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How the Half Moon Signals Autumn in Albany

Replica ship brings more than a history lesson up the Hudson River

Albany, NY – August already?! It seems that summer has flown by faster than ever, but I am looking forward to fall for a number of reasons - the apples and cider, the melt-in-your-mouth, still-hot-from-the-fryer cider donuts, and some of the best events in the northeast right here in Albany! In my time in Albany, autumn is always kicked-off in a unique fashion: the arrival of the replica of Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon.

This ship travels up from New York City with school groups as its crew, learning about history and ecology along their journey. When it arrives in Albany, many anxious history buffs, school groups, and doting parents are ready to welcome to ship and it's crew home, a slightly different scene to what Henry Hudson and his crew arrived to more than 400 years ago. Not only does this event bring history to life, but it also represents the start of autumn in Albany. You can read more about the Half Moon on our blog!

FESTIVALS
Celebrate the harvest with us at one of our signature fall festivals. In September, you can enjoy the Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival at the Altamont Fairgrounds September 14 and 15, or head into the surrounding Helderberg Hilltowns to enjoy the Discover the Hilltowns Farms & Artisans Tour, where you will meet local farmers and purchase their handmade items and homemade treats. In October, you can spend the weekend at Goold Orchards in Castleton during their Goold Apple Festival and Craft Show on October 12 and 13.

You can also add some jazz to your life by heading to the Riverfront Jazz Festival on September 7. This all-day concert features world-class music, great food & beverages and a fireworks show over the Hudson River to end the day (all for FREE)! Don't forget to come back downtown for our Downtown Albany Restaurant Week this October 19-25 to feast on some amazing dishes from our talented chefs!

FOLIAGE
Looking for foliage? John Boyd Thacher State Park is the perfect spot to take in the stunning fall foliage throughout Albany County and beyond. Located just a few miles southwest of Albany, NY, Thacher Park is located on the Helderberg Escarpment made up of limestone cliffs, open fields, and wooded trails that offer spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains, Green Mountains, and the Mohawk-Hudson River Valleys. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching and fossil hunting within the park. There are many other locations throughout Albany County that offer great foliage vantage points, as well, such as Washington Park, Indian Ladder Farms, or along the Hudson River.

FOLKLORE
If you’re looking for a fright, consider taking the much-anticipated Capitol Hauntings Tour of the New York State Capitol. Experience the chills and goose bumps as you walk the cavernous hallways of the impressive historic building. Stops of the tour include the location where a night watchman was found dead after the Capitol Fire of 1911, and also the location of a demon hidden within the intricate stone carvings. He’s there if you look close enough, and he’s been watching people pass by for hundreds of years.
 
That’s just the beginning! You may know Albany for its summertime attractions, but now it’s time to discover Autumn in Albany, An Amazing Discovery!

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.