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Small Town Upstate NY (CNY Hidden gems)
23
items Things to do in central NY- from very small town fair haven to larger areas like Syracuse, NY.
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Hidden Gems
Outdoor Activities
A great place for swimming in the summer, and watching the sunset year round. If you’re lucky you can see the northern lights (do your research first for the time of year for this!)
Fair Haven Beach State Park
Newly renovated building, and multiple trails that lead to the beautiful Lake Ontario. Go walk the trails from spring through fall, wintertime you can snowshoe!
Sterling Nature Center
Need the perfect sunset spot? Head over to the chimney bluffs. You can walk down to the water of Lake Ontario and throw rocks in, take amazing photos or just watch the sunset from one of the top ten locations in the world. (Off Lake Ontario!)
Chimney Bluffs State Park
Watkins Glen Speedway- one of the oldest and longest used road tracks I the United States hosts many races throughout the year. NASCAR, and older style Indy cars being may people to the area a few weeks every year, but you can go and visit at any poi...
Watkins Glen International
In the Syracuse area? The Rosemond Gifford zoo is a great way to spend the day! I door and outdoor displays await young and old, and is a bucket item you should have on your list for CNY!
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
The Wild Animal park is a step up from a traditional zoo, and is a fan favorite for the kids! Home to tigers,bears, and Giraffes, plus you have the option of hand feeding some of the tallest animals! Want to ride on “the beast?” You can get a unique ...
The Wild Animal Park
A skating rink in the winter, a classic take on the popular NYC ice skating rink, but scaled down!
Clinton Square Ice Rink
Dirt track racing at its finest! Sportsman and modifieds race almost weekly on Saturday nights, from spring-fall season! Be advised weather permitting!
Fulton Speedway
Restaurants
Brandon’s is open year round (closed on Monday’s) but is a great place to stop for a drink or get something to eat! Wing Wednesday is a popular night- and be prepared if you come through during the 4th of July, that’s the busiest time of year!
Brandon's Pub + Grille
Open 7 days a week this restaurant is located right on Lake Ontario and boasts a beautiful view with the classic bar food, and fish Fridays.
Turtle Cove Restaurant, Cabin Rentals & Boat Slips.
This classic chain is a great place to get a steak! Always great service when I’ve been there!
Texas Roadhouse
Arts & Entertainment
A beautiful winery located in the village of Fair Haven that boasts stunning views of Lake Ontario and can host weddings, parties, along with live bands during the summertime and win tastings. Stop by and enjoy a glass!
Colloca Estate Winery
Come and enjoy the Ren Fair in Sterling,NY on the weekends starting after the Fourth of July and going to the midle of August. (Be sure to look up weekend dates before heading out to confirm they’re open!) Enjoy jousting, mud wrestling, face panting...
Sterling Renaissance Festival
Local Favorites
This local bar/pub has some of the best burgers around. If you’re looking for small town bar fare- this is it!
Woodchuck Saloon
Love the Erie Canal? Want to learn more? Head on over to the museum located in Syracuse NY! You can explore the history of how it was built and used throughout the years.
Erie Canal Museum
Love to ski? This is one of the best places to go near the Syracuse area! Not only does it offer skiing, but also a spa, and an indoor water park! Lodging is also available here as well, if you’d like to make it “all inclusive”
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
Hidden Gems
This local asphalt racetrack is the home to the supermodifieds- the “Indianapolis” of short track racing.
Oswego Speedway
Heidi’s is home of the Hoffman Hotdogs! Local to upstate NY, if you’re hankering for one of the best hotdogs in the nation- this is a must stop place!
Heid's of Liverpool
Lights on the lake is an annual event that arrives in November of each year and goes through new years. Stop in, tune your radio to the Christmas music station and see thousands of lights in an amazing display that you can see up close, or far away i...
Lights on the Lake
One of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had- going to Howe Caverns! Descend into the caves and enjoy about a mile walk with a small boat ride at the end! *please be aware you’re using stairs to get in, so if you’re unable to handle that this may not...
Howe Caverns
The Fingerlakes holds so much splendor- especially in the summer months! Go on a wine tour, explore Watkins Glenn gorge, rent a boat on one of the lakes, or even air BNB a house for the weekend! A great place to unplug from it all and reset.
Visit Finger Lakes | Wineries, Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants
Fort Ontario is a 19th century star shaped fort that features army building with an amazing view of Lake Ontario. Learn the history and enjoy reenactments!
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
History buff? Come and visit the Harriet Tubman home located in Auburn NY! Part of the Underground Railroad system, and you can tour this on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Please make an appointment beforehand!
Harriet Tubman Home