Things to Do Around the Troy, Albany, and Schenectady Areas

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New York is a diverse state full of amazing things to do. People travel from all over the world to visit the area. Although New York City is the most popular destination, it isn’t the only cool place to visit. Troy, Albany, and Schenectady also have some great sights to behold. In fact, Albany is actually the capital of New York, which makes it a hotspot for tourists all year long. In this article, our experts here at DePaula Chevy will share with you some of our favorite places to visit in the area.

5 Things to Do in Troy

Located in Rensselaer County on the eastern banks of the Hudson River, Troy is a smaller city with roots that go deep. It’s not too far from Albany, so you can get the small-town vibes with a major urban area that’s not very far away. One of the most famous Christmas poems was first published in the Troy Sentinel in 1823, you might know it as The Night Before Christmas or ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Here are five of our favorite things to do in our beloved city of Troy:

#1 – Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

If you are looking for something localized and unique, a great place is the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, visitors are welcome to peruse through the local vendors’ stands for fresh produce, oils, cheeses, honey, spirits, flowers, handmade goods, art, crafts, and everything in-between. You can even find cultural delights such as Dutch and Italian foods.

Location: 49 4th St, Troy, NY 12181

#2 – The Burden Iron Works Museum

Situated along the Hudson River, the Burden Iron Works Museum houses some of the country’s earliest iron and industrial works. You can even learn about the inventor of the Ferris Wheel, George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. Inside, the museum has a very old-world charm to it with dark wood walls and ceilings. The exhibits give you an exclusive look into our nation’s past.

Location: 1 E Industrial Pkwy, Troy, NY 12180

#3 – Joe Bruno Stadium

If you are a baseball fan, then you’ve come to the right city. Troy is home to the Joe Bruno Stadium. It’s the perfect place to watch a game and enjoy hot dogs with the kids. As a family-friendly venue, you will certainly make some amazing memories here.

Location: 80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180

#4 – The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology

If your kids are more interested in tech and science than sports, then the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology is the place to go. Designed for kids between the ages of 18 months and 12 years old, this museum is full of interactive exhibits that foster a learning environment for children to grow and explore.

Location: 250 Jordan Rd, Troy, NY 12180

#5 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

If you are a music lover, then you will certainly enjoy experiencing the sensational Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. This spectacular venue plays host to concerts all year long. For over 145 years, this facility has been the host of countless breathtaking musical performances. Even Ella Fitzgerald graced the stage once upon a time.

Location: 30 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180

5 Things to Do in Albany

As the capital of New York, Albany has plenty to offer its visitors. Four presidents served as governors of New York and had their office in the New York State Capitol building, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, and Martin Van Buren. If that wasn’t enough to love about Albany, the song Yankee Doodle was penned just east of the city. For things to do in this amazing city, here are our top five favorites:

#1 – New York State Museum

As one of the best museums in the entire country, the New York State Museum is home to exhibits that preserve the culture, art, and history of New York. From the Erie Canal to intricate sculptures and everything in-between, you can easily spend an entire day here. There is even a carousel on the 4th floor that is a must-see.

Location: 222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12230

#2 – USS Slater DE-766

As a retired naval destroyer, the USS Slater was one of the nautical escorts that battled against Nazi U-Boats during World War II. Tasked with defending against Kamikaze attacks, this surviving naval ship is the only remaining Destroyer left in existence today. You can take a tour of this slice of history and experience what life was like for sailors back in 1945.

Location: 1 Quay St, Albany, NY 12202

#3 – New York State Capitol

Serving as the governor’s seat since the 1880s, the New York State Capitol is over 125 years old. Its grand 19th-century architectural design is quite breathtaking. It took five architects 32 years to complete, and it was made from solid masonry by hand. You can go inside and take a look at where government proceedings have taken place for over a century. You can even take a few photos on the Million Dollar Staircase to preserve your memories.

Location: State St. and, Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224

#4 – Washington Park

The Washington Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1985. Their goal is to preserve the Washington Park for generations to come. The park is home to Washing Park Lake, the Lake House and Amphitheater, the Knox Street Mall, and the famous Albany Benches. The lake spans over five acres and features a famous footbridge where you can take some fantastic photos. If you want even better pictures, the Albany Benches were designed for just that.

Location: Washington Park, Albany, NY

#5 – Schuyler Mansion

If you want to experience what living in a Georgian-style home was like during the American Revolutionary War, then the Schuyler Mansion is the place to go. Home of Major-General Philip Schuyler, this stunning mansion will take you back in time to another era.

Location: 32 Catherine St, Albany, NY 12202

Things to Do in Schenectady

Slightly larger than Troy but much smaller than Albany, Schenectady is another great area to visit in New York. Schenectady is rich with history, as Thomas Edison’s General Electric Company was founded there in 1892, and it’s where George Westinghouse invented the rotary engine and air brakes. Visiting historic sites isn’t all that Schenectady has to offer, check out these five wonderful places in this beautiful city:

#1 – Proctor’s Theater

If you enjoy Broadway theater, then Proctor’s Theater is a great place to put on your list. Shows such as Mama Mia, West Side Story, and The Phantom of the Opera have all been performed live on this stage.

Location: 432 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305

#2 – Central Park Rose Garden

Do you need to take a moment to stop and smell the roses? The Central Park Rose Garden is the perfect place to do just that. With over 4,000 rose bushes, this 50-year-old establishment is the best smelling spot on the East Coast. There is no doubt that you will be presented with some amazing photo opportunities here as well.

Location: 1791 Central Pkwy, Schenectady, NY 12309

#3 – Via Aquarium

If you are looking to explore the depths of the sea, try visiting the Via Aquarium. This 25,000 square-foot facility is home to over 2,000 sea creatures across 37 exhibits. You can even touch a stingray and walk through the immersive ocean tunnel!

Location: 93 W Campbell Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306

#4 – Museum of Innovation and Science

Curious minds will find refuge at the Museum of Innovation and Science. Home to a planetarium and learning center as well over 15,000 historical objects, you can explore the 3,500 square-foot facility all day long. Special programs have been put in place for kids ranging from ages 4 to 18 so that everyone will have something to do.

Location: 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308

#5 – Schenectady Greenmarket

Experience the festive Schenectady Greenmarket every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for the best musical performances and shopping experiences. With over 60 vendors, you can buy local produce and artisan crafts.

Location: 105 Jay St, Schenectady, NY 12305