New York's 'Paper City' Is A Historic Industrial Hub With Downtown Charm And Hudson River Views

The hustle and bustle of rail carriages carrying freshly-pressed paper, accompanied by the melodious flowing of the Hudson River, were once the instruments of this city's industrial past. Yet, even without its high-yielding book paper mill, at one time the largest in the world,, the small city of Mechanicville, situated in Saratoga County in Eastern New York, has retained its storied charm.

Whether you are embarking on a quintessential upstate beer trail on a hipster-friendly tour bus to whet your appetite, or are on the lookout for underrated, artsy cities filled with quirky shops along the Hudson River trail, Mechanicville can be easily reached from most main hubs in Upstate New York. It's about 20 miles north of Albany, which has an international airport just outside the city, ideal for those flying into the Empire State from anywhere in the States. It's also worth noting that this underrated, history-rich state capital is stop-worthy in and of itself, and should absolutely be on your itinerary if you are planning to visit Mechanicville.

As the smallest city in the state of New York, it won't come as a surprise that Mechanicville's downtown, dotted with historic buildings dating back to the golden are of the Industrial era, is fully walkable. Set aside a weekend to learn more about Saratoga County's past at the Stillwater Blockhouse Museum, and explore the magnificent views of the Hudson at Mechanicville City Docks, with peaceful walkways, boat launches, and beaches.

Like many places in Saratoga County, the city was once the recipient of an influx of immigration that transformed it from primarily agricultural land into a thriving industrial hub. First home to Irish immigrants that relocated from Canada to dig the main canal, Mechanicville subsequently opened its doors to Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, and other Europeans citizens by the 1830s –– the pinnacle of its industrial golden age. One of the city's historic markers, the "Immigrant City" plaque (outside the Wever Car Wash on North Street), celebrates this heritage. It's easy to forget just how bustling Mechanicville once was, considering just above 5,000 people live in the city today.

When it comes to how Mechanicville made its bucks, the clue's in the quirky name: It was given to the city for its early settlers' professions in what was then known as the "mechanic arts," which at the time encompassed everything from bricklaying to digging, paper-making, and carpentry. Though sadly not in use anymore, you can glimpse at a past in which the railway was king at the XO Tower in the heart of Mechanicville. Built by the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, it was a vital stop-point, at a time in which the area was so well-connected and busy that over 4,000 train cars switched here per day.

Head to the neighboring village of Stillwater, just 3 miles away from Mechanicville, to visit the imposing timber structure of the Stillwater Blockhouse. This landmark is a reproduction of a typical 18th century blockhouse, a solid timber building typically used for defense. Mere steps away, a plaque commemorates the Stillwater Mills and Manufacturing Site, once a thriving hub of industry in Mechanicville and Stillwater, used for making and shipping textiles, paper, board, and hosiery along the Hudson River.

One of Mechanicville's biggest appeals is, no doubt, its proximity to the Hudson River. The city claims up to 2 miles of this gorgeous river stretch, with small, natural islands such as Schaghticoke (where you can hike the State Canal Park) and Quack Island dotting its roiling, rapids-prone waters. If you're after a serene afternoon hike, you can walk a section of the Zim Smith Trail, which starts in the heart of Saratoga County, in Ballston Spa, and ends at the mouth of the river in Mechanicville. Though the trail is approximately 11 miles long in total, you can easily focus on the short section taking you through Mechanicville, with its gorgeous river views, and culminating in the Round Lake Preserve, just 5 miles west of downtown.

A few private cottages in Mechanicville and Stillwater have taken it upon themselves to channel an old industrial look and feel, or just embrace the charming quirks of their natural surroundings. For easy, scenic water access while residing in a quaint fairytale-style cottage, look no further than Storybook Cottage on the Hudson. Rooms are named after the owners couple's avian interest, from "Bird Sanctuary" to the "Eagle's Nest," with decoration reflecting the natural world. Rates start at $120 and up to $240 depending on the season.