Three mid-Hudson Valley spots named 'fairy-tale small towns.' What earned them the title

Three mid-Hudson Valley municipalities have been dubbed "fairy-tale small towns."

Nearby Village of Cold Spring, as well as the Village of Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands region, the Village of Aurora in the Finger Lakes region, the Town of Lake George within the Adirondack Mountains, and the City of Saratoga Springs situated in the Capital Region, also made the list.

A view of the Shawungunk Mountains from New Paltz on September 10, 2025.

Both Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino described the mid-Hudson Valley spots on the list as "gems."

"Every corner of our county offers something special," Metzger said in an email statement. "Ulster County is filled with places that feel like they're right out of a fairy tale."

Shops and restaurants on Front Street in the Stockade Historic District of Uptown Kingston on September 8, 2025.

"We are thrilled our local cities, towns and villages continue to earn accolades recognizing them among the best places in the state and the nation to live, work and play," Serino said in an email statement.

Here's what World Atlas had to say about these three mid-Hudson Valley municipalities and what makes them special.

City of Beacon, a 'fairy-tale town' in Dutchess County

For the City of Beacon, World Atlas pointed to one of the city's undeniably enchanted spots at Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island.

A "ghostly ruin," according to the report, you can get a glimpse of what once was. The Bannerman Castle Trust offers excursions to tour the island filled with "lush greenery" and "jagged cliffs."

In the city itself, World Atlas takes readers to Main Street, describing it as "vibrant," teeming with "culinary experiences, eclectic shops, and an immersive art scene," with no shortage of craft beverages.

A view of East Main Street in Beacon on September 12, 2025.

The geography resource points to Dia Beacon, claiming it "put Beacon on the map" with its art collection, even though it is situated within the "comically large former Nabisco box printing factory."

City of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou noted in an email statement the city is "grateful" for the World Atlas recognition, while being mindful of the time and work it has taken to get where they are now.

Ornamental details on historic buildings on Main Streetin Beacon on September 12, 2025.

"Beacon's fairy tale is a rags-to-riches story — a journey from a tired small city with closed factories and a largely boarded up Main Street, to a vibrant community between the Hudson and the Highlands that combines dining variety, eclectic arts and retail, historic preservation and high quality of life," Kyriacou said.

Serino emphasized the city's shift. When she was a teenager, she said, she wasn't allowed to go to Beacon.

Shops on Main Street in Beacon on September 12, 2025.

"The turnaround Beacon has experienced is simply amazing, and it is thanks to former Mayor Clara Lou Gould and the mayors who have followed her, working together with local business owners to make Beacon the 'fairy-tale city' it has become," Serino said in an email statement.

She attributed Beacon's changes to the city's "commitment to economic development and comprehensive planning," which she said has "paid huge dividends" for residents and visitors coming to Beacon.

City of Kingston, a 'fairy-tale town' in Ulster County

As for the City of Kingston, World Atlas noted the historical significance of the city to convey its fable-like ethos.

For instance, the resource highlighted Kingston's 17th-century roots and its former position as "New York's first capital," before Albany.

Furthermore, World Atlas pointed to the miles of "beaches and history" at the Sojourner Truth State Park, with its industrial ruins and the vestiges of brick making and quarrying, the "award-winning restaurants" and the music acts, dance talent, symphonies or films to be found at the Ulster Performing Arts Center.

World Atlas additionally brings readers to Kingston Point Park as well as the Hudson River Maritime Museum, where you can get a closer look at the Roundout Lighthouse.

Metzger also noted the Trolley Museum at the waterfront, and one aspect of the Hudson River Maritime Museum World Atlas didn't mention: the state's first solar-powered commercial vessel, Solaris, which is available for tours.

City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said the small city has always been "diverse and beautiful."

Restaurants and shops along the waterfront in Kingston on September 8, 2025.

"I'm happy to see that we are being recognized for our uniqueness — we have a thriving arts community, incredible natural resources and abundant historical charm. We welcome all to visit and see what makes Kingston so special," Noble said in an email statement.

What makes Kingston "a standout," Metzger said, is its rich history and culture. In uptown Kingston in the historic Stockade District, The Four Corners is "the only intersection in America with buildings on all four corners dating back to before the Revolutionary War."

Rough Draft bar & books in Uptown Kingston on September 8, 2025.

In the Stockade District, Metzger said, you'll also find the Ulster County Courthouse, where Sojourner Truth won her son's freedom from slavery.

For more things to do in Kingston, such as farmers markets, festivals, sports — the Stockade FC men's semi-professional soccer team plays at Dietz Stadium — or seeing Ulster County in general, visit visitulstercountyny.com.

Town of New Paltz, a 'fairy-tale town' in Ulster County

In the town and village of the same name, New Paltz's nature, its historic aspects blended with the new, are what World Atlas believes make it like something out of a storybook.

Historic Huguenot Street, with its seven well-preserved houses built by Huguenot settlers in the 1700s, "feels entirely like another time," the World Atlas said. Their reenactments, storytelling year-round and candlelight ghost tours in October certainly make for enchanting activities.

Additionally, World Atlas highlighted the ability to get outdoorsy at River-to-Ridge Trail for bike rides, visit Sojourner Truth Park and have an "adventure" at Mohonk Preserve.

The burial ground on Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz on September 10, 2025.

"Set out early to beat the midday sun through fields that look like a dream," World Atlas said about River-to-Ridge Trail.

Metzger emphasized the open-air pursuits do not stop there. There's "epic climbing adventures in the Shawangunks" and "the annual regatta on the Wallkill River" too.

Village of New Paltz Mayor Tim Rogers said in an email statement SUNY New Paltz adds to its "distinctive character, one that attracts students, families, and tourists alike." New Paltz's walkable, bikeable Main Street also draws people from "all walks of life."

A stone throw from the banks for the Wallkill River in New Paltz on September 10, 2025.

Even though the town has been characterized as a typical, upstate college town, there's been an increased interest for people to move to and visit the New Paltz community, with their diverse amenities, Rogers continued.

"It is special to live in a place where so many want to visit, and our primary goal is to balance the demands on New Paltz as a destination while maintaining quality of life and governmental responsiveness for all residents," Rogers said.

Water Street Market in New Paltz on September 10, 2025.

New Paltz, according to Rogers, will continue to be a "cutting-edge model for 21st‐century New York State living," with protected open spaces, affordable housing and a local job market offering a variety of livelihoods that align and benefit from SUNY New Paltz.

"I'm proud of all our communities — each one adds something unique to the rich tapestry of Ulster County," Metzger said. "Whether you're exploring a historic district, hiking a mountain trail or enjoying a local festival, you'll find that sense of wonder and connection that makes our region feel like a real-life fairytale."

Nickie Hayes is the Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and focuses on how to make the most of what the mid-Hudson Valley has to offer. Contact her at [email protected], 845-863-3518, or via Instagram, @‌nickieehayess.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Three mid-Hudson Valley spots named 'fairy-tale small towns.' What earned them the title