Live a little and discover Troy
By: Maggie Helenek
Jr. Copy Editor
Students recount their experiences in Troy to inspire Hudson Valley Community College students to enjoy all the city has to offer.
“I’ve grown up in Troy and have lived here my whole life,” Paul Laviano, criminal justice student, said. “My mom used to bring me to all the hot spots because she always knew where the crowds were.”
Snowman’s has offered a wide variety of ice cream flavors and treats since the 1950s. It is also a favorite among Hudson Valley Community College students.
“My favorite spot in Troy would definitely be Snowman’s,” Laviano said. “I love going there and [being surrounded] by all of my friends, seeing people I know and overall just enjoying the experience,” he said. “I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been there before.”
Zach Patricelli, an entrepreneurship student, agreed. “Snowman’s has great ice cream that is better than Guptill’s,” Patricelli stated.
Snowman’s is located at 531 Fifth Ave, North Troy.
Other favorite spots for students were the various parks and scenic routes such as Frear Park that overlooks the Cohoes falls and Oakwood Cemetery.
“Frear Park is [a] beautiful [place] for pictures or a quiet place to go to,” Chelsea Powers, a liberal arts major, stated.
“The city has kept [Frear Park] up to par and the golf course is so much fun,” Laviano agreed.
“Frear Park is a great place for sledding, [while] Oakwood Cemetery is pretty at sunset,” Jillian Peltier, criminal justice student, said.
Even students who are not from Troy expressed interest in the many different places to visit.
“I would be interested in going to some of [the places] if I knew more about them, how to get there and had someone to go with,” Gianna Bach, a liberal arts major, said. “I would love to see Oakwood Cemetery, [since] I’ve heard a lot of stories about it.”
Oakwood hosts events such as “Murder at Oakwood” to mark the 149 year anniversary of the murder and suicide that occurred in 1870. Tickets are sold out for the May 18 event. An estimated 1,900 guests will be attending “Murder at Oakwood” where details of the murder will be unveiled.
The downtown area in Troy offers a variety of activities from shopping, eating and events.
“I like downtown Troy because that’s where the Farmers Market is, as well as [where] parades, community organizations and food festivals [take place],” Powers stated.
“The Troy Farmers Market offers tons and tons of different varieties of food, drinks and other things,” Laviano said.
The Troy Farmers Market is now taking place outdoors for the summer. It is located at Monument Square on River Street and takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.
In addition to events and festivals, Downtown Troy is also home to restaurants such as Manory’s, Brown’s Brewing Company and the Whistling Kettle.
Not only do students enjoy Troy for the places it offers, but also for the sense of community it provides.
Patricelli said, “Places like the Troy Farmer’s Market, Frear Park and even Snowman’s are great ways to get the community together and limit the amount of crime and such going on in Troy.”