This Upstate New York Town Is A Hidden Gem For Laid-Back Lake Days, Boat Tours, And Budget-Friendly Charm

A quiet, cozy lake retreat is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, and there's a gorgeous hidden town right in upstate New York that promises not only that, but a surprisingly budget-friendly experience, too! Just over 15 miles north of Syracuse (yet another affordable gem), you'll find Brewerton, New York, a place known for its small-town charm, serene boat tours, and incredible lake views.

Don't let Brewerton's lesser-known name and modest size fool you, though. The place has the potential to be the getaway of a lifetime, complete with water sports, historic forts, fascinating museums, antique shops, peaceful parks, family-owned restaurants, and prices too good to pass up. At the time of writing this article, Best Places estimates Brewerton to be 12.6% cheaper than the national average and a whopping 28.1% cheaper than other New York hubs. That means a visit here is definitely possible, even for travelers with an extra-tight budget for their next vacation.

Brewerton's crown jewel is Oneida, the largest lake that's completely in New York State and the ultimate playground for water sports lovers. Boating, jet skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, water biking, swimming – you name it, you can do it here.

If you're not chasing that adrenaline rush, a simple boat tour might be the most effective way to take in Onieda and its surrounding views. For those feeling confident in their steering abilities, Brewerton Boat Yard offers pontoon rentals and docking facilities. It's very well-reviewed, too, so you can rest assured that you'll be getting your money's worth. Travelers who want a guided lake trip can book a boat tour from Riverwalk Flyfishing, which offers walleye-fishing charters on the lake.

If even that sounds a bit too exhausting, you can always opt for a laid-back picnic or sunbathing session at Onieda Shores County Park. Here you'll find everything from a shallow beach perfect for swimming to shaded tables, a children's playground, and volleyball courts. For those who don't mind a 40-minute drive, spending a day at the vintage Sylvan Beach Amusement Park on the other side of Lake Oneida is a must.

Brewerton's lakeside views, while fantastic, are far from the only thing keeping visitors coming back for more. The town itself is warm, charming, and home to historical sites like Fort Brewerton and Oliver Steven Blockhouse – the ultimate attraction-museum combo that'll get you acquainted with the fascinating local history.

What really makes Brewerton a desirable destination is its affordability. Places like Days Inn by Wyndham Brewerton are not only located right near the lake but also charge roughly $80 for a night's stay plus breakfast. Having said that, if you're looking for a wider array of accommodation options without going too much out of your budget, we'd recommend staying in Syracuse and traveling back and forth.

Eating out in Brewerton is pretty cheap, too. Brewer Union Cafe and Top This Pizza all come highly reviewed on Tripadvisor, and at the time of writing this article, full meals here cost between $10 and $20 — it doesn't get any better than that. As far as entertainment goes, there are plenty of either free or unbelievably cheap activities to choose from, from sunbathing and picnicking to catching a show or class at the Brewerton Center for the Arts. After adding everything up, the average traveler can expect to pay well under $130 a day during their trip to Brewerton, including accommodation and gas, a price tag that rivals even what you'd pay in other affordable lake destinations like Milwaukee.