Destination
SCHENECTADY
Destination
SHENECTADY
We invite you to experience Schenectady You’ll discover fascinating history, world-renowned entertainment, unique shopping, eclectic restaurants and vibrant nightspots. Located on the historic Erie Canal in the Capital-Saratoga region, Schenectady has an incredible past stretching from its colonization in 1661, through the opening of the Erie Canal and onward toward the birth of General Electric. Today, Schenectady is known for its historic districts and the wonderful cultural venues. The city has a resident ballet, symphony and several theaters including Proctors – home to an I-Werks Theater, Black Box and its main stage located in a restored Vaudeville theater. You can see an impressive array of performances including shows direct from Broadway, international ballet and opera, and nationally known performers. There are also several community theaters, art galleries, special events, museums and numerous historic sites – including the Stockade, New York State’s oldest historic district. Just a short drive from downtown, nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nine nature preserves and parks located in the county with hiking, fishing and hunting opportunities. The MohawkHudson Bike trail passes through the county and is accessible from many locations. There is a multitude of water activities including canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and fishing on the Mohawk River.
Come and Enjoy! For more information please contact:
The Chamber of Schenectady County (800) 962-8007 · www.sayschenectady.org or The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (518) 377-9430 · www.downtownschenectady.com
Whether you plan to visit our nearby neighbors in Albany, Saratoga or Cooperstown, or are passing through Schenectady on your way to the Adirondacks, Berkshires or Western new York, plan to take advantage of our affordable lodging and fine restuarants.
Schenectady is located approximately 30 minutes from Albany, Saratoga and Howe Caverns in Schoharie County and one hour from Cooperstown.
Arts, Culture & History Pages 4 -11
Events Pages 12-17
Sports, Parks and Recreation Accomodations
Pages 18-21
Pages 22-23
Downtown Pages 26-47
Arts, Culture & History Edison Exploratorium
112 Erie Blvd., Schenectady Celebrating and promoting the historic and physical development of engineering technology – much of which was originated, developed and produced in Schenectady. (518) 878-9898
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Empire State Aerosciences Museum
250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville New York State’s aviation history soars here! ESAM presents aviation history from the pioneer era to the jet age, with a focus on New York State. The Museum features two galleries, a Hall of Fame, an Art Gallery, research library, Airpark and flight simulator. (518) 377-2191 www.esam.org
Flint House
421 South Reynolds Street, Scotia Built in 1735, this modified saltbox structure was originally the residence of the Reese family when the Village of Scotia was known as Reeseville, one of the largest broom corn growing areas in the state of New York. (518) 374-2371
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GE Realty Plot Historic District
Union & Wendell Avenues, Schenectady An imposing collection of upperclass homes with numerous examples of elegant early 20th century architecture, including the first fully “electric house” in the Country. Free walking tour map available at the Heritage Area Visitor Center.
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Hamilton Hill Arts Center
409 Schenectady Street, Schenectady This Cultural Arts Center is the only one of its kind in the region, with changing exhibits of works by talented minority artists. (518) 346-1262
Heritage Area Visitor Center
Located at the Schenectady Museum Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady Features exhibits that emphasize the history of Schenectady and its importance to the electrical and railway industries. (518) 382-7890 www.cityofschenectady.com
Mabee Farm Historic Site t
1080 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction The oldest house in the Mohawk Valley (built in the last quarter of the 17th Century). The main farm house, the adjacent inn and the brick house have retained many original characteristics of early Dutch and French Huguenot settlers, with few design alterations. Also on the site are the Mabee Cemetery (some graves dating back to the 1700´s), a blacksmith shop, English style barn, carpenters workshop and a carriage shed. (518) 887-5073 www.schist.org/mabee.htm
Arts, Culture & History Mandeville Gallery
Union College, Union Street, Schenectady The Mandeville Gallery on the second floor of the Nott Memorial is an exhibition space presenting art, science, and history exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary artists; to addressing college, regional, national and international history; and to exploring links between the arts and sciences. Past exhibitions include Norman Rockwell at the Nott; Lessons for Humanity Holocaust Exhibition; Into Focus; Arts on Science; Separate and Together Wolf Kahn and Emily Mason; and A Monument of Progress - The 175th Anniversary of the Erie Canal. The broad range reflects the diverse strengths of Union College. The gallery is free and open to the public during building hours (518) 388-8394 www.union.edu/academics/arts/
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New York Folk Lore Society
133 Jay Street, Schenectady A consignment gallery specializing in affordable folk art from throughout New York State. (518) 346-7008 www.nyfolklore.org
Niskayuna Train Station
Rosendale Road, Niskayuna A restored 19th-century brick station that served the TroySchenectady Railroad route. Picnic area, fishing, boat launch and bike path are also located nearby.
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Schenectady City Hall
Jay Street, Schenectady On the National Register of Historic Places, worldrenowned architects McKim, Mead &White, whose credits include the Boston Public Library and New York City’s Penn Station, built this federal-style structure.
Schenectady County Historical Society Museum
32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady The museum is housed in the Dora Jackson House, which was built in 1895. The three-storied building is in the Federal and Greek Revival style and is filled with an impressive collection of lovely antique furniture, paintings, china and glass. Be sure to see the dollhouse on the second floor, built in 1834 by Joseph Yates, once Governor of New York, for Susan Watkins. The museum houses three floors of original 18th century furniture, paintings, costumes, toys, household and military items. Also home to the Grems Doolittle Library for genealogy. (518) 374-0263 www.schist.org
Arts, Culture & History t
Schenectady County Community College
78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady The college’s Elston Hall is the site of the former Van Curler Hotel, listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Its culinary arts program is renowned – make a reservation to eat in the Casola Dining Room during the fall and spring semesters. The college is also the home of the Empire State Jazz Ensemble. Presenting drama, musical performances and guest artists. (518) 381-1200 www.sunyscc.edu
Schenectady County Public Library
Liberty & Clinton Street, Schenectady Headquarters for the nine braches located in the County, the library provides information, education and recreational resources. (518) 388-4500 www.scpl.org
Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium
Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady The region’s Science and Technology Museum offers the area’s only interactive planetarium, and provides hands-on education programs for children and adults. Includes exhibits that showcase technology and science history, and maintains an internationally regarded archive of electrical history —which contains one of the largest photograph collections in the United States. The museum also maintains a nature preserve and is the home of one of the city’s finest gift shops
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(518) 382-7890 www.schenectadymuseum.org
Stockade Historic District
Erie Blvd. & Union Street, Schenectady New York State’s first historic district is one of the few places in this country where a thriving residential community has occupied the same site for more than 300 years. See homes from the early 1700s, also the home of the Schenectady Historical Society Museum, Riverfront Park, and The Stockade Inn. Free walking tour maps available at the Heritage Area Visitor Center located at the Schenectady Museum. www.historicstockade.com
THEATER Agnes Macdonald Music Haven Stage
June through August. Central Park, Schenectady Since 1990, Second Wind Productions has brought the world to the park, presenting award-winning musicians from around the globe for free in the idyllic setting of Central Park. Voted “Best Pop Summer Concert Series” in the Times Union “Best of 2003” poll, audiences are invited to “travel the world one concert at a time. This wonderful outdoor amphitheater is located in the City’s Central Park. Free concerts and family events. (518) 382-5152
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Proctors
432 State Street, Schenectady Main Stage Theatre presents world-class singers, side-splitting comedians, electrifying dance programs, wonderful classical productions, including opera and symphony orchestras, and their forte, top-notch touring Broadway musicals. GE Theater / IWerks with its massive iwerks extreme screen offers the largest and most exciting, state of the art cinema viewing and listening experience in the Capital Region. Also presenting hilarious stand-up with the Comedy Box and folk and acoustic music along with touring shows and special presentations. 440 Upstairs a 100 seat performance space that hosts a series of intimate regionally exclusive theatre premieres and performances as well as music events and Improv. www.proctors.org (518) 382-3884
Schenectady Civic Players
12 South Church Street, Schenectady The oldest continually performing theater group in the Capital Region captures hearts and minds as they perform a well-balanced mix of professional-quality theater (518) 382-2081
Schenectady Light Opera Company
826 State Street, Schenectady The Schenectady Light Opera Company is a nonprofit community theater organization dedicated to the presentation of amateur theater
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productions. They have presented more than 200 quality theatrical productions. Visit them now in their 260-seat theatre. (518) 393-5732 www.sloctheater.com
Bow Tie Movie Theater 400 State Street, Schenectady (518) 372-7500 www.bowtiecinemas.com
Loews Rotterdam Square Mall Movie Theater Rotterdam Square Mall Rotterdam, NY 12306 (518) 374-2403
Scotia Cinema
117 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia (518) 393-5732
Union College
Union Street, Schenectady Renowned as the first architecturally designed campus in America and home of the 16 sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic Landmark and a prime example of High Victorian Gothic architecture, Mandeville Gallery, and Memorial Chapel – known for its superb acoustics and the site of the Colleges chamber music series. Free walking tour maps available at the admissions center. www.unioin.edu
Vale Cemetery
907 State Street Self guided walking tours of a rural cemetery with the remains of some of Schenectady’s greatest citizens. Brochures are available at the Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center or at the caretaker’s office.
Events Events Art Night Schenectady
3rd Friday every month, 5-9 pm Downtown Schenectady Local artists (painters, performers, sculpture, potters, etc.) display their work in local galleries and business. Free Trolley. (518) 372-5656 www.artnightschenectady.com
Capital Region Holiday Parade
Saturday before Thanksgiving, 5 pm State Street and Erie Boulevard, Schenectady Largest nighttime parade in the northeast, attracting thousands of spectators. Bands, lighted floats, marchers, and of course, Santa Claus. (518) 372-5656
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Colonial Reenactment
May Mabee Farm, Rotterdam A reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle by more than 100 reenactors, colonial settlers and demonstrations of colonial crafts. (518) 877-5073 www.schist.org/mabee
Colonial Festival
February Schenectady County A celebration of Schenectady’s Colonial heritage with events throughout the month of February. Exhibits, entertainment, tours, lectures, workshops. (800) 962-8007 www.sayschenectady.org
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Schenectady County Winter Carnival February Maple Ski Ridge A fun filled family day of winter activities, entertainment, and refreshments. 518-388-4355 www.schenectadycounty.com
US Water Ski Show Team
Tuesday evening July of August Jumpin’ Jakcs, Schonowe Avenue and Rt 5, Scotia If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a summers evening, then come and visit Schenectady’s best kept secret. Performing professional level water ski shows on the Mohawk River in beautiful Scotia, NY. Conveniently located at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive In, shows are conducted every Tuesday with practice sessions held most weekday evenings. Experience beauty, grace, thrills and raw power as the team performs one amazing act after another. Pyramids, barefoot skiing, ballet, ski jumping and more. www.uswaterskishowteam.com
Farmers Market
May – October, Thursdays, 9 pm-2 pm, Adjacent to City Hall Weekly offerings of locally grown fresh produce, flowers and products.
Events Freedom Park Concert Series
June – August Schonowee Avenue, Scotia Enjoy free summer concerts and children’s program s along the banks of the Mohawk River. (518) 370-0662 www.freedomparkscotia.org
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Kid’s Arts Festival
June, Jay Street, Schenectady Continuous family entertainment. Toddler and children’s arts activities, refreshments. www.sayschenectady.org
Jazz on Jay
June - August, Noon – 1:30 PM Free lunch time concerts on Jay Street
Harley Rendezvous
Mid-June Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville Annual three-day event for Harley enthusiasts. Motorcycle rodeo, antique bikes, vendors, refreshments, camping, hot showers and restroom facilities, general store.
Italian Festival
September Little Italy, N. Jay Street, Schenectady Authentic festival celebrating Italian culture and heritage with sumptuous food, vendors, and entertainment. (800) 962-8007
Keepers of the Circle
Main Street, Rotterdam Junction Native American Cultural Center
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located on a 2-acre site on the Mohawk River. Small museum, gift shop, nature trails, education center. (518) 887-2590
Lock 7-12 Canalfest
July - locations in Schenectady and Montgomery Counties Numerous musical performances, concerts, multicultural dance and participatory activities. Historic artisans and demonstrations, reenactments, tours of historic buildings and sites along the Canal. Water Activities including Boat Rides, Kayak lessons, Water Ski Show, Boat Parade and Historic Boats. Story telling, face painting, walking/hiking tours, children’s games, rides, and fireworks. www.lock7-12canalfest.org
Magic and Melodies
December State & Jay Street, Schenectady Holiday carolers, woodcarvings, crafts, carriage rides and tree lighting are highlights of this holiday offering. (518 377-9430 www.downtownschenectady.com
Events Stockade Art Show
September, Stockade Historic District Annual juried art show – fine arts, paintings and sculpture with over 125 artists from Northeastern Unties States participating. www.historicstockade.com
St. George Greek Festival September Liberty Street, Schenectady Live entertainment, delicious homemade Greek specialties, dancing and crafts.
Schenectady Symphony Performances
September – June Proctors Theatre, 432 State Street, Schenectady A community orchestra, which presents live classical music performances and showcases talented local musicians. The group also provides musical appreciation and education opportunities within the community. 372-2500 www.schenectadysymphony.org
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Stockade Walkabout and Waterfront Faire
September Stockade Historic District Explore the oldest historic district in New York State, tours of private homes and historic places. Children’s activities, crafts, carriage rides, entertainment, refreshments. www.downtownschenectady.org (518) 377-9430
Stockade-a-thon
November Classic 15K race that has been held for more than 25 years. Course
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winds through the Stockade Historic district. More than 1,000 participants from throughout New York State and Western New England.
Summer Night
3rd Friday in July State Street and Jay Street, Schenectady Downtown festival with three stages and a plethora of entertainment options, refreshments, vendors, crafts and of course, fireworks! (518) 388-355 www.schenectadychamber.org
World Team Tennis
July MVP Stadium, Central Park, Schenectady Catch the New York Buzz and tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova, and Anna Kournikova. (518) 378-BUZZ www.nybuzzwtt.com
Sports, Parks & Recreation Bicycling Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway A 30-mile trail along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Great for hikers, bicyclists and rollerbladers. Free maps at Chamber Visitor Center or by calling 1-800-962-8007
Boating Arrowhead Marina & RV Park 2 Van Buren Lane, Scotia Dockage, store, on Mohawk River (518) 382-8966 Boat House 2855 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna Kayak and canoe rentals available MayOctober (518)393-5711 www.boathousecanoeskayaks.com Erie Canal Lock 7 Park Lock 7 Road, Niskayuna Boat launch, picnic area Mohawk Valley Marine 47 Mohawk Avenue, Alplaus Boat launch, storage, service (518) 399-2719 Kiwanis Park Route 5S, Rotterdam Boat Launch, picnic area Lighthouse Restaurant and Waters Edge Marina Freeman’s Bridge Road (518) 393-0305 Freeman’s Bridge Road Boat Launch Freeman’s Bridge Rd, Glenville State Boat Launch facility, free
Family Recreation Bumpy’s Polar Freeze (518) 395-3314 Checkered Flag Go Kart Track (518) 377-7650 Glenville Mini Sportsplex (518) 393-4140 Tri-City BMX (518) 382-2691
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Golf Briar Creek Golf Course
Pangburn Road, Rotterdam
18 hole golf course, putting green, golf carts (518) 355-6145 Hill Crest Golf Course Giffords Church Road, Schenectady Par 37, 9 hole golf course. (518) 355-9817 Maria Mountain Golf Course 4531 Duanesburg Chs. Rd, Delanson Par 36, 9 hole golf course. Driving range, golf carts (518) 864-5142 Mohawk Golf Course Union Street, Schenectady Par 71, 18 hole Golf Course. Driving Range, Putting Green, Golf Carts. Spike less (518) 374-9124 Schenectady Municipal Golf Course Oregon Avenue, Schenectady Par 72, 18 hole golf course. Driving range, putting green, golf carts, spike less. Restaurant. (518) 382-5155 Stadium Golf Club 333 Jackson Avenue, Schenectady Par 71, 18-hole facility, complete with driving range, putting greens, restaurant and pro shop. (518) 374-9104 www.stadumgolfclub.com Whispering Pines 2200 Helderberg Ave. Rotterdam (518) 355-2724
Indoor Sports Facilities Center City Arena 433 State Street Host to a semi professional soccer team – the Electric City Shockers and 200 soccer teams. Rock Climbing Wall and trade show space. (518) 382-5104 Frank Messa Rink At Achilles Center Union College, Schenectady The Messa Rink is the home of men and women’s ice hockey. The men’s team competes at the Division 1 level with such institutions as Harvard, Yale and Cornell and the women’s team recently moved to varsity status. (518) 388-6000 www.union.edu
Sports, Parks & Recreation Schenectady County Ice Rink Schenectady County Airport
Parks & Nature Preserves Central Park Central Parkway & Wright Ave, Schenectady Music Haven Stage, Basketball, Bocce, Casino Restaurant, Greenhouse, Baseball fields, MVP Appleby Tiny Tot Land, Pedal Boats, Picnic Pavilion, Public Tennis Courts, Rose Garden, Swimming Pool, World Team Tennis (518) 382-5151 Collins Park/Freedom Park Route 5 & Schonowee Avenue Scotia Picnic area, playground, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, and swimming. Free Summer concerts and family entertainment. (518) 374-8611 County Forest Preserve Lake Road, Duanesburg 102 acres serves as a multi-recreational park with hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, X-country skiing. (518) 386-2225 Erie Canal Lock Parks Lock 7 Park River Road Niskayuna. Picnic Area, boat launch, (800) 4CANAL4; www.canals.state.ny.us Lock 8 Park Rice Road, Rotterdam. Picnic Area (800) 4CANAL4; www.canals.state.ny.us Lock 9 Park Rte. 103. Picnic Area (800) 4CANAL4; www.canals.state.ny.us Indian Kill Nature Preserve Maple Avenue, Glenville 100-acre preserve that follows the banks of the Indian Kill. Diverse habitats including climax forest, past farmed fields, wetlands and young forest. Hiking, fishing www.govt.co.schenectady.us Jackson Gardens
Union College, Schenectady
Begun in the 1830s by Captain Isaac Jackson of the Mathematics Department at Union College, Jackson´s Garden is
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eight acres of formal gardens and woodlands. In the garden is Hans Groot’s Kill, the brook that bounds through Union’s grounds in the College song, as well as the Robinson Herb Garden and the Stanley and Geraldine Levine Wildflower Garden. Kappa Alpha Gate, one entryway to the garden, is well known for its motto: “Climb high, climb far; Your goal the sky, Your aim the star.” www.union.edu Plotterkill Nature Preserve Mariaville Road, Rotterdam 632 acres surrounding a 2.5-mile gorge. Three large waterfalls cascade down the Kill creating a spectacular site in the spring. Hiking www.govt.co.schenectady.us Rose Garden at Central Park Central Parkway and Wright Ave, Schenectady The rose garden’s beauty and uniqueness have made it a favorite destination of city residents and visitors alike. Named an All-America Rose Selection display test garden, a designation held by only 125 gardens nationally. Thousands of roses of all varieties and colors bloom each year room the middle of June throughout the fall. (518) 382-5152 Vale Park Nott Terrace, Schenectady Playground, picnic pavilion and miles of trails in this valley cut by the Cowhorn Creek. www.valepark.org
Skiing Maple Ski Ridge 2725 Mariaville Rd., Rotterdam (518) 381-4700 Oak Hill Farms Cross County Ski Center 1206 Oak Hill Road, Esperance (518) 875-6700
Skydiving Tandem skydiving or accelerated freefall using state of the art equipment and the most current instructional methods. Duanesburg Skydiving Club (518) 895-8140 www.duanesburgskydiving.com Mohawk Valley Skydiving (518) 370-5867 www.mohawkvalleyskydiving.com
Snowmobile Trails
Maps available. www.frontiersnow.tripod.com
Accomodations Bed & Breakfasts English Garden
205 Union Street, Schenectady www.englishgardenbandb.com Mariaville Lake Bed & Breakfast
176 Batter Street, Pattersonville (518) 864-5252 Van Voast House Bed & Breakfast
1353 Union Street (518) 393-1634
Camping Arrowhead Marina & RV Park
2 Van Buren Lane, Scotia (518) 382-8966 www.gocampingamerica.com/ arrowheadrvny
Frosty Acres Campground
1560 Skyline Drive, Rotterdam (518) 864-5352 www.frostyacrescampground.com
Hotels/Motels/Inns Belvedere Hotel
1926 Curry Road, Schenectady (518) 630-4020 www.albanynyhotels.com Days Inn
167 Nott Terrace, Schenectady (800) DAYSINN www.daysinn.com Econolodge
759 State Street, Schenectady (518) 393-6692 www.econolodge.com
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Glen Sanders Mansion & Inn
One Glen Ave, Scotia (518) 374-7262 www.glensandersmansion.com Hampton Inn
State Street, Schenectady (518) 377-4500 www.hamptonschenectady.com Holiday Inn
100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady (800) HOLIDAY www.holidayinnschenectady.com L&M Motel
2 Rice Road, Rotterdam (518) 372-4731 Parker Inn
434 State Street, Schenectady (518) 688-1001 www.parkerinn.com Quality Inn
2788 Hamburg Street, Schenectady (518) 355-1111 Scotia Motel
3 Neal Street, Scotia (518) 346-3032 Stockade Inn
1 N. Church St., Schenectady (518) Super 8 Motel
3083 Carman Rd, Rotterdam (800) 800-8000 www.super8.com