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Day 1 of the Long Weekend | Exploring Albany + Grilling Lamb Skewers

Spent half of my Labor Day long weekend on a round trip to Albany—the capital of New York! Even after living and working in NY for so many years, I’d never been before. 🚘 Drive: Just over 2 hours each way. It’s along the same route as Woodbury Outlet, so you can even go shopping along the way! 🛍️ 🌇 Highlights: 🌟 Empire State Plaza – A grand central plaza with a long reflecting pool 🏞️, surrounded by the iconic Egg performing arts center and four government agency buildings. At one end stands the majestic Capitol building, and below lies the New York State Museum. Impressive and photogenic! 🌟 New York State Capitol – A stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture 🏛️, over 140 years old and famously luxurious. Although we didn’t go inside (it was closed), weekday tours are available. Rumor has it there’s gold-leaf wallpaper and Italian marble everywhere! Out front, there’s a big 3D “I ❤️ NY” sign—perfect for photos. 🌟 The Egg 🥚 – You can’t miss it! A unique performing arts venue shaped just like… an egg. 🌟 Corning Tower Observation Deck – Take the elevator to the 42nd floor for a 360° panoramic view of Albany 🌆. Closes at 4 PM, so go early! 🌟 New York State Museum – We skipped it this time, but it showcases the history, ecology, and culture of New York State 🦌🎠. They even have a vintage carousel! 🅿️ Parking: Easy street parking 🚙, or search “visitor parking” on maps. I was pleasantly surprised by Albany—elegant architecture blending modern and historical styles, wide peaceful streets, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a slow, cultural stroll. 🍜 Lunch at Ji Bei Chuan – I’ve been to their Flushing location before, and now they’ve opened in Albany! We ordered: Tomato beef brisket rice noodles 🍅 Thai-style golden soup fatty beef noodles 🌶️ Plain chicken slice noodles Popcorn chicken 🍗 Everything was delicious and comforting! Drove back home after lunch and ended the day grilling lamb skewers on the deck under the evening sky… perfect holiday vibes! 🔥🌙 #NYCFoodAndFun #NYCGetaway #WeekendInAlbany #AlbanyNY #LaborDayWeekend #JiBeiChuan #BBQTime #UpstateNY #NJWeekend #NYDayTrip #FamilyFriendlyNY

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Karina Vera
Karina Vera
4 months ago
Karina Vera
Karina Vera
4 months ago
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Day 1 of the Long Weekend | Exploring Albany + Grilling Lamb Skewers

Spent half of my Labor Day long weekend on a round trip to Albany—the capital of New York! Even after living and working in NY for so many years, I’d never been before. 🚘 Drive: Just over 2 hours each way. It’s along the same route as Woodbury Outlet, so you can even go shopping along the way! 🛍️ 🌇 Highlights: 🌟 Empire State Plaza – A grand central plaza with a long reflecting pool 🏞️, surrounded by the iconic Egg performing arts center and four government agency buildings. At one end stands the majestic Capitol building, and below lies the New York State Museum. Impressive and photogenic! 🌟 New York State Capitol – A stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture 🏛️, over 140 years old and famously luxurious. Although we didn’t go inside (it was closed), weekday tours are available. Rumor has it there’s gold-leaf wallpaper and Italian marble everywhere! Out front, there’s a big 3D “I ❤️ NY” sign—perfect for photos. 🌟 The Egg 🥚 – You can’t miss it! A unique performing arts venue shaped just like… an egg. 🌟 Corning Tower Observation Deck – Take the elevator to the 42nd floor for a 360° panoramic view of Albany 🌆. Closes at 4 PM, so go early! 🌟 New York State Museum – We skipped it this time, but it showcases the history, ecology, and culture of New York State 🦌🎠. They even have a vintage carousel! 🅿️ Parking: Easy street parking 🚙, or search “visitor parking” on maps. I was pleasantly surprised by Albany—elegant architecture blending modern and historical styles, wide peaceful streets, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a slow, cultural stroll. 🍜 Lunch at Ji Bei Chuan – I’ve been to their Flushing location before, and now they’ve opened in Albany! We ordered: Tomato beef brisket rice noodles 🍅 Thai-style golden soup fatty beef noodles 🌶️ Plain chicken slice noodles Popcorn chicken 🍗 Everything was delicious and comforting! Drove back home after lunch and ended the day grilling lamb skewers on the deck under the evening sky… perfect holiday vibes! 🔥🌙 #NYCFoodAndFun #NYCGetaway #WeekendInAlbany #AlbanyNY #LaborDayWeekend #JiBeiChuan #BBQTime #UpstateNY #NJWeekend #NYDayTrip #FamilyFriendlyNY

City of Albany
Parking at Woodbury Outlet
Parking at Woodbury OutletParking at Woodbury Outlet