Upstate New York is a place of beauty offering scenic views, wonderful villages, and vigorous activities. It is an excellent place to visit during the weekend. If one wants to get lost in the countryside and relax or explore the culturally rich city, Upstate NY has what you are looking for. Below is the list of the top 10 weekend getaways in upstate NY that you should contemplate for your next trip.
Best Weekend Getaways in Upstate NY
1. Lake George
Why Visit: The US of America boasts Lake George situated in the center of the stunning Adirondack Mountains, with a massive garden for boating, hiking, and swimming among others.
Highlights: Get a nice paddle in the middle of the lake, just get your kayak and go for the ride, or simply walk up Prospect Mountain and get the best view of the area plus the lake too, also visit Fort William Henry, and indulge the history vibe out there.
Stay: Spend the weekend in a romantic cottage by the lake or in a fabulous hotel.
2. Ithaca
Why Visit: Ithaca is located in the Finger Lakes and is home to a lively college town mixed with stunning gorges, and wineries.
Highlights: Enjoy a leisurely hike to Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park, a botanical walk at Cornell Botanic Gardens, and wine tours at wineries.
Stay: Go to bed and breakfast and spend some time in the beautiful B&Bs in the downtown region.
3. Saratoga Springs
Why Visit: Home of historic horse racing Saratoga Springs is a cultural and historic city that has a small-town ambiance with lots of cultural and natural attractions.
Highlights: Go horse racing at the Saratoga Race Course, take a dip in the mineral springs of Saratoga Spa State Park, and watch a concert at the open-air theatre of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Stay: Elegant historic inns or even modern boutique hotels are available for eye-catching accommodation.
Book Hotels in Saratoga Springs
4. Hudson
Why Visit: Hudson is an artsy town with several art studios and galleries, antiquity stores, and restaurants that are a fusion of an old farm and new restaurants.
Highlights: Have a casual walk on Warren Street to find numerous shops and galleries, get acquainted with the architecture, view the Hudson River in Olana State Historic Site, and have a cup of dinner in several excellent restaurants.
Stay: Choose a nice town and locate a small-sized hotel or a nice bed and breakfast in an old architecture.
read also: Romantic Getaways in NY (New York)
5. Lake Placid
Why Visit: Listening to the call of the wild or the quest to catch a glimpse of Olympic history – Lake Placid may be the answer.
Highlights: Tour the Olympic sites or hike some of the high peaks, or a more relaxed paddling on the mirror lake. Skiing and snowboarding are on the menu at Whiteface Mountain in winter periods.
Stay: Spend nights in a countryside cabin or a modern hotel with terraces open to the mountains.
6. Woodstock
Why Visit: The town of Woodstock is famous for its arts and music culture and gives a relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty at the Catskills.
Highlights: Visit the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, go outside and undertake a hike on the Overlook Mountain, and listen to live music in one of the venues in Woodstock. It is very creative and full of active artistic imagination, the perfect den and creative getaway.
Stay: Select a charming bed and breakfast or a cabin in a vernier.
7. Cooperstown
Why Visit: Baseball fans should relish the opportunity of visiting Cooperstown but the town has nice streets, museums, and a nice lake as well.
Highlights: Attend the National Baseball Hall of Fame, go for a walk around Otsego Lake, and check out the Fenimore Art Museum. Cooperstown offers a fine selection of sites to visit as well as its grand tasteful appearance – it is truly a ‘weekend getaway’ town.
Stay: Taste the historic ambience of a country inn or a comfortable hotel by the lakeside.
8. The Finger Lakes
Why Visit: The Finger Lakes region therefore is a perfect destination for individuals who love wine and individuals who have an interest in natural endowments such as lakes, and waterfalls among others.
Highlights: Visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail to explore the wineries and go hiking in the Watkins Glen State Park, while the water activities can be done in one of the clear water lakes. The area is gifted with amazing natural scenery following which the small towns of the region are friendly as well.
Stay: Take time to find accommodation that will add to the experience; the historic inn or quaint bed and breakfast, the lakeside resort.
Book Hotels in the Finger Lakes
9. Albany
Why Visit: Albany is a city that will appeal to lovers of history and art in addition to being a vibrant and modern city the capital of New York State.
Highlights: Explore the Architecture of the New York State Capitol, visit the Albany Institute of History & Art and the Hudson River waterfront. There is always a lot to occupy oneself in a city with such history and cultural life in the course of a weekend.
Stay: There is a great selection of modern 5-star hotels or even cozy historic country inns in the vicinity of downtown.
read also: Romantic Hotels in Nashville, TN
10. The Catskills
Why Visit: Often considered the gateway to the ‘great outdoors.’, the Catskill region can rival none when it comes to scenic landscapes and historic towns all within a couple’s hours’ drive from New York City.
Highlights: Visit a scenic hike to Kaaterskill Falls, enjoy a vacation in some quiet towns like Phoenicia and Tannersville, and indulge in tubing at Esopus Creek. For so many people, the Catskills offer the perfect sense of getting away for the weekend.
Stay: Choose from a log cabin, a high-end resort, or a country inn to take in the natural beauty of the place.
Conclusion
There are many options for a weekend getaway in Upstate New York including the serene beauty of the Adirondacks, and the cultural richness of Hudson and Ithaca towns. If you desire to reconnect with nature, try out local food and wine, or visit historical sites or art galleries, these places provide good settings for an unforgettable trip. So, pack your bags now, take a drive, and explore what Upstate NY has to offer you!
