Summer has officially arrived! Embrace the season with a weekend getaway or staycation in Albany County. Book a trip to Albany to experience the area's exciting culinary scene, go on a high-flying adventure, explore the Hudson Riverfront and much more. Keep reading for a weekend itinerary to discover Albany, New York this summer.
This blog post is presented through a content collaboration with Discover Albany and CapNY. Visit us on Instagram at @discoveralbany and @gocapny!
Friday
Afternoon
Kick off your weekend early with the Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour! Offered on Friday afternoons by Taste of Troy Food Tours, the three-hour guided walking tour features seven sips and tastes from local restaurants. On the way to each stop, the guided walking tour incorporates fun facts about Albany's history, architecture and culture. This food tour is a great opportunity to taste Albany's evolving culinary scene and learn something new about the city's history.
After the food tour, it's time to check-in at your hotel. Located on Route 9 in Latham, The Century House is a landmark family owned and operated hotel full of historic charm. The hotel has a popular onsite restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness room and even a nature trail available for guests. It is the perfect home base for your summer getaway or staycation!
Evening
Cohoes is the place to be on Friday nights in the summer! Spindle City's "Eat In The Street" features restaurants expanding their table service outside onto the city's historic and newly revitalized Remsen Street. More than a dozen restaurants and breweries participate weekly from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays. Enjoy burgers and steaks with craft beers or cocktails at Donnie Magoos. As an added bonus, the eatery often has live music. Cap off the evening at Bye-i Brewing or Table 41 Brewing to experience the city's emerging craft beverage scene.
Saturday
Morning
Start off your morning by taking full advantage of the Chef-made hot and cold breakfast buffet at The Century House. It is included with your stay, so fuel up before embarking on a day of Albany adventures.
Head out on a 30-minute drive to WildPlay Thacher. Perched high above Albany in the scenic John Boyd Thacher State Park, this outdoor adventure course has ziplines, rope swings, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, tightropes and more. Spend the morning conquering your fears by plunging through the trees and climbing across suspended obstacles.
Afternoon
After working up an appetite, go on a 10-minute drive to Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery. On Saturdays, the full farm fresh menu is available for lunch. Dine on tacos, burgers, sandwiches and more all prepared with fresh and local ingredients. Enjoy your meal with a pint of beer or cider, or pick up a 4-pack of cans to bring home. After lunch, take some time to explore the 100-year old Indian Ladder Farms. Say hello to the farm animals, browse the baked goods and local items in the Farm Market and wander the scenic grounds.
Following lunch, head back to John Boyd Thacher State Park for an outdoor adventure. Start off at the Visitors Center to check out the geological and historical exhibits showcasing the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. After learning fun facts about the state park, explore the iconic Indian Ladder Trail on a hike. The popular trail boasts hidden caves, cascading waterfalls and magnificent panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The Indian Ladder Trail is definitely an Albany County bucket list item!
After an afternoon of exploring the great outdoors, head back to The Century House to relax before dinner.
Night
After recharging at the hotel, it's time for dinner! Head into the City of Albany's charming Delaware Avenue neighborhood to The Kitchen Table. The restaurant's rotating seasonal menu features fresh plates crafted with ingredients from local farms. Enjoy unique eats such as Fried Cod Cheeks, Semolina Polenta, Kilcoyne Farms Beef Tongue & Bone Marrow French Dip or La Belle Farms Confit Chicken. Dine inside the restaurant's recently refreshed interior or enjoy your meal al fresco on the patio.
Bonus: If you have time after dinner, head on a 5-minute walk to Emack & Bolio's. The charming ice cream parlor scoops up ice cream in candy-covered waffle cones, thirst-quenching smoothies, delicious pastries and even an "Albany Egg Cream".
Depending upon your interests, catch an Albany Empire game or a Playhouse Stage Company show after dinner. Cheer on the Albany Empire, the local arena football team, at the MVP Arena for a night of fast-paced fun. If sports aren't your thing, enjoy theater under the stars in Washington Park. From June 30 to July 23, catch Head Over Heels performed by Playhouse Stage Company on a stage in front of the Washington Park Lake House.
Sunday
Morning
After checking out of your hotel, head into downtown Albany for Sunday brunch. Housed in the second oldest building in Albany, the Olde English Pub is a a must-visit pub. The seasonal menu boasts fresh, made-from-scratch items such as Berry French Toast, Croquette Benedict, Avocado Toast or a Full English Breakfast.
After breakfast, explore the City of Albany's newest attraction, the Albany Skyway. The brand-new elevated park and pedestrian bridge connects downtown Albany to the Corning Preserve and Hudson Riverfront. Hop on the Skyway right next to the Olde English Pub and venture all the way to the Corning Preserve. On your walk, enjoy sweeping views of the Albany skyline and spy landmarks such as the New York State Capitol and Alfred E. Smith Building. Once you arrive at the Corning Preserve, relax on a bench and soak up scenic views of the Hudson River.
Afternoon
Before ending your Albany weekend getaway, climb aboard Dutch Apple Cruises! Sightseeing Cruises are offered at at 1:00 PM. The first half of the cruise is narrated by a Hudson River Historian who tells tales of the city and points out landmark sights along the river. On the second half of the cruise, relax under the sun and enjoy the riverside views. Albany's Riverboat is the perfect way to cap off a summer weekend getaway in Albany County!
