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A luxury car combines elegant exterior styling, a comfortable and refined interior, and exceptional performance and handling. Driving a luxury car is a real treat and something that never gets old. If you are looking for a new car, spoil yourself with one of these four cars from Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler. Jeep Grand Cherokee Performance Trackhawk The Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't just about rugged off-road driving. The 2018 Performance Trackhawk edition happens to be the most powerful SUV available. Get in, engage launch control, and the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 will take you from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. That is supercar territory. The Grand Cherokee Performance doesn't just have insane performance, it also surrounds you in luxury. Its ventilated Laguna Leather seats are heated and cooled. The standard UConnect 4C Nav with 8.4-inch touchscreen provides Bluetooth connectivity and special Trackhawk performance pages that show you important statistics about your car. more Dodge Durango SRT The Dodge Durango SRT brings luxury and performance to additional passengers. The added third-row seating gives up to six people a comfortable well-appointed seat for a powerful ride. The Durango has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that cranks out 475 horsepower. Eight drive modes including street, sport, and track allow the driver to dial in the ride for the road conditions. An active noise cancelation system keeps the cabin quiet. Bolstered Napa leather-trimmed seats embrace the first and second-row passengers. Add in steering-mounted paddle shifters for manual control of the eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans are probably not the first car you think of when you hear luxury. That's only because you haven't looked at the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Napa leather-trimmed seats with perforated inserts offer both heating in the winter and cooling when the temperatures rise. Space could be the most luxurious thing about the Pacifica. There are 243 different seating configurations and ample cargo space. Your passengers can ride in comfort and you can bring everything with you in one trip. The Uconnect Theater provides dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with wireless streaming and Bluetooth remotes for second-row passengers. Don't forget, not stopping at a gas station can also be a luxury. The Pacifica Hybrid gets an EPA estimated 84 MPG on the highway and has an all-electric range of 33 miles. Chrysler 300C The 300C is Chrysler's top of the line 300 model. It exudes luxury without the price, starting at $40,995. With a class-leading 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 300C has enough power for fast starts and quiet highway cruising. Inside, you'll hold a two-tone heated leather-wrapped steering wheel while sitting in deep quilted, perforated and vented Napa leather seats. Natural-pore mocha wood bezels accent the luxurious interior. Adding on the UConnect 4C with Navigation and the panoramic dual-pane sunroof further refines this elegant car. Luxury cars are defined by a unique sense of style. It can classic or outrageous. One thing is certain: when you are behind the wheel of an elegant and powerful automobile, you feel spoiled. These cars and SUVs provide a driving experience and luxurious feel that you'll find nowhere else.

Sometimes finding a moment of peace in the middle of an urban jungle is simply a necessity. Thankfully, with Albany's city parks, visitors can explore rambling pathways, have a picnic in a meadow, or idle away the afternoon fishing a pond. These parks give new meaning to the words “urban oasis.” Let us introduce you to our top four picks for the most beautiful parks in Albany County. The Crossings of Colonie Reconnect with nature at The Colonie Crossings, a 130-acre park. The crossings feature a large pond for fishing, open grassy meadows, and extensive wooded areas. Stop by The Gazebo, and take in a concert or visit The Barn where local artisans display their works. Take in views of the Helderberg escarpment from The Orchard, then visit the sundial garden in The Arboretum. The Crossings is a fantastic backdrop for fall's magnificent and colorful appearance that draws leaf-peepers from near and far. A 6.5-mile multi-use trail wanders through the park and is an extraordinary setting for those long walks with your best four-legged friend. more Albany Pine Bush Preserve The Pine Bush Preserve is one of only 20 pine barrens in the entire world, formed up to 15,000 years ago after a glacial-period lake dried up. The landscape is dominated by sand dunes, grasses, low shrubs, and small pine trees. Covering over 3,200 acres of protected land, the park features a nearly 20-mile extended trail system, ideal for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Pine Bush is home to 45 species of wildlife that made the Greatest Conservation Need database. Which makes it an important urban preserve. Best known for its protection of the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, this species is making a remarkable comeback in Pine Bush. Wrap up your Pine Bush adventure at the Discovery Center for a variety of fun, family-friendly events. Tivoli Lake Preserve This picturesque 80-acre park was opened in 1975 and is the largest metropolitan outlet for outdoor recreation and exploration in Albany. Home to many natural attractions, Tivoli Lake offers a diverse collection of wildflowers, many animals to spot, and trails for walking and running. Tivoli Lake is at the heart of this scenic preserve and offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Remember to explore Patroon Creek as it meanders its way to the Hudson River. Peebles Island Just 12 miles north of Albany, nestled among a rolling, wooded landscape is Peebles Island State Park. The 190-acre island sits at the junction of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. So, it is a great place to go hiking or cross-country skiing along miles of nature trails. Enjoy scenery such as year-round views of the rivers and waterfalls. Peebles Island is home to the Bureau of Historic Sites and Bureau of Historic Preservation Field Services headquarters. End your exploration with the island's Revolutionary War earthworks, museum, and gift shop. There's something special about spending the day at a beautiful park in the middle of bustling urban surroundings. When you're in the mood for nature's quiet, explore your favorites from our list.

Minivans have long held the honor of the most popular family-transport mobile, and they make a ton of sense. They're roomy and loaded with practical conveniences — and even some luxurious comforts. But today's early-millennial parents don't always want to cruise around in the same minivan that their own soccer moms did. So, we've put together five unconventional family-friendly vehicles that offer minivan-like functionality, without the 1995 stigma. Dodge Journey Ditch the minivan and take a look at Dodge's adventure-driven 2018 Journey crossover SUV. Dodge's three-row seater offers available technology that will impress even your biggest bandwidth-hogs, including Uconnect 3 with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and available navigation. The Journey is built with tons of storage spaces to grow with your family, and 67 cubic feet of cargo room is plenty for all the kid's gear. With heated front seats and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that gets 500 highway miles per tank, go ahead and hit Albany's roads. The 2018 base-model Journey SE has a sticker price of $22,795, with the top trim GT starting at $32,995. more Jeep Grand Cherokee When you're on the lookout for a minivan stand-in with exceptional off-road chops, give the Jeep Grand Cherokee a go. Thankfully, Jeep offers an impressive lineup of 2018 Grand Cherokees, including 11 trims opening with the base equipped Laredo. The Grand Cherokee has received more lifetime honors than any other SUV. From potent engine options to all-weather capability, fuel-saving technology, and Jeep's legendary off-road performance, there's not a minivan around that can compete with Grand Cherokee's rugged, yet sophisticated charm. Jeep's award-winning luxury SUV starts at $30,695 and tops out at $86,000 for the new Trackhawk trim. Dodge Durango Dodge's king of the SUVs, the Durango, is an excellent alternative to the traditional family minivan and is available in six trim levels. The Durango is America's most powerful SUV with an available 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that generates a whopping 475 horsepower. Add the best-in-class towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, and it's time to load up the kids, hook up the camper, and get away to Lake George. Drive home in your new Durango SXT starting at $29,995, while the well-appointed SRT starts at $62,995. Jeep Wrangler JK No one will ever confuse the 2018 Wrangler JK for a minivan in disguise. When Dad has carpool duty, he wants to tour the Albany area in something rugged and steadfast, yet roomy enough for the whole family. The Jeep Wrangler JK has the highest model loyalty in the compact SUV class for the third consecutive year according to IHS Markit. The kids will love the Wrangler's open-air freedom with removable doors and top, and parents will appreciate the JK's plentiful storage space. The iconic Wrangler Sport starts at a very reasonable $23,995 and tops out after nine trim levels with the Rubicon starting at $33,645. In conclusion, families need room, but if the idea of shopping for a minivan holds about as much appeal as changing diapers, remember they aren't your only choice. Test drive one of these great alternatives for the traditional minivan today.

FCA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has honored Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM with the 2018 Customer First Award for Excellence. This is the second time and the second year running that Goldstein CDJR has earned this prestigious award. The 2018 FCA Customer First Award for Excellence is presented to Alan Goldstein: Owner & Joe Martell: General Manager by Marlene Dubois: FCA Area Manager. more A Hard-Earned Award for Excellence Meeting the requirements to earn this award twice is something few CDJR dealers have achieved. Our car, truck and SUV dealership staff have worked hard to provide the levels of customer service that the award requires. These are requirements our customers deserve. Before you spend your hard-earned money with a dealer, you should ask - "Do you have the Customer First Award?" and "Do you have more than one?" It's safe to say, in the Capital Region, a two-time winner is rare indeed. That's makes our achievement that more special! Here's just some of the team at Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM enjoying a delicious lunch from The Century House during our Customer First Award celebration. Excellence Award and Excellent Lunch! In a special presentation, a representative from FCA congratulated Alan Goldstein, whose name is on the building, and our General Manager Joe Martell. The kudos were shared with the entire team, and several of our staff were singled out for achievements. Along with the Award we proudly display in our Latham showroom, we also enjoyed a delicious lunch from The Century House. The incredible Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding was back and didn't last long on any plate. Especially with that homemade topping. A special dessert we remember from our first award celebration, courtesy of The Century House. It's Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding. Yummy. Meeting and Exceeding Goals for Excellence The 2018 Customer Service Award is earned by a dealership that is able to reach certain goals. This includes the building itself, and how comfortable our waiting area is. It's about sales and service goals, and how well our team is trained. And the training is ongoing, as the automotive business is constantly moving. Customers provide their opinions of our work through surveys - and a customer's positive opinion is the most valuable thing we can hope to earn. Rick Shmaruk, Goldstein CDJR Sales Manager, can't help but be excited about having two of the Customer First Awards. We're all this excited - but we caught him on camera! Customer First Award - The Reason is in the Name! Therefore, a big Thank You to our customers! You have the choice to buy from many dealers in the region, but so many of you have chosen Goldstein CDJR. And you've told your family and friends of your experience at our dealership. Your kind words, your 5 star reviews on Facebook, Google and other services, have helped us achieve this award and surpass many of our own goals. We set the bar even higher after we received the 2017 Customer First Award for Excellence. Now, with the 2018 Customer First Award for Excellence in our showroom, we have two awards to live up to in the years to come. Applause for the staff who helped Goldstein CDJR earn the prestigious Customer First Award For Excellence. This is just some of our staff, but everyone did enjoy a meal that day.

Jeep started off 2018 with a bang with their new Jeep Compass earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. Check out these three safety features that make the Jeep Compass one of the safest cars on the road. A Full Airbag System to Protect You The Jeep Compass is equipped with one of the most sophisticated airbag systems. It includes seven airbags that surround the car, protecting the driver as well as the passengers in any type of collision. Both the driver and passenger side airbags are equipped with a three-vent system to ensure people are both protected no matter their height and weight. The rest of the airbag system includes front and rear head airbags as well as side airbags, limiting the impact on a passenger's body. A Reinforced High Steel Frame to Shield Occupants The Jeep Compass was engineered to protect the passengers with a cocoon-like shield for extra protection from impact. The vehicle was engineered with a high-steel frame combined with other materials and equipped with side beams to provide the strength the vehicle needs to withstand a hard impact. more A Suite of Safety Detection Systems While the Jeep Compass offers both drivers and passenger protection in an accident, it also provides owners with a range of safety detection systems to help improve your safety while driving and help you avoid an accident. Some of the systems the Compass can be equipped with include: Rear Backup Camera - The rear backup camera will help you avoid objects when backing up as well as assist you in parking. Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers - Your wipers will automatically start when rain is detected and will adjust their speed to make sure you have a clear view while driving. Automatic Headlamps - Automatic headlamps will come on when darkness is detected to brighten your path. Electronic Stability Control System - This system will detect the conditions of the road and make adjustments to speed, braking, and torque to deliver the control you need to keep your vehicle moving in the right direction. Blind Spot Monitoring - The Blind Spot Monitoring detection system allows you to change lanes and make turns more safely by providing an indication if there is an object located within your blind spot so you can adjust to avoid it. Rear Cross Path Detection - With rear cross path detection, you will be alerted to cars crossing behind you when attempting to back out of a spot or pull forward with limited visibility. Daytime Running Lights - Not only is it important for you to see other vehicles on the road, but it is vital for them to see you as well. Daytime running lights keep you visible even in inclement weather. Check out some of these amazing safety features and find out why the Jeep Compass is listed as one of the safest cars of the year. Visit Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge and take a Compass out for a test drive today.

There's no doubt about it — Americans love their comfort food. Sitting down to a plate of wholesome goodness feels like a big warm hug on the inside. Whether these dishes remind us of a simpler time, or they're just undeniably delicious, there's no guilt indulging in your favorites. Get to know three of the best restaurants for comfort food in Albany County, so you'll be ready the next time the urge to cheer up by chowing down hits you. The Bull & Barrel Smokehouse Grill What food could be more comforting than down-home barbecue? The Bull and Barrel might offer the best barbecue around, and there ain't no bull about it. Their experienced chefs are dishing up traditional fare with a mouth-watering, modern twist. Meats that are smoked to flavorful perfection pair beautifully with homemade sides, such as green apple slaw, and sweet jalapeno potato salad. Sink your teeth into the Pitmaster sample platter that showcases a bit of everything, from chicken and ribs to pulled pork and smoked sausage. Delight in a serving of southern style catfish or a shrimp po' boy made to order. Join the folks at The Bull and Barrel every Thursday night for Bud Light Bingo, and enjoy live entertainment with the Ts on first Friday. more City Beer Hall When you're in the mood for a therapeutic mug of ale and pub grub to set things right, head on over to the City Beer Hall. This old fashion American beer hall calls one of the area's most beautiful downtown historic buildings home. The City Beer Hall offers several unique indoor spaces such as the main hall and rodeo bar, or grab a brew and a juicy burger on the beautiful, relaxed outdoor beer garden. With 18 beers on tap such as the soft and fruity "West Kill Earn Your Keep" or the cider-infused house special "Go-Go Smoked Mango," it's easy to find a new favorite. What could be more soothing than a bowl of City Beer's chili mac, or Duck 'N Biscuit confit when paired with your favorite distillation? Bar bites and large platters are available late, so come as you are and enjoy. Fountain Restaurant When you're on the lookout for comfort foods, pizza consistently tops America's list of favorites. Lucky for Albany residents, for decades Fountain Restaurant is touted to have the best pizza in the capital district. With their chef's consistently crisp, tasty pizza crust, and variety of build-your-own toppings — from broccoli to shrimp, and everything in between — your comfort pizza is sure to please. Fountains is a casual, friendly pub-style restaurant, with an expansive selection of dinners, salads, and sandwiches. Don't forget to check the board for delectable daily specials. Stay after your meal, and enjoy jazz music courtesy of Skip Parson's Riverboat Band on the second weekend of every month. Sometimes, we just need a bit of comfort food to feel our best, just like mom used to make. When she's not around, indulge yourself, and savor the best comfort food in Albany County.

The Albany Tulip Festival is one of the most popular events in the Albany, New York, area. The festival is on its 70 th year and is scheduled for May 12 and 13 of this year. The festival promises entertainment, education, and thousands of tulips. What You Can Expect to See While the Albany Tulip Festival features over 140,000 tulips, there is so much more to do and see. You will also find over 100 vendors selling homemade crafts, fine arts, and delicious local cuisines. The festival celebrates the Dutch history of Albany, so you'll also find many Dutch-inspired events. It's important to remember the rules of the festival. Guests aren't allowed to bring alcoholic beverages or glass containers into the festival grounds. The event doesn't allow tobacco use or pets of any kind. The festival guidelines also request that guests don't record the live performances. more Kid-Friendly Entertainment The Albany Tulip Festival has a dedicated KidZone area that makes the festival fun for children. The KidZone tent is set up for tulip-inspired crafts, children's book challenges, and games. Children can also attend live events including Melvin the Magnificent, Andy “The  Music Man” Morse and others.  There's also a rock climbing wall, bouncy inflatables, and plenty of carnival-style games. Fun For Grown-Ups Too You don't have to bring the children to have a good time at the Albany Tulip Festival. There are many other activities for adults as well, including two stages with live entertainment. The live entertainment is provided by the Community School of Rock, a local school of music and performing arts. A few of the scheduled performances include Jordan Taylor Hill and The LateShift. Floral and tulip enthusiasts will enjoy the Tulip Tour guided by the city gardener, Jessica Morgan. This free event fills up quickly, so make sure you reserve your space ahead of time. Other events worth checking out include the Dutch street scrubbing ceremony, the Tulip Festival luncheon, and the tulip queen crowning. Location of the Festival The Albany Tulip Festival draws a large crowd every year. The event takes place at the 81-acre historic Washington Park. Although there is plenty of parking available, they do fill up quickly. Fortunately, the city does offer a free shuttle bus from the complimentary Elk Street/Eagle Street parking lots. Shuttle pickup spots are clearly marked outside of the parking lots. Shuttles leave for the festival in 25-minute increments. Attend the Ball of the Season The Royal Tulip Ball is one of the most popular events during the Albany Tulip Festival. This charitable event will take place on Saturday, May 12 at the Albany Capital Center. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Capital City Fund, a local nonprofit that assists other charitable organizations in the city of Albany. The biggest and most anticipated event in Albany, New York, is almost here. Purchase your tickets, arrange your transportation plans, and map out all of the exciting events you want to participate in at the 2018 Albany Tulip Festival.

Nothing tastes quite like a sip of locally brewed beer. Depending on the company and the brewing process they use, each beer has a unique taste that is unlike any other beer out there. Here is a guide to some of the best local beer establishments in Albany. Druthers Brewing Druthers Brewing offers an unparalleled combination of local beer and great food. Originally opened in Saratoga, Druthers brings a wide selection of beer to its Albany location. It offers five signature beers all year long, including Golden Rule Pilsner, Fist of Karma Brown, Against the Grain Hefeweizen, The Dare, and All-In IPA. Seven additional beers join the regular menu with the seasons. Every beer has a clear description, along with the alcohol content, so both beginners and experienced craft beer drinkers know what to expect. They also offer a comprehensive menu of tasty snacks and full dishes to go along with your choice of brew. A local favorite is the beer cheese dip. Other classics include pizzas, pasta, and burgers. The brewery is open for lunch and dinner and has a catering menu as well. more Fort Orange Brewing The Fort Orange Brewing Company opened its doors in Albany because the three owners were passionate about making delicious craft beer. It has a rotating menu of beers and snacks, like popcorn and pretzels for purchase. Fort Orange IPA is the company's signature beer. It is juicy with just a bit of bitterness. Other beers on the menu include The General and Nipper, an amber ale and IPA, respectively. Fort Orange has a family-friendly atmosphere too. Locals with very young children go there for a night out. Adults without children enjoy their delicious craft beers over a variety of available arcade games. The brewery also holds events, like trivia nights and Paint with a Pint. Rare Form Brewing Company The Rare Form Brewing Company, in nearby Troy, is another option locals frequent. It is a small brewing company that reflects the tastes of the East, Midwest, and West -- places where the owners have lived. You will find the refreshing Bling of Zeus Imperial Pilsner and sweet and nutty Members Only as available options, among other specialty beers. They also have kombucha and rotating cider on tap. You will see that Rare Form Brewing Company also embraces art as each of their beer labels are made by different artists. Customers can buy poster prints of the art, too. The profits proudly go straight to the artist. Mixing a love of craft beers with a bit of culture, attend “ Rare Forums” on Monday evenings, once a month, and listen to Gerry Lorentz -- a professor, local beer historian, and author -- as he speaks about various topics on beer history. Drinking craft beer is an adventure because each company has its own unique take on the brewing process. Passion and knowledge of what a good beer tastes like connect people. Make time to visit one of these brewing companies on your next trip to Albany.

2018 has welcomed the introduction of the all-new Jeep Wrangler, an exceptional model that combines all the heritage and character of the Wrangler name with high-tech features and a level of civility never achieved by its predecessors. A successful blend of one of the most iconic off-road SUVs ever made and all the latest technology, there's little in the new model that hasn't been updated. From the wider and longer design, a completely new interior, and updated engine to its easy-fold windshield, easily removed doors, and souped-up off-roading abilities, the new Jeep Wrangler is a far superior machine. more Interior Upgrades The interior of the 2018 Wrangler boasts a modern yet simple layout and updated materials. Passengers can enjoy more space, while leather seats and dash accents are available for a touch of added luxury. Finishing details, like body-color dash panels and rounded vents, and extra gadgets, including a touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, also elevate the new model into a premium motor territory. Despite this, the car retains all the rugged goodness you'd expect from a Wrangler and off-road SUV, with a grab handle mounted on the passenger side for when the going gets rough. Slick Exterior When you first see the new Wrangler, the style may strike you as a fairly simple update on the car's classic appearance. But when you take a closer look, you'll notice a lot of great details. The 2018 Wrangler is over 2 inches wider at the wheelbase than previous models, providing maximum comfort and stability. Newly-designed aluminum doors are easier to remove than ever, while folding down the windshield now only requires the removal of four bolts, compared to the 28 needed in the past. Add to this the option of LED head and taillights and several different roof configurations to choose from, and it's easier than ever to enjoy the liberating open-top and off-road driving experience Jeepers love, while still being able to shelter from the rain when needed. What's Under the Hood Although there is a diesel engine on the horizon for the 2019 model, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler has two engine options available. Those familiar with the Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge's Pentastar V6 engine will know it packs a powerful punch. With 285 horsepower plus 260 lb-ft of torque, the Pentastar is available with both an 8-speed automatic transmission and the all-new 6-speed manual transmission. If you've been searching for a manual Pentastar the 2018 Wrangler is currently the only way to get one! Also available is a brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, boasting 268 horsepower plus 295 lb-ft of torque. This is only available with the automatic. However, it's a tempting choice, offering greater torque in a lower rev range. If you're in the market for a new off-roading SUV, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is a great choice, with modern looks, excellent features, and all the rebellious charm we've come to know and love from the range.

Cities are often known for their architecture. In New York City, the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building draw visitors each year. In San Francisco, the skyline would not be complete without the Bank of America Tower. The same is true for Albany. Here are three buildings that not only make up the skyline in Albany but also have a rich history. Old Albany Academy Designed by Philip Hooker, the original Albany Academy building is a federal style brownstone found in downtown Albany and is the oldest building in the city. As the name suggests, the building served as a preparatory school up until the 1930s. Albany Academy then moved to another building, where it still resides. The city's school district's headquarters is now located at the old Albany Academy building. A well-known statue of one of the school's principals, Joseph Henry, stands outside. It commemorates his contributions to electrical conductance, which he helped discover while doing experiments in the building. These experiments led to the eventual creation of the telegraph and telecommunications, as we know them today. more Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception serves as the heart of the Diocese of Albany. Designed by Irish-American architect Patrick Keely, the church was built in 1850, in part, to accommodate the influx of Catholics immigrating to the city. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the oldest cathedral in the United States, following St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. It is the first Neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral in the United States. It took four years to build after being commissioned by Bishop John McCloskey. The south tower took 40 years to complete. The cathedral served as the tallest building in Albany when completed. It still has its original stained-glass windows, which came from England, and features an award-winning Stations of the Cross. Notable events held here include a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, weddings of two Catholic Governor's daughters, and the first-ever forgiveness service between Catholics and Jews on Palm Sunday. Albany City Hall Architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed Albany City Hall in Romanesque architectural style at the high point of his career. Completed in 1883, the new building replaced the old city hall that burned down in a fire in 1880. The Albany City Hall still stands and serves its residents today. The mayor's office is there, along with the traffic courts and other city services. The building features a tower that stands over 200 feet high. Like the other buildings listed, Albany City Hall is part of the United States Register of Historic Places. Famous architectural buildings are interesting to look at. They also hold their own unique place in history. Albany would not be the same without the old Albany Academy, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Albany City Hall buildings. Plan a sightseeing tour of all three, and more, on your next trip to Albany.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular vehicles in the automaker's lineup. It only gets better with each new model year. Jeep offers three distinct limited editions for the Grand Cherokee in 2018. Here's a look at the features of each one. Altitude The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude mixes style with much-desired function. It has gloss black accents on the exterior, as seen on the 20-inch aluminum wheels, while paired with an aerodynamic exterior design. The exterior also features a Parkview Rear Backup Camera that shows distance guidelines on the interior's touchscreen while backing up. A Power Lift Gate opens the back of the vehicle with just one touch of a button. more The interior features gunmetal accents with Capri leather seats featuring suede inserts. A Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Support. A 6-speaker sound system ties everything together. The 9-speaker Alpine Sound System and Active Noise Cancellation is available as an upgrade, along with a power sunroof. High Altitude The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude has a refined style to it. Low-gloss granite crystal accents are featured on exterior areas, such as the grille bezels, step pad, exterior badge, and taillamps. Twenty-inch wheels come on the High Altitude and the Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps highlight the night with bright and sharp lighting. Sophistication and delight continue in the High Altitude's interior starting with the Uconnect 4C NAV. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen display offers 3-D navigation graphics and system support for both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Sit on luxurious black Nappa leather-trimmed seats with same color accent stitching. A CommandView Dual-Pane Sunroof brings light into the vehicle while keeping the driver cool. In addition to the exterior and interior style, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude includes standard safety features, like the Blind Spot Monitoring System, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Sterling Edition The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition is luxury personified. Celebrating 25 years of the Grand Cherokee, it includes a 25th Anniversary Badge on its exterior. The Sterling Edition stands out with 20-inch heritage wheels and platinum chrome accents on the front grille rings, roof rails, rear cargo area step pad, and lower fascia appliqué. Attention to lavishness continues on into its interior thanks to its metal accents. Along with its Uconnect 4C NAV system, the Sterling Edition enjoys the same smartphone support as the other editions. Perforated heritage seats present either gray or black detailed stitching. The vehicle also has an available power sunroof and 9-speaker Alpine Sound System. The Sterling Edition also comes with the Blind Spot Safety Monitoring System and Rear Cross Path Detection. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the SUV that goes anywhere. Choose from one of the three limited edition models to travel in style. Visit Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge to see them in person, learn about all the features, and go for a test drive.

Whether you're interested in the area's history or are in pursuit of nature and recreational activities, the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve has a lot to offer. It includes a small part of the original Erie Canal towpath, which was built in 1825, along with several other historical structures. It's also designated as a bird conservation area, so there are many activities to enjoy there. Hiking Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve covers 740 acres and has several miles of well-maintained, marked hiking trails through woodlands and meadows. Put on a pair of hiking shoes, bring your family and even your dog, and get some fresh air and exercise. Occasionally the park has guided tours, which may last for two hours or more and focus on the historical aspects of the park, wildlife, and nature, or bird watching. more Bird Watching As an official bird conservation area, this preserve is a refuge for over 200 bird species. Commonly spotted birds include the green heron, egrets, American bittern, Common Nighthawk, Virginia Rail, and a variety of woodpeckers. The Audubon Society of New York calls it an Important Bird Area. One of the reasons it is so valuable for bird conservation is its variety of habitats, such as marshland, open fields, evergreen thickets, and hardwood forest. Picnicking Why not combine your hiking adventure with a family picnic, and watch the birds while you enjoy your meal? The park has a small picnic area located beside the Mohawk River. Even better, you can grab your food from the nearby Vischer Ferry General Store, which serves baked goods, breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with vintage items, jewelry, and home décor. Order it to go, and head to the park. Just remember to leave no trace. Historical Exploration One of the biggest attractions of Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is its history. Within the park, you'll find the site of Clifton Park's first settlement, and the remains of the famous Erie Canal, which connected Albany and Buffalo. The Whipple Truss Bridge, built in 1862 and lovingly restored, once spanned the canal but now marks one of its entrances. Other historical features in the park include Double Lock 19, Clute's Dry Dock, and Forts Ferry. Double Lock 19 dates to 1865, when about 265 boats passed through it daily. Now there is a pedestrian bridge across the lock so that visitors can get a good view. Clute's Dry Dock was built in 1852 when it was used as a place to build and repair canal boats. Forts Ferry was a rope ferry used to cross the Mohawk River until 1923. Special Events The Town of Clifton Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year at Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve as well as other local parks. Most of these are “stewardship hikes” that encourage attendees to help maintain conditions within the preserves, such as a hike in March 2018 focusing on invasive plant species.