A Perfect Summer Day in Kinderhook, Columbia County

Updated: July 2025

Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, Kinderhook, New York, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a summer day trip. From exploring historic sites to enjoying local cuisine, here’s how to make the most of your day in this charming village.

Morning: A Stroll Through History

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at The Morningbird Cafe in Kinderhook, NY. Nestled in the heart of the village, this charming eatery offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a morning meal. Their menu features a delightful array of freshly prepared dishes, from fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked eggs to artisanal pastries and locally roasted coffee. With its friendly service and cozy ambiance, The Morning Bird is a must-visit spot for breakfast lovers in Kinderhook.

After breakfast, head to the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. The 8th President of the United States called this place home, and the site offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and the era in which he lived. Take a guided tour of Lindenwald, his meticulously preserved mansion, and wander through the beautiful grounds.

Midday: Art and Antiques

Next, immerse yourself in contemporary art at The School, an innovative gallery housed in a renovated 1929 school building. This space features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, offering a unique cultural experience in a rural setting. I once saw a Basquiat/Warhol Exhibit here and it was amazing.

Antique Shopping on Main Street: Kinderhook’s Main Street is a treasure trove for antique lovers. Spend some time browsing the quaint shops, where you’ll find everything from vintage furniture to rare books. Each store has its own unique charm, and you never know what hidden gems you might discover.

Afternoon: Nature and Leisure

For lunch, stop by The Aviary, a charming café that offers a delicious menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy your meal on their lovely patio, soaking in the summer sun.

Explore Kinderhook Lake: After lunch, head to Kinderhook Lake for some outdoor fun. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and take to the water for a refreshing adventure. If you prefer to stay on land, the lake’s surrounding trails are perfect for a leisurely hike or a peaceful walk.

Evening: Dining and Entertainment

As the day winds down, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Saisonnier, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its seasonal menu and craft beers. The warm, rustic atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and savor the flavors of the Hudson Valley.

End your day with some local entertainment at The Ghent Playhouse, just a short drive from Kinderhook. This community theater offers a range of performances, from classic plays to contemporary productions. It’s a wonderful way to wrap up your day with a bit of culture and creativity.

Kinderhook, with its blend of history, art, nature, and cuisine, offers a perfect summer escape in the Capital Region/ Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking to relax in a charming setting, this village has something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create some wonderful summer memories in CapNY!

CapNY Spring Weekend Itinerary: Albany County

Updated: July 2025

Itching for a weekend getaway or staycation this spring? Book a trip to Albany for must-see museums, craft beverage experiences and much more! With blooming tulips and blue skies, it is a picture-perfect time of year to visit Albany. Scroll on for a weekend itinerary to discover Albany this spring.

This blog post is presented through a content collaboration with Discover Albany.

Check in at one of Albany’s charming boutique hotels to kick off your spring weekend getaway. Housed in a 1884 turreted Victorian mansion, the Washington Park Inn is a perfect home base. The boutique hotel is a stone’s throw away from Washington Park and a short walk to downtown Albany. Another great option is the Washington Park Inn’s sister property, The Argus Hotel. The urban inn, located in a renovated, century-old mansion, has 12 guest rooms available.

For dinner, head to Lark Street, dubbed Albany’s “Village in the City”. The bustling corridor is home to charming shops, local restaurants and small businesses. 288 Lark Wine & Tap is a wine bar serving pizza from next door at Villa di Como RistoranteRain Modern Chinese is a destination for contemporary authentic Cantonese fare in Albany.  

Rosanna’s on Dove

Vegan or vegetarian? Go to Savoy Taproom for scratch-made food, cocktails and regional craft beverages. Or check out Bar Vegan, a new vegan tapas and cocktails bar, boasting an entire plant-based menu. 

Nearby in Albany’s Center Square neighborhood, dine at Rosanna’s on Dove or Dove + Deer. Rosanna’s specializes in Old World Italian fare with a modern twist. Dove + Deer serves up elevated pub eats. Both eateries are totally Insta-worthy and shake up must-try craft cocktails! 

Morning

Jumpstart Saturday morning with a hearty breakfast at Iron Gate Cafe. The family-owned and-operated restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the Washington Park Inn. Housed in a converted historic mansion, it is a go-to spot for brunch in Albany. Savor delicious eats including Benedicts, omelets, scrambles, pancakes, French toast and more. If the weather cooperates, don’t miss out on dining al fresco on the charming patio. 

Burn off breakfast with a scenic bicycle ride through Washington Park by renting a bike from CDPHP Cycle!, a bike-share program operated by CDTA and CDPHP.

Iron Gate Cafe

Afternoon

Albany Institute of History & Art

Located not too far from Washington Park, the Albany Institute of History & Art is a must-see museum. It is one of the oldest museums in the country and specializes in art and historical objects documenting the life and culture of New York’s Upper Hudson Valley from the late 17th-century to present.

After visiting the Albany Institute of History & Art, take an afternoon stroll through downtown Albany. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the New York State Capitol Building. Go the Empire State Plaza to view the art collection, a treasure trove of Abstract Expressionist art. Wander the streets of downtown Albany to soak up the city’s rich history and to admire the fascinating architecture. 

Empire State Plaza Art Collection

If you prefer to listen to something as you walk, tune into the Artful Albany podcast. Each podcast episode serves as a self-guided walking tour in downtown Albany. Learn about the city’s 400 year-old history and the #CapitalWalls mural project. The Artful Albany Podcast is presented by Discover Albany, the Downtown Albany BID and Albany Center Gallery.  

Need a bite to eat during your downtown Albany walk? Pop into The Spinning Gyro for sandwiches and wraps. 

Albany Distilling Company

Hop in a rideshare to make it to Albany Distilling Company’s Distillery by 3:00 PM for a tour. Tours dive into the entire production process for the handcrafted, small-batch spirits. The tour concludes with a sampling of Albany Distilling’s spirits. Please note that tours must be reserved in advance! 

Night

Located in the heart of downtown Albany, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is a great spot for dinner. The Hollow’s menu features seasonal dishes crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. The eatery boasts an extensive craft beer list and a handful of signature cocktails. Many of the dishes are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.  

The Hollow resides on the lower level of this building

After dinner, go to an arena football game or a concert. Sports fans, plan your getaway or staycation on a weekend with an Albany Empire home game. Cheer on the professional arena football players during an exhilarating game! Home games at the MVP Arena this spring are on Saturday April 23, Saturday May 21 and Saturday June 4. More of a fan of concerts and live music? Lark Hall, a historic performance arts venue, was recently restored and reopened. Check out the concert schedule and plan your trip around a Saturday show that catches your interest! 

Check-out from your hotel and grab a rideshare (or drive your car) to The Skinny Pancake for breakfast. The Vermont-based creperie is downtown Albany’s newest breakfast and brunch hotspot. The menu has a wide selection of sweet and savory crepes made with local ingredients. Reservations encouraged! 

After breakfast, explore outside the city of Albany limits. Either hop in a rideshare or drive your own car to the Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands. It is a 15-minute drive from downtown Albany and a tranquil place for a morning walk. Be immersed into the sights and sounds of spring along the network of trails. Marvel at the blossoming magnolia trees, azaleas and wildflowers! The grounds are open for free from dawn to dusk, 365 days per year. 

Pine Hollow Arboretum
Afternoon

If you are not quite ready to end your weekend getaway or staycation, plan for one last stop! Near the Pine Hollow Arboretum, check out Art on the Rail Trail (ART). This public art initiative is a volunteer committee of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.  Go for a walk to soak up scenic views of nature and admire the vibrant art installations. Find information on the locations of the art installations at this link.

 
Young People’s Mural, designed by student Emily Meier, project work led by artist Andrea Hersh

5 Family Friendly Museums You MUST Visit in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

As a mother of three children, my boys have always been curious individuals. My middle son is autistic and mentally disabled. Finding family friendly places to take my children that were fun, engaging, and interactive… but also educational and inspiring… was absolutely a challenge with school aged kids and one with special needs.

When my three boys were younger, I was a single mother seeking out places where my creative and imaginative boys could be boys. I had to find adventures that my special needs son could go on, and places that would welcome him.

I found museums and scenic spaces, in cities and towns that had a main street where we could walk, shop, eat, and explore.

These same spaces welcomed my boys as they grew into teenagers, and these spaces still seemed curious enough for them to want to keep exploring.

I’d like to share about five wonderful and curious spaces that would welcome your entire family, in small cities and towns that invite you to explore them.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.

Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs, NY

The purpose of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery is to awaken the community to the richness and diversity of the human experience through the medium of art” – the introduction on the Tang website’s ABOUT section.

I don’t know if I can truly express what this museum is about better than that wonderful statement right there.

The Tang is a fantastic museum and art gallery… and it’s also a teaching museum, a space for curious individuals to explore and imagine, and a safe environment for both established and emerging artists.

The Tang Museum does approximately twelve exhibitions each year. Most of the exhibits are originated by the Tang. Faculty and students are involved as curators and advisors for its signature interdisciplinary exhibitions.

These large-scale projects combine diverse objects such as antique maps, scientific equipment, Rube Goldberg cartoons, Hudson River School landscapes, Shaker furniture and dynamic new works of international contemporary art.

Tang Guides, many of whom are Skidmore College students, are trained gallery ambassadors and tour guides. Through this program, they are introduced to the Tang and the museum world, and trained to give tours, while gaining valuable real-world experiences interacting with visitors.

Located in Skidmore college in Saratoga Springs NY, your family can visit the museum in this vibrant little city and spend a few more days exploring all of the downtown shops and restaurants. Make sure you plan enough time on your visit to take a short day trip to the Saratoga State Park or nearby Saratoga Lake.

815 North Broadway | Saratoga Springs, NY
WEB: tang.skidmore.edu
SOCIAL: IG @tangteachingmuseum | FB @tangmuseum

Saratoga Springs, NY

Are you looking for a fun & interactive day trip to go on with the kids or are you searching for a getaway for a few days with the family and you have to keep them entertained? Then add Saratoga Springs, NY, and of course The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, to your list of places to visit. With many wonderful shops, restaurants, and a lovely park nearby that has a beautiful carousel to ride on, you can easily spend several days and more in this little city.

Where Learning and Play go Hand-in-Hand” describes what this Museum is about, “Paying it forward‘ and “community giving” are words often used to describe what this museum selflessly does for other organizations. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s foundation was created on the belief in inclusivity and equity of all children, including those outside the museum walls where they reach into and positively impact their community.

The mission of this museum is to inspire, spark and nurture children and foster active parent involvement in their child’s learning.

This museum not only offers the opportunity to experience an exhibit when you visit them, but children of all ages can interact in a variety of public programs such as Story Time, Science Explorers, and Art Adventures. This includes toddler & pre-school aged children too. The museum offers Seasonal Programs as well, such as Nature Exploration. Field Trip, Outreach and Hybrid Programs are options too.

The Museum’s hours will shift based on seasonal variations in attendance. Check their website for changes in their hours and to see what days they will be closed.

65 South Broadway | Saratoga Springs, NY
WEB: cmssny.org
SOCIAL: IG @togakidsmuseum | FB @childrensmuseumatsaratoga

Catskill, NY

Whether you are traveling near or far, you must take a detour to Catskill NY…. where you will find quiet, serenity, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. “We are still in Eden… Shall we turn from it?” was an expression of how Cole felt about the Catskill Mountain Region.

Thomas Cole was known as the most influential American artist of the nineteenth century. He founded this country’s first major art movement that was now known as the Hudson River School.

Located in the Village of Catskill, in the Hudson Valley at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, The Thomas Cole Site is part of the Hudson River Skywalk. The Hudson River School Art Trail connects you with the places in nature that Thomas Cole and the Hudson River School artists made famous in their 19th-century landscape paintings. The Collection of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site includes over six hundred objects and two research archives. Cole was a huge advocate for the preservation of the American landscape as a national treasure.

“The moment you witness the breathtaking mountain views from Cole’s porch, you’ll fully understand his devotion to landscape painting” – Times Union

The Museum shared that “He urged his fellow Americans to value and preserve the wild and natural beauty of the landscapes he depicted in his paintings. In his Essay on American Scenery, Cole wrote: I cannot but express my sorrow that the beauty of such landscapes is quickly passing away.

Being removed from the noise & bustle of the house is really charming.” He wrote.

Catskill, NY, is also full of places to stay, dine and explore. You can take a hike in the Great Northern Catskills, and find shops and galleries on historic Main Street. There are river activities such as fishing and boating. You can dine at waterfront restaurants. The Thomas Cole website can direct you on how to plan your entire trip around visiting them. I believe you’ll feel what Thomas Cole was trying to express about this region, when you are there in person.

218 Spring Street | Catskill, NY
WEB: thomascole.org
SOCIAL: IG @thomascolesite | FB @thomascolehistoricsite

Glens Falls, NY

In beautiful Warren County, is the City of Glens Falls, NY, not far from the Adirondack Mountains. This gateway community to the Adirondack Mountain region is a wonderful place to visit with your family… and while there, you must explore The World Awareness Children’s Museum.

A hands on, interactive museum, The World Awareness Children’s Museum is full of Art Exhibits and a variety of programs. This museum houses a collection of pieces from 140 countries and includes 8,000+ artifacts (fashion, musical instruments, dolls, toys and other objects). Their creative learning space features art and artifacts. The museum’s permanent collection that includes 7,000 pieces of original children’s art from 81+ countries.

The World Awareness Children’s Museum’s mission is “To inspire curiosity and foster understanding and appreciation of worldwide cultural diversity.” “Art is truly the universal language“, shared by the museum. This NYS Designated Charter Museum has a passion to bring their diverse world to children, and they do this well.

Our museum is a place where families can learn about our diverse world, encouraging them to engage curiosity when they encounter diversity in their community.” Bethanie Muska Lawrence – Executive Director

The Museum space is divided into the following hands on, interactive exhibit areas:
World Gallery, Home & Family Life, Animal Preserve Research Center, World Music, Textile Marketplace, World Fashion, Art Studio & Gallery.

When you do visit the City of Glen Falls NY, make sure you plan time to walk around and visit the restaurants and shops nearby. Plan to day to drive around the region looking for places that welcome you explore Warren County. With several small neighboring towns and cities nearby offering so much entertainment and activities for individuals of all ages, you may have to plan another trip back.

89 Warren Street | Glens Falls, NY
WEB: worldchildrensmuseum.org
SOCIAL: IG @worldkidsmuseum

Schenectady, NY

When you visit this museum, you will instantly know and feel that this space was created for the young and the young at heart.

Founded in 1934, miSci has created a space that encourages learning, imagination, and creativity. In 1997, the Museum merged with the General Electric Hall of Electrical History and combined their collections. Now, more than 15,000 science and technology artifacts, thousands of advertising publications, 1,500 films, 400 audio recordings, and two million photographs document the history of electricity, electronics, and the impact of technological change.

The miSci has gallery space that you can wander through. Misci is a 44,270-square-foot facility that also houses The Suits-Beuche Planetarium, and thousands of curious individuals visit the museum to experience what the planetarium has to offer. You will find interactive exhibits and experiences at this creative museum that allow you to have fun and engage with the exhibits. It’s a wonderful space to be in, and this educational museum is for all ages.

The Mission & Vision of miSci :
At miSci, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed with our mission in mind: “To inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology past, present, and future.” The Museum fulfills its mission by preserving and interpreting the history of technological change and its societal impact, helping visitors explore the creative processes that inspire discovery and invention – engaging visitors with interactive exhibitions and programs that encourage them to inquire about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. (STEAM)

The museum offers programs like the “miSci’s Little Edison’s program“, for kids ages 3 to 5. “A fun way to nurture the curiosity of pint-sized future engineers, chemists, and inventors.” is what’s shared on their website.

Also, If you haven’t had your birthday at a museum before, you can now! Host your child’s next birthday party at this museum too!

Schenectady, NY is full of incredible history that influenced, changed and moved this Country forward. There are many shops, great restaurants, and small locally owned businesses that fill up the downtown and surrounding area for locals and tourists to enjoy. This museum is worth visiting with your family. In the summer, just a short distance from the museum, you can experience the Harbor with live music along the Mohawk River. Schenectady is a great day trip destination, or you can stay for a long weekend.

15 Museum Drive | Schenectady, NY
WEB: misci.org
SOCIAL: IG @misci_ny | FB: @MiSci

Saratoga’s Beekman Street Arts District – It’s a Vibe

Updated: July 2025

When you think of Saratoga Springs, you probably picture horses and the bustling Broadway. You’re not wrong, but there is so much more to this adorable “city in the country.”

One such place is the Beekman Street Arts District. Boasting some of the best restaurants and coolest shops in Saratoga, Beekman is still a bit off the beaten path. Just a few blocks from Broadway, you’ll find a different vibe; unpretentious, artsy, creative, and a little weird – but in the best way.

The Arts District sits in Saratoga’s historic West Side (west of Broadway). This area was home to the Irish and Italian immigrants who worked on the Railroad (in fact, there’s a sign declaring this area “Dublin”), and African Americans when there weren’t many other places for them to go. Ask any Westsider and they’ll have memories of legendary pizzas and even some unsavory activities. About 20 years ago, however, this area was full of artists looking for a community, and they built one. If you’re looking for something different and authentic, come to Beekman. Here are just some of the highlights:

The new kids on the block, Grateful Threads owners Noah and Hunter have a ridiculous inventory of vintage tees, jerseys, and hats. They have a huge online following, and people are flocking to their new brick-and-mortar for these awesome finds. They definitely bring a fun vibe to Beekman with their ever changing cardboard cut-outs out front like Shaq and Dale Earnhardt. Hunter loved the Beekman Street Art Fair in June, and hopes we can host more events like that during the year. 

This studio and gallery (70 Beekman St.) serves the community in so many ways. Part of the larger Living Resources organization, Marcus Anderson and his staff provides fine art instruction to students with disabilities. The artwork created is also on display at all times in the gallery. “It’s great to have a community art space for them to exhibit and work side by side with emerging and established artists from the community. The Arts District is important because we make one another stronger through teamwork,” says Marcus.

A leading fixture of the arts district, Eden Compton has had her gallery and studio on Beekman Street for several years. Her first studio was at 74 Beekman, and she’s now at 73 – a lovely yellow building with an inviting porch. Her specialties are cityscapes, landscapes, and portraits, and Eden displays her own work for sale inside along with the art of other local and regional artists. She is also a skilled teacher, offering painting classes and workshops to art lovers of all ages and abilities.

“I love Beekman Street because of the warmth of the community. It feels like a neighborhood and is a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of Broadway.”

Cecilia Frittelli and Richard Lockwood are master textile artists. I could spend hours watching the duo weave on their traditional looms in this adorable studio on the corner of Beekman and Grand. They are some of the original pioneers of the Arts District, opening their studio in the early 2000s in this historic 1850 building on the West Side. Frittelli and Lockwood textiles are found all over the country at galleries and craft shops, including Saratoga’s own TOGA HERITAGE. They also sell apparel and accessories out of their studio and online. “After many years behind closed doors as a production studio, we welcomed being part of an arts community,” Cecilia said.

Korean BBQ and crepes might sound like an odd pair, but trust me, it works. Michael Gasser is the owner and he and his family have a long West Side history. “Come to Beekman and hit the Kraverie trifecta: Korean BBQ, craft beer, and live music,” says Michael. My personal favorites are the sweet and spicy gochujang chicken wings and the kimchi fried rice. And of course, finish your night with a delicious crepe. Stop in to Kraverie at 70 Beekman St.

It’s an Irish tradition to call the neighborhood pub “the local,” so this bar and restaurant fits perfectly in this historic “Dublin” area. “We pride ourselves on our draft diversity and quality,” say The Local Pub and Teahouse (142 Grand Ave) owners Jonathan Haynes and Michael Phinney. With its mix of traditional pub fare and a rotating tap, you’ll find a comfy place to sit with family, friends, and your loyal pup. A customer favorite is the classic Fish ‘n Chips. 

The area’s history is preserved by the Principessa Elena Society (13 Oak Street) and the Frederick Allen Lodge. (69 Beekman St.) Nicknamed the “Black Elks Club,” the Frederick Allen Lodge #609 is the local chapter of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. The Lodge remains open for events, workshops, and other charitable initiatives. The Principessa Elena Society was founded in 1900 by Italian-American men to assist the Italian immigrants that came to Saratoga. Today, they support the community with charity and scholarships, and host Italian Friday Dinners. 

Arts on the Move: CapNY Creative Transplants

Updated: July 2025

The myth of Upstate New York being a place where art and culture is lacking is officially over.

In the last couple of years, not only have our own residents paved the way for arts to take the forefront, but the recent influx of urban creatives have helped the growth of arts communities.

Over the course of the last year Upstate New York has seen an uptick in relocations. According to the The Daily GazetteAlbany County alone has seen a near 2,000 increase in requests for relocation services from NYC transplants. The pandemic allowed for our urban neighbors to rethink their relationship to their surroundings and to community.

The end result being New Yorkers exploring those renewed relationships in HudsonSaratoga, the Adirondacks, Albany, and Troy. Along with their rediscoveries they’ve brought their love for studio art, film, writing, and nature. Below, you’ll meet four creatives in our community who have a newfound love for CapNY.

Meet outrageously funny and quick-witted Brooklynite Sam Jones. Self described as someone who has always climbed through windows to open doors, Sam is a creative who has had to work from the ground up for her career. While she currently works as a Creative Director at Viacom, Sam has made a name for herself as a comedy writer and actor. Sam’s comedy is defined by cutting satire aimed on societal expectations of women; her first viral moment being spoof commercials for feminine products.

Desiring a change of pace after the pandemic, Sam has found a new home in Greene County. “When the pandemic hit our friends moved up here and we were like ‘How the f— are you going to live up here all winter long?!’ But then we kept visiting and we were like ‘Maybe they have the right idea, I like this life!’ After a while I had a vision to buy a quaint house that I can afford, that’s less than my f–ing rent and here I am and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.” Sam loves the connection to nature that Greene County provides. Lush and full of beautiful scenery, the Catskills offer an atmosphere unlike any other.

The CapNY Community

One thing that surprised Sam is the hub of creatives residing in CapNY. “It truly is surprising how many fellow creatives moved up here! Every week there’s a get-together at someone’s house. There are so many creatives who’ve moved to Colonie, Albany, Chatham. I was nervous, but there are all these creative people here to have conversations with. These conversations are creative and innovative.” 

The slower pace of the Catskills also provides Sam, and other creative transplants, with a chance to connect to themselves. “We’re so disconnected in NYC. We don’t pay attention to nature. The pace is slower here, I think it lets us all take a pause. I think the pandemic forced us, especially me, to slow down and be like what is my purpose here? I love that I get to be more centered and quiet.” And it’s that very quiet that allowed Sam to think of her next evolution. While comedy will always be a natural talent and calling card, Sam has taken the time to expand on other genres of writing, including screenplays, a memoir, and eventually performance art. She wants to find a way to fund the funny in her new reality.

It’s for this reason she feels as if she was called here to engage in her next phase of life. 
If you want to follow Sam’s journey, check out her website at https://www.therealsamjones.com/.

“In the constitution, the Adirondacks were declared to be forever wild. When I saw the Adirondacks at a young age I knew that I would have to make my way back here one day.” Enchanted with our forests due in part to his passionate expansive nature, Oscar Bográn has always had the heart of a creative.

Hailing from Honduras by way of Brooklyn, Oscar Bográn of Bográn Productions located in Schenectady. He is a sculptor, performance, conceptual and visual artist who has studied and taught at Tufts School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and has worked for the Schenectady City School District. 

ust as Oscar knew that he was destined to be in this region, he’s always known that art was essential to his life. “I grew up in Bushwick in the ‘80s. I came in, didn’t speak English and I saw graffiti art for the very first time at seven years old.” He lived right next to a train and used to watch the older kids climb and spray the trains. This is when he knew he wanted to be an artist. Oscar has honed his skills to include multiple forms of art – writing, rapping, and studio art – his passion knowing no bounds.

An Artist Community in Schenectady

Partial winner of a Schenectady downtown grant, Oscar is now focused on bringing all forms of art to CapNY. “I was inspired by an artist based in Chicago who turned some abandoned houses and buildings into literal art installations. I thought to myself how great it would be if we had actual spaces artists in this area could use. So, I applied for grants for years and years and then after getting a mentor-supporter, received a $300,000 grant to create my own version of it.” 

When complete, Oscar will run an art house site called Alchemy Urban Playground. It will host all artists but primarily Black and brown artists and entrepreneurs in the area. As creatives in this space we should always be looking for a diversity of perspective. Oscar is doing just that. You can keep an eye out for the Alchemy Urban Playground sometime next year.

Meet Gabe Ling, a Junior Narrative Designer at Vicarious Visions game development company. If you’re familiar with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series or Guitar Hero you’re familiar with their work. As a game writer, Gabe builds the narrative and dialogue for various games with a team of individuals. Though writing is a solo pursuit traditionally, Gabe enjoys the collaboration it requires, as well as the delicate balance writing for games needs.

“When you’re writing for the screen there’s a big emphasis on what is not said and what is left implied by the absence of dialogue. In games, you can’t have that, you have to load the dialogue with important information. Gamers typically skip through cutscenes and narrative content. So you have to find a way to pace out key information like character traits or quest lore in a way that is immediately clear and digestible for the player.” A difficult feat indeed, but an essential part of building story and gameplay.

A Stereotype Overturned

Coming to us from New Jersey by way of Seattle, Gabe didn’t know what to initially think about Troy. “I wasn’t really hyped to go back to the east coast if I’m being honest. I was looking on Glassdoor for my job and everyone was kind of dour about the area, talking about how Albany is barren and there’s nothing here. But now that I’ve been here for 9 months and I love the area. It’s full of life and people have much more personality here than given credit for. I’ve done some exploring since I’ve been vaccinated and I’m pleasantly surprised.” I could not have said it better! There is a rich tapestry of people here and CapNY doesn’t get enough shine.

For Gabe, his vehicle to finding community was Pride Month in CapNY. “There were so many pride events. I met so many of my friends and got to see more of the city. Something that really struck me about this area is that even though the queer presence here is small, everyone knows everyone. The atmosphere of the community here feels intimate and warm in that way. There is a lot of overlap in the queer and creative community.” The intimacy that smaller regions such as Albany, Schenectady and Troy provide is unmatched. Being in close proximity with one another can afford opportunities such as these to build stronger connections, as Gabe has found.

Ultimately for Gabe a move to CapNY has become a move for growth in his creative pursuits and a chance to reconnect with others in his community intentionally.

Coming to us from Brooklyn is Amy Hausmann, the new Director of the Olana State Historic Site. The Olana site is an earthwork created by 19th century artist Fredric Church that sits on a high point in Columbia County. The artist contoured the land over a period of 40 years to create a near cinematic experience of Columbia County, from which the Hudson River, the Catskill mountains, and the Taconic Range can be seen.

With over 20 years of curating experience specifically with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and the New York Transit museum, Amy was a natural fit for Director. “I am a curator. My whole career has been in the arts. I’ve worked for non-profit organizations and eventually worked for NYS in the MTA Arts and Design which produces all the public art for the subway system. It was amazing to bring different music, graphic arts, and poetry into the everyday life of 8.5 million people.”

Like so many long distance commuters, Amy loved working in the city while being able to enjoy her second home in a rural area, but the commute wore on her. “It got a bit old. I really fell in love with all the green here. I loved being up in the mountains and being around the trees, and the river, and the open sky. Every morning I would drive with my husband across the Rip Van Winkle bridge and I would see Olana glittering on the hill as I was getting ready to get on the train for work. I would say to myself, ‘Gosh I really would love to find something to be up here full time.’” That she did! NYS Parks had an opening at the Olana site and the rest was history.  

Abundant with Arts & Culture

One thing Amy would like the world to know is that this region is abundant with arts and culture. “I like to think of the idea that this region is full of art, culture, and really rich history. We’re all working together, symbiotically, to encourage people to be here and participate in all that this region has to offer. Olana is a great part of this as well as so many small and bigger businesses, great art institutions, cultural institutions, and artists who help to make a gorgeous mosaic that always existed in the city, live here as well.” 

If you’d like to learn more about the Olana Historic site and meet Amy, check out the website and book a tour! You can learn more about visiting Olana with kids here!

5 Sizzling CapNY Summer Arts Experiences

Updated: July 2025

Here are five art experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone — solo, on a date, or with your kids. Visit one at a time, or make a day trip out of it! So, get outside and enjoy the summer weather, AND support our amazing creative economy.

After more than a year of being cooped up indoors, I’m ready to explore and experience everything CapNY has to offer — safely, of course. I’ve been spending all of my spring and summer weekends exploring the outdoors, hunting for public art and enjoying whatever arts scene I stumble upon and of course, am always on the lookout for a new local spots to grab a craft beer or delicious food.

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a daytime date

The nine-mile Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is perfect for walking, biking, or — my transportation mode of choice — rollerblading. I visited the trail on an absolutely gorgeous summer day and was blown away by how beautiful the scenery is! There’s greenery, flowers, and river. It’s a perfect spot to mix up an outdoor adventure while enjoying public art installations created by local artists. There are spots along the trail where you can see the art. Pop by and grab an Instagram pic at each!

Check out the current art installations at these locations along the Art on the Rail Trail (ART):

The entrance of one of the trailheads, 722 S Pearl St, Albany, 12202
Young People’s Mural
  1. Susan Togut art installations between Main St. and Grove St. in Voorheesville (2020).
  2. Young People’s Mural at the Kenwood Ave. trailhead in Slingerlands (created 2019) — community mural designed by student Emily Meier, project work led by artist Andrea Hersh.
  3. Angela Cuozzo‘s mural for Bliss Juice Bar on Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2019).
  4. John DeMarco’s art on the columns under the Cherry Ave. bridge in Slingerlands (created 2018).
  5. Ramiro Davaro-Comas mural on the Rail Trail bridge crossing Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2018).
  6. Andrea Hersh mural at the Adams St. Rail Trail entrance in Delmar (created 2017).

Perfect for: family fun, a date

Every year, my grandmother and I see a summer New York City Ballet matinee at SPAC. Seating is available in the amphitheater or on the lawn, and it’s a lovely way to spend a beautiful summer’s day or night with the family or on a date. Fun fact: The New York City Ballet performed at the opening ceremony for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1966 and returns each year for their summer residency. 

Where to eat, you ask? Before or after the show, my grandma and I usually make reservations at her favorite Saratoga restaurant, Scallions, or if we’re in the mood for a smaller bite, we head to Boca Bistro for tapas and wine.

My Grandma and I – ready for the ballet!
SPAC Jazz Fest

(P.S. Another one of my absolute favorite summer activities at SPAC is going to the Jazz Fest! This is another annual tradition my grandma and I have. If you haven’t attended, I HIGHLY recommend the experience. It’s a bit more casual than the ballet. We bring in our own food, drinks & meet up for a picnic with some other jazz-loving friends while being serenaded by world-renowned artists. )

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

The array of public art in Downtown Albany is growing by leaps and bounds. One of my favorite initiatives is #CapitalWalls, which is a partnership between Albany Center GalleryAlbany Barn, and Albany Parking Authority. This project seeks to inspire the local community with uplifting, educational, or thought-provoking works of public art. You’ll find pieces under bridges, alongside buildings, and other structures. Click here to check out the current murals and locations and rent a CDPHP cycle to take a tour of your own!

“Float” & “Flight” by John Breiner, Albany
River Garden Studio

Nearby the art displays, there’s SO much to explore! A few of my favorites… For a drink and/or delicious food, Loch and Quay or The Olde English Pub. For a cool little shop with local goods, Fort Orange Shop. Lastly, my personal favorite (because I’m an obsessed plant mom), River Garden Studio.

Perfect for: Family fun

Looking for a super fun day trip with the kids? Downtown Catskill is where it’s at. Explore Catskill’s Historic Main Street and experience community member renditions of cats! Designed by different local artists, each has its own unique theme and feel. Cat’n Around Catskill takes place Memorial Day through Labor Day. The cats will be auctioned off at the end of the showing period and proceeds will be donated to charity.

Cats on Main Street
Pulled pork sandwich at J&J Smokehouse BBQ

Not only is it fun to walk along Main St. to enjoy the colorful cats, but there is so much more that the area has to offer. Historic architecture and unique shops are a big draw to the area.

Now I will recommend my new favorite place to eat in Catskill, and I am salivating just writing this: J&J Smokehouse BBQ. The flavors, the smells…everything about the place is just delectable. Try it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

IMHO, the Stonewall Memorial Schenectady memorial/public art display doesn’t get the attention it deserves. And, as June is Pride Month, there’s never been a more perfect time to head to Gateway Plaza, and explore the display. The Stonewall Uprising was a milestone in the gay-rights movement. This piece beautifully memorializes the civil rights struggles of the LGBTQ community, and shines pride brightly.

Stonewall Memorial
Pulled pork sandwich at J&J Smokehouse BBQ

Recently, new additions were added to the park (right next to the Stonewall structure) to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Schenectady resident, I’m proud of these pieces and the effort it makes to educate visitors on both Stonewall and Black Lives Matter. This park has become one of celebrating civil rights for everybody and a symbol for equality.

If you’re looking for food or activities nearby, I’ve got you covered. One of my favorite summertime spots is Jumpin’ Jacks Drive-In on the Mohawk River. It’s only a few minutes away by car or bike (there are CDPHP bikes to rent right in the park). I’ve been going there every summer since I was a little kid.

If you have the family with you, right across the street from Jumpin’ Jacks is Collins Park, which has a playground, basketball courts, a splash pad and more! My nephews LOVE it.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, solo exploration, or a new date spot, these five outdoors arts experiences are a great way to support our local creative economy. Enjoy and be sure to tag us in your adventures, @gocapny! #GoCapNY!

Collins Park Splashpad with my nephews!

Second Street Studios, Troy: CapNY Art Gallery

Andrea “Drea” LaRose is a Cap Region native, born in Troy, NY. She’s an artist that works primarily in photography and site-specific installations that deal with visual shifts in analog and digital worlds.

In January 2020, Drea and her good friend, Carolyn Hopkins, opened Second Street Studios, in Troy as a space to create artwork and grow a sense of community amongst artists. In this interview, she talks about the struggles and rewards of being a young artist.

I like to play and interfere with photography in a way that the information, originality, and authorship mirror our own interactions with images on the internet, a constantly fluctuating digital world around me. At SUNY New Paltz, where I went to undergrad, I taught painting. And I taught sculpture at SUNY Albany, where I went to graduate school. I received my Masters in Fine Arts a year ago from UAlbany where they awarded me an amazing summer residency at Sculpture Space in Utica, NY.

After the experience of working with artists from around the world, I knew I wanted to continue the arts in a way that wasn’t just about my studio practice, but finding ways to involve other artists. Today, I’m a server, which was my main source of income before the crisis. Meanwhile I’m applying to adjunct teaching jobs. I’m waiting for the right fit – as many artists are doing; juggling multiple jobs to support their practice.

An artist and good friend of mine, Carolyn Hopkins, was in a similar position of wanting a studio space outside of the home. It can be difficult to create in a space you live in, or I find it that way. I got lucky and found this amazing space at 68 Second Street in Troy. It’s a small but beautiful space that we could instantly see ourselves in. We both had the idea of making it into more than just a studio. We wanted to have classes, invite other artists into the studio for critique nights and exhibit work of other artists. You’re told so many times how difficult the real world is after graduate school. This is especially true in the arts, but until we actually went through it, we didn’t have a clue.

Application fees for exhibitions added up. We received so many rejection letters from job or show opportunities, it began to drag a bit. What persisted was the desire to provide a space for emerging artists, like ourselves. Somewhere to show their work, without all these application steps, and keeping 100% of their sales. “The Hallway” (literally the adjoining hallway from the front door to our studio) became this opportunity to exhibit artwork. Our inspiration for what this space could turn into started there.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, Carolyn had to move out of the space. She wasn’t able to use it anymore, but she’s still part of the energy. So now we’re at a bit of a standstill with the physical space. I’m coming up with ideas of how I can make Second Street Studios come back stronger than before.

The support we’ve gotten on our exhibitions has been absolutely eye-opening. We’ve had roughly 100 people through our space for each exhibition. It’s amazing to see the community come together, even if the space is small and a bit alternative (compared to your average white-cube art space). I am so happy that through this tough time, our community has donated to help us keep our doors open. To give back, we’ve been hosting virtual exhibitions that can be viewed on our Facebook page. I don’t want to lose momentum, and most people understand the struggles of a starting space/business, especially in the arts. I want to be able to provide an open, creative, and inclusive environment for people, in-person or virtual.

Seeing the work virtually is in no way a replacement for seeing it in person, but we want to be sure that during this time, that artists are being supported. I understand there is a huge surge of visual information out there, with businesses, schools, etc. moving to online platforms…we just ask that people simply look.

There’s nothing required of you, other than to look and appreciate what people are making and creating. Through all of this, I think it’s been particularly eye-opening how much the general public has gripped onto the arts as a means of entertainment. I hope everyone remembers that after this is over and helps support the emerging artists today in their community.

Something I’ve been struggling with during this whole pandemic is the idea of what to do with all of this time. As an artist and creator, this time is ideal to create artwork, but it has proven to be difficult for me at times. I’ve reached out to other artists friends who are feeling the same way, and I’d just like to say to whoever needs to hear this that it’s okay if you aren’t as productive as you were pre-Covid-19. We’re all figuring things out and there’s enough pressure on us all to find solutions to our seemingly ever increasing problems. So, if you need to take a day to do nothing? Do nothing, take time for yourself, and we’ll all get through this together.

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!

Karina Wojnar of Albany Center Gallery: CapNY Creative

Karina Wojnar is the Development & Membership Manager at Albany Center Gallery. In this position, she fills her time writing grants, planning programming, increasing community outreach efforts, and working with ACG members.

She wants our readers to know her as a daughter, a sister, and friend – someone who prioritizes amplifying the voices of the unheard in the CapNY community. She’s a creative millennial powerhouse.

I am originally from Northern NJ, a small lake town called Ringwood. Currently I live in Albany! I went to Siena College and loved the area, so I decided to stay after graduation. Why? The people. The energy of the people. The architecture. The quirks. The random cobblestone streets and historical buildings. Running into people you know in cafes and farmer’s markets. The fact that there are people dedicated to community and positive change. How active people are in politics, human rights, and deeper conversations.

Artwork by Karina
Karina’s a yogi too!

I’m lucky. My parents value art as essential, so it was always my path to be in the creative field. I grew up dancing, participating in theater, writing, reading, and prioritizing art classes. I applied to colleges with the intention of getting a business degree with a focus in the arts. Throughout my time at Siena College, I fell in love with social justice and the overlap between humanity and art.

Human beings use art to emote, to share facts, to evoke, to connect with one another. I believe art to be how humans use their VOICE. Everyone has a voice and a different way of expressing it, whether through music, visual art, performance, writing, fashion, etc. We all deserve to be heard.

In a prior conversation between the two of us, you mentioned you feel like you haven’t necessarily found your creative voice yet. Can you talk a little bit about that? I feel that many people can relate.

I’m still experimenting. For the past couple years, I’ve been combining complementary colors and mixing embroidery into paintings. I’m still learning and figuring out technique. People say that once you can become decent at replicating a piece or style of yours over and over– you’ve found your voice.

I’ve been reading “Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic” by Lisa Congdon. It’s been encouraging and affirming to know that my voice matters and it’s all a part of the process. This journey; experimenting, actively listening to my fellow creatives, research…it will all shape my voice, my art, and my life.

Painting
ACG hosted a public art bike tour in downtown Albany

In one word…inspiring. Communication and dialogue with fellow creatives is so important. We inspire each other, help each other out, lift each other up. It’s been rewarding. Working with the local arts community is the reason I want to stay in the area.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself and your art out there. Your voice matters. Black Lives Matter. Black Art Matters.

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!

CapNY Road Trip: Columbia County Treks

Columbia County is home to stunning hikes, streams and waterfalls — perfect in all four seasons. Plus, there’s the thriving cultural scene, with standout sites like Olana and Art Omi, and many more venues. This road trip is focused on a fantastic, full day of nature, dining, history and culture!

Walking and Hiking

High Falls Conservation Area, 540 Roxbury Road, Philmont, 12565. The High Falls Area is home to Columbia County’s highest waterfall – over 150 feet high! The shady, wooded trails lead you to a dramatic overlook with views of the falls. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the beautiful, babbling Agawamuck Creek. There are a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the 47-acre site, as well as great fishing.

Copake Falls / Taconic State Park, 253 Route 344, Copake Falls 12517. Copake Falls is part of Taconic State Park, a 14-mile range that borders on both Massachusettes and Connecticut. There are an array of hiking trails throughout the site. But the highlight is definitely the paved, creekside path to the spectacular. Bash Bish Falls. Funny enough, you’ll start the trail in New York, but Bash Bish is actually in Massachusettes, just across the state border.

High Falls Conservation Area, 540 Roxbury Road, Philmont, 12565. The High Falls Area is home to Columbia County’s highest waterfall – over 150 feet high! The shady, wooded trails lead you to a dramatic overlook with views of the falls. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the beautiful, babbling Agawamuck Creek. There are a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the 47-acre site, as well as great fishing.

Beebe Hill and Harvey Mountain State Forests, Austerlitz, 12107. 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails link these two state forests, which include two lean-tos and a climbable fire tower. Because these forests are very large, you might want to use this handy map for easy location of parking and trail access points.

Ooms Conservation Area, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham, 12037. Explore three miles of easy trails on 180 acres of rolling grasslands. There’s a beautiful pond, pastoral landscape, Catskill mountain views, and benches and a gazebo for relaxing and birdwatching.

Harrier Hill Park, 6729 Rod and Gun Road, Stockport, 12534. There are two great hikes here. First, stroll down the small loop that has benches overlooking a pond and a gorgeous Catskills vista (plus a pavilion, for post-COVID gatherings). The second option is the 4-mile roundtrip trail that connects to Stockport-Greenport Trail. And there are even more hiking opportunities in the Greenport Conservation Area. This one has a ravine pass that’s a bit challenging, but totally worth it!

Art and History

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson 12534. First on the Columbia county treks is Olana. The Olana estate was home to Frederic Edwin Church, one of the major figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. His eclectic, Victorian / Moorish / Persian style villa has truly thrilling views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains and the Taconic Range — click here for some breathtaking aerial shots of the grounds (see, I wasn’t kidding!). You’ll find walking paths to keep you busy all afternoon. Open 8:30am to sunset.

Olana Exterior Fall

Copake Iron Works Historic District, 35 Valley View Road, Copake Falls 12517. Copake Iron Works is home to a dozen well-preserved 19th century iron works buildings and structures. Follow the shaded, creekside, 3-mile loop trail that links the Copake Iron Works with Bash Bish Falls (see above). It’s a really nice meander, I highly recommend!

Art Omi, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, 12075. Art Omi is a free-range art experience where 120-acres of sculptures and structures await you! You can wander through wonderful woods and gorgeous fields, or borrow one of the on-site bikes. Fortunately, Art Omi is open every day from dawn until dusk, and admission is free. Can’t navigate the grounds on foot, or want to learn more about Art Omi? Click here for a great virtual tour.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, 1013 Old Post Rd, Kinderhook, 12106. After Van Buren lost his second-term presidential bid, he retired to this home in his native Kinderhook. This site offers two great options. First stop is to visit the historic home, where Van Buren entertained politicians and dignitaries until his death in 1862. Next, hike one of the two walking trails go through here: the Dutch Farming Heritage Trail and the Wayside Loop TrailClick here for a virtual site tour!

Food and Drink

Random Harvest, 1785 State Route 23, Craryville 12521. Random Harvest is a worker-owned neighborhood market, cafe, and community space that provides food and goods sourced directly from farmers and producers. Even better, it’s located very near Copake Falls, so make this place a must-stop after your waterfall hike.

Roe Jan Brewery, 32 Anthony Street, Hillsdale, 12529. A brand new brewery / restaurant in a very old (1851) building. You’ll love what they’ve done with the place — the setting is as special as the beer and food! Plenty of outdoor seating and a seasonal menu to match the weather.

West Taghkanic Diner, 1016 NY-82, Ancram, 12502. One of my favorite spots in the Capital Region. Picture a classic diner menu, reimagined using locally grown produce, grains, dairy and meat. And don’t just take my word for it — the New York TimesWall Street JournalEsquire and many more agree.

More Food and Drink for Your Columbia County treks

Pico de Gallo on the Hudson, 48 Riverview Street, Stuyvesant, NY 12173. Chef Moises Ortiz hails from Pueblo, Mexico, and he’s worked in many top New York City restaurants. We’re glad he’s settled in the Capital Region! And then there’s the pretty little village of Stuyvesant. Be sure to leave yourself some time for a post-meal stroll.

Bartlett House, 2258 Route 66, Ghent, 12075. Fantastic bakery and homemade, locally sourced food, served up in a beautifully restored 1870 building with a lovely, picturesque porch. Take your lunch over to nearby Art Omi, and eat on the rolling hills, amidst the sculpture!

Exploring Art Omi with Kids

Visiting Art Omi with kids makes a perfect day-trip destination for families with children of all ages. Here, more than 60 large-scale works of art are presented in open fields or tucked between the trees along twisting nature trails.

Art Omi is a 120-acre sculpture park — an ideal spot for any child who needs more room to run than an art museum allows. It also promises more visual delights than a traditional nature hike. Located 20 minutes outside of Hudson, Art Omi is a must-visit for fans of Storm King, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the lower Hudson Valley. Art Omi’s smaller size makes it more manageable if you’re visiting with kids. Best yet — unlike Storm King, it’s free to the public.

An adult could cover the entire Art Omi loop in an hour or so. But exploring Art Omi with little kids can make it impossible to cover a lot of ground. Art Omi’s Explore Map will lead you directly to all the interactive exhibits on the grounds. Kids love to weave through Will Ryman’s Pac-Lab, a technicolored Pac Man-inspired maze. Peek inside Beverly Pepper’s Paraclete, a steel pyramid structure. And overlook the wetland pond from the swing inside Matthew Gellar’s Babble, Pummel, and Pride II. From there, it’s worth looping around the pond to seek out a few sculptures along the woodland trails. Make sure to strike a pose beside Biana Beck’s untitled sculpture, which captures the essence of a sassy young child.

For creative kids with a deeper curiosity in the sculptures they see, Art Omi often offers hands-on learning programs to encourage children to study and create their own art. Workshops are often led by teaching artists. Check their website for current offerings.

Arrive early:

The grounds of Art Omi open at 9am daily. On a sunny Saturday or Sunday, it can fill up fast. Keep in mind that once the parking lot is full, the park is at capacity. Any additional visitors will need to return after the lot empties out a bit. Parking on the road is prohibited and violators may be ticketed or have their cars towed.

Prepare for unpaved trails:

Although we saw a few all-terrain strollers in the park, it seemed like it would be easier to get around with a wearable baby carrier. And although bicycles are permitted in the park, it looked like rough terrain for novice cyclists. For ease, we’d advise families to wear weather-appropriate footwear and explore Art Omi by foot.

Food is allowed:

The best thing about an outdoor art museum is that your kids can snack to their hearts’ content. While the café is closed until further notice, picnic blankets and lunches are welcome here.

Bring a four-legged friend:

Dogs are welcome in the park from 9am to 4pm, as long as they are kept on leash at all times.

Bartlett House is just a few minutes away in Ghent – a former railroad hotel that was transformed into a warm inviting restaurant with an incredible culinary experience featuring seasonal plates “inspired by the bounty of the Hudson Valley”. In nearby Chatham, you’ll find The People’s Pub — a unique spot with a cool community and diverse menu. If pizza’s your thing — Baba Louie’s in Hudson offers online ordering and curbside pick-up of their pizzas, salads, and pastas – including a kid-sized buttered pasta plate.

Exploring the less traveled (and less expensive!) Catskills, in and around Greene County. Farms, drive-in movies, kids, food, beer, shopping, home design, and real estate. Brooklyn DoubleWide