Albany, NY - This year, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. To recognize that milestone, we've compiled the Albany Top 40, a list of the best of Albany-from favorite landmarks to notable festivals. The list is celebrated in a new Albany Top 40 video, and will also be the subject of a coffee table book and splashy social media campaign, all with the goal of celebrating Albany County.

"These are the sites and experiences that make Albany County a memorable place to visit, and a great place to live," says Michele Vennard, President and CEO of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The list includes historic sites, must-see attractions like the New York State Museum and Empire State Plaza, and quintessential Albany events, like Tulip Fest, Alive at Five, and the Freihofer's Run for Women.

"The New York State Museum is honored to be named in ACCVB's Albany Top 40 list," said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. "As a program of the State Education Department, the Museum's mission is to serve the lifelong educational needs of New Yorkers. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the State Museum every year to better understand New York State's human, natural, and cultural history through our exhibitions, public programs, publications, and research."

The list also makes nod to a number of natural assets that we are privileged to call our own, including the John Boyd Thacher Park, and the one-of-a-kind Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

"We are more than proud to be included in the list. The Convention and Visitors Bureau has been and continues to be a valuable partner in helping us promote the globally rare, nationally significant and locally distinct Albany Pine Bush in the Capital Region," said Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Executive Director Christopher Hawver. "We look forward to sharing our excitement about our significant rank within the top 40 list with all of our supporters as we help the Bureau celebrate 40 years."

The list also draws attention to some of the area's most celebrated sites, as well as some of its up-and-coming neighborhoods, like the Warehouse District and Downtown.

"The warehouse district has a rich history of transforming itself - from the original entrance to the Erie Canal to a brewing powerhouse to a hub for light manufacturing and distribution. This is an exciting time to see the district being reimagined once again, providing new opportunities for a new economy," said Sarah Reginelli, President of Capitalize Albany Corporation. "New restaurants, retail and residential development projects are steadily taking shape in underutilized properties, complementing strong existing businesses and paving the way for a new take on the district's historic industries."

Finally, the list calls out the places and spaces that will help define the region going forward, and contribute to its increasing economic growth, including our burgeoning creative economy, the booming nanotech industry, and the growing craft beverage market.

"Craft beverage production is in Albany County's DNA and the growth of these producers in our community accents the strides made in our hospitality and dining industries. The Albany Craft Beverage Trail is honored to be part of what makes our county a better place to live, work, and play," said Joe Bonilla, Executive Director of the Albany Craft Beverage Trail Association.

The list showcases the very best Albany has to offer, and presents it to audiences in an exciting, highly visual journey that the bureau hopes will both attract new visitors and inspire renewed local pride.
"Albany County has a great deal to be proud of, and the Albany Top 40 brings that all home," says Vennard. "It's a celebration of our region."

The complete Albany Top 40 list is available here. The video is available here. But no list could be complete without public input. Each Wednesday starting on February 24 the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau will post a mini video that describes the importance of one of the Top 40 items on Discover Albany Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Join the conversation by commenting on each post with your favorite Albany County spot, memory, or by posting your own photos using the #AlbanyTop40 hashtag. Everyone who participates will be entered to win a beautifully illustrated Albany Top 40 coffee table book.

About the ACCVB
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.

Contact Molly Belmont for more information:
Phone: 518-434-1217 x 203
Email: mbelmont@albany.org