Things To Do in Albany NY

Approaching the 401-year-old town you’ll see what you might have expected in New York’s capital: a skyline marked by government buildings. But don’t be fooled by a ministerial profile. Look closer, and you’ll discover that the city on the western banks of the Hudson River has a lot more than politics going for it. Albany is well worth a weekend getaway at any time of year.

Upcoming Events in Albany

albany perfect fit exhibit

From October 16 through January 2, the Albany Institute of History & Art is offering a Girls Getaway package ($289), including dinner, cocktails, spa services, hotel accommodations, and entry to “The Perfect Fit: Shoes Tell Stories” exhibit, which displays 120 examples of imaginative and provocative shoes made by American contemporary artists between 2004 and 2008.

The festive and free Annual Winter WonderLARK takes place on December 11 and draws spectators for the Art Bazaar at Trinity Church, Santa Speedo Spring, delicious food, and live holiday performances.

The 1st Annual Lark Street Pub Crawl will be held on Saturday, October 23.

Go on a guided Ghosts of Albany Walking Tour through 17th century Albany, hosted by the Historic Albany Foundation on October 28th.

Visit the New York State Museum for the Chocolate Expo and Holiday Gift Market on Saturday, December 5.

What to see
Start with an official welcome at the Albany Heritage Area Visitor Center in the historic district. Its brick pedestrian walkway at Quackenbush Square leads you inside to explore the history of Albany. From exposed artifacts like an original water works pumping station to the visual documentary inside the Henry Hudson Planetarium, you’ll experience exhibits orientating you to the history of Albany. 1st Friday serves to celebrate the “unique vitality of the artists and venues” in the local community. The next free and public event will take place on November 5 and will feature gallery openings, one-night shows, local shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Another popular long-standing local happening is the Alive at Five festival at Albany Riverfront Park—the place to be on a Thursday evening. Performances might include Blues Traveler, the Neville Brothers, and the Original Wailers. Not only will you get a sample of the culture brewing in the city, but you’ll taste everything from traditional BBQ to home made lemonade by local vendors.

Where to find culture
The Albany Institute of History and Art’s more than 20,000 piece permanent collection predates the Louvre and provides a comprehensive yet tangible history of Albany and the river running beside it. Four centuries worth of artifacts document the relationship of art, history, and culture as it relates to the Hudson Valley. Inside you’ll find a chronological timeline of events occurring on the east and west sides of the river from the Albany’s founding in 1609 to the present. In addition to exploring big themes like transportation, natural history and the environment, the exhibits provide small vignettes on local typography, antique food varieties as well as historical references to Community Supported Agriculture, whose influence can be seen locally. If you’re one to pick your head up in NYC to admire the architecture, the Center Square District has a beautiful panorama of mansions, cottages, and restored historic homes dating back to the mid-1800s. Walk to nearby Lark Street, where a burgeoning ten-block Arts District is considered to be the “village” of the city.

What to do outdoors
Take a walk or bike through the 84-acre Washington Square Park filled with over 100 species of trees and many impressive sculptures. Mark your calendars for next spring when the park hosts its annual tulip festival that promises to pop with over 200,000 blossoms. For more of the area’s local flora and food fare visit Downtown Albany’s Farmers Market on Thursday or the Empire State Farmers Market on Friday. As you shop in the spirit of the town’s local CSA tradition, pick up some snacks to nibble on during some of Albany’s free concerts.

Where to eat
A city isn’t complete without a foodie hit list for a good cup of joe, on-the-go eats and fine dining. Before you enter historic Downtown Albany you can grab coffee, tea and fresh baked pastries at Melville’s Mug named after the Moby Dick author and famed 19th century resident, Herman Melville. As you enter onto the one stop strip on Pearl Street you’ll find venues suitable for a variety of appetites. You can get sizeable pizza slices at D’Carlitos Pizza Express, fully packed deli sandwiches over at Miranda’s Deli and tasty Mexican-styled tacos at Burrito Joe’s. Vegetarians will love Greenhouse Café for its more than 50 available toppings to accommodate its fresh-if pricey-salads. Nearby Clinton Avenue and Pearl Street have a few restaurants to please the fine dining palette. For elegant nostalgia, consider taking the whole family to the Hollywood Brown Derby for a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner options à la Hollywood. Pop over to one-year-old Dale Miller on Pearl Street for flawless service and a romantic meal with a view of the Hudson River and Albany skyline.

Where to drink
Bars are known to stay open until the wee hours of the morning here in Albany. After taking in a show at the Palace Theatre—that has headlined artists like John Legend, Maxwell, Jerry Seinfeld and Darius Rucker and will present the Rocky Horror Picture Show this fall—start your pub crawl at McGeary’s across the street and adjacent to Herman Melville’s childhood home. As you make your way down Pearl Street there are a string of venues including after 5p.m. favorites The Victory Café, live music venue Bayou Café, and the mellow Envy Lounge. Enjoy a cold brewski at the Albany Pump Station in Quackenbush Square, where a bar, restaurant, tap room, and brewery all exist under one historic roof.

Where to sleep
Spend the night at Morgan State House in the artsy Lark Street District (consider the Upstate New York Getaway Package from $135 for the Washington Park Suite, including a bottle of champagne and dinner voucher), Hampton Inn Downtown, or 74 State along the State Street mansions.

With ample options round-the-clock in Albany, you’ll feel renewed in a city that isn’t too old to show its visitors how to live like they’re forever young. For more ideas on things to do with the family, read Little Kid, Mid-Sized City Part II: Kids Activities in Albany, NY

How to get there: Amtrak hugs the Hudson River for much of the scenic three-hour ride, offering great views. Take a quick taxi ride into town.

Photo: Courtesy of Albany Tourism Board

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Don’t Be a Tourist in Your Own State Capital: Things to Do in Albany, NY

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