is synonymous with Woodstock.
Woodstock is also home to several other attributes that cater to the couple in love, including Colony Cafe, with a menu including fish-n-chips, shrimp salad, and steamed clams, and Silvia, providing delicious fare through a wood-fired grill. The Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast is also in Woodstock, offering great service, rooms & cottages, and a tasty breakfast the next morning.
Cooperstown
At the southern end of Otsego Lake, the town of Cooperstown is home to some phenomenal natural and cultural attractions that encourage young and older couples to visit. The most prominent of these is Glimmerglass State Park. This fabulous state park, situated on the banks of the lake, provides a romantic ambiance through canoeing & kayaking, hiking & biking, and even camping overnight.
Cooperstown is also home to Fenimore Art Museum, if you are more interested in the indoors. This fantastic art museum provides everything from Calvin & Hobbes to Fritz Vogt to Shawn Braley. And, in close proximity, guests to Cooperstown can stay for the weekend at Nelson Avenue Pines. This bed & breakfast offers great, comfortable rooms in a renovated 1870s Victorian home, adorned in antiques from the countryside of France.
Sag Harbor
Close to the town of Montauk, along the eastern end of Long Island, the town of Sag Harbor is home to an abundance of charters, whether it is sailing in luxurious elegance, viewing panoramic sunsets and sunrises, or even sightseeing along Sag Harbor Bay, these charters, like Sailacat Boat Charters, Sag Harbor Charters, or American Beauty Cruises, provide that sense of romantic ambiance.
The charming coastal town of Sag Harbor is also known for being home to several art galleries, like Julie Keyes Gallery, the Church, and Tulla Booth Gallery, for those who want to explore the art world. Tulla Booth is also near Sag Harbor Inn, which not only sits along Sag Harbor Cove but also offers some great amenities like outdoor seating, swimming pools, and an on-site restaurant.
Lake Placid
The picturesque town of Lake Placid, situated to the south of the lake by the same name, is a romantic getaway for many reasons. The first would have to be the multiple natural attractions in the area. Mirror Lake, perfect for canoeing and swimming, and Lake Placid, ideal for sailing, both provide that tranquil, romantic setting.
Some other romantic attractions in town include Crowne Plaza, which offers traditional rooms, as well as Adirondack suites, and even elegant yet charming dining on-site, at MacKenzie’s Restaurant. And, close by, couples can enjoy a 9-hole executive course, as well as two 18-hole regular courses, at the Lake Placid Golf Club.
Hudson
Along the Hudson River, across from the town of Athens, the town of Hudson is home to the 1874 Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. This stunning lighthouse is not only a museum, featuring a century and a half of history, but it is also a connection between the town of Hudson and its neighbor, Athens, across the powerful waters of the Hudson River.
Some other romantic attractions in the town of Hudson include Promenade Hill Park, which provides couples with serene, romantic walks and picnics along the edge of the magnificent river. Promenade Hill Park is also close to Hudson Mariner, a 3-star hotel that provides unique, cozy suites with tall ceilings, access to the back porch and/or the back yard, and even a full kitchen.
From beautiful Montauk, in East Hampton and Suffolk County, to picturesque Saugerties, in Ulster County, these nine romantic small towns in New York are ideal for that 3-day weekend escape, whether it was planned or totally spontaneous. Whether you wish to walk, hand-in-hand, through an art gallery in the town of Sag Harbor or take a pleasant cruise over the waters of Mirror Lake in the town of Lake Placid, these nine towns are perfect.
