Albany Travel Guide

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State Capitol building in Albany, New York
New York State Capitol and Rose Garden, Albany (Corbis)

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Albany Travel Tips

  • Explore the Albany Pine Bush, a 3,010-acre swath of inland pine barrens growing over the top of sand dunes. It's the only ecosystem of its kind in the U.S. and home to some 20 rare species like the inland barrens buckmoth and the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
  • Climb the Erastus Corning Tower in the Empire State Plaza. At 589 feet, it's the tallest building in the state outside of New York City.
  • See a show at one of Albany's two distinctive concert halls. The Egg," in Empire State Plaza, is named for its oval concrete exterior, and the Times Union Center is known locally as the "The Knick" from its days as the Knickerbocker Arena.
  • Celebrate the start of summer at Albany's Tulip Fest, held every May in Washington Park.
  • Tour the State Capitol and see where then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt had a secret door cut into the mahogany wainscoting of the executive chamber in order to access the service elevator in his wheelchair.

Albany Travel Guide

The local author William Kennedy has famously chronicled the state capital with his cycle of Albany novels, including Legs and Ironweed, which summoned not only the politics and grime of the city but also its ghosts. Kennedy's depiction is of a city that's a little raw and rough around the edges, a reality Albany struggles to escape. The much-maligned capital of New York State, Albany is a manageable, medium-size city dominated by government and banking—and a firm wish for greater respect. Albanians are proud of their city's great history on the upper Hudson, its culture, and continued efforts at urban renewal, but the city has had a somewhat difficult time convincing many from around the state of its charms. Beyond school groups on civics-class field trips, Albany attracts many more government and business than leisure travelers. The latter, though, are likely to find a fascinating dose of history, full roster of summer festivals, user-friendly public spaces, and a few surprises that may just win the city some newfound respect. Read More

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Hotels

from: $109

Jiminy Peak

37 Corey Road
Hancock, MA 01237 Map

Distance: 24.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0
from: $50

Northside Motel at Williams College Williamstown

45 North Street
Williamstown, MA 01267 Map

Distance: 28.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
3.0
from: $129

The Orchards Hotel

222 Adams Road
Williamstown, MA 01267 Map

Distance: 29.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

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Attractions

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (Lindenwald)

expert favorite attraction
Rte. 9H
1013 Old Post Rd
Kinderhook, New York 12106

Distance: 19.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

The eighth president of the U.S.—admittedly, not one of the best-remembered presidents in... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Hopper Trail

expert favorite attraction
End of Hopper Rd. at Haley Farm
Williamstown, Massachusetts

Distance: 28.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Five-mile Hopper Trail is a tough hike, but the scenic path that snakes through old-growth forest and alongside waterfalls is worth the effort. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Hancock Shaker Village

expert favorite attraction
P.O. Box 927; Route 20
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202

Distance: 29.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Hancock Shaker Village is a National Historic Landmark that preserves and presents the legacy of... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Airports

Major Airports near Albany

Distance (mi.)
Albany International Airport 7.0 map
Bradley International Airport 74.0 map
Syracuse Hancock International Airport 123.9 map

Other Smaller Airports near Albany

Distance (mi.)
Newburgh Stewart Airport 80.8 map
Lebanon Hanover/Regional/White River Airport 99.4 map
Westchester County Airport 109.7 map

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