Little Falls Might Be The Most Charming Small Town In New York

Little Falls, New York might have a population of only around 5,000 people, but its charm and history is outsized. At one point in the 19th century, it was a center for the production of cheese in America. Cheese made in Little Falls would be sent to markets in New York City and beyond, and the town was even home to America’s first-ever cheese market! It’s also home to an annual cheese festival. If you want to know more about Little Falls, keep reading below. It’s perfect for a day trip, and quite possibly the most charming small town in New York.

The first cheese market in the country dates back to 1861 in the town of—you guessed it—Little Falls. From the years of 1864 to 1870, Little Falls was the biggest interior cheese market in the entire world! Every year, from April until December, farmers, cheese factory workers and market brokers would come together to eat and haggle.

Little Falls Cheese Festival exists as a monument to the town’s rich dairy history. In years prior, there have been over 6,000 attendees to this amazing festival. We are talking roughly 90 New York State vendors and over 120 different types of cheese. For dairy lovers, it’s a must-attend. It happens every October.

The Little Falls Historical Society & Museum is located in the former site of a bank—the bank goes back all the way to 1883.

The Historical Society & Museum is a fun and educational way to learn more about the town.

The South Ann Street-Mill Street Historic District is another fun place to visit in town. It contains 15 buildings that all play a major part in the history of transportation and development in the city, including a New York Central Railroad passenger station, a former power station and more.

Did you know there is an island in Little Falls, and you can visit it? It allows you to really take in the Erie Canal.

For a great day in a cheesy—and we mean that in the best way possible—and charming small town in New York, make the trip to Little Falls. It’s a great way to spend a summer weekend. And, if you happen to be in the area this October, it’s for sure worth checking out the aforementioned Little Falls Cheese Festival. It might even be worth coming back for a second trip! If you need a place to stay in the area, we recommend The Inn at Stone Mill.

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Little Falls, NY 13365, USA

The Cheese Capital Of New York Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns You'll Ever Visit

John Williams

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