Posted in New York
December 18, 2020
Christmas In These 5 New York Towns Looks Like Something From A Hallmark Movie
Upstate New York boasts some of the most charming small towns in the country. Come winter, many of them seem too good to be true. Combine this charm with a wealth of outdoor adventures in the region, and you’ve got several potential holiday destinations. Here are a few of our favorites throughout the state that might not be on your radar. All you’ve got to do is book the trip!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

With a prime location in the Adirondack Mountains, this charming upstate New York town is a popular destination year round. But winter brings an entirely new set of possibilities; snowshoeing, ice fishing and hiking are just a few of the adventures you can embark on from this gorgeous mountain town.

If you want to keep things lowkey, you’ve got no shortage of restaurants and shops to explore. Grab dinner at great local eateries like Red Fox Restaurant or Downhill Grill, and enjoy local shops like Adirondack Trading Company and The Book Nook.

This is one of those cities that is just waiting to be explored. Popular outdoor activities in and around Cooperstown range from hiking to horseback riding. This winter, rent a snowmobile and hit more than 300 miles of trails. If you’re looking for a festive place to stay, the gorgeous Otesaga Resort Hotel is as classy and warm as it gets.

Skiing at Holiday Mountain Resort is one of the most popular winter activities in Ellicottville, a vacation experience that also includes activities like tubing, Nordic skiing and a thrilling “mountain coaster.”

For tourists looking for a more relaxing activity, take a sleigh ride at Crosspatch Horse Ranch or go on a snowshoeing adventure through Allegany State Park.

Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck is the perfect winter wonderland for a romantic stroll, and the views of the Hudson Valley from the fire tower are unreal. Also, be sure to check out the Rhinebeck Village Historic District, where a number of beautiful buildings have been well-preserved, making for an excellent tour through town.

This quaint town right on the Hudson River is a deceptively fun spot to find yourself during the winter months. It’s not on many people’s radar, but it’s a prime location if you’re interested in exploring the Catskill Forest Preserve. Snowshoe through this massive nature preserve, explore Esapus Nature Preserve closer to town, or take a walk on the river by the Saugerties Light House.
Don’t forget to come prepared for excursions in these upstate areas, whether it’s snowshoeing gear, warm layers and plenty of water to stay hydrated!
Address: Saranac Lake, NY, USA
Address: Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Address: Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA
Address: Rhinebeck, NY, USA
Address: Saugerties, NY 12477, USA