|
 |
|
|
New York,
Capital Saratoga
Capital Saratoga: -
The capital of New York State, Albany’s attractions include museums, art exhibitions and 19th-century architecture. Saratoga Springs is one of the northeast’s more accessible resorts, half an hour north of Albany and only three hours from New York City, Boston and Montréal. The region is renowned for top-class horseracing and the Saratoga Race Course draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Albany: The city of Albany stands beside the Hudson River north of New York City and makes a good base from which to explore ‘upstate New York’. Albany is dominated by the US$2 billion Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, a striking ten-building complex that includes the 44-storey Corning Tower, the venerable State Capitol and the city’s performing arts theatre (nicknamed ‘The Egg’ for its unusual shape). The New York State Museum, the country’s oldest and largest State Museum, portrays the urbanisation of New York City and has lifelike dioramas among the exhibits on Native Americans, gems and birds. The Albany Institute of History and Art is the oldest museum in the State; its permanent collection of 15,000 objects relate to the art, history and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley. St Peter’s Church, notable for its stained glass and floor mosaics, is well worth visiting.
Saratoga Springs: Saratoga Springs has been a leading spa and horseracing centre since the late 1800s and the streets are lined with regal Victorian mansions. Walking tours of the city’s historic districts are available from the Saratoga Urban Cultural Park Visitors Center.
Popular attractions include the Saratoga Raceway and the Saratoga Race Course. The raceway is known as the world’s most beautiful harness track and features races nine months a year. The race course hosts the country’s most prestigious thoroughbred racing during late July and August. Spectators are welcome at the polo matches held during the summer. Racing fans will appreciate the National Museum of Racing, which features hands-on exhibits, while the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame houses a varied collection of harness racing memorabilia.
For those in the mood for something other than horses, a drive over to nearby Saratoga Spa State Park, with its 890ha (2200 acres) of woods, manicured lawns, Georgian architecture and pavilions, mineral bathhouses and recreational facilities is recommended. The New York City Opera and Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra perform here in the summer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which is also the venue for the Newport Jazz Festival. In winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Also located in the park is the National Museum of Dance, the only one of its kind in the country. The Saratoga National Historic Park is the site of two important battles which proved to be a turning point in the American Revolution.
Activities on offer include sunrise and sunset hot-air balloon flights.
Elsewhere: Canoeists will enjoy the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Lake George is the most popular resort region in the southeastern corner of the park. Flower lovers can visit the gardens of Yaddo, a legendary artists’ retreat. Open to the public every day during daylight hours, some 20,000 people visit the gardens annually.
Special Events: Feb 2002 The Albany American Wine Festival. May 10-13 53rd Annual Tulip Festial, Albany. Jun
37th Annual Riverfront Arts Festival, Troy. Jun 22-24 Old Songs Festival Of Traditional Music And Dance, Altamont. Jul
Fleet Blues Fest, Albany. Jul 4
Independence Day Celebration, Albany. Aug Altamont Fair (agricultural exhibit and carnival); Great Northern Catskills Balloon Festival, Greenville; Niagara Mohawk International Food Festival, Albany. Sep Irish 2002 Music and Arts Festival, Altamont. Oct
Columbus Parade and Italian Festival, Albany. Nov-Dec
Capital Holiday (over 100 events take place throughout the Capital – Saratoga Region).
|
|
