Streetwalking, Victorian style
Time to get your Victorian on. The Capital Region is kicking off Christmas with a couple of old-school Victorian strolls.
Actually, we're still not sure why they call these things "Victorian." Other than a few folks in fun Dickensian costumes, they're a pretty modern (but good) excuse to get everyone out, shopping locally and having a little fun. Now if they threw in a little wassaling, that would be a whole other thing.
Here's the scoop:
Saratoga
Tonight from 5-10 the Spa City is hosting its annual Victorian Street Walk. Parking can
be a bear -- but the event is a lot of fun, and a great way to get into the holiday spirit. It's also a good excuse to browse local gifts. Stores are open late, and there are cookies, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday treats to nibble while you shop. There are 45 venues around town with music and entertainment. But what we like most about "Victorian Night" is probably how nice people are to each other when they're all out together enjoying the city on a cold winter night. Makes us wish Christmas came more often.
Broadway is closed to traffic tonight from 5 to 10 PM. Your best bet is to come early and be prepared for detours. Here's a map to help with parking. If all else fails, you might want to try the super secret parking garage.
Troy
Can't make it to Toga tonight? Troy's Victorian Stroll is this Saturday Sunday from 11 to 5pm. It's the same kind of thing, lots of music, decorations, holiday snacking and fun local shopping. There are some neat little stores tucked away in the Collar City. Check out The Paper Sparrow and the holiday gift shop at The Arts Center for the Capital Region. As far as we know there are no super secret parking garages in Troy, but here are the not so secret ones. Parking in all city lots is free for the stroll.
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Comments
A few more pics of what you can expect from the Victorian Stoll (in Troy, 2006).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/altuwa/sets/72157594404125382/
... said S on Dec 4, 2008 at 1:02 PM | link
Troy's Victorian Stroll is on Sunday, according to the website.
... said James Cronen on Dec 4, 2008 at 1:35 PM | link
Whatever happened to the Troy Pub Carol from the 80's and 90's?
I have memories of 20-30 revelers caroling many of the bars/rest in Troy just before Christmas. Stopping at the Rolls Touring Co, Holmes & Watson's, the Volcano, and more that get a little fuzzy toward the end of the several hour walk which ended @ Daisy Baker's. A few of the adventurous souls walked a block or so north from there for a final chorus of 'Oh, Come All Ye Faithful' in the street before calling it a night and getting rides home.
Ah, the days of misspent youth....
... said komradebob on Dec 4, 2008 at 3:33 PM | link
@ Komradebob - That sounds like an awesome time. Why don't they do that now? I'd be there in a heartbeat.
... said Emma on Dec 5, 2008 at 9:46 AM | link