This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in New York Is so Worth Exploring

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 just over 2,000 residents, 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 it 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.

Pine Plains's backdrop and most famous feature is 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. The tower was constructed in 1933, and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Once you're back on solid ground, why not head to Hammertown Barn? This upscale furniture spot is a design lover's dream, and one of its prime locations is in Pine Plains. Not only are there some great pieces of vintage furniture here, but the store has some unique knick-knacks 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? If not, share this article with your favorite travel buddy and let the adventures begin! 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.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.