A Dozen Points of Interest For a Visit to Amazing Troy, NY

Schenectedy is can be fun, Albany is loaded with history, but Troy is (to me) just a little bit special.

The city, once one of the largest in New York State, has a magical collection of historic places one should consider checking out on their first (or 5th) visit to Troy.

This is a starting point gallery for those coming up to Troy for, shall we say, a summer road trip or even a college or school inspection visit (Russell Sage?  RPI?  Maybe Emma Willard?), or just a curiosity stop for those who have never been here.  The list includes museums, some great historical places (the real "Uncle Sam" is buried here!) and so much more. As you will see, you might scratch your head and say "I never knew that before" while reading along.

For example, did you know that the most famous Christmas poem in the world was first published in a Troy newspaper?  Or did you know that an 1800s iron works factory along the Hudson was the inspiration for the first....Ferris Wheel?  One more?  OK.  Did you know that one of America's most beloved authors lived in Troy for some time and in fact wrote his first two published books in his home here?

These are all great "factoids" that make this city really a surprise fun place to come for a day or weekend.  And, they have lots of great places to eat, drink, and be merry all over the downtown area.

Troy may be the smallest of the three cities in the "Capital District," but it has a mighty history to it and it has some truly great wonders to behold.  For example, you can visit one of the only buildings, a church, that was completely designed by the Tiffany Glass Studio in New York City.  And, brother, on a sunny summer day the interior of this church will take your breath away!

Yes, Troy is a special place!