Something you might not realize until you stop to think about it, New York is home to quite a few small towns that have been said to be the source of inspiration for some of our favorite books and films. Before we’ve mentioned how the town of Chittenango is like stepping into a modern-day scene from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with it being L. Frank Baum’s hometown and all. But if you head just over an hour west of Chittenango, you’ll find another magical town that will completely charm you. Let’s take a look!

Home to roughly 7,000 residents out in the Finger Lakes region, Seneca Falls can be found not too far from the northern shores of Cayuga Lake.

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The waterfront town has views of the Seneca River and Van Cleef Lake, making for beautiful scenery.

It’s A Wonderful Life Museum/Facebook

The town has historically been known for it’s part in the Women’s Rights Movement, with the Women’s Rights National Historical Park being in town right on Fall Street.

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You’ll find historical markers throughout the town reminding you of just how special this place has long been, and beautiful architecture along the water like Trinity Episcopal Church that’s also on Fall Street.

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Boaters from all around make their way to this area to view Seneca Falls’ scenery from the local canal, with free docking on the north and south side of the canal.

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When it comes to outdoor recreation, you have quite a few options which is always a good problem to have!

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The most popular place in town to get some fresh air is the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, but you can also explore Cayuga Lake State Park and the Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve.

Lincoln Spaulding/Flickr

And it wouldn’t be a true visit to the Finger Lakes if your getaway didn’t involve any wine.

Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery/Facebook

Stop in to Seneca Falls and grab a drink at the Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery.

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Another reason you’ll find the town attracting tourists and out-of-town visitors is because Seneca Falls is said to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life!

It’s A Wonderful Life Museum/Facebook

Seneca Falls is home to the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum that opened up back in 2010, full of rare items that are related to the iconic film.

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During the holiday season the town comes to life, giving people yet another reason to come and visit with Seneca Falls’ annual It’s A Wonderful Life Festival.

It’s A Wonderful Life Festival/Facebook

Set within a magical Christmas town, the highly anticipated 71st Anniversary Celebration will take place on December 8th, 9th and 10th this year.

It’s A Wonderful Life Museum/Facebook While the town of Seneca Falls is beautiful to experience during each and every season, it’s during the month of December when the annual festival is going on that most people make their way out to here. The annual celebration will feature presentations by cast members from the movie, new exhibits at the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum, a jazz orchestra and so much more.

To find out more information about Seneca Falls’ It’s A Wonderful Life Festival, click here.

Looking for a unique place to stay in the area? Then you’ll want to check in to This Castle That’s One Of The Most Unique Hotels In New York!

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It’s A Wonderful Life Museum/Facebook

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Nicholas Ng/Flickr

Lincoln Spaulding/Flickr

Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery/Facebook

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It’s A Wonderful Life Festival/Facebook

While the town of Seneca Falls is beautiful to experience during each and every season, it’s during the month of December when the annual festival is going on that most people make their way out to here. The annual celebration will feature presentations by cast members from the movie, new exhibits at the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum, a jazz orchestra and so much more.

To find out more information about Seneca Falls’ It’s A Wonderful Life Festival, click here.

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