Upstate & The Electric City
A quick three-day escape to explore the Mohawk Valley, the historic "Electric City" of Schenectady, and the charming surrounding hills.
NYC → Hudson → Schenectady → Thacher Park → Saratoga Springs → NYC
- If you're a fan of old-school theater, check the schedule at Proctors in downtown Schenectady; it's a beautifully restored vaudeville house that hosts major Broadway tours.
Gateway to the Mohawk
260km, 3h drive
New York City
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.
Olana State Historic Site
Olana State Historic Site is a historic house museum and landscape in Greenport, New York, near the city of Hudson. The estate was home to Frederic Edwin Church (1826–1900), one of the major figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. The centerpiece of Olana is an eclectic villa which overlooks parkland and a working farm designed by the artist.
Stockade Historic District
The Stockade Historic District is located in the northwest corner of Schenectady, New York, United States, on the banks of the Mohawk River. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, continuously inhabited for more than 300 years.
Rivers Casino & Resort
End your first day at the waterfront. Even if you aren't into gambling, the "Mohawk Harbor" area is great for a sunset walk and a solid dinner by the river.
Innovation & Nature
Schenectady is the "City that Lights and Hauls the World." Spend your morning here exploring the GE heritage exhibits and the planetarium. It’s nerd heaven in the best way possible.
Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci)
Schenectady is the "City that Lights and Hauls the World." Spend your morning here exploring the GE heritage exhibits and the planetarium. It’s nerd heaven in the best way possible.
Central Park Rose Garden
Head over to the city's Central Park. If you’re here in season, the rose garden is spectacular. It’s a quiet, local gem for a mid-day picnic.
Thacher State Park
John Boyd Thacher State Park is a state park located 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Albany, New York, near Voorheesville, in Albany County on State Route 157. Located mostly atop the Helderberg Escarpment, the park has several hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Taconic Mountains of the Hudson Valley.
Upper Union Street
Head back into town for dinner. This area has some of the best local eateries away from the main downtown strip—try some authentic Italian food, which the region is famous for.
Mineral Springs & The Ride Home
Just a 30-minute hop north of Schenectady. Even if it's not horse racing season, you have to see the Hall of Springs and taste the naturally carbonated mineral water from the various fountains (be warned: some taste like sulfur, some are delicious!).
Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Spa State Park is a 2,379-acre (9.63 km2) state park located in Saratoga County, New York in the United States. The park is in the City of Saratoga Springs, near US 9 and NY 50.
Congress Park
Walk around downtown Saratoga Springs for some window shopping and a quick lunch before the trek back south.
New York City
New York (known as "The Big Apple", "NYC," and often called "New York City") is a global center for media, entertainment, art, fashion, research, finance, and trade. The bustling, cosmopolitan heart of the 4th largest metropolis in the world and by far the most populous city in the United States, New York has long been a key entry point and a defining city for the nation.