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Fall has finally arrived, and with the changing from summer to autumn, the weather is brisk and the colors are gorgeous with the leaves creating a rainbow of orange, yellow, brown, and tan colors. With Halloween come and gone, now it's time to find a few additional outdoor activities for fun for all ages, and a good place to start is at parks in and near Albany. Albany Pine Bush Preserve The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a 3,300-acre environmentally-friendly ecosystem offering a variety of must-see and must-do activities. The landscape features delicate sand dunes and almost 20 miles of distinctive trails for hiking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. Bring your fishing gear and drop a line or a canoe for a leisurely and relaxing trip. There's also mountain biking, nature study, and cross-country skiing. At the Discovery Center, numerous programs are available from natural history to ecology. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to educating visitors to the importance of the preserve and why it's so rare through the use of interactive exhibits and the Discovery Trail. The center has free admission and is open daily. more Washington Park A beautiful park with plenty of walking paths winding through the woods and around the lake, Washington Park features the King Memorial Fountain (The Moses Fountain), circa 1893, which is impressive on many levels. There are recreational activities such as ice skating, tennis, biking, and basketball. The park has events and festivals throughout the year such as the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park for the Christmas holidays, Taste of the Holidays for spirits and food, the Lantern Parade, the annual Tulip Festival in the spring, and more. Schodack Island New York State Park Just 20 minutes away in Schodack Landing, enjoy traversing the eight miles of trails in the 1,052-acre park. Schodack Island is bustling with life, as it is home to the Bird Conservation Area with resident bald eagles, blue herons, and cerulean warblers. Hike along the eastern Hudson shores, which enhances an already beautiful hiking environment. Picnic tables and grills are dispersed throughout the park along with playing fields and boat launches. During the winter, the park is a prime location for ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Saratoga Spa State Park Like Schodack Island State Park, Saratoga Spa State Park is known as a winter destination for snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice hockey. For fall fun, the park has a plethora of activities including a nature trail, certified running courses, biking, golfing, fishing, tennis, recreational programs, museums, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Spa Little Theater. Picnic tables, pavilions, swimming pools, mineral spas, and historic landmarks are all part of this year-round park just 30 minutes from Albany. Whatever time of year you choose to get out and about for some fresh air and recreation, Albany has plenty of activities, events, and entertainment to choose from. Whether it's a day of hiking and biking or ice skating and skiing, there's always something to do at one of these area parks.

Family outings for dining are something to look forward to with the many fine family restaurants serving delectable menus in Latham. For your next dining excursion, consider the menus at these local restaurants. El Mariachi For a taste of south of the border, El Mariachi has the menu with a variety of traditional favorites. This is a classic Mexican restaurant with the vibe to match with friendly service, lively atmosphere, colorful decor, and delicious food. Dine indoors or enjoy the festive lighting on the outdoor patio. A few of the authentic favorites served include burritos, tortas, flautas, enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, Mexican style meatballs, Camarones Rancheros, Huevos Rancheros, Pollo San Marco, and much more. The restaurant is open starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. more Sake For a taste of the Orient, bring your appetite to Sake to satisfy your taste buds and squelch your hunger pangs. When you want to enjoy a nice dinner with the family in an atmosphere of ambiance and good taste, the Japanese steakhouse aims to please with an extensive menu of appetizers, specialty entrees, hibachi combos, sushi, signature rolls, and assorted beverages. The kid's menu also offers an assortment of tasty dishes including steak, seafood, and chicken designed for children ages 10 and under. Sake opens every day for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and for dinner at 3 p.m. Latham 76 Diner No matter when your hunger pangs set in, there's always something being served at the Latham 76 Diner, which is open 24/7. Whether you're stopping by with the family for American fare such as a juicy burger and fries or enjoying the all-day breakfast offerings, the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. For the adults, you can sip a cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer. For the kids, the dessert menu will tickle their fancy with offerings such as strawberry banana cake, assorted pies, or decadent baklava cheesecake. Bella Napoli Bakery and Café A taste of culinary delights from Italy are served up for breakfast and lunch at Bella Napoli Bakery and Café. The family-friendly cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast favorites from traditional eggs and bacon to frittatas and egg white sandwiches. Lunch is equally pleasing with fresh bread stacked with pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, and more. Save room for one of the bakery's pastries to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. The café is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Karavalli For a dash of spice and sizzle, Karavalli is the place to go for freshly prepared Indian cuisine. Enjoy tandoori, biriyani, Indian breads, vegetarian specialties, and Karavalli specials to please the palate. Using the freshest ingredients available, your family will be transported to a pleasing culinary destination with a selection of tasty delights available on the weekend and weekday lunch buffet beginning at noon, or enjoy a traditional dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. daily. For your next family dining experience, consider one of these Latham restaurants for a traditional and authentic taste of family-friendly cultural favorites.

We can all use a little relaxation now and again. Thankfully, the Albany area has plenty of options to choose from to help you in your relaxation pursuits. Here are some of our favorite spas and treatments in the Capital Region. Spa Mirbeau The list of amenities at Spa Mirbeau is quite long, and the facilities are equally extensive despite being located inside the Crossgates Mall. A day pass will give you access to all of the amenities for $45 during the week or $65 on weekends. This includes a number of yoga and fitness classes, steam rooms, saunas, a meditation pool, a hot spa pool, and more. While you're there, you can also indulge in one of their luxurious treatments, such as a Mirbeau Ritual body exfoliation or a Crushed Cabernet Scrub. Spa Mirbeau has seasonal offerings as well, such as their Mighty Tighty Summer Body Wrap, which includes coconut cream milk, a rich banana mask, and an aloe strawberry cream lotion. They also offer more standard services such as massages, manicures, and facials. more Complexions Spa Complexions has two locations, one in Albany on Wolf Road and one in Saratoga Springs. In both locations, they provide a wide array of beauty and wellness services. These range from standard spa offerings like facials, massages, and hairstyling to non-surgical medical services such as body contouring, skin tightening, and chemical peels. They also have a sauna, steam room, and a relaxation room. You can take advantage of these with a $35 monthly membership fee or along with any service purchase. If you're concerned about the impact on the environment, Complexions is committed to protecting the environment and is the first Gold LEED® certified spa in the country. Roosevelt Baths & Spa A little further away in Saratoga Springs, you can find this gem of a resort, which was first opened in 1935. The Spa has 42 treatment rooms and a full array of spa services to meet your every need. Mineral baths are one of the unique offerings at this location, and these can be booked independently or before any treatment. They use the famed water from Saratoga Springs, which is said to have many healing properties. You can even book a getaway package, which includes accommodations at the Gideon Putnam and a variety of spa services to help you relax even more. Salt Den Located just up the road in Latham, this Himalayan therapeutic wellness center has an ancient salt cave with salt from the Himalayas, which is believed to help with respiratory issues, pain, and skin disorders. They also offer an infrared sauna, red light therapy, and massage. You can even attend one of their Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation events. While this is a little different than your typical spa, sometimes a change of pace can be helpful in your relaxation journey. Albany and the surrounding area have plenty of options for relaxation and rejuvenation if you know where to look. With such a wide array of services and experiences available, you'll want to try them all!

We know that golfers can find places to golf anywhere they go, and Albany has some true gems. Whether you're visiting the city for the first time or have lived here your whole life, you'll want to check out these courses. Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course The backdrop at this course is absolutely beautiful, and the course provides an enjoyable day of golf for people of all skill levels. This par 71 course has a 70.5 USGA rating, a 128 slope rating, and a total of 6,332 yards from the blue tees. For 2018, the rates for a non-resident adult are only $31, and you can rent a golf cart or pull cart. Capital Hills also offers the largest driving range in the area, chipping and putting areas, a Pro Shop, and a full-service restaurant to satisfy your hunger after a round. more Orchard Creek Golf Club Located up the road in Altamont, near Schenectady, Orchard Creek was voted the second best golf course in the region by the Times Union readers. It's also one of the best public golf courses according to Golf Digest magazine, and it has been named one of the most scenic golf courses as well. Yelp reviewers agree, frequently referring to this course as both beautiful and challenging. Throughout the year, they host various outings and tournaments. They also have a Pro Shop, restaurant, and chipping and putting practice areas. The par 70 course has a USGA rating of 72,  a slope rating of 131, and a total yardage of 6,623 off the blue. Balston Spa Country Club This one is a country club, but unlike many other private clubs, they allow non-members to play the course Monday through Thursday. The club was established in 1925 and serves as an excellent example of course from that golden age of course design. Balston's par 71 course has a 70.3 USGA rating and 127 slope rating. Like the other courses, they offer outings, lessons, a Pro Shop, and a restaurant on-site. They also offer reciprocity with several other clubs in New York. So if you're traveling to Albany from somewhere else, it's worth checking the list to see if your club is included. Taconic Golf Club While this semi-private par 71 course is technically located in Massachusetts, it's only 40 miles east of Albany and well worth the drive if you're in the area. It is frequently rated in the top two most beautiful golf courses in New England, which is no wonder since it's set in the Berkshires. Their tees are coded using different colors than most courses, and the scorecard includes options for combinations of the different tees. As a result, they offer up a range of distances from 5,826 from the purple tees to an impressive 6,808 yards on the black tees. The black has a 73.5 USGA rating and 134 slope rating. They offer a certain number of memberships each year, but you can also play as a non-member. The clubhouse contains a restaurant. They also have a practice center, located off-site on the Williams College campus. If you can't decide between these four courses, we recommend trying them all! After all, you can never play too much golf.

If you're a connoisseur of fine wines and spirits, you'll find a lot to love about the Albany, New York, region. To help you get started, we've put together this short list of the area's best wineries and distilleries — as well as the can't-miss specialties of each. Saratoga Winery and Tasting Room Visit Saratoga Springs to begin your wine-tasting odyssey. This charming winery is sure to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of options, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. But don't miss out on what makes the Saratoga Winery special. Try a sample of the signature Melomel wine, which is made with 12 percent honey. Examples of the Melomel wine on offer here include Hillbilly Mountain Mash (a sweet red), Bloodroot (a red with black cherry and currant flavors), and Blackberry Melomel (made with locally sourced fruits). more Adirondack Winery Check out this great winery just an hour outside of Albany for some truly memorable vintages. Like many New York wineries, you can choose from a full list of fruity wines, red wines, white wines, dessert wines, and blush wines. We recommend starting with the Pinot Gris, which was awarded 86 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and 90 points by Planet Grape. This dry wine sports a crisp floral flavor and pairs well with seafood, chicken, and pork. Albany Distilling Company This craft distillery lies right in the heart of Albany on Livingston Avenue. Visit the bar to try their carefully crafted spirits for yourself, or stop by the bottle shop to pick up your favorite product to go. The distillery is primarily known for its craft vodka, including an orange-flavored variety, but they also produce several different types of whiskey and rum. Ironweed Whiskey is a real standout; it's sourced from grain grown right here in New York and aged in charred oak without any artificial flavors. Altamont Vineyard and Winery Just half an hour west of Albany, you'll find one of our favorite local wine destinations. Altamont Vineyard and Winery is a great place to see how wine is made. You can book a tour of the vineyard for just $30 per person, and you can finish up by tasting five different premium wines for only $15 per person. Every visitor will have a particular favorite, of course, but we're especially partial to the St. Pepin Ice Wine. This is a sweet dessert wine produced entirely from frozen grapes, and it's the perfect accompaniment to any special occasion. Amorici Vineyard Learn how sustainable farming techniques can generate delicious wines at this vineyard in Valley Falls, New York. Amorici uses chickens instead of pesticides for insect control, and its wines are made with all-natural ingredients. You can't go wrong with their Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc, but try the Marquette NOR if you're looking for something unique. This is a smooth red wine made from grapes grown exclusively in the Upper Hudson Valley. You'll need some time to truly explore the Albany region and discover all of the great wines and spirits produced here. With any luck, you might even find your new personal favorite.

The town of Latham, New York, is right by the state's capital Albany. This means it's ideally situated for a range of recreational activities, especially if you have any children. Here are some of our favorite local attractions. All 4 Fun Check out this extensive entertainment complex in Latham for guaranteed fun. Start off by taking a go-kart for a spin around the track — you can even let your kids drive. When you've had your fill of racing, take the kids to the batting cages, where they can practice hitting balls from flying as fast as 35 to 70 miles per hour. If they aren't into baseball, consider showing them around All 4 Fun's great miniature golf course. Finally, you can cap off the afternoon with an ice cream cone; the on-site ice cream parlor serves more than 60 different flavors. more Spare Time See if your kids have what it takes to hit a strike at Latham's most child-friendly bowling alley. The interior of the alley was recently refurbished, and you're sure to enjoy the service of the friendly customer service staff. When you're done bowling, grab a bite to eat from the alley's restaurant. Classic menu items include hot dogs and hamburgers that are sure a hit with the younger crowd. There's also a small video arcade at Spare Time, so kids can enjoy the rapidly disappearing phenomenon of playing games in a social setting. Spare Time also hosts birthday parties and special events. Joe Bruno Stadium The Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, known locally as “The Joe,” is a wonderful place to watch some minor league baseball games. The stadium is the home of the Tri-City ValleyCats, and you can watch the home team face off against a wide range of local and national competitors throughout the year. Parking at The Joe is free, and there's also a concession stand and play area for younger children. In addition to baseball games, the venue also hosts special events, such as weddings, tournaments, and parties. Visit the stadium's website to check the schedule of upcoming games and book your tickets today. The Little Gym of Colonie This attraction for younger children is actually located in the town of Loudonville, about 10 minutes' drive from Latham. The Little Gym conducts classes for kids to develop their physical strength, coordination, balance, and teamwork by working with instructors, parents, and each other. For example, you can enroll your child in a gymnastics class, karate lesson, or music education course. The Little Gym also hosts parties and summer camps, which are great opportunities for children to develop social skills in a safe setting. The Little Gym's events are appropriate for kids between the ages of 4 months and 12 years. As part of the greater Albany region, Latham offers plenty of activities for parents to enjoy a day on the town with their children. Consider one of these destinations if you're looking for the perfect family outing.

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.

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.

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.

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.