Fall Festival Favorites in the Capital-Saratoga Region

Fall festivals are a staple in New York State. Every city, county, town, and village has something to celebrate and festivals make weekends amazing. Festival-goers love bouncing around the region, praising everything the Capital-Saratoga Region is known for. Whether you live here or are just passing through, there’s plenty to check out, taste, and explore. Here are a few festival favorites you might want to add to your itinerary!

The Favorites! Fall Festivals in the Capital-Saratoga Region


Jammin on Jay | September 8th, 15th, & 22nd | info

So much fun, it lasts three weekends! Live music the first two weekends culminates in a Battle of the Bands on the 22nd. All events are kid-friendly and free to attend – so come down and do some jammin’ at the Jay Street Marketplace in Schenectady.

Washington County Cheese Tour | September 9th & 10th | info

The event is beloved for delighting palates and enthralling cheese lovers of every age. On a self-guided tour, visitors can drive through lush, rolling hills and idyllic countryside making stops along the way to visit the farmers and cheesemakers and learn what makes their cheese so unique. Then, really relax with stops at local brewery and vineyard.

Capital Region Apple and Wine Festival | September 16th & 17th | info

Yes, apples and wine, and plenty of them. The top wineries in New York State come together for this extensive tasting event. There’s also a juried art show, food vendors Fall festivals are a staple in New York State. Every city, county, town, and village has something to celebrate and festivals make weekends amazing. Festival-goers love bouncing around the region, praising everything the Capital-Saratoga Region is known for. Whether you live here or are just passing through, there’s plenty to check out, taste, and explore. Here are a few festival favorites you might want to add to your itinerary!

And for the kids: a haunted house, face painting, pumpkin painting, clowns, bounces & slides, kids-on-the-go fitness center, and pony rides.

Eagle Mills Art and Craft Show | September 16th-17th & 23rd-24th | info

This show is an upstate New York tradition, with 125+ juried crafters featuring woodwork, quilts, baskets, florals, candles, clothing, painting, nature photos, jewelry and a more!  The cider mill, bakery, ice cream and fudge shop, gem mine, face painting and dino dig will also be in full swing. With lots of great music & food in a beautiful country atmosphere, this is one not to miss!

PearlPalooza | September 16th | info

One of Albany’s favorite days of the year! Every year, they shut down North Pearl Street, put a stage at either end and fill it with live music for a whole day! Pearlpalooza is always free and open to all ages. Of course, there is plenty of vendors about – for crafts, food, and beer.

Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest | September 23rd | info

Pumpkin growers face off with a big ol’ weigh in to see which pumpkin is the biggest of the year. Expect to be amazed at the sheer size of these pumpkins brought from 40+ growers as over $7,500 in prizes are awarded.

Saratoga Harvest Festival | September 23rd | info

Seasonal beer, wine and cider star at this festival alongside great music, food trucks and local vendors where you are sure to find some great shopping. This is a great chance to hang out at Saratoga Race Course and enjoy great times with good company.

Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival | September 23rd & 24th | info

This is a great chance to get a jump start on your holiday shopping with distinctive gifts made by regional artisans. Browse pottery, body care products, healing arts, jewelry, culinary arts, craft beverage producers, leather, paper crafts, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood arts, and more.

Schenectady Wing Walk | October 7th | info
The Wing Walk is all about chicken wings. Taste your way around Schenectady, sampling chicken wings of every style, then vote on the best. This fall tradition is a ton of fun, but get your tickets soon, because this year they are capping ticket sales at 1,500 people. What about the kids? The local YMCA is providing childcare for kids under 12 during the Wing Walk for only $5/hour – just be sure to register.

Saratoga International Flavorfeast | October 7th | info

Feast on flavors from a variety of countries including France, China, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and America – making this food event one of a kind in the Region. Admission to Flavorfeast is free, where you can sample international dishes from various participating restaurants in downtown Saratoga Springs for just $1 a sample.

Goold Orchard Apple Festival | October 7th & 8th | info

This is a longstanding tradition in its 29th year, featuring wine and live music. The New York wine tent is packed with amazing local and regional wineries. Admission to the festival is $10 for anyone over age 12, and wine tasting is an additional $8, but comes with a nifty souvenir glass.

Troy ChowderFest | October 8th | info

Sample your share of chowders from over 30 area restaurants. One dollar gets you one ticket, which gets you one 4-ounce cup of chowder. Every restaurant must use fresh, local ingredients, so visitors are sure to enjoy amazing chowder and supporting local businesses. Prizes will be awarded for best seafood, vegetarian, most original and overall favorite, as well as the People’s Choice, voted on by festival-goers.

Battles and Brews Tour: French and Indian Wars | October 14th | info

Jump on a historic bus tour stopping at French and Indian War sites. Members of the Washington County Historical Society act as step on guides and take you back in time – and to breweries! Sites to be visited include Rogers Island, The Old Military Road, Lake George Battlefield Park, Fort Ann and Coopers Cave, as well as several farm and micro-breweries giving you the chance to enjoy a pint of locally made brew!

Saratoga Downtown Business Association Fall Festival | October 28th | info

Young and old alike will find themselves rediscovering all there is to love about the fall season at this fun-filled free event. Activities include a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, magic show, live music, trick or treating and more.

The Festival Capital

We call ourselves the Festival Capital, and now you can see why. This is just a few of the fall festivals around the Capital-Saratoga Region. For even more, head over to our events page. If you get the opportunity to celebrate fall with us, we’d love to know about it! Share using the hashtag #TheFestivalCapital and we’ll join in on the fun.

The Capital-Saratoga Region Means Business When it Comes to Craft Beverage

For all the hop heads, wine aficionados, and cider crazed – this post is for you. It can be hard to make heads or tails out of the massive craft beverage scene in the Capital-Saratoga Region, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorites to make the search for the perfect beer, wine, or cider a little easier.

Wine

The Saratoga Winery in Saratoga Springs | info
Pull up a chair at their Adirondack style tasting bar and learn from their knowledgeable staff as you sip away at one of their honey based or grape based wines.

Brookview Station Winery in Castleton | info
From Merlot to pear wine, there is a variety of award-winning wines to try. Rosé seems to be all the rage this year, so be sure to sample Sunset Charlie the 2013 Best Hudson River Region Rosé.

Cappocia Wine Lounge in Schenectady | info
Sit down and relax in the lounge, with some of the best wine in the capital region – generations in the making.

Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent | info
The Hudson-Chatham Winery was voted the Capital Region’s Best Local Winery in 2011, 2012, and 2014, and Columbia County’s Best Winery in 2014 and 2015. Go to taste the wines and experience the outdoor seating and beautiful views.

 

Beer

Stump City Brewery in Gloversville | info
Experience a real Farm Brewery where the motto, “From the ground up” is more than just a fancy phrase. Local ingredients star in every beer, whether it’s a simple, easy drinking beer or unique recipe.

Saratoga Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs | info
There’s always 21 beers on tap – so you are sure to find something to love.  The focus here is on high quality, fresh, traditional, all malt craft-brewed lagers and ales, and they’ve had over 20 years to get it right.

Common Roots Brewing in South Glens Falls | info
Think old world beers with new world flair. Common Roots puts out an impressive range of  beers, all with their own distinct flavor profiles.

Rare Form Brewing Company in Troy | info
What you have to try: the State of the State pilsner – a classic pilsner made with 100% NY grown ingredients and it highlights the flavors of our region.

S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau | info
After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, the family behind S&S Farm Brewery renovated part of their historic barn into a taproom where they serve their staple beers as well as small-batch and seasonal brews.

Mack Jack Brewing in Schenectady | info
The Van Dyck Lounge has recreated the historic brewery that was once the center of Schenectady. Named after John (Jack) McDonald, Mad Jack Brewing Company is a collection of beers that each have their own personality and flavor.

Great Flats Brewing in Schenectady | info
Great Flats is a New York State farm brewery that focuses on brewing American style ales and lagers. Try the cream ale or one of their house-made root beers – you can’t go wrong.

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Glenville | info
Working to bring the “micro” back to micro-brew, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company focuses on crafting beer and relationships. They believe in the power of good beer to bring people together and strive to create community with the people who enjoy their beer.

Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs | info
The unlikely owners of Artisanal Brew Works are two high school teachers from Saratoga Springs High School. Their claim to fame is that their craft beer is clean, simple and sessional. We agree, well worth a try.

C.H. Evans Brewing Company in Albany | info
“Albany Ale” is a truly unique style, indigenous to the Hudson Valley in the 1800s – it’s not totally equitable to other styles of the time like a stout, brown, pale or strong, and you can try the latest interpretation from C.H. Brewing Company.

Druthers in Saratoga Springs & Albany | info
Druthers’ master brewer, George de Piro, is the winner of three gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival among others. He is a biochemist turned supreme beer geek – you gotta try the beer to believe it!


Cider

Roger’s Cideryard in Johnstown | info
There’s nothing like a hard cider straight from the orchard. Want to take it up a notch? Try one of their muddled hard ciders for a new twist.

Nine Pin Cider in Albany | info
Take a tour of the cider making facility and then grab a seat to try one or all of the nine ciders on draft. For the beer lovers, there are also rotating taps dedicated
to some of New York’s best brews.

Slyboro Ciderhouse in Granville | info
Ever tried an iced cider? Well you can at Slyboro – where they are dedicated to reclaiming cider – “true cider” – as America’s favorite drink. They have a range of different styles and types to explore your cider palette.

 

Find a glass at one or all of these handcrafted beverage establishments. When you do, be sure to hashtag your social media posts with #TheCraftBeverageCapital and we’ll share in the online fun, because there’s nothing like a great craft beverage pic!

 

Pet-Friendly Patios in the Capital-Saratoga Region

pet-friendly patios

Life is better with pets! Am I right? Banish sad puppy eyes as you head out the door by bringing the pup with you on your next getaway. The Capital-Saratoga Region is brimming pet-friendly patios, here are a few of our favorites.

12 Pet-Friendly Patios in the Capital-Saratoga Region

  1. The French Press Cafe & Creperie

    Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Grab a coffee and indulge with a Monte Cristo Crepe or the Pear-way to Heaven with sliced pears, brie and prosciutto. Bring the pup, then wander over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for a fresh-doughnut dessert. The little walk is great for your pup and for working up another appetite. | info

  2. Lakeside Tavern and Marina

    Located on the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake, this place is great after a long day on the water. Serving up Italian family recipes, steaks and seafood – your pup is sure to be drooling just as much as you are. They have a special area for dining with pets, so be sure to let them meet your little guy/gal before they seat you. | info

  3. Wolff’s Biergarten

    This is an authentic German Biergarten, located in Albany’s ever-popular Warehouse District and with two other locations in Troy andSchenectady – and they’re all pet-friendly! They specialize in German bier and wursts, with European soccer matches on TV. Cheer on your favorite team with Fido right by your side. | info

  4. Boca Bistro

    This spot blends vintage Spanish elements with a distinctive, contemporary spirit. With a delightful selection of charcuterie, cheeses, tapas and big plates for the hungry, this inventive restaurant leaves you feeling like you took your pup to Spain, not New York. | info

  5. Olde English Pub & Pantry

    With two locations, pets are welcome on either patio. Sit in the sun, or relax in the shade of these beautifully landscaped patios, and enjoy traditional pub fare in one of Albany’s most historic buildings. | info

  6. Ama Cocina

    Tacos aren’t just for Tuesday. Enjoy lively Mexican street food with it’s own flair on their colorful patio. Their menu is packed with options, but be sure to try one of their signature guacamoles. | info

  7. Bailey’s Cafe

    Enjoy brunch or an All Day Breakfast Burger anytime on their quaint, beautifully landscaped patio. Lobster fans have to try their Lobster Bisque! There’s plenty of space for your and your pets to grab a drink, some food, and relax. | info

  8. Dawn’s Victory Sports Cafe

    Be close to the action! Dine on the patio with your pup and watch the game through the window. There are always specials and they have a mean happy hour. | info

  9. Nostalgia Ale House & Wine Bar

     Time travel with your pets, all the way back to when hearty meals were offered at every restaurant. With views of Saratoga Lake and live music on the weekends, this is a place both humans and furry friends are bound to enjoy. | info

  10. Druther’s Brewing

    For when nothing will do but beer (craft beer to be exact) and pizza! Enjoy an ale, and house made sauces and cheese atop a wonderfully blistered crust. I don’t know about you, but every dog I’ve ever met will do anything for a morsel of pizza, so they’ll love visiting Druther’s. | info

  11. Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen

     A fun, family-owned Korean-style quick service restaurant and marketplace where pets are welcome to enjoy the patio just like the humans. | info

  12. Superior Merchandise Company

    Here you’ll find a selection of carefully curated and well-made home goods and gifts, exceptional specialty coffee, craft beer and wine, plus a sunny back patio to enjoy them on with your pup! | info


BONUS!

Downtown Albany is currently hosting Downtown is Pawsome, a lovely placemaking exhibit featuring 20 statues of Albany’s most famous canine, Nipper. You can download a map and take your pup to visit them all. | infoOther Tips for Traveling with Pets!

1. Check with the hotel to be sure Fido is welcome there before you arrive. 


2. Don’t forget the water bowl and food. If you forget your pets favorite food, having to buy a substitute can cause tummy issues and put a big damper on the getaway fun.


3. Cars are hot – do not leave your animals inside! Generally, it is 20 degrees hotter in your car than outside. It is dangerous to leave your pet unsupervised in the car, even for a quick errand. 

4. Leashes are necessary. Many parks and patios welcome pets as long as they are on a leash. This protects other pets, kids, and travelers – so even if your dog is the type who never misbehaves, for the sake of the pups that may not be as well-trained, follow the leash rules.

We love dog photos and cat videos just as much as the next person. Share your pet’s adventures in the Capital-Saratoga Region with us on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag, #TheAdventureCapital.

A History Buff’s Guide to the Capital-Saratoga Region

With 4th of July fast approaching, now is the perfect time for history buffs to visit the Capital-Saratoga Region. Let’s face it, this place is steeped in history and it can be found almost anywhere!

A few history tidbits you might not have known!

  •      “Uncle Sam” is buried in Troy’s Oakwood Cemetery
  •      Famed women’s suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton was born in Fulton County
  •      The first significant American military victory of the American Revolutionary War took place at what is now Saratoga National Historic Park
  •      General Ulysses S. Grant completed his memoirs at a cottage in Wilton

Did that get you excited? Well, keep reading for our complete recommendations on Must-See Historical Sites.

A History Buff’s Guide – 5 Must-See Historical Sites!

Saratoga National Historical Park | info
Experience the very spot where American troops battled and beat a British invasion force in 1777, marking the first time in world history that a British Army ever surrendered. Get the full experience with a trip planning guide of the battlefield and visit to the Schuyler House.

Albany Institute of History & Art | info
The Albany Institute of History & Art is home to one of the finest collections of art and historical objects documenting the life and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley from the late seventeenth century until now. This summer, special exhibits are highlighting the Erie Canal, Aaron Burr, and the diverse characters who shaped colonial Albany.

Burden Iron Works Museum | info
Take a look at the industrial side of Troy, New York. Burden Iron Works became famous with an automated machine capable of making horse blanks one every second in 1851 as well as a machine designed to make railroad spikes.

Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence | info
An outstanding artifact of the Anti-slavery movement and Underground Railroad! Stephen and Harriet Myers were pivotal figures in the Underground Railroad during the 1850s. If you like a little guidance, tours can be made by arrangement.

Walk in the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton | info
The past takes a big step into the future in Johnstown where history buffs love the 1-mile, 1-hour cell phone tour. Experience influential Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hometown and let the sights and sounds of her hometown inspire you, as they did her. Click here for the map.

We’re not only The History Capital!

We’re known for so much more than our plethora of historical sites and museums. Leave time for the arts, fabulous food, and the opportunity to enjoy the lush beauty of the landscape. If you need help planning your getaway to the Capital-Saratoga Region, we’ve got plenty of help with hotels, dining, and detailed itineraries for any interest.