All across the state there are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Charming small towns, quaint villages, and scenes straight out of a Hallmark movie. And each of these areas has their own culture filled with unique history, eateries, shops, nature, and art. While many articles focus on one town and dive into all of the great things to do there, let's take a look at a wider range. Here are some cute towns and villages with great places to visit near Oswego, New York.

To celebrate the iconic film's 50th anniversary this year, venues across the state are showing special screenings and producing live renditions of the musical. For five decades fans have been attending interactive screenings for The Rocky Horror Picture Show with props included. And with Halloween around the corner, there is no better time to watch the film. Here are all of the screenings and performances of Rocky Horror in Syracuse and surrounding cities.

During their theatre season, the Rev Theatre in Auburn partners with Prison City Brewing and Cellar & Folly Whiskey to create signature cocktails themed around the current show. So enjoy a night out with dinner and drinks before going to see a show at the theater.

There are plenty of board game stores and cafes, gaming groups, and gaming events in Syracuse that embrace board games, video games, and other gaming culture. Things kick off this weekend with the annual CuseCon event and continue next month with RetroGameCon. The Oncenter also adds some concerts to the calendar.

If you're looking for a great place to take a day trip this fall, head up to Oswego County. The leaves are changing, the landscape is gorgeous, and the small town charm is calling you. There are plenty of things to do in Phoenix, NY to fill a day-long itinerary.

Since the Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, its the perfect time to acknowledge the legacy of its offshoots as well. Because there are several things to do along the Oswego Canal that are just as interesting and unique as the rest of the canal system. While the Erie Canal connected Albany through to Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, the Oswego Canal connected those cities to Lake Ontario and, subsequently, the St. Lawrence River.

Since 1947, generations of the Behling family have been harvesting fruit in Mexico, NY. Now Jenna Behling is adding craft beer and gourmet hot dogs to that list at 6 Acres Farm Brewery.

Upstate New York wouldn't be the way it is today without the construction of the Erie Canal. It helped establish the cities across the state as the canal moved products inland from the oceanic ports. From Albany through Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, to Buffalo, the ports along the canal grew into the biggest cities in Upstate. With the completion of the canal in 1825, this year marks the bicentennial, and there are Erie Canal Bicentennial events all year long to celebrate. From festivals and talks to beer releases and walking tours, find what events you're most interested in and celebrate New York history.

This year, Open Farm Day in Madison County features over 20 local farms inviting guests to experience it all on Saturday, July 26. Animal interactions, cut-your-own flowers, farm tours, farmers' markets, and more behind-the-scenes activities are available for visitors.

This Pride Month, there seem to be more events than ever celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Drag shows, bingo nights, fundraisers, pride nights, parades, festivals... You name it, and it's one of the Pride Month events in Syracuse or the surrounding communities.

There's something so charming about finding the perfect cup of coffee at a cozy cafe. And I've recently discovered so many new charming coffee shops in Oswego County! Each one has its own unique character and a delicious assortment of drinks and pastries. Turkish pastries. A coffee shop located in an old bank building. A cafe dedicated to both books and coffee. All that and more await you on your newest coffee adventures.

The Wedge, the new restaurant owned by The Curd Nerd's Sarah Simiele is opening next week. Like the shop next door, The Wedge restaurant will focus on all things cheese, carefully crafted by Sarah and her team of both locally and nationally renowned staff. The vibe is cozy. Each dish is delicious. The staff is approachable, yet knowledgeable. And I can't wait to go back.

With the recent addition of two new Vietnamese restaurants in Syracuse, there are now four places to order pho around town. But which one is the best?