Enjoy 48 Hours of Winter Activities Without Snow in Albany NY
Plan Your Trip With Our No-Snow Winter Itinerary
Ski-cations aren’t the only getaways to enjoy this time of year. When there’s little to no snow, there are plenty of exciting alternatives both indoors and outdoors. This 48-hour itinerary showcases the best winter activities without snow in Albany, NY, offering fun and unique ways to spend a snow-free weekend.
You don't need snow for ice skating, so dress for the weather and hit the ice at the Empire State Plaza Ice Skating Rink. This outdoor rink, located in the heart of Albany, is open seasonally and offers a picturesque setting with the surrounding city architecture. Featured in the picture above is The Egg, an iconic performing arts venue at the Plaza.
Friday Night: Check In to Your Comfortable Accommodations
Start your getaway by checking in at one of Albany’s top lodging options. Whether you prefer the charm of an urban inn or the convenience of a modern hotel, the following two properties can meet your needs.
Stay at The Morgan State House
The Morgan State House is Albany's ultimate urban inn, located right across from Washington Park. Luxurious beds and pillows ensure a restful night, and a continental breakfast is available for guests daily.
"The inside is beautiful yet homely," one guest shared. "The owners and staff were brilliant, super friendly and helpful."
Book one of their beautifully appointed guest rooms in advance of your winter getaway.
Stay at the Marriott Albany
For a contemporary and comfortable stay, choose the Marriott Albany, conveniently located near Albany International Airport.
This hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms and suites with plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options, such as the Market Restaurant and Chats Bar.
The Marriott is a great choice because it provides easy access to major highways, local attractions, and shopping destinations. Whether you're unwinding in your room or enjoying the hotel’s on-site amenities, you'll be perfectly situated to start your weekend off right.
Friday Night: Celebrate Your Arrival With Dinner at The City Beer Hall
After settling into your accommodations, make plans for dinner and drinks at The City Beer Hall, a popular gastropub located between MVP Arena and the Albany Capital Center in downtown.
If you're a fan of Neapolitan-style pizzas, burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, craft beer (20 rotating beer/cider taps!), and cocktails, The City Beer Hall checks all the boxes. The restaurant's festive atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to celebrate your first night in the city.
Bonus: They also cater to a variety of dietary needs, with vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu.
Saturday Morning: Begin the Day With a Delicious Breakfast
Rise and shine! We have a full list of ideas to choose from for your Saturday in Albany, but to kick things off, fuel up with a satisfying breakfast. Both The Morgan State House and the Marriott Albany have you covered with on-site options.
Before heading out, fuel up with a satisfying breakfast. If you’re staying at one of Albany’s top lodging options, you won’t have to go far for a great meal.
Breakfast at the Marriott Albany
Guests at the Marriott Albany can look forward to a daily breakfast at the Market Restaurant. Choose from an à la carte menu featuring classic breakfast favorites, all served in a modern and welcoming setting.
Breakfast at The Morgan State House
The Morgan State House offers an extensive continental breakfast buffet every morning from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast items, including the inn’s own coffee blend and a large selection of teas, from herbal to Earl Grey.
Want to eat out instead? View more local breakfast spots >>
Saturday Morning: Take an Energizing Hike at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Feel ready for the day after breakfast? Lace up your hiking boots and make your way to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. This 3,350-acre preserve is located about 11 miles outside of downtown Albany, and it's open to the public year round.
While some people enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Pine Bush during snowy winters, a nature hike is just as much fun when there's little to no snow. It's a great way to kick off your Saturday adventures, and you can explore 20+ miles of multi-use trails that travel through pine barrens, over sand dunes, and through forests and ravines.
Don’t miss the visitor center either—it’s highly praised by past guests and adds to the experience with engaging exhibits and helpful information.
Saturday Afternoon: Enjoy Lunch at Lark Street Tavern
After an invigorating morning on the trails, take a break back at your room or grab a bite to eat at the Lark Street Tavern. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and tasty menu, this tavern is an ideal choice for those spending their afternoon in Albany’s Lark Street neighborhood and downtown area.
The Lark Street Tavern's menu features a variety of pub fare favorites, including buffalo chicken wraps, pulled pork quesadillas, house made chili (nothing better on a cold winter day), and the mouthwatering Johnny Smash Burger made with two seasoned patties.
Pair your meal with a refreshing beverage from their extensive drink menu, and cheers to the weekend before selecting your next activity for the day.
Saturday Afternoon: Go on a Shopping Spree Along Lark Street
As mentioned above, Lark Street is a vibrant community that's reminiscent of New York City's Greenwich Village. It's made up of many small and locally owned businesses offering everything from fine jewelry to handcrafted gifts, contemporary artworks, and other products. Visit top spots like Romeo's Gifts, Lark Records, and The Happie Collective Boutique & Studios.
During your shopping trip, we suggest heading farther into downtown Albany to B. Lodge & Co., the city's oldest department store, and the Fort Orange General Store, a neighborhood shop where you can find curated home goods and gifts.
Saturday Afternoon: Master the Ancient Art of Axe Throwing
In recent years, axe throwing has become one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Want to test your skills? Book an axe throwing session at Far Shot Axe Throwing in Albany and see for yourself how satisfying this activity can be.
"My friends and I had a blast throwing axes, knives and stars," said one visitor. "It's nice to see fun activities like this in the downtown Albany area."
No prior experience is required, and once you've learned the basics, you'll be well on your way to hitting the bullseye in no time!
Saturday Afternoon: Glide Into Winter Fun at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink
You don't need snow for ice skating, so dress for the weather and hit the ice at the Empire State Plaza Ice Skating Rink. This outdoor rink, located in the heart of Albany, is open seasonally and offers a picturesque setting with the surrounding city architecture. Featured in the picture above is The Egg, an iconic performing arts venue at the Plaza.
Admission to the rink is free, and skate rentals are also free on Saturdays thanks to Hannaford Supermarkets, making this day the best time to visit!
Saturday Afternoon: Sip & Sample Locally Produced Craft Beverages
Spend your Saturday afternoon exploring the community's booming craft beverage scene. The city is a particularly good spot to visit if you love craft ciders, beer, and spirits.
Here are a few standout spots to consider:
- Nine Pin Cider: Located in downtown Albany, Nine Pin Cider specializes in small-batch hard ciders made with locally sourced New York apples. Their cozy tasting room offers a rotating selection of ciders on tap, ranging from dry and crisp to bold and fruity.
- New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room: For those who enjoy fine craft spirits, the New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room in Albany is a fantastic choice. Sample their locally distilled whiskeys and bourbons while learning about their unique production process. The tasting room provides a warm and inviting space to sip and savor their spirits and cocktails.
- Fidens Brewing Company: Did you know that Fidens Brewing Company in Albany is one of the top-rated breweries in the U.S. on Untappd? It's true! And with over 500,000 check-ins, you know it's a must-visit spot for craft beer enthusiasts and IPA fans.
- Common Roots Albany Outpost: This satellite location of the popular Common Roots Brewing Company brings their signature craft beers to the heart of Albany. Try a diverse selection of IPAs, lagers, and sours—you can't go wrong with a flight!
This leisurely afternoon activity is a great way to support local businesses while sampling the flavors of the region.
Saturday Night: Unwind With Dinner at an Italian-Mediterranean Restaurant
Albany boasts an amazing dining scene, with restaurants featuring diverse and flavorful cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Asian Fusion, Moroccan, and more.
For a memorable meal during your trip, treat yourself to dinner at Risotto, a top-rated Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Albany. Known for its creative menu and commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, Risotto offers a variety of dishes, from tapas and salads to burgers, kebobs, and its namesake risottos.
One happy customer raved, "The food here is excellent! I'll definitely be coming back. I had the pesto chicken thigh risotto and enjoyed every bite." Savor the dining experience before moving on to your next weekend activity.
Explore more dinner options in the area >>
Saturday Night: Get Creative at a Paint & Sip Studio
Ready for a relaxing activity to end the day with? Attending a paint and sip class is a fun activity for date nights, girls nights, team building, and winter getaways when you want to escape the cold outdoors for a while.
Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio in Glenville is a top option near Albany for classes, with different themes each week, such as "Whirlwind," "Whimsy Winter," and "Give You the Moon." Past visitors praise the friendly instructors and no-pressure atmosphere that allows everyone to feel comfortable, no matter their skill level.
Saturday Night: Catch Live Music at One of These Great Venues
Want to keep the energy going instead? Immerse yourself in the area’s live music scene tonight! Whether you prefer an intimate setting or a lively concert experience, there’s a venue for every taste:
- The Linda: This performance venue, operated by WAMC Northeast Public Radio, offers an eclectic lineup of live music, including both local and touring artists.
- Lark Hall: Located in the heart of Albany's Lark Street neighborhood, this historic venue features an impressive mix of musical performances in a beautifully restored space.
- Van Slyck’s at Rivers Casino & Resort: Visit nearby Schenectady for live music paired with the excitement of a casino atmosphere. Van Slyck's at Rivers Casino & Resort offers a variety of entertainment, from local bands like Ten Most Wanted to DJs.
- Empire Live: For a larger concert experience, see who is performing at Empire Live in downtown Albany. This venue hosts an array of performers, from rock bands to pop artists, in a high-energy setting.
No matter which venue you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable evening filled with great music and a fantastic atmosphere.
Sunday Morning: Grab a Bite to Eat on Your Final Day in Town
It's been an eventful winter weekend in Albany, but now it's time to wrap up your trip. However, we do have a few more recommendations before you leave, starting with breakfast!
Outside of the Marriott Albany and the Morgan State House's on-site dining options, a delicious meal awaits at other Albany breakfast spots. Consider Café Madison, know for its signature raspberry oatmeal pancakes and brunch menu. You can also feast on a custom omelet at the Iron Gate Café, or opt for a classic breakfast sandwich at the Honest Weight Food Co-op.
Sunday Morning / Afternoon: Explore the Capital Region's Premier Shopping Destinations
You've packed a lot into your weekend getaway, so why not indulge in a little retail therapy and buy yourself a gift to bring home? To begin, take a drive to Crossgates Mall, one of the Capital Region's largest shopping destinations.
At Crossgates Mall, you’ll find a wide variety of retail and name-brand stores, perfect for picking up clothing, shoes, gifts, electronics, and more. From Macy's to GameStop, the REI Co-op, and even a LEGO® Store, there is something for everyone.
Looking for a different vibe? Just around the corner from Crossgates is Stuyvesant Plaza, an upscale outdoor shopping center featuring unique boutiques, specialty shops, and delightful dining options. It’s an excellent spot to purchase one-of-a-kind items or enjoy a leisurely stroll through a beautifully designed plaza.
"A lot of great stores [and] variety of choices," said one visitor. "Nice place to get away and spend time eye shopping or buying things. Always clean and well maintained."
After a successful shopping spree, stop at a local lunch spot (both Crossgates and Stuyvesant Plaza offer great options!) to refuel. It's finally time to head home.
We hope this 48 hour no-snow winter itinerary can help inspire your next Albany getaway. Make the most your time in the city!
Looking for things to do when it snows in the Capital Region? Here are some outdoor winter activities >>
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