Visiting Albany and Central New York State

Albany, the Capital City of New York, is the western anchor of Central New York and and center of the Capital Region. Situated on the banks of the Hudson River and rooted in history, Albany makes a fantastic destination for business, pleasure and experiencing the State's political process. Syracuse is the major city in the west of the region.

The Capital Region from Albany north to Schenectady and further to Saratoga Springs is a great place to visit all four seasons of the year. Get away to ski, snowboard, ice skate, cross country, snowshoe or snowmobile, this region has it all for wonderful winter activities. Snow and winter transforms the scenery into a spectacular wonderland unique to the season.

The Saratoga region is especially significant in US history as the sight of the Battle of Saratoga which has been called the pivotal battle in the American Revolution. It has been named one of the 15 most pivotal battles in world history. The Children's Museum at Saratoga is a nice escape for children in the winter and spring. There is a full schedule of interactive events that allow children to be in charge in environment built specifically for them. The Museum's 20th anniversary this year will be celebrated in March at the Saratoga National Golf Club with dinner and dancing.

Schenectady may be hard to say if you're not from there, but it is a great place to visit. It is located on the Erie Canal which was pivotal in the growth of the city and it's economy. Known as the birthplace of General Electric, it's history goes much further back to 1661. The Historic Stockade, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the US is an active eclectic downtown neighborhood. Schenectady is also home to Central Park, second to NYC's but less intimidating.

Historic Tip: The historic Proctor Theater in downtown Schenectady has been beautifully restored and is a National Historic Building. This spring, in addition to a full schedule of theater, big stars are on line up with Itzhak Pearlman in April and Carol Burnet in May.

The best stop on a trip to Albany may be the Albany Heritage Visitors Center where assistance is available to help plan an itinerary. The amazing architecture of the city can be seen regardless of any trips length. From the beautiful state capital building with the “Million Dollar Staircase” which took 13 years to complete to the Albany “Egg”. The Egg is home to the City's Center for Performing Arts and is named for it's unique sculptural modern architecture.

Always greatly anticipated along with spring is the Albany Tulip Festival. This year will mark it's 62nd year and it is scheduled for early May at Washington Park. The schedule is complete with food, fun, music, kids activities and the crowning of the Tulip Queen and the Tulip Court.

Syracuse is a crossroads for travel. Sitting on the Erie Canal, rail routes, Interstates 81 and 90 and the largest Airport in Central New York, it is a frequent destination for travelers. Home to Syracuse University there is a large influx of students to the city. Check the Carrier Center schedule for an Orange's home game or a major concert headliner.

The Museum of Science and Technology recently completed the The Life Sciences exhibit which provides hands-on experiences for learning. Large replica's of the human anatomy allow visitors to actually journey through major organs of the body for an amazing learning experience. Other worthwhile options for a museum visit are the Everson Museum of Art or the Erie Canal Museum.

Convenient and affordable, Best Western Hotels are located throughout the region in the major cities and along the Interstate routes. For reliable accommodations and lodging book a Best Western Hotel for your next trip.

Albany and Central New York State Hotel Map