Enjoy 48 Hours of Winter Activities Without Snow in Albany, NY
Plan Your Trip With Our No-Snow Winter Itinerary
Ski-cations aren’t the only getaways to enjoy this time of year. When there’s little to no snow, there are plenty of exciting alternatives both indoors and outdoors. This 48-hour itinerary showcases the best winter activities without snow in Albany, NY, offering fun and unique ways to spend a snow-free weekend.
Friday Night: Check In to Your Comfortable Accommodations
Start your getaway by checking in at one of Albany’s top lodging options! The city offers a variety of convenient, well-appointed hotels that make it easy to settle in and get ready for a fun winter weekend.
Stay at the Marriott Albany
For a contemporary and comfortable stay, choose the Marriott Albany, conveniently located near Albany International Airport.
This hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms and suites with plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options, such as the Market Restaurant and Chats Bar.
The Marriott also provides easy access to major highways, nearby attractions, and popular shopping destinations, making it a convenient home base for your winter getaway.
Book a Room at The Desmond Hotel
At Crowne Plaza Albany, The Desmond Hotel blends modern amenities with inviting architectural details, including its signature indoor courtyards. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, an on-site fitness center, and convenient access to nearby dining and entertainment.
The Desmond also places you minutes from major highways and is a short drive to downtown Albany, perfect for weekend travelers looking to explore.
Friday Night: Celebrate Your Arrival With Dinner at Scarlet Knife
After settling into your accommodations, head to Scarlet Knife in nearby Latham for a standout dinner. This upscale restaurant is known for inventive seasonal dishes, an impressive craft cocktail menu, and a warm, beautifully designed dining room.
Located just minutes from both The Desmond and Marriott Albany, Scarlet Knife is an excellent way to enjoy your first night in town.
Saturday Morning: Begin the Day With a Delicious Breakfast
Before heading out, fuel up with a satisfying breakfast. If you’re staying at one of Albany’s top lodging options, you won’t have to go far for a great meal. Both hotel options offer convenient, on-site dining.
Breakfast at the Marriott Albany
Guests at the Marriott Albany can look forward to a daily breakfast at the Market Restaurant. Choose from an à la carte menu featuring classic breakfast favorites, all served in a modern and welcoming setting.
Breakfast at The Desmond Hotel
The Desmond Hotel's signature on-site restaurant Mr. D's, serves breakfast in a welcoming space with a seasonal fireplace, high-top tables, and comfortable lounge seating. Breakfast is offered Monday–Friday from 7 AM–11:30 AM, with weekend brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays.
More Local Breakfast Favorites
If you’d rather head out, Albany has plenty of popular breakfast spots just a short drive away. A longtime local favorite, Uncommon Grounds is a longtime staple known for its fresh-roasted coffee, handmade bagels, and cozy atmosphere. Bagels are boiled and baked daily, with specialty spreads and seasonal coffee flavors rounding out the menu.
Over on Lark Street, Café Lark offers a relaxed neighborhood feel with comforting breakfast staples. Stop in for a breakfast sandwich, pastry, or hot coffee before exploring nearby shops, galleries, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Want even more ideas? Browse additional breakfast spots around the region here >>
Saturday Morning: Take an Energizing Hike at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Feel ready for the day after breakfast? Lace up your hiking boots and make your way to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. This 3,350-acre preserve is located about 11 miles outside of downtown Albany, and it's open to the public year round.
While cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in snowy winters, a nature hike is just as enjoyable when the trails are clear. Explore more than 20 miles of multi-use trails through pine barrens, sand dunes, forests, and ravines.
Don’t miss the visitor center either—it’s highly praised by past guests and adds to the experience with engaging exhibits and helpful information.
Saturday Afternoon: Enjoy Lunch at Josie’s Table in Stuyvesant Plaza
Stuyvesant Plaza is home to more than 60 shops and restaurants and has long been a favorite local destination. After your morning hike, stop for a fresh and flavorful lunch at Josie's Table. This farm-inspired restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and offers a menu filled with comforting dishes. It’s a great midday stop before continuing your no-snow adventures.
Saturday Afternoon: Have Fun Indoors at Dave & Buster’s
Looking for another way to stay active and entertained? Dave & Buster's at Crossgates Mall offers arcade games, billiards, sports viewing, and a full restaurant and bar. It's perfect for groups, couples, or anyone wanting an afternoon of lighthearted winter fun without needing snow.
One visitor shared, “It’s like being a kid again, but with better food and cocktails.” Great for birthday parties, family outings, or casual date nights.
Saturday Afternoon: Go on a Shopping Spree Along Lark Street
Lark Street is a vibrant community that's reminiscent of New York City's Greenwich Village. It's made up of many small and locally owned businesses offering everything from fine jewelry to handcrafted gifts, contemporary artworks, and other products. Visit top spots like Romeo's Gifts, Lark Records, and The Happie Collective Boutique & Studios.
While you're out, consider heading farther into downtown Albany to B. Lodge & Co., the city's oldest department store, and the Fort Orange General Store, a neighborhood shop where you can find curated home goods and gifts.
Saturday Afternoon: Master the Ancient Art of Axe Throwing
In recent years, axe throwing has become one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Want to test your skills? Book an axe throwing session at Far Shot Axe Throwing in Albany and see for yourself how satisfying this activity can be.
"My friends and I had a blast throwing axes, knives and stars," said one visitor. "It's nice to see fun activities like this in the downtown Albany area."
No prior experience is required, and once you've learned the basics, you'll be well on your way to hitting the bullseye in no time!
Saturday Afternoon: Glide Into Winter Fun at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink
You don't need snow for ice skating, so bundle up and hit the ice at the Empire State Plaza Ice Skating Rink. This outdoor rink, located in the heart of Albany, is open seasonally and offers a picturesque setting with the surrounding city architecture. Featured in the picture above is The Egg, an iconic performing arts venue at the Plaza.
Admission to the rink is free, and skate rentals are also free on Saturdays thanks to Hannaford Supermarkets, making this day the best time to visit!
Saturday Afternoon: Sip & Sample Locally Produced Craft Beverages
Spend your Saturday afternoon exploring the community's booming craft beverage scene. The city is a particularly good spot to visit if you love craft ciders, beer, and spirits.
Here are a few standout spots to consider:
- Nine Pin Cider: Located in downtown Albany, Nine Pin Cider specializes in small-batch hard ciders made with locally sourced New York apples. Their cozy tasting room offers a rotating selection of ciders on tap, ranging from dry and crisp to bold and fruity.
- New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room: For those who enjoy fine craft spirits, the New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room in Albany is a fantastic choice. Sample their locally distilled whiskeys and bourbons while learning about their unique production process. The tasting room provides a warm and inviting space to sip and savor their spirits and cocktails.
- Fidens Brewing Company: Did you know that Fidens Brewing Company in Albany is one of the top-rated breweries in the U.S. on Untappd? It's true! And with over 500,000 check-ins, you know it's a must-visit spot for craft beer enthusiasts and IPA fans.
- Common Roots Albany Outpost: This satellite location of the popular Common Roots Brewing Company brings their signature craft beers to the heart of Albany. Try a diverse selection of IPAs, lagers, and sours—you can't go wrong with a flight!
This leisurely afternoon activity is a great way to support local businesses while sampling the flavors of the region.
Saturday Night: Unwind With Dinner at an Italian-Mediterranean Restaurant
Albany boasts an amazing dining scene, with restaurants featuring diverse and flavorful cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Asian Fusion, Moroccan, and more.
For a memorable meal during your trip, treat yourself to dinner at Risotto, a top-rated Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Albany. Known for its creative menu and commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, Risotto offers a variety of dishes, from tapas and salads to burgers, kebobs, and its namesake risottos.
One happy customer raved, "The food here is excellent! I'll definitely be coming back. I had the pesto chicken thigh risotto and enjoyed every bite." Savor the dining experience before moving on to your next weekend activity.
Explore more dinner options in the area >>
Saturday Night: Get Creative at a Paint & Sip Studio
Ready for a relaxing activity to end the day with? Attending a paint and sip class is a fun activity for date nights, girls nights, team building, and winter getaways when you want to escape the cold outdoors for a while.
Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio in Glenville is a top option near Albany for classes, with different themes each week, such as "Whirlwind," "Whimsy Winter," and "Give You the Moon." Past visitors praise the friendly instructors and no-pressure atmosphere that allows everyone to feel comfortable, no matter their skill level.
Saturday Night: Catch Live Music at One of These Great Venues
Want to keep the energy going instead? Immerse yourself in the area’s live music scene tonight! Whether you prefer an intimate setting or a lively concert experience, there’s a venue for every taste:
- The Linda: This performance venue, operated by WAMC Northeast Public Radio, offers an eclectic lineup of live music, including both local and touring artists.
- Lark Hall: Located in the heart of Albany's Lark Street neighborhood, this historic venue features an impressive mix of musical performances in a beautifully restored space.
- Van Slyck’s at Rivers Casino & Resort: Visit nearby Schenectady for live music paired with the excitement of a casino atmosphere. Van Slyck's at Rivers Casino & Resort offers a variety of entertainment, from local bands like Ten Most Wanted to DJs.
- Empire Live: For a larger concert experience, see who is performing at Empire Live in downtown Albany. This venue hosts an array of performers, from rock bands to pop artists, in a high-energy setting.
No matter which venue you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable evening filled with great music and a fantastic atmosphere.
Sunday Morning: Grab a Bite to Eat on Your Final Day in Town
It's been an eventful winter weekend in Albany, but now it's time to wrap up your trip. However, we do have a few more recommendations before you leave, starting with breakfast!
A delicious meal awaits at other Albany breakfast spots. Consider Café Madison, know for its signature raspberry oatmeal pancakes and brunch menu. You can also feast on a custom omelet at the Iron Gate Café, or opt for a classic breakfast sandwich at the Honest Weight Food Co-op.
Sunday Morning / Afternoon: Explore the Capital Region's Premier Shopping Destinations
Before wrapping up your getaway, enjoy a little retail therapy at one of Albany’s top shopping destinations. Start with Crossgates Mall, one of the largest retail centers in the Capital Region. With stores like Macy’s, GameStop, the REI Co-op, and the popular LEGO® Store, it’s easy to find gifts, gear, and unique items to bring home.
Prefer an outdoor shopping district? Continue down the road to Stuyvesant Plaza, home to specialty boutiques, unique shops, and inviting dining options. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll and a few last-minute purchases.
A visitor wrote, "A lot of great stores [and] variety of choices," said one visitor. "Nice place to get away and spend time eye shopping or buying things. Always clean and well maintained."
Wrap Up Your Weekend in Albany
We hope this 48-hour no-snow winter itinerary inspires your next Albany getaway. With a mix of indoor attractions, outdoor adventures, great food, and vibrant neighborhoods, the city offers plenty to enjoy all season long, even when the snow doesn’t fall.
Looking for things to do when it snows in the Capital Region? Here are some outdoor winter activities >>
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