Albany, New York

Albany is the hidden jewel in New York's crown. The city, settled by the Dutch in 1624, was given its charter in 1686 by Governor Thomas Dongan and became the capital of New York State in 1797.

The face of modern-day Albany draws on an aggressively growing research and development sector, academic institutions and the development of new nanotechnologies. While this modern exterior may not show it, Albany’s historical roots lend it a charm befitting the second oldest state capital in the nation. Albany, along with Saratoga, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties form an area referred to as the Capital Region, which is home to over one million residents.

Nestled perfectly between the Adirondack and Catskill Mountain ranges, the Hudson River Valley of upstate New York is home to some of the best fishing, hunting, skiing and outdoor recreation in the country. But don’t think that only the outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home here. Albany boasts a diverse cultural identity showcasing a wide range of dining experiences alongside an arts and entertainment culture that flows as smoothly as the Hudson River through this dynamic city.

For the sports lover, Albany offers hockey, football and basketball at the Times Union Center Arena and baseball at nearby Heritage Park. In August, take in thoroughbred horse racing at the famous Saratoga Race Course, the oldest continuously operating race track in the country. Golf enthusiasts can sample the PGA-quality courses, stunning local clubs, and indoor driving range.

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Living

Albany’s charm stems from its location in one of the most picturesque areas of the country and its status as the capital of New York. Few places boast the range of lifestyle choices that the Capital Region has to offer. Whether you enjoy bustling city life with the attendant culture and nightlife, or you prefer the peace and solitude of the countryside, Albany caters to all lifestyle choices.

Spend your weekends taking in the thrill of horseracing at Saratoga Race Course, or spend a lazy afternoon catching a tan on one of the area’s mountain fed lakes. Sample five-star restaurants and world-class entertainment, theatre and ballet, while still having the opportunity to lose yourself in stunning orchards and maple groves on the weekend. These are just a taste of the opportunities upstate New Yorkers can enjoy.

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Education

Albany proudly possesses eleven universities awarding degrees in such diverse fields as law, education, medicine, engineering, business and so many more. The University at Albany, part of the SUNY network, has developed one of the leading nanotechnology programs in the nation, and has been part of the development of high-tech industry in the area.

The Capital Region is home to RPI, a world class and internationally hailed research and development university second internationally only to MIT. Medical advancements are made every day at the award-winning Albany Medical School. Established in 1839, and Albany Medical School is one of the nation’s oldest private medical schools. In addition Albany’s 157 year old Albany School of Law has had such influential graduates as President William McKinley and U.S. Supreme Court Judges David J. Brewer and Robert H. Jackson.

RPI

Siena College

Albany College of Pharmacy

Albany Law School

Albany Medical College

Memorial School of Nursing

The College of St Rose

SUNY Albany

Hudson Valley CC

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Dining and Entertainment

Albany’s diverse restaurant choices allow you to tour the culinary world without ever leaving the city limits. Sample classic New York Italian cuisine at locations such as Lombardo’s on Madison Avenue and Café Italia on Central Avenue. Experience Nouveau American fare at The Gingerman in Midtown or dine on truly divine French creations inspired by local ingredients at Provence on Western Avenue. If you’re looking for a great steak head no further than 167 Prime on Broadway, and for those with a slightly more adventurous palate don’t forget to explore Yono’s fusion menu combining Indonesian and Continental cuisines.

If you are in the market for simpler fare then don’t forget you are in New York and pizza reigns supreme. You will never find yourself more than a mile from a hot slice of New York pizza pie.

If you’re looking for the nightlife, you’ll have a wide range of options. If you’re looking for dance clubs and live music, the North Pearl Street area of downtown Albany has venues that will keep your toes tapping into the wee hours of the morning. Jillian’s Night Club boasts three floors of entertainment to choose from, offering a full arcade, sports bar and dance club, as well as a full service menu to refuel when you need to catch your breath. Chic martini bars with live jazz can be found a block away at Blue 182 and Pure Lounge. If rocking out to live bands is more your style, then don’t go any further than the Skyline, showcasing the best regional bands from New York, New England and Pennsylvania, Thursday through Saturday night.

Head north to Midtown and take a stroll on Lark Street to explore the Soho of Albany. Take your time and stop into the quaint wine bars and little cafes brimming with conversation and walls adorned with work by local artists. In the summer Lark Street comes alive with people as the street becomes lined with café tables and the locals take up residence on the front steps of the city’s charming brown stone buildings. Pull up a barstool at the Lark Tavern, an Albany institution where you never know who you will run into. When your stomach starts to rumble, swing by Bomber's Burrito Bar, one of Albany's local gems. In the downstairs restaurant, try the fantastic 'bomb like' burritos and the positively divine Red-Stripe Pork. If you get thirsty, head upstairs to the comfortable and friendly bar, with a wide-ranging, sophisticated selection of beers.

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Neighboring Cities

Sometimes you just need to get away from the daily grind, and the Capital Region provides plenty of destinations for a relaxing getaway.

Saratoga Springs
(30 Mins from Albany, NY)

Saratoga first became famous for healing spring waters that were sought by people all over the nation to soothe just about anything that ails them. While modern medicine has lessened demand, the spring waters still flow freely and the locals still can’t get enough.

Saratoga is nicknamed the City in the Country, and showcases stunning tree-lined streets, Victorian style architecture complete with swaying porch swings and gardens overflowing with vibrant color. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts performances by the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra in an acoustically ideal amphitheatre in the heart of Spa State Park. In addition to presenting outstanding chamber, opera, jazz, rock and pop music and hosting Pre-Performance Talks, and The Saratoga Wine & Food Festival, the SPAC also oversees the National Museum of Dance. You can take a seat inside the amphitheatre or picnic with wine and friends on the surrounding banks, where the performance is broadcast on large high definition displays, allowing you to enjoy the evening in a manner of your choosing.

Saratoga also boasts excellent restaurants, such as The Olde Byron Inn’s hearty American Cuisine or Mrs. London’s Famous French Bakery for sweet treats that will leave your taste buds in heaven. Throw in the 13 golf courses, 10 museums, a historic battlefield, fabulous boutiques and antique stores and you have a destination that provides something for everyone. Spend a day relaxing at the Lincoln Mineral Baths, window shop in town and then take in a race that afternoon. With the history and entertainment on offer here, it is easy to see why this is one of the oldest tourist destinations in the United States.

Lake George
(60 mins from Albany, NY)

Lake George is a four season destination. In the heat of the summer, visitors flock to the beaches and waterways of Lake George. River tubing, swimming, kayaking and boating are all popular ways to cool off in the summer months, and families frequent Six Flags Theme Park and Water Park from April to October.

In autumn, the trees light up the countryside with hues of amber, yellow and crimson. Hiking, biking, scenic driving, rafting, scenic cruises and horseback riding are superb ways to drink in the colorful foliage.

When the thermometer dips below thirty, something very special happens in Lake George. The lakes freeze, mountains and valleys are swaddled in layers of snow, and folks walk around with snow-eating grins on their faces. Experience some of the best downhill skiing areas in the east, and miles of cross-country ski trails either groomed or untouched as nature intended. The area is dotted with 120 lakes for ice fishing, hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, snow tubing parks and millions of acres of scenery for you to take in. And in February fill up on savory chili, homemade soups and hot chocolate as Lake George hosts its annual winter-fest.

Lake Placid
(90 mins from Albany, NY)

Where were you during the 1980 Winter Olympics? Even if you missed the Lake Placid games, you can still feel like an Olympic athlete. Try your hand at bobsledding, ski jumping (simulated for those with less of an appetite for the extreme) and numerous other Olympic sporting activities at the Olympic Center. For those of a more adventuresome mindset, ski White Face Mountain or try ice climbing.

In the summer, Lake Placid turns her back on winter, the lake thaws and the long johns make way for shorts, sunscreen and tall icy beverages. If aquatic pursuits don’t appeal to you, wander one of the many stunning hiking trails or go for that hole-in-one on the area’s Links Course. Bring your day to a close at The Veranda Restaurant, a five star French dining experience, and watch the night unfurl across the lake as the sun sets on the Adirondacks

With so much to offer in the local vicinity, Capital Region residents and visitors can find no shortage of things to catch your fancy. If the mood strikes, don’t forget that we are just a short drive to New York City and Boston, each only ninety minutes away by car. This is the gateway to so many places, you can explore Massachusetts and Vermont as easily as walking into your backyard, or dive into the stunning vineyards of Western New York and the Finger Lakes, all within an hour of Albany.

It’s not hard to see why it’s so easy to love New York.

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Links

City of Albany

Welcome to Albany (official tourist information website)

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce

Movies of the Albany fire department, circa 1901

Albany Times Union - Albany's daily newspaper

Metroland - "The Alternative Newsweekly of New York's Capital Region"

AboutAlbany - General Information Regarding Albany, NY

A summary early history of Albany

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