Great Stops On The Literary Trail In Upstate New York

Upstate New York is a treasure trove of literary landmarks and destinations, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives and works of renowned authors. From Washington Irving's Sunnyside to the Albany Institute of History & Art, this region is a literary enthusiast's dream come true. Join us on a journey through the literary trail of upstate New York.

Washington Irving's Sunnyside

Nestled in the Hudson Valley town of Tarrytown, Sunnyside was the former home of Washington Irving, the author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." The picturesque property is an excellent example of Romantic architecture and features terraced gardens, a babbling brook, and a quaint cottage. Visitors can explore the home and grounds, learning about Irving's life, works, and his role in American literature.

Address: 3 West Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Distance from NYC: 29 miles

Best way to get there:

• By car: Take I-87 North to exit 11S (Tarrytown). Follow NY-119 South to Sunnyside Lane.

• By train: Take the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line to Tarrytown station. From the station, it is a short walk to Sunnyside Lane.

• By bus: Take the Bee-Line Bus B12 to the Tarrytown station. From the station, it is a short walk to Sunnyside Lane.

Mark Twain Study

In the town of Elmira, the Mark Twain Study is a must-visit for fans of the iconic author. The study is where Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, wrote some of his most famous works, including "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Visitors can see the desk where Twain penned his words and the adjacent octagonal gazebo where he often retreated to think. The study is open to the public from May to October.

• Address: 351 Farmington Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905

• Distance from NYC: 210 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Elmira Heights Station. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Elmira Heights Station, it is a short taxi ride to the Mark Twain House & Museum.

The Writers Museum

Inside the Rochester Public Library, the Writers Museum celebrates the literary heritage of Rochester. The museum features exhibits on notable local writers, including Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Nathaniel Rochester. Visitors can learn about the impact of these writers on Rochester and American literature as a whole.

Address: 45 Main Street, Rochester, NY 14607

Distance from NYC: 231 miles (372 km)

Best way to get there:

• By car: Take I-90 West to exit 45 (Rochester). Follow I-390 North to Main Street.

• By train: Take the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train to Rochester station. From the station, it is a short walk to Main Street.

• By bus: Take the Greyhound bus to Rochester station. From the station, it is a short walk to Main Street.

Rensselaerville Historic District

This quaint village in the Helderberg Mountains served as the inspiration for George Eliot's novel "The Mill on the Floss." Visitors can explore the charming surroundings that influenced Eliot's writing, including the historic Main Street and the Rensselaerville Institute.

Address: Rensselaerville, NY 12147

Distance from NYC: 135 miles (217 km)

Best way to get there:

• By car: Take I-87 North to exit 20 (Rensselaerville). Follow NY-155 South to Rensselaerville.

• By train: Take the Amtrak Saratoga and North Creek train to Rensselaerville station. From the station, it is a short walk to the town center.

• By bus: Take the Greyhound bus to Albany-Rensselaer station. From the station, it is a short walk to the Rensselaerville Historic District.

Edna St. Vincent Millay's Steepletop

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Austerlitz, New York, Steepletop was the beloved country estate of Edna St. Vincent Millay, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and playwright. This idyllic retreat allowed Millay to find solace and inspiration in the tranquil surroundings. Visitors to Steepletop can explore the beautifully preserved house, stroll through the enchanting gardens, and pay homage to the writer who left an indelible mark on American poetry.

• Address: 100 Steepletop Road, Austerlitz, NY 12016

• Distance from NYC: 180 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff Station. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Rhinecliff Station, it is a short taxi ride to Steepletop.

L. Frank Baum's Birthplace

In the charming town of Chittenango, visitors can discover the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, the visionary author behind the beloved tale of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The Baum Childhood Home offers a fascinating glimpse into the early years of the man who created one of literature's most enduring and enchanting worlds. Explore the exhibits dedicated to Baum's life, see the room where he was born, and let your imagination take flight in the land of Oz.

• Address: 300 East Genesee Street, Chittenango, NY 13037

• Distance from NYC: 160 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Syracuse Station. The train ride takes about 2 hours. From Syracuse Station, it is a short taxi ride to the L. Frank Baum's Birthplace.

James Fenimore Cooper's House

Cooperstown, New York, is not only famous for its baseball heritage but also for being the home of one of America's most celebrated writers, James Fenimore Cooper. His stately abode, now known as the Fenimore Art Museum, offers a window into the world of this influential novelist. Walk through the rooms that once echoed with Cooper's words, and gain insight into the historical context that inspired his seminal works such as "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Leatherstocking Tales."

• Address: 9 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

• Distance from NYC: 230 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Cooperstown Station. The train ride takes about 3 hours. From Cooperstown Station, it is a short walk to the James Fenimore Cooper's House.

John Gardner's Boyhood Home

Batavia, New York, is the hometown of John Gardner, a critically acclaimed novelist and literary critic. The house where Gardner spent his formative years is a testament to his early influences and creative development. Although not open to the public, a visit to the neighborhood and surrounding areas allows fans to immerse themselves in the same streets that shaped Gardner's imagination and provided the backdrop for his poignant works like "Grendel" and "The Sunlight Dialogues."

• Address: 351 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020

• Distance from NYC: 400 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Buffalo Depew Station. The train ride takes about 4 hours. From Buffalo Depew Station, it is a short taxi ride to John Gardner's Boyhood Home.

Vladimir Nabokov's Cornell University

While not strictly in upstate New York, Cornell University in Ithaca holds a special place in literary history as the institution where Vladimir Nabokov, the renowned author of "Lolita," taught Russian and European literature. Nabokov's time at Cornell greatly influenced his writing, and the campus serves as a tangible connection to this literary giant. A stroll through the university grounds allows visitors to trace the footsteps of Nabokov and appreciate the intellectual atmosphere that fostered his genius.

• Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

• Distance from NYC: 240 miles

• Best way to get there from NYC: Take the train from Penn Station to Ithaca Station. The train ride takes about 3 hours. From Ithaca Station, it is a short taxi ride to Cornell University.