Shop Around Albany Itinerary

Spend a cozy weekend exploring Albany County’s unique shopping destinations.

Whether you're in town for an event or convention, on a quick getaway, searching for the perfect gift, or just moved to the area and need to stock up on goods for your new home, check out this easy indoor itinerary to shop around Albany. From big box stores to local boutiques there's something in store for everyone! 

Saturday

Explore some of the county’s premier shopping destinations, featuring favorite brands and locally-owned retailers!

Morning

10 AM to 10:30 AM

Start your morning at Stuyvesant Plaza, a go-to shopping destination in Guilderland with a “Main Street” feel. Grab a quick breakfast at Uncommon Grounds or Bare Blends.

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Peruse the plaza’s specialty shops and major retailers including 5th Corner Goods & Gifts, Athleta, Pearl Grant Richman’s, Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza and more!

Afternoon 

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Sit down to lunch at one of Stuyvesant Plaza’s eateries including Bellini’s Counter, Blaze Pizza, Josie’s Table, Mr. Fuji Sushi, or Simone’s Kitchen.

Or enjoy lunch at your next shopping destination: Colonie Center Mall. Colonie Center hosts major restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s.

1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Shop the day away at Colonie Center's 100+ retailers including Barnes & Noble, Boscov’s, Bath & Body Works, Ulta, Sephora, H&M, Macy’s, L.L.Bean and more.

3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Once you get your shopping fix at Colonie Center, drop off your bags and check into Homewood Suites by Hilton/Tru by Hilton Albany, Crossgates, a dual-branded hotel conveniently located steps away from Crossgates Mall!

Evening

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Crossgates Mall is the region's largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Peruse their wide range of retailers from the LEGO Store to Urban Outfitters, to Lush, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Sit down to dinner at Crossgates' selection of dining establishments including Maggie McFly’s, Texas de Brazil, and the newly opened Emperor Garden.

7 PM

Close out your night at one of the mall's entertainment venues. Catch a movie at the Regal or a comedy show at Funny Bone, take on an adventure at 5 Wits, or go head-to-head at Dave & Buster’s or Apex Entertainment.

Sunday

Venture into the city of Albany and spend your day perusing locally owned shops! 

Morning

9 AM to 10 AM

Before you check out, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel!

10 AM to 12:30 PM

Drive into the city and park conveniently at ParkAlbany’s Green-Hudson Garage. Explore shops along Broadway including The Vandy Thrift Shoppe, Fort Orange General Store, and The Bevy Vintage Collective.

Afternoon

12:30 PM to 2 PM

Pick up your car and head over to the Center Square neighborhood. Grab a delicious sit-down lunch at Iron Gate Café or grab something quick from stops like NOHO Pizza or Herbie’s Burgers.

2 PM to 5 PM

The Center Square neighborhood offers a collection of boutiques and specialty shops.  Travel down Lark Street and check out Elissa Halloran Designs, The Happie Collective, Lark Street Records and Romeo’s Gifts. Head around the corner to find Rom Shop on Madison Ave or head down Hudson Ave and explore Dove & Hudson, a used book shop.

While you shop, grab an afternoon pick-me-up at a coffee shop like Daily Grind or Stacks Espresso Bar. For a sweet afternoon treat, grab a vegan specialty doughnut and coffee from Bitchin Donuts.

Evening

5 PM 

Before leaving Albany, sit down to dinner at a nearby neighborhood restaurant. Dove + Deer offers delicious pub fare in a cozy historic building. Or visit Savoy Taproom, a Lark Street staple offering scratch made food and a wide selection of vegan/vegetarian options. 

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Author

Morgan Hughes

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