Albany, NY - Who doesn't love a good cocktail, especially when it's got a cool name or special meaning? Over the past few months, we asked some of Albany's best mixologists to create an original recipe that they felt embodies the true Spirit of Albany- and they didn't let us down!
The recipes really do tell the story of Albany: the Fort Orange and Green Street Patroon tell the story of our beginnings as a fort and patroonship more than 400 years ago, whereas the Lounge Kitten and the Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli mimic our transformation into New York's cultural and artistic Capital City. And some drinks, such as the Kennedy Sour, White Pelican, and Salinger's Caught are even made with spirits distilled right here in our city at the Albany Distilling Company! We can't forget our political roots either, and The New 32 is named for the 32 new members of the State Legislature.
Uncover the story behind each recipe by visiting www.albany.org/spiritofalbany. If you plan on visiting Albany soon, you can view a map to determine your course for sampling many of these tasty drinks and even vote for your favorite. Don't forget to raise a glass to Albany when you visit!
The Tulips Are Coming!
The weather is certainly warming up and that means one thing in Albany- TULIP FEST!! This year marks the 65th anniversary of this amazing event, complete with the crowning of the Tulip Queen and the naming of the Mother of the Year! This year's music lineup was also just announced!
In 1948, Erastus Corning II, the Mayor of Albany declared the Tulip the "official flower of Albany". Following that, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands honored the Mayor's request and designated the variety of tulip, known as the "Orange Wonder" to be the tulip of Albany. Tulip Fest was born, and has continued for 65 years.
The Tulip Fest is a FREE event with traditions dating back more than half a century. From the scrubbing of State Street to kick-off the festival, to the crowning of the Tulip Queen, the weekend is filled with an array of entertainment, food, and activities for all.
Don't forget the 2013 Albany Tulip Fest was named a Top 100 Event by the American Bus Association! Read more about Tulip Festival on our blog.
So pack your bags and travel to Albany for a springtime of tulips and cheer!
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.