You will probably just go around Schenectady, which is a good thing. The only thriving area in what is called The Capital District is Saratoga County, a Republican County. Saratoga Springs is now mini-Nantucket, overtaken by wealthy liberals. Saratoga Race Course is still a destination city for August Thoroughbred racing.
A few miles North is The Adirondack Park, Lake George, etc.