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.
  • Summer Exploration!

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.

  • Art on the Rail Trail (ART) in Albany

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).
  • New York City Ballet at SPAC

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. )

  • Explore Downtown Albany’s Public Art Scene via CDPHP Bicycles

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 Gallery, Albany 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.

  • Cat’n Around Catskill

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.

  • Stonewall Memorial and Black Lives Matter Memorial in Downtown Schenectady

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!
  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Public Art Outdoors in Winter: Art in CapNY

Want some ways to enjoy art, stellar local food AND the great outdoors? Lucky for us, CapNY is filled with amazing public art! From historic architecture and neighborhoods to public art “galleries” in urban alleyways, CapNY writer Jessica Kelly found six great sites that we can enjoy all winter.

The first location is the Reflection Pool at Empire State Plaza. The pool is lined with 16 monumental mid-century sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Claes Oldenberg, Alexander Calder, Ellsworth Kelly, and more. On a gloomy winter day, these pops of movement and color can bring some happiness and perspective. Next, head into the Empire State Concourse to warm up from the frigid temperatures. There, you’ll find dozens of large-scale (and some absolutely huge) paintings, and more amazing sculptures. Check out this video preview of the indoor and outdoor collections!

Did you know that Saratoga’s High Rock Park is home to a memorial made of steel from the Twin Towers? The sculpture, titled “Tempered By Memory,” was created by John Van Alstine and Noah Savett in 2012. The artists use the recovered materials to thoughtfully memorialize those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  

After a reflective walk through High Rock Park, I highly recommend brunch at Hattie’s, served on Saturdays and Sundays. They have tasty Bloody Marys, warm biscuits with honey butter, and the best cheesy grits. 

Love contemporary art ? Head to Art Omi! This 120-acre sculpture and architecture park is a quarantine-friendly, no-cost way to take in art and fresh air. You’ll see amazing sculptures (look for the Olaf Breuning work, “Clouds,” towering over 30 feet) and stunning architectural work (don’t miss “Magnetic Z,” by Cameron Wu). Check out this printable map to see all that Art Omi has to offer. Best of all, you can snowshoe or ski through the site! Hungry? Great! Drive 10 minutes to Saisonnier for an artisanal sandwich or cheese board. Try one or two of their craft beers. Did we mention that they have 125 craft beers available for in-house or take-out?

The amazing and powerful murals during the Black Lives Matter protests introduced me to Troy’s art scene. More recently I discovered the artwork in Franklin Street Alley. Artist Joe Lurato and other local creatives developed this interactive installation. The installation is filled with painted murals and built structures. These ingeniously incorporate the existing pipes, ladders, and lights.

If you’re trying to find its exact location, put the address of Dutch Utter Ice Cream Shop in your GPS, 282 River St Troy. It’s the alley right next to it! After exploring, walk over to grab an order of some of the best crispy wings CapNY has to offer at The Ruck.

The Capital Walls project is an endeavor of Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, and Albany Parking Authority. Capital Walls has sponsored 14 colorful murals (and counting!), by local artists across downtown Albany. Grab this handy tour map before you head out. After snapping some IG photos in front of the murals, stop by Druthers Brewing Company (1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204) for delicious mac & cheese like their Memphis BBQ Mac with smokey, tender pulled pork, spicy jalapeño ranch coleslaw, and sweet BBQ sauce.

Outside of Druther’s, be sure to take a peek at Nipper. This Albany icon is a four-ton, 28-foot tall steel and fiberglass painted dog atop an old concrete warehouse. It’s one of the most IG worthy spots in the downtown area!

The murals are scattered, but a good place to start is at Albany Center Gallery: 488 Broadway #107, Albany, NY 12207.

  • Stockade Historic District

The Stockade Historic District is in the northwest corner of Schenectady, on the banks of the Mohawk River. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, and has been continuously inhabited for over 300 years. You’ll see 50 pre-Revolutionary houses in various styles that include Dutch Colonial, Georgian, Federal and Victorian along your walk. A good starting point to explore the neighborhood is 100 North Ferry St. This will bring you to the heart of the Stockade, right in front of the statue of “Lawrence the Indian.”

You don’t have to be a history lover to appreciate the gorgeous, unique artistic features of each of the homes. Come winter, there’s and especially majestic feeling as the homes are decorated with holiday lights and pines. You can even download a self-guided tour of the neighborhood!

jess kelly
  • Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

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.

  • Must-See Spots to Explore

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.

  • Outdoor Workshops and Classes for Kids

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.

  • What to Know Before Your Go

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.

  • Where to Eat Nearby

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.

  • Written by: By Kara Zuaro

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

4 Fantastic Murals: Public Art in CapNY

One of the first things I research before exploring a new area is the city’s best street art.

All it takes is one exceptionally talented individual with a vision to turn a forgotten building, a bridge underpass, or an easily overlooked alleyway into a destination itself as an outdoor art gallery.

There are so many fantastic murals in CapNY to explore, but these are a few of my favorites. 

  • The Big Picture, Troy

Artist Kevin Clark created a beautiful mural on the side of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall to give visitors an idea of what the amazing venue looks like inside. The painting makes you feel like you’re in the audience, adding some visually stunning imagery to what was once just a bland bank building.

As you’re viewing the mural, you might notice a bunch of names edged into the bottom. Those are names of past performers that have stood on that stage. Some pretty impressive people — from Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall and SO many more — are on that list. After you take a look at the piece, walk on over to the Whistling Kettle at 254 Broadway for a sandwich, tea, or pastries. If they have the roasted red pepper soup with smoked gouda, you must try it. You’ll pass shops and boutiques along the way, be sure to pop in.

You can see this mural at 50 2nd Street, adjacent to the Troy Music Hall parking lot.

  • Love Goes On, Albany
“Love Goes On” by Nick Walker

Downtown Albany has so many fantastic murals popping up, bringing life to buildings and neighborhoods throughout the city. For example, when exploring the area for the first time I came across ‘Blue birds’ by Michael Conlin (located on the Quackenbush Garage at 25 Orange St.) and ‘Float and Flight’ by John Breiner (under the I-787 ramp Clinton Ave exit, behind the Quackenbush Garage). Both stopped me in my tracks.

One of my personal favorites is ‘Love Goes On’ by Nick Walker. It was one of the first murals I saw in the area and I fell in love with it! After exploring some local fantastic murals, grab a flavorful, healthy lunch at one of my favorite spots — Lark St. Poke Bar.

The Love Goes On mural is on the eastern-facing wall of the Green-Hudson Parking Garage.

  • The Chatham Boxcar, Chatham

My boyfriend and I were recently driving through Chatham in Columbia County. Besides the adorable shops (there are many!), I spotted a bright turquoise boxcar. Located in what looked like the remnants of a parking lot, artist Brian Buono decided to take an old boxcar and turn it into a work of art.

After taking photos of Brian‘s beautiful work, head over to Bimi’s Cheese Shop to grab some cheeses to go for a charcuterie board at home or a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with a cup of steaming hot soup.

You can see this mural on Main Street in Chatham.

  • Enkyu, Hudson
Artist A.W. Gurrero painting his section of the Enkyu/Like Minded Objects mural in Hudson

Hudson is such an amazing town. There are SO many boutique shops to explore and delicious restaurants to try. Another thing I noticed while browsing the streets was the mural. There are some really interesting paintings within this collaborative collage, from Hudson-based artists like Alexander West Guerrero. And, it’s a great place to capture some IG pics.

You can see the mural at 2 Park Place.

jess kelly
  • Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.