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If the ultimate family vehicle balances performance and technology with safety and style, then the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is reaching for the crown. As a sports utility vehicle (SUV), it glides to the front of the line for style against the standard minivan. When you add in these five features, the Dodge Durango leads the pack as the ultimate family vehicle. Aggressive and Seamless Styling Styled with the whole vehicle in mind, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT's elegant design is extended to the interior for a luxurious and chic ride. With these styling features, you'll stand out in the carpool lane: Signature Durango SRT hood and cold air intake. Special front and rear bumpers. Laguna leather seats, hand-wrapped dashboard, and steering wheel trim. Flat-bottom steering wheel. T-style shifter. more Seating For the Whole Family The three spacious rows comfortably seat seven, with a middle row that boasts two captain's chairs that fold and tumble to allow easy access for car seats and entry into the foldable adult-sized third-row seating. There's a good amount of head and leg room, rear-folding headrests, and heated seats in the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT providing a comfortable ride for the entire family. Safety Safety is a top priority for any family vehicle, and the 2018 Durango doesn't disappoint. It received a four-star rating out of a possible five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s front crash test and rollover test, three stars for all-wheel drive, and four stars for rear-wheel drive. Contributing to its safety rating, the standard active safety suite of applications and features includes: Trailer-sway control. Forward collision warning. Adaptive Driving with a total of seven driving modes including Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, Valet, and Street, allowing you to handle any road situation with ease. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Integrated Infotainment System Standard in the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is an updated and fully integrated infotainment system that provides hands-on control of car functions and entertainment without missing a beat. The infotainment system or Dodge Uconnect includes: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. 7.0-inch touchscreen. AM/FM/CD radio. Bluetooth. Sirius satellite radio. Auxiliary input jack. Cargo Space Cargo space is hard to come by in some vehicles. The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT has adequate cargo space thanks to the foldable seats in the third-row and front-passenger positions. Overall it boasts: 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. 47.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. With its aggressive and powerful exterior, luxurious trim, comfortable seating, and high safety rating, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT holds its own among the standard family vehicle staples, proving to be the ultimate family vehicle. Interested in the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT or looking for a new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram vehicle in the Albany area? Goldstein CDJR in Latham, NY has you covered with a full-service dealership including a large inventory of new or certified pre-owned, on-site service and maintenance center, and financing options available.

The Dodge Demon Arrives The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a rare vehicle. A vehicle that has 840HP and pops a wheelie at take off on the strip. We had the opportunity to tame one, and bring it to our location in Latham, NY. From a select few, we drew a name, and that person would have first dibs on the Demon. When The Demon finally arrived at Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, the staff come from all directions to take a look at this silver muscle car. And the new owner wasted no time coming to pick it up. Enjoy this short movie about caging the beast... at least until it's track weather. more Video - Deliver The Demon (Like our video? Share, give it a Thumbs Up on YouTube and Like Our Facebook Page!)

One of the most anticipated moments in a teen's life is the purchase of their first car. As a parent, you're on the fence between coddling them safely and letting them freely embrace this step into adulthood. To help ease the transition and ensure your teen is well informed about the responsibilities and expectations of owning a car, check out these five tips for your teen driver. Consider Your Needs What need does the car serve? Your teen's needs will determine the type of car they purchase and can make the difference between a spacious gas guzzler and a small economy car. Is the car needed for school, work, or both? Do you live in an area with good public transportation or a rural area with limited transportation options? Do you need a car to carry your athletic equipment or food deliveries? Is there adequate parking in your neighborhood and places you visit? Answering these questions can help your teen choose a vehicle that not only meets their needs but also works with the limitations and circumstances in their environment. more Review Your Finances In addition to the initial cost of the car, there are regular costs associated with owning a car, including gas, tolls and parking fees, car loan payments, and insurance. It's important that your teen is aware and prepared for these expenses. How much can your teen afford to spend? Will you be assisting with some of the costs? Keep Safety at the Forefront While image is everything for your teen, safety is paramount. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides important information on driving safety for your teenage driver.  Encourage your teen to explore the safety features of the vehicles of choice, making sure the car has airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other safety features. Conduct Adequate Research With your needs, finances, and safety requirements in mind, your teen is ready to conduct some research to locate the most suitable car. There is a wealth of information available online via various car review sites, such as car manufacturer websites, and Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM’s Model Research Page. Research gives your teen the ability to see all the information up front before visiting the dealership or seller. Test Drive and Inspect the Vehicle Before Purchase To really get a feel for a vehicle, your teen should take it for a test drive. Use the vehicle in conditions that you normally do, such as driving on the highway from work to home, taking that sharp curve on the shortcut to school. As with any vehicle, your teen should check it over thoroughly before buying. This can be done via a pre-inspection from the dealership, a Carfax check, or through an ASE-certified mechanic that you trust. Looking for a new, used, or certified pre-owned Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram vehicle for your teen in the Albany area? Goldstein CDJR in Latham, New York, has you covered with a full-service dealership including a large inventory, on-site service center, and financing options available.

Spring has finally arrived, which means it's once again time to get outside and play! Fortunately, Latham and the surrounding area has several nice parks where you can get some exercise and fresh air. Here are a few to get you started. The Crossings Located in Colonie, The Crossings is a large public park with plenty of recreational opportunities. It's a passive use park, which means it has nature trails you can hike, bike, or skate. It's 6.5 miles of multi-use trails meander through the 130 acres filled with woods, wildflower fields, marshes, and meadows. Restrooms and picnic pavilions are available to the public as well. Also, on Saturdays from May through October The Crossings hosts a Farmers Market from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Be sure to come and check out the many vendors selling produce, baked goods, flowers, and more. more Peebles Island State Park This island park sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and has miles of wooded nature trails popular with hikers and joggers. It's also a great place to take the kids fishing, and you can use one of the picnic areas with grills for a family picnic. An abundance of wildlife visits the area including water birds, deer, and even eagles. Waterfalls may be viewed along the trail, and it's a picturesque spot for photographs. Prospect Park Located in Troy, Prospect Park covers 80 acres and was designed in 1903 by the first African-American graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Garnet Baltimore. It's best known for its 14-court tennis facility, and also includes handball courts, basketball courts, and a soccer field. You can enjoy a family picnic here in one of several pavilions, walk along a nature trail, and in the summer the kids can have a blast at the splash park. Washington Park In nearby Albany, Washington Park sits at the center of the city's mostly residential historic district. It was created in the 1870s and is home to several historical monuments. In 1998 this park was named one of the 100 most important parks in the U.S. by the American Association of Architects. The park covers about 89 acres with a huge, 5.2-acre lake, and contains over 100 different species of trees. Many community events and festivals take place here, and it's also a popular spot for sports, picnics, fishing, and jogging. If your kids aren't interested in the history of Albany, there's also a playground area for them to enjoy. Saratoga National Historical Park Another great place to combine fresh air with a history lesson, Saratoga National Historical Park is part of the National Park Service and a major Revolutionary War site. In 1777, the Saratoga Battlefield marked the turning point of the war, the first time the British army surrendered to the Patriots. The park includes four areas: the Battlefield, Schuyler House, Victory Woods, and Saratoga Monument. Guided tours are available. If you want to explore other recreational activities in the area, you can download a printable brochure covering the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, as well as a map of bicycle paths around Saratoga.

Technology just keeps getting better and faster, and Uconnect is a perfect example of that. The system works with the touch screen and infotainment center of your car to keep you informed and safe. From roadside assistance if you get a flat tire to helping the police locate your car if it's stolen, it is an ingenious program that is really getting noticed. We at Goldstein CDJR are excited about Uconnect, and we're sure you will be too. These are five things you can do with the Uconnect Infotainment Center. Roadside Assistance With the Roadside Assistance feature on Uconnect, you never have to worry about being stranded out on the road again. If you happen to get a flat tire, run out of gas, or need a tow truck, all you have to do is press the “Assist” button found on your rearview mirror and you'll instantly be connected to someone who will help you. The customer service person will already know what vehicle you're driving and your exact location. They will then verify the information and ask you how they can help. Keep in mind that additional fees might apply. more Remote Vehicle Lock or Unlock Have you ever locked yourself out of your vehicle? When we are distracted or in a hurry, it's easy to do. The remote lock and unlock features puts you instantly back in control. Using a smartphone app, you can easily unlock or lock your vehicle from anywhere. No phone calls are required, and no one else needs to know. You'll be back in your car and on your way again in no time. Stolen Vehicle Assistance Car thief's keep getting smarter and smarter and, fortunately, so does your car. With Uconnect, if the bad guys steal your vehicle, we've got you covered. In the event that your vehicle is stolen, Uconnect Stolen Vehicle Assistance provides your vehicle's location to police so they can track it down, recover it, and make an arrest. You stay safe and sound, and Uconnect and the police handle everything. Vehicle Health Report Is your car acting funny? Want to know if something might be wrong with it? With Uconnect, the doctor is always in. The Vehicle Health Report lets you get a summary of the current state of your car's key operation systems so you are aware of needed maintenance or repairs and can plan accordingly. Vehicle Finder Did you park your vehicle and forget to note where you left it? Was it on 13th or 33rd street? Wasn't there a blue building across from it? With Vehicle Finder your parking guessing game is over for good. Uconnect displays the location of your automobile on your smartphone screen, along with walking directions to it. How handy is that? Uconnect is amazingly easy to use. Our customers love it, and for good reason. It's making life easier and safer for those people that have it. Why not give it try? How do I add navigation to my Uconnect 8.4 System? It's easy, check out this video that shows you how: How do I update my Uconnect 8.4 System? Here's how: Image provided by Jeep

The mountains around Albany are filled with beautiful forests, lakes, and streams. The Capital Region begs to be explored by those with an adventurous spirit, and just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stay snuggled up on the couch. Get out there and have some wintertime fun! Why not take a day trip to Tug Hill or hike along a frozen lake? We at Goldstein CDJR want our customers to be healthy, happy, and safe. Check out our All-Wheel Drive vehicles that can keep you safe in slippery situations.  These are three outdoor winter activities to try in the Capital Region. Snowshoeing If you like the peacefulness of a good hike, you're going to love snowshoeing! Discover the picturesque beauty of the upstate New York wilderness area in a pair of snowshoes. There are plenty of great areas for snowshoeing, including wildlife refuges, state parks, designated ski areas, and a lot of trails. It's not hard to find one perfect for your skill level. It just requires a little research and planning. Start here for a great article on skiing and snowshoeing. more Make sure you dress appropriately, take along fresh water, some snacks, and a charged cell phone in the event of an emergency. It's always best to go with someone. So, find a friend or family member and enjoy the crisp winter air. Together you can get some exercise while enjoying the tranquility of nature in the wintertime. It's a great way to beat the winter blues. Ice Skating Looking to do something a little less adventures and a little cheaper? Ice skating is the perfect choice for kids of all ages. There's something magical about ice skating. It feels nostalgic. The simple act of circling a frozen ice rink brings a smile to anyone's face. Empire State Plaza Ice Rink is an ideal place to learn to ice skate. It's open every day from December 1 through mid-March. Situated near Albany's regal State Capitol, it's a great way to take in the culture and ambiance of the area. The venue features a full-service snack bar during the weekends, otherwise you had better pack your own. It also has a skate lounge and available lockers. Snowmobiling Cave Country Riders is a popular snowmobiling club in the area and they love to welcome new members. Just like any new vehicle, try before you buy. Go out with a friend or rent one for a day to make sure you enjoy it. Safety is key. Never ride alone and it's important to wear the proper safety gear, such as a good helmet and boots. Just like when driving any vehicle, never drink and ride. Also, obey all trail signs and avoid riding over frozen water. Before long you'll be rushing across the snow-filled landscape, enjoying the beauty of the snow as it whizzes by. Check this out, for more information about the trails! Old Forge is a great option for a day trip during the winter. Regardless of whether you want to go snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing, you'll find a lot of great trails there. So, don't let yourself stay cooped up any longer. Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with some fun wintertime recreation.

If you're looking for a ride with swag, be forewarned, the 2018 Chrysler 300 is loaded with personality! In fact, Complex.com ranked it number 12 on its list of The 25 Most Iconic Hip-Hop Cars. This high-end Detroit style buggy has strong, muscular lines, with prominent wheel arches and large tires. Now in its lucky 13th year of production, the large luxurious sedan is making its competition squirm because it handles like a dream and is the very definition of style. The 2018 300 models have a bunch of attractive detail tweaks and features that make it all the buzz. The available trim now progresses from Touring to Touring L, 300S, and Limited. The big man on campus is the ultimate in pride of ownership, the highly coveted 300C. We at Goldstein CDJR are excited about it and are happy to help you compare the trim levels of the 2018 Chrysler 300. more Touring The Touring starts its impressive list of features with a 292-hp 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, coupled with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary e-shift. Since it's a large vehicle, it has plenty of room for its Uconnect 4C infotainment center with an intuitive 8.4-inch touch screen. Standard features on all models include rear backup camera, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and bifunctional halogen projector headlights. The Touring comes with premium cloth bucket seats with a nice comfy high back. The roomy interior of the Chrysler 300 makes for a smooth, luxurious ride. Even an NBA player could stretch out in the 300. You'll be comfortable in both hot or cold weather thanks to the available heated and ventilated front seats. The front console cup holders are ingenious by giving you the choice to keep your beverages hot or cold during any season. Chrysler really outdid themselves this time. Touring L The Touring L comes with all the above standard features, plus heated eight-way adjustable power leather-trimmed front seats. The seats on the Touring L also have a four-way power lumbar adjustment. Additional features include 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, keyless entry, and advanced security alarm. 300S The Chrysler 300S offers an optional sport appearance package that features a premium fascia that matches the body color, special signature headlights, a black chrome grille, premium LED fog lights, and a rear spoiler that also matches the color of the body. Limited The Limited has even more features, including an intuitive memory system for the driver's seat, mirrors, and stereo. It also features a heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping. 300C The 300C is all about power. Its class-leading 5.7L Hemi V-8 engine provides a whopping 363 horsepower. It also adds some additional classy touches to the interior, such as deep quilted and ventilated Nappa leather seats and mocha colored wood interior bezels. The Chrysler 300 impresses even the most distinguished drivers. The power, elegance, and performance all combine to provide an incredible car.   Check out this funny commercial with Gary Coleman! Image provided by Chrysler

We know that there are a plethora of available activities in Albany. You have so many choices, but one that really stands above the rest is attending a performance at The Egg. This venue is an unusual collaboration between the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation, a well know non-profit, and the State of New York. What Is It? The purpose of The Egg is to present quality performances and highlight unique and remarkable artists from around the world. Through successful alliances, the Corporation features incredible shows, spotlights performance artists, and fosters important relationships to enhance awareness and education of the arts. We at Goldstein CDJR also enjoy the arts and we're pleased to suggest these three awesome reasons to visit Albany's The Egg in Spring, 2018. more Zeppelin Complete When Led Zeppelin first hit the scene back in the early 1970s, some critic that lacked a creative ear for music predicted their tunes would go over like a Led Zeppelin. The band ignored the critic and decided to take the name — their music still is the benchmark of classic rock 'n' roll. Now, Misty Mountain productions proudly presents the one and only Hammer of the Gods, which showcases Led Zeppelin's legendary studio catalog with amazing precision. The six-piece ensemble has an iconic wall of sound that true Led Zeppelin fans will really appreciate. Hear all of your Zeppelin favorites, like “Whole Lot of Love,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” perfectly performed in a way that would even make Robert Plant and Jimmy Page feel proud. The show is Saturday April 21st and tickets start at $44.50. The Fab Faux: “The White Album” The Fab Faux commemorates the 50th anniversary of the world release of The Beatles "The White Album." They will be accompanied by the talented Hogshead Horns and the Creme Tangerine Strings and will perform album favorites such as “Rocky Racoon,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Blackbird.” The show won't be all folk music though. They promise to toss in some hard rock, like “Helter Skelter.” Known for being one of most diverse albums from the Beatles, this rendition of “The White Album” is bound to make you twist and shout with glee. Unlike other tribute bands who try to imitate the Beatles, The Fab Faux features top studio musicians playing songs in a beautiful venue with class and dignity. Kansas Want to hear some classic rock 'n' roll by the original singer-songwriters themselves? Then you're in for a treat! With a career spanning over four incredible decades, Kansas never disappoints. The epic band released their debut album in 1974 and has since sold more than a whopping 30 million albums. They are best known for “Dust in the Wind,” a moving song about mortality that features an eerie mix of piano and violin. The Egg offers a lot more than just rock shows. They also provide comedy, films, dance performances, live theater, and family shows. It's a place to sit back, relax, and get lost in an extraordinary performance by the talented artist.   The image: Empire State Plaza Albany (NY) July 2015 is by Ron Cogswell and is shared under the creative commons license CC by 2.0, image is cropped.

New York is a state that accommodates virtually everyone's interests and hobbies. And this certainly includes those who want to go off-roading in their Jeeps. If you fall into this crowd, plan a trip to one of these top off-roading destinations in New York State. Hunter Mountain - Off-Road Adventures East of Catskill, Hunter Mountain is a popular destination that attracts skiers, hikers, campers, and more. You'll also find miles of trails that you can explore in your Jeep. If you'd like to explore this area, book an official trip with Hunter Mountain's 4X4 Off-Road Adventures. more 4X4 Off-Road Adventures schedules one- and two-day trips for Jeep drivers. The organizers of the event will lead participants through remote trails, including a climb up a 3,200-foot summit. These trips are appropriate for beginner and intermediate 4X4 drivers. Dates for 2018 include May 19, June 22-23, July 20-21, Aug. 25-26, Sept. 21-22, Oct. 7-8, and Oct. 13-14. One-day trail passes cost $299, and it costs $199 per passenger that you take on two-day trips. Lodging options range from $469 to $519 if you're staying overnight on the mountain. Meals are included in the cost of your pass. Tall Pines ATV Park — Andover Tall Pines ATV Park is a collection of over 70 miles of trails on a family farm in Andover. Visitors can take advantage of trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced drivers, though some are exclusive to ATV riders. Guests can purchase one- or two-day passes or a season pass. In addition to trails, visitors can purchase meals from Kate's Kitchen, book a cabin stay or reserve a spot for camping, and access the showers (for campers and cabin guests). Cabin prices range from $65 to $115 depending on which cabin you select and when you're visiting. Tall Pines ATV Park is northwest of Andover near the intersection of Barrett Hill Road and Jones Road. Tar Hallow — Off-Roading in Hancock Tar Hallow is a road east of Hancock, New York, and north just past the East Branch Delaware River. The nearby trails draw hundreds of ATV riders throughout the year, and the area is also popular for those who want to go off-roading in their Jeeps. Look for events that groups like the Long Island Off Road Club put together. The price for events typically includes charges for drivers and additional passengers. Most also cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced level trails and even offer introductory classes for those new to off-roading. Lewis County (Tug Hill) – Off-Roading in Lowville The Tug Hill area in New York's Adirondack Mountain region is home to hundreds of miles of trails for ATVs, snowmobiles, and Jeeps. This is another location that off-roading clubs arrange trips to. If you plan to go on your own, note that some trails are only accessible with a permit and other are exclusive to certain types of machines. New York is full of spots for thrilling off-roading in your Jeep. Whether you're a first-timer or a season driver, check out these spots and hook up with a local club to have a fun experience in the state's beautiful wilderness. Have a favorite spot we didn't mention here? Our Jeep customers at Goldstein Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Latham would love to know about it!

Checking and changing your car's fluids is a vital part of vehicle maintenance. You probably know that oil is important, and you might even know where the dipstick is and what you're looking for when you check it. But what about the other critical fluids that help your car run well? Check these five fluids under the hood regularly, and learn when it's time for a top off or change. Engine Oil You'll need to change your oil approximately every 5,000 miles, but you should also check the dipstick regularly to identify any problems with this fluid, such as a low volume or dirty oil. To check the engine oil: Find and pull the dipstick from your engine. Wipe the dipstick clean. Reinsert the dipstick and take it back out. Check that the oil level is between the high and low markings on the dipstick. more Transmission Fluid If your vehicle also has a dipstick for the transmission fluid, you can check the levels just like you did with the engine oil. The level should reach between the two markings on the dipstick, and the fluid should be a reddish color. If it's dark brown, you need to replace the fluids. Unfortunately, many newer vehicles don't have a transmission fluid dipstick. If this is the case in your car, take it to a mechanic to check the levels. Aim to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Coolant Checking your coolant is easy, as you should have no problem finding the tank next to your engine and seeing the high and low marks on the side. Simply top off the fluid levels with more coolant if needed. Note, however, that the engine should be off and cool before you do this. Also check the coolant you're using; some types need to be mixed with water before going into your car. Windshield Wiper Fluid Windshield wiper fluid is another easy one to check. The fluid tank should be labeled with a windshield logo on the cap. Look for this next to the engine, remove the cap, and add fluid as needed to top off your levels. This process is simple, but it's critical to seeing clearly on the road in any conditions. Power Steering Fluid Power steering fluid also just requires a visual check. Look for the reservoir, and check to see whether the level is low. The tank will either be labeled like how the coolant tank is labeled, or it will have a dipstick like your engine oil reservoir. Add more power steering fluid if needed, and note that you shouldn't have to do this often. Your driver's manual will have specific information about the power steering fluid, but some vehicles can easily go 100,000 without a change. Aim to check these fluids at least once a month as part of your routine maintenance. You should also make these checks a priority whenever you're preparing to leave for a long trip. If you need any help or want to guarantee that all your fluids are OK, take your vehicle to a mechanic. However, with some initiative and a bit of research, you can manage these five fluids under the hood on your own.

Albany is a wonderfully romantic city, but you don't have to wait until sunset for a good date. If you're planning some time for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just a fun get together around town, you'll find many choices that will leave a good impression on your companion. Try one of these four ideas for something unique on your next daytime date in Albany. Walk and Dine on Hamilton Street Are you taking your date out for a morning or afternoon meal? If so, plan on being impulsive! Take a walk down Hamilton Street and pick out one of the restaurants to try. Another option is to go for a post-breakfast or mid-afternoon dessert at Cheesecake Machismo. This bakery serves up some incredible cheesecakes in unique flavors such as root beer float and “Pay Dirt.” The cakes are baked daily, making this one of the best spots in New York for quality cheesecake. Cheesecake Machismo is fun and quirky, so dining in can be plenty of fun. But you could also take your food to go and walk a block over to Hudson-Jay Park. Another option is to head the other direction and walk down Madison Avenue, where you'll pass the scenic Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. It's easy to find a spot to eat here during working hours, and sites like The Egg — a performing arts theater — and the New York State Museum are within walking distance. more Visit the New York State Museum Whether you're finishing up your cheesecake and ready for your next activity or are starting your date in downtown Albany, plan a stop at the New York State Museum. The museum commemorates famous moments in New York's history and gives visitors a closer look at the state's roots and culture. Permanent exhibits explore the Adirondack wildlife and ancient life in New York as well as more contemporary events, such as the rise of Harlem in the 1920s and the rescue efforts following the attacks on 9/11. Hike at John Boyd Thacher State Park With so much beautiful country around Albany, there's no reason to stay in the downtown area for your date. Wake up early for some exercise at John Boyd Thacher State Park. Catching the sunrise here can be wonderfully romantic, but you can enjoy the valley views any time of day. Take a walk on one of the numerous trails overlooking New York's lush forests, and find a place to sit for an intimate picnic. Go Climbing at Albany Indoor Rock Gym Another great and unique option for a date is to try indoor rock climbing at Albany Indoor Rock Gym. Day passes cost $12, and an equipment rental — harness and climbing shoes — is only $6.50 per person. The gym also hosts discount nights and an early bird special: $8 per pass on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. If you're new to the sport or your date is, you can book some one-on-one professional instructions for $45. Albany is a lovely place for taking someone out for a first date or spending time with your long-standing special someone. Remember one of these ideas the next time you need some inspiration for a daytime date.   The photo New York State Library and Museum is by Mark Brennan and my be shared under CC  BY-SA 2.0 - this image was cropped from the original.

As the capital city of New York, Albany is full of opportunities for history and culture. If you're visiting and are curious about the area's roots, stop by these five interesting historical attractions in Albany. Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site is a gorgeous mansion dating back to the 1700s. Guided tours and visits offer a look into what life was like in New York centuries ago, but the home is also famous for the success of prior inhabitants. Elizabeth Schuyler — the daughter of the mansion's owner — wed Alexander Hamilton in 1780, and they hosted their ceremony at the Schuyler Mansion. Take a guided tour and visit the exhibits commemorating the life of this iconic property. more New York State Parole Officers Memorial The New York State Parole Officers Memorial in Albany is a large, granite tablet honoring New York officers who have died in the line of duty. This site is worth a visit for quiet contemplation and to honor the sacrifices that these individuals have made. Similar historic sites in Albany worth visiting include: New York State Vietnam Memorial New York State Crime Victims Memorial New York State Korean War Veterans Memorial World War I Monument World War II Memorial State of New York Police Officers Memorial The New York State Fallen  Firefighters Memorial New York State Capitol Visitors interested in local history must pay a visit to the New York State Capitol at State Street and Washington Avenue. Architect Thomas Fuller first drafted drawings for the building in 1867, and the site has served as the county seat of New York since the 1880s. You can explore many other facts during a visit here. Come by for a guided tour Mondays through Fridays at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. or Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Weekday visitors can take an audio tour through the historic halls. Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region is a museum off Livingston Avenue commemorating the role that the city played as a refuge for thousands of African-Americans pursuing freedom after the Civil War. Visit to learn more about the Underground Railroad Movement and the path it took through New York specifically. USS Albany Heritage Exhibit Visit the USS Albany Heritage Exhibit to explore Albany's unique naval history. The first ship named USS Albany launched in 1846, and four other ships have carried that name throughout history. The exhibit displays artifacts from the ships, pictures of the vessels, and other memorabilia related to the USS Albany ships. Plan a stop here to learn about the history of each vessel as well as the individuals who served on a USS Albany during their lifetime. History buffs and those looking to add some variety to their vacation itineraries will be spoiled for choice in Albany. Pay a visit to one of these sites or go to one of the memorials honoring the history and people of Albany, New York.