Hidden Amid Forests In The Finger Lakes Region Is A Charming Village With Outdoor Fun And New York History

If you're looking for a quiet and charming getaway with picturesque hiking trails, look no further than the quaint upstate New York village of Baldwinsville. This destination is wonderful for any visitor looking to escape the daily grind. Situated in the picturesque Finger Lakes region along the Seneca River, about 13 miles from Syracuse and 82 miles from Rochester, Baldwinsville has a population of nearly 8,000 residents as of 2023. (The closest of the Finger Lakes is Skaneateles Lake, about 20 miles south.) The village is rich in history, full of nature, and has scenic locations like the Beaver Lake Nature Center.

History is rich in Baldwinsville. The land was Iroquois territory before Americans settled it, and the land was intended to be given to soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War as a form of payment. Only one actually claimed it, leaving the region undeveloped for much of the post-war years. Then, in the early 1800s, Dr. Jonas Baldwin and his wife bought the land and developed the lush forest area into Baldwinsville.

During the 19th century, the Grace Episcopal Church became the first church in the United States to use electricity, and the Morris Machine Works, a major manufacturer of centrifugal pumps, was founded in Baldwinsville in 1864. There are many 19th-century buildings still standing that were built by notable architects, including Horatio Nelson White and Ward Wellington Ward. Baldwinsville was also a stop for the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists who helped slaves get to freedom in the North or in Canada. Baldwinsville resident John Humphrey served as a conductor. If you want to travel to Baldwinsville, the best way to get there is by car, but you can also fly to Syracuse or Buffalo and rent a car from there.

Beaver Lake Nature Center is a must-visit for all travelers coming to see the village of Baldwinsville. Rated as the No. 1 "thing to do" in Baldwinsville on Tripadvisor, the nature center offers visitors 670 acres of land, a large lake, and trails that total 10 miles in length. The longest is the relatively easy 3-mile Lake Loop Trail, a perfect route for birding that affords views of lush greenery and scenic Beaver Lake. Another hike worth exploring is the 1.4-mile Deep Woods Trail, which takes hikers on a short boardwalk over a swamp; past frogs, turtles, and cinnamon ferns; and under gorgeous beech trees.

If you're not much of a hiker,  the nature center also offers canoeing and kayaking, renting out boats to visitors during the day. The center is also a good birdwatching destination, and visitors can even register for seasonal bird walks. Intrepid birders can sign up for the 100 Bird Challenge, which encourages visitors to spot 100 bird species around the nature center and write each one down for a T-shirt prize.

Upstate New York is brimming with fantastic dining establishments, and the Finger Lakes region is flush with terrific wineries. One great wine-and-dining choice in the Baldwinsville area is Strigo Vineyeards. This 70-acre destination not only has a tasting room with a self-pouring wine wall, but you can also nibble some grilled meat and cheese boards or hummus and vegetables. For a more substantive meal, Atlantic Seafood and Olive's Eatery are the top-ranked restaurants in Baldwinsville on Tripadvisor. Guests love Atlantic Seafood's fresh haddock, which you can get in a fried fish sandwich, and in the colder months, order a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder. Olive's Eatery scores points for using mostly locally sourced ingredients for all its menu items, which include pancakes and French toast for brunch, salads and paninis for lunch, and seasonal flatbreads for dinner. What makes the eatery so special is the boutique stores upstairs, which sell everything from women's apparel to home decor. Another great spot for down-home comfort food is Angry Garlic, a village tavern offering burgers, wings, beer, cocktails, and live music.

If you want to stay the night in Baldwinsville, the Baldwinsville Bed and Breakfast is a great choice. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the Baldwinsville Bed and Breakfast presents visitors with comfortable accommodations and throwback architecture. Choose from several guest rooms, including the Sun Porch Suite, which has its own private entrance. Breakfast menu options change each day, and the meals include locally sourced seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you want a no-frills accommodation option, Microtel Inn & Suites is an inexpensive hotel close to Syracuse University (about 15 miles away) that offers amenities like free breakfast, on-site laundry, and free Wi-Fi.