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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

October 2012: Best of the Capital Region, Part 2

All the best places in the Capital Region.

PLACES

B&B/Inn (Tie for first)

Mirror Lake Inn, 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid

Union Gables B&B, 55 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Whether you want to stay local or head a little farther up north, Union Gables and Mirror Lake Inn each offer you superior accommodations in two different environments. Conveniently located just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown Saratoga Springs, Union Gables is a century-old Queen Anne style residence with a gorgeous wrap-around porch beckoning you to sit in one of their rockers and relax, taking in the charm of the quaint city. If you want to relax in a comfortable, award winning inn, then head to the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, where elegance and service are unparalleled.

Friends Lake Inn, 963 Friends Lake Road, Chestertown

Morgan State House, 393 State House, Albany

Romantic Getaway

Lake Placid

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for a romantic getaway. You can go anytime. Our readers chose Lake Placid as a romantic spot. Set in the beautiful Adirondacks, the natural wonders are a destination all their own. Lake Placid offers wonderful shopping, dining, and sports. You won’t know what to do first. Before you know it, the romantic getaway will turn into an extended stay.

New York City

Mirror Lake Inn, 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid

Private Golf Course

The Country Club of Troy, 160 Brunswick Road, Troy

Discover an 18-hole golf course, designed by a world-renown golf course architect, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and a clubhouse overlooking the beautiful Poestenkill Creek. The Country Club of Troy has it all. Established in 1925, this club is the only private club in Rensselaer County.

Albany Country Club, 300 Wormer Road, Voorheesville

The Edison Club, 891 Riverview Road, Rexford

Public Golf Course

Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs

When you think golf, think Saratoga National Golf Club. Remember, there are no annual or initiation fees. After playing golf on one of their award-winning courses, grab a bite to eat at Prime, or bring the children for golf lessons at the Peak Performance Academy at Saratoga National.

Town of Colonie Golf Course, 418 Consaul Road, Schenectady

Schenectady Municipal Golf Course, 404 Oregon Avenue, Schenectady

Hotel

The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany

A one-of-a-kind hotel invites visitors to the Capital Region. The Desmond has been offering the most luxurious accommodations, elegant receptions, superb dining offerings and winning conferences since 1974. From receptions to corporate outings, The Desmond offers guests a wonderful hotel experience with an award winning restaurant, Scrimshaw.

74 State, 74 State Street, Albany

Marriott Hotels Resorts Suites, 189 Wolf Road, Albany

Ice Skating

Hudson Valley Community College – Conway Ice Rink, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy

What a perfect way to spend the day with the family. The Conway Ice Rink covers 18,000 square feet of space on the ice surface, so there’s plenty of room for all levels. Brushing up or starting as a novice ice skater? Well, if you want to learn the tricks of the trade, Hudson Valley Community College’s Physical Education department offers an eight-week program for college students and community members.

Knickerbacker Ice Arena, 103 8th Street, Troy

Swinburne Park Skating Rink, Clinton Avenue and Manning Boulevard, Albany

Kids Camp

Hudson Valley Community College, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy

For 20 years, HVCC has been sponsoring children’s programs. From enrichment to athletics, from technology to theater, the college has something that will appeal to your child’s interest.

Camp Chingachgook, Lake George

Camp Nassau, One Camp Nassau Lane, Guilderland

Park

The Crossings of Colonie, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville

Whether you’re a town resident looking for an extraordinary setting to walk, bike, fly a kite, see the wild geese or enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends or family, or an area company seeking a tranquil and convenient location to hold an important business meeting, The Crossings of Colonie has it all. Colonie folks and everyone in the Capital Region has made The Crossings of Colonie a new tradition for their family.

John Boyd Thacher State Park, One Hales Cave Road, Voorheesville

Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs

Picnic Spot

Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs

Distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, Saratoga Spa State Park is noted for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to nationally known Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Gideon Putnam Hotel and the Lincoln mineral baths, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities.

John Boyd Thacher State Park, One Hales Cave Road, Voorheesville

The Crossings of Colonie

Nature Walk

John Boyd Thacher State Park, One Hales Cave Road, Voorheesville

A popular winner year after year, Thacher Park is the perfect place to leave the hustle and bustle of your life and adventure onto the nature trails. Located along the Helderberg Escarpment, the park is a panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valley, the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. One of the attractions drawing people is the guided tours of the Indian Ladder Trail. An additional 12 miles of trails, perfect for hiking and biking, are at your disposal.

Five Rivers, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar

Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs

Place to Spend a Rainy Day

 

Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Avenue, Albany

Visitors from all over the region and all over the state make a journey to the Albany Institute of History & Art, a museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region. You’ll never get bored checking out more than 20,000 objects in its permanent collections, including 1,600 paintings, 110 drawings, 4,000 prints, 600 sculptures, 500 pieces of furniture, plus lots more.

Colonie Center, Wolf Road and Central Avenue, Albany

New York State Museum, Cultural Education Center of the Empire State Plaza Madison Avenue, Albany

Place to Meet Singles 

The Bar at 74 State, 74 State Street, Albany

If you’re looking for that intimate place to meet that special someone, do what others do, go to The Bar at 74 State. Our readers agree. They voted second year in a row to meet singles here. The intimate piano bar offers a wonderful atmosphere to meet that special someone.

Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany

Gaffney’s Restaurant, 16 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs

Place for Sledding and Tubing

Frear Park, Frear Park Road, Troy

It’s a natural fit. Frear Park is the best place for sledding and tubing. Year after year, Frear Park wins best place for sledding and tubing. In the winter months, they turn their 247-acre golf course into every little kid’s (and big kid’s!) dream. Grab your sled or tube and try out the make-shift slopes for what’s sure to be the ride of your life. If you need a break, head over to the park’s restaurant or golfer’s bar to rest up and grab a cup of hot chocolate.

West Mountain, 59 West Mountain Road, Glens Falls

Willard Mountain, 77 Intervale Road, Greenwich

Reception Hall

Franklin Plaza, 4 4th Street, Troy

Built in 1923, Franklin Plaza offers a charming and unique ambience for any special occasion. The hall offers multiple ballroom choices, including elegant architecture, superb cuisine and a professional staff. Their goal is making your day unforgettable with flexibility, convenience and world-class accommodations. They obviously succeed.

River Stone Manor, 1437 Amsterdam Road, Glenville

Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs

Ski Area

Gore Mountain, Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek

Again and again, our readers choose Gore Mountain for the best ski area. Why not? The ski area offers at least 84 trails, more than 374 skiable acres and about 200 well-trained instructors. You don’t ski? Why not try snowboarding and snow shoeing at Gore Mountain. Whether you’re a novice skier or expert, you have chosen Gore Mountain.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, 37 Corey Road, Hancock, Mass.

West Mountain, 59 West Mountain Road, Glens Falls

 

LOCAL PEOPLE & MEDIA

Local TV Newscast

Morning broadcast with Phil Bayly and Paul Caiano

Our readers who know news and want the best news in the morning chose WNYT’s morning show with Phil Bayly and Paul Caiano.

Their lovable personalities, lively chit-chat and comical banter (as well as their news and weather) make a great way to start your day. Whether you are a morning person or a waking grump, you can not help but enjoy this team. Even the toughest news goes down easy!.

Local Anchor

Liz Bishop, CBS 6

Capital Region television viewers and news junkies know where to turn for their favorite anchor, to Liz Bishop on CBS 6. Bishop has covered a variety of assignments over the past two decades at CBS 6. One of the pioneers of the all-woman newscast, she was even the first woman reporter allowed in the New York Yankees locker room in the mid-70’s after the Supreme Court ruled it should be open to female journalists. Bishop has helped change the face of women in the newsroom and continues being a driving force in journalism today.

Local Meteorologist

Bob Kovachick, News Channel 13

Since 1988, Bob Kovachick has been News Channel 13’s chief meteorologist. We have relied on him for his accurate, informative forecast. In addition to receiving the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval in Television Weathercasting, he is a professional member of the American Meterological Society and the National Weather Association. Kovachick educates our children about the weather by visiting schools in the area weekly.

Local Sportscaster

Rodger Wyland, News Channel 13

The votes are in. Capital Region viewers prefer getting their sports updates from Rodger Wyland. As the sports director and sports anchor at News Channel 13, host of Big Board Radio Sports Talk on Fox Sports and the play-by-play announcer at UAlbany football and basketball games, Wyland proves his knowledge of sports. His hard work has paid off as recipient of the Iris Award for his half-hour special on tri-athlete John Gracey and the winner of three NYS Broadcasters Awards for his local sports coverage.

Local News Radio

News Talk 810 WGY

News junkies and the occasional news listeners alike enjoy News Talk WGY, according to our voters. The station covers local and national news, sports news, weird news, entertainment news, fashion news and more. Veteran morning radio host Don Weeks has been entertaining the Capital Region for years. Catch up on the latest, go to News Talk 810 WGY.

Local Music Radio

Fly 92.3 & the Morning Rush

The Fly Morning Rush featuring Brian, Chrissy and Jim have been providing alternative morning radio to the Capital Region, and, our readers love them. Each morning, they try outdoing what they did the day before. Whether it’s posing a question – “What’s the worst thing you ever did when you’ve had too much to drink?” or “Do you know the secret texting codes your kids are using?” you can’t help but love them! They mix top 40 music and pop with an urban edge.

Local Radio Personality

Ric & Laura, B95.5

Waking up in the morning to Ric & Laura is a pleasure. In addition to being entertained by the continuous soft rock music, Ric & Laura always have wonderful trivia, contests, guests, and jokes making your morning upbeat and fun! Ric, a veteran talk-host in the Capital Region, keeps you going.

Local Print Journalist (Tie for first)

John Gray, The Record and Capital Region Living Magazine

Carl Strock, The Daily Gazette

Carl Strock, author of the column “The View From Here,” offers his perspective on news and politics in the Capital Region and beyond. You don’t want to miss his opinion on everything. Our readers couldn’t decide between Carl Strock and John Gray, so there’s a tie. John Gray, a Fox23 News anchor, stays busy and informed by also writing a column for The Record in Troy and our own Capital Region Living Magazine. His “Last Page” in the monthly CRL Magazine entertains and engages our readers. His witty and conversational style of writing keeps the Capital Region entertained and well informed.

Local Blog

Kristi Gustafson, Timesunion.com

Gustafson’s blog, “On The Edge,” trends, friends, fashion, and everything in between, has become a popular go-to blog to read. Her conversational writing style keeps us entertained and on top of the latest trends and fashions locally and internationally. When it comes to relationships, turn to Kristi, and she’ll share some ideas, personal experience and some witty happenings.

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