A Trip through Time in Albany

Should you feel the desire to take a trip through time and discover the heritage that the Dutch has left in modern America, the best place to go in order to explore this heritage is Albany, the capital city of the State of New York.

Albany is the fourth oldest city in the United States.  It is also the second oldest chartered city in the country.  Its history as a settlement began when Henry Hudson came to the area aboard the Halve Maen in 1609 and aided the Dutch in establishing a colony there.  Albany was then known as the village of Beverwyck; when the English took over the land, the settlement was renamed to Albany in honor of King James II of England and James VII of Scotland, who was known then as the Duke of York and Albany.

Albany as a city may not be as lively and diverse as the other leading city in the State of New York, which is none other than New York City itself.  In fact, Albany has been described as the most average city in the United States.  Nonetheless, Albany has a richness that is uniquely its own and is waiting to be discovered.

Just what can you do in Albany when you go to visit there?

Explore the Roots of Young America

Because Albany is a very old city, it has a long history behind it.  The city played a significant role in the shaping of the United States as the nation it is now.  You cannot visit Albany without being immersed in its past.  One of the best things to do when visiting Albany is to go on a tour of the houses that belonged to the families that were major personages in the history of Albany.  These historic mansions are Ten Broeck Mansion, Historic Cherry Hill, Schuyler Mansion and the Van Schaick Mansion.  These mansions are not just historic homes but also have magnificent gardens that are worth exploring.

Albany also played an important role in the military history of the United States, and thus, many warships have been named USS Albany in recognition of the city’s contributions.  Another tour worth doing in Albany is a visit to the USS Albany exhibit at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, which records the ships that were named after the city.

Another activity you might as well engage in when visiting Albany is a stroll within the grounds of the Albany Rural Cemetery.  The Albany Rural Cemetery is considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States.  You can also find famous people buried there, the most famous of which is Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States.

Explore the Artistic Heritage

After touring the historic sites of Albany, you might as well throw in a visit to the Shaker Heritage Society as well as the Shaker Museum and Library.  The Shakers, short for Shaking Quakers, are a group of Protestants who strictly practiced communalism.  You can see great samples of Shaker art and invention in these places.

If you are of the artistic kind, a visit to Albany will not be complete without an excursion to the art galleries.  Albany is the heart of the Hudson River School of Art, and many galleries pay tribute to this school.  Among these galleries are the Tantillo Gallery and the Albany Institute of History and Art.  You can also go museum-hopping and visit the New York State Museum, among many others.

The city of Albany has also made significant investments in music and the theater, so it would be worth your while to go on a round of the theaters.  In particular, visit a performance of the Albany Symphony Orchestra at the Palace Theater.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Albany is blessed by wonderful and majestic sights that you can enjoy from the banks of Hudson River.  If you are the type who likes going on hikes, you should not miss a hike along the banks of Hudson River.

Or, if you are bringing the family along with you, you can take them for a round of mini golf and bumper rides at the Oasis Family Fun Park.

Join in the Festivals

Albany also has seasonal festivals that are definitely worth going to.  In spring, they have the Tulip Festival, where they get visitors admiring the profusion of vibrant tulip beds in Washington Park.  June is the date for the Old Songs Festival, two days of magnificent musical performances at the Altamont Fairgrounds.  The Altamont Fairgrounds is also the site for the annual Apple Festivals, the celebration of harvest in autumn.

One of the best places to go on the Internet to get more information on what Albany has to offer is Albany.org