Troy, New York

Troy. It's the home of Uncle Sam, an American legend that was a real person -- a meatpacker named Samuel Wilson. Mr. Wilson packed meat and sent it, in barrels marked with "U.S.," to troops in the US Army during the War of 1812.

What did U.S. stand for? "Uncle Sam," someone joked, and then Sam Wilson became a patriotic symbol of America.

But there's more to Troy than a legendary patriot. It's also a city of legendary architecture: Victorian brownstones with marble mantels, high ceilings and beautiful wooden floors. It was featured in the movie, "The Age of Innocence."

Washington Park, nestled in a gentrified section of the city of Troy, is one of two privately owned parks in the country! (The other is Gramercy Park in New York City.) It is kept neat, clean and beautiful by residents who live around the park.

Troy is an in-between city. In between New York City and Montreal, Rochester and Boston, it's also a city on the verge of Route 7, which many downstate folks may take to drive into Vermont to ski.

It's also in between its glory days of downtown departments stores and the biggest flag day parade in the county (a self-made claim to fame) and brighter days ahead, as antiques merchants set up shoppes along River Street, developers begin to recognize the beauty of a city along the Hudson River waterfront, and other small business owners bring fashion and gifts boutiques back into the city.

Troy is home to the world-reknown Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, though the bank was recently bought by First Niagara. The music hall boasts incredible acoustics and is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra. It's a gem of the city.

With its music-going audience, restauranteurs are following. A rich Italian heritage has created a Little Italy district on Fourth Street, home to DeFazio's Pizzeria (the best brick-oven specialty pizzeria!) and (Italian) import shop, where fresh pesto sauce is made in the back kitchen and sold by the package.

Every Saturday, farmers from nearby counties -- and even a few hours south -- come to Troy for the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (outside in the warmer months) and the Troy Winter Farmers Market (inside Troy's Atrium during colder months). Fresh is the key word!

Troy is being discovered by former city dwellers from San Francisco, Boston and New York who are looking for more space for less bucks. Imagine high ceilings, hardwood floors and owning a brownstone for less than monthly rent in other larger cities! Troy is attracting these artists who are looking to build a vibrant community of people!

Erika

Submitted: Monday 22nd March 2004, 8:07 PM

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