As travel expenses continue to rise, many are seeking affordable summer getaways. A recent Airbnb report has highlighted Westfield, New Yorkas one of the top budget-friendly summer destinations in the country. This recognition comes as no surprise to local business owners, who have long known the town’s appeal.
The report indicates that a third of summer travelers are opting to stay closer to home, with rural destinations offering memorable experiences at a lower cost. Westfield, with its wine trail cultureLake Erie shorelineand historic architecturefits this trend perfectly. The report compares Westfield’s appeal to that of the Finger Lakes regionnoting that average nightly rates in Westfield come in under $250.
Westfield’s Unique Appeal
Chris Riedeselowner of Mumpsimus Booksechoes the report’s findings. “We have so much to offer here,” he says. “We have the Great Lakes right here. We have a great small town vibe. We have this interesting downtown where people can walk up and down and eat at interesting restaurants and shop at interesting stores.” Riedesel recently relocated his shop to a new downtown location, highlighting the summer season’s importance to local businesses.
Kathy Archerowner of Full Strength Coffee Co.has also seen the seasonal influx grow since opening her shop in. “Once we opened and kind of got our feet under us, it’s been wonderful business for us ever since,” she says. Archer notes that the summer season is crucial for local businesses, with winter being more laid back and quiet.
The Wine Trail and Beyond
Westfield sits at the heart of grape country, with the wine trail being a significant draw. Fred Johnsonowner of Johnson Estate Winerybrings a unique perspective to the area’s growth. Johnson, who majored in development economics at Cornell Universityhas seen the wine trail’s success firsthand. “A big piece of that has been the wine trail, of which we are a founding member,” he says.
Johnson notes that the growth has been significant, with his winery alone seeing well over 100,000 people a year, mostly in the summer. He also points to the role of Airbnb and vacation rental platforms in addressing what was once a significant obstacle to tourism in the area. “Now Airbnb and vacation rental by owner provide that, especially in the summer season,” Johnson says.
Year-Round Attractions
Johnson also highlights attractions that extend well beyond the summer months. “Not only are the vineyards and the wineries and downtown restaurants attractive here, but in the fall, we’ve got some of the best trout fishing in the world,” he says. He also mentions the Chautauqua Institution and Lake Chautauquajust 8 miles away, as well as the best walleye fishing just off the shores of Lake Erie.
When asked what keeps visitors coming back year after year, Johnson says no single factor deserves the credit. “It is all the pieces coming together to allow us to be, if you like, the Norman Rockwell placethe all-American small town,” he says. “It’s the wine trail’s success, the winery success, the downtown merchants’ success, the advent of Airbnbs and vacation rental by owners, all of that.”
The Draw of the Lakes
Archer points to the water as the single biggest draw. “I think Lake Eriethe water, there’s a lot of fishing, people just like to canoe or kayak, swim, look for beach glass,” she says. “The water is so soothing to people, and I think either lake, but Lake Erie is bigger, and it’s right off the thruway, so I think really the lake is what brings people in, and then everything else is a bonus.”
Riedesel agrees, noting that the pace of life is what resonates most with visitors. “The slower pace, the vibe of everything, you can relax and take it easy and do what you want,” he says. “And for the most part, it’s gonna be very affordable.”
The Airbnb report noted that 86% of travelers, and 94% of Gen Z travelers, say they are interested in rural getaways. Westfield was listed alongside destinations including Bellingham, Wash.Eastport, Maineand Marfa, Texasas a hidden gem alternative to more expensive and well-known summer spots.
