Troy

Troy is located on the western edge of Rensselaer County and on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. Troy has close ties with the nearby cities of Albany and Schenectady, forming a region popularly called the Capital District. This area makes up the bulk of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area with a population of 850,957. Troy is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Russell Sage College, Hudson Valley Community College and the Emma Willard School, and was the hometown of Uncle Sam.

Stretching for 30 miles along the scenic and historic Hudson River, Rensselaer County boasts thousands of acres of parks, miles of hiking and walking trails and scores of lakes and ponds. Community playgrounds, bike paths, recreational fields, nature trails, ice skating arenas, cross country ski trails and golf courses highlight the beauty of the County.

Stroll along window shopping for unique gifts and exotic finds, or explore among wayside country stores and antique dealers for that one-of-a-kind treasure from yesteryear. In downtown Troy, visit the Antiques District on River Street where collectibles spill out onto the sidewalk and you never know what treasure may catch your eye.

Stop in for coffee at a cozy cafe, or dine outside on the riverfront as the sun sets. Rensselaer County is filled with restaurants, eateries, lunch shops and more, with choices ranging from gourmet to family-friendly to downright eclectic dining. You can do it all in the Rensselaer Gateway. The convenience of today alongside the charm of yesterday gives you all you could ask for in a shopping and dining experience.

DID YOU KNOW?
Many historical figures called Rensselaer County home. Educator Emma Willard, Financier Russell Sage, and others have all left lasting academic and philanthropic legacies. Samuel B. Wilson, known as Uncle Sam is buried at Troys beautiful Oakwood Cemetery and is memorialized with a 15-foot high aluminum statue in downtown Troy. In 1864, Kate Mullany and Ester Keegan established the nations first female labor union, The Collar Laundry. Visitors can still view Ms. Mullanys house, which is a historical landmark.

The patriotic Yankee Doodle, a wartime marching song, is said to have been composed at the Van Rensselaer Manor House, Fort Crailo, in the City of Rensselaer, where today a museum commemorates the legend.

The American classic, Twas the Night Before Christmas, was penned in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore and published in the Troy Sentinel. A plaque located on historic River Street in the antiques district, marks the site of the former newspaper building.

It was in the Village of Hoosick Falls that an art collector named Louis Caldor discovered an appealing display of primitive and colorful art at the local drugstore. The artist was an untrained woman in her 70s. Since then, Grandma Moses works have gone on to immortalize the everyday rural life of Rensselaer County and are sought-after by art collectors.

There are more than 55 waterfalls in Rensselaer County, adding to the beauty of the area and its quality of life. Historically, these waterfalls powered everything from grist mills to iron works, providing a natural source of energy that assisted the region in becoming am important leader in the industrial revolution. Today, the waterfalls boost the areas attraction for tourists.

Rensselaer County has more authentic Tiffany brand windows per square mile than anywhere else. Some of the finest examples are installed at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Troy, built in 1826 and remodeled by the Tiffany Glass and Decoration Co. in the 1890s. The churchs windows attract enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Agri-Tourism

Every year tourists visit Rensselaer County for its rural landscapes and “agri-tourism,” a catch word for family fun down on the farm. Rensselaer County has approximately 545 farms on more than 92,000 acres, about 20 percent of the county’s acreage. County farms have a production value of about $30 million.

Also, with 85 orchards in the region, theres always an activity for everyone in the family. During the growing season, the bounty includes locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, baked goods, crafts and even buffalo hides. You can buy straight from the farm or visit one of the many farmers markets open around the county.

Cultural Attractions

The county boasts many outstanding cultural attractions to suit everyones interests, including the Arts Center of the Capital Region, Childrens Museum of Science & Technology, the New York State Theatre Institute, the Rensselaer County Historical Society, the world renowned Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Uncle Sams Gravesite in the Oakwood Cemetery.

Recreational Activities

Stretching for 30 miles along the scenic and historic Hudson River, Rensselaer County boasts thousands of acres of parks, miles of hiking and walking trails, and scores of lakes and ponds. Grafton Lakes Stat Park and Cherry Plain State Park offer swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. Riverfront parks along the Hudson provide exceptional recreational opportunities. Residents can enjoy family style events year round, with waterfront festivals, parades, concerts, professional sports, exhibits and educational programs.

Annual Events

The region is home to countless annual events with all ages in mind, including the CanalFest, Troy Flag Day parade (the largest parade in the nation celebrating Old Glory), the Uncle Sam Day Parade, the Schaghticoke Fair, the Rensselaer County Apple Festival, the Troy Turkey Trot, the Holiday Greens Show and the Rensselaer County Winter Festival.