Chase Away the Winter Blues: 10 Cool Things to Do Near Albany, NY
As cold weather settles in, the temptation to hibernate indoors can be overpowering. However, don't let the winter blues take hold! Instead, embrace the season by exploring these 10 cool things to do near Albany, NY this winter. Each attraction/activity is just 90 minutes or less away, making them perfect for a winter day trip.
See the Largest Marble Cave Entrance in the East at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park
Get ready to strap on your snowshoes for a memorable adventure in the Adirondacks at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in Pottersville. You can explore over 14 miles of well-marked trails and soak up the area’s beauty.
One visitor raved about their winter experience, saying, “Great snowshoe trails in the winter. The owner was very nice and took the time to explain the recommended routes. There were also marshmallows by the campfire for after the hike!”
Some of the natural features you’ll encounter include the largest marble cave entrance in the East, frozen waterfalls, sinkholes, rivers, mountaintops, and more. Snowshoe rentals are also available if you don’t own a pair.
Experience the North Country from Above with a Scenic Flight from Leaf Air LLC
Looking for an unforgettable winter adventure? Take to the skies with Leaf Air LLC and experience the Lake George and Saratoga region like never before!
This Queensbury-based flight service offers breathtaking scenic air tours year-round, allowing you to soak in the snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and winding rivers from a whole new perspective.
Your customizable flight can include stunning aerial views of Lake George, the Adirondack High Peaks, Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and Saratoga Springs.
One happy customer called it “the absolute best thing we have done in the Lake George area! Super relaxing, and the scenery blew my wife and I away! Jim is a super kind, fantastic pilot, made the experience the best ever!”
Take a Magical Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride with Caldwell Carriage Company
Embrace the romance of winter with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Lake George Village with Caldwell Carriage Company. Nestled on Beach Road, this charming carriage service provides private, scenic rides that are perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their winter day trip.
Enjoy the peaceful clip-clop of the horses as you take in the picturesque beauty of Lake George’s winter wonderland.
After your ride, make a full day of it by exploring Lake George’s winter attractions—stop by local shops, dine at a lakeside restaurant, or check out exciting seasonal events like the Lake George Winter Carnival or the region’s famous ice bars.
Hit the Slopes With the Family at West Mountain
Featuring a family-friendly atmosphere and ski trails for all skill levels, West Mountain in Queensbury is a top spot for outdoor winter adventures north of Albany. The ski area is well known for its 100% mounted snowmaking and 100% lighted trails, so you can have a blast during the day and night.
In addition to 30+ trails, 2 terrain parks, 130 skiable acres, and on-site dining, West Mountain has a fantastic snow tubing park with both short and long tubing lanes.
Advance reservations are recommended for skiers, riders, and snow tubers; same-day tickets are subject to availability.
Discover Your Next Winter Page-Turner at Northshire Bookstore
Are you aiming to stock up on books for your winter reading list? Take a drive to Northshire Bookstore’s flagship store in Manchester Center, VT, where you’ll find a treasure trove of heartwarming classics, gripping mysteries, new releases, and more.
Although they have a second location in Saratoga Springs, the original Northshire is well worth a visit on its own. The 10,000 square foot store encourages people to get lost in a world of books and check out the huge selection of titles and genres.
"This is the BEST bookstore in the world!" said one shopper. "We have forgotten what it's like to be walking through the corridors of bookshelves and sample various books."
Once you’ve wrapped up your shopping trip, be sure to refuel at Northshire’s Bonnet & Main Café, a charming dining spot offering breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
Swinging Through History: Spend a Day at the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Open 362 days a year, the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a haven for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The quaint village of Cooperstown, where the Hall of Fame is nestled, takes on a serene charm during the winter months, providing an idyllic backdrop for a day trip filled with baseball nostalgia.
Memories come alive at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where the full history of America’s pastime is on display, from the earliest days of baseball to the modern era. Your journey through the museum will bring you to three floors of exhibits, including:
- The Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery
- The Art of Baseball
- Picturing America’s Pastime
- Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream
- Sacred Ground
- Shoebox Treasures
- And More
Before heading back to Albany, celebrate your successful museum visit with some tasty craft beverages at Ommegang Brewery or the Cooperstown Distillery!
Visit the Snowmaking Capital of the World at Hunter Mountain
The Catskills are a great area for winter skiing and snowboarding, especially Hunter Mountain, which is renowned for its snowmaking capabilities. In fact, Hunter Mountain uses half-a-billion gallons of water to create excellent snow conditions all season long.
Hunter Mountain encourages visitors to plan a whole day trip to the ski resort. From breakfast at the lodge, to skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, to après ski and dinner, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time at the mountain.
One thrilled skier shared, “Our first visit to Hunter Mountain was absolutely amazing and definitely worth repeating. Skiing was awesome and our stay at the resort was perfect. Ski-in, ski-out was very convenient, and so was the ski storage.”
Slide Into Winter Fun at the Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center
Snow tubing is a fun yet exhilarating alternative to skiing and snowboarding, and one of the best places for it in New England is the Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center in Great Barrington, MA. The Tubing Center is located to the left of the main parking lot, and highlights include:
- Up to 10 tubing lanes
- Hundreds of tubes
- Magic carpet lift
- Separate ticketing building
- 100% snowmaking
This activity is recommended for ages 5+, and when you’re ready to warm up, the Upper Lodge and Clubhouse are just a short walk away.
Illustrating Life: Take a Tour of the Norman Rockwell Museum
Painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell continues to be celebrated today thanks to his talent in capturing the essence of American life through his artworks. He is The Saturday Evening Post’s most famous illustrator, having created 323 covers over nearly five decades.
At the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, you can learn all about his prolific career, view Rockwell’s full-size original paintings and The Saturday Evening Post covers, and see other special exhibitions in the various galleries. Save time and money by reserving tickets online.
One visitor was amazed by their trip to the museum, saying, “I was completely blown away by the museum. I would definitely stop by when I'm in the area. There were beautiful trails to walk the grounds with outdoor sculptures by Rockwell's son.”
Explore the World of Contemporary Art at MASS MoCA
Located east of Albany in the Berkshires area, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) offers a visually stunning experience for art enthusiasts of all ages. The vast gallery spaces feature artworks by both well-known and emerging artists, including large-scale sculptures and thought-provoking installations.
MASS MoCA embraces other forms of art as well, such as:
- Music
- Film
- Photography
- Theater
- Dance
Special events are held throughout the year, and MASS MoCA’s campus in North Adams, MA, is home to shops, a cafe, a coffee shop, and even a craft brewery.
Hop in the car this winter and plan a day trip to one of these can't-miss attractions near the Albany area!
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