Itinerary for a Cozy Winter Day Trip in Albany County
Don't let the chilly weather keep you indoors all winter long! There are still plenty of ways to explore Albany County this season.
Warm up in cozy coffee shops and breweries, explore Albany's history, art and culture at museums and heritage sites, and enjoy regional entertainment. Follow this cozy winter day trip itinerary to help inspire your visit to Albany in the coming months!
Morning
9 AM to 10:30 AM
Start your morning by warming up with a quick coffee at Stacks Espresso Bar or Alias Coffee. Looking for a sit-down breakfast spot? Two local favorites include Iron Gate Cafe and The Skinny Pancake. Each location is offering seasonal flavors to brighten the winter months.
10:30 AM to 1 PM
Spend the morning checking out Albany's art scene!
Visit the New York State Musuem, dedicated to the human and natural history of New York State. Current exhibitions include "Margery Ryerson: Art is Contagious," "Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s to 1940s," and "Henry DiSpirito: Stonemason to Sculptor."
Or take a trip through the Albany Institute of History & Art, New York's oldest museum which showcases the history and art of the Hudson Valley. Current exhibitions include "Enchanting Threads: The Art of Salley Mavor," with "Americans Who Tell the Truth" opening February 1.
Albany Center Gallery is a cozy space highlighting the work of regional artists. The Gallery's next exhibition "Light Within Layers" opens January 28.
Afternoon
1 PM to 1:30 PM
Stop and fuel up for your afternoon by grabbing a speedy lunch at one of downtown Albany's quick lunch stops. Try Wizard Burger, a popular vegan lunch spot or a delicious sandwich from Miranda's Deli.
1:30 PM to 5 PM
Take the afternoon to learn more about this area's history at one of Albany's heritage or historical sites. The Underground Railroad Education Center is housed at the historical, Stephen & Harriet Myers residence. 90-minute tours explore Underground Railroad history through the perspective of Stephen Myers and other Black abolitionists. Myers was a formally enslaved man who opened his home for refuge in the mid-1850's.
Stop into the Irish American Heritage Museum to learn stories and contributions of the Irish in the United States. Artifacts and recounted first-person narratives highlight the history of Irish immigrants and those with Irish heritage from US Presidents and celebrities to nameless soldiers and factory workers.
Don't miss the chance to tour the New York State Capitol Building. Free, weekday doors include a complete history covering famous inhabitants, ghost stories, and the breath-taking, elaborately carved Million Dollar Staircase.
Evening
5 PM to 6:30 PM
Start your evening by warming up with dinner and drinks at one of Albany's local restaurants or breweries. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen offers delicious entrees and hand-crafted cocktails, while Druther's and Common Roots Brewing Company are both popular locations in Albany's craft beverage scene. All three places offer options for dietary restrictions and non-alcoholic beverages.
7 PM
End your day at one of Albany's entertainment venues. Winter is a great time to catch a game of basketball. Starting late February, the Albany Patroons basketball team returns to the court at the Washington Avenue Armory.
Or work on your own pro-athlete skills and spend the evening at Dick's House of Sports in Latham! Take on the rock-climbing wall, step right up to the plate in the multi-sport cage, test out the latest sporting gear, and try out the golf simulators.
If sports aren't your style, catch a movie in the newly reopened Madison Theatre. This historic venue offers blockbuster hits and indie favorites. Plus, order food or a movie-inspired cocktail and have them brought right to your seat!
