It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life in the big city and fantasies about how our lives would be different in a small town. Of course, we would never actually up and leave for our rosy-painted picture of what a quieter life would be like, but that doesn’t mean we can’t escape to one every now and again.

New York State is home to some of the most vibrant and charming small towns in the world, with lively tourism scenes and a huge emphasis on outdoor living and the arts. The next time you are feeling like you needed to take a break from it all and live at a slower pace for a couple of days, consider a road trip with some friends to one of these friendly Upstate communities.

Woodstock, New York

When you hear the name Woodstock, chances are you immediately think of the Woodstock Music Festival. While the festival itself was not actually held right in Woodstock, but in a neighboring town with more space, the town was in fact responsible for the event. So YES, it is that Woodstock. These days, while the town is no longer hosting gigantic rock-n-roll festivals, it certainly maintains the indie and bohemian vibes they are remembered for. Based on these influences, it may not surprise you that they have a strong arts scene with a massive focus on music and culture. In fact, they are self-described as both “The most famous small town in the world” and “A Colony of the Arts”. For those of you who enjoy silly but unique tourist experiences the Emerson Resort and Spa, which is beautiful in its own regard, boasts America’s largest kaleidoscope, constructed inside of a silo. While this might seem like just another item on the long list of “America’s largest”, it’s also an interesting art installation that well suits the electric tone of a town such as Woodstock.

Tannersville, New York

Tannersville, NY is definitely a dream destination for the artistic crowd. As a fun fact, Tannersville is sometimes referred to as the “painted village in the sky” which was due to a paint movement in the area by the artist Elena Patterson. This is obviously an important part of the town’s art history, but Tannersville is still a wonderful hub today. Many artists still flock to the area to paint the impressive mountain ranges and you can visit the “Say What?” Contemporary Art Gallery for an immersive local art experience. Of course, preforming arts are also an important feature of the village and the Catskill Jazz Factory is an excellent destination for theatre, dance and musical performances.

Hunter, New York

The town of Hunter, NY is definitely well known for its versatility of outdoor experiences. Whether you are visiting in the summer or in the winter, you will be sure to find a wide array of options, from low impact to thrill-seeking. Visitors in the summer will enjoy locales near Hunter Mountain for hiking, fishing, camping and picnics. They will also find two different beaches for swimming and relaxation. Visitors in the winter will be happy to know that they can go cross-country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. For those looking for the ultimate adventure, you can also try your hand at ice climbing, just be sure to get a guide!

Windham, New York

Windham, NY is a stunning haven for laid-back outdoor activity. This is the perfect destination for those who love slow travel and are trying to blend a love for the outdoors with the desire to get in some relaxation. Those looking for a little adventure can take advantage of the Windham Mountain Bike Park and can choose between higher-intensity biking or some gentle, naturally inspired trails. In contrast, those looking for a lighter afternoon activity will love the Windham Country Club public golf course, best known for its lovely views. And of course, you can always kick back and relax at the Windham Mountain Resort Alpine Spa.

Hudson, New York

Fans of history and old-world charm will absolutely adore the town of Hudson, NY. The entire town is designed to be walkable, so you will be able to enjoy all they have to offer with ease and little planning. Historical accommodations are one of the main selling points of the area, and fans of architecture will love strolling through the streets and appreciating the community’s design. Hudson is also well known for having some of the best antiquing and thrift shopping in New York, which sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon in the valley. Lastly, foodies will love the culinary options in the area such as Lil’ Deb’s Oasis. In fact, many top chefs have relocated to the area due to the availability of high-quality local produce and ingredients. You’ll be hard- pressed to find a restaurant that isn’t largely farm to table.

Catskill, New York

Besides being a lovely mountain-town in the Catskills, with plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy, Catskill, NY offers visitors a vibrant community filled with low-key, unique entertainment options. If you are someone who enjoys visiting microbreweries, you will be pleased to know that Catskill is home to two. The Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company is a great place to go if you’re also needing a hearty meal, since they also serve Italian pub fare. During the day, the Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery is a wonderful place to visit to add an artistic flare to your visit. If you want to end the day with some vintage fun, you will definitely want to catch a film at the Windham Theatre and have some ice cream at Carvel, an in-house treat.

Germantown, New York

Travelers looking for a slow-paced paradise will love the quiet, natural appeal of Germantown, NY. Nestled between the river, the countryside and the Catskill Mountains, Germantown is a quaint but vivacious area known for its stunning sunsets. You will love the easy access to the water for swimming, boating or fishing, but you will not have to sacrifice entertainment options to get it. Germantown is also home to various vineyards and distilleries, including Hudson Valley Distillers, for some adult fun, and plenty of historic sites for daytime touring. Many of the accommodations are historical mansions and inns, so you won’t be skimping on style either.

Phoenicia, New York

If you are looking for a new town to serve as your outdoor playground, you will love Phoenicia, NY. Located right in the Catskills mountains, they offer dozens of outdoor adventure companies and will please the enthusiast of hiking, tubing, skiing, fishing and biking alike. Rustic romantic lodges seem to be the name of the game in Phoenicia, so you will never feel too far separated from nature. We recommend a hike up Tremper Mountain where you can climb an historic fire tower for extraordinary views. Of course, this Catskills town also has some artistic influence, so if you are looking for some live entertainment you will not be disappointed. You can always catch a play or a comedy show at the Phoenicia Playhouse, or visit in August for the chance to attend their Festival of the Voice.

Rhinebeck, New York

Rhinebeck, NY is most renowned for its ever-growing offering of arts and culture experiences. Their fairgrounds host several music, dance, film and theatre performances throughout the year. Films are also always playing at the local old-school theatre called Upstate Films. Just as many of the other towns mentioned, Rhinebeck’s location is also well suited to draw outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hiking and biking trails. Fans of quirky tourist attractions will love their local assortment, such as the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, and immersive ranch experiences with horseback riding.

Kingston, New York

The City of Kingston, NY is a brilliant waterfront district located on the Hudson River, that you will not want to skip over. This city maintains its small-town vibes with plenty of historical properties maintained, whilst expanding their entertainment options - in particular a vibrant culinary scene. In addition, they also have a large number of niche museums that will cater to your every interest. People often rave about the replica “Half Moon” Ship Museum and the Rondout Lighthouse, so if you are down by the water you will definitely want to give these two museums a try.

Well, what are you waiting for? If you’ve been feeling burnt out lately, a small-town getaway to one of these quiet paradises is exactly what you’ve been looking for. If you need more help mapping out your trip, feel free to browse through our getaway itineraries which highlight many of these hidden gems, and the great attractions they have to offer.