What to See & Do: Greater Albany & Central New York Region (2024)

Grapevine Farms
Unravel the mysteries of Grapevine Farms in Cobleskill, where paranormal encounters have intrigued visitors since its 2002 transformation from a farm to a Gift Shop, Bistro, and Wine Cellar. Guests have reported apparitions, strange sounds, and encounters over the past 17 years. Legend speaks of spirits like David Hiltz and his wife roaming the second floor, while psychic Katie Manning has sensed echoes of voices and footsteps. Explore shopping, dining, and complimentary wine tastings, but beware of ghostly children in the halls... Investigations and night-time tours are offered by appointment.

Located in Cobleskill, NY. Just a 10-minute drive, pop over to Howe Caverns, the largest show cave in the Northeast and the second most visited natural attraction in the State of New York! Fun for all ages, this guide tour takes you underground into the cave, discovered in 1842.

Bull’s Head Inn
Cobleskill's oldest building, dating back to 1802, holds a varied past—from town hall to inn. Yet, trouble arose when a liquor license inadvertently placed a bar in the bedroom of Mrs. Grace Steacy, a fervent anti-alcohol advocate. Now, her ghost roams the halls, causing chaos with flying silverware and ghostly apparitions. Guests report sightings of a woman in "period dress," adding to the building's eerie atmosphere. Dine in for a spirited meal but hang on to your cutlery, it might go flying… Ghost tours and hunts are also available.

Located in Cobleskill, NY. Nearby, check out the Cobleskill Golf & Country Club to play a round at this 18-hole, 90-year-old course before or after your meal.

Step into the chilling embrace of this Victorian house and office, a haunting time capsule of early medicine once owned by Dr. Best. Over 300 years old, it bears witness to tragic tales of loss, including the deaths of the doctor's beloved son, young wife, and himself. Investigators have captured spectral recordings of piano melodies and distant voices within its walls. Explore the morbid history of this rural community through original obituaries, photos, and death certificates, uncovering the truth of paranormal encounters that continue to shroud this timeless abode. Special events take place throughout the year.

Located in Middleburgh, NY. A 4-minute drive from the museum is Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail, one of the most scenic and Instagrammable summits in the county. A 1.5-mile loop takes you to the summit at the end of a 485-foot climb.

Old Stone Fort Museum
The Old Stone Fort, originally a church built in 1772 and fortified during the Revolutionary War, bears witness to centuries of history and hauntings. Surrounded by a cemetery and housing thousands of artifacts, it's a hotbed for paranormal encounters. Self-guided museum visits run May through October, and group tours and ghost hunts are available by reservation.

Located in Schoharie, NY. While in the area, embark on one of Schoharie County’s many tourism trails! Taste your way through the Craft Beverage Trail, spot our national bird on the dedicated Eagle Trail, take the scenic route along the Barn Quilt Trail or learn about the area on the (not haunted) History Trail, which includes Old Stone Fort Museum!

Schenectady’s Historic Stockade District
Nearly 400 years of eerie history shroud the Historic Stockade, where each building harbors its own ghostly tale. Since the gruesome massacre of 1691, specters wander the streets, catching residents out after dark. Take one of two guided ghost tours—the “Colonial Hauntings” or “Ghostly Victorian” tour—and learn more about these stories. Private candlelight tours can be booked year-round by reservation.

Located in Schenectady, NY. The Historic Stockage District is a 6-minute drive from VIA Aquarium, a great place for families to see sharks swimming overhead in the Shark Tunnel, pet stingrays, learn about reptiles, and more. If you’re looking for a more adult activity, try your luck at a hand of poker or roll the dice at Rivers Casino & Resort, 4-minutes away.

Montgomery County Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse, erected in 1836 after the county seat's relocation to Fonda, holds a rich tapestry of history and hauntings. From notorious murder trials to a libel case involving James Fenimore Cooper, its halls whisper tales of the past. Witnesses report books falling from shelves, unexplained voices and footsteps, and sightings of a woman in a blue Victorian dress who fades into thin air. Paranormal investigations suggest her name may be "Linda," yet her identity remains shrouded in mystery. Call ahead to book a group investigation or special event.

Located in Fonda, NY. Just 5-minutes from the courthouse, spend a day with the alpacas at Clear View Farm. Owners Jennifer and Patrick Clear raise alpacas and bees to produce yarn and wool, clothing, honey, candles and lotion, all while offering free tours of the farm.

Widow Susan Road
Scottish immigrant Susan Thomas married Harmanus DeGraff in 1838, settling on an Amsterdam farm. Following Harmanus's death, Susan, dubbed "Widow Susan," managed the farm and raised her children alone. Upon her passing in 1892, she was interred in Green Hill Cemetery, sparking local legend. Now, her ghost roams "Widow Susan Road" in a white dress, weeping and searching, believed to be confused by her burial away from her husband's plot. These tales haunt the stretch from Chapman Drive to NYS Route 67, weaving a ghostly thread through Amsterdam's history.

Located in Amsterdam, NY. Follow Widow Susan Road down to Main Street and make your way to Riverlink Park in the summer. Rain or shine, you’ll find music along the Mohawk River waterfront, every Saturday evening.

Fulton County Historical Society
Amidst thousands of artifacts spanning centuries, whispers of ghostly encounters echo through the halls. Paranormal teams have captured chilling EVP evidence, while volunteers and staff share tales of slamming doors and eerie occurrences. In this nexus of history and mystery, the line between past and present leave lingering questions of what truly resides within the museum’s walls.

Located in Gloversville, NY. Down the road, Glove Theatre is the last surviving vaudeville theatre in the region! Visit this 110-year-old landmark for theatrical, educational and community events, concerts, comedy, movies, and a tour through the locations rich history.

The Knox Mansion
With 42 rooms and an imported Italian lava ash fireplace, whispers of hauntings echo through these gorgeous mansion halls. Guests recount chilling experiences, from flickering lights to phantom footsteps and ghostly apparitions. Children speak of encounters with the long-departed gardener, while rumors of a still-born baby buried beneath the house linger. Call ahead to investigate the hauntings through guided historical and haunted tours. Special events are also held throughout the year.

Located in Johnstown, NY. Within 10-minutes of The Knox Mansion are two of the area’s best 18-hole golf courses, Fox Run Golf Club and Hales Mills Country Club. Explore the mansion and then head out to the course—or take a drive to Mayfield, NY with the family for a rousing round of mini-golf at Grandview Mini Golf Course.