Most Old Fashioned Places to Live in New York City

While nearly visitors never go far past the Big Apple's incredible array of world-famous attractions, the state of New York also has superb scenery, sights, and small towns to discover. Home to the soaring Adirondack Mountains and idyllic Finger Lakes, the state too lies next to the Atlantic, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario too—so it really does take several sides to it.

In the Empire State, y'all tin find countless mannerly pocket-sized towns to stay at, each with their own identity. While some are nestled among the mountains and offer outdoor activities, others are ready along serene lakeshores and avowal a wealth of historic sites.

Whether y'all're after a relaxing weekend getaway, fun watersports or magical winter festivals, the pocket-sized towns in New York certainly have something for everyone to enjoy.

12. Canandaigua [Run across MAP]

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Ready at the northern cease of the long and slender lake of the same proper name, Canandaigua is one of the most flick-perfect places to visit in the Finger Lakes region. Aptly significant 'The Chosen Spot' in the local Native American language, it boasts immaculately manicured gardens, interesting historic sites and cultural landmarks.

The well-preserved historic center has magnificent mansions, monuments and a scattering of fine museums. Aside from enjoying the lovely flower beds and gardens of its huge estates, you can also delve into the fine dining scene or try out wonderful wineries.

In improver, the lake offers all kinds of fun watersports and outdoor activities, while the lakeside Roseland Waterpark has slides, pools and a lazy river.

11. New Paltz [SEE MAP]

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In dissimilarity to sleepy, upmarket Canandaigua, the higher town of New Paltz has a lively and youthful feel. Easily reached from both Albany and New York Urban center, it lies in the southeast of the state, aslope Wallkill River.

Equally it was founded in 1678, the boondocks has a rich history to explore with cute former buildings, bars and boutiques lining its streets. Likewise countless cosy BnBs, the almost memorable place to stay is undoubtedly Mohonk Mount Firm. This is because the famous Victorian-era resort is prepare in a stunning spot, looks similar a castle, and offers an array of amenities and attractions.

From New Paltz you tin can hike and bike around the incredible landscapes and nature of the Wallkill Valley, or venture up into the craggy mountains of the Shawangunk Range.

ten. Woodstock [SEE MAP]

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Although the world-famous music festival was actually held in nearby Bethel, the small town of Woodstock still attracts artists, musicians, free spirits and theater lovers. While it is most known for its thriving arts and civilisation scene, information technology is also located in an idyllic spot with mountains, forests, and nearby lakes.

Situated in the southeast of the state, Woodstock was founded in 1787 and has been an craft colony for a little over a century. As such, little studios, workshops and galleries are scattered about town, while live music and plays can be enjoyed at the Bearsville Theater.

In addition, information technology has some relaxing spas and retreats for guests to experience, and hosts numerous arts festivals, cultural events, and farmers markets during the twelvemonth.

9. Sleepy Hollow [SEE MAP]

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Made famous past Washington Irving's legendary tale of the same name, Sleepy Hollow makes for a nifty quiet getaway and is only under an 60 minutes's drive north of New York City. Due to the story's infamous specter, the Headless Horseman, and the boondocks'south atmospheric cemetery, it is regarded to be i of the most haunted places in the globe.

This however doesn't terminate thousands of tourists descending on the town each twelvemonth to see the celebrated sites related to the author's brusk story, and its after movie and Television receiver adaptations. Aside from exploring the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, yous can also wander about the Old Dutch Church, and the various manors and estates that dot the area.

Likewise taking tours around town, visitors tin can enjoy line-fishing or kayaking along the Hudson River. At that place'due south also opportunities to get hiking, biking and horseback riding around the Rockefeller Land Park Preserve.

8. Greenport [Run into MAP]

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One time a sleepy fishing town, Greenport is now known for its wonderful waterfront and wineries. Located almost the end of the north fork of Long Isle, the celebrated seaport has delicious seafood dishes, with plenty of beaches, views and h2o activities on offer.

Founded in 1682, Greenport has been an of import port for the fishing, whaling and fifty-fifty oystering industries at various points in its by. Nowadays, its mannerly cottages are home to picayune local restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops, while sailboats bob peacefully about its marina.

Bated from simply enjoying the ambience or taking a scenic cruise around the surrounding waters, visitors can as well head to any one of the xl or so vineyards and wineries that lie nearby.

vii. Aurora [SEE MAP]

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Set along the shores of Cayuga Lake, the small-scale town of Aurora is a picturesque place that is perfect for tranquility getaways. Domicile to some beautiful old historic buildings, equally well equally idyllic inns and cozy BnBs, it can be reached in just an 60 minutes from either Rochester or Syracuse.

Mostly known for being home to the prestigious Wells College, which was originally for women only, the town is a treat to amble around. There are well-preserved historic homes and higher buildings wherever you wait. Although students make up most of its population, there is a lovely small town expect and feel about the identify.

In addition to snapping photos of its quaint middle, visitors can enjoy splendid scenery and outdoor activities in Long Point State Park, or sample fine wines forth the Cayuga Lake Vino Trail.

6. Saranac Lake [See MAP]

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Nestled among the stupendous scenery and nature of the Adirondack mountains, the small town of Saranac Lake really is as picture-perfect as they come up. A popular place to visit, it's located alongside the cogitating waters of Lake Bloom, with wonderful woods and waterways lying all around information technology.

Founded in 1819, the small community has long drawn visitors to its shores, first due to its clear and restorative mount air, and later for its fantabulous outdoor activities and festive Winter Funfair. Nowadays its charming old 'cure cottages' make for a pleasant identify to stay as you visit sites, such every bit the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage and Saranac Laboratory Museum.

Aside from ambling along the lakeside, you tin besides enjoy fantastic watersports or cease by its aplenty art galleries and historic sights. One of the best times to visit is during the winter carnival when all kinds of snow-related races, concerts, and celebrations accept place.

5. Skaneateles [SEE MAP]

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Another of the most scenic settlements in the Finger Lakes region is the lakeside town of Skaneateles. Aptly pregnant 'Long Beautiful Lake' in Iroquois, it lies at the northern end of the sparkling Skaneateles Lake and offers up the perfect mix of history, civilisation, and nature.

Home to well-preserved historic buildings, its tiny town eye is a delight to wander effectually with unique boutiques, small-scale fine art galleries, and local restaurants. Besides basking in scenic views from its two waterfront parks, you tin venture out along the pier, have gunkhole rides effectually the lake or savor superb watersports during the sunny summer months.

In improver, it likewise hosts a number of fabulous events, with the Skaneateles music festival, Antique and Classic Boat Evidence, and Dickens Christmas festival being the pick of the lot.

4. Ithaca [SEE MAP]

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The largest and liveliest town in the Finger Lakes, Ithaca is dwelling house to both Ivy League Cornell Academy and prestigious Ithaca College. As such, it has a youthful experience, besides as thriving arts, civilisation, and nightlife scenes.

While its college campuses are home to some fantastic museums and historic buildings, downtown is packed with bookshops, restaurants, and a handful of great theaters. As well boasting some of the most diverse dining and drinking options in the area, it as well has countless wineries to visit nearby.

I of the town's primary draws, though, is its scenic setting at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake—there are over 150 waterfalls you tin discover in the nearby gorges, forests, and state parks.

3. Cooperstown [SEE MAP]

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By and large known for beingness dwelling to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown has much more than going for it. Lying at the southern end of Otsego Lake, it has a wealth of outdoor activities and fine views for guests to enjoy, forth with bonny compages and interesting celebrated sites.

Established in 1786, the peaceful and picturesque town has a delightful historic commune to explore that contains hundreds of well-preserved residences, businesses, and monuments. Besides the Hall of Fame, there is the excellent Farmers' Museum and numerous art galleries, while vivid performances are held each summer for the Glimmerglass Opera Festival.

Due to its stunning setting, Cooperstown has long attracted writers and artists. Its pristine nature and lake also offer everything from hiking and biking to pond, line-fishing, and boating.

2. Lake Placid [Encounter MAP]

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Tucked away amidst the Adirondack Mountains, the year-round resort town of Lake Placid has long been a pop place to visit, and it is easy to meet why. As well as its stupendous scenery, landscapes and nature, information technology boasts an incredible array of outdoor activities, and even hosted the 1932 and 1980 Wintertime Olympics.

While synonymous with snow sports considering of its proximity to the mountains, the town likewise has some great hiking and mountain biking to enjoy in the summer months. In addition, its nearby lakes and waterways offering splendid pond and kayaking, with ice-skating and tobogganing to be had when their waters freeze over in the wintertime.

In addition to elite-level skiing and snowboarding, the small town has a charming middle to explore with lovely views over the surrounding lakes, forests, and mountains.

i. Common cold Leap [See MAP]

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Only over an hr's drive or train ride from New York City, the quaint town of Cold Spring is a very pop weekend getaway. Set up in the scenic Hudson Highlands, alongside the river of the same proper name, it has a very attractive historic center with outstanding outdoor activities on offer.

Founded in 1846, its historic heart contains hundreds of nineteenth-century buildings with mansions and monuments lying next to churches and museums. Too taking in its scenic streetscapes, you tin can also stop past its endless cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and restaurants.

From Cold Jump you tin easily explore the nearby valleys and forests of the highlands, or enjoy fishing, swimming, and kayaking along the Hudson River.

Map of Small Towns in New York

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