Albany Travel Guide

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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