Far removed from the Manhattan skyline and the rush of water in Niagara Falls, many New York towns bursting with history have also shaped the Empire State.
Some communities may feel as though you are stepping back into history. Here are six towns in upstate New York that will transport you to the past, according to the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.
Skaneateles, NY
Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County and was founded in 1830. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and of course Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost 900 feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Clift Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park. The town also boasts a quaint historic district, which hosts a Charles Dickens-themed festival each December. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Each summer, visitors flock to the Skaneateles Festival, a month-long music festival.
Saratoga Springs, NY
Known primarily due to extensive interest in horse racing, namely the Saratoga Racing Hall of Fame, the town of Saratoga Springs also boasts cultural depth, including the popular Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Broadway Street, which forms the town’s core, is bustling and lined with unique boutiques, cozy cafes and art galleries. Saratoga Springs also has natural mineral springs, which have attracted visitors seeking wellness for centuries. The Saratoga Spa State Park also offers a tranquil retreat. The nearby Saratoga National Historical Park – the scene of a historic Revolutionary War battle site – also offers breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.
Potsdam, NY
Potsdam is a town celebrated for its educational and cultural contributions, with both Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. The town’s rich history is closely tied to the Gilded Age, and its architecture reflects this period’s grandeur. This St. Lawrence County town is located at the foothills of the Adirondacks and is home to some lovely parks, including Postwood Park on the waterfront, which has a beach and swimming area. Then town is also a great spot for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, The village, on the banks of the Raquette River, is home to dozens of eateries and specialty shops, galleries and museums.
Aurora, NY
Established in 1795, Aurora is a small village (of roughly 735 people) on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. The Cayuga County community has a rich culture and landmarks, including the notable Aurora Inn. The village was home to Wells College, which for years was a women-only liberal arts college and closed in 2024. Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, the village is filled with lakeside inns and estates, eateries and shops. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside recreations and water sports on Cayuga Lake. The entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and several of its original 18th-century buildings remain today, including the Morgan Opera House, a beautifully restored Victorian theater located inside a Tudor Revival-style building.
Gilbertsville, NY
Located in Otsego County, Gilbertsville is a small village in New York’s Butternut Valley. The central New York village dates back to 1768 and is home to notable landmarks, including the First Presbyterian Church (1888) and the Gilbertsville Free Library, which was built as a school in 1818 before it was converted into a library 70 years later. The Empire House, now a restaurant and hotel, is the village’s oldest commercial property but was once a center for abolitionism. Today, much of the village forms the Gilbertsville Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow, located in Westchester County and 25 miles north of New York City, is best known for being the main inspiration for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” There are also several natural attractions nearby, including Nyack Beach State Park and Rockefeller State Park Preserve ,as well as historic sites including the Philipsburg Manor, the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving and many other notable souls were laid to rest.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: World Atlas names 6 historic NY towns that feel frozen in time
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
