Attractions in and around Albany
Parks
Gull Rock National Park: Gull Rock National Park is located on the eastern coastline of Albany in the Kalgan District. Located approximately 25kms from town. Take the road to Lower King and continue out along the Nanarup Road until you come to Gull Rock Road. Turn into Gull Rock Road and enter the park via gravel roads. Great swimming and fishing beaches that look out to the islands and accross to Whale World - magic.
Art and Culture
Albany Institute of History & Art: The holdings of the Albany Institute of History & Art from the best collection in the United States documenting the life and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley region from the late 17th century to the present. Most of the objects in the museum’s collections were made in either the Albany area or New York State, or were used and owned by documented families living in the Hudson Valley region. Many objects in the collections have national significance not only because of Albany’s importance during the 18th and 19th centuries as a center for trade and commerce, but because some of America's most accomplished artists, craftsmen and customers were living in the Hudson Valley during this period. The collections number more than 20,000 objects.
Hyde Collection: From Old Masters to modern-day artists, the Hyde Collection shows off a world-class collection of objects that span the history of Western art from 4th century BC through the 20th Century. A permanent collection of 2,800 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, furniture and decorative arts are displayed throughout galleries and the home of the museum’s founders, the late Louis and Charlotte Hyde. When the couple began collecting in the 1930s, they acquired drawings and sculptures by Botticelli, El Greco, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. In later years, after Louis Hyde died, Charlotte Hyde broadened the scope of the collection to include such modern masters as Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Renoir, Seurat, and van Gogh. She also assembled a group of works by American artists Eakins, Hassam, Homer, Peto and Ryder. The Hyde Collection is one of only 67 museums accredited in New York state. Traveling collections are also featured throughout the year. This is a must-see for art aficionados.
Museums
New York State Museum: Originally established in 1838 as the State Geological and Natural History Survey, the New York State Museum has become a major research and educational institution. The museum offers about 12 new exhibitions each year on a wide range of subjects, with an objective of preserving New York’s artistic, social, historical, and environmental legacies. It is under the leadership of the New York State Education Department, and is often a teaching museum for children. One of the most popular attractions at the museum is a working 1915 carousel that hosts as many as 180,000 visitors a year. Admission to the museum is free.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is located across from the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest operating track in the country. Opened in 1950, the racing hall of fame honors the achievements of horses, jockeys, and trainers whose records and reputations earned them high standings in the racing community. As of Hall of Fame Day 2007, inducted members include 176 thoroughbreds, 88 jockeys and 84 trainers. Racing thoroughbreds like Man O' War and Secretariat, and jockeys Eddie Arcaro and Jose Santos are a sampling of the long list of favorites honored at the museum. Special exhibits show off the works of such famed equine artists as Franklin B. Voss, Edward S. Voss, Jessie Voss Lewis and Elsa Horne Voss. It is an especially popular attraction during track season.
Activities in Albany
Best rainy day activities around Albany: The Northeast has certainly had its fair share of rain, but that shouldn't stop us from enjoying the free entertainment the Capital Region has to offer.
Check out Saratoga Race Course. Today former NFL players will be signing autographs and the track is providing a lunch with proceeds going to charity.
The Albany Riverfront Park hosts a free concert series every Thursday from 5-8pm. This week, The Original Wailers are here for a Reggae celebration.
Tours
West Cape Howe 4WD Tour: The extraordinary eco-tour will take you on an awesome off-road journey to places that few people will ever see. Your experienced guide will take you along a 4WD-only track to see amazing granite and dolerite coastal cliffs on the southern most point of Washington.
Luke Pen Walk: An easy walk along the banks of the Kalgan River. The walk is approximately 9 kms, allow 4 hours for a round trip. The Kalgan River is one of the best Nature Reserves near Albany. A special place to see many species of native flora and fauna. Take the time to make the walk it is well worth it.
Kid's Activities in Albany
Emu Point: Emu Point has BBQ facilities. It is a excellent swimming location for any Children. There is a great little coffee shop as well as a resturant. Worth spending a day. Great fishing in the chanel leading to Oyster Harbour.
Shopping
Crossgates Mall: With 250 shops and restaurants, Crossgates Mall is the area's largest and most popular indoor shopping center. It is located several miles west of Albany, off Western Avenue in Guilderland. Built in 1984, the mall has a contemporary setting and anchor stores that include Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory, JC Penney's and Bally Total Fitness. Restaurants include Ruby Tuesday, Houlihan's and Johnny Rockets. Among its more popular shops are Wilson's Leather, Ann Taylor, S & K, Hot Topic, Abercrombie & Fitch, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. It's a lot of shopping under one roof. There's also an 18-screen Regal Megaplex. And across the street is Crossgates Commons, a large strip-style outdoor mall with larger retailers like Circuit City, Home Depot, Panera and Old Navy.
Festivals and Events
The Roots of the Pinkster Festivals: Dutch settlers originally brought Pinkster celebrations to America in the 17th century. For the Dutch, it was a celebration of the change of the seasons and the springtime renewal of life. The celebration corresponded with the Episcopal Whitsunday. While the holiday had Dutch origins, by the 19th century, in Albany, New York, it was primarily a black holiday. Thus, as celebrated by slaves, the holiday became a combination of its Dutch roots and the African culture of slaves.
The Demise of the Pinkster Festival: In 1811, a city ordinance was passed banning Pinkster. Historians believe that the city council sought to eliminate the festival because it lacked appeal to the emerging middle class. Eventually, the law was eliminated, but Pinkster never again became a prominent part of Albany life.
Albany's All America City Jazz Festival (Saturday, September 12, 2009).
Albany Riverfront Park Amphitheatre at the Corning Preserve: Albany's signature Jazz Festival, now in its 8th year,continues to present a dazzling line-up of Jazz Greats earning a solid reputation among jazz enthusiasts. Enjoy highly acclaimed musical guests, great food & beverages, kids' activities and fireworks to end the day at one of the area's most spectacular venues. In an effort to celebrate our All America City designation, Mayor Jennings & The City of Albany want to acknowledge the community & the great programs our city has to offer. A civic fair has been added to the festival for a number of local non-profits to be on-site where they'll be able to educate the public on what initiatives they have established.
Pride of New York Harvest Festival (A Winter Combo Festival In Albany, New York): This is a special celebration of the best New York foods and wines of the year. Usually held in November or December at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY, we have nearly 100 vendors each year. Yes - all of the wineries and food vendors that participate are from the state of New York. What a great way to start the holiday season.
Annual Music Festival In Albany (September 19): Musicians ranging from Woody Herman and George Shearing to the rock group Blotto will perform at the Empire State Plaza here Sept. 19 in the second annual daylong Harvest of Music Festival, state officials have announced.
