Eastern New York is one of those areas of the Empire State that really doesn't get much attention - it's pretty far from the city, but also a good drive away from the upstate cities. That makes it a perfect place to visit when you want to experience a side of New York that's rarely seen - and we found the perfect example in the tiny town of Pine Plains, New York. An incredibly peaceful and beautiful town flanked by the stunning Stissing Mountain, Pine Plains is a hamlet with under 1,200 people about two hours north of New York City. But despite its tiny size, it's developed a bit of a reputation as a little slice of heaven on Earth. This is the perfect place to visit when you want to go sightseeing and hiking, but also has some great shopping and dining destinations within a few minutes drive. Come with us and discover why you definitely shouldn't drive right by Pine Plains on your next road trip!

Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Pine Plains might be the most underrated town in New York.

This charming hamlet embraces rural life and has a lot of incredible historic buildings - including The Pines, a historic home built in 1878.

The backdrop of Pine Plains and its most famous feature is definitely Stissing Mountain, one of the best hiking spots in the state.

Its most famous feature is probably the Stissing Mountain Fire Tower - and yes, you can climb all the way up to the top!

While most fire towers in the area top out at 60 feet, this one hits 90 feet and is the most stunning view in the region.

Once you're back on solid ground, why not head to Hammertown Barn? This antiques and furniture spot is a vintage lover's dream.

Not only are there some great pieces of vintage furniture here, but the store has some unique knickknacks on the shelves too.

Pine Plains only has a few restaurants in the small town, but they tend to really stand out from the pack - like the Stissing House, a unique New American restaurant.

Housed in a converted building dating all the way back to 1782, the seafood-forward menu is ideal for a date night or special occasion.

Have you visited Pine Plains, New York before? Let us know what your favorite things to see and do in this small town are in the comments section! You can find out more on the Pine Plains website, and check out the websites of Hammertown Barn and Stissing House for more details on these local destinations. There are also some great places to stay in the area - from this gorgeous island Airbnb to the acclaimed Inn at Pine Plains, one of the region's best independent hotels.