New York's Darling Village By Lake Erie Is A Walkable Gem Surrounded By Vineyards, Trails, And Sailing Spots

New York, perhaps more commonly known for its bustling nightlife, legendary museums, and phenomenal food, also has a softer, lovelier, suburban side. This is particularly evident in the western edge of the Empire State, a region full of lakeside gems. One example is Fredonia, a village nestled among the vineyards of northern Chautauqua County, on the shores of Lake Erie.

Often touted as one of the best places to retire in New York, Fredonia strikes a balance between the cost of living and key social determinants, such as having a supportive community that encourages people to stay active and engaged. However, it's not just a home for retirees — this town is a dynamic tourist destination dotted with vineyards, hiking trails, and sailing spots.

For those visiting from New York City, Fredonia is approximately a seven-hour drive, while Buffalo is under an hour away. This may seem lengthy, but the journey is a treat with many beautiful, overlooked small towns along the road to northwestern New York. When you arrive in Fredonia, you will be greeted by Victorian homes lining the streets. Its charming aesthetic offers an abundance of cafes and local stores, including the well-regarded White Inn, a hotel and restaurant.

If you drive through upstate New York's Chautauqua County, you are bound to pass through several eclectic villages, including the self-proclaimed "Funniest City in America." But despite their differences, these lakeside towns share one commonality: they are excellent places to hike. Fredonia is no exception, with accessible scenic walks both in the village and further afield.

A local favorite is the Audubon Community Nature Centre, located just 40 minutes inland from Fredonia. This 570-acre wetland preserve features over 6 miles of trails, a native tree arboretum, as well as open spaces to sit, picnic, and learn about the local wildlife. Visitors can explore various displays at the Nature Centre, including interactive exhibits with Lincoln the box turtle or Oneka the eastern hellbender.

Closer to the township, there are a variety of incredible hikes to explore. The 70-acre Luensman Overview Park, for example, is located 15 minutes down the road from Fredonia's downtown and offers some of the most wonderful trekking experiences and outdoor adventures in the Empire State. For those who love a sunset view, this is the place to be. The park is situated on a glacial ridge with expansive views of Lake Erie, extending even to the Canadian shore on a clear day.

A key part of Fredonia's identity is its 10-minute proximity to Lake Erie, the southernmost of the Great Lakes. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a leisurely time on the water, but also for skilled sailors who wish to explore. In fact, Lake Erie has a longstanding sailing heritage, having been home to the first recorded sailing ship to cross the northern Great Lakes. This occurred in 1679 when Le Griffon, built by French explorer Robert de La Salle, undertook the journey.

Today, it's still home to a community of local and visiting sailors who regularly cruise these waters. According to port captain and local sailor Mark Gagyi, the best spots include the roughly 20 islands located from Ohio to the Ontario shore on the west side of the lake, as well as exploring the cities located on the south shore, including Buffalo, Cleveland, and Toledo (via Great Lakes Cruising Club). Each of these offers docking options that make for walkable cruising stops.

After all the outdoor adventures, head to a local vineyard to end the day, as this under-the-radar wine region deserves the same hype as Napa. Woodbury Winery & Vineyards is just a seven-minute drive from Fredonia's Main Street and is renowned for its signature blue raspberry and peanut butter cup wines. Enjoy a tasting, relax in its outdoor pavilion, or drop by its lively Happy Hour event. At the time of this writing, the vineyard is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.