Albany, NY - Well Tulip Fest came and went, and even though there was some rain and cooler temperatures we still made sure it was a great festival! (We were able to get some photos earlier in the week when it was sunny and warm- check them out!) Now, we look forward to summer and all the fun that brings the Capital Region. The Alive at Five riverfront summer concert series lineup was recently announced, and Path Through History Weekends are fast approaching. So, we've lined up all you need to know about these fun activities in this month's release!

Activities Along the Hudson River
The Hudson River was named after Henry Hudson, who in 1609 happened upon Albany in his search for a shorter route to the Far East. Though his quest was unsuccessful in that aspect, a lucrative fur trade created Albany. Today, the river is not only a source of historic pride, but of excellent recreational activities. Here are some of our favorites:

USS Slater• USS Slater | www.ussslater.org
During World War II, 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and material. In the Pacific they stood in line to defend naval task forces from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. Today, only one of these ships remains afloat in the United States, the USS SLATER. Moored on the Hudson River in Albany, New York, the USS SLATER has undergone an extensive fifteen-year restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. The museum offers hour-long guided tours, youth group overnight camping, and a historic location to hold naval reunions.


• River Cruises
Everyone loves a great river cruise on a warm, sunny day! Enjoy your pick of two cruise options: the Dutch Apple and the Captain JP Cruise Line!

The Dutch Apple is located right next to the USS Slater so it's easy to make an afternoon of fun on the river. Take their 1.5 hour narrated cruise that includes views of the downtown Albany skyline and the nature along the river heading south. You may even find a bald eagle or two! Lunch and dinner cruises with entertainment are also offered- check their website for more details.

The Captain JP Cruise Line begins its journey just north of Albany in Troy, NY. This four-deck cruise ship can accommodate up to 600 passengers. Make your summer special by dining and dancing on the Captain J.P. II with their Summer Time Music Cruise! Enjoy a world-class dinner followed by a three hour cruise down the Hudson while dancing to the area's best bands.

Hudson_River_Festivalilove• Alive at Five | www.albanyevents.org
Alive at Five has kept downtown Albany's spirits high after work on Thursdays throughout the summer for 24 years. The stage comes alive with music from national, regional and local artists; each night plays host to a different genre of music. The weekend kicks off with an early start, as many of Albany's professionals, community members and friends enjoy the diverse musical talent presented during the series. The music is not the only form of entertainment at Alive at Five as great crowd participation, dancing and people-watching all make for a unique blend of concert atmosphere and hometown block party fun. Attendees of Alive at Five can also sample an array of summer favorites such as ice-cold beer, fresh squeezed lemonade, cotton candy and delicious BBQ from some of the area's favorite local vendors. Join us in the fun and music of this wonderful series that is a signature event and a summer staple in the Capital City of Albany, New York. The best part- it's absolutely FREE!


Path Through History
Formerly Heritage Weekend, Path Through History Weekends will not only highlight New York State's history and cultural significance, but also promote tourism and economic development in every region of the state. Hundreds of museums and heritage sites will be offering special programming to kick off the summer season in New York this June 1-2 and 8-9. What can you expect in Albany?


• Albany ABC's: Architecture, Buildings, Community | June 1, 11:00 a.m. | Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center
Follow a path through four centuries of Albany history and celebrate the city's rich architecture and sense of community. The day will include fun activities for families as well as adults. Interactive guided walking tours will uncover the past, present and future uses of downtown Albany's historic buildings. A study of architectural styles will provide the knowledge needed to construct a wood block building of your own artistic design for a community of the future.


• Farm Day in the City | June 1, 12:00 p.m. | Schuyler Mansion
Visitors will meet farm animals, delight in the tales and skills of Vermont sheep shearer, Fred DePaul, see sheep dogs in action, learn about sustainable farming and farming methods of the 18th century and the farm of Major General Philip Schuyler.
dutch apple• Land & Water Tours of Albany | June 1-2 & 8-9, 11:00 a.m. | Dutch Apple Cruise Parking Lot, Hudson Riverfront
Harmony House Tours has partnered with Dutch Apple Cruises to bring a new "Land & Water Tour of Albany"! Part of I Love New York's "Path through History" celebration, tours will take place on June 1 &2, and June 8&9 to coincide with the statewide celebration. First, Harmony House Tours provides a land tour of Albany based on its 300+ years of history. Boarding time is 11am at Dutch Apple Cruises parking lot, along the historic Hudson River in downtown Albany. The Historic tour of Albany will leave at 11:15 am and return at 12:30 pm. Then, it's time to board the Dutch Apple for a leisurely, narrated cruise on the Hudson River. Light snacks and cash bar available for purchase on board. Cruise returns at 2:30 pm. Cost: $30 per person. For more information, contact info@harmonyhousetours.com.


More information about Path Through History Weekends and additional event details can be found at www.paththroughhistoryweekends.com.

There's more to love about Albany in the summer. Check out our recent guest blog post to read about some of the many other great activities that visitors can enjoy during a trip to Albany. We hope to see you soon!

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.

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