New York’s capitol city may
be small, but Albany is not without its points of interest. Take
for example the Empire State Plaza, home of “the Egg”,
the plaza’s life performance theater where visitors can
see theater or dance. The New York State museum has many interesting
exhibits concerning the region’s political, cultural and
natural history. The Albany Institute of History & Art has
some excellent paintings by artists from the Hudson River School,
like Thomas Cole and Asher Durand.
Outdoor adventurers may find the Albany Pine Bush Preserve intriguing.
These 3,010 acres of preserved sand plain, with its thick scrub,
wild flowers, prairie grass and pitch pine, are part of a rare
inland pine barren ecosystem. The Preserve is home to 20 rare
or endangered species of flora and fauna, including the Hognosed
Snake, the Spadefoot Toad and wild Blue Lupines, flowers critical
to the survival of the federally endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.
Hiking and hunting are permitted in the Preserve, providing proper
procedures are observed.
Other outdoor adventures are within easy traveling distance from
Albany. Skiing, snowmobile riding and snowboarding are only a
few of the activities available to guests of Windham Mountain
Resort. Hunter Mountain also has ski slopes, and offer opportunities
for mountain biking and fly-fishing in the warmer months. Campers
should look into the sites available at the New York Department
of Conservation’s Campgrounds, fun family sites with plenty
of educational programs for the curious. Cyclists will be sure
to enjoy the Hudson-Mohawk Loop, which follows those two rivers
along a 41-mile path connecting Albany, Schenectady and Troy.
