Wrap it Up: A Holiday Gift Giving Guide

This holiday season, you could give out generic gift cards for chain restaurants or big box stores. Or, you could shop smaller, local retailers for unique gifts that will be more memorable and last longer than dinner at a run-of-the-mill chain restaurant that’s on every corner. It just so happens that the Capital-Saratoga Region is a mecca for high-quality, handcrafted gifts.

 

The Capital-Saratoga Region Gift Guide

Albany Visitors Center Gift Shop
Albany, NY | info
Who doesn’t love handmade? You’ll find a variety of artisan made gifts right inside the Visitor Center in Albany.

Fort Orange General Store
Albany, NY | info
Located in downtown Albany, this shop offers beautiful, hand-picked home goods and gifts, with an emphasis on quality and great design.

Adirondack Stained Glasswork
Gloversville, NY | info
Fine quality stained glass artwork, ranging from extraordinary Tiffany reproductions to lamps, wall mirrors, sconces, pendant lighting, desk accessories, and other small items.

Crafter’s Gallery
Saratoga Springs, NY | info
Crafters Gallery carries unique Saratoga gifts you won’t find any place else. Since 1993, Crafters Gallery has served as a showcase and meeting ground for local artists.

Impressions of Saratoga
Saratoga Springs, NY | info
A vast array of souvenirs, collectibles, locally made gourmet food products, authors and artists, jewelry, cards and more. Be sure to take advantage of their free gift wrapping!

Annick Designs
Troy, NY | info
 A modern line of jewelry that combines unique mineral specimens, crystals, precious and semi-precious stones, vintage Swarovski crystals, and ornate wire work.

Antiques in Washington County
Cambridge, Salem, & Granville, NY | info
Make a day of road-tripping across Washington County where the sheer volume of antiques stores will leave you ready to wrap up a little history.

 

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fantastic holiday shopping spots in the Capital-Saratoga Region, and this is just to highlight a few. Have fun browsing the region’s handcrafted goods, artwork, and food – be sure to snap a picture and share it with us online!

 

Fall Getaways in the Capital-Saratoga Region

While summer is a great time for a getaway to the Capital-Saratoga Region, fall is truly something special. Between all the changing leaves, fall festivals, fresh cider, and seasonal craft beverages, there’s little chance of boredom. Because it would be impossible to see and do everything we’ve put together some of the most intriguing places to stay, things to do, and stuff to taste for fall!

Where to Stay


Inn at the Bridge | Northville, New York | info

Stay in old-fashioned Victorian luxury on the shores of Sacandaga Lake. The Inn at the Bridge maintains all the well-appointed details of Victorian life but has adapted to include modern amenities like flat screen televisions, wireless internet, and climate control. And one of the best reasons to stay here – the breakfast! Enjoy quiche, pastries, granola, artisan baguette, organic eggs and more, all fresh from their own farm.

Gardner Farm Inn | Troy, New York | info

Get a truly personalized bed and breakfast experience at Gardner Farm Inn. This beautiful property dates back to the 1700s and historic charm frames every room, with most believing it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. With five stately rooms, you’ll feel right at home here with daily breakfast made with local ingredients and fresh dairy from Sycaway Creamery.

 

What to Do

 

John Boyd Thacher State Park | Voorheesville, New York | info

Hike John Boyd Thacher State Park trails for some beautiful fall foliage and panoramic views of the region. The park is a mecca for hikers, campers and photographers, who come to hike miles of paths and are rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. In the fall, visitors are treated to a colorful tapestry of fall foliage, which spreads out as far as the eye can see.

Saratoga Spa State Park | Saratoga Springs, New York | info

Take in the beautiful fall foliage, rent bikes, and browse acres of trails. There is no shortage of activities at the park, with two golf courses, Saratoga Auto Museum, National Museum of Dance and plenty of places to play. Take a tour of the mineral springs or enjoy a soothing soak at Roosevelt Baths & Spa – all in the same day. And for the kids: a haunted house, face painting, pumpkin painting, clowns, bounces & slides, kids-on-the-go fitness center, and pony rides.

Downtown Saratoga | Saratoga Springs, New York | info

Stroll downtown Saratoga Springs to take in the quaint charm and stunning Victorian architecture. There’s plenty of great shops and restaurants, and the whole thing is pet friendly and walkable. Be sure to stop at Saratoga Olive Oil to sample seasonal oils and vinegars or at Uncommon Grounds for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up coffee.

Fall Foliage Festival | Mabee Farm | info

This is one of the biggest fall festivals and happens every year! All are welcome and admission is free. The list of fun family activities is long; live music, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, hot cider by Lakeside Farms and Bowman Orchards, dog herding, live birds of prey, alpacas, hiking, pumpkin painting, craft fair, hot donuts, beer and so much more!

 

Where to Taste

 

Rare Form Brewing Company | Troy, New York | info

You will always find something new in the tap room, with several rotating and experimental beers. Rare Form doesn’t have a kitchen but they do have selected charcuterie to pair with their beer to accentuate flavor notes found in their beer. They are usually hosting food pop-ups in the taproom, so the trip can be a two in one with the chance to sample from both Rare Form as well as other talented chefs from the area.

Plumb Oyster Bar | Troy, New York | info

For those who enjoy oysters this gem is love at first sight, but it is far from only for oyster lovers. The oyster menu spans both coasts, but they also serve scrumptious small plates, entrees and brunch on Saturdays.

Wine and Roses | Broadalbin, New York | info

Almost everything here is made from scratch, including the ketchup. With a selection of classic favorites, you’ll find both small and large plates that fit a variety of tastes. Using fresh ingredients, natural flavors shine through and leave diners raving over the food at this lovely little restaurant.  

 

It’s easy to put together your own fall getaway itinerary – just browse the insider’s guide on our site for any sort of activity. The Capital-Saratoga Region is steeped in history, agritourism, craft beverage destinations, small and large festivals, and outdoor adventure.

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.

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.