Birthday Present: A year's worth of Bettie's cupcakes
Update: The drawing's closed! Thanks for entering.
Congratulations to AJ and Chrissy!
It's day two of AOA's big birthday week, and we have another present for you.
Today's winners will get a dozen mini cupcakes a month, for a year, from Bettie's Cakes.
Mini cupcakes are some of the little things that make us happy. Which prompted the following question:
What are the little things about the Capital Region that make you happy?
Post your answer in the comment section to enter. We'll draw two winners at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm Tuesday (March 22, 2011) to be entered in the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winners will be notified via email by 5 pm on Wednesday and must respond by 5 pm on Thursday.
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Comments
Cool, weird contests like this that you can't help but enter make me happy.
... said derryX on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM | link
The ability to enjoy an energetic urban environment then within 15 minutes be able to enjoy the peacefullness of complete wilderness. You don't find that in other East Coast cities and it's wonderful!
... said Chrissy on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:42 AM | link
Traveling gnomes (aw, Red Pants, where are ya?).
... said -S on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM | link
Bringing my daughter to Bettie's so that she can eat all the frosting off the cupcakes then hand me the rest to finish off.
... said Chad on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM | link
This will sound weird but after living in Boston for a long time I am always happy that parking is easy whereever you go and movie theaters don't usually sell out! Also rush hour is never very bad!
... said Kate on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:45 AM | link
I love the natural beauty of the area. You could find a new and different place to take a hike each day.
... said Laura on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM | link
the abundance of ice cream stands... and the fervent following maintained by each.
... said nina on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:48 AM | link
Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course.
Exactly 4 months from today.
... said Paul on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM | link
All the independently owned restaurants, cafes, etc. Its much nicer to have cute places like that so when you wanna go out for food you dont find yourself at some place you can find in any other city/town.
... said katie on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM | link
A short commute along a mighty river makes me happy every day.
... said Alanb on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:51 AM | link
Right now it's the little hints of green as the tulips, crocuses, lilies and daffodils begin to poke their heads out in their beds.
... said Elle on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:52 AM | link
The availabilty of adventures to be had around here. Even if there's nothing of interest going on in Albany itself, there's always something fun and exciting going on somewhere close.
... said Jenn on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:53 AM | link
being so close to the Adirondacks!
... said Kristin on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:54 AM | link
-gelato at Crisan (gelato season is almost upon us!)
-pomegranate margaritas from El Mariachi
-trail running/hiking at Thatcher Park
-tulips in Washington Park in the springtime
... said Jen on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:54 AM | link
Proximity to the Adirondacks and Catskills and of course, Washington park: Reading on a blanket under a tree, walking through it to Dove and Hudson books, snowshoeing across it's frozen lake and over to the wine store on Lark in a snowstorm, and taking pictures there with my sweetie.
... said Laura on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:57 AM | link
All the fun local fests that go on in the summer time. Nothing like being outside in beautiful weather with great food and drink with family and friends!
... said Becky on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:58 AM | link
Many things, but today I'm feeling particularly happy that we have Bettie's cupcakes!
... said Sharon on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:58 AM | link
Driving on 787 and looking at the city skyline and Crisan's on Lark Street.
... said JV on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:01 AM | link
The opening of the Country Drive In in Clifton Park...only 9 days away!
... said Nancy on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:02 AM | link
food trucks on washington ave. all summer long.
... said J on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:04 AM | link
The central location of the Capital District to EVERYTHING.
... said Olivia on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:05 AM | link
The little tulips peaking up through the ground this week have made me really happy!
... said Marcie on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:10 AM | link
Rollerblading along the Hudson River on the Corning Preserve Trail - so beautiful!
... said Laura on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:11 AM | link
Fantastic local websites!
... said Slacker on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM | link
I love my little city neighborhood – gorgeous buildings, lots to do, and (compared to my big city friends) lower crime and MUCH lower housing costs.
... said meg944 on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM | link
That I can access books, audiobooks etc from the whole network of public libraries in the area and have items delivered to my nearest branch. Amazing service!
... said chrisck on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:15 AM | link
Days like friday.
... said Jeremy on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:16 AM | link
The two random, massive koi in Buckingham Pond.
... said Quito on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM | link
Everything's much more mellow here than downstate.
When I'm on Long Island, just going the supermarket is an exercise in anger management. Every where you turn you meet another disgruntled person mad that you're in their way.
Here - not so much.
... said Jay on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM | link
The remarkable wealth of farmer's markets providing locally grown food.
... said The Amazing Dr. SCIENCE! on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:21 AM | link
Amazing small businesses, diverse culture, and especially Bettie's cupcakes! The CapReg is such a great place to live with a little bit of everything right here and so close to NYC and Boston too!! 518!!!!
... said Dnachick on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:22 AM | link
My family just moved here from a crowded metropolitan area. A little thing that makes me happy about the Capital Region is that comparatively, there's basically no traffic. It means more time at home (or out doing whatever I want) instead of sitting in the car on the highway waiting for my patience to expire.
... said Capitol to Capital on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:27 AM | link
The Albany skyline at dusk and sitting on a patio in the summertime at one of Albany’s fine restaurants with an ice cold beer in hand
... said Kate on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:28 AM | link
I love that all the spring flowers are popping up this week, even if it will snow 5 more times before winter is over!
I love the Egg, the Linda, and Caffe Lena.
I love WEXT and WEQX.
I love finding out about super cool things in the area from AllOverAlbany, and I especially love(d) the giant Guilderland Snowman.
... said capgirl on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:30 AM | link
The Schaghticoke Fair always makes me happy. I always have so much fun there.
... said Amy on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM | link
The great people in the Capital District!
The public events - like Tulip Fest, Alive at Five, and so many others!
... said Kat on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM | link
Sledding at Albany Muni, tulips in the spring and dog parks.
... said Heather on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM | link
The Hudson, mighty, wide, and beautiful. The Catskills; views of them are something I just can't seem to tire of. Hard roll sandwiches! Walking to work and everything I need helping me get to know my great new neighborhood.
... said ajw93 on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:33 AM | link
crocuses (crocii?) popping up in my yard!
also, the blue spice location in Clifton Park.
... said sara on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM | link
Great local bloggers, including those at AOA!
... said Ellen on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:38 AM | link
the best apples anywhere!
... said tj on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:40 AM | link
all the weird historical facts, and buildings, and stories.
... said Jesse on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:43 AM | link
-Old architectural elements
-Enjoying the view over the Hudson from the Empire State Plaza on a quiet Saturday
-Kurver Kreme
-The selection of bulk items at Honest Weight
-Prompt snow removal (most of the time)
... said Shannon on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:51 AM | link
A bagel and cup of coffee for breakfast at Uncommon Grounds.
... said Bob on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:53 AM | link
I love all of the areas to hike that have been preserved. The Pine Bush and Thatcher Park are two of my favorites and are such a short drive away!
... said Angela on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:54 AM | link
Downtown Troy!
... said Nikki on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:54 AM | link
Rooftop Decks and the 4th of July Fireworks!
... said Gina on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM | link
Being a part of the Albany Running Exchange with whom I have had such a special view of the capital district, up close and personal, via my own two feet over the last 3 years.
... said Kathy on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:04 PM | link
All of the great parks and outdoor spaces:
Washington park
Saratoga State Park
Corning Preserve
Etc.
... said pearl on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:05 PM | link
the seasons and the local foods that surround them
... said jalarson on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM | link
The variety that our area offers. From downtown Albany to Troy to Thatcher Park, there are so many different views within a small radius.
... said Cassie on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM | link
Such diversity of environments / neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultures in such a "small" place.
... said Dan on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:08 PM | link
-s
... said andrew on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:11 PM | link
The Capital Region in fall is breathtakingly beautiful. And the cider doughnuts at Indian Ladder Farms are great too!
... said Meghan on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:13 PM | link
Taking a walk in centersquare to see Lynn B @ Cheesecake Machismo
... said 518boy on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:16 PM | link
The peaceful suburbs & its closeness to NYC & Boston.
... said chica on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:32 PM | link
The delicious foods - both prepared and those that come in the form of fruits and veggies - available at the Farmer's Markets around the area (especially the Delmar Farmer's Market)!
... said Mike R on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:33 PM | link
The Tiffany windows at the Troy Public Library
... said WendyG on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:34 PM | link
As much as I was sick of this past winter, I do love the fact that we have 4 seasons, and the onset of Spring is starting to pop up all over. I saw my first robin today!
... said Jessica R on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:37 PM | link
Diversity of businesses. We have farms and restaurants and small shops and huuuge stores. The perfect balance of urban variety (ethnic markets), suburban convenience (target, walmart) and "old-school" farm stands and apple orchards. Most locales aren't so lucky to really have the best of both worlds within a 30 minute radius.
... said Emily on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:43 PM | link
That we have three (at least!) cupcake trucks!
... said melissa on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:47 PM | link
All of the great little coffee shops
... said Jason on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:51 PM | link
City (s)porch-ing!
... said Bridget on Mar 22, 2011 at 12:52 PM | link
Fall leaves, mountain lakes, great neighbors and small restaurants that serve amazing food.
... said Wendy on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:14 PM | link
Free cheese samples at Cardona's Market!
... said Rebecca on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:15 PM | link
You can always find an odd little adventure to go on, usually to eat some new and interesting foods.
... said Alex on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:16 PM | link
Not little, but I love Washington Park. Also, love seeing the skyline from 787. Especially the Egg. Makes Albany so unique.
... said Dan R on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:27 PM | link
summer time ALWAYS something to:
now I'm not talking big events rather the simplier things in life
music in parks, plays in parks, so many outside activities at little or no cost. When the weather is nice there is no better place to live !!!!
... said mike on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:34 PM | link
Downtown Troy, Andy & Sons, Falvo's, The Egg, etc...
... said -R. on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:37 PM | link
A summer hike in the adirondacks makes me soo happy
... said Camilo Jimenez on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:46 PM | link
The abundance of hiking/exploring opportunities to share with my kids, all within a 30 minute drive (often less). There have been so many great adventures and so many more to come.
... said Bob W. on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:49 PM | link
outdoor patios and a nice craft brew in the summer, but even better at the beginning of the fall
... said brs on Mar 22, 2011 at 1:58 PM | link
The farm land mixed with the quasi-urban. I love having both around.
The proximity to the adirondacks!
... said Chelle on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:12 PM | link
Exile #3, Exile #4 and E5N1 - although they're getting bigger all the time they're still my little ones.
... said the_exile on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:17 PM | link
Eating a heaping cup of Plum Dandy frozen yogurt while wandering up and down Broadway in Saratoga on a sunny summer day with my boxer in tow!
... said Tim on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM | link
Watching small companies in the area grow and prosper in these difficult times.
... said Nuts About Nuts on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM | link
I like how I can drive to Montreal or NYC from this area or just go camping in the adirondacks. Its accessible to so much!
... said Melissa on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:41 PM | link
Fo'Castle Farms in the fall - the smell of apples and really good food. When I lived in Virginia, it was the one thing I missed.
... said Gretchen on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:41 PM | link
I like that chipotle has moved in!
... said Mark on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:42 PM | link
Going to the many great local music shows or theater performances! There is always something to do!
... said Shannon on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:47 PM | link
that it has everything that makes my 3 year old happy from Central Park toddler playground and children's museum to making his mama happy, like cella bistro and watersedge lighthouse and proctors theater.
... said Kimberly on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:48 PM | link
Cycling and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods with locally owned businesses like Delaware Ave.
... said laura on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:51 PM | link
I love the fact that I am never at a loss for activities to share with my children: ice skating, roller skating, swimming, parks and playgrounds, and always a new fun place to explore. Makes being an active Mom super easy!
... said Dee Dee on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:56 PM | link
The 'scene'.
Anyone who says, "there is nothing to do in Albany" isn't trying.
Oh and the Community Garden / CSA / farmer's market scene is great too!
... said Diana on Mar 22, 2011 at 2:57 PM | link
An easy commute!
... said Shawn on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:05 PM | link
TULIPS!!!
... said jillya on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:06 PM | link
I love all of the independent small businesses that still exist. That we have not succumbed to only supporting large chains.
... said Pat O on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:08 PM | link
-watching the dogs play in Washington Park
-Jumpin' Jack's
-the food trucks on Washington Ave (who open this Monday, March 28!)
-Alive @ 5
-sitting on a stoop on Lark Street people watching while eating Ben & Jerry's
... said Chim on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:12 PM | link
Driving (aka crawling) behind a tractor loaded sky high with hay on a back country road and not caring that you're late because the sun is shining, your favorite song is on the radio and all is right with the world for those few minutes.
... said Harper on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:22 PM | link
Spring, summer, fall are the best things
... said mickey on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:32 PM | link
Tollgate ice cream - same place I went to when I was a kid and it hasn't changed a bit!! A step back in time...
... said Kathy Yanas on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:35 PM | link
I would like to second the gelato and pastries at Crisan and the farmers' markets in Schenectady and Troy.
... said Rohan on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:46 PM | link
My favorite thing about the capital district is that it has all 4 seasons
... said Cindy on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:53 PM | link
My favorite thing is that I have a job here.
... said Paul on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:54 PM | link
When my daughter and I go running and then we get an Ice cream at Snowman
... said Drew on Mar 22, 2011 at 3:57 PM | link
A rush hour that, for the most part, moves pretty quickly.
The variety of weather.
The mix of pro and college sports.
The proximity to the some of the finest urban areas in the world (New York City, Boston) and some of the finest rural areas in the world ( the Adirondacks, the Catskills).
The Egg.
The abundance of places to go for cider doughnuts.
... said Kidspud on Mar 22, 2011 at 4:01 PM | link
My family...I was raised here and moved away after college for 11 years...when it was time to start a family I moved back so my kids could experience life in Upstate NY with their aunts, uncles, cousing and grandparents just like I did. Summers on lake george, winters at Gore, fall picking apples at Bowman's Orchard and spring at the Tulip Fest. My kids are experiencing all the things that made me happy as a kid growing up in Albany and that in turn makes me very happy!
... said JC on Mar 22, 2011 at 4:02 PM | link
The Robert Burns statue in Washington Park
... said Tess on Mar 22, 2011 at 4:09 PM | link
I enjoy the little things like: walks in the Five Rivers Nature Preserve, Guptill's Skating Arena ;), North Albany Architecture, and Delmar's Four Corners.
... said Sean on Mar 22, 2011 at 4:38 PM | link
The little things I enjoy are Thatcher Park, Snowman's icecream, Colonie mall's sephora, Washington Park playhouse, and Alive at Five concerts.
... said Katie on Mar 22, 2011 at 5:21 PM | link
Being able to walk into Italian resteraunts like Ferrari's where you can get a family atmosphere and sauce like your grandmother made. After travelling around the country as much as I have, it really is something unique to this area.
... said Vincent on Mar 22, 2011 at 5:57 PM | link
$1 gelato.
... said Jess on Mar 22, 2011 at 6:03 PM | link
The Landis Arboretum in Esperance, the Glens Falls Public Library, Music on Mainstreet in Canajoharie, Dutch heritage, seeing cows along the Thruway
... said Monica on Mar 22, 2011 at 6:17 PM | link
Tulips in Washington Park!
... said Sandy on Mar 22, 2011 at 6:27 PM | link
I love the hidden gem restaurants in the area, from Perecca's in Schenectady to Hatties in Saratoga to Betties Cupcakes (sucking up cant hurt right?!?)... some fantastic eats around here!!
... said Jeff W on Mar 22, 2011 at 6:35 PM | link
Train whistles and church bells. Amazing cemeteries. The new airport. Community gardens.
... said Dani on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:01 PM | link
The Hudson valley seed library, the little "hole in the wall" shops, cider doughnuts and the community gardens! :-)
... said Reet on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:07 PM | link
sunday strolls through washington park after a yummy brunch on lark.
... said Jen W on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:23 PM | link
Alive@5, Tulip Festival, First Night, Lights in the Park and Washington Park Playhouse!
... said Andrew on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:25 PM | link
That you're only a short trip away from something different. I love it here.
... said Justin Williams on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:25 PM | link
In August, I had to move away from Albany and relocate to Potsdam to organize a political campaign. I worked 7 days a week, 10-12 hours or more a day so I could never take a day trip down to the 518. When the election wrapped up, I immediately went down to Albany to reunite with my friends and finally step back into the city I adore so much.
I walked into the Daily Grind, after a 4 month absence, and my favorite barista- Ed said "you're back!"
That meant the world to me. I knew that I was back home
... said Alex on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:33 PM | link
Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection on News10. It's wonderful to have five minutes of Good (Furry) Samaritan every Monday and Thursday to brighten my day!
... said Joellyn Kopecky on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:37 PM | link
I really like the State Museum because on a given day off I can wander down there and just tour the exhibits and see my home town listed for things that I wouldn't expect. I always learn something new when I visit. And it's free (although I drop a couple bucks in every time I go.)
... said AJ on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:42 PM | link
The way the sunlight hits the trees in late summer/early autumn.
Feeling the warm spring air pushing away the cold of winter (not quite yet, darnit!)
... said tomato(e) on Mar 22, 2011 at 7:50 PM | link
going to Jumpin' Jack's for ice cream and stumbling on a bagpipe rehearsal in Collins Park..
... said laiskiainen on Mar 22, 2011 at 8:01 PM | link
Lark festival :)
... said Sue on Mar 22, 2011 at 8:11 PM | link
1st Friday!
... said Emmaline on Mar 22, 2011 at 8:39 PM | link
walking around downtown and seeing so much history. getting iced coffee with coffee ice cubes from Scratch. spending time in the park. having adventurous day trips. Eating Bettie's cupcakes!!
... said Sarah on Mar 22, 2011 at 8:58 PM | link
The first snowfall of the season... but then the first tulips of the Spring!
... said DBM on Mar 22, 2011 at 9:00 PM | link
Mobiles - The Veggie Mobile; Bettie's Cupcake Stand
... said Amy on Mar 22, 2011 at 9:23 PM | link
The people, the art, the architecture, my friends, the festivals, the food, the drinks, the cheesecake and the surrounding vistas, just to name a few.
... said Summer on Mar 22, 2011 at 9:27 PM | link
The abundance of decent, greasy diners.
... said Mike W on Mar 22, 2011 at 9:30 PM | link
The mountains, the seasons, the lakes (Sacandaga, Lake George), Saratoga Race season, the history surrounding us. Local farms and parks and local businesses.
... said Malissa on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:10 PM | link
I grew up there! (Rotterdam, in Schenectady County)
... said Becky on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:35 PM | link
Ice cream stands and real seasons.
... said Gin on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:52 PM | link
Thacher Park, so close it's like my back yard!
... said Margie C on Mar 22, 2011 at 10:54 PM | link
The canal and flight of locks in Waterford
... said Dan on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:07 PM | link
There are so many things about the capital region that I love, like the old architecture from the 19th century and the empire plaza skyline. The variety of food from delicious cheesecake to diners to cozy and quiet restaurants. All of the festivals ranging from tulip and lark fest to the alive at fives, and all of the wonderful autumn fairs. The trees, and the seasons, and all of the flowers that brighten up the streets after long winters. I know the list could go on and on. The greatest thing of all has to be the community, there are so many wonderful people that make Albany such a unique place to live.
... said Julie on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:52 PM | link
Vans!
... said kat on Mar 22, 2011 at 11:59 PM | link
I love the random little places you can find where the food is absolutely amazing. (Sushi Tei? Bello Pronzo Ziti) And where else can you find a double decker cupcake truck?
... said Steph on Mar 23, 2011 at 12:02 AM | link
Madison ave,New scotland ave,Lark street,Western ave,The Capital Building,The State Museum,The Institute of history , and ArtThe Spectrum, Kurver Kreme,Lombardos, Saati's Deli in Latham, J.C.'s in kohl's Plaza,Ruby's on Madison ave,Barnes and Noble in Colonie Center, Colonie Center, Stuyvesant Plaza,and my sisters , and friends faces!
... said mg on Mar 23, 2011 at 3:29 AM | link
The first time its warm for the season (even if it snows a day later) and every single dog owner within a five mile radius appears at Washington Park at the same time. Its the best feeling to just stand in the sun while all the dogs get as muddy as they want, its been a long winter and they deserve some fun too.
Also, walking through downtown Schenectady on a break from work and noticing the Bettie's trunk appear on the sidewalk. Always a fun surprise!
... said HM on Mar 23, 2011 at 9:29 AM | link