Visit 7 of the Capital Region's Most Unusual Places
Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Capital Region is full of both popular attractions and some lesser-known ones. If you'd like to see the coolest and most unusual places in Schenectady, Albany, and Troy, check out our list below!
Smell the Roses in Schenectady’s Central Park
Although it may not have a castle like Central Park in New York City, Schenectady’s Central Park is home to something you may not have expected to find in the city - a public Rose Garden. The Central Park Rose Garden features 4,000 rose bushes that saturate the space with vibrant colors and sweet scents from June through October each year.
Previously maintained by Schenectady’s parks departments, the non-profit Rose Garden Restoration Committee now manages the Central Park Rose Garden, and their mission is to enhance this unique attraction and keep it open for public enjoyment. When the roses are blooming, take a walk through the peaceful garden to see the bright flowers and tiered center fountain.
Gaze at the Majestic Nott Memorial at Union College
Recognized as one of the world’s few 16-sided buildings, The Nott Memorial at Union College in Schenectady stands out as an unusual National Historic Landmark. The High Victorian Gothic-style building is 89 feet in diameter and features a ribbed dome with over 700 small colored glass windows.
The Nott Memorial is dedicated to former Union College president Eliphalet Nott and was built from 1858 to 1879. The building was fairly empty during its early years, but since then, The Nott has been renovated into a modern lecture hall and gallery space for the college.
Take a Stroll Along Jay Street in Schenectady
Downtown Schenectady is a great place for shopping and dining, but have you ever taken a stroll down the pedestrian-only stretch of Jay Street? Located between Franklin Street and State Street, Jay Street is home to a number of local businesses and merchants that are worth checking out. Park your car nearby and enjoy browsing Jay Street's shops and dining options.
Get a Bite to Eat at the National Little League of Albany
Located at the corner of Partridge and Providence Streets, the National Little League of Albany was founded in 1951 and is currently operated by volunteers, parents, and members of the community.
Now, you may be wondering what makes the little league so unusual. It’s not the field, and it’s not the team. Actually, it’s the food! The local little league’s famous Concessions stand offers all kinds of unusually good food and snacks, including the Walking Taco, the National Dog, and the 1951 Burger. Watch a game and try one of these items for yourself.
Watch Theatrical Performances Inside an Old Firehouse
The Albany Civic Theater in Albany is both a hidden gem and an unusual home for a theater. The performing arts venue is inside an old brick firehouse that has been transformed to accommodate a variety of productions each year.
This local theater formed in February 1955, and two years later they established a home at 115 Beaver Street in downtown Albany and created a performing arts space. Unfortunately, due to Governor Rockefeller’s city building plans, a decision was made to move the Albany Civic Theater to an old firehouse. After years of renovations, a stage was built, and the upstairs now features dressing rooms, a wardrobe, a makeup area, and more.
Discover Downtown Troy’s Magnificent Waterfall
When you think about downtown Troy, waterfall is probably not the first word that comes to mind. However, if you take a short drive south of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute campus, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Poestenkill Falls.
The natural attraction stands out as an unusual place among the bustling streets and neighborhoods of downtown Troy. The first stretch of waterfall drops for about 85 feet, turns right, and then drops for another 75 feet into a large pool of water. From there, a smaller 15-foot waterfall completes the Poestenkill Falls.
See Who’s Performing at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy isn’t just an impressive piece of architecture, it’s also a premier live music and performing arts venue. Before it became an arts hotspot, the building housed the Troy Savings Bank’s banking offices in 1870. Soon after, the bank’s Board of Trustees made plans to construct a music hall on the upper floor to show their appreciation for years of patronage by the public.
Today, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization that hosts world-renowned artists and performers year round.