Adobe Stock / Christopher Boswell
The happening riverside city is a must-visit for local history, gourmet grub, and endless things to do in the Hudson Valley.
By Olivia Rose and Sabrina Sucato
Troy is one of those places that has the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it’s a hotbed for history, thanks in part to its proximity to Albany and its abundance of local landmarks. On the other, it’s a burgeoning destination for movers and shakers who come to start businesses, collaborate with like minded innovators, and open one-of-a-kind eateries.
It’s easy to see the appeal. After all, Troy is smack dab on the Hudson River and packed with parks and entertainment options. With such an abundance of spots to visit in town, we thought it best to compile a guide to help you work your way through all the fun.
9 a.m. – Eat an Instagram-worthy breakfast at Liza’s
View this post on Instagram
Begin your day by nourishing your body, mind, and soul at Liza’s. Owner Liza Morgan believes and proves that food is medicine with her entirely gluten- and dairy-free offerings. Supercharge your day with a “Cinna-Bun” smoothie made from oats, plant-based vanilla protein, dates, cinnamon, and maca, or customize your own açaí bowl with trail mix, nut butter, and coconut. To drink, sip on “Fat for Fuel,” a twist on Bulletproof Coffee made with grass-fed butter, XCT oil, and cinnamon. Not a coffee drinker? Opt for something from the curated selection of black and herbal teas instead.
10:30 a.m. – Take a self-guided tour around Troy
After the morning meal, embark on a leisurely stroll through central Troy. The one-stop shop for history lovers packs in historic buildings such as the Rice Building and the Troy Public Library.
View this post on Instagram
Another building with an impressive history is Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Come to Troy on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May and enjoy “Music at Noon,” a free concert series that hosts exceptional musicians.
View this post on Instagram
If you want to appreciate the history Troy has to offer, but prefer to explore nature, head to the grounds at Oakwood Cemetery. Oakwood Cemetery comprises 248 acres of beautiful nature, art, and architecture. Its magnificent Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel boasts 100-mile views of the Hudson Valley, eight Tiffany stained-glass windows, marble mosaics, and ceilings and pews of hand-carved oak.
12 p.m. – Enjoy a classic brunch at Naughter’s
View this post on Instagram
Lunch at Naughter’s feels like going back in time in the best way possible. The sparkly, emerald green booths and cool tunes courtesy of its cassette player feel like something out of a time capsule. The Naughter’s menu includes timeless classics like a Rueben with fries, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. Otherwise, you could go for a Naughter’s specialty, namely its eggplant sandwich, a vegan dish with fried eggplant, roasted red peppers, a hash brown, and pesto mayo. Regulars come for the exceptional, friendly service and stay for the bottomless coffee and satisfying bites.
1:30 p.m. – Shop local at the Troy Farmers’ Market
View this post on Instagram
Try to plan your visit to Troy on a Saturday to enjoy the year-round farmers’ market. From May until October, the market transforms downtown Troy as over 15,000 residents and visitors congregate to shop the market at Monument Square. In the winter months (November until April), the market moves inside at the Troy Atrium, so you can still enjoy your shopping experience without freezing. This market hosts over 100 vendors who sell everything you could think of: vegetables, cheeses, cookies, coffee, candles, jams, meats, spirits, and even worms.
Related: Here’s Where Poker Face Filmed in the Hudson Valley
3 p.m. – Enter beer heaven at Brown’s Brewing Company
View this post on Instagram
Recently celebrating 30 years of brewing, Brown’s Brewing Company is one of the longest standing breweries in the Valley, and for good reason. The tap room serves up everything from sour ales and New England IPAs to oatmeal stouts and malty amber ales. Grab a seat and sip a brew of your choice at the riverside hotspot while ogling the exceptional view. Be sure to check Brown’s calendar of events, as it often hosts live music in its taproom.
4 p.m. – Shop your way along the river
View this post on Instagram
Downtown Troy is a hotbed for happening shops and artisanal vendors. As you meander from Brown’s into the rest of town, stop by storefronts like Fish & Ash, a superb vintage clothing store that also does hair, or find unique titles at Market Block Books.
View this post on Instagram
If you need a pick-me-up, stop for specialty chocolate at Primo Botanica. Grab gifts from Troy to bring home to your loved ones at Upstate of Mind. Treat yourself to handcrafted soap at T&J or head home with something really special from Sawtooth Jewelry Studio. When shopping tuckers you out, take a break with a stroll along the Hudson River. The waterside views in Troy are truly something else.
6 p.m. – Indulge in Italian comfort classics at Donna’s
View this post on Instagram
Donna’s is a must-try for pizza and Italian classics, as long as you’re not embarrassed to order the quirkily named pizzas such as “Bad Gurl” or “Oh Baby!” Nothing says comfort quite like a heaping plate of chicken parm served with spaghetti and red sauce, then topped with mozzarella and pecorino. Vegetarians can chow down on Donna’s equally delicious eggplant parm or one of the restaurant’s many salad options. Everything on the menu tastes just like Grandma made it. Just be sure to save room for dessert!
7:30 p.m. – Up your cocktail game in Troy at The Berlin
View this post on Instagram
Located above the Troy Beer Garden, this 1930s-inspired cocktail lounge is as alluring as it is delicious. With deep red curtains, moody wallpaper, and timeless jazz tunes sounding through the air, this speakeasy will have you ending your night in style.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in the mood for something traditional, try the honey old fashioned or Aperol spritz. For those who drink outside the box, indulge with The Berlin’s maple-bacon Manhattan or lemongrass martini.
9 p.m. – Rest your eyes at Gardner Farm Inn
View this post on Instagram
A trek to the Collar City can be done in a day, but if you want to experience everything the area has to offer, you’ll have to spend a weekend. To make the trip a true getaway, stay overnight at Gardner Farm Inn. The homey setting has five guest suites, some of which boast luxurious claw foot soaking tubs. Enjoy a well-earned respite in one of the comfy rooms, then wake up to a gourmet breakfast spread of French toast, yogurt, muffins, and frittatas with locally sourced eggs. Not a bad way to start the morning!
Related: What to Do in Albany: A 24-Hour Guide to the Capital Region
