Who would have thought that it would already by March and still no snow? I mean seriously, WHERE IS IT? (Those two little spurts don't really count if you're a true local). Well, until that mystery is solved I will be enjoying this crazy weather, and unraveling the more plausible mysteries located in downtown Albany. The area is filled with locally owned establishments--boutiques, restaurants, clothing stores--and so much more. Places that often get overlooked due to their concealed locations, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is here to crack the case and reveal these buried treasures to the public; The Games afoot.
Unlike Sherlock Holmes who uses deductible reasoning and science to solve the case, my methods are a little more...random. My methodology for this investigation: closed eyes, arm extended front, spin in circle(s), open eyes and GO! I feel this way I cannot be biased with my sight, and instead must allow nature to take its course. This method also lets me get out some ADD energy as well, but that's bedside the point. 
The other day, I found myself walking the edge of the BID's parameter, when I came across one of those hard to know what is really in there buildings--the Coliseum! Under close inspection, the place in question was in actuality a four story mall, filled with a variety of stores to meet your every-day pleasures. Disguising myself as a poor college student, I infiltrated the store and questioned the suspects-I mean customers, about the establishment. They were more than happy to give me the run down about there local hangout; apparently it is the place to shop and chill out due to their awesome fashion and low prices. They gave me a tour, some fashion tips, and explained how they may go to the mall to hang out, but went to the Coliseum to shop. But as any good detective, I did my own snooping and google-ing to check out the facts. Luckily, the Coliseum does have its own website; which only further collaborated what I had heard (http://www.albanycoliseum.com/).
Thanks to Gallagher & Company, this previously abandoned 150 year old shopping mall is packed with over 10 stores--from the hottest fashions at Young, Fresh and Fly to your very own recording studio at ES Class Enterprises, the Coliseum is a surprising gem. Add in a book store, hair salon/barber shop, massage therapy, small café, to New Netherland Museum/Half-Moon Ship--you have hit the jack pot. And speaking out for poor college students everywhere, this is just they type of place needed; close location, wonderful atmosphere, with the right amount of tools to create your own unique sense of style that will absolutely make someone say-WOW. But don't take the words of a rambling sudo-detective, check out the place yourself.
Located on 153 South Pearl Street in downtown Albany, the Coliseum is open from Monday--Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Take a vacation from overpriced malls, and instead set your sights on the Coliseum and experience the similar and unique merchandise at more affordable prices. Its simply elementary, my dear.
Stay tuned for more investigation work on the hidden wonders of Downtown Albany. Be your own detective and do some exploring yourself.
MM, BID Intern Detective
~221B Baker St. Agency
Downtown Albany Business Improvement District 
Lark Street Business Improvement District
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