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World Atlas names 9 old-world towns to visit in New York. See the list

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World Atlas names 9 old-world towns to visit in New York. See the list

Far removed from the Manhattan skyline and the rush of water in Niagara Falls, many New York towns bursting with history have also shaped the Empire State.

So many communities that date back centuries and share the nation’s evolution and industrialization are now thriving towns. Here are 9 old world towns to explore, as picked by World Atlas:

Rhinebeck NY

Located on the east side of the Hudson River in Dutchess County, “Rhinebeck is home to a rich history all its own,” according to the World Atlas.

Along with the Wilderstein Historic Site and the Rhinebeck Historical Society, Rhinebeck is also home to God’s Acre, is the burial place of 43 soldiers of the American Revolution.

The town also boasts two centuries of settlement history, particularly within its historic district, which spans 167 acres and more than 270 buildings.

“This area is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, showcasing a variety of architectural styles that chronicle the evolution of American building trends,” according to World Atlas.

Skaneateles NY

Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and of course Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost nine hundred feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Cliff Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park. The town also boats a quaint historic district, which hosts a Charles Dickens-themed festival each December. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Cooperstown NY

Often described as “America’s hometown,” this Otsego County town is known for its small-town charm, lakeside draw and baseball. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and is somewhat of a pilgrimage for sports fans. The town sits at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and rests on the shores of Otsego Lake – known as “Glimmerglass.” The popular annual Glimmerglass Festival celebrates opera and music in a stunning lakeside venue – and will mark its 50th anniversary in 2025. Cooperstown’s historic district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980 and includes more than 200 properties and buildings, including Doubleday Field, several inns and a still-operating post office.

Saratoga Springs NY

Known primarily due to extensive interest in horse racing, namely the Saratoga Racing Hall of Fame, the town of Saratoga Springs also boasts cultural depth, including the popular Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Broadway Street, which forms the town’s core, is bustling and lined with unique boutiques, cozy cafes and art galleries. Saratoga Springs also has natural mineral springs, which have attracted visitors seeking wellness for centuries. The Saratoga Spa State Park also offers a tranquil retreat.

Cold Spring NY

Located in Putnam County, Cold Spring is on the Hudson River and is best known for its stunning landscape and quaint atmosphere. Nearby is one of the Hudson Valley’s most famous hikes – Breakneck Ridge, a challenging trail with steep climbs. Other notable spots are the West Point Foundry Preserve, an outdoor museum that offers a view of the village’s industrial history through ironworks and the Magazzino Italian Art Museum, which features post-war and contemporary art. The central part of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its many well-preserved historic buildings that date back to the 1800s.

Seneca Falls NY

History is aplenty in this Seneca County town located between the northern end of Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Known as the birthplace of the American women’s rights movement, Seneca Falls fully embraces its unique history. Must see stops include the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the Wesleyan Chapel, which held the first women’s rights convention in 1848. The town is also home to the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve for nature lovers and charming shops and cafes within its downtown district. Each December, the towns transforms into the fictional Bedford Falls for a weekend festival, as its said that the town inspired the setting featured in the movie “Its a Wonderful Life.”

Aurora NY

Located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a small village (of roughly 735 people) with a rich culture and landmarks, including the notable Aurora Inn. The village is home to Wells College, which for years was a women-only liberal arts college and closed earlier this year. Also known as Aurora-on-Cayuga, the village is filled with lakeside inns and estates, eateries and shops. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside recreations and water sports on Cayuga Lake.

Tarrytown NY

This Westchester County town was the backdrop for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Tarrytown’s storybook ambiance is second-to-none each fall, particularly near the stately Lyndhurst Mansion, whose dramatic Gothic Revival architecture and sweeping views of the Hudson River echo tales from another time

Lewiston NY

Located in Niagara County, Lewiston is known for its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, according to the World Atlas. The Tuscarora Heroes and Freedom Crossing monuments are must-sees and the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station, offers tours available year round. Old Fort Niagara, a historic site is a testament to colonial struggles and military strategy.

Canandaigua NY

The City of Canandaigua sits at the north end of Canandaigua Lake and is Ontario County’s county seat. Canandaigua is full of historic buildings, shops, museums and boutiques within its downtown district. Nearby, the Ontario County Courthouse is a historic landmark within Canandaigua known to have tried Susan B. Anthony in 1873. Also near downtown is Kershaw Park, a lakeside park with a swimming beach adjacent to Canandaigua’s City Pier. Sonnenburg Gardens and Mansion, a historic 50-acre estate, is just blocks away from downtown Canandaigua.

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