Dominated
by the political capital of the Empire State,
Albany, the Upper Hudson Valley encompasses so very much
more. Along its eastern border tower the majestic Taconic
Mountains brimming with trails to hike. The birthplace
of the Industrial Revolution, Troy, lies on the east
bank of the Hudson. The Erie Canal, the powerhouse of
empire, reaches the Hudson in Albany.
To the west are the pine barrens,
to the south the towering northern face of the mighty
Catskills and to the north the locks that make the Hudson
River navigable. The Shakers settled and built their
central ministry on the east in the Taconic Mountains
and their most important satellite settlement near Albany.
The Union Army created the Watervliet Arsenal and Gov.
Nelson Rockefeller erected the challenging Empire State
Plaza.
The very roots of American Heritage
can be found in the Upper Hudson Valley. Fort Orange, northern
most established trading post of the Dutch, formed the
core of what became Albany. Presidents and persons of
importance erected their homes on or near the Hudson,
many of which are open for visitation. Across the Hudson
the Knickerbockers farmed and hosted the gentry of society,
including Washington Irving. And just to the north in
Saratoga is the battlefield that turned the outcome
of the American Revolution in favor of the Colonies.
Current day attractions such as the
Albany Institute of History & Art, New York Empire
State Collection, the art museums of Sage College and
galleries of every description present the artistic
heritage of the area. Performances and theater can be
enjoyed at the Pepsi Arena, Palace Theatre, New York
Theatre Institute, The Egg and dozens more venues. From
classical to pop, music can be heard all across the
region as Albany attracts the top names in the field.
For natural splendor, nothing can
compare with a hike in the Northern Catskills, thru
the Pine Barrens or rambling in the Taconics. And then
there is the river itself. Take a cruise onboard one
of the tourist boats or experience the dual-mode fun
of riding both the streets and on the river with the
Aqua Ducks. Stroll the riverfront walks in Albany and
Troy or enjoy the gardens of Washington Park.
Spectator sports abound with Albany
being the home of both professional baseball and soccer
teams. Across the Hudson in Lebanon is world class drag
and stock car racing. And collegiate sports of all types
fill out the schedule.
The Upper Hudson Valley is full
to brimming with things to see and do. You can easily
spend a week and only scratch the surface of exciting
locations and historic sites. Take the time, come to
the Upper Hudson Valley and savor all it has to offer. |
