The USS Slater is a World War II destroyer docked on the Hudson River in Albany. It was used during World War II to fight Nazi U-Boats in the North Atlantic and is the only one of these destroyer escorts still on the water in the United States. Following a 15-year restoration, the boat has been completely restored to its original glory, so much so that one can see where the sailors lived and carried out their daily exercises and operations. The Deck-by-Deck tour is particularly popular and offers an interactive experience that's sure to thrill all ages. Besides guided tours, the museum also offers a unique overnight camping activity where tourists get to live like a navy sailor.
This 1762 Georgian mansion of the Schuyler family overlooks the Hudson River and was home to one of Albany's most prominent families. Philip J. Schuyler was a Revolutionary War general, Senator and businessman, and the home was the location of several 'Revolutionary War Room' sessions, as well as the marriage site of Schuyler's daughter to the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. The home is open for tours throughout the year, but the schedule varies according to season.
This museum is dedicated to the history of this great Northeastern state through a wide variety of collections and exhibits that showcase its cultural and natural history. The building is a marvel itself, finished in 1976, this futuristic, 10-story building contains information about almost every nook and cranny in the Empire State. Some of the highlights include the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, the Great Art Series and the Native Peoples of New York Hall. In addition to great exhibits, the museum also provides educational events and activities for school children throughout the year.
Drawing its inspiration from Paris' Hôtel-de-Ville, the New York State Capitol Building is a marvel of late 19th-century architecture. Lying nestled with numerous stately buildings of the Empire State Plaza, this capitol building was duly designated a National Historic Landmark in 1979. Awash in fine semblances of Romanesque and Neo-renaissance architectural styles, this capitol is like a striking palatial edifice sitting amid rolling green lawns and well-pruned gardens. With its French-style exterior of white marble imported from Maine, it was more expensive to build than the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. One of the highlights here is the 'Million Dollar' Staircase in the main lobby, which is lavishly adorned with a tapestry of carved stone sculptures. The capitol grounds shelter a teal-hued statue of George Washington, while its ornate insides house the majestic New York State Assembly chamber. The crowned jewel of Albany, the courtly New York State Capitol is an unmatched architectural wonder.
Washington Park is one of the oldest parks in the United States. It was designated a park by city charter in 1686 and today it still remains a vibrant part of Albany. Designed by architects John Bogart and John Cuyler, the park with its lush green lawns, etched walkways and colorful flowers is a tranquil oasis downtown. This public park also serves as an entertainment venue and hosts variety of events like flower festivals, concerts, fund-raisers, ethnic festivals and more.
Cherry Hill was the former home of the aristocratic Van Rensselaers, a family that traces its origins to the Netherlands. The home was built in 1787 and ever since then, five generations had lived in the home until the Putnam Rankin family finally relinquished it in 1963. The home transformed into a museum shortly thereafter with the help of local benefactors. Most of the exhibits feature their daily life over two centuries; some artifacts include manuscripts, books, photographs and documents together with furnishings, and household items.
The USS Slater is a World War II destroyer docked on the Hudson River in Albany. It was used during World War II to fight Nazi U-Boats in the North Atlantic and is the only one of these destroyer escorts still on the water in the United States. Following a 15-year restoration, the boat has been completely restored to its original glory, so much so that one can see where the sailors lived and carried out their daily exercises and operations. The Deck-by-Deck tour is particularly popular and offers an interactive experience that's sure to thrill all ages. Besides guided tours, the museum also offers a unique overnight camping activity where tourists get to live like a navy sailor.
The Albany Art Room is a gallery dedicated to the work of artists in the community and entire Capital District. The mission of the art space is to promote visual arts for children as well as adults; some events and workshops include materials to use with the nominal fee. Courses include still-life instruction, painting with oils, drypoint, pottery and many others.
The College of Saint Rose believes in overall development of its students and hence it undertakes extra-curricular projects and events throughout the year. The Massry Center for the Arts is one such endeavor of this institute that provides a stage to its art students. Featuring different facilities like Esther Massry Gallery and Picotte Recital Hall, it is spread across a vast area of 46,000 square feet (4274 square meters). Another amazing fact about this center is that its a green structure, that was not only built as per the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, but also adopts eco-friendly measures. For more details and schedule, call ahead.
Covering 2,155 acres (872 hectares), John Boyd Thacher State Park is an enticing patchwork of scenic woods, rolling hills, open fields, and remarkable rock formations. Its location along the Helderberg Escarpment effectively renders the park a veritable vista point, with vantage points enabling visitors to bask in the surrounding sights. A series of trails slices through the wilderness, allowing nature lovers to observe and study the area's natural features, including diverse flora and fauna. The park also serves as a recreation destination, facilitating outdoor activities like picnicking, camping, and biking alongside hiking. Additionally, it features playing fields and a visitor center.