We’re in the heart of winter, and there’s a lot to look forward to this month and beyond in the Albany area. The Arts Center of the Capital Region is hosting special events and youth camps, Crossgates Mall has welcomed two new stores (including an Amazon 4-star store!), and we have some restaurant news for all you foodies out there.
Local Arts Center Announces Youth Camps & Creative Classes
Want to unleash your inner artist? The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy has a full calendar of in-person and virtual events, classes, and camps scheduled for this winter and spring. Here are some of the highlights:
- Winter & Spring Youth Camps: If your kids have a creative side, then see if they’d like to participate in the Arts Center’s upcoming youth camps. Both in-person and online camps are available with topics such as jewelry making and clay exploration. The first camps begin this month, so sign up now!
- Crafty Hour: Join the Arts Center after work for a “Crafty Hour!” During this monthly series, attendees can explore an artistic media with friends, or make new ones during the two-hour workshop. Relax and sip a cocktail before diving into your art! Crafty Hours are scheduled for February 9, March 10, April 7, and May 20.
- Be Your Own Valentine: Sign up for the “Be Your Own Valentine” virtual event on February 11 and create a rose arrangement to keep or give to a loved one. Your $60 ticket price includes all materials needed to make the foam rose arrangement and three wines to try as part of a virtual wine tasting.
Plan a Trip to Crossgates Mall’s Newest Stores
Crossgates Mall continues to welcome new stores, and recently, Earthbound Trading Company and an Amazon 4-star store have opened at the shopping destination. Earthbound Trading Company specializes in lifestyle home decor, gifts, and fashion retail, and they can be found on the upper level near PINK. The Amazon 4-star store carries popular Amazon products with 4 stars or above, and it’s located on the upper level near H&M.
Ice Skating Rink Open on the Washington Park Lake
As weather permits, the ice skating rink on the Washington Park Lake will be open to visitors this winter. The City of Albany is continuing to check the ice and clear the space as needed for skaters, and you can see the latest updates on the Department of Recreation’s page in the “Headlines” section: https://www.albanyny.gov/867/Recreation
Discover Albany Kicks Off Restaurant Appreciation Month
Discover Albany has declared that February is Restaurant Appreciation Month in Albany County, and people are encouraged to show their support by ordering takeout, curbside pickup, delivery, or eating at a restaurant. If you email your receipt to Discover Albany from February 1-28, you’ll have a chance to win a prize for yourself and an Albany County restaurant! Get full details here >>
Attention Foodies! Here’s Some Interesting News to Know
- Farmhouse Tap + Tavern: According to the Times Union, Jackie Silvestri, founder of the 518 Foodies group and Downtown Dough, plans to open a new restaurant in Altamont called Farmhouse Tap + Tavern. It’s expected to open this March, and the menu will feature pub fare and locally sourced ingredients.
- Troy Beer Garden: Local restaurateur Matt Baumgartner has stated that he is selling three Wolff’s Biergarten locations but will keep the Troy location and transform it into the Troy Beer Garden. The expected opening date is mid-March.
- Dominic’s Caramella Shop: Previously located in Albany, Dominic’s Caramella Shop has officially moved to 22 Clifton Country Road in Clifton Park. This candy shop sells a wide variety of sweets and treats.
New Weekly Marketplace Opening in Troy This Sunday
Opening in partnership with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, the new Make It Up State Marketplace will showcase local handmade goods and food in the former Lansingburgh Price Chopper. The marketplace will take place every Sunday from February 7 – March 28 from 10:00am-2:00pm, and the vendor lineup already includes more than 50 local artisans and food vendors, which will vary week to week.
Former Big League Player to Become Valleycats’ Field Manager
The Tri-City ValleyCats have a new Field Manager for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and you may have heard of him. In a recent press release, the ValleyCats organization announced that Pete Incaviglia will become the team’s first manager in the Frontier League. Incaviglia has over 35 years of experience in professional baseball, including a 12-year playing career in Major League Baseball.
Making plans for Valentine’s Day? Check out these holiday dining specials >>
Sources:
- Times Union – 518 Foodies, Downtown Dough founder opening Altamont restaurant
- Albany Business Journal – Matt Baumgartner to sell three Wolff’s Biergarten locations, plans new concept in Troy
