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 Tired of the same old same old? Consider a foray into Schenectady County for something to snap you out of the doldrums. Visit Say...Schenectady for more information.
By: Nell Burrows
How about taking a ride in the flight simulator at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum? That's just one of the activities available at this unique facility located on Route 50 in Glenville. Visit the airport control tower or check out dozens of vintage and modern aircraft.
Like to ski but don't like to drive? For winter fun Maple Ski Ridge is just around the corner from the Rotterdam Square Mall! With a double chair lift, skiing and boarding lessons, nighttime hours and a season full of special events only 20 minutes from Albany and Saratoga! Downhill skiing on groomed trails with snow making equipment to keep the base solid. It's so close you can ski after work. Think about it.
Take yourself on a self-guided tour of Union College or the Stockade neighborhood, New York State's first historic district. You can pick up a guide for either tour at the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce. Union was the first college chartered in New York in 1795. President to be Chester A. Arthur (class of 1848) etched his initials on a windowsill in North College. Jimmy Carter studied nuclear engineering at Union. It has quite a history. The Nott Memorial, one of America's best examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture, is a National Historic Landmark and a fascinating place to explore. Visit the exhibit in the Mandeville Gallery on the second level of the building - there's always something interesting there. In fair weather, Jackson's Garden is a lovely place to take a stroll. If you're interested in history, don't miss the Schenectady County Historical Society Museum and their wonderful collection.
Need more excitement than a garden stroll? Mohawk Valley Sky Diving can offer you thrills and chills galore! Group discounts are available for lectures, team building and instruction. They're located in west Glenville just off Thruway exit 26. Call 37 CHUTE (372-4883).
Right across the Hudson River is the Mabee Farm Historic Site - the oldest homestead in the Mohawk Valley. Once the site of the westernmost fur trading post, it features the original home and inn, slave quarters, Dutch and English barns and historic bateaux (colonial-era river boats.) They host numerous special events including re-enactments, Early Technology Day and a wonderful craft fair.
You can't go wrong with a day at the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium. Hands-on science and technology exhibits for everyone with a healthy curiosity and sense of adventure. The MRI exhibit is fascinating and other installations also celebrate science, invention and imagination. The Goto Star Machine makes this the coolest planetarium in the galaxy and offers a changing schedule of exciting shows.
And so long as you're already in Schenectady, sample the wide variety of marvelous restaurants. There are Irish pubs, Thai, French Crepes, Afghani, Italian (lots of Italian,) Chinese, Cajun, Indian and American cuisines to tempt you to linger in Schenectady for dinner.
And if you're going to stay for dinner, why not go to a show at Movieland, Proctors, Schenectady Light Opera or the Civic Play House. There - you've made a day of it and had some new Experiences. Oh yes - did I mention shopping at Experience and Creative Design? Well, try to find time to make a stop at this exquisite boutique on Union Street. |
