Just 18 miles from Albany and 170 miles from New York City, Schenectady is a small city in the midst of vibrant urban renewal. New investments have brought a resurgence of arts and culture to Schenectady. Meanwhile, Schenectady boasts expansive parks, two colleges, a large and highly-praised hospital system, and five historic neighborhoods. This page highlights some favorite events and activities.
Historic Places in Schenectady
The Union Triangle Neighborhood borders Union College–If you’ve seen the movie The Way We Were, you may have already glimpsed the beauty of this green campus. Surrounding areas also offer amazing sites for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Historic Union Triangle Neighborhood
Historic G.E. Realty Plot Neighborhood
Historic Stockade Neighborhood
The Nott Memorial at Union College
Films, Concerts & Theater in Schenectady
I’m a cheap date… I love to go to the free films and other events at the Schenectady Public Library. Then, when I want to spurge, I put down $6 for flicks at Proctor’s GE Theater. But even when I head out to one of the City’s more upscale venues, an evening’s entertainment is surprisingly affordable.
Schenectady Symphony Orchestra
Festivals, Events, and Farmer’s Markets in Schenectady
Strawberry festivals, art exhibits, street musicians, oh my. Here’s a sampling of special events in Schenectady. For lots of action, keep an eye on Jay Street, State Street by Proctors, the Stockade, and Upper Union Street.
Schenectady County Special Events
Museums in Schenectady
Schenectady Museum and Planetarium
Schenecady County Historical Society
Sports & Outdoor Recreation in Schenectady
Restaurants in Schenectady
Dozens of restaurants are a short stroll from the Union Triangle Neighborhood. This list includes a few of my favorites, but don’t be afraid to explore.
Western Union Street: Walk a few blocks west on Union Street for a variety of pubs, small eateries with sidewalk cafes, and the upscale Chez Nous French restaurant.
Little Italy: Turn right onto North Jay Street for Italian fare in the Little Italy neighborhood. The folksy family-run Perreca’s Bakery and the adjoining More Perreca’s Café have become local favorites.
Downtown: Follow Jay Street south for an assortment of shops and restaurants serving light fare. On State Street near Proctors, you can sample sushi at Bangkok Bistro, Tex-Mex at Bomber’s Burrito Bar, upscale Mexican at Mexican Radio, and fine dining at Aperitivo.
Upper Union Street: The Upper Union shopping area is about one mile east of the Union Triangle Neighborhood. Here you’ll find fast food, bagels, pizza, burritos, Chinese, and Japanese, and the not-to-be-missed Gershon’s Deli.
And then, of course, there’s always Denny’s, just around the corner.
Schools in Schenectady
Schenectady County Community College