Are your summers defined by the awesome concerts you attend, ice cream cones you consume and the number of personal records you break on your 5K time? Whatever you love to do in the summertime, you'll find it all here in the Capital Region.
If you're joining us for a tour, plan on making a weekend of it.
Here's just a sampling of summer attractions in the Capital Region:
- Visit the Saratoga Racetrack. A day spent at "the track," as we call it, is a favorite summertime activity for out-of-towners and Capital Region natives alike. Just 45 minutes from our campus, head north to Saratoga to watch a few horse races, people-watch throughout the crowds and grab lunch from the dozens of eateries and food trucks parked around the course. (Ever see the movie Seabiscuit? Part of that was filmed at the track!)
- Listen to live music. Alive at Five is a free summer concert series in downtown Albany that typically runs for eight weeks. Then there's the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, aka SPAC, which includes a 25,000-person capacity amphitheater, the Spa Little Theatre, The Charles R. Wood Gazebo Stage and The Jazz Bar. Big names play at SPAC, from Zac Brown Band to Train, DMB to the Backstreet Boys.
- Root for the home team. The Tri-City ValleyCats, a minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros, kick off their season every June at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium ("The Joe"), in Troy. From post-game fireworks shows, superheroes night and 50-cent hot dog night, there are cool promotions and giveaways to participate in throughout the summer.
- Shop at the Troy Farmer's Market. Start a Saturday morning off right walking around the renowned Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market, where more than 100 local chefs, bakers, artists, florists and others put their best creations on display. (A few can’t-miss vendors: Buddhapesto, Sweet Sue’s and Collar City Candle.) Live music and a view of the Hudson River both included.
- Run for a cause. Every summer, hundreds of runners and walkers come to our area to participate in or be spectators at some very popular races including the Freihofer's Run For Women—voted one of the seven "must-do" 5K races in the U.S.—and Albany's Color Vibe 5K. (And if you want to see Siena College staff on the run, you’ll always find us at the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge in May!)
- Go for a round of mini golf. With a simple Google search, you'll find that upstate New Yorkers have a thing for miniature golf. Family-friendly mini golf courses are around every major corner and open late this time of year. We like All 4 Fun, Pirate’s Hideout, just to name a few. Be sure to go for ice cream after your game; Saints love the flavors at Stewart’s, Guptill's and On the Farm.
- Climb a tower—or a mountain. Rain in the forecast? You won't need an umbrella on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower, the tallest building in the state outside of New York City. Your view from the Tower will span the Hudson River Valley, the Adirondacks, the Catskills and the Berkshires—a perfect Instagram opp. But if the weather is nice and you’re staying for a few days, the camping and hiking options up in the Adirondacks are an outdoors fan’s dream.
- Take a turn on the Ferris Wheel. Whether you're bringing your younger siblings along or just want to let your inner kid loose, Huck Finn's Playland is a local amusement park with rides that will have you reliving your younger days. (All these years later, the Scrambler is still a good time.) Plus, the Playland has a pretty remarkable history. Read about it here. Need more of an adrenaline rush? Six Flags Great Escape is just 45 minutes from campus in summer haven Lake George.
Like we said, you'll want to stay awhile. Next stop: Siena College. Plan your visit now!
