One of my favorite places in New York State's Capital District is the village of Waterford. Situated at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and Erie and Champlain Canals, this historic village is still relatively unknown, even to Capital District natives. As far as I'm concerned, and perhaps selfishly so, that's just as well -- it is a charming, pedestrian-oriented village, with a great visitor center, historical museum, waterfront promenade, boat launch, docks, and waterfront parks, as well as pleasant, walkable residential neighborhoods and a small commercial district.
Both the Town and Village of Waterford have spent the last fifteen years working hard to complete improvements and their hard work is finally beginning to pay off. Recent improvements have included completion of the waterfront visitors center and parking area; the waterfront promenade, boat launch, and docks; pocket parks along the waterfront; beautification of the Hudson River parks on the north and south sides of Broad Street; new commercial development including McGrievey's Pub, residential and facade improvements; and streetscape improvements.
Upcoming downtown and waterfront events include:
Both the Town and Village of Waterford have spent the last fifteen years working hard to complete improvements and their hard work is finally beginning to pay off. Recent improvements have included completion of the waterfront visitors center and parking area; the waterfront promenade, boat launch, and docks; pocket parks along the waterfront; beautification of the Hudson River parks on the north and south sides of Broad Street; new commercial development including McGrievey's Pub, residential and facade improvements; and streetscape improvements.
Upcoming downtown and waterfront events include:
- June 30th-July 2nd - Steamboat Meet (including great fireworks)
- July & August, Sunday afternoons, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Concerts in the Park
- July 21st - Classic Car Show
- August 7th - National Night Out
- August 10th - Concert Under the Stars
- August 10th-12th - Canal Splash
- September 7th-9th - Tug Boat Roundup
- September 22nd-23rd - Great Village Sellout (garage sales)
- October 13th - Heritage Day
- October 2oth - Pumpkinfest
Waterford is a great place to spend the day. You can visit the sites mentioned above; walk along the Hudson and Mohawk River waterfronts (as well as along the Erie and Champlain Canals); visit the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center; picnic; shop at the village's antique stores; grab a meal at McGrievey's, Broad Street Cafe, Joe & Don's, Kielty's or Mr. Subb; walk or bicycle along the Champlain Canal; and walk, bicycle or drive along the Erie Canal's flight of five locks (to name a few things). Bike trails and bridges connect Waterford to Troy (Lansingburgh), Cohoes, including Peebles Island State Park.
For more information, call 518-233-9123 or visit the Town of Waterford's web site (www.town.waterford.ny.us).
For more information, call 518-233-9123 or visit the Town of Waterford's web site (www.town.waterford.ny.us).
