The Remote Village in New York Locals Don’t Want You to Find

Sodus Point is a village in Wayne County, New York, with fewer than 1,000 residents, though that shouldn’t deter visitors from checking out this charming spot. The low-key village makes for the perfect weekend getaway. The name “Sodus” is said to be derived from a native term that means “gleam on the water."  Indeed, this waterfront village is a charming spot on the shore of Lake Ontario. It’s only 1.5 square miles, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in easygoing charm. It’s a perfect place to relax. It might just be the best small village in New York for an unforgettable day trip.

Sodus Point is part of the town of Sodus and is a lakeside community surrounded on three sides by water, which makes for great views, almost no matter where visitors are positioned in the village.

Then there is the Sodus Outer Light, which is a lighthouse in the village whose current iteration dates back to 1938. The lighthouse is at the western tip of the two piers that define the channel that leads from Lake Ontario into Sodus Bay. It’s a beautiful historical document.

Another must-see is the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum, located right on the shore of Lake Ontario. This museum offers travelers a fascinating insight into the land and its history, and welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors each year.

Sodus Point is small, but it’s full of great restaurants. Among them are Bay Street Hotel Restaurant, Skipper’s Landing, and, pictured here, Captain Jack’s Goodtime Tavern. Captain Jack's offers excellent food in a fun environment. Eating there will ensure visitors fully experience "vacation mode." You can find more information on the Captain Jack's Goodtime Tavern website.

Looking for a place to stay while in the village? We recommend Carriage House Inn Bed & Breakfast. The inn is a beautiful, quaint way to spend the night on the water. It comes complete with small town hospitality and some great food. Book your own stay on the Carriage House Inn website.

Lastly, wine enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to sample some local grapes. Sodus Point just so happens to be on the Lake Ontario Wine Trail, and spots like Thorpe Vineyard and Young Sommer Winery are worth checking out.

For a wonderful getaway that's more relaxing than intense, more restorative than draining, head to Sodus Point for the weekend. We promise, you will come back recharged and ready to tackle your next week. You'll definitely agree that it's the best small village in New York for a trip. While in the area, why not head over to Rochester and check out Turning Point Park, which has one of the best boardwalk parks in all of New York State?

And, for those looking for help packing for this trip—or any road trip, really–we made a handy guide for just that purpose. We hope you have a great time enjoying all New York State has to offer!

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