Are you in search of a perfect spot for weekend getaways in New York? Have you considered the small city of Oneonta? You’ll love it! The population of Oneonta is just over 13,000, but there’s more happening here than one might think due to the fact that it’s the home city of not one, but two colleges. One of the best small towns in New York, this town is nestled in the northern Catskills, and it’s surrounded by beauty. If you’re looking for a lovely place to take a short vacation with friends, family, a partner, or even solo, then a weekend getaway to Oneonta, New York, is an excellent choice. Read on to learn more about this great little town and all the things to do in Oneonta, NY.

Oneonta, New York is quaint, pleasant, quiet, friendly, and welcoming. Before European settlers arrived, Algonquin and Iroquioian-speaking indigenous people lived here. Later, the area was settled first by German and Dutch settlers.
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The town was first known as Milfordville. The name was changed to Oneonta in 1832. It was incorporated as a town in 1842 and as a city in 1908.
Oneonta grew quickly in the mid-1800s and early 1900s thanks to the Delaware and Hudson Railroad. Today, visitors can enjoy exploring the historic downtown area.
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The city of Oneonta continues to thrive today because it is the home of two colleges - SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College. These colleges draw thousands of students to the region.
If you like historic buildings, you'll find plenty of them in Oneonta. This is the George L. Wilber House; it was built in two phases in 1875 and 1890. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
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There are lots of other buildings in Oneonta on the National Register of Historic Places, too, including the Fairchild Mansion, Bresee Hall, Chapin Memorial Church, Oneonta Theatre, and others. The city has two historic districts - the Oneonta Downtown Historic District and the Walnut Street Historic District.
There are so many things to do in Oneonta! You won't be bored during your visit. You might consider visiting the Yager Museum of Art & Culture on the campus of Hartwick College. It features a broad collection of local archaeological items as well as artifacts from all over the world. There's also a large collection of photographs by Andy Warhol to view.
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The A.J. Read Science Discovery Center is part of SUNY Oneonta and it's fun for the whole family. This hands-on science museum features more than 80 science experiments for learning.
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If you'd rather spend time outdoors during your visit to Oneonta, you might check out the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary. It's a 100-acre property with trails that will take you through a variety of wildlife habitats.
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Alternatively, you might try exploring Emmons Pond Bog. This 140-acre nature preserve offers a trail around the bog.
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The Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory gives visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with butterflies and birds inside its 3,000-square-foot conservatory.
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Hikers might enjoy the New Island Trail. This 4.3-mile loop hike will take you along the Susquehanna River.
matt pendolino/AllTrails
Robert V Riddell State Park in nearby Davenport features more than 2,000 acres of fields and forests. It's open all year.
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If you find that you've built up an appetite while exploring the area, there are lots of great restaurants in Oneonta, too. One popular option for Italian cuisine is Bella Michael's.
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Andre's Blue Ribbon BBQ is also quite good.
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Other popular restaurants in Oneonta include Sloan's New York Grill, Simply Thai, the Autumn Cafe, and The Depot Restaurant, to name a few.
If you're looking for somewhere great to stay during your time in Oneonta, check out this stylish, classic home on Main Street. It's right in the center of town and it has everything that you'll want and need.
Management/VRBO
It's pleasantly decorated and it sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. There are two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a deck. It's air-conditioned and it's across the street from a store if you want to pick up a few things.
Management/VRBO

You’ll love everything about Oneonta! This small city is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. There’s plenty to do to keep you busy, or you can do very little and just relax. It’s quiet and serene but not isolated. Once you visit once, you’ll want to go back time and time again. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, check out VRBO listings for Oneonta – there are plenty from which to choose on VRBO. Have a great trip!

If you’re looking for more fun things to do – Oneonta is also not far from Cooperstown! Why not take a day trip during your Oneonta adventure? There are plenty of great towns in New York to visit. This day trip to Cooperstown is one of the best you can take in our state. If you’ve gotten to take this trip before, please let us know what your favorite parts were. We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments section!

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Oneonta, NY 13820, USA