AOA7 drawing: Fort Orange General Store, The Cheese Traveler, Saratoga Sweets Candy Co.
Drawing's closed!
The last prize of the week includes:
+ A $25 gift certificate to the Fort Orange General Store in Albany.
+ A $15 gift certificate and a tote bag from the The Cheese Traveler in Albany.
+ A basket of candy from Saratoga Sweets Candy Co. in Saratoga Springs: Chocolate bunny, jelly beans, chocolate eggs, etc. A $40 value.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
What's something in the Capital Region that lifts your spirits?
It could be something big, but we'd really like to know about those little things that brighten your day. A note from someone, the sight of flowers somewhere, maybe some food item. We'll draw one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday, March 27, 2015 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 5 pm on Monday and must respond by 5 pm on Tuesday, March 31.
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
sunset at Lake George.
... said Ben on Mar 26, 2015 at 5:49 PM | link
The weird elk/penny fountain inside the NYS Museum
... said Alanna on Mar 26, 2015 at 5:52 PM | link
This one is easy: walking my dog anywhere in the Capital Region lifts my spirits (and the dog's). Sometimes we drive to different neighborhoods just to take in the architecture, the gardens, and the unique vibes (and smells) of diverse neighborhoods.
... said chrisck on Mar 26, 2015 at 5:54 PM | link
1. Walk in washington park
2. Ice cream from snowman in Troy
3. Rolls from Prinzos on Delaware Ave. Albany
... said Dave R. on Mar 26, 2015 at 5:56 PM | link
Watching the sunrise from my balcony. I hate getting up early for work, but that view always brings a smile to my face.
... said julie on Mar 26, 2015 at 5:59 PM | link
When the farmers market returns to its outside venue. Nothing better than a lazy morning stroll in the warm sun while noshing on a chocolate croissant and shopping for fruits and veggies.
... said Leigh on Mar 26, 2015 at 6:06 PM | link
The Dove & Hudson bookstore.
... said Shaun on Mar 26, 2015 at 6:08 PM | link
The "albany's main st. "Sign as you come onto Delaware avenue.
... said Judith on Mar 26, 2015 at 6:10 PM | link
The Altamont Fair!
... said Jenn on Mar 26, 2015 at 6:17 PM | link
Nipper. :)
... said JayK on Mar 26, 2015 at 6:51 PM | link
The flower show....and it's this weekend!
... said Megan m on Mar 26, 2015 at 7:03 PM | link
A huge orange and vanilla twist from Snowman's! (great now I'm craving one...)
... said JB on Mar 26, 2015 at 7:31 PM | link
Driving back into Albany to visit with friends or to give a home visit for a massage :)
... said Sally on Mar 26, 2015 at 7:41 PM | link
A short walk in the woods always cheers me up. & the Pine Bush is great place for one.
... said Adam on Mar 26, 2015 at 7:51 PM | link
Have always enjoyed the productions of Albany Civic Theatre. Very talented group!
... said Joseph Palmer on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:11 PM | link
the transformation of downtown troy :) new store openings every couple months
... said esther on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:12 PM | link
My marvelous cat, "Trevor the Best Cat Ever" - who I adopted from Noah's Kingdom.
... said Eric Scheirer Stott on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:21 PM | link
snowshoeing at Capital Hills!
... said Marshall on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:25 PM | link
A small chocolate soft serve with chocolate sprinkles from Jumpin Jacks!!!
... said Laura on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:26 PM | link
The beautiful paintings that are on buildings and alleyways, and the occasional old advertising that can be seen on some old brick buildings make me imagine how the city looked in times long forgotten.
... said Megan on Mar 26, 2015 at 8:54 PM | link
Proximity to so much wonderful nature, in every direction
... said Nick on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:08 PM | link
Taking the family (dog included) to tastee Freeze
... said JG on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:25 PM | link
The view of Albany up the road from Walmart on Route 4 in East Greenbush at sunset.
... said Nina on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:25 PM | link
Eating on the outside patio at Druthers
... said Lauren on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:34 PM | link
Talking with Dan and browsing books at Dove & Hudson
... said Rae on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:36 PM | link
Right now? The *fabulous* cocktail last night at dp :-). ['French 25' - *highly* recommended!]
... said Ewan on Mar 26, 2015 at 9:46 PM | link
Seeng people outside in masse during Tulip Fest!
... said Zas1214 on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:06 PM | link
A walk at five rivers and the capital district garden show.
... said enough already! on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:14 PM | link
Late afternoon sunlight on the Capitol with a backdrop of those dramatic clouds we get here.
... said Laura M. on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:18 PM | link
swim holes!
... said Jenna on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:20 PM | link
Tulips. Especially when they first emerge because then we truly know it's Spring.
... said Abby on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:29 PM | link
An evening at Henry Hudson Park.
... said Tori on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:33 PM | link
Apple cider doughnuts, although I don't want to see them until the autumn. I am ready for soft serve right now!
... said E. on Mar 26, 2015 at 10:43 PM | link
a scoop from the ice cream man in greenwich!
... said Rich on Mar 26, 2015 at 11:16 PM | link
Thompson's Lake.
... said Luke on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:18 AM | link
Coming home via The Patroon Island Bridge or The Livingston Avenue Bridge and seeing the skyline - the lights, downtown, The Egg. That view is Home.
... said Summer CLEVENGER on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:46 AM | link
A walk at The Crossings in Colonie and seeing the ducks-geese-fish.
... said Dave on Mar 27, 2015 at 5:35 AM | link
The City Beer Hall.
... said Shawn on Mar 27, 2015 at 6:45 AM | link
Tulips in all the parks.
... said E on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:04 AM | link
Eggs Benedict from Iron Gate
... said Jordan B on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:28 AM | link
Nothing lifts my spirits quite like, well, spirits! So I'd go with some Ironweed Rye!
... said Jack C on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:45 AM | link
Walking outside for the farmer's market in Troy!
... said Paul on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:45 AM | link
live local music
... said spencer on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:45 AM | link
Not a thing per say........Meeting kind, genuine people that are not oblivious to others (make me smile). too many of the lately here in Albany. could be the long winter.
... said Mark L. on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:49 AM | link
A walk around Peebles island!
... said M on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:07 AM | link
Biking around on a warm summer night, especially downtown, in the magic hour between Rush and Drunken.
... said ethan on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:12 AM | link
That it finally smells like spring!
... said Jennifer on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:19 AM | link
Summer mornings down by the Hudson River.
... said Patrick Picou harrington on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:22 AM | link
The view at Thatcher Park.
... said Sean F. on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:25 AM | link
Walking along the Hudson River on a summer morning.
... said Patrick on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:25 AM | link
Proctor's Theatre
... said AC on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:30 AM | link
What lifts my spirits in Albany is that first bite of a perfect, hand-picked apple in the fall, and then that first sip from a tub of too-sweet festival lemonade when the weather warms up. At that first bite/first sip, I whisper to myself, "it's finally here," and remember all over again why I love Albany's change of seasons.
... said Nicole on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:39 AM | link
Finding a new amazing restaurant has moved into our area with an amazing chef....
Comfort Kitchen, Nibble, La Empanada Llama, New World Bistro....
... said boya3706 on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:42 AM | link
The first 60 degree day of spring
... said Dan on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:42 AM | link
When the final remnants of winter ice finally melt and my tulips crocuses start to push their way up.
... said Ann on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:43 AM | link
The smell of the pine trees in Washington Park, Albany.
... said Rachel on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:47 AM | link
An oldie, but a goodie- Tulip Fest/Pinkster Fest.
... said Julie on Mar 27, 2015 at 8:47 AM | link
The NY in Bloom flower show at the NYS Museum. It always picks me up after an Albany winter of varying shades of white and grey.
... said Silvia Meder Lilly on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:03 AM | link
Running into an old friend somewhere always makes my day. I was in Hannaford the other day and ran into a friend I had lost touch with. It was a lovely reunion and now we have reconnected!
... said Alisa on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:03 AM | link
No brainer...Raspberry Oatmeal Pancakes (from Cafe Madison)..I moved to North Carolina for a 2 year stint and this savory stack of amazing goodness might be the single most important thing that brought me back to the Capital District...but don't tell my boyfriend/friends/family :)
... said Abby on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:14 AM | link
Berry picking at Indian Ladder Farmers.
... said Amanda on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:25 AM | link
Spending time at the 'wee kitchen' at the St. Andrew's Society in Albany. Both the company and the scotch helps to lift ones' spirits!
... said James at 46 or so on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:27 AM | link
My family for sure!
... said Tammy on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:28 AM | link
troy farmer's market.
... said kelly on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:31 AM | link
Honestly, the Spectrum 8.
... said Cori on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:33 AM | link
What lifts my spirits is taking a walk in Albany's Washington Park. It is such a pretty, urban oasis. A jewel in any season!
... said Sandra on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:34 AM | link
Ice cream form Stewart's in the summer :)
... said RR on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:34 AM | link
Spending time with my family and friends at BBQ's.
... said Manny on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:34 AM | link
The great hiking trails and parks that our region has to offer!
... said Rita on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:35 AM | link
How the trees change from season to season.
... said Melanie M. on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:36 AM | link
The people. Everyone's nicer here. I hail from LI, which is a cesspool of miserable people.
... said Jay on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:41 AM | link
The wry, intelligent small conversations you can have with strangers in the parks and streets.
I have traveled all over the US. This is not a common thing!
... said Tess on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:41 AM | link
Quackenbush Square in Spring, when the tulips are up. Better still when I can have a pint at Olde English and sit in a sun beam.
... said Maeve on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:44 AM | link
Every once in a while, I see someone unicycling on Western Avenue (near the uptown UAlbany campus), and it never fails to crack me up (as well as amaze me--it looks hard!).
... said Gabby on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:48 AM | link
Walking around looking at all of Albanys beautiful historic homes and their stained glass windows.
... said Heather on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:50 AM | link
the sight of snow FINALLY melting in my front yard! SPRING (HAS TO?) BE NEAR!
... said AlbanyMD on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:52 AM | link
Strawberry picking at Best Berries in the Summer:)
... said Megan on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:54 AM | link
That first really warm sunny day, driving with your windows down, after the long cold winter! I've been looking forward to it for months!
... said Alicia on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:59 AM | link
Concerts at the Egg!!! Easy parking and intimate venue.
... said Ron on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM | link
By far, the public parks. We have beautiful parks, and I hope that the funding to upkeep them is never compromised. They add immense value to our quality of life.
... said Joe A on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:10 AM | link
A stone's throw from the outdoors!
... said Julie on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:12 AM | link
Watching my sons on the carousel at the NYS Museum. Heck, watching them explore almost anything in the NYS Museum makes me smile.
... said Bob W. on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:20 AM | link
When the tulips bloom in Washington Park, it lifts my spirits.
... said Debi on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:21 AM | link
Sporting events at UALBANY.
... said John M. on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:21 AM | link
All the beautiful tulips all over town- when they show up it is the true sign that winter is FINALLY over!
... said Susan on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:24 AM | link
Tulips in washington park and the various art installments that get placed around that city.
... said Sarah on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:29 AM | link
The way the light hits the State Ed. building in the evening. It shines just through Alfred E. Smith, the LOB, and the Capitol and catches the corner columns in this orange glow. I don't know why, but I just find it stunning.
... said Katie on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:33 AM | link
Rollerblading on the bike path.
... said Susan on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:47 AM | link
Spring skiing at Jiminy Peak lifts my spirits.
... said Cliff Zucker on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:52 AM | link
Running in Washington Park/Corning Preserve
... said Kerry on Mar 27, 2015 at 10:57 AM | link
I love going outside this last week and seeing people coming outside of their homes walking being social and enjoying the weather.
... said colleen on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:07 AM | link
When the food trucks start to come out at the plaza. I wait all winter for a good plate of grape leaves eaten in the park.
... said Trish on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:09 AM | link
Taking my kids to central park in Schenectady.
... said Becky on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:10 AM | link
There's a piano sitting in the concourse below the Empire State Plaza this month. Random people have been playing it. Some of them play really well. All of them lift my spirits.
... said Andy on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:27 AM | link
Walking around downtown early morning on weekends. It's so quiet and calm. You really get to take in the architecture and layout of the city without the noise and congestion of the 9-5'ers. Makes you realize how beautiful Albany really is.
... said Moira on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:31 AM | link
The smell of Cider Belly Doughnuts lifts one's spirits on a dreary workday downtown.
... said Graceful J on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:39 AM | link
Crocuses, daffodils and tulips in the Spring time!
... said Jessica R W on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:48 AM | link
Pizza and beer at Gastropub on a friday
... said Saraeee on Mar 27, 2015 at 11:50 AM | link
The sheer number of things to do/see/eat/drink at any given time.
... said ed on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:07 PM | link
Chicken and waffles and a mimosa for brunch at The City Beer Hall!
... said Amanda on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:08 PM | link
When the Farmer's Market moves outside for the season, and the first day comes along that it's actually warm enough to appreciate that.
... said Kizzi on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:12 PM | link
Troy's River Street Arts Festival
... said Rich on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:17 PM | link
a great yoga class at good karma always makes everything better. especially when there are beautiful crystals to impulse-buy afterwards.
... said eika on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:25 PM | link
I secretly like when I get the red light coming down Madison Ave at Eagle Street because I get to take a few moments to turn my head left and look at The Egg - just makes me smile!
... said Moe on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:28 PM | link
Meeting for lunch with friends at outdoor cafés.
... said Michelle on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:30 PM | link
Ice cream at scoops!
... said Amanda C on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:34 PM | link
walking around the outdoor farmers markets. Seeing people starting to use the parks.
... said Ab on Mar 27, 2015 at 12:41 PM | link
Happy Hour at LIONHEART!
... said Jennifer on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:05 PM | link
Ice Cream, Specifically Blue Moon from Moxies while sitting on the swings enjoying the beautiful summertime!
... said Caitlin on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:06 PM | link
The Ruck lifts my spirits and lowers my inhibitions.
... said Brian on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:08 PM | link
A visit to the Troy Farmers' Market puts my in a happy mood for the rest of the day!
... said Karen on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:16 PM | link
Learning something cool and new to me about our local history...
and so many times it comes from you AoA! (like the first time you told us about the Takk House, or the Bryan Stone)
... said capgirl on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:25 PM | link
Tulip Fest because that means summer is right around the corner!!
... said Lexi on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:41 PM | link
...bringing our pups to Capital Hills Golf Course for a stroll so that they can frolic with their friends!
... said Julia on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:45 PM | link
Running through Washington Park with my pup.
... said Liz on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:54 PM | link
Nine Pin outside on a nice day with a burger from the gastropub
... said brie on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:56 PM | link
The view across the Hudson river to the Catskills on my way home every day!
... said Kate on Mar 27, 2015 at 2:21 PM | link
Running through Washington Park with my pup.
... said Liz on Mar 27, 2015 at 2:59 PM | link
The flower petals they throw outside the Lark Street Flower Market!
... said AS on Mar 27, 2015 at 3:09 PM | link
I love how the lark street florist throws flower petals on the sidewalk every so often...it brightens up the sidewalk
... said Keri on Mar 27, 2015 at 3:22 PM | link
Enjoying a beer outside in the summer!
... said Adam on Mar 27, 2015 at 3:39 PM | link
Troy on Saturday afternoons in the Summer.
... said Heidi on Mar 27, 2015 at 3:48 PM | link
When on the way into work in the morning at the ESP a friendly face smiles and says Good Morning! That really makes my day.
... said Debra on Mar 27, 2015 at 3:57 PM | link
The Ruck in Troy with my co-teachers after a long week at school!
... said Kendle on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:01 PM | link
Last Vestige Music on Quail
... said El on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:01 PM | link
I like skateboarding down the hills near RPI on a sunny morning when its so quiet that the sound of the wheels rolling over the concrete and the wind are the loudest thing that I hear
... said George on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:02 PM | link
Alive at 5!
... said C. on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:17 PM | link
The woodsy part of the trails at the Crossings (Colonie) in the springtime.
... said Sabrina on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:31 PM | link
So many good/interesting parks and playgrounds.
... said Elizabeth on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:46 PM | link
Watching the sea of hundreds of resident crows flying through the late-afternoon sky!
... said Adam C on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:48 PM | link
All the free, outdoor summer concerts in the Tri-city area.
... said Sara Harmon on Mar 27, 2015 at 5:00 PM | link
Traveling towards Albany on the Dunn Memorial Bridge- I love that view of my city. Makes me smile every time.
... said CJ on Mar 27, 2015 at 5:32 PM | link
Summer afternoons at Thompson's Lake, followed by a visit to the Nature Center and the Escarpment (if we're not too tired). A close second: Oliver's Beverage Center on Colvin Ave.
... said Sandra on Mar 27, 2015 at 5:51 PM | link
Troy Farmer's market!
... said daf on Mar 27, 2015 at 6:08 PM | link
When the sun first starts setting after I get out of work downtown, and I turn to look at the buildings at the plaza lit up -- they catch the sun so well and convince me it will get warmer again.
... said ep on Mar 27, 2015 at 6:10 PM | link
All the spots to snowshoe! Thacher, pine bush, wilton, and more
... said tiffany on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:16 PM | link
This one's easy: AOA
You guys rule.
... said jess (jamesjake) on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:26 PM | link
Placid Baker: ham and cheese croissant
... said james b on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:27 PM | link
Seeing my beautiful river!
... said melissa m on Mar 27, 2015 at 7:57 PM | link
The veggies and other great foods at Whole Foods and Trader Joes in Colonie!
... said Lin on Mar 27, 2015 at 9:03 PM | link