9 Upstate New York Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
Upstate New York is a unique, captivating destination for many reasons. Natural beauty abounds between stunning mountain ranges. Visitors looking to visit some of the towns will discover diverse attractions, such as the Baseball Hall of Fame and other cultural museums and heritage sites. Then there are fun and vibrant towns like Woodstock, which has a unique cultural history.
The unforgettable main streets in these nine towns exemplify the best of this beautiful region. They are compact and walkable, filled with unique shops and diners that define small-town America. These quaint districts encapsulate the soul of this area better than anywhere else and make visitors feel at home. The historic lodgings and attractions make for a serene visit with a pleasant mix of exciting nightlife and boutique wineries.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs' vibrant downtown has waterfront dining options, parks, and boutiques. The friendly community celebrates the town's beauty and uniqueness every winter with its Annual Victorian Walk, one of the best times to experience the area. One would be remiss to visit the charming town without a stop at the landmark Congress Park. The manicured grounds are ideal for strolling, picnics, and other outdoor activities, especially in the cool of Autumn.
Art galleries abound here, too, including Crafter's Gallery and Flores Art Gallery, which provide an educational afternoon. Afterward, choose one of the many downtown restaurants to unwind in. Harvey's Restaurant and Bar is a favorite downtown, known for its fresh, local ingredients. This is one of the best main streets in Upstate New York because of the community and abundance of quaint venues.
Ithaca
Scenic Ithaca is known for many things, including Ithaca Falls, Cornell University, and the sprawling Cornell Botanic Gardens. It also has a diverse downtown area centering around the Ithaca Commons. The four-block pedestrian-only district is known for its eclectic shopping and dining options, including Restaurant Row, Asempe Restaurant, and Capital State Kitchen. The Commons is also known for hosting annual events like the popular Downtown Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, an outstanding time to visit.
Other notable things to do are visit Buffalo Street Books and other local shops in the Commons and embark on the Sagan Planet Walk presented by the Sciencenter. Live music brightens the nights on the Commons, and monthly concerts like the Brewhouse Blues Jam and the weekly Vinyl Showcase are included.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is known as "America's Hometown" and is famous for being the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Walking around the village's Main Street area, it is easy to see how it derived its charming moniker, with its classic brick storefronts, quaint venues, and eateries close to Otsego Lake. As the fog lifts in the morning, the village looks like a Norman Rockwell Painting, making this one of the best main street areas in New York.
The village's Trolley System features five retro trolleys that take passengers to Main Street and its many museums. Main Street hosts a weekly Farmer's Market on Saturdays, which blends well with Fly Creek Cider Mill and Brewery Ommegang. If you visit on a warm day, take a break from downtown with a picnic at Three Mile Point Park, near the downtown area on the banks of Otsego Lake.
Lake Placid
Historic Lake Placid's Main Street is a window to all the waterfront town offers, from coffee shops to boutique retailers. Start the morning with coffee from one of the shops, Origin Coffee or Big Mountain Deli and Creperie. Art is popular in the Adirondacks region, and one can find numerous galleries such as The Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA), Gallery 46, and The Curious Otter on Main Street.
The area is known for its Olympic history, and painted scenes are displayed in the galleries. There is also a stone statue in front of the Mountain Pass Lodge that should not be missed. One of the best places to lodge in the region is the Grand Adirondack Hotel on Main Street. The sophisticated brick hotel features elegant, spacious rooms in the heart of the downtown district and dining options at Marcy, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles' historic district is on the banks of Lake Skaneateles, providing fantastic views for locals and visitors exploring the downtown district centered around Genesee Street. It is ideal for a romantic weekend at bed and breakfast inns or elegant hotels like the Sherwood Inn. If you're looking for a fun time to visit downtown, book a stay during the annual Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show or the Skaneateles Medallion Scavenger Hunt.
Downtown Skaneateles is ideal for afternoon walks around the lake. It is also suitable for antique hunters, with shops like Brown Dog Antiques and Skaneateles Antique Center. There is a nice mixture of restaurants and cafes featuring eclectic cuisines. Options include Daniel's Grill, Skaneateles Bakery, and Lake House Pub for a relaxing evening after a day of shopping in downtown Skaneateles. Between the quaint inns, eclectic restaurants, and beautiful lake views, Skaneateles has one of the best downtown districts in the state.
Geneva
Geneva is a charming town in the Finger Lakes Region, famous for its downtown shopping district. Many come here in search of specialty food and wines at shops like FLX Goods, the "general store of the Finger Lakes Region. Stomping Grounds is a unique find, specializing in new and used books, as well as photos of the region. Geneva has also made a name for itself due to its restaurants, which are perfect for lunch during a shopping excursion.
El Morro Restaurant is renowned for its Puerto Rican specialties, while the charming Anorah Restaurant and Bar on Castle Street is the go-to spot for curated cocktails and wine. The Geneva Farmer's Market is held every Saturday, one of the best days to visit. Along with fresh produce, there is a wine tasting and handcrafted items, a short walk from the visitor center.
New Paltz
New Palz has a history stretching back to 1678, and the classically Americana downtown has preserved much of its history while also offering modern amenities. The self-proclaimed "Groovy" little town has an incredible, walkable Main Street featuring many shops, including the Water Street Market near the end. Right before you get to the market, you'll find the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail entrance if you need to escape into nature for a while.
Saranac Lake
Picturesque Saranac Lake exemplifies the Adirondack appeal with a stunning downtown featuring three-story 19th—and 20th-century Colonial Revival Architecture. The district features mixed-use row houses and pedestrian-friendly narrow streets, creating its own charm. Art is everywhere downtown, so visit one of the galleries, such as Adirondack Art, Northwind Fine Arts, or Historic Saranac Lake Gallery.
Another charming aspect of downtown is its strong sense of community, culminating in fun events like the Bug Crawl, an educational scavenger hunt for children. The community also hosts a farmer's market at Riverside Park every Saturday, an ideal way to interact with residents and local farmers. Stroll by the Walk of Fame plaques to learn about prominent citizens who made the charming town what it is today.
Lake George
Lake George is renowned as the "Queen of American Lakes" and boasts a vibrant community. Canada Street, the main thoroughfare, reflects this atmosphere, featuring shops, cultural attractions, and live music. The village offers charming lodging in the heart of downtown, like O'Sullivan's on the Lake Motel and the Admiral Motel on Canada Street. The latter features several elegant rooms within walking distance of downtown's restaurants and shops.
Waterfront restaurants like The Lakeside Restaurant and Lodge and Lighthouse Grill are popular with residents and visitors. They feature diverse menus and a pleasant atmosphere. After dinner, stop at the Adirondack Winery, one of the first micro-wineries in the U.S. The family-run company also offers cider and events throughout the year, an excellent opportunity to visit the village and embrace all it offers.
These nine towns offer the best main streets in Upstate New York, from history to museums. Strolling through the compact districts is among the best ways to discover this area's vast charm and uniqueness. Cooperstown is a classic American small town, filled with museums and historical sites, many of them on the main strip, while Woodstock has a vibe that makes it stand out as a must-visit destination.
Those looking for a romantic or serene weekend cannot go wrong with waterfront towns like Saranac Lake or Lake George. Each provides stunning scenery visible from the downtown districts. The towns are friendly and walkable, each with its own signature in downtown shops and diners. Booking a room at a bed and breakfast downtown completes the experience and enables guests to absorb the local history and culture tangibly.
