Albany Vacation and Trip Information

The state capital of New York, Albany lies in the Tri-City area of the state, which includes Troy and Schenectady. Dutch explorer Henry Hudson discovered Albany in the early 1600s after sailing north from Manhattan on what is now called the Hudson River. While his efforts to find a shorter route to China failed, the region’s wealth of natural resources attracted Dutch settlers; by 1664, Albany (then called Fort Orange) had a population of 10,000. Albany continues to honor its Dutch heritage each year with the Albany Tulip Festival; the event, held on Mother’s Day weekend, showcases more than 200,000 tulips and more than 140 varieties.

The city of Albany offers a lively arts and entertainment scene including an array of galleries and performing arts venues, and the 1st Friday Art Walk each month. Top Albany museums include the Albany Institute of Art & History, the New York State Museum and the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. Albany and the outlying Capital District of New York also offer abundant options for outdoor recreation including biking, boating, camping, and cross-country and downhill skiing.