The 13 Towns You Need To Visit In New York In 2017
Over the past year we’ve featured a ton of New York towns that we’ve encouraged visitors to go and check out. Ranging in size and all offering their own unique experiences, the following list is made up of some of the most noteworthy locations that you should make a point to visit in the Empire State in 2017. Get out your calendars and start planning your next adventure, you’re going to want to start crossing these towns off of your bucket list ASAP.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Featured as being one of the most unique town's in the world, it's impossible not to fall in love with Lake Placid. With less than 3,000 residents, those who visit here will get to enjoy this incredible town all while being tucked away within New York's tallest mountains. With out-of-this-world hiking locations all around you, amazing places to dine and the fascinating history of the Winter Olympics, you'll truly never want to leave this place.
Saying that the tiny town of Lily Dale is far from ordinary is an absolute understatement. Founded in 1879, the town is actually a gated community that's made up of people who believe in Spiritualism and consider themselves to be mediums. During the summer months the town offers passes to enter the community, where an incredible amount of visitors flock to every year to make appointments with mediums and to see what this unique town is all about. Featuring a Fairy Trail, pet cemetery, magical tree stump and little shops for you to check out, Lily Dale is a place that everyone should experience for themselves at least once.
A lake town that's the perfect place to take a summer getaway, Olcott can be found on the shores of Lake Ontario. Also known to many as Olcott Beach, the town is one that many will make a point to visit while they're traveling to see Niagara Falls that's just a quick 40-minute drive away. Visitors quickly fall in love with the nostalgic charm that the town has to offer, featuring Carousel Park, a part of town that's filled with classic rides and games that will only cost you 25 cents to enjoy! Not sure when to visit? Try planning your trip around the annual Olcott Beach Car Show that's fantastic to check out at the end of summer.
Sure Albany may be New York's capital now, but technically it's our state's oldest town! Developed along the Hudson River in 1664, all of our residents should take a trip here to soak in the amazing history and to see how exciting this city is. From winter festivities at the Empire Plaza where you can visit now and go ice skating, to summer fun in Washington Park where you can enjoy the annual Tulip Fest and shows at the Playhouse, you'll never run out of things to do here no matter what season it is.
The most recent town to be featured, Long Lake was shown a lot of love when our post went live as being one of New York's best kept secrets. Another location that's great to visit no matter what time of year it is, if you're interested in checking out one of our Adirondack towns that's small will take you away from it all, this is the place to check out. In town you'll be able to take an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall, enjoy the local beach during the summer and enjoy the quaint general stores that are here. Put this one at the top of your list!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
A location that's so small you'll only find one traffic light in town, Tannersville is known for being New York's Painted Village in The Sky. A place that you can only truly appreciate once you see it for yourself in person, the town's Main Street features buildings that have been painted in vibrant colors. You'll find that the street is lined with restaurants that might possibly have you losing your sanity over trying to decide on just one of these delicious places to eat, as well as charming little shops that you'll want to check out.
Have yet to take your annual winter getaway? Then it's time you make a trip to this tiny resort town that turns into a complete wonderland during winter. Ellicottville is home to the Holiday Valley Resort, a great place to check out during our winter months. If you're looking for a town that will bring out the adventurer in you, then this is the place that you'll want to explore.
The perfect place to take a summer getaway and also known for being one of America's coolest small towns, Hammondsport is just one of the many treasures of the Finger Lakes. Sitting on the southern end of Keuka Lake, the town is of course filled with several fantastic vineyards that offer amazing views of the lake and great tasting food and wine. If you're looking to take a trip that will bring you to a charming place with beautiful views of the water, you'll want to keep Hammondsport in mind.
Deemed as being one of America's best adventure towns, New Paltz is where you'll want to visit if you're looking to take on all of the adventures that lie within the Shawangunk Mountains. If you decide to stay at the Mohonk Mountain House you'll have direct access to some of New York's most thrilling trails that will give you spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and resort down below. So grab your hiking boots and plan on spending most of your time outside, you'll love exploring all there is to see in New Paltz.
Featured as being the one delightful town in New York that's impossible to drive through without stopping, it's hard to find a place more charming than Penn Yan. Sitting on the northern shores of Keuka Lake's eastern branch, the small lake town is home to one of our favorite places to eat... the Penn Yan Diner! Another amazing area to check out in town? The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail that's absolutely beautiful and will lead you to stunning waterfalls.
Recognized by Expedia as being one of America's coziest mountain towns, Lake George is another Adirondack location that will charm the socks right off of you. While the majority of our residents will plan their annual trips here during summer, local residents will be quick to tell you that the real magic happens during our winter months. The town is surrounded by the most beautiful half-day hikes you can experience that will give you views of Lake George that you'd only ever dream of, while also offering a main street that will keep you busy for endless hours. We could gush about this town for days!
Something you may not have realized existed, New York is home to its very own North Pole! No, we're not joking. The perfect town to visit during the holidays, North Pole is where you'll find what is considered to be America's first theme park, Santa's Workshop! The North Pole has its very own US Post Office at Santa's Workshop, where visitors can send and mail out anything they want and it'll have the official North Pole postmark on it! It doesn't get anymore magical than this.
If you're looking to see some of what Long Island has to offer then you should definitely plan out a trip to this quiet fishing town. Greenport can be found out in Suffolk County, first settled in 1682 and not too much has changed since! Get out on the water and tour the Peconic Bay or stay right in town and visit historic locations that you'll love to learn about. There's plenty of amazing ways for you to enjoy this town and to soak up the sun.
Which one of these towns that we’ve featured is your favorite or going on the top of your bucket list? Now that you know what towns to visit, time to plan out where you should dine with this list of 12 Places You Should Eat At In New York In 2017!
