Inside the Capital City

A founding principle of New York States of Mind is that there's more than one way of looking at the same thing. Meet two of NYSOM's friends in Albany: Judy and Jodi. Read on for their unique Albany states of mind, verbatim. --

The best resources for learning about Albany:

• JUDY turns to: Times Union, Capital Confidential blog.
• JODI relies on: Word of mouth, Metroland.

Your go-to locale for...

• Coffee:
  • JODI drinks: Stagecoach.
• A night out with friends:
  • JUDY heads to: Creo. It has a great tuna dish.
• Date night:
  • JODI savors one-on-one time at: [The] Gingerman or Uncle Marty's (in West Sand Lake).
• A glass of wine or cocktail:
  • JUDY toasts at: [Angelo's] 677 Prime or New World Bistro [Bar] for Grey Goose, tonic and a splash of club soda, or a Cosmo.

The hotel you always book or recommend to friends, and why:

• JUDY sends guests to: Union Gables [in] Saratoga Springs. It's elegant, but cozy and inviting. And it's just down the street from the Saratoga Race Course...no better place [to be] during the Saratoga racing season.

The ONE thing visitors must see or do, and why:

• JUDY directs people to: The State Capitol building. With new paintings and lighting, the second floor hallways have been refurbished to look like the magnificent galleries of the Metropolitan Museum.
• JODI sends friends to: Troy Night Out: [It's] local and fun.

Your favorite hidden (or not so anymore) gem, and why:

• JUDY treasures: The Writers Institute at the State University at Albany, set-up by Pulitzer Prize-winner William Kennedy. The best writers in the world give readings and seminars. And it's free!

Number of hours or days required in town for the "full" experience:

• JUDY declares: 4 hours will cover the highlights.
• JODI says: 6 [hours]

The town is great for what type of visitor:

JUDY:

• Mostly those interested in politics or political history. [However,] it's a great jumping-off point to explore Saratoga [Springs], the Adirondacks or the Hudson Valley.

JODI thinks Albany is perfect for people who like to:

• CELEBRATE (the host with the most/ladies who lunch)
• DECORATE (the shopper with great style)
• RECREATE (the adventure-seekers and fitness gurus)
• And who: Historicate! Albany has wonderful tours and history, beyond the "curate" title above. I recommend Quackenbush Square or a local boat tour.

The town is best explored by...

• JUDY: Car
• JODI: Foot

The town is best explored in what season?

• JUDY: Spring, Summer.
• JODI: Autumn.

-- [Photo Credit: Wikipedia.]