Sitting at the bustling bar at WM Farmer & Sons in the charming town of Hudson, it was easy to see why upstate New York is considered one of the jewels of the United States. Just enough outside of the city to feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time. With brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and rolling hills dotted with hay bales, upstate New York offers a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Strange how a region so vast can feel like a secret. While tourists crowd the Manhattan concrete jungle, Upstate unfolds in quiet grandeur. It’s where you can hear leaves fall in autumn and watch stars paint stories across winter skies. Cities here grew from crossroads and canals, carrying stories that shaped America from these hills.
The Adirondacks rise in the distance like gentle waves. The Finger Lakes cut through wine country, each shore holding villages where Friday night lights still mean something. In small towns like Kingston and Cooperstown you’ll find quaint book shops and antique stores that echo a slower pace of life.
This Upstate New York travel guide reveals places where farm-to-table isn’t a trend but a tradition. It shows where to enjoy a chic stay to rest and recharge, where to eat for the most authentic meals, and how to make the most of your time!
Each season brings its rhythm: spring’s maple steam rising through the morning mist, summer’s lake waters lapping at wooden docks, winter’s silence broken only by ski edges carving fresh powder.
Ready for the real New York? Come see why some secrets are meant to be shared.
Table of contents
- Where to Shop in Upstate New York
- Natural Attractions of Upstate New York You Can’t Miss
- Must-Visit Cultural and Historical Sites
- Where to Stay in Upstate New York
- Boutique Hotels
- Vacation Rentals
- Where to Eat & Drink
- How to Plan Your Upstate Trip
- Farm Fresh Finds in Upstate New York
- Why Upstate Calls You Back
- Explore More Travel Guides from Boxwood Avenue
Where to Shop in Upstate New York
Finding treasures at local mom and pops, gift shops, and antique stores is half the fun of visiting a new area, especially a place as charming as upstate.
You’ll find darling shops in the city of Hudson, what some locals refer to as “The New Brooklyn”.
I loved every single little ship on X street. You really can’t go wrong, from antique stores to artisan concept stores, you will find something to love!
Natural Attractions of Upstate New York You Can’t Miss
Upstate is know for its natural beauty, and each natural landmark, from the thundering curtain of Niagara to the quiet morning mist rising off the Finger Lakes will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
The Finger Lakes region
Take eleven glacial lakes, add rolling hills draped in grapevines, and sprinkle in over 200 waterfalls. The result? Finger Lakes region of New York. This region feels more like a painting come to life than a real place in New York State.
More than 100 wineries dot these hillsides, many offering tastings on terraces overlooking waters that stretch to the horizon.
Between sips, you’ll hear the constant music of falling water. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet – higher than Niagara. Lucifer Falls tumbles through Robert H. Treman State Park, and dozens more hide in the hemlock forests, waiting to be discovered.
Pro Tip: Plan your wine tours for mornings (yes, they’re open) when tasting rooms are quiet. Save afternoons for waterfall hikes. And don’t rush – those glaciers took their time creating this place. You should take yours exploring it!
The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack mountains are composed of six million acres of wild land. That’s larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Great Smokies National Parks combined!
The Adirondack Park stands as New York State’s crown jewel, where you’ll find pristine lakes and mountains to explore.
Lake Placid, a two-time Winter Olympics host, features small-town charm with big adventure. In winter, ski Whiteface Mountain’s Olympic runs. Come summer, paddle Mirror Lake, or catch the sunset from the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery.
The Best Hiking Trails: Mount Marcy, New York’s highest peak at 5,344 feet, offers views stretching to Vermont.
For beginners, Cascade Mountain is a great option that is a bit shorter.
If you’re anything like me, you love to hike, but also love to shop and dine between treks. Explore Saranac Lake’s art galleries and Lake George’s waterfront restaurants.
Pro tip: Hit the trails early (before 8 AM in summer), pack more water than you think you need, and download your trail ahead of time on your phone or through All Trails as cell service is spotty in these parts. Also be sure to use the bear-proof canisters when camping.
Thousand Islands
Fun fact: The salad dressing was born here. But that’s the least exciting thing about this unique spot where New York meets the Canadian border. Over a thousand islands scatter across the St. Lawrence River, each hiding stories that seem pulled from fairy tales.
Want to see a real American castle? Boldt Castle stands on Heart Island, built by hotel magnate George Boldt as a monument to his wife. Nearby, Singer Castle on Dark Island offers a different take on wealth and power in the Gilded Age.
The best time to visit? Summer afternoons on a classic wooden boat, when the water sparkles and islands seem to float by. Local captains tell tales of rum runners who used these waters during Prohibition – some stories are even true. Many tours include stops at both castles. Others focus on spotting local wildlife or catching those famous St. Lawrence sunsets.
Not into guided tours? Rent a kayak and explore at your own pace. And when the day winds down, grab a glass of wine at one of Clayton’s waterfront restaurants. The view of boats returning to the harbor at sunset makes this popular vacation destination feel like Mediterranean life in Upstate NY.
Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East
When New Yorkers share their favorite state parks, Letchworth tops the list. The Genesee River carved this gorge over millions of years, creating 600 ft high cliffs and three major waterfalls that will make your jaw drop. An easy day trip from either Buffalo or Rochester.
Upper Falls might be the most photographed. But Middle Falls steals the show, especially when lit up at night.
You’ll find fewer tourists and better photos in the lower falls, but the best way to discover all three is the seven-mile Gorge Trail.
In fall, the vibrant colors of turning leaves against gray cliffs create scenes that feel like a landscape painting come to life. It’s definitely a bucket list trip!
The park packs 66 miles of trails into its 14,427 acres. If you would like something unique try horseback riding through old-growth forests, or book a hot air balloon ride for sunrise. Those who love adventure can even go white water rafting through the gorge.
Pro Tip: Skip the crowded overlooks and take the less-traveled Pottery Point Trail for the best views. Pack a picnic – the small towns nearby are charming, but nothing beats lunch with a view of the falls.
The Catskills
Two hours from Manhattan, the Catskill Mountains stand as nature’s masterpiece.
Fun fact, these peaks inspired the Hudson River School painters, who captured their dramatic vistas and became America’s first great art movement.
The region mixes outdoor adventure with unexpected finds. Woodstock – yes, that Woodstock – still grooves with art galleries and live music, though the famous festival happened miles away.
Hunter Mountain’s slopes fill with skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer. And those majestic mountains? They offer some of the Northeast’s most rewarding hiking trails.
The food scene here has exploded as well. Former New York City chefs have set up shop in converted barns and farmhouses, creating restaurants worth the drive alone.
Fall brings crowds for good reasons – the vibrant colors here rival Vermont’s. Locals know spring is the great for waterfall hunting when melting snow brings every stream back to life.
Niagara Falls
While the Hudson Valley has its charms, nothing matches Niagara Falls State Park.
Six million cubic feet of water crash over these cliffs every minute, which is enough to fill a million bathtubs. No wonder it’s one of the best places international travelers put on their must-see list.
The Maid of the Mist boat tour isn’t just a ride – it’s a front-row seat to nature’s power. The boat noses right into the spray of Horseshoe Falls.
For a close look, Cave of the Winds takes you 175 feet down into the gorge. On the Hurricane Deck, you’re just 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls.
For the best views, visit Prospect Point Observation Tower. It hangs out over the gorge, giving you unobstructed views of all three falls.
Pro tip: Come at sunset when the crowds thin out, or stick around for the nightly light show.
The outdoor activities don’t stop at the falls. Hiking trails wind through the gorge, offering views most tourists miss. And if you time it right, you might see the rainbows dancing in the mist.
Must-Visit Cultural and Historical Sites
From museums to war sites, these landmarks tell America’s story in ways history books never could.
Corning Museum of Glass
In any Upstate New York travel guide, the Corning Museum of Glass stands out as a must-see marvel. The hot glass demos alone are worth the trip – watching master glassblowers shape 2,000-degree molten glass into masterpieces is quite inspiring.
The galleries mix ancient pieces with modern art. From Roman glass from 50 BC to contemporary glass bridges, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
The contemporary wing feels futuristic – all light, space, and interesting shapes. Don’t miss the Innovation Center, and grab a spot in a glassmaking workshop – you’ll leave with your own creation and a whole new appreciation for this medium.
Fort Ticonderoga
Perched between Lake Champlain and Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga played significant roles in the French, Indian War and the American Revolution. This 18th-century fortress remains one of North America’s best-preserved military sites.
Step into the fort’s stone walls and watch history unfold through daily musket demonstrations and soldiers in period uniforms.
The rich history here goes beyond battles – from the working blacksmith shop to the restored barracks, every corner tells a story.
Don’t miss the King’s Garden, a six-acre colonial revival garden that contrasts peacefully with the military exhibits.
Historic Mansions Along the Hudson River
The Hudson River Valley offers stunning natural beauty and is home to some of America’s grandest mansions. These mansions tell stories of the Gilded Age when New York’s elite built riverside retreats that rival European palaces. The Vanderbilt Mansion’s Italian gardens and rare art shows how America’s wealthy lived in the 1800s.
Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown looks like it jumped from a Gothic novel, while Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, might be the most impressive. Most of these mansions offer tours, with Mills Mansion’s preserved rooms showing where Gilded Age parties once raged. Spring and fall are ideal for visits.
Spring for the blooming gardens, fall for the famous Hudson Valley colors framing these architectural treasures.
Where to Stay in Upstate New York
Any Upstate New York travel guide will often state that where you stay shapes your whole experience. Whether you’re after a five-star resort or a quiet spot under the stars, the region’s accommodation options cover every style and budget.
Luxury Resorts
Wildflower Farms in Hudson Valley brings the outside in, with guest rooms that open to mountain views and garden-to-table dining. An Auberge resort, this is top of our list.
If you like something a bit more casual, and quiet, try Inness. The member’s only club is nestled “in the middle of nowhere”, perfect for hiding out. Their restaurant is open to the public, and I recommend visiting. If you can swing it, it’s worth staying a night or two to enjoy the beautiful design!
The Lakehouse on Canandaigua turns a perfect lakefront spot into a design masterpiece – think Scandinavian minimalism meets upstate comfort. Their spa and private beach make it hard to leave, even for a short drive around wine country.
Meanwhile, Callicoon Hills brings retro charm to the Catskills, where the laid-back vibe matches the mountain setting.
Click the image below to explore each location!
Mirror Lake Inn
The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid has more of a laid back luxury feel. Their swimming pool overlooks the Adirondacks, while the fire pit is perfect for evening gatherings. Winter sports enthusiasts love these resorts for easy access to slopes, while summer visitors get private beaches and guided hiking tours.
Want to extend your stay? Many resorts offer special deals for long weekend getaways. This often includes perks like wine-tasting sessions or guided tours to local farms.
Boutique Hotels
If you’re anything like me, you love a boutique hotel experience.
Valley Rock Inn feels like an amazing country estate, complete with a top-notch fitness center and some of the best farm-to-table food. I highly recommend!
In the Catskills, Hotel Dylan keeps that music history alive with a turntable and vinyl collection. On the other hand, Woodstock Way makes roughing it feel luxurious with its streamlined cabins next to a beautiful waterfall.
The Brentwood in Saratoga turned a tired old motor lodge and turned it into something special. Now a chic spot where you’ll find trainers and jockeys hanging out during race season.
In the Adirondacks, Great Pines Lodge and the Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn achieve a mountain vibe without feeling stuffy.
The Inns of Aurora might be my favorite spot in the Finger Lakes. They’ve got five different inns spread out along Cayuga Lake. One feels like a fancy country estate; another is more laid-back and artsy. They offer morning yoga and cooking classes, so fun!
Vacation Rentals
From cozy A-frame cabins in the Catskills to lakefront cottages in the Finger Lakes, vacation rentals offer the best way to live like a local. These properties give you space to spread out, a kitchen to cook those farmers’ market finds, and often, views that hotels can’t match.
Modern farmhouses near Hudson have become popular, offering easy access to Warren Street’s antique shops and restaurants. Many come with fire pits for evening gatherings and enough room for the entire family to spread out.
In the Adirondacks, renovated log cabins combine rustic charm with modern amenities, perfect for long weekend getaways.
For those planning an extended stay, check out rentals near Saratoga Springs or Lake George. You’ll find historic homes with wraparound porches and apartments above Main Street shops. The best part? Many properties welcome pets and include perks like kayaks, bikes, or private hiking trails.
Where to Eat & Drink
Upstate New York’s food scene has evolved, though those roots still give the region its flavor. From classic diners to high-end restaurants, the dining options rival any major city, with better views and fresher ingredients!
stissing house
Built in 1782, Stissing House has been a cornerstone of Pine Plains for centuries, originally serving as a tavern, inn, and even home to America’s first domed ballroom.
Now a rustic yet refined eatery, Stissing House offers guests cozy spaces to enjoy seasonal meals made with fresh ingredients and prepared in a wood-burning oven. It’s a step back in time with a modern twist on hospitality.
Feast & Floret
Feast & Floret brings a taste of Italy to Hudson, housed in a beautifully restored brick building with fresh bouquets being made table side!
This Italian-inspired restaurant offers a rotating menu featuring regional Italian dishes and unique creations, with fresh and dried flowers from their farm adding to the ambiance.
With housemade amaro and specialty salts, Feast & Floret is contemporary and bustling restaurant with a chic atmosphere.
swoon
Swoon is a fine dining haven in Hudson with a constantly changing menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. This husband-and-wife-led restaurant carefully curates each dish to reflect both the seasons and their culinary creativity. With fresh offerings daily, Swoon caters to a variety of tastes in a warm, sophisticated setting.
La Perche
If you’re looking for locally sourced, artisanal provisions, La Perche is a top choice. Known for its high-quality prepared foods and a pantry stocked with local favorites, La Perche offers pastas, hand-crafted salumi, cheeses, and more.
Perfect for a quick stop or to gather ingredients for a farm-to-table meal at home, it’s a gem for gourmet shopping and unique finds.
Gaskins
Nestled in Germantown, Gaskins is a beloved neighborhood spot run by Nick and Sarah Suarez. Here, simplicity meets quality, with a menu that emphasizes local, seasonal produce and dishes that feel like instant classics.
The welcoming atmosphere and focus on fresh ingredients make Gaskins a standout in this charming town.
fortune’s ice cream
In Tivoli, Fortune’s Ice Cream is a delightful stop for anyone craving handmade, fresh ice cream. Using seasonal flavors and top-quality ingredients, they create delicious scoops from scratch. It’s a must-visit spot for a sweet treat while exploring the Hudson Valley.
Fine Dining in Upstate
Every Upstate New York travel guide will point you to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the region’s most celebrated restaurant. In Lake George, Bistro LeRoux does amazing things with local duck and maple – their French-meets-Adirondack style works.
Kindred Fare in Geneva is another favorite. They work magic with Finger Lakes ingredients and have a wine list that’ll make you want to skip the wine tour. In Saratoga Springs, 15 Church combines big-city sophistication with upstate hospitality. Plus, their wine cellar alone is worth the trip.
Don’t miss Innovo Kitchen in the Capital Region, where chef-owner John LaPosta creates dishes that respect local ingredients. If you’re looking to go all out, book a dinner at The Point. It’s old-school elegance, with required jackets for dinner and champagne on the terrace. Remember to make reservations ahead as these places fill up fast!
Farm-to-table Restaurants
Upstate New York’s dining culture celebrates its close connection to local farms. Take the Beaverkill Valley Inn, where chefs harvest vegetables from their garden just steps from the kitchen. Their seasonal menus showcase what’s growing outside with ingredients from nearby farms and local suppliers.
The Fiddlehead Bistro in Saranac brings global flavors to local ingredients, all served with Adirondack River views. Their creative take on world cuisine proves that local ingredients don’t have to mean limited flavors. BLACKBARN Hudson Valley turns the region’s agricultural bounty into sophisticated dishes that let the ingredients shine.
In the Finger Lakes, FLX Table keeps things intimate with communal dining and ever-changing menus. With just 12 seats, you’re as likely to share a table with a local farmer as a fellow traveler. These restaurants offer more than just meals – they directly connect to the region’s agricultural heritage.
How to Plan Your Upstate Trip
Getting around Upstate New York needs planning – this isn’t Manhattan with its subway on every corner. Most visitors rent a car at Albany or Buffalo airports, though Amtrak runs along the Hudson River with stops at major towns. You’ll probably want the freedom to explore random farm stands and small towns so renting a car is worth it.
Each season invites a different element into your trip. Summer brings perfect lake weather but peak prices and crowds. Fall colors are incredible, but good luck finding a room in October without booking way ahead.
But come in early June? You’ll have those same cute B&Bs all to yourself. Lake George gets crazy busy (and expensive) in July and August. I prefer September when the water’s still warm, but the crowds are gone.
As for money, you can do Upstate on pretty much any budget. Camping runs about $20-30 a night, basic hotels start around $100, and those fancy resorts can hit $500+. Food costs are what you’d expect. $15-25 for casual spots, way more for the trendy farm-to-table places.
State parks charge $8-10 for parking. The Empire Pass ($80) covers parking at all state parks for a year. It’s worth it if you’re staying a while or planning to visit more than five parks.
Farm Fresh Finds in Upstate New York
Upstate New York is home to farm markets that feel like hidden gems, offering everything from crisp apples to just-picked greens, pasture-raised meats, and gourmet treats.
The market stands are more than just stopping points on your trip, you can spend some time enjoying nature and connecting with the growers themselves. Whether you’re hunting for heritage veggies or homemade jams, each stop promises a dose of the region’s charm and farm-to-table flavor. Get ready to fill your French market basket with some of the Hudson Valley’s best farm-fresh finds!
Hearty Roots Farm
Hearty Roots is a community-supported farm that brings fresh, organic produce to Germantown. Known for its dedication to sustainable farming, Hearty Roots offers a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Their farm stand is a must-visit for those looking to support local agriculture while enjoying high-quality ingredients straight from the field.
Montgomery Place Orchards
Montgomery Place Orchards is a family-owned market where visitors can find fresh apples, peaches, plums, and a variety of other local fruits.
With roots dating back generations, the orchard takes pride in its heritage and commitment to preserving heirloom varieties. The stand also features fresh-baked goods, preserves, and an ever-changing selection of the season’s best produce.
Meisner’s Heritage Farm
Offering a slice of Hudson’s agricultural history, Meisner’s Heritage Farm specializes in organic, pasture-raised meats and fresh vegetables.
Their focus on humane farming practices and quality produce makes this market a great choice for conscientious shoppers looking for wholesome, locally raised foods. From eggs to beef, each item here tells the story of the farm’s dedication to quality and tradition.
Otto’s Market
A beloved staple in Germantown, Otto’s Market provides a curated selection of farm-fresh goods, specialty foods, and artisan treats.
With a focus on local products, Otto’s offers everything from fresh produce and meats to locally made jams, cheeses, and bakery items. It’s an ideal stop for anyone wanting to explore the area’s finest farm-to-table offerings.
Why Upstate Calls You Back
Most visitors come up here looking for a weekend away from the city but end up plotting their return before they leave. Maybe it’s that perfect morning light over the Catskills or how time slows down in the Adirondacks. It could be that farm-stand peach that tastes nothing like you get at home.
The region works in all seasons. Summer swims in secret swimming holes while fall hikes through technicolor forests. Winter ski runs followed by fireside drinks, spring maple festivals, and waterfall walks. Each visit shows you something new: a hidden beach, a just-opened restaurant, and a back road that leads to the best views.
Sure, the Hamptons have their scene, and the Jersey Shore has its boardwalks. But Upstate offers something different – space to breathe, room to wander, and places that still feel like genuine discoveries. Whether you’re coming for the food, the outdoors, or just the chance to slow down, you’ll find your reasons to keep coming back.
Explore More Travel Guides from Boxwood Avenue
If you’re inspired to explore beyond the Hudson Valley, check out more of our travel guides for some incredible destinations. Whether it’s finding hidden gems in the Ultimate Provence Travel Guide, exploring the scenic charm of Sun Valley, Idaho, or planning your perfect visit to the Paris Flea Markets, we’ve got you covered!
And if group trips are on your list, explore our Boxwood Abroad Group Trips to France | Luxury Travel Tours for a curated luxury experience through France’s most charming locations. You can find all the details and book your spot at https://www.travel.boxwoodavenue.com/.
HAPPY TRAVELS!
