There’s so much to do in the Empire State—and if you can avoid having to drive, you’re buying yourself some tranquil reading time, window gazing or rest built into the journey. So, meet your bestie at the station or step onto the train solo and get ready for some adventure.
SCHENECTADY
PROCTORS THEATRE
Catch the latest Broadway show, film festival or special event at this one-time vaudeville theatre built in 1926 just a four-minute walk from Schenectady Station. The 2026 programming includes An Evening With John Legend (May 5), The Outsiders (May 19-24) and Moulin Rouge! The Musical (June 2-7). Fourminute walk from SDY atproctors.org
MUSEUM OF INNOVATION AND SCIENCE (MISCI)
This interactive museum offers wholesome family fun and education just a 16-minute walk from the Amtrak station. Explore the science and mathematical thinking behind creative innovation and don’t forget to visit the Suits-Bueche Planetarium inside a 30- foot dome with 4k digital projection. 16-minute walk from SDY misci.org
SCHENECTADY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The museum and library in the heart of Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District (which has the highest concentration of historic period homes in the country) is the perfect starting point to discover the history of this lovely county. And it’s just 11 minutes walking from the train station. 11-minute walk from SDY schenectadyhistorical.org
THE NEST
Offering upscale southern comfort fare paired with a killer cocktail and libation menu, this locally owned restaurant (by husband-and-wife duo Devin and Kaytrin Ziemann) doesn’t miss. Head south from the station, turn left on State Street and you’ll be there in about seven minutes. Seven-minute walk from SDY thenest518.com
TORONTO
ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO
One of the largest art museums in North America is less than a halfhour stroll away from Union Station. A couple of the exhibits on this year include “The Impressionist Revolution” opening June 2026 and Hudson Valley’s Melissa Auf der Maur’s “My ’90s Rock Photographs” opening September 2026. 24-minute walk from TWO ago.ca
THE TOP OF CN TOWER
What better place to take in views of the city than from the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls and into New York State. If you’re feeling daring, try the EdgeWalk, where you can walk along the outside edge 116 stories up, secured by only a harness. Eight-minute walk from TWO cntower.ca/explore-the-tower
ROGERS CENTRE
Just follow the baseball fans with a pre-game walk from Toronto’s Union Station to this Major League Baseball stadium, home to the Toronto Blue Jays. Pack lightly if you plan to enter the stadium—large bags aren’t permitted. Ten-minute walk from TWO mlb.com/bluejays/ballpark
QUEENS HARBOUR
A relatively new addition to downtown Toronto, Queens Harbour offers a mix of Mediterranean and Asian dishes in an atmosphere that’s worth the visit alone. With its massive layout, spanning several floors and patios, there’s plenty good people-watching to be had along with a yummy and reasonably-priced menu. 13-minute walk from TWO queensharbour.ca
NIAGARA FALLS
NIAGARA FALLS UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HERITAGE CENTER
In the former 1863 US Custom House attached to the Niagara Falls station, you’ll find authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in the Niagara Falls area. Within an hour, you can take in the museum’s interactive exhibits—and don’t forget to check out the many murals outside that honor Niagara Falls heroes. 1-minute walk from NFL niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org
LIVE ON AIR FALLSVIEW BALLOON RIDE
For a totally unique perspective of the falls, try floating up to 500 feet in the sky in a tethered helium balloon. Bonus sights if you book your visit during the Niagara Falls fireworks displays when scheduled. Photos here are a must. 34-minute walk from NFL balloonoverniagara.com
AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA
This small yet engaging aquarium is well worth the stop, especially for families or thalassophiles. You only need an hour or two to see all the exhibits—or book a special seal or penguin encounter for a more memorable experience. Considering work in this field? For $275, they offer a “Trainer for a Day” experience for ages 12 and up. 28-minute walk from NFL aquariumofniagara.org
THE MAMI HOUSE
If you do either of the last two activities, the walk is just an additional 15-20 minutes due south. You can walk off the deep-fried chicken or pork belly and dumplings at this authentic Filipino restaurant on your way back to the station. 42-minute walk from NFL themamihouse.com
UTICA
THE STANLEY THEATRE
Originally built to be a movie palace, this 1928 theatre is one of three remaining Thomas Lamb designed theaters in Upstate New York and today plays host to Broadway Utica shows and musical performances like Hadestown, Beach Boys and Kinky Boots (May 2026). 20-minute walk from UCA thestanley.org
1888 BIERGARTEN & TAVERN
Visit one of America’s oldest familyowned breweries just a 28-minute walk from Utica Station at FX Matt Brewery. For $25, take the VIP Tour behind-the-scenes of the brewing process with a tasting in the cellars. 28-minute walk from UCA saranac.com/1888-biergarten-tavern
MUNSON
This fine arts center, founded in 1919, features a renowned permanent collection in its Museum Of Art. The name was changed to “Munson” in 2023 because it’s the family name that runs through all three generations of the founding family. Entry is free, but special exhibits, such as the upcoming “Watercolor Stories: Art Of Charles E Burchfield” (June 12-September 13), may cost a small fee. 26-minute walk from UCA munson.art
THE TAILOR AND THE COOK
Just across Railroad Street from Utica Station sits a farm-to-table American restaurant in a circa-1800s building. Every detail here is carefully selected, from the ingredients sourced from neighboring farms to a staff of professionals with impressive culinary backgrounds. Two-minute walk from UCA tailorandthecook.com