(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

The president of the MOAA NYS Capital District Chapter, Lt. Col. Alfred Memole, USA (Ret), is a native of the Albany, N.Y., area, and he returned there after retirement.

“We have the Adirondacks, the Green Mountains, the Berkshires, the Catskills around us,” he said. “It’s a beautiful area.”

And it’s packed with history.

The Saratoga National Historical Park, located in Stillwater, is the site of the first significant victory for the Continental Army and the surrender of 5,900 British troops.

Visitors can hike self-guided trails, bike the roads, drive the Battlefield Tour Road, take a tour with an official battlefield guide, and climb the 188 steps to the top of the Saratoga Monument for 30-plus mile views.

“History buffs, of course, will love it because there’s a great museum there,” Memole said. “It’s a beautiful area. My wife and I took our bicycles up there and rode the battlefield on bikes.”

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During July 3-5, 2026, visitors to Fort Ticonderoga will find themselves immersed in history during reenactments of the retreat of the Northern Continental Army to Ticonderoga as the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. The star-shaped fort played a part in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. It regularly hosts reenactments, living-history programs, exhibits, and guided tours.

The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center houses more than 25,000 artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War to present day, including uniforms, weapons, battlefield souvenirs, and fine art.

“It’s in an old armory right in Saratoga Springs, and it has the history of New York participation in all our wars from beginning until recently,” Memole said. “They also do a veterans’ research project there.”

No glimpse of New York’s events is complete without the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, one of the largest in the world, launching more than 60,000 fireworks from river barges to the delight of about 3 million spectators. To get out of the crush, book a river cruise or make reservations at one of the observation decks, rooftops, and other venues offering views.

Something Extra: “Take the cure” with a relaxing mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, just like President Franklin Roosevelt did in the 1930s as a treatment for polio. Located at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, today’s offerings also include services like massage, body scrubs, and nail services.