Albany is the wonderful capital city of New York. It is located on the eastern coast about 150 miles north of New York City. The city was first occupied and owned by the Dutch in the early 1600s after it was discovered by Henry Hudson as he passed through it on his way to search for a faster route in 1609. Later, in 1664, the English took over the city and would later call it, Albany. The Englishmen choose Albany as the name of the city in honor of James II, Duke of Albany and Duke of York when they acquired it from the Dutch. Today, Albany is the fourth oldest city in the United States; and is the second oldest capital in the country.
There are many fascinating things to see and do while visiting Albany, New York. It is a city that is very rich in art, culture, and architectural design. There are many parks, shopping venues, museums, theaters, and special events in the city of Albany that draws in thousands of visitors each year. One of the most popular festivals in Albany is the beloved Tulip Festival, which takes place every May. It is a festival that is full of beautiful tulips and displays Albany’s original Dutch heritage. Washington Park (Which is New York’s oldest park) comes to life with thousands of beautiful tulips in all colors which are in full bloom. The tulips are breath taking. For many of the locals, it is a true celebration of springtime; and for tourist, it is sight that they will not soon forget about.
Albany was also the hometown to several famous people throughout time. Some of these people include Chester Arthur (the 21st president of the United States), William Devane (a movie actor), and Trevanian (a best selling author). All of these people and many more made Albany their home and today, there are memorials marking their contributions to society throughout the city.
Albany is one of New York’s most popular tourist stops. Each year, thousands of visitors come to Albany for vacation, for work, or as a stop over on their way to Buffalo, Boston, or Montreal. Tourists really enjoy the wide variety of fine dining, superior shopping, and friendly hospitality from the locals.
Driving in Albany may be a challenge. The city has a lot of traffic, especially during peak rush hours; but most traffic moves along smoothly. It is normal to expect traffic delays and stops on the major freeways throughout Albany. Car Hire in Albany is available at the airport and several other locations throughout the city. One can find the best car hire rates in the state of New York around Albany. Many tourists prefer to rent a car while in Albany rather than take the bus or taxis, mainly for safety purposes. One must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license and car insurance in order to rent a car in the state of New York. One thing to remember when driving in Albany is that it experiences all forms of weather conditions such as snow, rain, sun, and wind. Therefore, it is advisable to always be aware of the weather condition when driving through and around Albany. |
