Drawing: Hidden City House & Garden Tour + Lark Street goodies
One of the gardens on this year's tour was frequented by FDR while he was Governor.
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
The Historic Albany Foundation's annual Hidden City House & Garden Tour is coming up in and around the Center Square neighborhood. Beautiful, historic homes and gardens will open as people go on a self-guided tour through the streets around Lark Street.
AOA has a pair of tickets for the tour -- and a basket of Lark Street goodies -- to give away. The prize package includes:
+ A pair of tickets to the Hidden City House & Garden Tour
+ Three $20 gift certificates to The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark (gift certificates must be used separately)
+ Two $5 gift cards to The Brakes Coffee House on Lark Street.
+ A bottle of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut champagne from Capital Wine at the corner of State and Lark.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
Hidden gardens are lovely. What else is lovely?
We pass by things that are lovely everyday. If we're used to them, we may not notice, but sometimes they stop us in our tracks. Tell us about something you find lovely. Bonus points
if you tell us what makes it lovely in your eyes.
We'll draw one winner at random.
The Hidden City House & Garden Tour is Thursday, June 25 from 5-8 pm. The tour includes historic homes, backyard gardens, and some community gardens that are part of Capital Roots. Advance tickets are $15 and available online. After June 20, tickets are $20.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Thursday, June 11, 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 noon on Friday and must respond by noon on Monday, June 15.
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Comments
The family of finches in my hanging plant are lovely!!
... said heather on Jun 10, 2015 at 10:54 AM | link
I love it when I notice a beautiful bit of architecture on a building that I pass all the time but never have noticed. Some beautiful trim or a small stained glass window. It just reminds you that there's beauty everywhere--you just need to look for it.
... said Nomi on Jun 10, 2015 at 10:59 AM | link
I, too, love the historic architecture and the beautiful plantings in Albany, but I find that I look twice at the lovely sight of children playing outside. These days, in our ever-changing world, the sight of children outdoors is rare--it makes me think of running wild playing with my brother and our cousins. Gail
... said Gail Rochette on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:06 AM | link
My kids!
... said Chris R. on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:07 AM | link
The small architectural details - carved lions, flowers and assorted critters that can be seen all over the city if you just pay attention. Small amazing stained glass over doorways. Old iron railings flowing into patterns. Bits of loveliness stamped on Albany a century or more ago...
... said Tess on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:10 AM | link
Walking the dog around Delaware Ave. before 6 a.m.
... said Nick on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:12 AM | link
Eating dinner outside on a nice summer night.
... said Sita on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:12 AM | link
My wife is lovely!
... said Ron on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:16 AM | link
lazy summer sundays
... said Julie on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:18 AM | link
Albany's tree lined (and finally green!) streets are quite lovely this time of the year.
... said GJ on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:21 AM | link
The Central Park Rose Garden once the flowers bloom!
... said Laura on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:26 AM | link
Hidden gardens ARE lovely, and so are Community Gardens! I'm so happy to be a part of the Capital Roots community garden on Hudson in Center Square. Yay for Historic Albany Foundation for what I'm sure will be a great event, and for partnering this season Capital Roots, too!
... said Laura M. on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:32 AM | link
Arsenal winning the FA cup!
... said Geoff on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:38 AM | link
From Dictionary.com
Lovely: having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye
I think one of the most lovely sights is the view of Downtown Albany at dusk, as you come over the Patroon Island Bridge towards the city. The daylight fading behind the skyline, reflecting off the river...It is so 'home' to me...
... said capgirl on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:39 AM | link
My dad :) Father's Day is right around the corner!
... said Sam on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:40 AM | link
Washington Park in the summertime. My fiance proposed to me there last year!
... said SS on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:40 AM | link
The way the sun hits the State Ed. building around dusk. It manages to find the gap between Alfred E. Smith and the Legislative Office Building and illuminates the corner of the building in this gorgeous orange glow.
... said Katie on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:41 AM | link
Walking from my apartment to get Ben and Jerry's ice cream on Lark on a hot summer night.
... said Claire on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:41 AM | link
People smiling at others sharing that brief moment of kindness.
... said Heather on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:42 AM | link
The smell of blooming honeysuckle in the summer
... said Jordan Byrd on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:54 AM | link
Breakfast at Saratoga race course.
... said John M. on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:55 AM | link
Exploring Albany on foot on a weekend morning, when the city isn't all a bustle and one can take in the historic architecture, patches of greenery, small coffee shops, and specialty stores.
... said Liz on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:58 AM | link
Grilling outside in the summer!
... said Kerry on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:00 PM | link
I find Albany particularly lovely in the spring with the many flowering trees in bloom. The ephemeral nature of bud, then bloom, and then inevitable decay is part of the fragile beauty.
... said chrisck on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:07 PM | link
There's a brownstone on State St on Washington Park that always has a flag out on display. On Federal holidays it's usually the American flag. Other times, it'll be the NY State flag, or an Albany county flag.
There aren't a lot of flags on State St. so this one always really jumps out at me. I love how it looks -- a nice visual anchor as to where you are on the block (and where you are in the country.)
But what I think is really lovely is not the sight of a flag. It's the rustling sound it makes against the 120-year-old building. You can hear it from almost a block away. I don't know why exactly, but I love it. It is one of my favorite mini-landmarks.
... said Sam on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:09 PM | link
Buckingham Pond
... said bb on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:11 PM | link
The baby robins living in the magnolia tree outside my apartment window.
... said Gina on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:14 PM | link
Roof gardens, and summertime evening walks.
... said Jenna on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:18 PM | link
I'm afraid I'm going to repeat what others have said. Community gardens, with all of their different plots and veggies and gardening styles are lovely, and reflect something wonderful about the community in the Capital Region.
... said Holly on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:19 PM | link
Having sunlight greet you in the morning, and then stay around until well passed work and dinnertime.
... said Amanda on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:25 PM | link
Long spring and summer days are lovely! Maybe this winter was just particularly bad, but every time I realize it is 7 pm and still light out I do a little happy dance inside.
... said Jennifer on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:43 PM | link
My pea shoots unfurling from wet soil!
... said Rachel A. on Jun 10, 2015 at 12:58 PM | link
The tiny buds that are forming on all of my vegetable plants on my stoop are lovely.
... said Katrina on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:00 PM | link
Boating down the Hudson from Albany to Troy.
... said Matt on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:07 PM | link
Cottonwood seed blowing on a gentle breeze in the golden light of the sun is lovely.
... said Kim Clune on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:20 PM | link
This sunshine today! (especially after the dreariness)
... said Jenn on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:23 PM | link
The NYS Capitol building because it stands as a symbol for progressive power of the past, present and future
... said Matthew on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:26 PM | link
The beautiful blossoming trees in my yard.
... said Sarah on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:27 PM | link
Old brick walls with chipped paint. The perfect backdrop for photos of my kids.
... said Jennifer on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:32 PM | link
Schenectady seems to get more rainbows than anywhere else I have been, except maybe Ireland. They often happen as I am leaving work, and the sun is hitting the right angle. You can't beat that!
... said Jessica R W on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:38 PM | link
Running down by the Hudson is lovely!
... said Susan on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:42 PM | link
A tree peony just hanging out in a garden. Any garden.
... said AB on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:56 PM | link
I think an evening stroll in the spring with someone you love or want to catch up with is quite lovely, because it engages your body, mind and spirit all at the same time.
... said Jessica on Jun 10, 2015 at 2:02 PM | link
It's lovely when all the neighbors start spending time on stoops when the weather gets nice!
... said Natalie on Jun 10, 2015 at 2:07 PM | link
Maria Popova, the queen of interestingly lovely ideas.
... said Shawn on Jun 10, 2015 at 2:31 PM | link
summertime evening in downtown troy :D
... said melisa on Jun 10, 2015 at 2:56 PM | link
Clear & cool summer nights.
... said AC on Jun 10, 2015 at 3:30 PM | link
The great architecture, the dog - friendly people and easy access to both Washington and Lincoln Parks is what makes Center Square lovely.
... said Ilene K. on Jun 10, 2015 at 4:16 PM | link
When a neighbor raises their eyes to meet mine with a genuine greeting rather than pretend they didn't hear my "good morning."
... said Kelly on Jun 10, 2015 at 4:34 PM | link
The people.
... said greg on Jun 10, 2015 at 6:25 PM | link
Little details in the architecture of the row houses along Troy's Washington Park area (and surrounding row houses) are so lovely! I always notice something new on my walks, whether it be a little bit of ivy scaling some of the walls or intricate carved designs on the exterior. I'm sad that I missed the hidden gardens tour in Troy a few weeks ago and would love to go to Albany's tour.
... said daf on Jun 10, 2015 at 6:34 PM | link
Patio time on Lark St!
... said EE on Jun 10, 2015 at 7:32 PM | link
Seeing people walking their dogs after work! Dog as have been home bound and their owners office bound, and both are just bursting with energy and happiness. Oh, and bird baths in gardens and yards are lovely too. The yard fauna just love them for both drinks and baths.
... said Wendy allen on Jun 10, 2015 at 7:36 PM | link
Budding flowers
... said Theresa on Jun 10, 2015 at 8:13 PM | link
My dog is lovely because I love him.
... said nicole on Jun 10, 2015 at 8:27 PM | link
I think the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Plaza is lovely!
... said Sue Dickson on Jun 10, 2015 at 8:43 PM | link
Washington Park at sunset
... said tjs on Jun 10, 2015 at 9:14 PM | link
A sunset and light summer breeze while reading a good book on the front porch.
... said Heather on Jun 10, 2015 at 9:19 PM | link
I find it lovely to watch a play at Washington Park Playhouse on a warm, summer evening. It's a magical experience.
... said Elaine Wieczorek on Jun 10, 2015 at 10:23 PM | link
The smell after it rains.
... said Rich on Jun 10, 2015 at 11:09 PM | link
Outdoor seating at restaurants. Nothing better than having the ability to eat just outside your favorite restaurants.
... said Levi on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:48 AM | link
So lovely!
When my moer was alive she had tea roses, lilacs,mint and rubarb. When my parents died it just went to weed , wilth bamboo type shoots! Nothing worked until we had it mowed . Too bad, it was a thing of beauty in it's time!
... said mg on Jun 11, 2015 at 2:04 AM | link
The changing colors of Washington Park--spring through fall.
... said Ann on Jun 11, 2015 at 7:45 AM | link
Terra cotta ornamentation on buildings like the Lake House in Washington Park
... said Christine on Jun 11, 2015 at 9:03 AM | link
Just being outside...
... said Jay on Jun 11, 2015 at 9:19 AM | link
I've spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital over the past year due to a chronic neurological illness. I am struck, each time I experience that first day of wellness, by the loveliness I witness just emerging back into my neighborhood.
(Also, the jizz trees on State St.)
... said Michelle on Jun 11, 2015 at 9:19 AM | link
The trails and waterfalls at Christman Sanctuary. So peaceful and serene.
... said Bob W. on Jun 11, 2015 at 10:04 AM | link
The order is lovely driving past Albany and Colonie landfills.
... said Rich on Jun 11, 2015 at 10:10 AM | link
The view of the sun setting from my center square apartment is lovely!!
... said katie a. on Jun 11, 2015 at 10:28 AM | link
All of the bird nests in our trees this spring! So much fun to watch them gathering and building them:)
... said ellen on Jun 11, 2015 at 11:13 AM | link
Anything that makes me pause and be happy - from a beautiful flower, to a striking shadow, to a happy baby or my smiling dog.
... said Michelle on Jun 11, 2015 at 11:27 AM | link
I think it's lovely that we have so much free outdoor musical entertainment in the capital regions; and, it's a lovely day for Alive at Five.
... said Graceful J on Jun 11, 2015 at 11:41 AM | link
My little postage stamp front garden which is filled with perennials that provide me with cut flowers for almost 6 months of the year.
... said Silvia Meder Lilly on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:04 PM | link
Watching the birds....
... said susan on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:19 PM | link
I think the Hudson River is lovely, despite the fact that she's been polluted, abused, neglected. (Don't we all have baggage?) Going down to Jenning's Landing and inhaling the sights, sounds, and (relatively) fresh air surrounding the River is underrated :)
... said Sabrina on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:30 PM | link
In reading all the previous comments trying to figure out what to say, I can relate and agree with the majority of comments. What I find lovely are the comments! It's so nice to hear the positive and what makes people smile about our area instead of the negatives. That's lovely!
... said Laura K. on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:50 PM | link
I think that the architecture of these historical homes in albany are Lovely. I love everything about them. The wood they used the glass on the windows. Just Lovely in my eyes and it never disappoints me!
... said Robin on Jun 11, 2015 at 1:23 PM | link
Spring weather in Albany!
... said Ellen on Jun 11, 2015 at 2:19 PM | link
Summer in new york is lovely! Especially on the water!!
... said Joanna on Jun 11, 2015 at 2:20 PM | link
The sound of Cohoes Falls after a strong, late-spring rain storm!
... said Adam C on Jun 11, 2015 at 3:07 PM | link
The Peony Festival at the Hildene in Manchester, VT. Absolutely beautiful!
... said Meg on Jun 11, 2015 at 3:09 PM | link
The sound and sight of children playing on the street... Lovely.
... said Joe A on Jun 11, 2015 at 3:39 PM | link
Spotting community gardens around town and seeing what other people are growing is lovely.
... said Michelle on Jun 11, 2015 at 3:55 PM | link
It's lovely sitting in the seats at Alive at Five listening to great free music, sampling the food and feeling the fresh summer breeze.
... said Janny on Jun 11, 2015 at 6:24 PM | link