Editor’s Note (1/11/2021): Please note that the Introduction to Furniture Making class previously mentioned in this article has been canceled and removed.
It’s a new year, new you, and new Albany. There is a lot going on throughout the area, including art classes in Troy, a must-see indoor dinosaur attraction in Schenectady, the completion of the Empire State Trail, and more.
Get Creative With One of The Arts Center’s Upcoming Winter Classes
Interested in learning a new craft or skill for 2021? This winter, The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy is hosting both in-person and online art classes on a wide variety of topics, such as pottery, painting, photography, and more. In early February, the class schedule includes:
- Online Workshop: Landscape Painting in Acrylic: 2/02/2021
- Online Workshop: Winter Painting for Beginners: 2/03/2021
- Online Workshop: Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Writing: 2/04/2021 – 2/25/2021
- Individualized Study in Stained Glass: 2/09/2021 – 3/16/2021
Winter classes are available from now through March, and you can learn about the different mediums on their website. Take a look and try something new this year!
View the Arts Center’s classes >>
Discover a Fascinating World of Dinosaurs at Viaport Rotterdam
You may have visited the Via Aquarium in Schenectady before, but did you know that dinosaurs have taken over part of the mall? That’s right, a new educational entertainment attraction called Via Dino Discovery has recently opened at Viaport Rotterdam. Guests can explore and learn about these prehistoric animals through 12 exhibits that feature lifelike animatronics. It’s a fun experience for the whole family, and online tickets are available now.
Enjoy History at Home With the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is happy to announce the launch of their new 2021 Virtual “History at Home” Winter Lecture series, which will feature free online programs from January to March. Links to the programs are available on the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site’s webpage and Facebook. Mark your calendar for the first program on Wednesday, January 20, when you can learn about the life of industrialist and canal contractor Otis Eddy.
New York State Announces Completion of the Empire State Trail
Recognized as the nation’s longest multi-use state trail, development of the 750-mile Empire State Trail is finally complete. The new recreational trail spans from New York City to the Canadian Border and from Albany to Buffalo, and it offers visitors a safe and easy way to experience the state’s varied landscapes. 75% of the trail is off-road and perfect for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, hikers, runners, and cyclists.
Eat, Drink & Warm Up at Nine Pin Cider’s Outdoor Fire Pits
All winter long, Nine Pin Cider in Albany is offering private wood campfire hangouts at the cidery so you can enjoy delicious cider and food outdoors with a small group of friends. These fire pits are available by reservation only for two-hour time slots from Thursday – Sunday, and the reservation cost includes ciders, locally sourced sourdough pizzas, and use of the campfire area. For full details, visit the Events section of their Facebook page.
New Diner Coming Soon to Downtown Cohoes
According to an article from the Albany Business Review, Robilee McIntyre, artist and co-owner of Footsy Magoos in Troy, plans to open her new restaurant in downtown Cohoes later this month. Named The Tiny Diney, this diner is located at the site of the former Uncle John’s Diner, and they will begin by selling a limited menu of breakfast staples, pastries, and freshly ground coffee.
It’s snowshoe season! Check out these popular snowshoe trails in the Albany area >>
Sources:
- Albany Business Review: Artist and Footsy Magoos owner opening The Tiny Diney in downtown Cohoes
- Office of Governor Cuomo: Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of 750-Mile Empire State Trail
- NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
- Spectrum Local News: New Dinosaur Exhibit Roars to Life at ViaPort Rotterdam
