Drawing: Hidden City House and Garden Tour 2017 + gift certificate for El Mariachi
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
The annual Hidden City House & Garden Tour is coming up June 22 in Albany. The self-guided tour, organized by the Historic Albany Foundation and the Center Square Association, gives people a look at some of the beautiful gardens and historic homes in the Center Square/Hudson/Park neighborhood.
We have a pair of tickets for the tour to give them way. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE: We're also throwing in a $30 gift certificate to El Mariachi.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
What's on your local summer "to do" list?
It could be a day trip. It could be eating something specific. It could be whatever. We'll draw one winner at random. That person gets the tickets and gift certificate.
The Hidden City House & Garden Tour is Thursday, June 22 from 5-8 pm. Tickets are currently $15 and available online.
Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday, June 9, 2017 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 Tuesday.
HAF advertises with AOA, and AOA is a media sponsor of the Hidden City House & Garden Tour.
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Comments
My summer to-do is spending as much time on outdoor patios at local bars and restaurants as is humanly possible.
... said Jordan on Jun 8, 2017 at 12:08 PM | link
My 'Summer must do' is take a day trip to LakeTaghkanic State Park. I went there as a kid, took my own kids when they were small, and even though it's gone through some changes since, it's still one place that means Summer to me. (Once a Summer is enough).
... said capgirl on Jun 8, 2017 at 12:13 PM | link
Hikes at Thatcher Park :)
... said Irene on Jun 8, 2017 at 12:50 PM | link
Go on a kayak/camping trip.
... said Kerry on Jun 8, 2017 at 12:57 PM | link
Day trips! My favorite thing about Albany is its proximity to so many other great destinations.
... said AM on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM | link
A tour of the small breweries- S&S, Suarez, Sloop, Wolfs Hollow, etc.
... said vwbugman on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM | link
My summer to do is: hike as many ADK High Peaks as possible, eat as much Kurver's Ice Cream as possible, and eat Kay's Pizza as much as possible!
... said Linda on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:09 PM | link
Hike Hadley Mountain!
... said daleyplanit on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:14 PM | link
To spend a warm day on Lake George.
... said Diana on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:21 PM | link
Commit to a daily practice of nature sketching, even if it's just the weeds in my own "hidden garden."
... said chrisck on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:28 PM | link
Soak up the sun in Washington Park
... said MM on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:37 PM | link
Top entry on my summer to do list: book (and then plan) my capital region wedding!
... said N on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:44 PM | link
Looking forward to warm weather and maybe hitting a beach : )
... said marie on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:45 PM | link
Looking forward to warm weather and park playhouse!!
... said marie on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:46 PM | link
My boyfriend and I created a whole "Summer Kick It List" (he thought bucket list sounded too ominous). Some highlights include picnics, kayaking, and making our own homemade ice cream. :)
... said Ellie on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:52 PM | link
Our summer to do for this year is to spend as much time as we can outdoors and by the pool with out toddler
... said Anisa on Jun 8, 2017 at 1:54 PM | link
The track, for sure.
... said C. on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:33 PM | link
Heading up to see Shelving Rock Falls
... said Adam on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:34 PM | link
Ice cream at Tastee Freez
... said k on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:35 PM | link
I want to go to Watkins Glen this year!
... said Megan on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:38 PM | link
When the kids are out of school we have "Humpday Lunchday" where we hit a new restaurant every week. We always manage to find some keepers. (Many of them we read about here at AOA!)
... said Ali M on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:42 PM | link
On my summer to do list is swim, kayak, cycle, tennis, camping and lots of out door fun with friends!
... said Marjorie on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:53 PM | link
I MUST get to the Wild Center this year! Top of my list!
... said Tess Lecuyer on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:56 PM | link
New to the Capital Region! Live Summer Music events and hopefully see the horses race in Saratoga!
... said Charlie on Jun 8, 2017 at 3:05 PM | link
Spending time at camp on Sacandaga Lake and going to Rod Stewart/Cyndi Lauper Concert at SPAC
... said Susan D on Jun 8, 2017 at 3:10 PM | link
I want to spend more time reading in the park this summer. It's been a really long time since I finished a book. I also strive to have Ben and Jerry's waffle cone or a bubble tea from Teassertz at least twice a week and have a drink on the stoop and people watch on Lark St often.
... said Erika on Jun 8, 2017 at 3:11 PM | link
Taking advantage of the many open air free concerts this summer! From Alive at Five, to Rockin on the River, Brown's Summer Sessions, and now Cohoes is getting in the game! Exciting!
... said Eric on Jun 8, 2017 at 3:54 PM | link
Explore the Great Sacandaga Lake!
... said C on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:08 PM | link
County fairs!
... said Saurabh on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:12 PM | link
Everything! There are so many amazing events and activities going on in Albany during the warm weather months. My goal for the summer is to stay out of the house and explore as much of the city as I can!
... said candace on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:13 PM | link
Go camping every chance I get. Starting with this weekend!
... said Megan McLoughlin on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:15 PM | link
Kayaking at Grafton State Park!
... said Moe on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:22 PM | link
The thing I am looking forward to most this summer is all the summer concerts and getting out and camping and hiking
... said Annie on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:38 PM | link
See more live music -- with my family!
... said chris reach on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:44 PM | link
Biking, making preserves and enjoying the weather and out of doors as much as possible.
... said Terrell on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:47 PM | link
Visiting Edna St. Vincent Millay's Steepletop.
... said Jennifer on Jun 8, 2017 at 5:07 PM | link
Spend more time outside in the garden.
... said Michele Walcek on Jun 8, 2017 at 5:36 PM | link
The thing I want to do this summer is hike Snowy and Wakely Mountains. I'm doing the firetower challenge and would love to get them both out of the way.
... said Kate on Jun 8, 2017 at 5:36 PM | link
I wait all winter to play in the dirt in my yard!!
... said Suzanne Galib on Jun 8, 2017 at 5:59 PM | link
The Arkell museum. This is the areas best kept secret.
... said Sue A on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:01 PM | link
Strawberry picking and probably Kay's
... said Shaun on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:02 PM | link
Hiking in the Adirondacks!
... said Tom on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:03 PM | link
Hitting up grafton lake.
... said Vaness on Jun 8, 2017 at 8:43 PM | link
Having ice cream at Tastee Freeze!
... said Amanda S. on Jun 8, 2017 at 8:54 PM | link
I want to spend at least one day sitting in a beach chair by a lake (Grafton perhaps ) and just relaxing and reading a book.
... said Karen on Jun 8, 2017 at 9:11 PM | link
Days on the gorgeous beach at Schroon Lake top our list. And gin and tonics on our deck overlooking my wife's garden are a fine substitute if we can make it to SL.
... said r on Jun 8, 2017 at 9:25 PM | link
Having ice cream at Tastee Freeze!
... said Amanda S. on Jun 8, 2017 at 9:33 PM | link
Instill in my children the importance of community and help them to realize they live in a wonderful place that has so much to offer.
... said Brian Humphrey on Jun 8, 2017 at 11:29 PM | link
The 4th of July Parade in Alplaus and fireworks at the Plaza!
... said Mia on Jun 8, 2017 at 11:34 PM | link
Warm weather means more ice cream!
... said Nomi on Jun 9, 2017 at 12:29 AM | link
Find great spots to chill and explore throughout NYS,
Some gardening and hiking, drinking lemonade.
Also take my mom to the garden tour!
... said Liz on Jun 9, 2017 at 1:23 AM | link
Drive my brothers Corvette with the top down
... said Dave on Jun 9, 2017 at 4:43 AM | link
A summer evening, Listening to the beautiful sounds of the Philadelphia Orchestra on the lawn at SPAC! A starry night, a glass of wine and amazing music - it's my favorite!
... said Maryhelen Lounello on Jun 9, 2017 at 6:53 AM | link
Finish building the deck, refinish some furniture while the windows are open, refinish floors after a remodel from a few years ago (again, while we can air out house), paint some rooms, paint garage (bought paint last year and I couldn't deal with heat after working in it), replace inefficient exterior door in a new opening, fence in back yard...go to Albany Garden Tour for relaxation!
... said Laura on Jun 9, 2017 at 7:34 AM | link
Our weekly favorite summer activity is to do a 'happy hour walk' of Albany. We pick a 6-mile neighborhood route and split it up with a halfway stop at a local pub in the city of Albany.
... said Angela C on Jun 9, 2017 at 7:46 AM | link
Visit Fort Ticonderoga with my history loving kids.
... said Silvia M Lilly on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:45 AM | link
At the top of my summer to-do list is spending a whole day out in Troy. I'd start with a drink at the Hill at Muza, followed by some beers on the back patio of The Ruck while playing a game of XL Jenga. Then I'd head to Sunhee's for lunch, and hit up the Dutch Udder for a treat!
... said Tara on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:51 AM | link
Taking in the Victoria Pool at Saratoga State Park. Heavenly.
... said Margie C on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:52 AM | link
grilling in the backyard
enjoying our CSA share
working on our garden
... said R on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:53 AM | link
Hiking in the Adirondacks!
... said Ron on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:02 AM | link
Driving and taking a dip in one of the many beautiful watering holes up and down the Northway.
... said Sarah on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:07 AM | link
Outdoor rock climbing in the ADKs!
... said Alyssa S on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:12 AM | link
Hikes all around the area! We're so lucky to have so much nature within a short distance, and I want to take full advantage of it during the all-too-short lovely weather.
... said Gabby on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:44 AM | link
Paddle and fish as many creeks as possible!
... said Suzanna on Jun 9, 2017 at 10:51 AM | link
hiking in the area, eating tons of ice cream, and traveling (Lake George, more upstate NY, Smorgasburg in Kingston)
... said daf on Jun 9, 2017 at 11:17 AM | link
Grafton Lake, Moxie's in Wynantskill
... said Liz on Jun 9, 2017 at 12:57 PM | link
So much To Do's this summer! Camping somewhere with a campfire and stars and smores! I definitely hope to take more advantage of Alive at Five and the plays in Washington park. Taking my bike out to some of the bike paths around the state and getting some long rides in. Going to a drive in movie at least once. And definitely taking my dog out for some summer hikes and swims.
... said Melissa on Jun 9, 2017 at 1:51 PM | link
TO DO: Gardening, bonfiring, camping, hiking, swimming, biking, sun soaking, relaxing, and more!
... said Rebecca G on Jun 9, 2017 at 2:04 PM | link
Camping at Cherry Plain -- my favorite weekend of the year!
... said Bob W. on Jun 9, 2017 at 2:32 PM | link
There is so much of Troy and Albany that I have yet to explore! My summer to-do includes trips to the Troy Farmer's Market and finding new hiking trails.
... said Samantha on Jun 9, 2017 at 2:38 PM | link
Going to climb some firetowers
... said Ryan on Jun 9, 2017 at 3:50 PM | link
The various summer concert series and late night bonfires!
... said Matt on Jun 9, 2017 at 3:58 PM | link
A day trip to Woodstock!
... said Tori on Jun 9, 2017 at 4:30 PM | link
Moxie's, Kay's, and a day trip to the Clark.
... said Jennifer on Jun 9, 2017 at 5:09 PM | link
My summer list includes checking out Capital Region farmer's markets, local fairs, outdoor concerts and art galleries.
... said Sue Gallo on Jun 9, 2017 at 5:13 PM | link
A day lounging in the sun and swimming at one of the pools at Saratoga Spa State Park - either Victoria Pool or Peerless Pool will do.
... said Tanya T on Jun 9, 2017 at 6:46 PM | link
start and finish an entire book while at the beach
... said Marshall on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:29 PM | link
Cycling all around Albany and discovering new places.
... said Scott on Jun 12, 2017 at 10:48 PM | link