Welcome Centers
Along the Thruway are 3 of New York State’s 11 Welcome Centers that serve as gateways to the State’s unique regions, highlighting their diverse communities and tourism assets. Each of the Welcome Centers feature a Taste NY Market offering locally-made and produced food and beverages and interactive I LOVE NEW YORK kiosks for visitors to discover the area’s local attractions and tourism destinations.
Capital Region Welcome Center
15 miles south of Albany, located across from the New Baltimore Service Area on (I-87) between exit 21B (Coxsackie - Route 9W) and exit 21A (Berkshire Section/to Mass Pike).
- Taste NY Store: Open Daily 9am-6pm
- Restrooms: Open 24 Hours
The Capital Region Welcome Center features regionally-specific elements linked to the history and natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, which includes such attractions as the New York State Capitol, the historic Saratoga Race Course, and the Lake George region.
Features include: Public restrooms; Taste NY Market showcasing locally grown and sourced products from across the Capital Region and the state; kiosks; music-themed children's playground; 1 electric vehicle charging station; artifact wall; I LOVE NY interactive kiosks; and an area for farmers' markets.
Mohawk Valley Welcome Center
Exit 28 (Fultonville - Fonda) & 29 (Canajoharie)
- Taste NY Store: Open Daily 9am-5pm
- Restrooms: Open 24 Hours
Features include: Public restrooms; Taste NY Market selling locally made food and beverages; kiosks; ADA compliant playground; 1 electric vehicle charging station; pet comfort areas; “Path Through History” along the historic Erie Canal at Lock E13; Walk of Fame highlighting influential individuals from the Mohawk Valley; and a covered porch overlooking the scenic Erie Canal.
Western New York Welcome Center
Off Exit 19 (Whitehaven Road via Alvin Road)
- Taste NY Store: Open Daily 9am-6pm
- Restrooms: Open 24 Hours
Features include: Public restrooms; parking spaces for cars, buses/RVs, and trucks; Taste NY Market; Kiosks; Great Lakes shipwreck theme playground; motorcycle shelter; pet comfort areas; a community room; an I LOVE NY "selfie wall"; a historic artifacts display; a floor map of regional attractions; and café style seating with tables that will provide an enhanced visitor experience.
The Taste NY Market at the WNY Welcome Center is operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Community Room at the WNY Welcome Center can be reserved by local community groups or non-profit organizations on a first-come, first-serve basis. To book the community room, please visit Cornell Cooperatives website to fill out the application form .
