Troy

Troy is famous for being the home of Uncle Sam, known as the person who supplied beef for the United States Army during the War of 1812. It’s also known for the home of Garnet Douglass Baltimore, who is known as the first African-American to become an engineer and graduated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1881. It is located on the western edge of that county on the eastern bank of the Hudson River just northeast of the capital city of Albany.

Troy is known as the “Collar City” due to its history in shirt, collar, and other textile production.

No matter the season, the City of Troy has something for everyone to enjoy! There are dozens of events, activities, live music, incredible cuisine, and recreational opportunities to experience during your next visit to Troy.

There are a lot of farmers markets in the Capital Region. But, it’s widely known that the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is one of the best! This market consists of close to 100 local farmers and vendors and sees thousands of people in attendance each Saturday.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region is a hidden gem in the local art world. They offer classes in a variety of subjects, including pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodworking, photography, dancing, writing, and more.

If you’ve never been to a performance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, you are missing out! This venue has been declared a National Historic Landmark, having opened its doors in 1875, and is touted for its amazing acoustics.

RPI is more than just an incredible university. The RPI athletics program is a huge part of the campus, with over 70% of undergraduate students participating. Spectators are welcome to attend the home games at RPI. There are several facilities where the teams compete throughout the school year, including the East Campus Athletic Village, with a field turf and seating for 5,200 people.

Oakwood Cemetery is a true historical treasure located right in Troy. This is one of the largest rural cemeteries in the country, situated on picturesque grounds offering a panoramic view of the Hudson Valley.

Several key figures are buried here, including the famous Uncle Sam from the “I Want You for the US Army!” posters. The cemetery houses five small lakes, waterfalls, and landscaped grounds, along with abundant wildlife and over 70 species of birds. Guided walks, scavenger hunts, and other events are held here.

Prospect Park is Troy’s primary park! Like Oakwood Cemetery, you can catch amazing panoramic views of the area. Here you’ll find a playground area, a pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and nature trails.

Rockin’ on the River is Troy’s annual free summer concert series, where you can see fantastic bands perform each Wednesday. This is a perfect way to break up the monotony of the work week! Admission is free, and the event typically includes a mix of renowned artists as well as local talent.

Take part in the greatest American pastime—baseball—and cheer on the Tri-City ValleyCats at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium! The ValleyCats are the Capital Region’s prime baseball team, and it’s become somewhat of a community tradition to catch a game and cheer them on.

You can see the best of the best Troy has to offer at the Troy River Fest! This festival takes place in early summer and is essentially an open-air bazaar situated downtown, with vendors showcasing locally crafted handmade goods and local food.

Come October, Troy fills with the enticing smells of delicious fall comfort food: chowder. Troy Chowderfest welcomes over two dozen local restaurants competing for the best chowder. Some chowder will be traditional, like clam chowder or corn chowder, but other eateries get really creative, with options like a buffalo chicken chowder!

Troy knows how to get into the holiday spirit! In December, you can look forward to the Troy Victorian Stroll, the Northeast’s largest free holiday festival with tons of live performances happening throughout the day! You can expect carolers, entertainers, ice sculptures, a window decorating contest, and much more.