9 Serene Towns in New York for a Weekend Retreat
Wouldn't it be nice to get away from NYC's chaos, even just momentarily? To spend a weekend not in a smoggy apartment but in the quaint countryside? Fortunately, the state of New York houses many peaceful and soothing towns beyond the skyscrapers of the Big Apple. From humble villages caressed by the Finger Lakes to magnificent small towns brimming with nature and a wealth of folklore, the serene towns in New York are ideal locations for a weekend retreat. So, instead of taking a bite out of the Big Apple, take a break in these quiet towns beyond the busiest city in the world.
Ithaca
Every odyssey starts and ends at the same place, so on your adventure in New York, consider starting and ending your journey in the town of Ithaca. Newcomers to this homely abode can explore Robert H. Treman State Park with its deep gorges and abundance of wildlife. Nearby, one can enjoy leisurely strolls along the pristine shores of Cayuga Lake, one of the eleven Finger Lakes. Or you can brave the ancient stone path of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Better yet, meditate in wondrous tranquility at places like Buttermilk Falls, Triphammer Falls, Lick Brook Falls, and Taughannock Falls.
Besides being a bucolic paradise, Ithaca serves as a home for prestigious institutions like Ithaca College and Cornell University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1865. The Ithaca Commons is a particularly interesting site for community engagement and local festivities. If you feel as fatigued as a seafarer after long days out at sea, then find solace and comfort at the Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, Fairfield Inn & Suites, or The Hotel Ithaca.
Cold Spring
Find warmth and comfort in the charming village of Cold Spring. Situated on the Hudson River and approximately 60 miles north of New York City, Cold Spring serves as a gateway to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, a 7,400-acre region brimming with riverside wildlife and astonishing habitats. In this grand preserve, one can take on the challenge of the Breakneck Ridge hike, known as one of the toughest in the area, or request the Hudson River Expeditions for a kayak journey across the iconic river. In the village itself, the Magazzino Italian Art Museum exhibits contemplative abstract artworks for the most studious of scholars. Alternatively, visitors can also explore Cold Spring’s historic 19th-century architecture and sites like the West Point Foundry, a factory which manufactured ammunition and arms for the Union Army during the American Civil War. For those seeking excellent accommodations in Cold Spring, the Hudson House River Inn and Pig Hill Inn offer all the necessities you will enjoy.
Woodstock
The Woodstock Festival was not just a celebration of peace and love but also an advocacy event aimed at ending the despised Vietnam War in 1969. More than 30 performers, such as Janis Joplin, The Who, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix, called for the termination of war and violence. However, a common misconception is that the Woodstock Festival occurred in the town of Woodstock. In fact, the actual festival took place 46 miles southwest, in the village of Bethel.
Still, the town of Woodstock remains a pleasant place to visit. Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, visitors can enjoy leisurely adventures through the serene Catskill Park Trails, get a magnificent view of the village and the surrounding landscape from Overlook Mountain, and experience harmony at the cascading Kaaterskill Falls. For moments of enlightenment, one can meditate at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Before embarking on these tranquil activities, consider booking rooms at Hotel Dylan, The Inn on the Millstream, or Woodstock Way.
Bethel
Bethel is the actual location where the Woodstock Festival took place. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts serves as a testament to the festival's true location, situated on the 600-acre pasture that hosted over 500,000 people celebrating the love of music. The Museum at Bethel Woods provides context and facts from the 1960s, focusing on the social and cultural developments that led to the festival's occurrence in Bethel rather than in Woodstock. The best time to visit Bethel is towards the end of May, to experience the enduring legacy of the Woodstock Festival through the Mountain Jam. After enjoying the musical festivities, visitors can relax at Resorts World Catskills, The Gedney Farm, or Kenoza Hall.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, resting beside Skaneateles Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, derives its name from the Iroquois word for “long lake.” Also known as the "Roof Garden of the Finger Lakes" due to its elevation of 863 feet above sea level, Skaneateles Lake is celebrated for being the second cleanest lake in the region. It's one of only a handful of natural water sources in the United States that provides unfiltered and clean natural water, benefiting inhabitants and the local wildlife, such as the lambs at the Lockwood Lavender Farm.
The Bahar Nature Preserve and Carpenter Falls offer a wealth of outdoor attractions and activities. For those interested in history, Skaneateles' Genesee Street serves as a historic district that highlights the Revolutionary Era, while the Skaneateles Historical Society & Research Center delves into the town's rich background. After a day of exploration, guests can recharge at Finger Lakes Lodging, Hobbit Hollow House, or Sherwood Inn.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs seamlessly blends history and nature into a captivating destination for weekend getaways. Contrary to the text, the site of the Battle of Saratoga, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War where American forces secured a decisive victory over the British, is actually located about 15 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs, not nine miles south. This battle is commemorated at the Saratoga National Historical Park, rather than directly within the town. The Saratoga Springs History Museum, located within the town, offers insights into the area's broader history, including its famous mineral springs which have attracted visitors for centuries, not just the battle.
Saratoga Springs was renowned for its mineral springs long before it became a haunt for New York's elites seeking relaxation at the Saratoga Spa State Park and the mineral springs in the vicinity.
The claim about the Canfield Casino now functioning as lodging is incorrect. The Canfield Casino is a historic venue located within Congress Park and is known for its history and architecture, often hosting events and weddings rather than serving as a hotel. For accommodation, the Adelphi Hotel and Embassy Suites are indeed excellent choices in Saratoga Springs.
Canandaigua
The description of Canandaigua's origins and attractions is mostly accurate, but it's important to clarify that "Ganandogan" refers to a separate and specific historic site, known as Ganondagan State Historic Site, located in the vicinity of Canandaigua but not the same as Canandaigua itself. The town is indeed adjacent to Canandaigua Lake and offers a plethora of activities and historical sites. The Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a notable attraction, showcasing the area's rich history and horticultural beauty. The Ontario County Historical Society Museum and the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum provide valuable insights into the region's past, including its indigenous and early American history.
However, the reference to Humphrey Bogart as being associated with Canandaigua might be misleading; while Bogart is a significant figure in American cinema, his connection to Canandaigua is not well-documented or widely recognized in the context of the town's history.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is accurately described as a gateway to natural beauty and motorsport history. Watkins Glen State Park, known for its 19 waterfalls along the Gorge Trail, is a highlight for visitors. The park is indeed located in Watkins Glen, making it an accessible natural wonder for those staying in or visiting the town.
Seneca Lake, noted as the longest of the Finger Lakes, offers a wide range of water-based activities and scenic beauty, complementing the terrestrial allure of Watkins Glen State Park.
While Watkins Glen International, also known as "The Glen," is renowned for hosting a variety of motorsport events, including those in NASCAR and previously in Formula One, it's important for enthusiasts to check the current event calendar as the series and events hosted can change over time.
For accommodations, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, Lakeside Resort, and The Hotel Laurel offer comfortable and convenient options for visitors looking to explore the area's natural and cultural offerings.
Sleepy Hollow
Nothing epitomizes serene bewitchment, eerie air, and mysterious quietude stemming from local folklore quite like the town of Sleepy Hollow. Situated not halfway between Cold Spring and New York City, but rather closer to NYC in the Hudson Valley, Sleepy Hollow was immortalized by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” While the Headless Horseman's nightly rides remain in the realm of legend, visitors can capture the essence of this tale through an 18-foot-tall sculpture of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane, and by visiting the iconic bridge where Ichabod's mysterious disappearance allegedly occurred, among other landmarks from the story.
Beyond the spectral tales, the hilltop residence of the Rockefeller family, Kykuit, beckons with its historic grandeur. The nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers expansive trails for hiking, and the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center is a venue for diverse performances. Particularly, the theatrical adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem" is available for viewing, though specific performance months should be verified. Halloween indeed transforms Sleepy Hollow into a focal point of supernatural fascination. For those who might find the nocturnal gallops unsettling, the Hotel Nyack, Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel, or Sleepy Hollow Hotel & Conference Center provide safe havens.
The Takeaway
New York City, a towering beacon of modernity, is often overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving its inhabitants craving a slice of tranquility. For those yearning to escape the relentless noise of the Big Apple, the state of New York offers a refuge within its picturesque towns. From the serene and cool ambience of Cold Spring to the lakeside charm of Ithaca and Watkins Glen at the edge of the Finger Lakes. Celebrate love and legacy in places like Woodstock and Bethel, or delve into the spooky allure of Sleepy Hollow and the historical tapestry of Saratoga Springs. These tranquil towns are perfect for a weekend getaway, offering a peaceful respite from the anxieties and clamor of city life.
