Albany Hot Spots - Here for Fun? For Business? A little of both?

Find information on the Albany Airport, shopping, dining and a diverse range of entertainment in Albany.com's Hot Spot section.

Visitors to Albany, New York quickly discover what residents have known for hundreds of years -- Albany perfectly blends City excitement with its historical and governmental role while maintaining the beauty and charm of Upstate New York. Listed below are just a few of Albany's Hot Spots for you to explore.

Whether planning a stay for business or for pleasure, do plan a trip to Lark Street. This eclectic residential/commerical area reminds many of Greenwich Village. 19th century brownstones and cobblestone streets form the perfect backdrop for the many cafes, nightclubs, ethnic restaurants, art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops congregated in this downtown Albany area. Lark Street offers a little something for everyone whether you visit for a day or a night on the town.

University at Albany - also known as SUNY Albany - is an award-winning college attracting thousands of undergraduate and graduate students each year since its establishment in 1844. The University's prime location within the Capital Region offers students unique opportunities for internships, fieldwork and research, especially in the areas of government, law, health, finance, education, and business. In addition, SUNY Albany boasts an excellent University-Community Orchestra and the highly-respected Theater Department provides an array of contemporary and classical productions. Visit SUNY Albany's events calendar to see what is playing during your stay in the area.

The Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) is home to the Albany River Rats, Sienna Saints and Albany Conquest sports teams and is a preferred concert venue for some of today's top performing artists. This large sports and entertainment complex opened in 1990 with none other than Frank Sinatra christening the Arena to a sell-out crowd that definitely did NOT have the "little town blues", and the Times Union Center (formerly known as the Pepsi Arena) hasn't stopped since. Chances are, there will be a team, concert or event you won't want to miss at the Arena when you are in Albany, NY.

Crossgates Mall is a large two-story indoor shopping center with over 250 shops and restaurants ranging from the upscale to the unique. Thirty cinemas offer first-run movies.

Albany's Airport expanded in 1998 and again in 2000 to meet the growing demands on this International Air Center for the Capital District, Northeastern New York, and Western New England. The airport services a large number of major airlines and averages 124 departures and arrivals daily. For more information on Albany Airport, click here.