It’s hard for many tourists to decide where they’ll take a vacation in upstate and western New York. There are so many places that don’t get the recognition they deserve. The bright side is that there is a wealth of hidden gems throughout New York as a result, and the mountain hikes and charming restaurants throughout the state seem endless. Here are a few of our favorite small towns in New York that have all the qualities you want: outdoor activities, charming cultural hotspots and stellar views of the mountains.
Less than an hour south of Buffalo, Ellicottville has all the outdoor activities you could want in a western New York escape. Ski resorts like Holiday Valley Resort also make it an ideal family vacation spot.
Take a stroll to the Saugerties Lighthouse and grab a delicious lunch at one of the many great restaurants in the area, like Miss Lucy's Kitchen and Brine Barrel. After that, justtake a hike and enjoy the views.
The town of Greenport is on the far west side of Long Island. It's a short drive from New York City and has plenty of charming restaurants, vineyards and coffee shops.
Catskill has as charming a downtown as you'll find in all of New York. Check out the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, or head downtown to the nostalgic Main Street for plenty of fun shops and dining.
A road trip to any of these cities and towns is a guaranteed weekend of fun, and many of these cities’ most famous venues and restaurants have made adjustments for safe operation during the pandemic. You could even hit two or three of these areas in the same weekend!
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