Visit These 7 Charming Small Towns in New York State

When people think of New York, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the bustling city life and a skyline that will take your breath away. And while NYC is a very magical place, the small towns of New York is what gives the state so much charm! If you like exploring hidden gems, escaping the crowds, and discovering the true essence of what makes New York State so special, then this post is for you. 

I’ve been lucky enough to call New York State home for the majority of my life, which has given me a lot of time to explore it. From Western NY to the Finger Lakes Region, and everywhere in between, there are super charming small towns in New York worth exploring. In this post, I will share seven of my favorites, along with suggestions and ideas on how to spend your time there. Please note, that some of these places are actually small cities, and others are considered villages. To keep it simple, I’m using the umbrella term of “small towns” although that might not technically be correct for all of them. Let’s jump into it! Here are 7 small towns in New York that are absolutely worth visiting.

1. Lewiston- Niagara County

Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Niagara River, you’ll find the quaint village of Lewiston, New York. Lewiston is a gem- a little hidden, a bit underrated, and often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Niagara Falls. This special place boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant community. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a fun, little getaway, Lewiston has something for you. Here are some things I’d recommend doing if you’re vising this adorable, small town in New York:

•  Have lunch at The Village Bakeshop– a cute bakery with great sandwiches and anything you could possibly want to satisfy your sweet tooth

•  Shop along Center Street– this is the heart of Lewiston!  Some of my favorite shops to go into are Totally Buffalo Store, The Plant Shack, and The Find 

•  Explore the Lewiston Museum– Lewiston is a very historical place and this is the perfect place to learn more about its history

• Head to Lewiston Landing– one of the best things about Lewiston is that it’s right on the water and Lewiston Landing is the best place to enjoy it.  Be sure also to check out the Freedom Crossing Monument here

• Have dinner at Brickyard BBQ & Pub– the go-to place for huge BBQ platters, great beer, and good vibes
• Get some ice cream at The Silo–  because no day is complete without a little treat 

If you have additional time, I’d suggest spending time at one of the many state parks in the area. Nature Lovers, check out Devil’s Hole or Whirlpool State Park. History Buffs, head to Old Fort Niagara. And music fans, be sure to catch a concert at Art Park. For more in-depth information on visiting Lewiston, check out my blog post here.

2. Medina- Orleans County

Medina is a picturesque village renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Located just an hour from both Buffalo and Rochester, Medina is a very convenient place for many to visit. The historic district is a delight to stroll through, with elegant homes, adorable storefronts, and charming parks. Here’s the perfect way to spend your time in Medina:

• Have breakfast at The Coffee Pot Cafe– the perfect place for pastries, homemade bagels, and excellent coffee

•  Check out Medina’s Visitor Center– located right on the corner of Main & Center St, the Visitor Center has tons of great information and the gentleman who runs is so knowledgeable and interesting to talk to

• Go shopping along Center Street–  a few of my favorite shops to go in are Ellen J Goods, The English Rose Tea Shoppe & The Downtown Browsery 

• Explore the Medina Railroad Museum– this museum feels like stepping back in time. It’s filled with tons of historical artifacts and cool railroad-related memorabilia. There’s also a gigantic scale model train layout, which is one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen

• Take a walk to Medina Falls- a little hidden gem that is easily accessible from the other side of Horan Road Bridge. Walk along the towpath with Medina Falls surrounded by lush greenery on one side, and the Erie Canal on the other

• Get drinks & apps at The Shirt Factory– a fantastic bar/cafe with an exceptional cocktail program and a perfect menu for an appetizer or dinner

If you’re planning to spend the night in Medina, I highly recommend staying at Bent’s Opera House. This stunning boutique hotel has charm, character, and a fascinating history. Bent’s is perfectly located on Main Street with pretty much everything in walking distance and there’s an incredible restaurant, Harvest, located right in the hotel.

For more in-depth information on visiting Medina, check out my blog post here.

3. Hammondsport- Steuben County

This charming Finger Lakes town is a dream to visit, especially during autumn! It kind of feels like being dropped on a movie set. Hammondsport is located on the south end of Keuka Lake, so the views are stunning. I recently spent an afternoon wandering around Hammondsport and had such a lovely time. This is how I would recommend enjoying your time in this small town in New York: 

• Start your day with some antique shopping at Patina– this extensive antique shop has a little bit of everything. You could literally wander around here for hours and not see it all!

• Walk around Pulteney Square– this is Hammondsport’s main square and the town’s focal point. It’s a perfect place to walk through or even sit down with a book and enjoy the charm of Hammondsport

• Spend time by the lake– from Pulteney Square, take a 5-minute walk down to Depot Park, and spend some time by the water. There are lots of benches for sitting and admiring, as well as a nice walking path if you prefer to take a stroll

• Have lunch at Village Tavern– they have a cute veranda if you prefer outdoor seating and their menu has a little something for everyone

• Do some wine tasting at Living Roots– just a 5-minute drive out of town you’ll find yourself at Living Roots. This winery is exceptional in wine selection and views! You can enjoy wine by the glass, bottle, or flight. They also have snacks if you go there hungry 

4. Corning- Steuben County

Also located in the Finger Lakes region, Corning is another charming small town in New York that should be on your list. Founded in 1890, Corning has a rich history and is renowned worldwide for its glassmaking heritage, which is a very important aspect of visiting Corning. Corning also boasts a lovely downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it a delightful destination to experience. Here’s how to spend a wonderful day in Corning:

• Have breakfast at Poppleton Bakery & Cafe– this adorable cafe is the perfect place to start your day in Corning. They have fantastic breakfast and lunch options as well as tons of sweet treats

• Tour the remarkable Corning Museum of Glass– you simply cannot go to Corning and not visit the Corning Museum of Glass. This is one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to the art and science of glass and it’s fascinating. Corning offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness glassblowing demonstrations, explore interactive exhibits, and admire stunning glass masterpieces from ancient to contemporary times

• Walk around Gaffer District– this is the downtown area and the heart and soul of Corning. Here you’ll discover all of the cute antique shops, boutique stores, art galleries, and restaurants.

For more in-depth information on visiting Corning, check out my blog post here.

5. Saratoga Springs- Saratoga County

Saratoga Springs is actually a city but has all the charm and quaintness of a town. Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, it’s renowned for its mineral springs and Victorian architecture. Saratoga Springs also offers a variety of attractions- I can promise you won’t be bored for even a second while visiting this incredible New York State gem. These are some things I’d highly recommend doing:

• Stroll down Broadway– this is where you’ll be able to take in all of the charm of Saratoga Springs. You’ll discover cool bars, fantastic restaurants, and adorable shops. Some of my favorites are The Local Branch, Saratoga Tea & Honey Co., and Silverwood Home Saratoga

• Have a relaxing afternoon at Roosevelt Baths & Spa– this place offers up a unique spa experience and is also filled with lots of history

• Enjoy Saratoga’s food scene– this place is a foodie paradise! These are a few restaurants you must try: 15 Church, Eddie F’s New England Seafood, Hamlet & Ghost

• Go wine tasting at The Saratoga Winery- there’s a lot of outdoor seating, fun games, and a great food menu as well

• Check out the Automobile Museum- even if you’re not a big car fanatic, this museum is super cool. They switch up their exhibits every once in a while, but we were lucky enough to catch the Ferrari exhibit 

For more in-depth information on visiting Saratoga Springs, check out my blog post here.

6. Ellicottville- Cattaraugus County

Ellicottville is known as a winter destination for its renowned ski resort, Holiday Valley. While it’s a great reason and season to visit, Ellicottville has much more to offer. As far as charming small towns in New York State go, Ellicottville is definitely a special one! And regardless of what season you visit, there’s something fun to do. Keep these in mind if you plan to visit:

• Wander around Washington Street- This is one of the main streets in Ellicottville, where you will find dozens of shops, cute vintage stores, and art galleries. There are fantastic restaurants, cute cafes, and even ski shops that are open year-round

• Have a flight at Ellicottville Brewing Company- this impressive establishment has been ranked one of the best bars & brewpubs in New York State. Their beers have garnered international recognition snagging three International World Beer Championship awards! EBC is definitely worth a visit

• Get pampered at Ellicottville Salt Cave– the perfect place for a massage or a unique salt cave experience, which is made up of over 20 tons of Himalayan salt and has tons of benefits

• Have dinner at West Rose- everything from the atmosphere to the food and cocktails are outstanding at West Rose! You can definitely expect an unforgettable experience when dining here

For more in-depth information on visiting Ellicottville, check out my blog post here.

7. Lake George- Warren County

Nestled in the mountains of the Adirondacks, Lake George is one of the most picturesque, small towns in New York. If I had to recommend a specific season to visit, I’d say you can’t beat fall. The changing colors of the leaves make Lake George even more magical. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds that flock during the summer. Here are some things I’d suggest doing:

• Hike Prospect Mountain- the drive on Veterans Memorial Highway is beautiful all on its own, but there are also 3 overlooks and a short hike to the top of the mountain with the most incredible views

• Hang out in Shepard Park– this beautiful park right in town has stunning walking paths and tons of seating right on the beach where you can just relax and enjoy the views

• Take a lakefront cruise– Lake George Steamboat Company offers fantastic cruising options. I did their 1-hour cruise which left me speechless, with such fantastic views of the lake

• Tour Fort William Henry Museum– a visit here will feel like traveling back in time. This fort houses some fascinating history and incredible artifacts, and you can even witness a canon-firing demonstration 

Enjoy These Charming Small Towns in New York

I hope this post has given you some inspiration to get out of the cities and explore more of the small towns in New York State. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!