Being a local to Albany, I think that one of the most underappreciated places in the area near Siena is downtown Troy. Especially near River Street, Troy is an extremely up-and-coming area with beautiful buildings, art, and trendy shops and cafes. Here are some of my favorite spots to go check out! (all images are my own unless other sources are given).
1. Psychedelicatessen – 275 River Street
This super funky deli is one of my most frequented spots in Troy. Best known for its yummy New York City style bagels, this cafe is full of tie-tye and psychedelic art and music. This is a fun place just to go hang out, read or do work any day of the week, but sometimes they also have events like open mic night!
2. Troy Wall Art
Directly next to Psychedelicatessen is one of the most insta-worthy spots in Troy. If you look carefully all around downtown, there’s tons of cool wall art, but the most popular is a huge Troy logo painted on the wall. Unfortunately, there’s an art installation covering most of it right now, but that’s kind of cool too!
3. The Arts Center 265 River Street
One of my most recently discovered (and possibly new favorite) spots in Troy is The Arts Center. For free, you can go check out the beautiful gallery where local artists have their art on display. There’s also art, writing, business, and yoga classes offered there, some of which you can even get for college credit!
4. Superior Merchandise Co. – 147 4th Street
This is probably my favorite cafe in Troy, with its super hip aesthetic and Instagram-worthy latte art. The front of the store is a cute merch design shop with various housewares and clothing items, and towards the back is a delicious coffee bar. I highly recommend the vanilla latte and avocado toast!
5. Troy Riverfront Park & Flea Market
If you walk down the steps next to Psychedelicatessen (where the Troy wall art is), head down towards the Troy Riverfront Park. Here, you can walk along the Hudson River, and there’s fountains and benches to enjoy on a nice day. But the best part of this park is July-October, when they hold the Troy Flea Market every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Flea markets might sound kind of lame, but this one has live music and the cutest vendors for food, vintage clothing, records, and various items, and my favorite thing to do is go see the tarot card reader there and get a reading!
6. The Whistling Kettle – 254 Broadway
This is one of the more well-known restaurants in Troy, but I couldn’t leave it off the list. This is a perfect brunch spot, with delicious savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, and salads. But the best part is their hundreds of delicious teas to choose from. If you’re a tea fanatic, you have to come check this place out!
7. Copper Fox Boutique – 279 River Street
This boutique is one of my favorite secrets in Troy. They just opened a few months ago and they have THE cutest clothes and prettiest looking shop around (the owner and employees are super sweet, too). They have very reasonably priced accessories like chokers, hats, and jewelry that I’m obsessed with! Their clothes include some higher-end brands like Free People, but they always have really great sales almost every weekend. Check out their Instagram @copperfoxshop_troy for pics of their clothes and updates on their sales too!
8. Market Block Books – 290 River Street
On the corner of River Street is one of the coolest little book shops I’ve ever been to. If you love looking through books, or just appreciate a cute vintage book shop feel, this is a must-see in Troy!
9. River Garden Studio – 282 River Street
If you’re a plant enthusiast like me, you have to check out this magical little shop. Filled to the brim with beautiful plants, flowers, and various home and garden accessories, this studio just feels like a little escape to nature in the middle of the city.
10. The Daily Grind – 46 3rd Street
For all the coffee addicts who need a break from the typical Starbucks, this coffee shop is just a nice little place to go with friends, do work, or read a book. The atmosphere is nice and comfy and the coffee is like, really good.
11. Nibble Inc. – 333 Broadway
If you want a sweet treat, this cool modern-looking doughnut shop is the place to go. There’s all different kinds of delicious gourmet doughnuts to choose from (the menu changes up a little every week), and there are vegan and gluten free options too. Pro tip: if you go on Friday, there’s a student discount!
Hope you guys go check out some of these spots and enjoy Troy on your own! If you go to any of these places, let us know by snapping a cute pic and sending it to our Instagram @hercampussiena , you might even get featured!!