Upstate New York’s Best-Kept Secrets: Small Towns Full of Charm

Cute little communities full of personality and history can be found tucked away amid Upstate New York’s breathtaking scenery. Discover the distinctive attractions, savor the regional cuisine, and become fully immersed in the rich past of these charming towns that provide a tranquil respite from the bustle of the big metropolis.

Skaneateles

Another fantastic hamlet in the Finger Lakes region is located on the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake. The town of Skaneateles is a well-liked location for swimming, boating, and fishing. It also boasts a charming downtown that is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Remarkable sites in the town include the Sherwood Inn, which has been in operation since 1807, and the historic gazebo in Clift Park, which provides breathtaking views of the neighboring lake.

The Dickens Christmas Festival, which is held every year in Skaneateles during the winter months and features costumed performers bringing Victorian England to life, is another event that brings tourists to the town.

Cazenovia

In 1793, Cazenovia was established in the early days of the nation. This ancient community is renowned for its exquisitely maintained architecture, which includes several stately inns that continue to welcome guests and Federal-style mansions.

It is also a great destination for outdoor activity due to the abundance of state and national parks nearby, as well as Cazenovia Lake.

Upstate New York’s Best-Kept Secrets: Small Towns Full of Charm — Image By: Expedia

The 19th-century estate of Cazenovia’s founder, John Lincklaen, is home to the Lorenzo State Historic Site, one of the town’s main attractions. The expansive gardens and grounds are open to the public and have a network of walking routes, giving everyone something to do that is both instructive and energetic.

Lake Placid

Nestled in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is most known for the Olympics and its gorgeous mountainous backdrop, which is alive with summertime and wintertime activities.

Attractions like the Olympic Center and the historic bobsled and ski jump facilities may teach you more about the city’s past. It is well-known for holding two Winter Olympics, in 1932 and 1980. You can tour these locations and view a number of the carefully chosen exhibitions that are related to the games there.

Lake Placid is brimming with natural treasures, even outside of its Olympic heritage. Being in the middle of the town makes Mirror Lake one of the simplest to get to.

Aurora

Aurora was founded in the early 19th century as a farming village, a center for higher learning, and a tranquil getaway by the lake. It is located in the well-known Finger Lakes Region on the eastern coast of Cayuga Lake.

Founded in 1868, Wells College holds a significant place in Aurora’s history. Many people visit the college not only for academic purposes but also to take in the stunning surroundings.

Even now, guests are welcome to stroll around the stunning property or unwind at the adjacent lakeside Aurora Inn, another 1833 historic site. In the center of Dowtown Aurora, on Main Street, this inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is conveniently close to restaurants and the lakefront.

Cold Spring

Near New York City, the Hudson Valley has always been a great place to go for natural escapes. There’s something special about the small villages along the Hudson River that you just can’t find in a major city, and Cold Spring is one of the greatest.

The hamlet is a well-liked destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its close proximity to hiking trails in Hudson Highlands State Park. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a well-liked and marginally more manageable park where you may explore this amazing wetland on foot thanks to a network of boardwalks.

The picturesque walk down the waterfront, which offers multiple sweeping views over the Hudson River and the neighboring West Point Military Academy, is one of Cold Spring’s highlights.

To Conclude

Small communities in Upstate New York provide a distinctive and memorable experience, fusing historical charm, scenic beauty, and a kind, welcoming vibe.

These towns have plenty to offer everyone, from the scenic lakeside getaways of Skaneateles and Cazenovia to Lake Placid’s Olympic heritage and the historic charm of Aurora and Cold Spring.

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