Looking for things to do while Albany is in bloom? Embark on the self-guided tulip and garden driving tour to marvel at the city of Albany during this picturesque time of year. While admiring the city's treasured tulips, take advantage of the fun things to do near the garden beds! From must-see attractions, to shopping, to dining, there are tons of things to do this spring in Albany.
Discover Albany is hosting a giveaway to encourage visitors and residents to embark on the self-guided tulip and garden driving tour! Visit five spots featured in the driving tour and take a photo of the tulips at each spot. Email the five tulip photos and the corresponding locations to info@albany.org by Thursday, May 12 to be entered into a random drawing to win an Albany-themed prize!
The State Street Island Gardens
Location: Between 144 State St. & 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207
Albany's State Street is home to five long garden beds and three small "D" shaped beds in the center of the roadway. These beds are accented with tulip bulbs along the border! Once bloomed, the tulips add a striking pop of color to this bustling thoroughfare.
Wellington's, housed in downtown Albany's stunning Renaissance Hotel, is located across from the garden bed at the top of State Street and Eagle Street. The upscale restaurant is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. The menu features farm fresh eats created from locally-grown and produced ingredients from the Capital Region. Cheers with craft cocktails and local craft beverages while soaking up unparalleled views of the New York State Capitol Building and downtown Albany.
The Bridge Garden
Location: 300 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
The Bridge Garden is a stunning garden housed in a large road median. The 10,000 bulbs and other perennials vary from typical tulips to exotic varieties. The City of Albany Department of General Services designs the garden so that it is particularly eye-catching to cars riding by. If you are lucky, there might be a few parking spots near the road median to park and tiptoe through the tulips (carefully, of course!).
Down the block from this garden is the popular Fort Orange General Store! The charming neighborhood shop is celebrating five years in downtown Albany this summer. Browse the curated selection of home goods and gifts from designers, artists and small companies from the local area and beyond. It is a go-to shop for locals and visitors alike.
The Engine Eleven Firehouse Gardens
Location: 441 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208
Spy two petite triangle gardens on the lawn in front of the Engine Eleven Firehouse. Once bloomed, admire the tulip "Happy Generation" that starts out white with red stripes then becomes white with yellow.
After driving by to snap a photo of the tulips, head to the nearby Albany Ale and Oyster. The restaurant, tasting room and bottle shop is nestled in the city of Albany's New Scotland neighborhood. The friendly establishment serves up salads, sandwiches, brats & sausages and a fresh seafood selection with oysters, of course! The drink menu features an extensive list of draft beers (try a flight!), craft cocktails and wines by the glass.
The Clinton D Garden Bed
Location: Clinton Avenue & Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
The Clinton D Garden Bed is housed in a road median in the shape of the letter D. In the center of this bed is a vibrant red tulip called "Unique de France". Surrounding the red tulip is a variety called "Iimagination". This garden bed blooms into a splash of cream, pink, red and yellow.
The Clinton D Garden Bed is conveniently located near a plethora of Albany attractions and restaurants! Head across the street to Quackenbush Square to dine at CH Evans Brewing at the Albany Pump Station or the Olde English Pub. Or, pop into the Irish American Heritage Museum or Discover Albany Visitors Center to learn something new about Albany! If you head up Clinton Avenue, catch a concert at the historic Palace Theatre or grab a bite to eat at McGeary's Irish Pub.
The Birdhouse Garden
Location: Washington Park Road & Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 (Washington Park)
Look up! In the center of a garden bed at Washington Park Road and Hudson Avenue, find a whimsical birdhouse. The intricate wood birdhouses were hand-carved by Albany artist William Schade. Beneath the birdhouse is a garden that is home to seven varieties of bulbs including colorful tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, allium and crown imperials.
A short walk from The Birdhouse Garden is Lark Hall, a historic performance arts venue. Lark Hall was recently restored and reopened as a performing arts, event and community venue. Lark Hall hosts a variety of concerts, markets featuring local vendors and other special events throughout the year.
*Descriptions of garden beds provided in part from the City Gardener Jena Commerford of The City of Albany Department of General Services
Celebrate tulip season and the 2022 Albany Tulip Festival with The City of Albany's Office of Cultural Affairs, Discover Albany, Citizens and The City of Albany Department of General Services with #518TulipTracker. Follow along on social media and use the hashtag to join the conversation.
