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.
The Albany Pine Bush Reserve is one of the few remaining inland pine barrens in the world. It is truly a work of nature created by the last Glacial flows, where this ecosystem harbors all types of flora and fauna. At the preserve, the counties of Albany and Schenectady have created a nature center that allows young and old alike to discover this treasure. There are plenty of recreational activities like cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing and jogging, making it a great place to visit any time of year.
Enshrouded in the contemporary cacophony of downtown Albany, the Empire State Plaza is a striking ensemble of glorious government buildings. A string of stirring artworks, collectively called the Empire State Art Collection, further augments the sheer historic appeal of this place. Deeply entrenched in a long-standing history, the plaza was built over a period of 17 years between 1959 and 1976, around the New York State Capitol building, which predates the plaza. Strewn across the plaza's expanse is a tapestry of noteworthy edifices like the Wadsworth Center, the Egg, the Legislative Office Building, the Corning Tower and the capitol itself. In addition, the plaza also shelters a tapestry of memorials, paying homage to civilians, fighters, and victims the country lost to various wars. The observation deck at Corning Tower provides astounding views of Albany's dynamic cityscape, whereas the New York State Museum lends stirring insights into the state's historical and cultural legacy. Sheltering emblematic buildings bathed in the finer nuances of Brutalist, Modernist and International architecture, the Empire State Plaza solidifies the progressive and political tenor of New York.
The Erastus Corning Tower is the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City. It is a massive government building that has 42-floors of offices, but the real attraction for visitors is the observation deck. A high-speed elevator propels you up in 30 seconds and then you are entirely enclosed on the top floor, where the views of the Adirondacks and Vermont's Green Mountains are phenomenal. From the deck you can also see the entire city of Albany and the Mighty Hudson.
The Urger is the epitome of the 'little tugboat that could.' Built in 1901, it has been pushing people and boats around the Midwest and Northeast waterways for over a hundred years. Moreover, it is definitely one of the oldest working vessels in the country today and it still charters people around the scenic towns along the Hudson River. The crew ferries people on the river during the Summer and Fall seasons only.
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.
Also known as First Church in Albany or North Dutch Church, the brick-and-stone structure of the First Reformed Church stands tall overlooking the Hudson River. This beautiful church broke ground in 1789, under the watchful eye of architect Philip Hooker. In 1974, it found place on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally founded to serve the Dutch inhabitants of Fort Orange in the neighboring village, this church would be visited by Theodore Roosevelt and Queen Wilhelmina in the later years.
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.
Spread over 1,000 acres (404.68 hectares) in the village of Valatie, Kinderhook Farm is located just about 3 miles (4.82 kilometers) from Ghent, NY. The glorious green and gold farm raises grass-fed sheep, hens and other livestock and is known for the quality meats thus procured. Kinderhook Farm includes the Farm Store where you can load up on free-range eggs, lamb, beef and other meat products, a fully-furnished rental cottage and a barn-house called, FarmStay at Kinderhook, both of which make for fun family vacations. The farm itself is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1p onward, check the website fore more details.
Follow the trail towards the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center at Thacher State Park and learn more about the local flora and fauna. The highlights of the center include Helderberg Escarpment’s model, honeybee hives, furs, fossils, and other interactive exhibits. The facility also has a bird viewing area and plays host to several educational programs and events regularly. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or an individual seeking a peaceful escape into the outdoors, this nature center provides an enriching experience for all ages.