Whether you live in Albany, or are visiting for a vacation, this city offers an abundance of history and exciting events! If you are looking for some adventure ideas please look no further than this comprehensive list! As always, please feel free to comment below with your own adventure ideas.
- State Capitol Building: This is be far one of my favorite attractions in Albany. The gorgeous capitol building is the most expensive capitol building in the country! Evidence of its extravagance is everywhere as well; the carvings adorning every foot of the building, stained glass windows that were restored in 2012, and centuries of history displayed in the hallways. I will refrain from spoiling all of the surprises that you will get see! Friendly tour guides are available three times a day FOR FREE! Or if you want to go on a self-guided tour, the building is open to the public from 0700-1900hrs on the weekdays. As a heads up: metal detectors are at the entrances since this is a state government workplace. Leave all weapons at home (even pocket knifes). Have a blast and feel free to visit their website for more information: http://assembly.state.ny.us/Tour/
- New York State Museum: Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the New York State Museum is attached to the Egg and State Capitol building by a network of cozy underground tunnels. The tunnels themselves host plenty of events (children’s dance competitions, cultural art galleries) and provide warmth and shelter from the cold Albany weather. The New York State Museum is filled with excitement. The gallery on the first floor changes often and always contains something to spark your imagination! A visit here will expand your knowledge of the native species of New York, the geological makeup of the different counties, a 9/11 exhibit, and a working old-style carousel that you can ride on! I have never had a bad visit here. Check out their website at http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/
- The Egg: The last portion of Empire Plaza that I will talk about here- the Egg is the place to go for concerts. The bands that play here are always unique, and will be sure to play a great show. The Egg is an iconic building with regards to Albany’s skyline. Please visit their website for information about upcoming events! http://www.theegg.org/
- Lark Street: Lark street is dubbed “The heart of Albany” as this street contains numerous local restaurants, shops, and bars. LAX, Bombers Burrito Bar, Rain (Chinese Food), Stacks Espresso Bar, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Shogun (DELICIOUS SUSHI), and many other stores line this street. The Row houses, and cobblestone give this road a quaint look, while the people and city life is bustling around. Even window shopping is wonderful!
- Cider Belly Doughnuts: YUM. Prices are reasonable and the doughnuts are life changing.
- Washington Park: This is the venue for many exciting events such as Tulip Festival, Working out on the Green, Santa’s Workshop, and weekly heritage and athletic events. Worst case if there are no events, a walk through the amazing artwork, flowers, and the pond is gorgeous. A full list of the upcoming events can be found on their website: washingtonpark.org
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and please comment if you have any other adventures that people would enjoy partaking in!