If there's one thing we love about living in the Northeast, it’s the four seasons.
And yes, that includes winter.
But we’re here to tell you those few months of colder days in the Capital Region aren’t only bearable, they're actually a TON of fun for college students.
Check out these five reasons why we love this time of year in Upstate New York:
- The outdoor activity. From downhill skiing to snowboarding, you can easily hit the slopes (we particularly love nearby and Jiminy Peak). If you’re looking for something a little less intense, take a casual hike at Thacher State Park or snowshoe its gorgeous trails. There's also the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink, which is open through March and offers free ice skating.
- ...And the indoor activity. Remember those hot summer days when you felt guilty every time you wanted to do something inside? Now's the time to do them. The Capital Region has plenty of things to do indoors that will keep you entertained and warm. Check out this very cool indoor rock gym, catch a comedy show at Funny Bone or channel your inner kid at Guptill’s, the largest indoor roller skating rink in the world.
- The holiday festivities. Ever wish you could step back in time during the holidays? You'd love the Troy Victorian Stroll, which transforms Troy (a unique city next door to us) into a Victorian wonderland with shopping, performances and food vendors. Saratoga, about 30 minutes north, does the same thing with their Victorian Streetwalk. Our area's holiday decorations are also top-notch—drive through the suburbs and you’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark special.
- The attitude around here. Volunteer opportunities abound here during the winter, and as cheesy as it may sound, we love how our surrounding communities are so into giving and service this time of year. Our students love helping out with Equinox (a big annual Thanksgiving Day community dinner) and signing up for various activities through volunteermatch.org.
- The beauty of it all. There’s a serenity about winter that is truly one-of-a-kind—the silence as the snow falls, its beautiful white blanket covering our campus. Sure, some days you may have to drive a little slower or bundle up a bit more, but winter is the best time to reflect and appreciate the solitude. And remember: you’re never too old to make a snowman.
Ready to brave the cold with us? Visit our campus and see for yourself how beautiful it is in wintertime.
