New York's 'Gateway To The Adirondacks' Is A Peaceful Town On The Shores Of Lake Champlain

Tucked away in a small town in upstate New York is a peaceful lakeside community dedicated to kicking back and enjoying all the good things life has to offer. Named the "most laid-back town in New York" by Secret NYC, Westport, New York lives up to its title. With its location between the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain, outdoor recreation is at an all-time high. From summer boat rides and fishing to hiking the 11-mile trail at Split Rock Wild Forest, spending time outside is just part of everyday life for the people of Westport. While the community is small at about 1,800 residents, they certainly know how to keep things lively with local events. Whether it's a captivating local art show or a bustling county fair, there's always something to do in Westport.

When you're not chatting with friendly locals or enjoying the course at Westport Golf, you can be sure your hours will be filled with relaxation. Pull up an Adirondack chair — invented in Westport — to lounge by the lakefront or take a local yoga class to find some balance. However you spend your days in Westport, you can be sure they will be quieter and more fulfilling than the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Think of a trip to Westport as a nostalgic visit to your grandparents' house. Life is slow, but full of little pleasures to cure boredom. Take a sailboat out on Lake Champlain and enjoy the views of a setting sunset. When you're done on the water, dock at Westport Marina and dine at the Portside Restaurant, a family-owned establishment serving classic American dishes with a Hawaiian twist. If you're lucky, you'll visit when live music is playing so you can bob your head to the tunes while you dig into a juicy burger.

You can travel to this small, upstate New York town for a picture-perfect fall full of leaf peeping and other cozy activities. Stroll on a quaint main street for local shopping and cafes or visit Ballard Park, a waterside green with a pavilion for local music and events. For book lovers, be sure to pick up a beach read at Snowfort Books, named the "coziest bookstore in the Adirondacks." Westport also has a thriving art scene, with frequent art shows, local theater, and live music being held at spots like Depot Theater and The Mill ADK.

A place as quiet and out of the way as Westport means it is going to be quite the trek to get there. The town is a 4.5 hour drive from the Big Apple, New York City. This makes it the perfect opportunity to explore the Adirondacks on a scenic road trip. Make Westport the destination or simply a stop along the way, as the mountains have tons of beautiful lakes to lounge by and enjoy. For folks out of town, the closest airport is Burlington International Airport, located across the water in Vermont. Be sure to pick up a rental car, as Westport is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Burlington.

Westport is the hallmark of cozy accommodations. With spots like The Edgemont Inn and The Inn in Westport, you can live out your small-town fantasy with ease. For a more private experience, consider booking one of the charming cabins on Airbnb. Prices range from $550 to $4,000, depending on the accommodations you choose.