One of our favorite things to do here at Only In New York is to create our own road trips for fellow New Yorkers to enjoy. In the past, we’ve come up with everything from ice cream road trips to waterfall road trips that will have you exploring some of the most beautiful places in New York. If you’re ready to take on our latest adventure, this might the best road trip in New York! See what it’s like to visit all of the most magical places that make up the Empire State’s Fairytale Road Trip. Are you ready to hit the road?
Google To view the full interactive road trip on Google Maps, click here.
- Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden - Rochester, NY
The Strong Museum/Facebook Considered to be the largest butterfly house in all of Upstate New York, which also happens to stay open all year long, part of the Strong Museum is the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. One of many reasons to begin a magical adventure out in Rochester, you’ll feel like you’re in another world as you find yourself in a tropical sea of butterflies - there’s nothing else like it! Out of all of the wonderful fairytale places in New York, this one always tops our list. The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
- Mendon Ponds Park - Honeoye Falls, NY
GrammaTripper/TripAdvisor You can find all sorts of scenic trails that are worth exploring here in New York State, but you’ll only find one true Fairy Trail and it’s just outside of the city of Rochester. As the next stop on this fairytale road trip in New York, you’ll hike through Mendon Ponds Park’s Fairy Trail and pass by fairy homes, bridges, doors, and so much more. Mendon Ponds Park, 95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472, USA
- Pollywogg Holler - Belmont, NY
Pollywogg Holler/Facebook An absolute hidden gem of Allegany County, head on down along New York’s Southern Tier to experience what it’s like to visit our state’s most fairytale-like resort and restaurant. Pollywogg Holler is a place tucked away within the woods, where you’ll have to venture out into the forest to get here. Made up of treehouses and whimsical structures, you’ll be amazed that something as enchanting as this actually exists. It’s one of the most magical places in New York! South Street, South St, Belmont, NY 14813, USA
- Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen, NY
JaysonPhotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages What would a road trip to fairytale places in New York be without making a stop to our state’s most breathtaking park? Taking you out to the Finger Lakes where you’re surrounded by nothing but rural beauty, waterfalls, and gorges, Watkins Glen State Park’s gorge trail will have you making your way over and under nearly 20 waterfalls. Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
- Mohonk Mountain House - New Paltz, NY
Abbady Abbady/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages Whether you’re in need of a place to spend the night or you’re ready to take on more than 80 miles of hiking trails, New York’s Mohonk Mountain House is a place that will make you feel as though you’ve been dropped right into a storybook. From out-of-this-world gardens and a mountain lake to adventurous rock scrambles and horseback riding, you won’t believe all that awaits you at this dreamy mountain house and resort. Mohonk Mountain House Gate House, Garden Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
- Wing’s Castle - Millbrook, NY
Nicole DeGennaro/Google Reviews Last but not least, on this road trip to magical places in New York, it’s time to check out the Empire State’s most unique castle. All throughout the state of New York, you’ll find castles that have been well-preserved and stood the tests of time, but there’s nothing else like Wing’s Castle down in Millbrook. Acting as a bed and breakfast and seriously jaw-dropping destination, there’s never been a more fascinating or fairytale-like castle. Wing’s Castle, 717 Bangall Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
So, what do you think about the best road trip in New York? Have you been to any of the places on the route already? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with us in the comments section.
To view the full interactive road trip on Google Maps, click here.
The Strong Museum/Facebook
Considered to be the largest butterfly house in all of Upstate New York, which also happens to stay open all year long, part of the Strong Museum is the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. One of many reasons to begin a magical adventure out in Rochester, you’ll feel like you’re in another world as you find yourself in a tropical sea of butterflies - there’s nothing else like it! Out of all of the wonderful fairytale places in New York, this one always tops our list.
The Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
GrammaTripper/TripAdvisor
You can find all sorts of scenic trails that are worth exploring here in New York State, but you’ll only find one true Fairy Trail and it’s just outside of the city of Rochester. As the next stop on this fairytale road trip in New York, you’ll hike through Mendon Ponds Park’s Fairy Trail and pass by fairy homes, bridges, doors, and so much more.
Mendon Ponds Park, 95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472, USA
Pollywogg Holler/Facebook
An absolute hidden gem of Allegany County, head on down along New York’s Southern Tier to experience what it’s like to visit our state’s most fairytale-like resort and restaurant. Pollywogg Holler is a place tucked away within the woods, where you’ll have to venture out into the forest to get here. Made up of treehouses and whimsical structures, you’ll be amazed that something as enchanting as this actually exists. It’s one of the most magical places in New York!
South Street, South St, Belmont, NY 14813, USA
JaysonPhotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages
What would a road trip to fairytale places in New York be without making a stop to our state’s most breathtaking park? Taking you out to the Finger Lakes where you’re surrounded by nothing but rural beauty, waterfalls, and gorges, Watkins Glen State Park’s gorge trail will have you making your way over and under nearly 20 waterfalls.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Abbady Abbady/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages
Whether you’re in need of a place to spend the night or you’re ready to take on more than 80 miles of hiking trails, New York’s Mohonk Mountain House is a place that will make you feel as though you’ve been dropped right into a storybook. From out-of-this-world gardens and a mountain lake to adventurous rock scrambles and horseback riding, you won’t believe all that awaits you at this dreamy mountain house and resort.
Mohonk Mountain House Gate House, Garden Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
Nicole DeGennaro/Google Reviews
Last but not least, on this road trip to magical places in New York, it’s time to check out the Empire State’s most unique castle. All throughout the state of New York, you’ll find castles that have been well-preserved and stood the tests of time, but there’s nothing else like Wing’s Castle down in Millbrook. Acting as a bed and breakfast and seriously jaw-dropping destination, there’s never been a more fascinating or fairytale-like castle.
Wing’s Castle, 717 Bangall Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
If you’re ready to take on more enchanting road trips around the Empire State, then you’re going to love checking out how you can Take This Epic Road Trip To Experience New York’s Great Outdoors!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In New York August 09, 2021 Marisa Roman What is the most unique town in New York? Out of all of the special places to visit in New York, one town that is most unique is Lake Placid, New York. This Essex County town has a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, but many people visit throughout the year. Not only can you take a tour of the old Olympic complexes from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, but there is also the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to enjoy. It’s also a great place to visit during the colder seasons. What is the most beautiful small town in New York? If you’re looking for a beautiful small town in New York, there’s not just one, but at least 11! These 11 picturesque towns in New York are truly delightful and filled with natural beauty and fun-filled attractions. From the greenery of Rhinebeck to the shorelines of Clayton, discover the state’s most beautiful small towns. Which hidden gems in New York should I visit? Out of all of the most magical places in New York, we have a few hidden gems that you should consider visiting. For example, did you know that there is a small village called Island Park which houses a magical seafood spot where you can dine with toes in the sand?! Pop’s Seafood Shack & Grill is not your average dining experience. Or how about the underrated beach in New York with the most pristine sand? Many New Yorkers don’t even know that Hither Hills Beach even exists!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In New York
August 09, 2021
Marisa Roman
What is the most unique town in New York? Out of all of the special places to visit in New York, one town that is most unique is Lake Placid, New York. This Essex County town has a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, but many people visit throughout the year. Not only can you take a tour of the old Olympic complexes from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, but there is also the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to enjoy. It’s also a great place to visit during the colder seasons. What is the most beautiful small town in New York? If you’re looking for a beautiful small town in New York, there’s not just one, but at least 11! These 11 picturesque towns in New York are truly delightful and filled with natural beauty and fun-filled attractions. From the greenery of Rhinebeck to the shorelines of Clayton, discover the state’s most beautiful small towns. Which hidden gems in New York should I visit? Out of all of the most magical places in New York, we have a few hidden gems that you should consider visiting. For example, did you know that there is a small village called Island Park which houses a magical seafood spot where you can dine with toes in the sand?! Pop’s Seafood Shack & Grill is not your average dining experience. Or how about the underrated beach in New York with the most pristine sand? Many New Yorkers don’t even know that Hither Hills Beach even exists!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Out of all of the special places to visit in New York, one town that is most unique is Lake Placid, New York. This Essex County town has a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, but many people visit throughout the year. Not only can you take a tour of the old Olympic complexes from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, but there is also the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to enjoy. It’s also a great place to visit during the colder seasons.
What is the most beautiful small town in New York?
If you’re looking for a beautiful small town in New York, there’s not just one, but at least 11! These 11 picturesque towns in New York are truly delightful and filled with natural beauty and fun-filled attractions. From the greenery of Rhinebeck to the shorelines of Clayton, discover the state’s most beautiful small towns.
Which hidden gems in New York should I visit?
Out of all of the most magical places in New York, we have a few hidden gems that you should consider visiting. For example, did you know that there is a small village called Island Park which houses a magical seafood spot where you can dine with toes in the sand?! Pop’s Seafood Shack & Grill is not your average dining experience. Or how about the underrated beach in New York with the most pristine sand? Many New Yorkers don’t even know that Hither Hills Beach even exists!
