A Travel Writer Picks Top Christmas Villages in Upstate New York
Beautiful Christmas towns and villages (and towns) can be found throughout our beloved Upstate New York region.
As a travel writer with a dozen Upstate New York books currently on shelves, I feel like I’ve pretty much been all over the region. But of course that can’t be. I am sure there are small towns, hamlets and villages everywhere that I have missed in my many miles of travelling, researching, writing and speaking. Maybe I’ll find her in 2023!
My favorite time of year to travel (depending on the weather) is December, believe it or not. I just love how the little map dots in the Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Western New York, and the Catskills literally sparkle under a patina of tinsel, snow-covered Christmas trees, festive lights, and decorated storefronts. Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like the unique Christmas markets, parades and light shows that each city puts together for this festive season.
So here is a list of this author’s best Christmas villages, towns, and even a city in upstate New York, and my reasons for doing so. Remember, this is a man’s opinion, so please include a salute your favorite Christmas village in the region on our Facebook page. We like to hear from you. And we would love to discover new places to discover in the upcoming 2023 season.
I hope you enjoy this gallery. Thank you for reading our stories throughout the year and Merry Christmas to you all and your families.
Travel Writer Pick’s Top 5 “Christmas Cities” in upstate New York
Every little community in Upstate New York is really cranking up the Christmas magic this time of year. I’ve been touring Upstate and writing several books about this, my home region, for over a decade. I especially like to travel during the holidays. So this is just one man’s opinion on some of my favorite villages to visit in December.
Mangia! Check out these amazing Italian bakeries in upstate New York!
Everyone loves an Italian Bakery or Patisserie and these are among the best in Upstate!
Did you know that?? 13 Upstate Food Favorites You Can’t Buy Outside of Upstate New York
Upstate New York is home to many fantastic culinary favorites. Mention biscuit candy to anyone 100 miles outside of Buffalo and they’ll probably get a blank stare. Mention a Michigan hot dog to someone who isn’t from the Plattsburgh area. Same look. So here’s a list of 13 regional food icons you can’t buy outside of the Empire State.
I will add this asterisk. You can certainly buy some of these items on-line, how Saratoga peppermint pigs. Perhaps the Stix and Sauce item is known by a different name somewhere in the country. Boiled potatoes may have moved elsewhere, but if so, no one knows where they started. And Grandma Brown. Well, you can buy this sweet lady’s baked beans on eBay. But for the most part, you’d have to go to a store or restaurant in upstate New York to enjoy these “regional” fan-favorite dishes.
