NEWSLETTER
Updated 6/1/26
Travel to Schenectady for a weekend rich in history, art, and fun. It is here where Thomas Edison founded the General Electric Company, where New York State named its first historic district, and it’s home to Proctors Theatre, a former vaudeville house where countless famous artists have performed.
FRIDAY
4 pm: Tour the Titanic: An Immersive Voyage at Armory Studios
Experience the legendary story of the Titanic like never before with Titanic: An Immersive Voyage. With over 200 artifacts, life-size recreated rooms, and cutting-edge 3D projections and video animations, this immersive experience offers a captivating and emotional journey through one of the most significant tragedies in history. From the ship's construction to its fateful collision with the iceberg, you'll be fully immersed in the Titanic's compelling story. Wander through its luxurious rooms, watch the iceberg appear, and relive the ship's final dramatic moments in an immersive gallery. (Open now through July 5, 2026)
7 pm: Dinner at Tara Kitchen
Credit: @tarakitchen_tribeca
Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine at Tara Kitchen. Expand your horizons and your palate at this popular restaurant. In a cozy atmosphere with superb staff, Chef Aneesa pulls in ingredients and seasonings from beyond North Africa and adds a Moroccan twist to fragrant dishes like tagines and couscous.
9 pm: Experience Schenectady Nightlife
After dinner, grab a drink or two and chat with the locals at Centre Street Pub, this downtown staple features live music every weekend. Frog Alley Brewing Co. is another hometown favorite for beer, gourmet pizza, and live music. And 20 North Broadway Tavern is the local watering hole known for its outdoor patio, darts, and drinks.
SATURDAY
9 am: Start the Day at Union Cafe
Fuel up with a sweet or savory (or both) breakfast at Union Cafe, one of Schenectady’s beloved breakfast spots. Try a little bit of everything with the Cafe Deluxe (two eggs & two French toast or two pancakes with bacon, ham or sausage).
10:30 am: Center Yourself in Central Park
Spend the rest of your morning walking the Central Park Rose Garden. In spring and summer, the scent of rosebuds and vibrant colors overwhelm your senses as you meander around 100+ rose varieties and 2,000 bushes, including grandiflora, shrub, floribunda and hybrid tea roses in a myriad of hues. In the winter, the park is quiet, but still beautiful - especially when the trees and bushes are covered in a light dusting of snow.
12 pm: Lunch at Johnny's
Chow down at an Electric City must-try, Johnny's. This Italian-American restaurant is known for its casual Italian fare, family dining, delicious homemade pastas and traditional favorites. It's the perfect spot to dine before or after a show at Proctors.
1:30 pm: Science is Fun
Spend a few hours perusing MiSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science) to get a taste of the technological revolution, Schenectady style. Immerse yourself in science and technology through interactive exhibits including “Eye Candy”: A Feast for the Eyes”, where you’ll explore the amazing sense of vision through mind-bending illusions and imaging technology. Learn what it takes to create an addictive and fun video game in the “Design Zone”, and investigate the science of measurement in “Measure up!” Don’t forget to check out the Suits-Bueche Planetarium to watch a high definition show inside the 30-foot dome.
5 pm: Mouthwatering BBQ
Enjoy authentic BBQat the Memphis King, an award-winning smokehouse where all of their meats are cooked low and slow, to ensure the most flavorful barbecue with every bite. Savor classic BBQ dishes, handcrafted sandwiches, homemade sauces, award-winning mac and cheese, and a variety of slaws and salads.
6:30 pm: Enjoy a Performance at Proctors
Spend your evening exploring all that Proctors Theatre has to offer. A Schenectady beacon, the performing arts theater is located in the heart of downtown and known for attracting artists from around the world. You can’t help but feel its importance as soon as you walk down State Street and see its original retro facade. The 1926 Vaudeville era venue hosts everything from touring Broadway musicals, popular global musicians, speakers, and comedians, to dance and film screenings (featuring one of the largest movie screens in the northeast.)
SUNDAY
10 am: Trendy Brunch
Credit: @vincentgiordanophotography on Instagram
Start the day the right way with brunch at Ambition Bistro. This funky urban eatery serves up creative and delicious breakfast and lunch menus that will leave you wanting more. Try the John Denver, a breakfast sandwich with egg, onion, green peppers, ham, and cheddar on a hard roll, or strawberry French toast with real maple syrup. Fun fact- this spot has a history of celebrity visitors (frequently in town for Proctors performances or film shoots in the area.) Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Kristin Chenoweth have all dined here!
11 am: Soak in Schenectady History
Spend the rest of your morning and early afternoon exploring the Schenectady County Historical Museum (reopening on July 9) featuring furniture, toys and artifacts from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The museum itself is located at the Dora Jackson House (a Path Through History attraction), built in 1895 in the town’s historic Stockade district. While you stroll the Stockade district, you may see some familiar scenes, specifically from The Gilded Age! The Stockade is the oldest neighborhood in the city of Schenectady and has been inhabited continuously for over 300 years.
1 pm: Aquatic Adventure
Via Aquarium is home to more than 50 exhibits and over 2,000 sea creatures! You can book exclusive experiences including stingray feedings, reptile shows, and even be an aquarist for a day! The aquarium regularly hosts events like Adult Only Glo Night, Sensory Friendly Day, Sharkcuterie Paint & Sip, and more!
GETTING THERE
By plane: Albany International Airport. Schenectady is located just 30 minutes away.
By train: Take Amtrak to Schenectady Station (SDY). Downtown attractions are walking distance from the station!
By bus: Capital District Bus to Schenectady Station.
By car:
From NYC: 3 hours 11 minutes
From Rochester: 3 hours
From Providence, RI: 3 hours