Drawing: EMPAC fall 2016 pick three + The Hill at Muza gift card
From top to bottom: Kate Soper's Ipsa Dixit, Lapalux, Jlin, and Hypercube by Charles Atlas.
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
The fall 2016 season at EMPAC recently started up, and as usual, the schedule includes all sorts of performances -- new things, different things, thought-provoking things. And you could go to three of these performances for free.
As we did last year, we're having a drawing in which the winner gets a pair of tickets to three performances on the EMPAC fall schedule -- winner's choice. It could three music events. Or it could two performances you're sure you'll like, plus one thing you'd like to give a shot. Or it could just be three things you pick at random with an eye toward trying something new. It's up to you.
BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE: The winner will also get a $100 gift card to The Hill at Muza in Troy. It's a sister restaurant to Muza and touts itself as "a bar, a beer garden, a European staycation."On Saturday Sept. 10, from 4 The Hill at Muza is hosting a Polish treehouse birthday party to celebrate their first anniversary.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
What's something new or different locally that you tried for the first time during this year and ended up liking or were happy you tried it?
It could be a place to eat that was new to you. Or maybe it was a visit to someplace different. Or maybe it was a change in routine or attitude. The range of answers is very wide. We'll draw one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Monday, September 12, 2016 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 10 am on September 13 and must respond by noon on Wednesday, September 14.
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Comments
Seitan wings at The Ruck
... said Casey on Sep 8, 2016 at 10:56 AM | link
I was pretty committed to the idea the veggie burgers had to be "gross," but one day, feeling a little bit too gelatinous for an indulgent lunch, I decided to give Druther's beet-based veggie burger a try. I love it so much better than pretty much any beef burger -- and I don't even like beets!
... said Nicole on Sep 8, 2016 at 11:33 AM | link
Took a painting class at the Albany Art Room. I'm no Picasso, but it was fun and I didn't totally suck at it.
... said chrisck on Sep 8, 2016 at 11:36 AM | link
Finally got around to trying some of the local food trucks (wow, slidin dirty deserves their rep... they have some tasty noms.)
... said Vince on Sep 8, 2016 at 11:40 AM | link
Jumpin Jacks - as a transplant it had no nostalgia factor for me, I was happy to check it out and enjoyed it for what it was
... said Adam on Sep 8, 2016 at 11:40 AM | link
Played golf at a different areas golf course every weekend this summer.
... said Reasonably Qualified on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:19 PM | link
Made it to Opus 40 in Saugerties - an amazing sculpture in the landscape. A great day trip!
... said Kaitlyn on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:34 PM | link
It's not new to the area, but we finally made our way up to SPAC for a concert this summer, after 10 years in the area. Glad to have done it and look forward to going back next year!
... said s on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:38 PM | link
Trinbago Caribbean restaurant in Albany. My husband had been wanting to try jerk chicken for a while so we decided to hit up Trinbago. Our party of three ended up with a Caribbean feast. Wow!! So glad we went.
... said Alyse on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:40 PM | link
The avocado fries at Sliding Dirty in Troy!
... said Moe on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:44 PM | link
We finally got to Druthers in Albany and it did not disappoint.
... said Chris R. on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:47 PM | link
I tried some new swimming holes, and found them delightful.
... said Jackers on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:47 PM | link
The Mohawk River sections of the Mohawk-Hudson bikeway. I'd been up and down the Hudson section dozens of times, but parts along the Mohawk are absolutely gorgeous in the summer.
... said Matt on Sep 8, 2016 at 12:49 PM | link
Berben Wolff's
... said ab on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:05 PM | link
After a number of years of having more than a slight fear of heights, I broke the cycle and climbed not one but three fire towers last weekend.
There are three more planned for this Saturday and Sunday!
... said J on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:21 PM | link
There are so many free events in the capital district area it makes my head swim trying to decide when and where to go see all the great artists in the area. Washington park was fun when a group of us got together with a picnic basket and watch the shows for free. Albany rocks
... said Mia on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:26 PM | link
Finally made it to Kuma Ani!
Wish I had gone sooner - such good sushi!
... said Tess on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:33 PM | link
Went to the Park Playhouse for the first time this year and it was spectacular. I can't believe I've been missing out on this for so long!
... said Katie on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:35 PM | link
After living in the capital district for five years, I finally got a library card! The Sanford library in Colonie is awesome, my toddler loves it, and you can get free e-books on the kindle with a library card. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
... said mandy on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:40 PM | link
Climbing Crane Mountain and swimming in the pond afterwards!
... said julie on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:41 PM | link
Courtesy of AOA went to a Valley Cats game for the first time and it was a blast. Vamos gatos!
... said Rebecca on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:45 PM | link
Blaze Pizza and Muddaddy Flats - love that they have GF and vegan cheese options!
... said Jay Pea on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:54 PM | link
Jamaican food (the Dutch Pot). I thought everything would be too spice heavy for me, but it was delicious.
... said Jenna on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:55 PM | link
Tubing!!!
... said Ron on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:06 PM | link
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
Troy Kitchen
Galleria 7
The Hill at Muza...
... said Ed on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:09 PM | link
Ethiopian food at the wine bar in Albany.. and it was amazing!
... said Tiffany Z. on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:12 PM | link
Moxies ice cream. I'd always heard about it but never been till this year. Totally worth the hype.
... said Kaira on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:14 PM | link
Iced coffee.
I never drank iced coffee before, and now I'm an iced coffee junkie.
Gotta go. Need some iced coffee.
... said Rob on Sep 8, 2016 at 2:35 PM | link
cave music !
... said spencer on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:06 PM | link
Shmaltz! Totally cool brewery with outdoor games and tasty ðŸ»
... said Jess on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:22 PM | link
I finally tried the breakfast burrito at Honest Weight , because they have GLUTEN FREE ONES!!! I am new to having to be gluten free due to health reasons, stopped in on Saturday saw they had gluten free breakfast burritos and literally jumped up and down , before people noticed. LOL. I heard all about the bfast burritos but was like, "yeah, well they have gluten."....until last weekend! ! Hooray for GF burrito options, hope to see more in the Cap Region!!
... said HAPPYGFGIRL on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:23 PM | link
I visited the Excelsior Pub (located at 54 Philip Street, not far from the State Museum) for the first time this year, and have been a semi-regular ever since. Their concept, which is to serve only NYS beers wine and spirits, accompanied by Upstate NY food items such as Chicken Spiedies and Gargage Plate) on the menu, has won me over.
... said Michael H on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:38 PM | link
Bozenkill Preserve
... said Su on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:52 PM | link
Troy Kitchen and Tampopo Ramen. :)
... said C. on Sep 8, 2016 at 3:58 PM | link
Instead of just going to Thacher Park, Peebles Island and Grafton all the time (which are all awesome), I've been to arboretums, various nature preserves, mountains, streams, sculpture gardens...Really made an effort to see new stuff.
... said Adam on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:08 PM | link
I very much enjoyed my first time at the Enchanted City in Troy this summer!
... said Marcie on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:27 PM | link
Just tried zip lining at Mountain Ridge Adventures. That was Fuuuu- Unn!
... said Julie on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:28 PM | link
Finally went out to find some good local ice cream this summer -The Snowman in Troy was the winner!
... said Barbara on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:28 PM | link
Spent a day at Storm King Arts center. Very cool.
... said fuddley on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:30 PM | link
Went to the Troy kitchen & the shop, both cool food venues!
... said Michelle on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:44 PM | link
Harvest Spirit's "AppleJack" - dangerous but wow!
Ama Cocina's "Chicken Liver" tacos - same as above
... said Josh K on Sep 8, 2016 at 4:51 PM | link
1) Lunched a few times at Whole Foods' "salad bar" which includes an assortment of international dishes (hot and cold foods). 2) Took a day off from work for New York State Animal Advocacy Day, which was very worthwhile. 3) Made every summer Tuesday night "Greek Night" by getting greek food from the local farmers market on Tuesday nights.
... said Cynthia Freedman on Sep 8, 2016 at 5:35 PM | link
I tried the bagels and coffee at Wired in Malta. The place is awesome! The bagels are delicious and the coffee is strong. I'm hooked.
... said Becky on Sep 8, 2016 at 5:49 PM | link
I tried wining and dining under the stars during the amazing musical Chicago at Park Playhouse in Washington Park. I have the hat to prove it!
... said James on Sep 8, 2016 at 6:08 PM | link
Seeing some films at the Madison theater.
... said Shaun on Sep 8, 2016 at 6:16 PM | link
Rock climbing at the Edge. It was such a cool place to learn a new skill.
... said Kim on Sep 8, 2016 at 6:20 PM | link
Swifty's deep fried buffalo burger....wow was it amazing!
... said Vicky on Sep 8, 2016 at 7:20 PM | link
I tried the $195/pound (yes, that's right) rare charcuterie at The Cheese Traveler. Indescribably good and worth every penny!
... said Marshall on Sep 8, 2016 at 7:31 PM | link
Carpooling. Turns out -- it's kind of nice to take a day off from driving!
... said jayme on Sep 8, 2016 at 10:05 PM | link
Rail trail in Delmar
... said Cliff on Sep 8, 2016 at 10:28 PM | link
Stayed at the YMCA's Silver Bay resort on northern Lake George. I never knew it existed. Kind of like Summer Camp but for whole families, Huge facility, right on the lake with boats.tons of activities (all included). Anyone can go.
Lots of great answers here!
... said Albany Landlord on Sep 9, 2016 at 12:04 AM | link
Improv class at Albany Improv - great experience!
... said E on Sep 9, 2016 at 12:17 AM | link
I just realized that I don't think I did a whole lot of new things this year - I need to remedy that asap!
... said Kate on Sep 9, 2016 at 6:42 AM | link
I tried the Beer Diviner .... a great local brewery out in my neck of the woods.
... said Chris on Sep 9, 2016 at 7:08 AM | link
Avocado fries at Ama Cocina in Albany!
... said Amanda on Sep 9, 2016 at 8:25 AM | link
Seeing a live show at Madison Theater. Awesome experience.
... said Michael on Sep 9, 2016 at 8:27 AM | link
Tried both Ama Cocina and Troy Kitchen. I liked them both.
... said Bob on Sep 9, 2016 at 8:39 AM | link
Suarez Family Brewing, a new brewery located in Hudson, NY, opened their doors and released their first beers this year. I've tried each brew I can get my hands on (usually at The Belly on New Scotland), and all of their beers I've tasted so far are just phenomenal. This is no surprise, considering the owner once worked for Hill Farmstead. I'm so happy to have him here in NY, and am looking forward to taking a trip to their tasting room soon.
... said Tara on Sep 9, 2016 at 8:46 AM | link
Fried Smelts at City Beer Hall!
... said boya3706 on Sep 9, 2016 at 9:32 AM | link
Finally made it to the part of the Mohawk-Hudson bike path that's in Niskayuna, and loved it! Can't believe I never ran/biked there before.
... said KM on Sep 9, 2016 at 10:09 AM | link
I ate/drank many things in Troy this year - The Shop, Troy Kitchen, The Hill -- all of them fabulous.
... said Ari on Sep 9, 2016 at 10:25 AM | link
Muza!
... said Matt on Sep 9, 2016 at 11:06 AM | link
Kimchi fried rice @ Sunhee's farm and kitchen 95 ferry street troy, ny. My wife and I always ate the bipimbap, but then last week we tried the kimchi fried rice holy amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
... said josh on Sep 9, 2016 at 12:25 PM | link
Authentic Korean food at Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen in Troy!! It's safe to say Bimbimbop & Kimchi Fried Rice have changed my life for the better, plus the culture & social mission of this establishment makes it even more special!
... said Jamie on Sep 9, 2016 at 12:34 PM | link
I loved trying Poke at Troy Kitchen! Any all of their other restaurant vendors, too! Great concept for Troy and glad is working so well.
... said Annmarie Lanesey on Sep 9, 2016 at 1:07 PM | link
The Troy Children's Science Museum. It's small but totally entertaining for the whole family. Loved learning about the Hudson River along with the opportunity to build a house with my son for an hour in the theater room.
... said Cristina on Sep 9, 2016 at 1:40 PM | link
TapAsia on Lark!
... said Jbird on Sep 9, 2016 at 2:17 PM | link
After years of not cycling and practically forgetting how to, I bought a bike at Troy Bike Rescue. Great place.
... said Laura Cardwell on Sep 9, 2016 at 3:25 PM | link
Poutine! I know it's not technically from the area but it's pretty popular around these parts. Never had it ever, till I brought my sister in law to The Shop on her visit this summer. I don't know how I lived this long without it.
... said Kizzi on Sep 9, 2016 at 3:33 PM | link
The lobster roll at Troy Kitchen. Worth every penny! Delicious!
... said Shannon M. on Sep 9, 2016 at 3:35 PM | link
I moved to Troy! Never thought that'd happen, but I love it and can't imagine leaving any time soon.
... said acw on Sep 9, 2016 at 4:22 PM | link
Does Chatham Brewery count as being local enough? They have delicious brews and a wonderful food truck parked nearby which uses a bunch of local ingredients. More locally I was able to try Cider Belly Donuts which are amazing!!!! Oh, and I got spoiled at The Speakeasy with amazing servers, bartenders, performers, drinks, and live band! No phones allowed either.
... said Katie on Sep 9, 2016 at 5:33 PM | link
The Big Dipper in Wynantskill, they have the best fish fry!
... said Megan on Sep 9, 2016 at 8:16 PM | link
i got up my courage, read the tide tables and launched my kayak solo from the Hudson River launch just down the road from my house.
... said Megan M on Sep 9, 2016 at 11:04 PM | link
Madison road diet
... said JES on Sep 10, 2016 at 8:15 AM | link
Ama Cocina, the new Rail Trail and Troy Kitchen, tried all, loved all!
... said Amy on Sep 10, 2016 at 1:01 PM | link
I have become addicted to Heartspace Yoga in Albany and Troy. Their classes, instructors and atmosphere melt away stress and build your confidence.
... said Julia on Sep 10, 2016 at 1:07 PM | link
After years of being irritated by garbage left by morons hikers, I started bringing a garbage bag with me out on hikes and cleaning it up. I was actually more annoyed with myself for trying to ignore it, so two problems solved at once!
... said katya on Sep 10, 2016 at 9:02 PM | link
Finally kayaked down the Kinderhook River from East Nassau to Brainard after two days of big rain this July. It was a two hour roller coaster ride through so much natural beauty that most will never see; I was scared half to death pretty much most of the time when I wasn't completely scared to death. When it was done I wanted to do it again.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Sep 11, 2016 at 2:09 PM | link
K-Plate at Troy Kitchen and Hot Dog Grilled Cheese at Brown Bag
... said Nina Lee on Sep 11, 2016 at 2:39 PM | link
Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen! Every dish I've tried at this place is delicious and the staff is so kindhearted.
... said Melissa Bromley on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:40 PM | link
Ali Baba in Troy. Awesome Turkish food!
... said Tom on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:55 PM | link
Renovated a kitchen in Troy
... said AH on Sep 11, 2016 at 8:13 PM | link
The trails at Frear Park. The Frear Park Conservancy has marked some great trails. Very accessible and lots of neat little waterfalls.
... said Jim on Sep 11, 2016 at 8:50 PM | link
Octopus at Fish at 30 Lake.. and it was delicious.
... said BRIT on Sep 12, 2016 at 10:56 AM | link
Due to being on jury duty in Troy over the summer I had lunch at several restaurants that I otherwise never would have gone to. I now have a bunch of new favorite places to eat.
... said Amy on Sep 12, 2016 at 1:04 PM | link
Road the Zim Smith Trail in Malta. Wish it was all paved, but great trail!
... said vwbugman on Sep 12, 2016 at 1:41 PM | link
Living in downtown Albany (after many years further out) and loving it!
... said Nomi on Sep 12, 2016 at 2:30 PM | link
We joined a local organization with the intention of improving our community and strengthening the connections between people in it. Our first event is on October 9th.
... said Nicholas Kopp on Sep 13, 2016 at 12:29 PM | link