Albany County Day Trip Itinerary: Cohoes, Green Island & Watervliet
Head to Cohoes, Green Island and Watervliet for an unforgettable day trip!
Nestled on the northern edge of Albany County, these Hudson Riverfront communities offer scenic outdoor adventures, an emerging culinary scene and plenty of rich history. Scroll on for a day trip itinerary for Cohoes, Green Island and Watervliet in Albany County.
Morning
Start off your day trip with a stop at Schuyler Bakery to pick up a treat for breakfast. The family-owned bakery has been a Watervliet institution for over 60 years. The bakery is best-known locally for doughnuts, so browse the daily selection featuring old fashioned, cinnamon sugar jelly, lemon filled and more. Other baked goods are also available including an assortment coffee cakes, muffins, breads, bagels, buns and more.
Next up, venture to Peebles Island State Park. Located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, the state park extends from Cohoes in Albany County to Waterford in Saratoga County. Break out your baked good from Schuyler Bakery and enjoy it while soaking up the stunning riverside views in the park. Afterwards, explore the variety of trails through the wooded landscape and along the river.
Afternoon
After working up an appetite at Peebles Island State Park, head to lunch at Max410 at Van Schaick. Located at the Van Schaick Island Country Club, the restaurant is open to the public and serves up lunch from Tuesday to Sunday. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and burgers that are perfect for lunch.
Before leaving Van Schaick Island in Cohoes, make sure to drive by the Van Schaick Mansion. Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, the historic mansion served as the Continental Army's headquarters in 1777 and is where the plans for the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point in the American Revolution, were formulated. Plan your day trip on one of the historic mansion's open house days to see the inside! The next open house is on Sunday, July 17 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Embark on a quick 5-minute drive along the Mohawk River to Falls View Park. Walk across the 192-foot-long pedestrian bridge for picture-perfect views of Cohoes Falls. Measuring roughly 1,000 feet across and up to 90 feet high, Cohoes Falls is the second largest waterfall in New York State. Take some time exploring the park and marveling at the majesty of the rushing falls.
While driving back towards the heart of Cohoes, keep an eye out for the Cohoes Mastodon historical marker near Harmony Mills. In September 1866, the bones of the 13,000-year-old Cohoes Mastodon were uncovered during construction for Mill No. 3 of the Harmony Mills! When the mastodon was alive, it stood more than eight feet tall, weighed between eight and ten thousand pounds and was fifteen feet long. Bonus: View the Cohoes Mastodon on display at the New York State Museum in Albany.
Next, take some time during the afternoon to explore the newly revitalized Remsen Street in Cohoes. Home to a variety of restaurants, bakeries and breweries, the historic street is at the heart of the city's emerging culinary scene. Stroll down the street to admire the city's fascinating architecture and browse the shops. Pop into Bye-i Brewing or Table 41 Brewing to savor a craft beer and cheers to your day trip!
Evening
For dinner, head on an 8-minute drive to Green Island to check out one of Albany County's newest restaurants. Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River overlooking Troy, Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill serves up Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood, steak, salads and more on the restaurant's expansive deck or inside the eatery's expertly-decorated interior. Order a signature cocktail and you'll feel like you are on an exotic island vacation!
Cap off your day trip with a show or performance at Cohoes Music Hall, the fourth oldest music hall operating in the United States. The historic music hall has a lineup of comedians, musicians, tribute bands and more. The venue is operated by Playhouse Stage Company, so depending upon the time of year for your trip you might be able to catch a local theater performance.
Your Recommended Stories
