12 Most Charming Towns In New York

The “Empire State” of New York has many great and fascinating towns worthy of discovery. While New York City remains the State’s most famous bustling metropolis, a number of naturally and culturally stunning locales populate the State and indeed make it one of the Eastern United States’ best places to visit.

Hudson 

On the west border of Columbia County, Hudson New York sits on a bend on the Hudson River

Known for its fine dining options, eclectic shopping outlets, and high quality accommodations, the town of Hudson is just over a two hour’s drive north from New York City. With around 90 antique shops and art galleries, in addition to many pubs, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, there is truly something for everyone in Hudson. Visitors will also not want to miss out on a stop to the Museum of Firefighting.

Ithaca 

Home to the campuses of Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca is a beautiful town in New York’s famed Finger Lakes Region. Situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is full of plentiful biking and hiking trails and truly splendid small waterfalls attracting many tourists each year.

Seat of Tompkins County and with a population of just over 32,000 residents, this town really is a place where nature can be enjoyed without filter, while a number of great museums will certainly fill anyone’s cultural needs. These include the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Cayuga Nature Center, while popular festivals include the Apple Festival in the fall and the Dragon Boat Festival in July.

Jamestown

Located just 75 miles from the city of Buffalo, Jamestown is one of Western New York’s most alluring destinations. Located between the Allegheny National Forest and Lake Erie and home to nearly 30,000 residents, Jamestown is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. At the nearby Chautauqua Lake professional and amateur fishers and boaters alike can enjoy the stunning waters, while the stunning Panama Rocks are an awesome geologic encounter.

Lake Placid

The town of Lake Placid is situated within the Adirondack Mountains, and served as the host city of 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Although it has a population of just 2,205, this small town is a haven for all those who seek outdoor adventure.

Narrowsburg

 

Located in Sullivan County, Narrowsburg and its most modest population of just 379 total residents may indeed be easy to overlook. Yet this little town on the banks of the Delaware River is full of great natural beauty, quaint New York charm, and a most hospitable ambience. Visit Main Street with its assortment of antique and souvenir shops, or simply take in a meal at any of the great local eateries where locals always welcome newcomers.

Aurora

Just 40 minutes from Ithaca, Aurora is also located on the banks of Cayuga Lake and is indeed a most charming and beautiful New York town. Home to just 607 residents, visitors will find plenty of small town beauty and historical charm in Aurora which was established back in 1795. Take a stroll through Main Street, where several preserved 19th century buildings populate the landscape or take a walk or a bike ride along Cayuga Lake’s relaxing waters.

Woodstock

 

Known as the site of the famous 1969 music festival of the same name, the town of Woodstock is situated near Catskill Park. Affectionately known as the “Hippie Town”, just over 6,000 inhabitants call this Ulster County locale home. Full of great shopping outlets, tasty restaurants, and fascinating museums, Woodstock is a great place to spend a few days all in the surroundings of the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

Kingston

New York’s first State Capital in the year 1777, Kingston was first settled way back in 1652. Today this town is home to just over 24,000 residents and remains one of the most historically important centers in America. Visitors here will have plenty of opportunity to come face to face with America’s Colonial past and walk through several of Kingston’s historic districts is always a time of great discovery.

New Paltz

For tourists looking for a truly charming and relaxing outdoor vacation, then New Paltz is a must visit. Just a 90 minute drive from downtown Manhattan, just over 14,000 people call this splendid town home. With its variety of hiking trails and outdoor parks, New Paltz’s natural surroundings can be a welcome change of pace from the hectic sights and sounds of big city life.

Rhinebeck

 

Situated in the Hudson Valley, Rhinebeck offers some of the best views of the Catskill Mountains in a most charming and appealing small town atmosphere. Within visitors can find an assortment of local galleries, home style restaurants, specialty boutiques, and small theatre venues, that give solo travelers or families alike a most delightful experience. Within this town of just over 7,500 residents is a village also called “Rhinebeck”, which contributes even more to the old time charm of this most peaceful and quaint New York town.

Ellicottville

Ellicottville has a population of just 1,300 inhabitants, but it’s beautiful natural surroundings make it one of Western New York’s most alluring towns. Founded in the early 19th century, visitors can enjoy plenty of opportunities to partake in a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking, biking, and even zip-lining this town founded in the early 19th century remains a place of great fun and charm for families and solo travelers alike. Enjoy a variety of great local restaurants, pubs, theatre venues, or quality shopping at the Washington Street District. Meanwhile at the Nannen Arboretum some truly splendid and peaceful natural settings make this botanical garden one of the best afternoon visits one could hope for.

Cooperstown

The home of the American National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown is indeed a must visit for any lover of baseball. With a population of just under 1,800 residents, Cooperstown is located on the southern edge of Otsego Lake and is also known as a centre of New York folk art. Stop by the Fenimore House Museum and its impressive collection of locally made art or spend the afternoon at the Farmer’s Museum.

(Courtesy: WorldAtlas.com)

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