A crisp chill is in the air, which means that winter is peeking around the corner. Instead of dreading the cold weather days, start planning how you are going to spend them! Whether you love to shop, explore museums, sip on craft beverages, or create art, Albany has plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy over the next few months. Keep reading to start planning your winter weekends!
Unleash Your Creativity
Embrace your inner artist and get creative at the Albany Art Room. For $8 an hour, creatives can have access to the materials and the space for fun projects such as print making, painting, drawing and more during open studio hours. If you are looking to refine your painting skills or learn how to throw clay on a wheel, sign up for one of the variety of classes offered by the instructors at the Albany Art Room. Another great option for getting creative are the workshops offered at the Fort Orange General Store in downtown Albany. Learn how to make flower crowns, how to embroider, the proper calligraphy technique and more in this charming neighborhood shop!
Plan the Ultimate Staycation
Splurge a little and plan a staycation for your entire family! The new dual-branded Tru and Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel is conveniently located near Crossgates Mall. It's the perfect location for a staycation, plus the lobby has a super fun selfie spot. Hotel guests receive exciting perks such as a "Stay & Save" savings pass with extra savings at shops, restaurants and more at Crossgates. Guests can also take full advantage of the “Shop & Drop” delivery service that brings your bags straight to your hotel room, making it hassle-free to shop 'til you drop. If you grow weary of shopping, relax at Spa Mirabeau, play arcade games at Dave & Buster's, or catch the latest blockbuster movie - Crossgates has it all!
Check Those "Must-Visit Spots in Albany" Off Your Bucket List
Winter is the ideal time to tour those spots on your Albany Bucket List that you just haven't seen yet. Spend a Saturday morning on a New York State Capitol Building tour to learn about the history of the building and to marvel at the architectural splendor. Haven't visited the New York State Museum in a while? Wander the halls of the oldest and largest state museum in the country, while maybe learning something new about New York. View scenic Hudson River School paintings at the Albany Institute of History & Art or hop on a tour of the New York State Education Building. All of these must-visit sites are indoors, so spend the cold weather months exploring them!
Learn about Bubbles & Brews
Albany's local craft beverage scene has been heating up. Many local producers including Nine Pin Cider, CH Evans Brewing at Albany Pump Station, Albany Distilling, Helderberg Brewery Taproom, and Hudson-Chatham Winery are members of the Capital Craft Beverage Trail. The cold weather months are the perfect time to collect stamps for your Capital Craft Beverage Trail passport. Visit those spots beyond the city limits and get those stamps to win cool merchandise! In addition to tasting local wines, spirits and beers, some of the producers offer tours for a behind-the-scenes look at production. Most Saturdays you can take a tour of Albany Distilling's facilities, the first licensed distillery in Albany since prohibition! Learn about how the team makes small batch whiskey, rum, vodka and more.
Go Underground for a Natural Wonder
At first glance, exploring underground caverns doesn't sound like a cold weather activity. But, Howe Caverns is a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit with 70-75% humidity year-round! The winter months are the perfect time to descend 156 feel below the Earth's surface to explore six million year old caves. The tour is 90 minutes and includes a boat ride along the underground River Styx.
