We are planning a quiet family vacation (couple and 2 year old) for the Fall somewhere in upstate NY. We like traditional towns with authentic atmosphere, interesting shops and restaurants, friendly people, scenery and a bit of culture. We also need play areas for the toddler.

Ideally we would like to rent a vacation hhouse or cottage. Any ideas on which towns we should be looking around? Thanks. Joe

Growing up, our family used to spend our summers in upstate New York. Cazenovia is the type of village you have described, with the bonus of a beautiful Lake. It's a great home base for some very nice day trips.

Watkins Glen is also a nice, small town. Definitely worth a day trip.

Casenovia is a very nice town as mentioned by the above poster.

Also look into the town of Skeneateles (?spelling) which is right on one of the Finger Lakes .. very charming. (I can't remember which one, but if you look on a map of New York State you will see it.) Although not really in Upstate New York, Ithaca is a charming place to visit. Another nice town is Hammondsport which is at the bottom of Seneca Lake.

All of these towns have quaint atmospheres (Ithaca being a bit larger) with some interesting shops and restaurants. In the fall you will find that going on "winery tours" is popular in the Finger Lakes area with the most popular lakes being Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuaga. There are many "mom and pop" wineries, along with a few more moderate sized ones. (One of my favorites to visit is Bully Hill on Keuka Lake, although Dr. Frank's on Keuka Lake has some of the best wine in the area.) Folks usually start at one end of the lake and visit each place along the way.

I hope this helps. I grew up and still live in this area and love it. The fall will be a nice time to visit. Depending on the weather, peak leaf time is usually mid October.

You have just described Saratoga Springs to a T. They have everything you are looking for, a lake, fantastic dining, parks, interesting shops and atmosphere. And of course culture galore. The city resembles a Victorian Era with houses and public areas. I highly recommend going there. Keep in mind though during the end of July through the beginning of September is the thoroughbred racing season. This is the world-renowned spot for racing. Have fun.

Very many thanks to you all. We will follow up these suggestions. They sound ideal.

Joe

Add another vote for Skaneateles, one of my favorite places anywhere, and also for Cooperstown. Actually Cooperstown might be easier with a 2 year old--in addition to the Fenimore museum (excellent culture) and history, the farm museum and baseball hall of fame are great for a 2 year old. We've done both with little kids, and you wouldn't be disappointed with either. Skaneateles is breathtaking and probably has more house/cottage rentals.

Cooperstown is quanit and appealing but best for a day trip. I also recommend Skaneatles. You should be able to get a great deal on a fall rental on the lake, as the "season" ends on Labor day weekend. If renting sight unseen I'd suggest you ensure that the cottage/house is close to lake level - much easier with a two year old in tow. Many cottages on parts of the lake are on bluffs with many, many stairs to reach the water. Swimming is unlikely for any but the hardiest souls after mid-September - it's a very deep and cold lake. There will be some limited options for culture in nearby Syracuse and Ithaca is about 50 minutes away - lots of good shops, restaurants and cultural activities there, especially in the fall, as Cornell will be back in session.