Take This Road Trip Through Western New York’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience
It seems like it was only a moment ago that I put together the first series of this trip, a mapped out adventure that brings you through New York’s most picturesque small towns. In an effort to keep driving time as reasonable as possible while still allowing you to see a variety of towns and regions, many of our favorite locations in Western New York ended up being left out of this original trip. Like always, I love hearing all of the feedback you guys give and with that said, you made your voices loud and clear! A small towns trip dedicated to this charming part of our state was demanded and here it finally is for you.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
First up! Just outside of Rochester in Monroe County you can find this town that has a population of just under 30,000 residents. One of the many charming towns that you can discover along the Erie Canal, Pittsford offers plenty of scenic views and outdoor activities to keep you busy while you visit. From enjoying scenic spaces like Powder Mill Park to getting out on the water with a boat tour of the Erie Canal, there's a wide variety of ways you can spend the day exploring this town.
One of our favorite places to visit, the small town of Geneseo only has a population of roughly 10,000 residents. Never visited this town and wondering what there is to do? A fascinating place to check out in town is the National Warplane Museum, a museum that showcases the history of aviation and so much more. Another great place to where you can dive into history is The Wadsworth Homestead, the oldest continually owned estate west of the Hudson River!
A town that feels frozen in time, Angelica only is home to just over 1,000 residents. Wow! Not far from our state border in Allegany County you'll be able to check out plenty of small shops and antique stores as well as delicious bakeries that you'll be able to smell from a mile away!
With a population of just over 4,000 residents out in Wyoming County, the small town of Arcade is one that remains highly underrated. Out in the middle of our western region, one of our favorite things to enjoy in town while we're visiting is a scenic train ride! At the Arcade & Attica Railroad you'll can enjoy a variety of train rides that take you through the beautiful countryside.
A town so small it doesn't even reach a population of 400 residents, Ellicottville is a beautiful place to visit all year long. If you're truly interested in seeing what there is to explore in this location, then I suggest you click here to read the post that explains all of the many reasons why you should visit this one tiny town. But to give you a quick taste? Here you can enjoy a beautiful resort, adrenaline-pumping adventure park and plenty of amazing places to eat.
A popular area to visit if you enjoy outdoor winter activities, the town of Clymer has a population of just under 2,000 residents. Out in Chautauqua County, isn't far from other favorite attractions in the area but is also home to the Peak'n Peak Resort. The resort draws in those who love to enjoy skiing, bringing them out to a corner of New York they may not have otherwise ventured to!
Venture out towards the shores of Lake Erie and you'll find plenty of small towns in New York that are incredibly scenic. Another Chautauqua County gem, the village of Westfield has a population of just over 3, 000 residents. If you're looking to enjoy some of the many wineries you'll find in our state, this small area is home to a ton of locations that will all quench your thirst.
As if this charming area didn't already give you enough reasons to take a trip here, there's one epic waterfall hiding away in town that will easily convince you to visit the area. Right in Chestnut Ridge Park, you can discover one of the most unbelievable waterfalls that you'll ever lay your eyes on in New York. Eternal Flame Falls gets its name from the fact that a fire can be seen lit inside the actual waterfall! Created by a natural gas that's emitted, you won't want to forget to add this waterfall to your bucket list!
Falling right between the cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, Grand Island is a town that has a population of just over 20,000 residents. A true treasure of Erie County, the island is surrounded by views of the Niagara River and is an exciting place to enjoy some time out on the water!
A village with so much to offer, Lewiston can be found out in Niagara County and has a population of just under 3,000 residents. In town you'll be able to take advantage of exhilarating boat tours along the Niagara River as well as spend the evening enjoying a concert outside at the Artpark. Lewiston is home to a lot of historic sites and rich history that might surprise you, so don't forget that we've saved the best for last!
Do you have a favorite town that made this list or one that you wish was included? If you’re willing to explore more of our state during this creepy holiday season, check out this Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In New York!
