New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix today announced that the City of New York has co-led a coalition of cities. Including counties from around the nation that operate public health-care systems in a legal filing to protect safe access to medication abortions nationwide. In an amicus…
New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured the largest multistate agreement with JUUL Labs Inc. (JUUL). Its former directors and executives for their alleged role in contributing to the youth vaping epidemic that led to a rise in underage e-cigarette vaping nationwide. As part of a multistate agreement co-led by Attorney General James and California…
You need a portable solar generator. In general, there are two main points. 1. How many appliances do you need to power, and what are your requirements? 2. Are any of the other components of a solar power system already in your possession? It is essential to keep in mind that a generator is only…
Summer is weeks away, and in many parts of the world, the temperatures already feel like it’s here. With the intense heat comes the need for cooling relief from air conditioning systems. But did you know that without regularly scheduled maintenance, your air conditioning will not work to its full potential? Regularly servicing and checking…
There’s no place quite like New York City, and while we love this city that we call home, sometimes it’s nice to get a quick change of scenery. Thankfully, not far from the city are some of the most beautiful small towns – and they all make for quite the perfect quick escape from NYC!
Here is our list of the 10 most beautiful small towns near NYC:
This little village in upstate New York is a book lover’s dream–it’s made up practically entirely of bookstores! Seven different independent bookstores call Hobart Village home (along with a few other businesses like antique shops and art galleries), and it’s become quite a haven for readers and writers everywhere. They even host the annual Festival of Women Writers there! Read more about it here.
More than 250,000 people visit Historic Hudson Valley and attend special events annually, and within the area visitors will find Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, some of New York’s go-to fall destinations! Some of their most popular events you can expect to take part in include tours, such as church tours, tours of the 1750 plantation Philipsburg Manor, and tours of John D. Rockefeller Estate. Read more here.
While NYC is gorgeous in its own way, from its stunning skyscrapers to its many beautiful parks, you have to admit there’s something charming and cozy about a quaint small town. And though we’d all remain loyal to NYC, New York’s Lake Placid was recently voted the twelfth most beautiful small town in the world! Read more about what makes this town so picturesque here.
The region of the Catskills in New York is arguably one of the most picturesque places in the world to travel to–especially during the fall when its foliage starts changing colors. There’s endless fun to be had here, and some of our favorite spots to head to include:
Though New York becomes its own winter wonderland during Christmas time, sometimes you want a holiday getaway too! And the aptly-named Bethlehem, PA, also known as Christmas City U.S.A, is the perfect Christmas town to get in the spirit. Home of the first-ever Christmas tree in the United States in 1747, this eastern PA city since has fully embraced its holiday history, becoming a December destination every single year. Read all about this festive destination here.
Where: Bethlehem, PA
Distance from NYC: 2 hour drive
6. Cold Spring, NY
Shutterstock / Meagan Marchant
Cold Spring, located 50 miles north of Manhattan in the Hudson Highlands, is a rural area with very rich history. Here you can explore old ruins such as a crumbling mansion, swim in the Hudson River, hike Breakneck Ridge, or head to town for delicious restaurants and antique shops, coffee houses, and more. Learn more about visiting Cold Spring here.
Where: Cold Spring, NY
Distance from NYC: 1.5 hour drive
7. Greenport, Long Island
Instagram / @greenportvillagebid
One of the most beautiful villages near NYC is Greenport, a small little fishing village located on the North Fork of Long Island. The village is filled with diners, ice cream shops, and quaint boutique stores perfect for a day of shopping. Plus the eating and drinking options are almost endless here, as the village is filled with tons of gorgeous vineyards and waterfront dining. Find out more to do in Greenport here.
Where: Greenport, Long Island
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
8. Woodstock, NY
Shutterstock / JWCohen
Obviously we all know Woodstock for the 1969 festival, this quaint little village has much more to it than just that! From hiking and wandering through art galleries to taking a stroll along Tinker Street–the town’s main artery filled with galleries, shopping, restaurants, and architectural remnants of Woodstock’s centuries-old past–there’s so much to do. P.S. be prepared for endless tie dye!
Where: Woodstock, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
9. Kerhonkson, NY
Shutterstock / Brian Logan Photography
Kerhonkson is one of the most beautiful villages for those looking to spend some time exploring nature and enjoying the great outdoors. This village is home to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which is comprised of 22,000+ acres filled with trails, a spot for rock-climbing, and trails suited perfectly for mountain biking. It’s also home to Awosting Falls! Plus, it’s several lakes are perfect for taking a swim in the warmer months.
Where: Kerhonkson, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
10. Rhinebeck, NY
Instagram / @samuelssweetshop
Dutchess County’s Rhinebeck village offers gorgeous views of the Catskill Mountains and is home to an awesome indie-shopping scene. The popular Sheep and Wool Festival, which draws thousands of artisans to the region, happens here each year, and you can also find some of the oldest buildings of Upstate NY here, such as America’s oldest operating inn, the Beekman Arms. Be sure to stop at Samuel’s Sweet Shop, which is owned by actor Paul Rudd!
Where: Rhinebeck, NY
Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive
Beyond the most beautiful small towns near NYC, some more of our favorite getaways can be found here.
Harlem Bespoke: Another clean up day with Friends of St. Nicholas Park and local volunteers to help out for a monthly cleanup. Mark those calendars and pitch in to help beautify one of uptown’s beloved parks.
Saturday, April 22nd, 11:00AM-2:00PM, The Trash Project monthly volunteer cleanup at St. Nicholas Park, meet at the plaza in front of the James Baldwin Lawn at 135th Street and St. Nicholas. Community activism for Harlem’s green spaces have been a labor of love over the past decade and it is pretty cool to see the movement growing stronger each year. More details about the Trash Project on Instagram: LINK
