Find Out What's Happening Locally In Our Albany NY News Roundup

Jack’s Oyster House Reopens in December With New Ownership and a Fresh Menu

Jack’s Oyster House will reopen in downtown Albany this December after being closed since August 2022. The historic restaurant at 44 State Street was purchased earlier this year by Kevin Yang, CEO of NeoVista Equities, who aims to reintegrate the longtime favorite into the community while preparing it for a major renovation.

Lunch returns on December 16, followed by dinner service on December 18. Jack’s will operate Monday through Saturday through late April or early May before closing again for an extensive rebuild. The project will add an elevator and reconfigure the upper floors for banquet and private event use, with a full reopening expected sometime in 2026.

The winter reopening will also feature new menus developed by executive chef Brady Duhame, known for his work at 15 Church and the former Sperry’s in Saratoga Springs. The 18 item dinner lineup highlights seafood dishes such as oyster stew, Louisiana style fried oysters, smoked oyster dip and beef carpaccio with fried oysters. Guests will also find salads, pastas and entrees including horseradish crusted salmon, trout almondine, Moroccan spiced lamb loin, duck breast with kumquats and prime grade rib eye with creamed spinach.

Lunch will offer a smaller menu modeled after NeoVista’s upcoming Jack’s Deli concept, planned for spring at 41 State Street. Options include sandwiches with corned beef, pastrami and turkey, classic salads and rotating soups, with a clam chowder always available.

The limited winter season gives diners a chance to experience Jack’s once more before its next chapter begins.

Sources: Times Union | News 10 ABC

Crunch Fitness Flexes Into Crossgates This October

A brand-new Crunch Fitness is opening its doors at Crossgates on October 24, 2025, bringing another top-tier gym experience to the Capital Region. The new 32,000-square-foot facility marks Fitness Holdings North America’s ninth Crunch location in New York and 53rd nationwide.

The gym promises Crunch’s signature “No Judgments” atmosphere with a full lineup of high-end amenities. Members can expect rows of cardio machines, Olympic lifting platforms, dumbbells up to 120 pounds, and recovery perks like HydroMassage and tanning beds.

Every new member starts with the CrunchONE Kickoff, a personal assessment and customized plan designed to set fitness goals and create lasting results. The gym also offers a busy class schedule featuring everything from dance and yoga to Pilates, strength training, and HIITZone team workouts.

Located inside Crossgates, the new Crunch is built for flexibility and community, with classes running morning to evening, seven days a week. Memberships start at $9.99 a month, making it an accessible new option for local fitness fans.

Learn more or sign up online at crunch.com/join/crossgates.

See’s Candies Pops Up at Stuyvesant Plaza for the Holidays

A beloved confectioner is arriving in Albany as See’s Candies opens a seasonal pop-up at Stuyvesant Plaza. The shop will host its opening weekend from Thursday, November 13 through Sunday, November 16, bringing classic confections and plenty of sweetness to local shoppers.

As part of the celebration, on Saturday, shoppers who spend $35 or more will receive a complimentary "Taste of See’s" chocolate box gift, available while supplies last.

Located between Ta-Da! and Simone’s Kitchen, the See’s Candies pop-up will feature the company’s signature chocolates, brittles, and toffees, all made with the same “Quality Without Compromise” philosophy that’s defined the brand since 1921.

Founded by Mary See more than a century ago, See’s remains known for its nostalgic recipes and timeless flavors, from rich boxed chocolates to gift-ready assortments perfect for sharing this season.

Stuyvesant Plaza General Manager Rachel Ferluge says the new shop adds a “touch of holiday magic” to the Plaza’s mix of stores and restaurants, creating an even sweeter destination for holiday shopping.

For more information, visit stuyvesantplaza.com or sees.com.

Immersive Titanic Exhibit Opens in Schenectady

Credit: Exhibition Hub

A new immersive experience has arrived in downtown Schenectady, bringing the story of the RMS Titanic to life in a vivid and interactive way. Titanic: An Immersive Voyage - Through the Eyes of the Passengers opened at Armory Studios NY on Saturday, November 29.

The exhibit features more than 200 artifacts, large-scale recreations, video projections, and a virtual reality tour that transports visitors 2.5 miles beneath the Atlantic to the ship’s resting place. Guests can explore the ship’s construction, walk through recreated spaces, and learn about the personal stories of passengers and crew.

Presented by Exhibition Hub, the experience has toured globally and is now making its Capital Region debut. The visit takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is open to all ages. Tickets begin at $27.90, with discounts available for seniors, students, military veterans, families, and groups.

VIP guests can access an exclusive virtual reality journey that offers a deeper look into the wreck site. Additional short films and replica displays enhance the educational and emotional storytelling of the exhibit.

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage - Through the Eyes of the Passengers will be open through March 2026. Visitors can find ticket information on the official website: https://expo-titanic.com/albany/