Goodbye 2012, hello 2013 drawing
The champagne of hams...
Drawing's closed!
We're grateful for so many things that happened and people we encountered in 2012, and we're looking forward to the surprises 2013 holds in store.
To wrap up the year and begin anew, AOA has one more give away in our cupboard -- something to help you celebrate in 2013:
+ A Champagne Ham from Bilinski's, marinated in Glenora sparkling wine with a blend of brown sugar and spices, so it's infused with champagne flavor.
+ A bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne from Capital Wine and Spirits, at the corner of State and Lark Street in Albany.
+A $25 gift certificate for a sweet treat at Saratoga Sweets, creators of the Peppermint Pig.
Ready to enter? Good. In the comment section below, answer the following question:
What's a local thing that you're looking forward to in 2013?
We'll draw one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by noon on Thursday and must respond by 10 am on Friday, January 4.
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Comments
Our wedding!
... said derryX on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:06 PM | link
Pinkster Fest
... said Charlie on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:26 PM | link
my birthday
... said Rich on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:31 PM | link
Fudge at tulipfest
... said Heath on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:32 PM | link
Spring (tulips!). I'm already sick of shoveling. I know, I know...it's Upstate NY.
... said Abby on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:33 PM | link
Shopping at the Remodeled Latham Circle Mall.
... said Michelle on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:34 PM | link
I'm looking forward to seeing American Idiot at Proctors! Local culture will be fun this year. John Oliver and David Sedaris, too.
... said Andrea on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:50 PM | link
Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts in 2 weeks....have a couple of tix for Sat, and the birth of my great nephew....any moment now....
... said llcwine on Jan 1, 2013 at 3:54 PM | link
Seeing The Intergalactic Nemesis at Proctors!
... said Erin on Jan 1, 2013 at 4:02 PM | link
9 more months of Sabbatical!
... said Barry T on Jan 1, 2013 at 4:09 PM | link
Local champagne dreams (but on a local beer budget.)
... said Bob on Jan 1, 2013 at 4:12 PM | link
DerryX's wedding. For the food pictures :)
... said -S on Jan 1, 2013 at 4:57 PM | link
Northshire Books opening in Saratoga; trying the new wine bar in Troy; visiting the Cheese Traveler and All Good Bakers for the first time.
... said Addiesdad on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:01 PM | link
Graduation from Albany Law!
... said James on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:14 PM | link
Getting the region's first creative reuse center off the ground!
... said Leena on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:17 PM | link
Delicious locally made beer, wine & spirits!
... said Suus on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:27 PM | link
Cashing in all the gift certs we got to the awesome DelSo neighborhood businesses!
... said Brian on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:37 PM | link
I'm looking forward to getting back to Albany in the next few months. Haven't been there since April, 2011 for a funeral. I'm way overdue to get back and have some good fun with old friends.
... said KathyP on Jan 1, 2013 at 5:39 PM | link
The Spectrum Theater
... said joe on Jan 1, 2013 at 6:22 PM | link
The new Shop Rite in Colonie - grocery store walking distance from my house!
... said tomato(e) on Jan 1, 2013 at 6:26 PM | link
Kayaking from the Cohoes falls to Schodack Island state park next summer.
... said Kate on Jan 1, 2013 at 6:47 PM | link
Alive at Five Concerts!
... said AC on Jan 1, 2013 at 6:49 PM | link
vacation!!
... said robert velez on Jan 1, 2013 at 7:38 PM | link
The food scene and local brewery/pub scene that is burgeoning in Albany. The opening of the new location of Honest Weight Food Coop in the Spring 2013. The increasing number of local food,and speciality food stores that continue to appear in the Capital district area. The growing number of wine shops and the variety of wines they offer.
... said Rita Sullivan on Jan 1, 2013 at 8:09 PM | link
Outdoor Farmer's Markets.
... said nic on Jan 1, 2013 at 8:12 PM | link
Paying off my car and getting my wife a new ride, she has been patient
... said Mike on Jan 1, 2013 at 8:14 PM | link
I'm looking forward to attending the Mac and Cheese Bowl this year!
... said Katie on Jan 1, 2013 at 8:43 PM | link
Northshire bookstore opening in Saratoga!
... said Drew on Jan 1, 2013 at 8:51 PM | link
Eating more fabulous dinners at Duo.
... said Tom on Jan 1, 2013 at 9:07 PM | link
Looking forward to the opening of Texas de Brazil churrascaria
... said Vicky on Jan 1, 2013 at 9:10 PM | link
The opening of FLOW From the Garden, and DerryX's wedding ;)
... said Andy on Jan 1, 2013 at 9:20 PM | link
the mac n cheese bowl!!!
... said heather on Jan 1, 2013 at 9:41 PM | link
Reading all the great books I received for Xmas! (Thank you Santa for shopping at Market Block Books and Northshire Books!)
... said Lisa on Jan 1, 2013 at 9:51 PM | link
From the Garden! The new restaurant opening on Lark Street!
... said katie on Jan 1, 2013 at 10:03 PM | link
Albany spring.
(Fall is THE best season around here but I don't want to wish the year away completely).
... said Allison on Jan 1, 2013 at 10:07 PM | link
I am looking forward to discovering hidden culinary and cultral gems in the capital region... all thanks to AOA! :)
... said Erin on Jan 1, 2013 at 10:22 PM | link
Pinksterfest, The Legislative Correspondents' Association political parody night near the end of Session, eating locally and enjoying the Farmers' Markets.
... said Nancy on Jan 1, 2013 at 10:25 PM | link
The Confectionary in Troy opening for daytime hours
... said karamia on Jan 1, 2013 at 10:52 PM | link
Trying out the new Healthy Living Market when it opens. :)
... said KB @ Home-Baked Happiness on Jan 1, 2013 at 11:23 PM | link
Taking my fromage-loving hubs to The Cheese Traveler.
... said Elizabeth on Jan 1, 2013 at 11:56 PM | link
I will miss Mahar's, but I am interested to see how BMT does with the Madison Pourhouse.
... said DEN on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:23 AM | link
Celebrating my husband's and my 30th birthday!
... said Deirdre on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:28 AM | link
The release of Place Beyond the Pines and trying to recognize local spots.
... said Ross on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:16 AM | link
Gay Pride!
... said Sean on Jan 2, 2013 at 3:06 AM | link
Cant wait for Troy Farmers Market to move back outside! I miss spring/summer!
... said Erica Balint on Jan 2, 2013 at 6:12 AM | link
The opening of the new Honest Weight Food Co-op
... said Dave on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:10 AM | link
The safe return of all our sons and daughters in the military. P.S. I am a veteran.
... said Thomas on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:27 AM | link
Summer time and Vacation!
... said Joey D on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:45 AM | link
another year of great concerts
... said spencer on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:46 AM | link
bombers of troy. summer farmers market in troy. homestead farms CSA.
... said Kell on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:46 AM | link
Skiing the Pine Bush
... said JES on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:22 AM | link
Wine and Dine for the Arts!
... said Chrystal on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:26 AM | link
the farmer's markets and produce stands re-opening
... said matt on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:47 AM | link
Birding at Fiver Rivers!
... said Naomi on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:58 AM | link
Phish summer tour
... said MO on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:59 AM | link
My retirement and therefore more time to enjoy the local pleasures.
... said chrisck on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:02 AM | link
Hopefully making it to the Mac n Cheese Bowl this year! And the return of outdoor farmers markets. It's not too soon to start looking forward to that, is it?
... said s on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:05 AM | link
The Farmer's Markets going back outside.
... said Jenna C. on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:11 AM | link
UAlbany Spring graduation - I will finally have my MPH!
... said Moe on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:18 AM | link
wine & dine for the arts
... said susan on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:25 AM | link
The opening of the new Honest Weight!
... said Jay on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:27 AM | link
I'm looking forward to participating in the Color Me Rad run again! And Tulip Fest!
... said Deana on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:28 AM | link
Lewis Black at the Palace in March.
... said John M on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:39 AM | link
I'm really looking forward to the new location for Honest Weight co-op, but I'll miss the quirkiness of the old store.
... said Jeff on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:48 AM | link
all the festivals and farmers markets
... said ed on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:49 AM | link
more fantastic times with friends at local restaurants that source delicious local things
... said jalarson on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:55 AM | link
Dave & Buster's
... said Donna on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:55 AM | link
I am looking forward to the Delmar Farmers Market reopening in June 2013.
... said Sandra on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:13 AM | link
I am looking forward to watching my kids grow a year older in Center Square. Taking them to the shops, cafe's and Washington Park. Riding the CDTA out to the DelSo and to Summer camp with their friends. Enjoying everything that downtown living has to offer a family.
... said Chris on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:23 AM | link
My garden! I know it's only January 2nd but the garden catalogs are already arriving and I am planning my food crop for the spring. Every year it gets a little better.
... said Kizzi on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:27 AM | link
Mexican Radio
... said KJ on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:42 AM | link
Spending more time playing in the snow now that winter has arrived!
... said mom enough for 2 on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:46 AM | link
I'm looking forward to my wedding, taking place at Brunswick Greens in Troy!
... said Car on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:49 AM | link
Dave and Buster's coming to Crossgates.
... said Josh on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:54 AM | link
Drinking beer on the patio outside Druther's in Saratoga.
... said Chris on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:54 AM | link
I'm looking forward to what I hope will be a very snowy winter. And I'm looking forward to being one year closer to graduation :-)
... said lucy on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:58 AM | link
Snowshoeing
... said Jess on Jan 2, 2013 at 10:58 AM | link
The new Honest Weight Food Coop!
... said Shawn on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:02 AM | link
Bringing my daughter to a(nother) show at SPAC. She came with us to 2 shows last year, but was still a little young. I think she'll really have a lot of fun this summer.
... said Slacker on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:03 AM | link
Seeing the garlic poke out of the ground in April!
... said Paul on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:04 AM | link
I'm hoping for a healthy and happy new year for my family and friends.
... said Don on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:10 AM | link
Spending 2013 and beyond with the new girl whose very presence puts a smile on my face that will will never come off.
... said Chuck Miller on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:14 AM | link
Summertime and gardening!
... said Julia on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:16 AM | link
Spring! Summer! Fall!
... said Laura on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:25 AM | link
bombers coming to troy/mexican radio coming to schenectady!
... said k on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:30 AM | link
The demolition of the old dead Latham Circle Mall and the building of some new stores to revive that area.
... said Amy on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:35 AM | link
Saratoga beer week
... said Tyler on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:44 AM | link
The Mac'n'Cheese Bowl!!! :-)
... said Alex on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:55 AM | link
I just hope that this year is as good as the last.
... said Alex on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:56 AM | link
I'm hoping more Capital Region "inner ring suburban" residents start using CDTA to commute to & from Albany after the city's new parking permit system goes into effect.
... said Tom M. on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:59 AM | link
Larkfest & Tulipsfest!
... said Kait on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:59 AM | link
Summer Wine tour in the finger lakes!
... said Sarah on Jan 2, 2013 at 11:59 AM | link
My brother and future sister-in-law's wedding at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga!
... said Kate on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:01 PM | link
Jumpin Jacks and running lots of fun local 5Ks like the Rhubarb Run!
... said Dave on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:17 PM | link
Checking out this Yellow Brick Road I keep hearing so much about...
... said Matt on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:26 PM | link
Mac-N-Chz Bowl!!!
... said Julie on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:34 PM | link
Drinking wine in the outdoor patio of wine bistro this spring/summer.
... said Emily on Jan 2, 2013 at 12:36 PM | link
Gardening season in our CDCG garden plot!
... said Holly on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:04 PM | link
Troy Pig Out, Rockin on the River, Country Fest. Love all the outdoor things.
... said Nancy on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:07 PM | link
a BLT from Sandwiches To Go
... said Jules on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:10 PM | link
The Alive at 5 concerts
... said michael woods on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:19 PM | link
Spending all of my holiday gift certificate booty at my favorite local businesses!
... said Tim on Jan 2, 2013 at 1:44 PM | link
The Altamont Fair!
... said Jenn on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:22 PM | link
Troy Pig Out!
... said Zak on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:37 PM | link
Alive at Five. I love it so hard.
... said Kayla on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:42 PM | link
Capital District Scottish Games!
... said Dion Warr on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:48 PM | link
Making regular visits to my new local cheesemonger - The Cheese Traveler on Delaware Avenue, and hitting up the "dusty wine shop" on New Scotland Avenue for bargain wines to complement the cheeses.
... said Elaine Bergman on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:55 PM | link
Pig's ear salad at Taiwan Noodle!
... said Burnt My Fingers on Jan 2, 2013 at 2:56 PM | link
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival - Moving from the 4th week in July to the 1st week in August, so it never conflicts with Newport FF again. Hoping this will revive the festival somewhat.
... said Jessica R on Jan 2, 2013 at 3:22 PM | link
My favorite summer tradition -- the Altamont Fair!
... said Bob W. on Jan 2, 2013 at 3:41 PM | link
Outdoor farmers market's (Troy, Delmar, etc) and grilling dinner every night!
... said Caroline on Jan 2, 2013 at 4:33 PM | link
The return of spring!
... said Dan on Jan 2, 2013 at 4:33 PM | link
Good beer.
... said Chelsea on Jan 2, 2013 at 4:58 PM | link
Right now, summer.
... said Ryan on Jan 2, 2013 at 5:17 PM | link
troy ukulele camp - hoping she has another one this year.
... said anne on Jan 2, 2013 at 5:27 PM | link
I'm looking forward to experiencing Albany all over again in 2013. From the Slider Slam, to the Women's Expos, to the Mac & Cheese Bowl, the Hudson Valley Strawberry Wine Tour, and the changing of the seasonal farmer's markets. There are a lot of things to experience in the Capital Region, and the new year just give us the chance to do it all over again.
... said Josie on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:51 PM | link
The cessation of references to the more southerly portion of Delaware Avenue as "DelSo."
I Love some of the businesses (All Good Bakers I'm looking your way; Spectrum if its included except when it plays movies made for Regal, Cardona's...), I detest the branding.
It reminds me of Clarice Starling asking Hannibal Lecter to "lend us your view" by filling out a survey: its "ham-handed," cliche and lame.
In other words, don't ruin a good thing and let the neighborhood's branding be its own good reputation.
... said Cincinnatus on Jan 2, 2013 at 7:53 PM | link
August!
So I can enjoy barbecue with a cold beer on a patio full of flowers and whine about the heat wishing for January
... said Lu on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:04 PM | link
Looking forward (and hoping for) more restaurants that will open in the capital district than will close in 2013. Sad to see things like brown derby and central steak go, but excited for new beginnings this year!
... said Nat on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:19 PM | link
Attending my first roller derby match!
... said Faith on Jan 2, 2013 at 8:30 PM | link
Some springtime foraging: nettles, mustard garlic, oyster mushrooms, wild ramps at all my favorite haunts around the Capital District. Oh and some skiing and snowshoeing in Thatcher Park while the snow flies!
... said Laura on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:27 PM | link
The flower show at HVCC in March!
... said Megan M on Jan 2, 2013 at 9:58 PM | link
@cincinnatus: I picked up the moniker from Silvia Lilly of the DelSo Blog. I always thought it identified the area from Lincoln Park to the 87overpass...a nice notation of what I think of as "our" neighborhood (we live very nearby)..filled with shops, restaurants, services, a great movie theater. It's not an attempt to sound pretentous or anything like that, just an honest attempt at having the greater community of Albany recognize our area as something special.
We absolutely mean no harm or offense and apologize that our fervor may have been overabundant! (not meant sarcastically in any way). We'll take it down a notch. Please know we aren't trying to separate ourselves from the Spectrum area of the street, but actively trying to make it a cohesive attraction for everyone in the Capital Region, encompassing all of our collective businesses.
I see the owner of Davy Jones Locker every morning, walking his labradoodle while waiting for our daughter's school bus. We dine at NWBB for special occassions. Dear friends live accross the street, as do a cat rescue operation near and dear to our hearts, we go to the Spectrum and Ultraviolet and visit Dexter & Travis at Organica, we order pizza, get gas, and otherwise patronize many of the businesses on Del Ave. We know that everyone in the neighborhood, resident or business, helps it thrive. We don't consider ourselves better or worse than anyone else.
... said Britin @ All Good Bakers on Jan 3, 2013 at 5:29 PM | link
Who won???
... said GetRichQuick on Jan 5, 2013 at 12:17 PM | link