A Travel Guide to Central New York
7 places in Central New York that should be on your radar. Signed, an Upstate New Yorker.
It’s no secret that I actively campaign — every single day — to move our family to Upstate New York, and I have been doing this tirelessly since my husband and I first started talking about where we would like to raise our family.
With its wide-open expanses of farmland and lush forest, peppered all throughout with colleges, natural wonders, and elegant old small towns, the Finger Lakes region and beyond is magic. I was born and raised and got married in Chenango County, New York, which is rural countryside somewhere between Binghamton and Syracuse.
I’m super excited to share my picks for the best of Central New York with you. Keep in mind that all of these suggestions are coming from the perspective of someone who grew up there and is now a parent, too, so I made sure to include getaways that the whole family will enjoy.
If you’re local to Scranton, which most of my readers are, you’re going to love the easy proximity of all these places. Go ahead, plan the daytrip, and thank me later.
1. Skaneateles
23 miles west of Syracuse, there is a lake town which (in my mind) equates to the Nantucket of Central New York. Imagine classic American boating vibes paired with rippling teal waters, quiet luxury, and sophisticated spa experiences. If Nantucket is what you’re looking for, then just pretend the Atlantic Ocean has been switched out for a stunning body of water called Skaneateles Lake.
The name “Skaneateles” comes from the Iroquois for “long lake”. The town itself is very New England-chic, but what I love the most (and a lot of people would probably say the same) is the lake. Take a boat tour if you can; the water of Skaneateles Lake is some of the cleanest in the country, and all the shoreline mansions are breathtaking. This is a perspective you couldn’t get from anywhere else, so I really would urge everyone to book a cruise with Mid-Lakes Navigation during your visit to Skaneateles.
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
Things to Do:
Skaneateles Festival - 4 weeks of world-class musical performances, including 2025 artists Esperanza Spalding, Bela Fleck, and more
The Hinchcliff Family Preserve - 303 acres of pristine trails overlooking the eastern shore of Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Antique & Classic Boat Show - July 25-27, 2025
The Barrow Gallery - over 400 original oil paintings on display from the nineteenth century artist John D. Barrow
Wine-tasting at Anyela’s Vineyards
Any cruise with Mid-Lakes Navigation
32-mile bicycle loop around the lake
Swimming, of course!
2. Ithaca
Ithaca is the best, most colorful town in Central New York. There — I said it.
Ithaca blends a treasure chest of natural jewels with an Ivy League college town feel (it is the home of four colleges, including Cornell University). Plus, there are the surrounding vineyards, and the arts scene, and all the rest of the local culture. Ithaca is often likened to far-off places like Boulder, Colorado, Eugene, Oregon, or even Burlington, Vermont. I’ve been to all these places and can honestly say that Ithaca has them beat (sorry, not sorry).
The best coffee you’ll ever have is going to come from Forty Weight Coffee Roasters. Find them at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, or at the brand-new Forty Weight Cafe inside Greenstar Food Co-op. While you’re in Ithaca, just enjoy the unexpected little joys that are literally around every single corner of this walkable city. Ithaca has personality like you wouldn’t believe.
As you set out for Ithaca
hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
— Constantine P. Cavafy, “Ithaca”
Where to Stay:
LaTourelle Inn & Spa - the spa here is my favorite!
Where to Eat:
Gola Osteria - old world Italian food heaven tucked inconspicuously into an unassuming building; seven course meals, dark wood paneling, all of it hidden in plain sight
Moosewood Restaurant - a pioneer of vegetarian cuisine and home of the legendary Moosewood Cookbook
Simeon’s American Bistro - upscale date night spot
Maru Ramen - convenient downtown location and delicious ramen for the whole family
The Rook - comfort food with outdoor dining available; steps away from the Commons
Viva Taqueria & Cantina - fresh, healthy Mexican food located right in the heart of the Commons
Collegetown Bagels - perfect grab & go breakfast; I recommend the California Sunrise on a rosemary sea salt bagel
Things to Do:
Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell - incredible Brutalist architecture and multiple floors of heavy hitting exhibits; all free to the public
The Ithaca Farmers’ Market - it’s a whole world of its own; a permanent waterfront building that’s home to a vibrant family of local farms, chefs, and artisans, plus live music, big crowds, and lake access
Sciencenter - hands-on science museum for the kids
Taughannock Falls - 215-foot waterfall just outside of town; Cayuga Lake adjacent with great hiking all around
Literally any show at State Theatre of Ithaca
Antiquing - Found Ithaca, East Hill Antiques, and Mimi’s Attic are the best spots to pick from, but you didn’t hear it from me
Bonus points: Explore The Commons, Buttermilk Falls State Park, the Cornell Botanic Gardens, or Robert S. Treman State Park to really experience what they mean when they say, “Ithaca is Gorges.”
3. Franklin
Franklin! A real sleeper cell in terms of unexpected delights that Central New York has up its sleeve. Tucked at the uppermost reaches of what some consider the western Catskills (that’s a whole different travel guide, which I will deliver soon), Franklin is a tiny town that has really been gaining momentum as of late.
Franklin’s Victorian architecture and quiet country mood is exactly what I grew up in and around, but the new guard of shopkeepers and businessowners in Franklin are truly worth noting. Most notably, you will find Sean Scherer at his buzzy antique gallery, Kabinett & Kammer, right on Main Street in Franklin. For those who are as obsessed with interior design and antiques as I am, stop what you are doing and find a spot in your calendar for a trip to Franklin. Something very good is happening here.
Where to Eat:
Where to Stay:
Things to Do:
Antiquing and Home Decor - Kabinett & Kammer, LAVA | atelier, Blue Farm Antiques and Letterpress Printing, King’s
Gary Graham 422 - limited run bespoke women’s clothing made in-house
Botanical Treasures - 1830s carriage house turned eclectic garden center
4. Oneonta
Very close to Franklin is a slightly larger town called Oneonta, which hosts both Hartwick College and the State University of New York’s Oneonta campuses, as well as an annual canoe regatta, iconic local eating establishments, beautiful state parks, and its own summer music series. I have been going to the Autumn Cafe since I was a kid, and in recent years have really come to appreciate a two-hands kind of sandwich from Yellow Deli. Whether you’re staying or passing through, Oneonta is absolutely worth a stop.
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
Things to Do:
Marketplace on Chestnut (I hit this three-level antique store every time I’m in the area)
General Clinton Canoe Regatta - May 23-25, 2025
Summer Concert Series - Thursdays in Neawha Park
5. Utica
This is a big food city. You’ll find no shortage of Utica restaurants that pack a big punch. There’s a complete range here: You could go with an upscale date night experience (see: Ocean Blue), or more of a lunchtime comfort food flavor explosion (see: Sazon Frank). The other thing that really stands out about Utica is the renowned art school/museum in its midst: Munson. Also known as Munson Williams Proctor, this museum works in close collaboration with the Pratt Institute, a top American art school whose main campus is located in Brooklyn. As a high school student, I attended art classes at Munson, strolled the impeccable galleries, and felt like I was transported completely off the map of Central New York. I still see what’s going on at Munson and it continues to keep Utica fresh in my mind.
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar - try the rooftop!
Chesterfield’s Tavolo - Italian/American fusion
The Tailor and the Cook - farm to table cuisine
Sazon Frank - Dominican
Muju - Nepalese
Babe’s at Harbor Point - casual American-style lunch spot
Things to Do:
Herkimer Diamond Mines - the entire family can mine their own diamonds
6. Syracuse
I lived in Syracuse for a year or so post-college and let me tell you: The Salt City may look tough at first glance, but it oozes fresh energy while still standing strong on all the luxury of its bygone eras. Syracuse is a big industrial town that is very much revitalized and a vivacious host to 22,000 SU students and their families.
Beware the legendary lake-effect snowfall that besieges Syracuse every year. The time to go is now. Spring and summer in Syracuse are absolutely radiating with life, creativity, and Upstate New York art history.
Did you know that the exalted Stickley Furniture factory is located in Fayetteville (just outside Syracuse) and can still be toured? Or that there is an outdoor art park that rivals Storm King in its scope and its offerings? See below.
Where to Stay:
Marriott Syracuse Downtown - beautifully restored historic landmark; if you stay there, make sure you lay eyes on the ballroom with the hand-painted trompe-l'œil ceiling
Where to Eat:
Recess Coffee - try the lavender latte
Things to Do:
Seymour June House Art & Antiques - this place has been there for decades, they don’t have a website, and they are amazing (Go to 203 S. Manlius Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066)
Green Lakes State Park - I am dying to camp here with the family
Beak & Skiff - not only are there apple orchards to explore and ciders to be tasted, but the live music lineup at Beak & Skiff every summer is remarkable
7. Clinton, Et Al
Especially in the warm months, the three clustered small towns of Clinton, Bouckville, and Hamilton are burgeoning with events and attractions that will surprise you in the best way. First on my list is the Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. I visit every single year.
There are actually two annual antique shows in Bouckville, and they are the Central New York equivalent of Massachusetts’ famous Brimfield Antique Show. In fact, a lot of the same dealers who sell at Brimfield also set up at “Bouckville”, as it is called.
There are three ways to tackle Bouckville. #1: You can go without a plan and just hope to cover as much ground as possible. #2: You can strive to be there as early in the week as possible. #3: You can swoop in at the very last second (Sunday afternoon) and try to make some great deals on things that dealers may not want to go home with. If you go with the third option, you run the risk of some dealers being closed down, or missing the best stuff altogether. With thousands of vendors, food trucks, and miles of adventure to be had, I cannot recommend the Madison-Bouckville antique show enough. When you go and how you do it is all part of the fun! Pro tip: Get the lobster roll.
Where to Stay:
Welch House (Clinton)
Where to Eat:
Nola’s (Clinton)
Martha’s on Madison (Hamilton)
Alteri’s Bar & Restaurant (Clinton)
Flour & Salt Cafe (Hamilton)
What to Do:
Wellin Museum of Art (Hamilton)
Victorian Rose Vintage Antiques (Bouckville)
Root Glen (Hamilton) - enchanted glen that is best visited after a summer rainfall
The Depot Antique Gallery (Bouckville)
Thank you so much for reading! For next week’s Substack piece, I will be sharing an interview with interior designer Valerie Kiser.
If you like what you’re seeing here, please make sure you subscribe to my weekly Substack and follow me on Instagram at @orahomecompany.
With love,
Eileen