In a state of constant reinvention, Schenectady, NY, has undergone many iterations over the years. Although often overshadowed by Albany, the state capital, located just 15 minutes away, Schenectady has played a key role in American industry. Settled by the Dutch and founded as the birthplace of General Electric by Thomas Edison, the city is where electricity was developed and the modern electrical manufacturing industry took root.
Located along the Mohawk River, Schenectady comes from a Mohawk word meaning “beyond the pines.” It has long been a hub for transportation, connecting to the Erie Canal and home to early railway development. Today, the city preserves its historic past with New York State’s first designated historic district, The Stockade, which includes more than 40 pre-revolutionary buildings. Despite some periods of decline, the city has turned its attention to rebuilding its downtown and beyond. The result is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, wellness offerings, and access to nature.
No visit to Schenectady is complete without a stroll down Union Street, which spans the historic district. This popular thoroughfare also passes by the historic Union College, a private liberal arts college whose alumni included President Jimmy Carter and Secretary of State William H. Seward. On a recent stroll across the campus, my partner and I ran into new university president, Elizabeth Kiss, who gave us directions to the eight-acre Jackson’s Garden, the oldest garden on an American college campus. It’s a meditative space with a creek, sculptures, and a gazebo.
The city is also home to the 250-acre Central Park, named after New York City’s famed Central Park. In addition to having an outdoor amphitheater, a public pool, Iroquois Lake, tennis courts, and a disc golf course, it also features the stunning Rose Garden, with more than 2,000 rose bushes and a tiered fountain. It, too, provides a restorative setting for mindful reflection.
For those looking for more active pursuits, Schenectady is situated along the 750-mile Empire State Trail, the longest multi-use path in the U.S. We rented e-bikes from CDPHP Cycle and spent a blissful morning cruising our way along the Mohawk River on the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, a connecting path that links Buffalo to Albany. It’s one of the best ways to get back to nature.
I also had an opportunity to take a yoga class at Inner Bliss Yoga & Wellness. I especially loved how involved the studio is in catering to the needs of its community. It offers a scholarship fund to help those in need afford a class, workshop, or training. Located in The Stockade Inn, the studio offers a host of classes, from Vinyasa and Kundalini to Happy Hips and Yoga Sound Fusion.
For a taste of arts and culture, Proctors Theatre has long been at the heart of Schenectady’s reinvention. This cultural landmark, with four venues, opened in 1926 and has been a driving force for creative expression. Each year, it hosts a variety of touring Broadway shows. This year marks the theater’s 100th anniversary. The iconic Van Dyck Building, home to the family-run Stella Pasta Bar, Seven Points Brewery, and Van Dyck Music Club, also serves as a popular venue for comedy, jazz, and more.
The spirit of community is alive in Schenectady, particularly near Jay Street Marketplace, a charming pedestrian-only block that feels refreshingly local. With more than 20 independently owned businesses and not a franchise in sight, it’s a reminder that wellbeing is often built block by block. Stop into Simone’s Kitchen for Mediterranean-inspired bowls that provide a healthy dose of fuel, or linger over a cup of green tea at The Whistling Kettle, a tea shop and café made for slowing down. It’s in these small, thoughtful places that Schenectady’s reinvention shines through, fostering a community where people genuinely want to spend time.
