Hi:

I will be accompanying my husband to Schenectady in a few weeks for business.

Can anyone give me info on things to do while he's working - quaint areas, museums, antique stores, shopping, etc. I've never been to this part of NY state before.

Thanks,
Carol

Head North just a little way (about 20 minutes) to Saratoga Springs. Wonderful town! The "downtown" area has been redone and lots of little shops to wander through. Lived there years ago, so can't remember all the details, but it truly is a great place.

If you have access to a car, definately drive up to Saratoga for a day. Great shopping along the main street. Also consider driving over to Bennington VT (about 45 minutes)and check out the Bennington Museum, the potters yard, the monument, and the shops on Main St.
There area couple big malls in Colonie-the Colonie Center on Wolf Road, and a little further down I-87 is Crossgates Mall, which has it's own exit off the highway.
In downtown Albany there is a great museum run by the state. It's on the capitol plaza.

Carol,
In Schenectady is Union College, its the oldest college in NY, established in 1795. On the campus are several museums including the Nott Memorial which is a building listed by the government as a historic building. Its a beautiful campus, that includes extensive gardens and artwork. For shopping head to Jay Street in downtown Schenectady.

Thanks for the great information. I'm looking forward to exploring the area!

Not sure when you are going, but thouroughbred racing is on right now in Saratoga. I beleive till mid-late August. Not sure. Would be great if you can catch a day "at the track".

Just checked - racing season is till Sept. 2. Here's the official website:

http://www1.nyra.com/saratoga/default.asp#

Yes, go to the track Can't believe I forgot that suggestion! The town really comes alive during August for that. Oh, and you can also go to one of the bathhouses and do a mineral bath and get a massage...lots of fun

go to saratoga springs. hop on 87-the "northway" and get off exit 14. you will go through the race track area, and past all the old beautiful victorian houses. you will come to a light at the top of congress park. take a right at the light, left at the next, ride along congress park, come to next light, take a right onto broadway and enjoy all of the downtown shopping. some good stores are the saratoga shoe depot (shoes, gifts, accessories, apparel), borders, the shoppe, and the downtown marketplace. get a delicious sandwich from putnam market. saratoga is small, fun to walk around, and quaint. the racing season is in full swing until early september. have fun!

The NY State Museum in Albany currently has an exhibit featuring photos and items recovered from the World Trade Center. If you do go to Saratoga, which is highly suggested, take Route 50 north instead of the Northway and you'll drive through Ballston Spa which is a cute little town filled with great antique stores.