Albany: State Capitol of New York
Located 135 Miles North of New York City on the West bank of the Hudson River
While visiting the great Northeast for our (kick ass) wedding, there will be no shortage of activities for you justify taking some time off work and making a long weekend of the event! In addition to the (totally awesome) wedding festivities, you may want to visit some of the highlights the Capitol Region has to offer. For some suggestions, keep reading!
Albany
NY State Museum is a great place to spend a few hours immersed in the history of The Empire State. A must-see if you are traveling with youngsters for walking through an NYC Subway Car and the original Sesame Street set!
The funny shaped building in the picture above is Albany’s beloved Center for the Performing Arts, The Egg.
If government proceedings are your thing, you may want to take a tour of the Capitol Building. The beautiful capitol building, also pictured in the shot above, has been the seat of NY government since the 1880’s.
Designed by John Bogart and John Cuyler in 1870, Washington Park is known for its annual spring Tulip Festival. You won’t get to see that this time around, but if we’re lucky we can catch the last days of beautiful fall foliage!
Hudson
If you are looking for a day trip, or a cute B&B before heading back to reality, let us suggest Kelly’s hometown of Hudson. Located about 40 minutes south of Albany, the H.U.D.son is known for its Brooklyn vibe in the country. Antiques, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries line Warren Street. Some of our favorite eateries are listed below:
You won’t get a better view of the Hudson River than at Olana, the former home of Frederic Church, one of the mainstays of the Hudson River School of landscape painting.
Kinderhook/Valatie
We might be at the end of apple picking season by November, but Golden Harvest Farms will not let you down for some blissful autumnal treats. Famous in the area for their apple cider donuts, Golden Harvest also produces small batch Core Vodka and Applejack Brandy at their micro-distillery. Pies, produce, donuts, and vodka. You’re welcome.
Big fan of Marty VB? Visit Lindenwald, the former home of our 8th President, Martin Van Buren, Mr. “OK” Olde Kinderhook, himself. Born and raised in Kinderhook, Van Buren retired to this home after failing to be re-elected for President in 1840. Fun fact: before becoming a National Historic Site, Lindenwald was almost purchased by Kelly’s grandfather, C. Woodrow Pulver. Woody is no longer with us, but his namesake, Kelly’s cousin, will be representing at the wedding!
Rich with Dutch history, Kinderhook is filled with historic homes dating back to the mid 1700’s, including Ichabod Crane’s One Room Schoolhouse. Tours are available at several landmarks. And yes, Kelly did graduate from the Ichabod Crane School District. They have more than one room now.
Saratoga Springs
About 40 minutes north of Albany, is Saratoga Springs, home of the Saratoga Race Track (The August Place to Be), The National Museum of Dance, 18 public natural springs, including the tasty (?) Hawthorn Springs, The Gardens at Yaddo, and the outdoor Saratoga Performing Arts Center, SPAC. Be sure to stop by Saratoga Five Points Market and Deli— for the best breakfast sandwich around, served by proprietor and Kelly’s awesome aunt, Maura!