Perhaps in response to Stephen Colbert, the Gazette has put together a list of 10 reasons to love Schenectady. Prompted by the Gazette's list, Natalie Staples -- a biologist at the GE Global Research Center -- put together her own list of 10 things to love about Schenectady (and it's a good list!). You know, we've been talking about having Schenectady Week on AOA...
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My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.
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Comments
You know what's a fun thing to do? Take the train from Albany to Schenectady for a little day trip. It's ridiculous that AmTrak charges something like $18 for a one-way 15 minute train ride to Schenectady.
But it really is great to be able to arrive in Schenectady by train, especially because their train station is actually located in the heart of their downtown (what a novel idea). You walk off the train and grab dinner, a movie, or a show and then hop on the train to come home!
Forget the ticket price for a minute and this experience gives you a glimpse of how awesome it would be to have light rail linking the four cities of the region.
... said Duncan Crary on Feb 3, 2010 at 6:37 PM | link
there is not much i love about schenectady -- and i lived there for about 15 years. the stockade is charming, and the greenmarket during the summer/fall months is actually pretty great...other than that, meh. i cant think of a single restaurant i would *go* to schenectady for, and that picture of the barn that was replaced by a burger king is....depressing to say the least.
... said Kim D. on Feb 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM | link
And Natalie is an Albany girl! Shows how far we are going to show pride in OUR upstate...
... said Save Pine Hills on Feb 3, 2010 at 11:41 PM | link
Perhaps its time for AOA to put together a "12 Hours in Schenectady County" featurette.
... said Summer on Feb 4, 2010 at 10:15 AM | link
I have to take offense to Kim's comment - no restaurants in Schenectady worth going to?
Go try Angelo's Tavolo, Aperitivo, Cornell's, not to mention more neighborhood places that serve terrific food without the pretense (Scotti's on Union Street, Ferrari's, etc.)
Finish off your evening with a trip to Villa Italia, the nicest and cleanest patisserie around.
I think too many people like to make fun or dismiss Schenectady because it's easy to do...
... said Mike on Feb 4, 2010 at 10:32 AM | link
Best restaurant for Thai food is in schenectady, Bangok Thai Bistro on the corner of erie and state, a little walk from the movies and proctors.
... said Joe on Feb 4, 2010 at 12:25 PM | link
Let's not forget about what's really the heart of every city: coffee.
Ambition and the Muddy Cup.
... said abby on Feb 4, 2010 at 1:01 PM | link
When I was a teenager I used to go wander around Vale Cemetery (I mean the old foresty section accessible from Nott Terrace, not the normal section) for kicks, because it had a lot of ghost stories and legends- the sort of thing that would be hugely recreational to a 16 year old. It actually is a very beautiful and unique place.
... said Summer on Feb 4, 2010 at 2:02 PM | link
oh and Mari's for sushi...YUM!
... said Natalie on Feb 4, 2010 at 2:14 PM | link
and for those of you who havent heard:
http://www.re4ormarchitecture.com/re4orm_architecture_albany_in_progress.html
The top left two images link to projects underway in downtown Schenectady. A new science center (!!!) and the old ice rink turned soccer field/offices, Center City, is going to be totally remodeled into a YMCA/shopping center.
I second Ambition Cafe, and Appian Way on VanVranken Ave is just about the best for some homemade pasta and veal parm with a good glass of wine. They always have a real wood fire crackling away, and it's quiet and cosy. Apertivo is really nice too. Let's hear it for 'A' restaurants from Schenectady!
... said Emily on Feb 4, 2010 at 3:05 PM | link
I like driving around Schenectady.
Like all the way around it.
So I don't have to go in it.
... said Jon (was) in Michigan on Feb 4, 2010 at 7:16 PM | link
I mocked Schenectady before I moved here and fell in love with its diversity. And we have frolf.
... said charley on Feb 5, 2010 at 9:35 PM | link
I don't care how nice and rebuilt downtown get's, with "the hill" literally blocks away I do not feel safe walking around there at night.
... said SP on Feb 5, 2010 at 11:50 PM | link
Don't forget Mop and Bucket co. They are such a talented group and are on the way to building a great improv scene in the area!
... said Matt on Feb 6, 2010 at 9:37 AM | link