Albany
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
"Assiduity | Persistence (Albany city motto)"
Why visit
Albany rewards a day or two for the State Capitol's Million Dollar Staircase, the New York State Museum, and Empire State Plaza's outdoor sculpture. Best months are May, June, September, and October, when the Hudson Valley turns gold and apple-cider season fills nearby orchards. It's a useful base for the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs, and Hudson Valley.
When to avoid
January and February are bitter (highs barely above freezing, regular lake-effect snow). The Capitol is closed weekends to public tours, schedule weekday visits. Empire State Plaza's exposed concrete is brutal in winter wind. Use Albany with a local route rather than a constantly expanding one. When plans change in Albany, choose something close rather than spending the day in transit.
