Local
These are our favorite places and businesses in New York's Capital District. Hope you like our recommendations! Have something you'd like to to add? Contact us
View Capital District Favorites in a larger map
Calendar of Events in Capital Region
Local Favorites
Churches
Vineyard Community Church - This is the Church we go to nearly every Sunday, we always feel refreshed and recharged afterwards. All are welcome, Sunday service starts at 10am in Cohoes on Remsen Street. For those who have a hard time waking up, you can watch sermons online.
Chinese Fellowship Bible Church - Sermons and small groups in Mandarin Chinese. Meets inside the Trinity Baptist Church on Balltown Road in Niskayuna. Sunday service starts at 11am.
First Reformed Church of Schenectady - This is the church where we were married. The building is beautiful and we love the Sunday Jazz Vespers at 5pm.
Coffee
Chris' Coffee - Capital District's Coffee Experts. We love their Machristay premium Columbian coffee, named after their three children, Mackenzie, Chris, and Taylor.
Consignment Shops
Polkadots Consignment Shop - Gently used children's clothing. You can also find new and used cloth diapers offered by Sonrise Diaper Service.
Treasures - Offers an ever changing selection of vintage and gently used clothing, jewlery, purses, furnishings, and children's items. Prices for items decrease the longer they sit on the shelf, so you can really find a bargain if you're willing to wait! Volunteer run and benefits the Saratoga Hospital. Located at 60 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs.
Trendy Tots - Offers excellent used condition clothing for children birth to 10 years old.
Day Cares
Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School
Kiddie Car Nursery School
Pooh's Corner
Our World Montessori
Montessori School of Schenectady
Albany Montesorri Education Center
Gift Shops
Artique - Handcrafted and other beautiful and unique items. Artists and retailers rent space and alternate working at the store. Every time I go I'm amazed at the variety and can't seem to leave empty handed. Check out my blog post on Artique. Located off of Exit 8 of the I-87 in Clifton Park.
The Right Touch - There's more than meets the eye here. The store is small but packed with giftables like handmade chocolate, baby products, local recipe books. Located in Niskayuna next to the Food Co-op on Nott Street.(518) 372-1000
Groceries
Honest Weight Co-op - Offers fine local and organic produce and bulk grains. Located on Central Avenue in Albany.
Niskayuna Co-op - It's a convenient stop where we get milk, juice, eggs and fish. They ground their beef daily and makes amazing burgers. Become a member for $5 and enjoy member discounts! They are open 8am-8pm everyday.
Libraries
Clifton Park Library
Niskayuna Library - Look up hours, search the catalog, and manage your account online
Medical/Dental
Central Park Dentists - We just started going here for our regular cleanings. The wait time is non-existent and staff are friendly. 1570 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 374-9040
Debra Goodman Physical Therapist - Deb is a God-send for moms and moms-to-be in the Capital District. Her pregnancy workout classes are wonderful and individual sessions are super helpful. She helps men and athletes too!
St. Mary's Hospital Child Birth Center - We delivered our son Micah here. It's the region's highest regard evidence based hospital for moms and babies. They are merging soon with Samaritan and will soon be moving to a new labor and delivery space, but should keep all the staff and best practices.
Parks
Blatnick Park - Baseball fields, tennis courts, and an awesome paved biking/walking trail that leads to a great view of the Mohawk river, and then down to the river bank. There's even a sheltered bench where you can relax and watch the sunset. Located on River Road in Niskayuna, next to the Transfer Station.
Schenectady Central Park - Outdoor pool, tennis courts, playground, rose garden, and pedal boat rental.
Washington Park - Home to the annual Tulip Festival. It's also great for jogging, walking, photography. There are live musical performances in the summer and fantastic light displays in the winter.
Pediatricians
Dr. Nargis Minhas -
Restaurants
Mari's Japanese Cuisine - The best family style Japanese food you can find in Albany, where Mari herself serves up favorites such as Nabeyaki Udon, Sukiyaki, and of course variety of fresh sushi rolls. Call ahead to make sure they are open since their hours change with seasons.
Located at 2049 Van Vranken Ave Schenectady (518) 381-4881
Stockade Inn - We had our wedding reception here! It's right in the middle of historic Stockade District in Schenectady and offers out of this world Sunday brunch.
Recycling/Waste Handling
Niskayuna Transfer Station - We take our trash and recyclables here every two weeks. This saves us having to pay ~$30 per month for weekly hauler service. Punch cards go for $10 each, and $2 for each regular sized garbage bag. Recycling costs $1 for an unlimited amount.
View Capital District Favorites in a larger map
Calendar of Events in Capital Region
Local Favorites
Churches
Vineyard Community Church - This is the Church we go to nearly every Sunday, we always feel refreshed and recharged afterwards. All are welcome, Sunday service starts at 10am in Cohoes on Remsen Street. For those who have a hard time waking up, you can watch sermons online.
Chinese Fellowship Bible Church - Sermons and small groups in Mandarin Chinese. Meets inside the Trinity Baptist Church on Balltown Road in Niskayuna. Sunday service starts at 11am.
First Reformed Church of Schenectady - This is the church where we were married. The building is beautiful and we love the Sunday Jazz Vespers at 5pm.
Coffee
Chris' Coffee - Capital District's Coffee Experts. We love their Machristay premium Columbian coffee, named after their three children, Mackenzie, Chris, and Taylor.
Consignment Shops
Polkadots Consignment Shop - Gently used children's clothing. You can also find new and used cloth diapers offered by Sonrise Diaper Service.
Treasures - Offers an ever changing selection of vintage and gently used clothing, jewlery, purses, furnishings, and children's items. Prices for items decrease the longer they sit on the shelf, so you can really find a bargain if you're willing to wait! Volunteer run and benefits the Saratoga Hospital. Located at 60 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs.
Trendy Tots - Offers excellent used condition clothing for children birth to 10 years old.
Day Cares
Niskayuna Co-op Nursery School
Kiddie Car Nursery School
Pooh's Corner
Our World Montessori
Montessori School of Schenectady
Albany Montesorri Education Center
Gift Shops
Artique - Handcrafted and other beautiful and unique items. Artists and retailers rent space and alternate working at the store. Every time I go I'm amazed at the variety and can't seem to leave empty handed. Check out my blog post on Artique. Located off of Exit 8 of the I-87 in Clifton Park.
The Right Touch - There's more than meets the eye here. The store is small but packed with giftables like handmade chocolate, baby products, local recipe books. Located in Niskayuna next to the Food Co-op on Nott Street.
Groceries
Honest Weight Co-op - Offers fine local and organic produce and bulk grains. Located on Central Avenue in Albany.
Niskayuna Co-op - It's a convenient stop where we get milk, juice, eggs and fish. They ground their beef daily and makes amazing burgers. Become a member for $5 and enjoy member discounts! They are open 8am-8pm everyday.
Libraries
Clifton Park Library
Niskayuna Library - Look up hours, search the catalog, and manage your account online
Medical/Dental
Central Park Dentists - We just started going here for our regular cleanings. The wait time is non-existent and staff are friendly. 1570 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 374-9040
Debra Goodman Physical Therapist - Deb is a God-send for moms and moms-to-be in the Capital District. Her pregnancy workout classes are wonderful and individual sessions are super helpful. She helps men and athletes too!
St. Mary's Hospital Child Birth Center - We delivered our son Micah here. It's the region's highest regard evidence based hospital for moms and babies. They are merging soon with Samaritan and will soon be moving to a new labor and delivery space, but should keep all the staff and best practices.
Parks
Blatnick Park - Baseball fields, tennis courts, and an awesome paved biking/walking trail that leads to a great view of the Mohawk river, and then down to the river bank. There's even a sheltered bench where you can relax and watch the sunset. Located on River Road in Niskayuna, next to the Transfer Station.
Schenectady Central Park - Outdoor pool, tennis courts, playground, rose garden, and pedal boat rental.
Washington Park - Home to the annual Tulip Festival. It's also great for jogging, walking, photography. There are live musical performances in the summer and fantastic light displays in the winter.
Pediatricians
Dr. Nargis Minhas -
Restaurants
Mari's Japanese Cuisine - The best family style Japanese food you can find in Albany, where Mari herself serves up favorites such as Nabeyaki Udon, Sukiyaki, and of course variety of fresh sushi rolls. Call ahead to make sure they are open since their hours change with seasons.
Located at 2049 Van Vranken Ave Schenectady (518) 381-4881
Stockade Inn - We had our wedding reception here! It's right in the middle of historic Stockade District in Schenectady and offers out of this world Sunday brunch.
Recycling/Waste Handling
Niskayuna Transfer Station - We take our trash and recyclables here every two weeks. This saves us having to pay ~$30 per month for weekly hauler service. Punch cards go for $10 each, and $2 for each regular sized garbage bag. Recycling costs $1 for an unlimited amount.
