11 Charming Towns in Upstate New York for a Picture-Perfect Vacation

They’re almost too cute to bear.

The Empire State is like an onion plant — there ’s layers . patently , it ’s home to the Big Apple , but just north of the five boroughs there ’s a wealth oflesser - know small townsthat are almost too cute to endure . Here , traveler can get the seventh heaven of Northeastern America , from kitschy memory and arresting nature to eclectic computer architecture and unparalleled eats . The point : A alteration of gait that comes with amuch - needed unplug from realism . Here are 11 must - chat modest towns in upstate New York you ca n’t miss .

Beacon

force back time:1 + hoursAt just an time of day - and - a - one-half parkway from New York City , this art - fill township isperfect for Clarence Day trips and weekend getaway . Many come primarily forDia : Beacon , a 300,000 - square - foot contemporary and modern artistic creation museum that ’s housed in an old Nabisco box seat - print factory on the shore of the Hudson River . But there is much more to explore in the town itself , including quirky Dr. Who - themedThe Pandoricarestaurant , craft cocktails atWonderbar , local foxiness breweries likeTwo Way Brewing Company , and the addictive sweets ofHudson Valley Marshmallow Co. If romantic falls views pique your pastime , it ’s worth spending the Nox at theHotel at Roundhouse Beacon .

Hudson

Drive time:2 + hoursIf you ’ve had the hazard to read Jen Beagin ’s kinky novel , Big Swiss , you get it on that Hudson is full of characterandcharacters . If you have n’t , here ’s what you demand to know : Hudson can be compare to an eccentric , mini Brooklyn . Any time spent in the weekend mecca is well embark on with a layover by the train station - adjacent cafe and general computer memory , Kitty ’s , for locally brewed beers and an Egg and Cheese Sandwich . Outdoors time is well pass exploring the local prowess - covered , 625 - acreGreenport Conservationor tour the historic hall atOlana State Historic Site . Otherwise , opt for antiquing and thrifting along Warren Street , which is experience to appeal celebs and fully grown - time clothes designer . The star of downtown is undoubtedlyThe Maker Hotel(and its gorgeous bar and eatery ) , but other area favorites include the funkyLil Deb ’s Oasisor the upscaleFeast and Floret .

Rhinebeck

Drive time:2 + hoursA less - than - two - hr caravan ride from Penn Station , this wizard hamlet in Dutchess County is the platonic ideal of an Upstate small townsfolk . The localfarmers marketis one of the good in the entire state , there is ample hiking nearby at place likeDrayton Grant Park at Burger Hill , and even a classical candy shop , Samuel ’s Sweet Shop(which , fun fact , is part owned by player Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) . Spend the night at America ’s oldest continuously manoeuvre inn , The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn , or treat yourself to a resort hotel treatment at theMirbeau Inn & Spa . When it arrive to local beauty , try the Pita Falafel fromAba ’s felafel , Margherita Pizza fromPizzeria Posto , and Lamb Biryani fromCinnamon .

Saugerties

beat back time:2 + hoursOften overlook in favor of neighboring post likeWoodstock , this quiet Catskills Ithiel Town is sure as shooting worth a detour of its own . Start your sojourn with a tour of the incredibleOpus 40 , a well-nigh 60 - acre sculpture park single - handedly carved by carver Harvey Fite . From there , drive into town and banquet upon farm - to - board menu from the perennially packedMiss Lucy ’s Kitchen . Partition Street , the main retarding force , features many charming shops , including natural skincare meccaSavor Beautyand famed sweets storeKrause ’s Chocolates . The boutique propertyDiamond Mills Hotelis also bringing bombination to the Ithiel Town : Even if you ’re not persist there , check that to have a meal at the out-of-door terrace overlooking Esopus Creek . And for more intellectual nourishment options , be certain to addAlleyway Ice Creamfor its Ube Heath Bar Crunch ice cream andThe Dutchfor its Beer Flights and key signature Dutch Burger to your path .

Saratoga Springs

Drive time:3 + hoursWhile best known as a hub for all thing horse racing with theSaratoga Race Course , this walkable townsfolk in the Capital District of New York put up plenty to do for the non - equine incline . Saratoga Springs , after all , was originally jazz for its natural mineral leap , which draw the state of matter ’s elite group during the Gilded Age . Today , Saratoga Spa State Parkis just as enchanting as it was 100 years ago , with wreathe hiking trails , geysers , and a golf trend . Back in town , Broadway is one of the good principal streets in all of Upstate , with plenty of boutiques and computer memory to peruse . For popular local eating place , head toMrs . London ’s Bakery , Hattie ’s Restaurant , andOsteria Danny ; andHamlet & Ghostfor a nightcap .

Cooperstown

Drive time:4 + hoursIt may be just a small small town , but Cooperstown certainly boasts some big - city attractions . Most notable may be the fantasticNational Baseball Hall of Fame , which partly gives the field its nickname of America ’s Hometown ( fable also has it that Abner Doubleday invented the summercater here in 1839 ) . But Cooperstown is also known as the Village of Museums . TheFenimore Art Museumboasts one of the nation ’s strong collections of American Indian and phratry art , whileThe Farmers Museumis one of the res publica ’s oldest keep museums . site on the southern shores of Otsego Lake , the arena also offer plenty of outdoor by-line like chartering boats or hiking in the virtually 600 - acreGlimmerglass State Park . expend the night at the historic and luxuriousOtesaga Resort Hoteland bask the BBQ Chicken atBrooks ’ House of Bar - BQand Poutine with a glass of Pale Sour atBrewery Ommegang .

Alexandria Bay

repulse time:5 + hoursA 5 - 60 minutes driving force from New York City , the Thousand Islands ( yes , this is where your favoritesalad dressingis from ) ca n’t be considered a day trip-up . Nevertheless , it ’s deserving the long journeying to see this lackadaisical region . Alexandria Bay is the most picturesque townsfolk in the area , located in good order on the shores of the St. Lawrence River . And indeed , most of the best activity here are on the water , whether that ’s renting a private pontoon boat or hiring belovedUncle Sam Boat Toursto take you on a tour of the area ’s famedBoldtorSingerCastles . Post up for the nighttime at the nearby1000 Islands Harbor Hotelin Clayton ; the riverbank property features a spacious outdoor firepit and gorgeous views of the water from most rooms . And for farm - to - table dishes , head toThe Kitchen at the Captain Visger House .

Canandaigua

get time:5 + hoursThe Seneca federation of tribes knight Canandaigua “ The Chosen Spot , ” and a sojourn to this picturesque lakeside townspeople surely proves why . situated 25 miles southeast of Rochester on the northern end of Lake Canandaigua ( one of the noted Finger Lakes ) , the historic business district has a bevy of bed and breakfast , art galleries , and local eating house . Aside from boating , kayaking , or paddleboarding on the lake , historical attraction admit the stunningSonnenberg Gardens and MansionandGranger Homestead and Carriage Museum , which has a collection of over 100 antique carriages . The Lake House on Canandaiguais arguably the buzziest hotel in the region with its stunning pool , lake view , and upscale creature comforts . For dining , try the Breakfast Crepe atSimply Crepes ; Reuben Schnitzel atRheinblick German Restaurant ; and Cheeseburger atThe Green Front .

Ellicottville

ride time:5 + hoursWestern New York may be the state ’s most underappreciated region , but one misstep to Ellicottville will make you inquire why it took you so long to visit . Known as the orbit ’s premier launch point for outdoor dangerous undertaking , the town boasts two ski slopes , ample trail for hiking and mess biking , and some of the best fishing in North America in border Cattaraugus County . And the town itself , though tiny , is packed with local dress shop , telling restaurants , and a surprising number of bars . Book a stoppage atHoliday Valley , a resort that offers raft of activities like golf , an aery dangerous undertaking park , and more . And be certain to try local eats like the Steak Frites atWest Rose , Loaded Brewer Tots atEllicottville Brewing Co. , and Spaghetti & Meatballs atDina ’s .

Lake Placid

Drive time:5 + hoursThis town in the Adirondacks is perhaps most well - known for hosting the Olympics in 1932 and 1980 , and many of the former facility are now open to the public . But aside from winter sports , the charming Greenwich Village offers beautiful scene and a quaint business district twelvemonth - round . Paddle on serene Mirror Lake in the summer , or climbWallface , New York ’s fully grown cliff , for a jaw - dropping view of fall foliage . And no tripper here would be everlasting without a stop at one of the area ’s mythic lodges : Lake Placid LodgeandWhiteface Lodgebeing the must - sees . For local bites , try the Venison Brunswick Stew atSalt of the Earth Bistroand Award Winning Wings atSmoke Signals .

Lewiston

Drive time:6 + hoursThough its proximity to Niagara Falls may be what first tie travelers here , they stay in Lewiston for its charm , excellent boutique shopping , and eating house likeThe Silowith its touch Haystack Sandwich;Brickyard Pub & BBQfor barbecue ; andHibbard ’s Original Frozen Custardfor odoriferous treats . The main stretch in townsfolk is Center Street — if you take the air all the style to its end , you ’ll be at the Niagara River ( and can flourish at Canada across the way ) . Watersports are an unsurprisingly popular activeness here : the most famous — and most fun — is probablyWhirlpool Jet Boat Tours . This adrenaline - pump , 45 - second ride takes guests into the heart of the Niagara Gorge and then through the Devil ’s Hole rapid ; prepare to get soaked if you sign up up for the “ wet jet ” term of enlistment . Relax after with a coffee fromOrange Cat Coffee Co.and a stroll through theEarl W. Brydges Artpark State Park , just a short walking from the village .

Lake Placid Lodge