A blend of scenic landscapes with stunning lakes and waterfalls, historic charm and vibrant community create an unmatched setting in many towns across the Empire State.
Here are seven of the most inviting town within upstate New York, according to the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.
Saranac Lake, NY
The village of Saranac Lake spans three towns in two counties – Franklin and Essex counties – and is the largest community within the Adirondack Park in northern New York. This quaint town is often overshadowed by its more frequented neighbor, Lake Placid, yet it offers an equally captivating charm with far fewer crowds. Winter transforms Saranac Lake into a snowy wonderland, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing on nearby Dewey Mountain. The village’s annual winter carnival celebrates snow activities and comraderies and an community-built ice palace. Warmer weather brings on activities such as hiking and kayaking. Local cafes, galleries and shops are aplenty here as well. A carousel featuring woodland creatures is a hit with families.
Ellicottville, NY
This Cattaraugus County village is a ski haven in western New York. Only one square mile, the village packs a punch with a collection of unique eateries and shops and “genuinely friendly” folks. Holiday Valley resort drives the community’s seasonal buzz with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing in wintry weather and an aerial adventure park. Walk through the paths and visit a Japanese garden at the Nannen Arboretum. Ellicottville also hosts seasonal community events, including Winter Carnival and Fall Festival weekends and music-themed gatherings.
Lake George, NY
This charming town is home to a variety of attractions, including Prospect Mountain and Lake George, a 32-mile-long, spring-fed lake in the Adirondacks. The Fort William Henry Museum is also in the area and hiking 1.7 miles up to Shelving Rock Falls. With just over 100 miles of shoreline, Lake George is an ideal summertime retreat, from its vast public beach to more than 170 islands, some of which offer campsites accessible via boat or canoe.
Cazenovia, NY
This Madison County town is located at the southern end of Cazenovia Lake and has a charming downtown district. The town is known for its active engagement in historical preservation and the arts. Chittenango Falls State Park is nearb – and boasts a stunning 167-foot waterfall and winding trails and walking paths in the park. Boating and fishing are popular activities here as well.
Hamilton, NY
This Madison County town encompasses a village by the same name. Home to Colgate University, the community is steeped in history and boasts an array of academic and cultural events and is names after an American founding father Alexander Hamilton. The village center features its well-maintained 19th-century architecture filled with eateries, art galleries and vintage boutiques. The town, established in 1795, also has a weekly farmer’s market and features the wares of area artists and local produce. The town isn’t far from Cazenovia (also on the list), and Chittenango Falls State Park and nearby Eatonbrook Reservoir offer opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.
Fairport, NY
A lively village within the town of Perinton, Fairport is located on the Erie Canal in eastern Monroe County. The walkable canal-front community is ideal for folks who want scenic charm and the convenience of nearby urban amenities as Rochester is just a 20-minute drive. Fairport’s centerpiece is a unique 111-year-old lift bridge that spans the Erie Canal. The area surrounding the waterway is bustling, with eateries, craft breweries, coffee shops and boutiques. The village also hosts popular special events such as Fairport Canal Days, which is held in the village each June. The village also has a weekly seasonal farmer’s market.
Canandaigua, NY
The city of Canandaigua sits at the north end of Canandaigua Lake and is Ontario County’s county seat. Canandaigua is full of historic buildings, shops, museums and boutiques within its downtown district. Nearby, the Ontario County Courthouse is a historic landmark within Canandaigua that was the site of Susan B. Anthony’s 1873 trial for voting in a presidential election. Also near downtown is Kershaw Park, a lakeside park with a swimming beach adjacent to Canandaigua’s City Pier. Canandaigua is also home to the New York Kitchen, (formerly called the New York Wine & Culinary Center,) which celebrates the state’s wine, food and agricultural industries with culinary classes, tastings and other unique events. Sonnenburg Gardens and Mansion, a historic 50-acre estate, is just blocks away from downtown Canandaigua.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: World Atlas names 7 most inviting towns in upstate NY. See the list
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
