Here Are 10 Of The Most Charming Small Towns In New York
By Lea Monroe|Updated on March 09, 2023(Originally published March 03, 2023)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
While it is often people’s natural instinct to envision The Big Apple when speaking about the Empire State, we’re here to prove that our small, quaint towns in New York have so much to offer! Whether you’re looking to get away in the mountains or spend a weekend in one of our wine countries, these small towns all have their own charming features. Check out some of the best small towns in New York. You will be a big fan of all of them in no time!
Right on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the Western New York village of Aurora, New York is one to be noted. With a population count that wouldn't even be able to fill all the seats needed for the students at my high school graduation, this village is indeed small. One of the many charming features of this place? It is home to the MacKenzie-Childs ceramic factory! That trip is one of the most fun things to do in Aurora, New York.
Accessible by the Metro-North Railroad, the town of Cold Spring, New York is a favorite spot for many living in New York City. With a population of roughly 2,000, it is filled with endless places where you can eat and shop. With incredible views of the Hudson River and residents known for their infectious kindness, there's no way you won't fall in love with this town.
Primarily known for being home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the small town of Cooperstown, New York is also completely free of chain stores! Yes, you read that right, no chain stores. I apologize for the fact that you're most likely dramatically gasping. Let me help you recover. This town is the perfect place for anyone looking to soak up plenty of New York's historical and memorable sites.
The incredible village of Lake Placid, New York, which is tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, is famously known for being the host of the Olympics...twice! You know, you might've heard of that whole thing called the "Miracle on Ice." With a population of over 2,500 people, this village offers its residents and visitors an endless supply of activities to keep them happy! From skiing to hiking to just eating and shopping, you'll always find yourself leaving this unique village with an urge to come back soon.
Located on the North Fork of Long Island with a population of just over 2,000, this small town will ease your mind with its relaxing air filled with the smell of salt. Once a strong fishing village, Greenport, New York restaurants and wineries are still known to serve its customers fresh fish out of the nearby Peconic Bay!
One of the Empire State's most iconic towns, Woodstock, New York is best known for its 1969 music festival. As soon as you arrive in this town, you can quickly feel the strong artistic and musical roots that have long run through it. With friendly residents and often a celebrity sighting, this town is nothing short of intriguing and filled with charm. Population? Just under 6,000.
You may find yourself staring at the name of this town and pondering how you should attempt to pronounce it. But have no fear, New Yorkers have an easy way of breaking down the pronunciation of Skaneateles. Two words, skinny-atlas, there you go! Loved and known for having one of the cleanest bodies of water in the state, Skaneateles Lake is a favorite to many. Population of this year-round beauty? Just over 7,000.
If you're looking for the perfect laid-back getaway that surrounds you with beautiful views of a lake and one-of-a-kind mountains, this is it. With a population of over 5,300 people, it is one of the largest places on our list. Located inside Adirondack Park, the village of Saranac Lake is popular to many people who are looking to explore the high mountains of New York.
If you're looking to explore one of the many wine countries our state has to offer, Westfield, New York is the place for you. A large producer of Concord Grape Juice, Westfield offers its 3,200 residents plenty of ways to quench their thirst. It's one of the best small towns in New York.
With a population of over 10,000 people, Canandaigua, New York comes in as the largest size town on our list. Located within the Finger Lakes wine county, this town offers anyone the perfect place to sit back and relax. With plenty of Food & Beverage tours, waterparks, and historical sites, Canandaigua has a variety of sources to keep you entertained.
So what did you think? Is there a small town worthy of this list that you feel has been forgotten? Tell us which small towns in New York you find to be the most charming in the comments below. We would love to hear about your favorite places to relax in the countryside or enjoy a cute main street.
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