A quirky, fun guide to New York’s Capital District.
With new and updated entries on everything from food, shopping, and the arts to people, history, and places to visit, The Smalbanac 2.0 is a wry, affectionate, and practical guide to New York State’s capital city and surrounding area. Packed with information, this guide is perfect not only for visitors, new students, and those relocating to the area but also for long-term residents who want to get out of their comfort zones and explore the many hidden—and some not-so-hidden—treasures the area has to offer.
Praise for the First Edition
“An eclectic and affectionate look at the quirks of our region and its many hidden treasures.” — Albany Times Union
“The Smalbanac is a delightful, informative … guide to history, culture, cuisine and shopping in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy … Whether you like to travel, dine out, or learn local history, this is an exceptional book, worth reading and keeping on hand for when someone laments, ‘I’m so bored.’” — Schenectady Daily Gazette
A local artist and writer, Christine M. Garretson-Persans has worked at The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center since 2004. She lives in Watervliet.
Table of Contents
Albany—An Oldie but a Goodie Hurlbut to Turkey—Getting From Here to There Places to Visit in Albany
Troy—On the Edge of Greatness Paper Canoes Were Made Here, Too! Places to Visit in Troy
Schenectady—The Lights Are Still On What’s on the Tee Vee? Places to Visit in Schenectady
The Famous Who of the Capital District Five Fascinating Females Four Famous Phils Three Thrilling Henrys Two Super Stephens One Unbelievable Uncle Sam History 101
More Beer Here, and Bourbon, Rye and Cider, Too
Art in Plein Site
Mind, Body, Planet 101 Mind 101 Body Planet Science 101
Go Outside and Play Snowshoeing Downhill Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Ice Skating Dog Parks Bowling Rock Wall Climbing Indoor Baseball Roller Skating Dance and Exercise Classes Skateboarding Mini-Golf and Fun Parks Museums Go to the Movies Go to the Theater Art and Other Types of Classes Planetariums and Stargazing Take a Tour Art Galleries Music to Your Ears Open Mics Especially for the Kids Bar Districts Friday Arts Nights Things You Shouldn’t Do but Will
Let’s Eat! In Albany In Troy In Schenectady Pizza
Let’s Shop! The Malls Chocolate Ice Cream Bakeries Wine and Spirits Delis and Specialty Markets Apple Orchards Stuff
Event Calendar Good Things Year Round
More Historical/Hysterical Events
Space—Because We Like It The Sun Contellations You Should Know The Planets Pluto, Dwarf Planets, and Plutoids Fun Things You Can Look for in the Sky!! Science 101 Websites for You to Visit
