One of the biggest nuisances that comes with being an Empire State resident is that we're almost always listening to out-of-owners tell us just how great our amazing big cities are, or better yet, they're assuming we're from the Big Apple. When we passionately tell you that there's so much more to our state than just New York City, we absolutely mean it. Some of our most inviting and adventurous locations can be found hiding out of sight in areas that you may never think to explore, including lots of quaint rural towns in Upstate New York. Ready to visit someplace new? Then dive into these rural New York towns that are downright delightful.

1. Cazenovia

Located in the picturesque setting of Central New York, the small town of Cazenovia only has a population of just over 7,000 residents! The town features Cazenovia Lake, where you can find charming inns along the water and parks to enjoy all year round. One of my favorite parks that remains open 365 days a year in this town is the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, a fascinating place where you can experience the magical combination of art and nature. Along Albany street you'll find plenty of other great places to check out like amazing restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, as well as an inn, the public library and a church!

2. Newfield

Out past the city of Ithaca amongst some of our most beautiful forests, you can find the rural New York town of Newfield in Tompkins County. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, this small town is packed with all of the small town appeal you've been looking for. Whether you're looking to enjoy one of New York's many beautiful covered bridges or you just want to book a stay at one of the inns where you'll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, you won't regretting checking out this town.

3. Inlet

Tucked away in the Adirondacks up near our Fulton Chain of Lakes and Moose River Plains, you'll find the tiny town of Inlet right in Hamilton County. With just a population of over 300 residents, Inlet is the perfect place for any adventurer to escape to if you're looking to take yourself away from it all. From hiking to getting out on the water, you'll be able to find plenty of activities that will keep you busy. Another reason why I love Inlet? It's here that you can find one of New York's most unforgettable inns that's worth taking a trip to!

4. Aurora

Right on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, you can find the teeny town of Aurora within Cayuga County. The remote area only has a population of just over 700 residents, still managing to bring in a significant amount of visitors every year with its local attractions. One of the most popular places to check out when taking a visit to Aurora is Mackenzie-Childs, a scenic property full of quirks that is worth crossing off of your state bucket list!

5. Phoenicia

Hidden away within one of my favorite areas of the Catskills, the small hamlet of Phoenicia is only home to roughly 300 of our residents! Not far from some of our most scenic attractions, Phoenicia features the Empire State Railway Museum and some truly unbelievable places to eat, like the Phoenicia Diner.

6. Hammondsport

One small town in New York that's gorgeous to experience during our summer months, Hammondsport is often referred to as being the coolest small town in America. With a population of roughly 700 residents, you'll love this remote area that sits on the southern end of Keuka Lake! The town features unforgettable waterfront restaurants and wineries, also being home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a fascinating spot to check out.

7. Roxbury

Hiding out in Delaware County, the small town of Roxbury is so rural that you can almost guarantee on not having any cell phone service out this way. Nearby to some of our favorite ski resorts and waterfalls of the Catskill region, there's plenty of scenic beauty to keep you occupied while you're no longer glued to your phone. Want to spend the weekend exploring this area but aren't sure where you should stay? Then check out the rooms of the whimsical Roxbury Motel that's like something straight out of a fairy tale!

8. Fairport

Known as being the "Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal," the small town of Fairport is waiting to be discovered out in Monroe County. Outside of the city of Rochester, this location offers the beauty and adventure of the Erie Canal while also providing the delightful charm you'd hope any of New York's towns would have.

9. Greenport

Long Island is no stranger to charming rural towns! Far out on the north fork of the island you can find the quiet fishing town of Greenport. In this place that seems frozen in time, there are fascinating attractions and history to experience when you take the journey out to this scenic location.

10. Ellicottville

A Western New York small town that doesn't even reach a population of 400 residents, Ellicottville was destined to be a part of this rural list! The tiny town is well-known for its ski resort that constantly draw in visitors to the remote area, while also offering a famous chocolate shop and adventure park that will bring smiles to your face!

11. Wilmington

If you're looking to explore the true outdoor beauty that New York has to offer, then the town of Wilmington is the perfect place for you to visit. Just north of Lake Placid and away from some of the more well-known outdoor attractions that people enjoy visiting, you'll find only just over one thousand residents here and a ton of adventures that are waiting to be taken. From visiting the heavenly High Falls Gorge to exploring the different ways you can reach the top of one of our highest peaks Whiteface Mountain, you'll find yourself speechless over the gorgeous scenery that surrounds you!

All of our different regions are home to such beautiful and charming rural New York towns! To enjoy as much of them as you possibly can, Take This Road Trip Through Western New York's Most Picturesque Towns For An Unforgettable Experience!