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New York City may muscle in on most of the limelight, but a lot of people may not realize the capital of New York state is actually Albany. Not only that, but Albany is one of the oldest settlements from the original American colonies, with a rich heritage that will fascinate history lovers. As well as having a charming town center to wander, there are also stately buildings, family attractions, and the mighty waterway of the Hudson to grab your attention. And, with Albany vacation rentals including historic homes and apartments overlooking Washington Park, you’ll instantly feel like part of the community.
As you might expect from one of the oldest places in the United States, there are a number of charming, antiquarian shops to explore around these parts. If you head down Lark Street, you’ll also find hip, independently-owned stores, coffee houses, and galleries. Perhaps the most eye-catching landmark near Albany vacation rentals is the New York State Capitol, a palatial Renaissance-style building built in 1899. Guided tours will take you through the gilded corridors of power. Or, why not take a cruise along the Hudson River, and see the city from a new perspective?
It’s not just NYC that holds all the artistic masterpieces in New York state. Albany has its share too, in a unique setting. The Empire State Plaza, a vast commercial complex, has a large array of artworks on display, in what’s been dubbed one of the best collections of art in any location that’s not technically a museum. Look out in particular for the Abstract Expressionist masterpieces on show. And then there’s the New York State Museum, a wonderland of eclectic objects, from fossils dating back billions of years to a full-sized vintage carousel which you can still ride today.
There’s no denying the summers can get mighty hot around these parts, which some will certainly enjoy. But if you’d prefer a more temperate time, head over in spring to enjoy balmy days and major events, such as the long-running Albany Tulip Festival, where displays of vivid flowers and boisterous live music bring the streets to life. If you don’t mind wrapping up warm, winter can be a good time to settle into Albany vacation rentals, with opportunities to ice skate in the open air, and go snow tubing and sledding.
Sprawling alongside the Hudson River, Albany isn’t far from the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. Covering almost 750 acres, it features a rich, wetland ecosystem where birders can look out for green herons, American bitterns, and rusty blackbirds. If you’d rather stay closer to your Albany vacation rental, you can spend an idyllic afternoon in Washington Park, where almost 100 species of trees provide cooling canopies to relax under. And don’t forget to visit another green oasis, the Corning Preserve, which overlooks the river.