NEWSLETTER
From quaint mountain villages to vibrant downtowns, springtime splendor is blooming in New York State’s charming hamlets, towns, and villages. Wander through flourishing flower festivals and gardens, embark on a picturesque paddling adventure, or take a relaxing stroll down postcard-perfect main streets. Check out these 10 enchanting small towns and spring into your next getaway in New York State! Photo credit: @roydotschneider on Instagram
Sharon Springs (Central New York)
Credit: @beekman1802kindnessshop on Instagram
Things to Do:
If you’re looking for a true hidden gem escape this spring, Sharon Springs is the place for you! Take time to explore this quaint village, where you’ll find cute locally-owned businesses like eclectic gift shop Cobbler & Co., cozy coffee shop Black Cat Cafe, and Austintatious Chocolate Shop. A stop at the Beekman 1802 Kindness Shop is a must, with an extensive line of goat milk skincare made for sensitive skin. You can even visit the Beekman 1802 Farm and meet the goats! In the spring, you can sign up for special Baby Goat Tours, where you’ll get a guided tour of the barn and get to see and pet the newest baby goats.
Add even more spring fun to your getaway and make a stop in Cooperstown just 30 minutes away. Don’t miss out on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum with three floors filled with exciting exhibits, including the Plaque Gallery. Walk through time at the Fenimore Farm & Country Village, a 19th-century historic village, offering exhibits, tours, and hands-on workshops like broom making and black smith.
Where to Stay:
Spend the night at the American Hotel, a charming hotel originally built in 1842, with nine cozy guest rooms and an onsite restaurant.
Tupper Lake (Adirondacks)
Credit: @wildcenter on Instagram
Things to Do:
Surrounded by mountain peaks, endless forests, and sparkling lakes, “forever wild” spring adventures await around every corner in this Adirondack town. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking to try a new spring activity, Tupper Lake has some of the best spring fishing spots in the state. At the northernmost part of Big Tupper Lake, you’ll find Bog River Falls, known for having superb walleye fishing. Local rentals like Raquette River Outfitters can help set you up with fishing gear. If you’re looking to spend more time out on the water, take the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad Challenge and earn a patch for exploring the winding creeks and rivers that connect the Tupper Lake area.
Staying on land is more your vibe? Embark on a relaxing nature stroll along 25 miles of trails at Paul Smith’s VIC. When you’re ready to head indoors, the Wild Center (reopens May 1) is home to intriguing exhibits (including TROLLS: Save the Humans, starting June 1) about climate change and the Adirondacks, featuring real fish, turtles, and other animals and plants. After, take a walk on the wild side and explore the center’s Wild Walk featuring more than 1,000 feet of bridges and platforms that look out at the Adirondack forest, a four-story tree house, a people-sized spider’s web, and a giant-sized bald eagle’s nest.
Where to Stay:
Trailhead by Weekender Tupper Lake makes for the perfect homebase to explore the area, located near the Tupper Lake business district, local restaurants and shops, The Wild Center, and Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory.
Ellicottville (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Credit: @westernnewyorker on Instagram
Things to Do:
With a lively main street, exciting seasonal events, and outdoor adventure around every corner, this village nestled in Chautauqua-Allegheny’s enchanted mountains is the perfect place for a spring getaway. Start with a stroll down Ellicottville’s Main Street, lined with local gems like So Last Season Vintage, Purple Door Knob, and West Rose. Get into the spirit of spring at Nannen Arboretum, home to more than 200 trees and shrubs, a replica 500 year old Japanese Stone Garden, and a perennial flower garden.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air on a spring hike or bike ride through Allegany State Park. Plus, anglers can go fishing in the Quaker Area with two lakes, two fishing piers, and a canoe and kayak access point. Get your heart rate going at Holiday Valley’s Sky High Adventure Park (reopens May 8). Climb through five acres of forest on 13 diverse courses featuring an array of platforms, obstacles, bridges, and ziplines. Round out your trip with a fun spring event like Nashville Nights in Ellicottville (April 17-19), Banff Film Festival Tour at the Reg Lenna (April 24-25) in Jamestown, or the Happy Half Marathon, 5K, and Beer Mile (May 9).
Where to Stay:
Located in the heart of the village, Wingate by Wyndham Ellicottville offers a comfortable stay just a mile from Holiday Valley. The Inn at Holiday Valley puts you in the middle of all the action at Holiday Valley resort, with cozy rooms and suites with fireplaces and onsite restaurants.
Oyster Bay (Long Island)
Credit: @roydotschneider on Instagram
Things to Do:
Stunning historic sites and blooming flower festivals await in Oyster Bay this spring! The 83-acre Sagamore Hill National Historic Site is a must-visit. Once the home of President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until 1919, today you can explore the Queen Anne shingle-style home, museum, historic farm buildings, nature trails, wildlife refuge, and more. At the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, you can stroll the sandy beach, soak up oceanside views, and go kayaking (starting May 23).
For colorful spring blooms like magnolias, cherry blossoms, and azalea, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is the place to be. Wander through the incredible 409-acre Gold Coast Estate, home to a 65-room Tudor Revival Mansion, over 20 gardens, five miles of woodland trails, and more. From April 25-26, experience the Planting Fields’ Branches in Bloom Festival (April 25-26). Hundreds of magnolias and flowering cherries will be at peak bloom, and guests can enjoy educational displays and demonstrations, guided tours of the historic grounds, live performances, music, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Where to Stay:
Settle into the Inn at Fox Hollow Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel with 145 suites and amenities that include complimentary breakfast, outdoor heated salt water pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
Canandaigua (Finger Lakes)
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Things to Do:
Tucked away on the north end of Canandaigua Lake, you’ll find this scenic town with a walkable downtown, a variety of attractions, and floral festivities. Step into the Gilded Age at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion (reopens May 1). Wander through the majestic gardens to catch spring blooms, walk the halls of gorgeous mansion, and check out Sonnenberg’s special events like The Orchid Show & Plein Air Showcase (April 25-26), Civil War Days (May 8-9), and Mother’s Day Special (May 10). Get to know downtown Canandaigua with a variety of specialty shops, cafes, and local boutiques like Kiko’s Den, North Star Cafe, and Alice’s Red Rose Boutique.
Nearby you’ll also find the Canandaigua Lady (reopens May 10), an authentic 19th-century replica of a double-decker paddlewheel steamboat. Spend the afternoon soaking up scenery on a sight-seeing tour. Add some thrills into your getaway at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures (reopens in May) with a zipline canopy tour, aerial adventure park, and kids adventure park, or slow things down and sip your way along the 22-mile Canandaigua Wine Trail. If you’re on the hunt for more spring blooms, the Rochester Lilac Festival (May 8-17) is just 30 minutes outside of Canandaigua, where you can experience the sights and smells of the park’s 1,200 lilac bushes. Plus, there’s tons of live performances, food and beverage vendors, a farmer’s market, a 5K/10K, and more.
Where to Stay:
Indulge in lakeside luxury at the Lake House on Canandaigua, known for its blend of modern design with luxe experiences, with lakeview guestrooms and suites and world-class amenities. The historic Canandaigua 1892 Hotel is located in the heart of Canandaigua, nearby downtown and top attractions, and features homey rooms and modern amenities.
New Paltz (Hudson Valley)
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Things to Do:
Those looking to blend outdoor adventure with small town charm should plan a getaway to New Paltz. Watch spring come alive at the Mohonk Mountain House’s annual Tulip Festival (April 27-May 11) and walk through rows of more than 30,000 tulips on the mountaintop. Spend even more time outdoors at the Mohonk Preserve with 70 miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus some of the best rock climbing in the Northeast. The River to Ridge Trail is another great option for a relaxing nature stroll, with scenic views of the Shawangunk Ridge and farm fields.
Head into town and pop into local shops and cafes on Main Street like The Ridge Tea & Spice Shop, Cocoon Gift Shop, and Dancing Hands Jewelry. For even more shopping, meander through the Water Street Market featuring over 20 storefronts selling antiques, art, clothing, food, and unique gifts. Add some history into your getaway and explore Historic Huguenot Street, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District, where the buildings date back 300 years and once belonged to Protestant French Huguenots.
Where to Stay:
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Mohonk Mountain House, the all-inclusive, 262-room Victorian castle resort nestled in the mountains. The Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz is another great option, located close to town with comfortable rooms and amenities.
Cape Vincent (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Credit: @visit1000islands on Instagram
Things to Do:
Looking for a lowkey escape packed with riverside views, adventure, and a picturesque downtown? Cape Vincent is for you! The Thousand Islands is an angler’s oasis and the Cape Vincent area is a prime spot for spring fishing, where the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario meet. Salmon and trout season starts in April, Pike on May 1, and Walleye is also great during spring. If you’re a beginner angler, Lake Ontario Fishing will guide you through world class fishing. On May 23, the Spring Fishing Derby comes to town where you can watch experts reel in record-breaking catches.
Back on land, the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse offers unforgettable views of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Broadway Street is the town’s main drag with locally-owned boutiques and coffee shops like Belle Epoque Gift Shoppe, Madymae on Broadway, and A Cup of Joy Cafe. Dive into marine history at the Antique Boat Museum (reopens May 9), home to the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America, over 300 unique and beautifully-preserved vessels.
Where to Stay:
Stay in one of the five river themed rooms at the cozy Chateau Country Inn, scenically-located on the St. Lawrence River.
Ballston Spa (Capital-Saratoga)
Things to Do:
Soak up small town vibes just 15 minutes from Saratoga Springs in the historic village of Ballston Spa. Start with a stroll through the walkable downtown where local shops and restaurants like Play Hollow Toy Store, Boho Chic Boutique, and The Whistling Kettle line Front Street and Milton Ave. Ballston Spa is also known for having an amazing antiques scene so don’t pass up on a chance to check out hot spots like Ballston Spa Antique Center (pictured), Waverly Square Antiques, and Stone Soup Antiques Gallery.
Spend time surrounded by nature at Saratoga Spa State Park with miles of trails for hiking and biking that wind past natural mineral springs and geysers. Make the most of the sunny spring weather and plan a paddling adventure on Saratoga Lake. Kayak Shak (reopens May 1) offers single and double kayak rentals, paddle boards, and a “hammocraft,” a small floating dock with hammocks for four people.
Where to Stay:
Hyatt Place Saratoga/Malta offers a modern yet comfortable stay just 10 minutes outside of Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs.
Catskill (Catskills)
Things to Do:
Immerse yourself in mountain town vibes this spring in the quaint village of Catskill. Wander down the village’s Main Street, where an eclectic variety of eateries and boutiques like Catskill Collectibles, Kaaterskill Market, and Citiot await. Sip your way through the local brewery and cidery scene at spots like Return Brewing, Left Bank Ciders, or Subversive Brewing. Dive into floral fun at Meadowbrook Farms in nearby Leeds. This friendly family-owned flower farm is known for its sweeping landscapes and vibrant flower fields, and hosts events like a Spring Fling Flower Walk (April 25 & 26), U-Pick Tulip Harvest (May 3), and Mother’s Day Brunch (May 10).
Make a stop at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to explore the historic home and two studios of Thomas Cole, the American artist who founded the Hudson River School of landscape painting. If you’re up to explore even more historic landscapes, walk the Hudson River Skywalk (pictured), a pedestrian path with panoramic views of the Hudson River that connects the Thomas Cole Site to Frederic Church’s Olana State Historic Site in Hudson.
Where to Stay:
Located at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, the Camptown Hotel is the perfect jumping off point for adventure. Choose to settle into one of the 24 hotel rooms or 26 log cabin rooms.
East Aurora (Greater Niagara)
Things to Do:
Explore this charming village just 20 minutes outside of Buffalo, where America’s Arts and Crafts movement was born. Meander down Main Street and stop at welcoming storefronts like Vidler’s 5 & 10, Reflection, and The Bookworm. Soak up even more small town vibes at the village’s farmers market, running from May-October with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. Take a tour of the original buildings, grounds, and exhibits at the Roycroft Campus, a National Historic Landmark, where the early 1900s Arts & Crafts Movement took place.
Step into spring sights at the 633-acre Knox Farm State Park, the former country estate of Buffalo’s renowned Knox Family, with scenic nature trails that wind through grasslands, woodlands, ponds, and wetland areas. Head to Buffalo to dive into the world of horticultural treasures at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanic Gardens and admire an intriguing lineup of rotating exhibits and events like Horticultural Heroes (until April 26), the Butterfly Experience (May 16-July 19), and Bonsai Show (June 6-7).
Where to Stay:
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Arts & Crafts movement at the Roycroft Inn, elegantly restored Arts & Crafts accommodations with original Roycroft furnishings and art work.
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