This Tiny Upstate NY Town Is Being Called NY’s ‘Most Fairytale-Like’ — And Its Healing Waters Once Drew Oscar Wilde

Sharon Springs, New York is the kind of small town that feels plucked straight from a storybook — cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and a history steeped in healing waters and refinement . Recently named one of the most “fairytale-like” towns in New York by World Atlas (which also named 1000 Islands gem Cape Vincent), this historic spa village in Schoharie County blends 19th-century charm, artisan shops, and pastoral countryside into an unforgettable escape. A Victorian-era spa town frozen in time --------------------------------------- Sharon Springs’ story begins in the mid-1800s, when the town’s origin became New York’s answer to Europe’s grand spa resorts. Visitors from New York City, Boston, and overseas flocked to its mineral-rich waters — filled with sulfur, magnesia, chalybeate, and blue‐stone springs — for their supposed healing powers . Summer visitors once numbered over 10,000, including the Vanderbilts and even Oscar Wilde , who came to “take the waters” and mingle at lavish Victorian hotels like the Pavilion and Adler. The waters themselves were legendary — one 19th-century traveler wrote that one of the town’s springs, Gardner Spring , turned creeks “white as milk” and transformed objects in its path into deep black or brilliant white hues. Today, the Sharon Springs Historic District preserves 167 historic buildings across 374 acres , from Greek Revival to Queen Anne styles — many of which you can still visit today. Key landmarks include the Magnesia Temple (1863), the Inhalation Bath House (1884), the Roseboro Hotel (1905) , and the stately American Hotel , which remains a centerpiece on Main Street. After a decline during the Great Depression, Sharon Springs quietly reinvented itself. Artisan entrepreneurs and boutique owners restored grand hotels and Victorian storefronts, creating a modern layer of charm atop its historic foundation. The town gained international attention with Beekman 1802 , founded by Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell (of *The Fabulous Beekman Boys* fame). Their flagship store, the Beekman 1802 Kindness Shop, features handcrafted skincare, home goods, and farm-inspired luxuries inside a lovingly restored building — blending rural authenticity with upscale design. Other local favorites include Cobbler & Co., The Black Cat Café, and Brimstone Bakery , filling the streets with artisan pastries and coffee amidst lovingly maintained 19th-century façades. Quintessential Sharon Springs experiences --------------------------------------------- Whether you visit for fall foliage or a quiet winter retreat, Sharon Springs captures that nostalgic small-town magic year-round — but autumn, in particular, feels particularly lovely. ### Explore the Historic District Wander Main Street’s collection of 19th-century architecture, from grand hotels to mineral bathhouses that once welcomed high-society visitors. ### Fall foliage walks & countryside drives The surrounding Schoharie County landscape is stunning in autumn, when rolling hills and tree-lined backroads glow in shades of gold and crimson. Take a drive to Slate Hill Farm for lavender and harvest views, or stop at nearby pumpkin patches for quintessential upstate charm. ### Local food & harvest flavors Fall menus shine at Sharon Springs’ cozy cafés and bakeries — from warm cider and pumpkin bread at The Black Cat Café to spiced pastries at Brimstone Bakery . Many local restaurants also offer farm-to-table specials celebrating the season’s bounty! ### Mineral baths & modern wellness As the weather cools, unwind with a mineral soak or spa treatment inspired by Sharon Springs’ original 19th-century bathhouses . Boutique wellness studios keep the town’s “take the waters” tradition alive — ideal for a restorative weekend getaway. ### Fall art & craft markets Throughout the season, restored hotels and galleries host artisan pop-ups and craft fairs showcasing handmade pottery, textiles, and seasonal goods. It’s the perfect spot to find a cozy gift or unique keepsake from your visit! A fairytale where wonders lie underground --------------------------------------------- Sharon Springs’ magic isn’t just above ground — the surrounding countryside hides a network of caverns carved over millions of years . These geological wonders give the town’s mineral waters their distinctive qualities. ### [Howe Caverns](https://secretnyc.co/howe-caverns-ny/) – New York’s underground cathedral Just 20 minutes from town, Howe Caverns offers nearly 8,000 feet of illuminated limestone tunnels and massive chambers like Titan’s Temple . Visitors descend by elevator and explore formations with names like Bridal Altar, The Sentinels, and The Winding Way . The tour ends with a serene boat ride on the subterranean “River Styx.” ### [Secret Caverns](https://secretnyc.co/secret-caverns-underground-waterfall-new-york/) – Home to the state’s only underground waterfall A short drive from Howe Caverns, Secret Caverns delivers a 103-step descent to a 100-foot underground waterfall . The half-mile passageway passes glowing stalactites and stalagmites, adorned with colorful murals and playful 1960s-era touches, creating a uniquely bohemian experience. How to get there from NYC ------------------------- Reaching Sharon Springs from New York City is a picturesque journey in itself, and there’s multiple ways to do it. * By car: The most direct route is about 3.5 to 4 hours via I-87 North to I-90 West, exiting near Schoharie County! The scenic drive passes through the Hudson Valley and rolling Catskill foothills. * By bus: Trailways and Greyhound buses run from NYC to nearby Cobleskill or Amsterdam, from which local taxis or rideshares can reach Sharon Springs in about 20–30 minutes. * By train: Amtrak service to Amsterdam or Schenectady (about 2.5–3 hours) offers another option, with rental cars or local transport available for the final stretch. Source: https://secretnyc.co/sharon-springs-ny-fairytale-town-upstate-ny/