World Atlas includes two mid-Hudson towns in its 11 peaceful weekend getaways in NY

While Manhattan is a dynamic, busy metropolis of massive skyscrapers, the Empire State extends far beyond New York City, with many quaint and serene towns. Those looking to spend some time outside the hustle and bustle of America's most populated city, which according to the latest U.S. Census is home to more than 8.3 million people, look no further than these 11 towns in New York, as determined by the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.

Lake Placid NY

This village in the Adirondacks twice hosted the winter Olympics and serves as an all-around sports mecca from skiing to triathlons, and from skating to hiking.

Fall colors in Lake Placid, NY.

Lake Placid sits on the southern shores of a lake by the same name and surrounds the much smaller Mirror Lake.

Numerous wooded hikes start from trails in the village, which is also known for a wide array of quaint shops and restaurants. Fall foliage is simply spectacular here.

Crown Point NY

Located in Essex County, Crown Point is located on the western shore of Lake Champlain. Crown Point also occupies a critical point in American history - as the French built Fort St. Frederic here in 1737 and British troops took the fort in 1759, then built a new fort (Crown Point) on the site. Today, what's left of both forts is part of New York's Crown Point State Historic Site. The Champlain Memorial and Lighthouse is across the road. The town is located a few miles south of the fort.

Clayton NY

People enjoy the sandy swimming beach at Wellesley Island State Park in July 2021.

Situated in the Thousand Island region in Jefferson County, the town of Clayton is a rather large and serene stretch of waterfront. A short drive north of town, Wellesley Island State Park has a variety of recreational options, from camping to a sandy swimming beach and miles of hiking trails. Clayton's harbor and town marina is right by the St. Lawrence River, where the elegant 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is located. Nearby is also Zenda Farms Preserve, a historic farm that's now a protected bird habitat with open trails.

Ithaca NY

Campus of Cornell University at dawn.

Ithaca is located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. This unique spot, a progressive city with a small-town feel, is home to two top-level colleges - Cornell University and Ithaca College. Cornell - with its sprawling and hilly campus - houses landmarks such as the 1875 Sage Hall and 1887 Barnes Hall. Central within the city is the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall that spans several blocks in Tompkins County's county seat. The area features many shops and eateries and is also a gathering spot for many, as well as a location where activists gather. The weekly farmer's market - on the waterfront - is also a must-see. There are also several spectacular state parks nearby - Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls. Gorgeous gorges and waterfalls also cut through parts of the city - including the famed Ithaca Falls and the multiple cascades known as Cascadilla Falls along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Nearby are many wineries in New York's Finger Lakes.

Skaneateles NY

Several people stroll along the pier that juts out Skaneateles Lake in June 2020.

Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and, of course, Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost nine hundred feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Clift Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park. The town also boasts a quaint historic district, which hosts a Charles Dickens-themed festival each December. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th-century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Niagara Falls NY

The American Falls with Luna Island on the other side at Niagara Falls State Park.

Sure - you think of Niagara Falls and instantly think of Canada's famous horseshoe falls, but that's only half the picture. On the American side of the international border, Niagara Falls State Park is a must-see. The falls are about 1,000 feet wide and up to 100 feet tall, depending on the location where the water is measured and the giant boulders at its base. You can explore the falls throughout the park, view the falls from an observation tower, on the Maid of the Mist boat tour or take an even closer look from the Cave of the Winds. Nearby Whirlpool State Park also offers spectacular views of the Whirlpool and rapids from the east side of the Niagara River and Devil's Hole State Park also overlooks the rapids and showcases gorge rock layers

Corning NY

Visitors walk past the Baron Steuben Place in downtown Corning in 2014.

Established in 1852, Corning is located in southeastern Steuben County. Corning is home to the well-known Corning Museum of Glass and also The Rockwell Museum. The downtown district, or Gaffer District, is vibrant - with museums, galleries, historic buildings, eateries and shops. Its picturesque streetscapes are a draw for many - including the nearby Centerway Bridge, Corning's historic walking bridge that spans the Chemung River.

Lake George NY

Boaters enjoy clear skies on Thursday, May 14, 2020, on Lake George. Normally, sources said, Lake George would be much busier already at this time of year, and now hotels, businesses and year-round residents in summer destinations like Lake George are preparing to safely and slowly reopen as the summer season approaches.

This charming town is home to a variety of attractions, including Prospect Mountain and Lake George, a 32-mile-long, spring-fed lake in the Adirondacks. The Fort William Henry Museum is also in the area and hiking 1.7 miles up to Shelving Rock Falls.

Woodstock NY

A hiker explores hotel ruins on Overlook Mountain near Woodstock, NY, on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.

Located in Ulster County in the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock is best known for lending its name to a particularly famous music festival in 1969, even though the festival actually took place 40 miles away in Bethel, Sullivan County. Woodstock has several open-air and indoor performing arts centers, galleries and museums, but its also got a network of hiking trails. Slide Mountain Wilderness, Overlook Mountain and Catskill Center Thorn Preserve are both nearby. Mower’s Flea Market, which is open every weekend, is also wildly popular.

Saugerties NY

Situated between the Hudson River and Catskill Park, in Ulster County, Saugerties is a haven for adventure while not being overly inundated with droves of tourists. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Falling Waters Preserve and Esopus Creek Conservatory are all located here. The Saugerties Lighthouse, which still operates, also now doubles as a bed and breakfast. Saugerties is also home to a quintessential small-town commercial district, which sprawls across the highly walkable Main and Partition Streets. 

Montauk NY

Montauk, the easternmost community on Long Island, is known for its many beaches and pristine coastal parks, boating, paddling, fishing, as well as its luxury accommodations and fine dining, according to the World Atlas. Montauk is also home to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, built in 1796 and the oldest such beacon in New York and the fourth-oldest in the nation.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: World Atlas includes two mid-Hudson towns in its 11 peaceful weekend getaways in NY