New York is a big state with a lot to offer. From the city that never sleeps to the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, there is something for everyone in New York. Upstate New York is no exception.
This state region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful towns and villages. If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, here are five must-visit towns in Upstate New York.
Best 5 Must-Visit Towns in Upstate New York 1. Lake PlacidHome of the 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is a quaint village located in the Adirondack Mountains. The charming town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and features plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Visitors can explore the Olympic venues, go hiking or skiing in the nearby mountains, or take a scenic boat ride on Mirror Lake. More activities include visiting the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, attending a performance at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, or taking a dip in one of the many natural swimming holes.
2. Seneca FallsDubbed the “Birthplace of Women’s Rights,” Seneca Falls is a historic town located in the Finger Lakes region. The city is home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the site of the first women’s rights convention in 1848.
You can also tour the homes of suffragettes Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony or go hiking and fishing in the nearby state parks. Additionally, the town hosts a three-day festival every July commemorating the women’s rights movement.
3. KingstoneKingston is a historic city on the Hudson River in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley region. The city is home to several colonial-era buildings, including the Senate House State Historic Site and the Old Dutch Church.
During your visit, you can explore the Rondout waterfront, take a scenic river cruise, or go hiking in the Catskill Mountains. You can also learn about the area’s history at the Hudson River Maritime Center or the Ulster County Historical Society.
4. HunterIf you’re a fan of the great outdoors, Hunter is the perfect place for you. This small town is nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, making it the ideal spot for hiking, biking, and fishing. Hunter becomes a mecca for skiers and snowboarders in the winter, with three major ski resorts nearby.
When not enjoying the great outdoors, take some time to explore Hunter’s quaint Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit one of the many wineries in town – after all, this is the Finger Lakes region! – or catch a show at the famed Kaatsbaan International Dance Center.
5. IthacaIthaca is a small town in the Finger Lakes region of New York. It is home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College. The town has just over 30,000 people and is situated at the southern end of Cayuga Lake.
Ithaca is known for its gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is also home to several wineries and breweries. The town is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities.