Discover the New York Small Town That Looks Like a Hallmark Movie Set

Hallmark movies evoke a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Typically, these movies are filmed in picture-perfect small towns, with quaint Main Streets, Victorian-style homes with perfectly manicured lawns, and host yearly festivals that bring the community together. And when it snows in these charming towns, well, it's...pure magic! 

If I were to think of the perfect Hallmark destination in New York, Skaneateles would be my first pick. Its old-fashioned Dickerson Christmas celebration is enough reason to add this delightful village to your list. Tucked inside the Hudson Valley region and equally appealing (but in a different way) is New Paltz, New York. Sure, it’s known as a college town, but it also has a certain old-world charm that keeps visitors returning for more. Let’s discover why this small town in New York could easily be from a Hallmark movie set.      

Get to Know New Paltz

If there is a Hallmark movie combining history and nature, New Paltz would be the ideal destination for the backdrop of the feature. Almost 350 years ago, early religious settlers escaped from France and built homes along Huguenot Street. The historic village, Huguenot Street Historic District, was not only listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but the street is also one of the oldest lived-on roadways in the country. So, of course, its old-world charm continues to thrive. 

While history is a significant part of life here, New Paltz’s beauty is a sight to behold. Nestled at the foothills of the Catskills Mountains and along the banks of the tranquil Wallkill River, the town is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. With access to overlooks, the Shawangunk Mountains (aka the Gunks), waterfalls, and tons of hiking trails, this haven is a paradise for nature lovers. With its historical charm and its stunning beauty, this hidden gem New York town could easily be the set of any Hallmark movie.  

Why Visit New Paltz?

This scenic mountain town is located just 80 miles outside of the city, making it a wonderful destination for a day trip in New York. Expect to find pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with cute shops, art galleries, bookstores, local bistros, and farm-to-table restaurants. Don’t skip the Water Street Market, a delightful village with eclectic shops, vintage stores, coffee joints, and more - perfect for an afternoon stroll.     

Every outdoor adventure here could be plucked from a movie scene. Not only are the landscapes breathtakingly beautiful, but they also invite visitors to inhale and soak up the magic. Take, for instance, a bike ride along Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, which features peaceful water views and meanders by the 17th-century Huguenot Street Historic District, surrounded by flower gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. 

Of course, no visit to New Paltz is complete without exploring nearby Mohonk Preserve. Here, you’ll find the Lemon Squeeze and Eagle Cliff trail, which is packed with tons of surprises and adventure along the way. A day trip to Mohonk Mountain House, a gorgeous all-inclusive resort housed inside a dreamy Victorian-style castle, is a must! 

You can enjoy hiking the Sky Top Trail, which rewards you with spectacular views of the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley. Or spend the day on Mohonk Lake boating, fishing, kayaking, or swimming. Since it's home to SUNY New Paltz, the town also has a vibrant energy with yearly concerts, breweries, bars, and more. The adventures here are endless!

When to Visit New Paltz? 

To be honest, New Paltz is perfect year-round, but each season offers its own adventure. In summer and spring, take walks through tulip and flower gardens, and water and hiking activities are must-dos. For fall, when it gets cozy, enjoy apple picking, leaf peeping, local festivals, holiday markets, and more. When the town is covered in a fresh blanket of snow, it also comes alive with dazzling lights and holiday celebrations. It’s a true winter wonderland!

The Hallmark Movie Plot?

Between its natural beauty, old-world charm, quaint villages, and local events, one could film a Hallmark movie here. The plot? A “boy meets girl romance," of course! Two single people have a serendipitous meet-cute on top of the Shawangunk Ridge. Then, they spend a three-day weekend in New Paltz, enjoying morning coffees, leisure strolls, waterfront picnics, and row boating. They fall in love and two years later, return to New Paltz to get married on the ridge where they met and have a lovely honeymoon at Mohonk Mountain House. Sounds like a dreamy Hallmark movie to me. What do you think?

Have you ever been to New Paltz? Do you agree that this charming small town in New York could be the backdrop for a movie? What is your favorite fairytale town in New York to visit? Share your thoughts on our nomination page. And when you’re feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more hidden gem destinations in New York (with just a few clicks).