Tour three centuries of architecture, from the newly renovated Million Dollar Staircase in the NYS Capitol to the awe inspiring "Egg" at the Empire State Plaza. Experience the region's tradition of cultural festivals, concerts and special events. Visit our extraordinary museums, theatres and restaurants, and you'll know why you should experience Albany , looks like histroy, feels like a vacation.  Albany's business districts and neighborhoods abound with exciting cultural heritage. Albany's countryside is home to many diverse examples of historic house sites and public spaces including the Pruyn House and the first Shaker Meeting House.
http://www.albany.org/

Schenectady:

Located just a short ride from Saratoga Springs, Cooperstown or Albany and less than 3 hours from Boston, Montreal and New York City, Schenectady County offers first class accommodations, exciting attractions, and a wealth of history and culture. Call us today for assistance in planning your trip or developing your own custom Schenectady itinerary! Call 1-800-962-8007 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

http://www.sayschenectady.org/
http://www.historicstockade.com

Troy:

As one of the earliest of New York 's counties, Rensselaer has a population of about 153,000 residing over 665 beautiful picturesque square miles. The quality of life as portrayed in our 14 towns, six villages, and two cities, lends to the air of spirit and togetherness symbolic of what life should be about. The County seat is Troy, known as the home of Uncle Sam and our other city, Rensselaer, sits on the bank of the historic Hudson River, directly across from the Empire State's Capital, Albany.

www.rensco.com

Saratoga Springs:

Today, once again stands proud and prosperous. A revitalization of the past combined with new investment of the present by community leaders, banks, citizens and organizations has made Saratoga County a center of culture, education, and clean industry. Skidmore College and other educational institutions have enriched the academic environment of the area.

The countryside's historic aura is accentuated not only by the Victorian homes that flourish in Ballston Spa, Round Lake, Stillwater and Saratoga Springs, and the remembrance of the Battle of Saratoga which marks the turning point of the American Revolution, but also by the National Museums of Racing, Dance, and the National Bottle Museum. From the well-preserved Saratoga Race Track, to the mineral springs on the 2,100 acre , residents and visitors alike can rediscover the treasures of Saratoga.

http://www.saratoga.org/


(from http://www.iloveny.com/search/regions_index.asp )