Anyone who’s only been to Manhattan or New York City’s other four boroughs may not know that the state of New York has a lot more to offer—in the way of travel and adventure—outside its world-famous metropolis. Whether it’s the Hudson Valley, with its cluster of charming, little towns; the Catskills, famous for their mountainous scenes and picturesque vistas; or the Thousand Islands, which were one time voted by USA Today readers as the country’s number one destination for scenic boat rides, Upstate New York has everything for everyone.
And while there are many towns in these parts of the Empire State that can be amazing getaways, we shine the spotlight on ten Upstate New York towns, both big and small, that are even more beautiful in the winter months.
10 Palmyra
Located in New York’s Wayne County, Palmyra Town is a small, lovely town that’s charmingly green and gorgeous. The town’s environs display a landscape with many hills and mountains beautifully interspersed with lush valleys, gifting it a look that’s dramatic and alluring, and easy to fall in love with. One little fun fact is that Palmyra is the birthplace of the Latter Day Saint movement.
- Tour Suggestion: Also known as Mormon Hill, Hill Cumorah is a living history of Mormonism and is one of Palmyra’s top attractions.
- Accommodation: Best Western Palmyra Inn & Suites
- Address: 955 Canandaigua Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522-9701
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
9 Skaneateles
Pronounced as “Skeenee-atlas, ” this town is a getaway, a hideaway, and everything in between. Its unique name is in the native, Iroquois language, which when translated to English, means “Long Lake.” The small town is beautiful and idyllic, even in winter—and spots a distinctive village look punctuated with gorgeous homes and cute shops.
- Tour Suggestion: Skaneateles Lake is famous for being one of the cleanest Finger Lakes. It sometimes freezes during winter and gets covered in a glistening sheet of sparkling white.
- Accommodation: Skaneateles Suites
- Address: 4114 E Genesee Street Rd 2 Miles West of the Village on Rt 20, Skaneateles, NY 13021-8209
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Pets Allowed
8 Rhinebeck
Yes, Rhinebeck is amazingly beautiful, even if developments within it have made it just a tad less bucolic than it used to be. Known for its rich history and heritage, today, the town is as much a shopper’s paradise as it is a vacation hideaway. Its tree-lined streets are lined with specialty stores that offer practically everything: from apparel to books and jewelry.
- Tour Suggestion: Known as the oldest inn in America, Beekmans Arms is a fine place to check out.
- Accommodation: Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn
- Address: 6387 Mill St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572-1401
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Free Parking
7 Chatham
Beautiful mansions, set in the backdrop of sprawling horse farms and a bucolic landscape, make Chatham a beautiful winter destination. To believe that the town is small, its Main Street, that’s known to get busier as Christmas nears, has only about three blocks. Still, one will find several restaurants and shops in its main business district for stuff to bite or buy.
- Tour Suggestion: Crandell Theater, Columbia County's oldest and largest movie theater, will be an interesting place to visit.
- Accommodation: Chatham Travel Lodge
- Address: 598 State Route 295, Chatham, NY 12037
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Air-Conditioned
6 East Aurora
Famous for being the village where America’s Arts and Crafts movement began, East Aurora boasts many beautiful attractions, even in winter. There’s the Knox Farm State Park, a craft brewery, the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Inn, and a decent number of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Tour Suggestion: The Millard Fillmore House in East Aurora is the only home still standing that a president built with his own hands.
- Accommodation: Hampton Inn East Aurora
- Address: 49 Olean Street, East Aurora, NY 14052
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
5 The Town Of Lake George
The Town of Lake George literally sits on its most famous feature; the lake that lends it its name. Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George has eclipsed its little-known town that many Americans have no idea it actually exists. The lake is a winter wonderland where visitors can enjoy an exciting array of outdoor activities, including winter hiking, ice castles, and skiing.
- Tour Suggestion: Lake George; without a doubt.
- Accommodation: Sun Castle Resort
- Address: 3178 Lake Shore Drive P.O. Box 271, Lake George, NY 12845-6508
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Fitness Center
4 Rochester
If a study conducted by American Home Shield is anything to go by, Rochester is the country’s second-best place to live in during winter. With the snow that gets up to 100 inches per year, the town is a winter paradise where bunnies can enjoy several winter activities, including skiing and ice skating.
- Tour Suggestion: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
- Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Rochester
- Address: 125 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604-1605
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center
3 Lake Placid Town
This town is set in a mountainous region of the Adirondacks and is encircled by glistening lakes. Its beauty is enhanced by the small-town appeal and, even more, by the gorgeous Mirror Lake around which the city is centered. Visitors can enjoy several activities in and around the 124-acre lake throughout the year.
- Tour Suggestion: The Olympic Jumping Complex is the only one approved for both summer and winter competitions in North America.
- Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid
- Address: 801 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, NY 12946-3829
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
2 Saratoga Springs
Winter reveals a beautiful side of Saratoga Springs that’s scintillatingly breathtaking. And unfazed by cold weather, the city hosts a decent number of events and festivals during winter—including Chowderfest, one of the area's most anticipated events in the calendar.
- Tour Suggestion: The Saratoga Spa State Park.
- Accommodation: Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs
- Address: 3368 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
1 New Paltz
Nestled quietly in the shadow of the Shawangunk Mountains, New Paltz is a winter haven that’s worryingly underrated. The area around the town of New Paltz is breathtakingly mountainous, featuring ridges, forested mountains, and lush valleys.
- Tour Suggestion: Mohonk Mountain House, the Hudson Valley’s most iconic resort.
- Accommodation: Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz
- Address: 7 Terwilliger Ln, New Paltz, NY 12561-1619
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast