Why You Should Visit Albany, the Oldest Town in New York

If you know anything about the history of New York, then you're aware of the fact that many of our state's historical towns can be found along the Hudson River. Many of our Capital Region residents may know that Albany is home to a considerable amount of history, but what they may not know is that it's actually the oldest town in New York and the oldest settlement in our country north of Virginia. The first European settlement in our state was established in 1614; you'll want to visit our state capital at least once.

Developed along the West Bank of the Hudson River, Albany was given its name by the English back in 1664.

What started off as one of our country's first settlements, the city of Albany is now home to over 100,000 residents. Full of history and life, Albany became New York's state capital back in 1797 and has continued to grow ever since.

A well-known feature of Albany, one of the oldest cities in New York, is Lark Street. This street provides the perfect place for visitors to stroll and check out places to eat and shop.

Some of the city's oldest and most charming buildings can be found on Lark Street, frequently hosting seasonal festivals that draw in large crowds.

From cozy coffee shops to gift shops, the lively street is home to a variety of restaurants and storefronts that suit everyone's needs. The unique flair that can be found in this stretch of Albany is one that draws in visitors of all ages and is worth checking out.

Albany even has its own Visitors Center that's open every day of the week, a great place to find out more information about the area.

Right on Quackenbush Square, the Visitors Center offers maps all year long for self-guided walking tours. Another reason to stop in here while you're visiting the area? The Visitors Center also has a gift shop showcasing locally made products and Albany items that you'll want to take home with you.

Another amazing perk to Albany? There are so many spectacular venues where you can see a variety of shows and artists perform. Check out the upcoming events at places like the Palace Theatre or The Egg!

Take a step inside the unique architecture of The Egg to experience a show you'll never forget. The Egg has plenty of upcoming events that are perfect for any season. If you've never been inside of this venue before, then now is the time to cross this place off your bucket list.

Another remarkable piece of Albany? The state Capitol!

If you live in the Capital Region, there's a good chance that you've taken a tour of our Capitol building. If you haven't, though, then it's worth taking the time to check it out. With weekday tours Monday through Friday, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take in Albany's history here.

If you thought there weren't any outdoor spaces to explore in this concrete area, then you thought wrong!

Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to a rare ecosystem that you won't find in many other places throughout the world, with several different trails that will take you to serene outdoor settings. The preserve has 18 miles of designated trails that are beautiful to explore. Open every day all year long, you can view maps of the trails on AllTrails. Downloading the AllTrails+ app is also a great idea.

Have you ever taken the time to explore Albany, the oldest town in New York? Tell us your favorite places to visit when you're in this area!