Drawing: AOA's Rail, River, Hudson tour
Drawing's closed!
This summer's AOA tour -- Rail, River, Hudson -- is this Saturday, July 12. There were (literally) a boatload of tickets for the day trip and they're now sold out. But you still have a chance to go, because we're giving away a pair of tickets.
To enter, please answer this question in the comments:
What's your favorite summer day trip, and why?
It could be a day at one of the many state parks in the region, visits to museums, a particular town where you like to hang out, whatever. We'll draw one answer at random. That person gets the pair of tickets.
The Rail, River, Hudson day trip starts in downtown Albany where we'll meet up at the Broadway side of the foot bridge that connects with the Corning Preserve. We'll then take CDTA shuttle buses over to the Albany-Rensselaer train station and hop a train for Hudson. You'll have the afternoon to explore Hudson, including an opportunity to tour Etsy's fun offices in a former cannonball factory. At the end of the afternoon, we'll head back to the waterfront to catch the Dutch Apple for a sunset cruise back up the Hudson River (with a light dinner) to the Corning Preserve. Oh, and people on the tour will also get a Hudson Passport with discounts to various shops and restaurants around Hudson. See the link at the top for more details.
The trip is rain or shine. And there will be a fair amount of walking.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) 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 midnight Tuesday and must respond by noon on Wednesday, July 9.
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Comments
After a few rainy days in a row, the Schohaire Creek is ready to kayak. We head up to where the covered bridge collapsed in North Blenheim and then lazily make the 14 mile trip back to Middleburgh. Some spots, with huge black cliffs, you feel like you are out west somewhere in a canyon.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Jul 7, 2014 at 11:45 AM | link
a hike in the Adirondacks, followed by some food and beer in Saratoga at Druthers. YUM!
... said Jen on Jul 7, 2014 at 11:52 AM | link
Winery tours. So friggin' cool.
... said JoeA on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:05 PM | link
Our favorite day trip would be out geocashing at one if the fabulous capital regions state parks! We spent Saturday at Mine Kill State Park and it was beautiful! Looking at the wild life and waterfalls and hiking the great trails was a wonderful way to spend a warm Saturday!
... said Jeanette Botts on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:25 PM | link
I love a trip to Grafton Lakes State Park - beach, trails, and grills! What more could I want?
... said Albany Jane on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:26 PM | link
My favorite day trip is a drive to Blue Mountain Lake. You can hit up the Adirondack Museum, canoe or kayak on the lake, and hike up Castle Rock. The view from the top is gorgeous, and the lake is so serene.
... said Alison on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:30 PM | link
Going out to Samascott to pick some berries!
... said Trish on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:33 PM | link
A day spent hanging out on the Battenkill River, because there is no better way to spend a great summer day.
... said jumbovalu on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:39 PM | link
My favorite summer day trip is to Saratoga, largely to consume a very delicious guilty pleasure -- pretzels with cheese dip at Druthers!
... said Nicole on Jul 7, 2014 at 12:47 PM | link
Last summer my gf and I had an amazing day trip. Breakfast at More Pereccas in Schenectady, used book shopping in Saratoga, caught the first few races at the track and hit a 22-1 winner. Climbed crane mountain, and to finish it off we stumbed on the Warrensburg town fair complete with funnel cake, live music, and fireworks.
... said John C on Jul 7, 2014 at 1:03 PM | link
A day hanging out at a swimming hole! We just discovered a few great spots in Vermont.
... said K on Jul 7, 2014 at 1:24 PM | link
Lake George by way of the backwoods; 'cause - if you'd seen it you'll know
... said JES on Jul 7, 2014 at 1:37 PM | link
A white pizza at JoJo's in town followed by an afternoon of swimming, hiking and sunning at Taconic State Park.
... said Bob Gumson on Jul 7, 2014 at 1:41 PM | link
Always Saratoga Race Track, or, as Tom Durkin puts it, the Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
... said Ron on Jul 7, 2014 at 1:50 PM | link
Thacher Park, to play in waterfalls!
... said Sarah on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:02 PM | link
Saratoga Race Track for the people and great time. Added bonus if I come out ahead . . . they are paying me to have fun!
... said Shawn on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
I love the Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park, or spending the day picnicking at the races!
... said Sara on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:23 PM | link
Sun:
Drive up Rt 9 to Adirondacks. Hike Tongue Mountain, avoid rattlesnakes, get boat pick up at Montcalm Point, cruise the lake, stopping at the islands for a picnic, end in Glenn's Falls for a beer and food at Downtown City Tavern
Rain:
Drive down to Canajoharie stop at Cask and Rasher for excellent Cojo wings. Head further South along the Hudson into Athens for a stop at Crossroads. Sample their amazing beer. Then cross the river to Hudson to see a live show at the Basilica or Club Helsinki with the obligatory stop at Spotty Dog.
... said Josh K. on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:24 PM | link
A canoe/hike into a remote wilderness lake in the Adirondacks for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing. I don't want to give it away though!
... said Jon on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:28 PM | link
A day at Million Dollar Beach in Lake George and then a dinner at Saratoga.
... said AC on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:30 PM | link
Saratoga Race Track - Great day out with the family!
... said Rich R on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:40 PM | link
Grafton State Park & Beach for soaking up the sun and playing volleyball in the sand.
... said Michelle R on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:43 PM | link
Josh K: the Cask and Rasher is in Coxsackie, not in Canajoharie. I suppose you just confused the two during a brief memory lapse. The wings are, indeed, good, and they are 50 cents on Thursdays.
... said J on Jul 7, 2014 at 2:50 PM | link
As "Ron" put it very well above - the Track, other wise known as "The.... Spaaaaaaa."
... said Alex on Jul 7, 2014 at 3:20 PM | link
I love driving down to New Paltz because it has amazing places to hike, eat, and shop! Love the groovy vibes.
... said julie on Jul 7, 2014 at 3:21 PM | link
In this region, probably a day at the track followed by a night out in Saratoga. But I do need at least one dose of real beaches every few weeks and like to head south to LI.
... said Maureen on Jul 7, 2014 at 3:26 PM | link
A day at Thatcher Park.
... said JLD on Jul 7, 2014 at 6:09 PM | link
An early morning last minute thrown together trip to the beach and Atlantic ocean - in which your car totally reflects the early morning last minute thrown together aspect part of the trip - because it's summer! in Upstate NY! and I'm always down and ready (somewhat) for a trip to the ocean!
... said Jared on Jul 7, 2014 at 8:12 PM | link
Hitting up the Troy Farmer's Market for breakfast and then heading to go tubing or kayaking for the day!
... said Laura on Jul 8, 2014 at 8:14 AM | link
This year I discovered a bunch of new bicycling trails. My favorite so far has been the Warren County trail from Glens Falls to Lake George. Mostly wooded, completely paved, it goes right past the Magic Forest (wonderful, hoakey little theme park) and takes you directly to Lake George Village. On the way back, I always look forward to lunch on the patio at Cooper's Cave, located trail side.
... said Jamie on Jul 8, 2014 at 9:41 AM | link
heading up to the GSL, always a good time!
... said centersquared on Jul 8, 2014 at 10:27 AM | link
Head out along route 7 for a trip to VT. Of course stop for some lunch and kitsch at Big Moose Deli & Country Store. Then continue on along Rt. 7 stopping at the various antique and thrift stores, like Antique Center At Camelot Village. Make a pit stop for some VT cheese sampling, too. Once you're belly's full and you can't hold another antique, enjoy the scenic drive back with the windows down.
... said Heather on Jul 8, 2014 at 10:58 AM | link
A picnic at Thacher Park followed up with a hike. Beautiful spot.
... said colleen on Jul 8, 2014 at 11:42 AM | link
Mohonk Mountain House and climbing in the Gunks.
... said Abe on Jul 8, 2014 at 11:59 AM | link
My favorite day trip during the summer is going to visit my parents. Since they spend the winters in Florida I cherish every minute I get to spend with them & share this time with our 3 1/2 yr old & the Grandparents!!
... said Holly on Jul 8, 2014 at 12:27 PM | link
Prospect Park in Troy, but not the part everyone goes to, the wooded underbelly.
... said Anasha on Jul 8, 2014 at 1:33 PM | link
Hope they do river trips like this more often! I have been meaning to make the trip down to Hudson, hear it is a great place to hang out.
... said Tom on Jul 8, 2014 at 1:48 PM | link
Train to north creek! Pie at Sarah's bakery, little shopping and a hike on gore mountain!
... said Heather on Jul 8, 2014 at 4:17 PM | link
Clark Art, Williamstown. Art.
... said Kevin on Jul 9, 2014 at 4:58 PM | link