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Troy Downtown Marina, July 2021
We bet you didn’t know that Troy, New York is an urban treasure, and a favorite stop for boaters! It’s a city with rich history and eclectic energy that attracts boaters from every corner of the United States. Troy also has something for every crew member, from family-friendly events and activities, to live music, incredible cuisine, and a myriad of land and water recreation. It’s ideal for boaters because it’s also a wonderfully walkable city - voted by the Times Union’s “Best of the Capital Region” Reader’s Poll as the “Best neighborhood to live without a car.”
The atmosphere downtown is energetic with a cool live, work, play vibe and endless shops and eateries to explore, along with arts and cultural destinations. The weather is starting to shape up, chart your course and come see what all the buzz is about!
Along with an impressive and extensive calendar of special events, Troy also has more than its fair share of “must see” destinations.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, at 7 State Street, is renowned for the big-name talent it draws, its acoustics and architecture. Located in the heart of downtown, this historic music venue is the perfect size, with 1,180 seats, and never disappoints.
The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, in Rensselaer Tech Park, is the region’s only science center designed specifically for children. It’s a magical place where children ages 18 months through tween can discover the wonder of science and technology. Visitors are encouraged to investigate, observe, analyze, and build, using fun, innovative and educational tools and techniques. The engaging exhibits support active learning and entertain visitors of all ages.
The Uncle Sam Trail is a 7-mile route connecting North and South Troy. There are off-road segments, like the 3-mile Uncle Sam Rail Trail along the former line of the Troy & Boston Railroad, that are great for hiking. The on-road segments have bike infrastructure for safety. Whether walking or riding a bike, you’ll enjoy waterfront views and the beauty of Troy. At the southernmost point, at the Troy-Menands Bridge, the route connects with the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail (MHBHT), part of New York’s Empire State Trail.
The Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market, at 330 Broadway, is a year-round extravaganza of local and fresh. This market offers an impressive variety of vendors and goods from fresh meats and veggies, to pottery and alpaca yarn. There is so much to taste, see and hear, you won’t want to miss it! The market returns to the waterfront, May 7!
Troy’s hottest marina
The recently renovated Troy Downtown Marina is perfectly located in the heart of the historic New York waterway system, in downtown Troy. It’s also a prime stop on the Great Loop. This marina is located on the Upper Hudson River, just south of the Federal Dam and lock in Troy. The marina offers up to 400-feet of alongside dockage, with approach depths of over 16 feet, perfect for any size vessel.
This pet-friendly downtown marina features generous amenities to keep boaters and their boats running smoothly. From diesel and gas fuel, power options, and pump out, to well-maintained restrooms and showers. It has everything a boater could need right on site. And, of course, nearby is downtown Troy has it all.
This is a stop you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re continuing up the Hudson River to Montreal or west on the Mohawk towards Lake Ontario to complete the Loop!
Fun things to do on the Hudson
In addition to the beautiful scenery, the Hudson offers ample opportunities for fun and recreation on and around the water. Here are some all-time favorites.
Walk over the Hudson
When you’re in the mid-Hudson Valley region, don’t miss the heady experience of walking over the Hudson. It’s the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world and offers a one-of-a-kind way to view the Hudson and the surrounding area. The 1.28-mile, 212-foot-tall walkway was built on an old railroad bridge that crosses from Highland in Ulster County to Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County.
On any given day on the Hudson, you’ll see kayakers and canoers propelling themselves along the coastline exploring the river. Paddling on the Hudson is great exercise and an adventure. You can find rentals and launches all up and down the river. You can join a group tour or set out on your own.
Fishing
The Hudson is a fisherman’s dream, with more than 200 varieties of fish. But before you bait up and cast out, learn the state regulations. You’ll need to know the seasons for different fish, licensing requirements and daily catch limits. Additionally, the majority of river fishing, and all fishing north of Troy, is catch and release.
From New York City up to Athens, picturesque lighthouses dot the run. None of these historic landmarks are functioning, but they are regal reminders of the history of the Hudson as a major artery of commerce in the U.S. Today, unfortunately, only 7 of these beacons remain on the river.
Riverside dining
There’s no better way to end a day on the river than with an evening of scenic riverside dining. Every town along the Hudson takes advantage of the river’s draw, and boast a host of riverside restaurants. From fine dining to dive bars, there’s a place for everyone to get a good meal while enjoy the river breeze and scenery. The Hudson and Troy are calling! If you have the time and a touch of wanderlust, don’t wait another minute to chart a course down the river where tall tales and memories are made.
Troy NY, July 2021
Written by: Jo Montgomery