DAY ONE Walking tour of the town

 

From the Staybridge Suites on Wolf Road, hop on a CDTA bus  to the center of Albany,  where you can learn about the geography, history, and economy of New York.  Start at the New York State Capitol., an architectural landmark   where elected officials manage the 20th largest economy in the world.. Across the street from the State Capitol is another famous architectural site called Empire State Plaza, where you can go to the Corning Tower Observation Deck.  Afterwards, walk on Madison Avenue downhill to Eagle Street  if you would like to see a grand church.  Uphill on Madison Avenue, find Lark Street for lunch - Chinese, Korean, Thai or American style.  Beautiful Washington Park is nearby, to rest and refresh your spirit.

 

After lunch, head back uptown, near the U Albany campus, to Stuyvesant Plaza, where you can find many boutiques selling gifts, jewelry, fine clothing, and European skin care.  If gift shopping isn’t your speed, hop into an electric racing “kart” at K1 Speed, to see how fast you can drive through their safe but thrilling indoor course.

 

Take the Staybridge Suites shuttle bus back from the U Albany campus to Wolf Road. There are a number of chain restaurants on Wolf Road and Colonie Center Mall. For a more unique dining experience, try Caffe Italia, a family-owned restaurant serving the finest of Italian-American cuisine.

 

 

DAY TWO Troy and Saratoga

Today, rent a car to visit two beautiful College Towns that first prospered in the 1860's and the 1910's respectively: Troy and Saratoga. Both towns are architecturally intact and continue to thrive today, with many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars.

 

A short walk from the campuses of both Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College lies Historic Downtown Troy.  Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the Illium Cafe. Walk the downtown streets overlooking the Hudson River and visit the eclectic shops. You can find antiques, unique locally made artisanal gifts from soap to pottery to jewelry; and hunt bargains on women's clothng at The Shoppe - which has stores in both Troy and Saratoga.

 

Drive north about 30 minutes to Saratoga Springs, a Victorian era town built around its hot springs. It is said that the town was built as a summer getaway from New York City and Albany, for both politicans and gangsters. Yet Saratoga is best known for its horse racing. The town becomes a hub for international equestrians each July and August, when they come to see and be seen at the Saraotga Race Course. In Fall, and Spring, it's polo season in Saratoga.

 

The main street known as Broadway is packed with dozens of boutiques, and cafes. As you work through the many shops, treat yourself to fresh juice at Saratoga Juice Bar. While you wait for the races to start, you can walk North Broadway, toward the campus of Skidmore College, to see spectacular Victorian-era mansions built by the town's founders.  For dinner, the trendy place is 15 Church, which serves fine cuising in ist glamourous dining room and outdoor patio.  Take a walk back through town to digest, and be sure to drink from the Saratoga Springs Fountain at Congress Park. If the weather is good, you may want to see an outdoor musical performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, before you head back to Albany.

 

DAY THREE Outdoor relaxing in the Helderberg Hills

Today is for comfortable outdoor clothes: we’re going outside to enjoy the natural beauty of New York State. Buy everything you need for a picnic in the inspiring aisles of Whole Foods, in the Colonie Center.

 

Drive towards Altamont, to visit  Indian Ladder Farms and pick fresh fruit right off the tree. Hike Thacher Park’s Indian Ladder Trail for a panoramic view of the Hudson Valley. Golf at Orchard Creek on the way home.

 

Finish the day with dinner at Rain Modern Chinese on Lark Street, then stroll to a musical theater performance Playhouse in the Park, Albany.

Explore more New York College Towns!