Featuring seasonal attractions and destinations that are best enjoyed once our warm weather rolls around, there are certain towns within New York that are best to be experienced during the summertime. With school wrapping up this week and summer officially knocking on our doorsteps, there's no better time than now to start planning out a weekend getaway to take with friends and family.
1. Hammondsport - Steuben County
Right at the end of Keuka Lake is one of America's coolest small towns, Hammondsport. All throughout the Finger Lakes around this time of year you'll find towns and cities becoming more and more popular destinations, with it being the perfect time to hang by the water and enjoy a glass of wine with some cheese. In town you'll find waterfront parks, a handful of vineyards and boat tours to take you out on the water!
2. Tannersville - Greene County
Known for being New York's Painted Village in the Sky, the colorful town of Tannersville is amazing to explore during the summer. The eye-catching town has a Main Street lined with buildings that have all been painted in vibrant colors and quirky characters that relate to each business. A great place to visit when you're looking to take a stroll on a sunny day, those who walk along Main Street will discover a variety of restaurants, general stores and unique small town shops.
3. Lake George - Warren County
One of the many beautiful mountain towns waiting for you up north in the Adirondacks, Lake George is a destination many of our residents choose to visit every year for a weekend getaway. Whether you're camping in town or staying at one of the local hotels, you'll want to visit for more than just a day so you can enjoy all there is to experience. The village has plenty of places to eat, several beaches, boat rides, parasailing and just about every fun summer activity that you could think of right at your finger tips!
4. Watkins Glen - Schuyler County
A wonderful town to visit in the Finger Lakes if you're looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, Watkins Glen sits right at the southern end of Seneca Lake. After a long winter of having the Gorge Trail closed, explorers begin to flock to the popular Watkins Glen State Park in town to experience one of New York's most beautiful parks. The town also draws in visitors to check out the International racetrack and waterfront hotels and restaurants that are worth visiting!
5. Woodstock - Ulster County
One of New York's most funky towns, Woodstock makes for a a great day trip once summer comes around. Those seeking adventure can check out mountains like Overlook Mountain that's in town, while others who are interested in doing more leisurely activities like shopping can find a amazing shops in town that won't let you leave the area empty handed.
6. Alexandria Bay - Jefferson County
Giving a taste of all that the Thousand Islands have to offer, Alexandria Bay is one of New York's most scenic waterfront towns. The most popular reason that you'll find people traveling to the area during the summer is to check out the magical Boldt Castle that's tucked away on Heart Island. A man-made wonder with a fascinating story to tell, the island gives you stunning views of the surrounding water and and islands, while providing you with an adventure of a lifetime as you tour the breathtaking grounds.
7. Cooperstown - Otsego
A charming getaway to take during this time of year, Cooperstown sits right southern shores of Otsego Lake in Central New York. Giving those who are visiting the area a great variety of things to do, in town there's the Ommegang brewery, National Baseball Hall of Fame (and other intriguing museums) and amazing restaurants.
8. Croton-on-Hudson - Westchester County
Down in the Hudson Valley, the riverfront town of Croton-on-Hudson gives visitors expansive views of the water and local scenery. A beautiful town to visit if you're looking for a new place to enjoy a picnic, spots like the New Croton Dam and Croton Point Park make for serene places to lay out and relax in the sun.
9. Montauk
All the way out at the very end of New York on Long Island, to say that the town of Montauk comes to life during the summer might be the biggest understatement of all time. A popular vacation destination, you'll be surrounded by the ocean and historic places that have long been favorite places to visit during the summer.
10. Lily Dale - Chautauqua County
A town unlike any other in the Empire State, Lily Dale is a gated community that opens its doors to visitors during the summer. Each year those who are curious about this place anxiously await for the season to come where they can get a limited peak at what life is like inside this town that's home to mediums and unusual activity. From taking a walk through a pet cemetery or quirky fairy trail to eating in town and visiting the spiritual locations in the area, there's nothing else like this to be experienced during the summer!
11. Saugerties - Ulster County
Another beautiful town along the Hudson River, Saugerties is home to quite a few attractions that are perfect to check out once the weather is nice and warm. If you want to spend time by the water, taking a trip to the Saugerties Lighthouse makes for a great day trip or if you want to experience something a bit more spectacular and unique, you can spend the day exploring the grounds of Opus 40 - a sculpture park and quarry.
Which town do you look forward to visiting every summer? For other seasonal adventures that are worth taking, visit one of these 15 Gorgeous Lakes In New York That You Must Check Out This Summer!
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