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.
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.
