Started in 1844, nearly 18,000 students choose to pursue their research and professional careers at the State University of New York at Albany for a few simple reasons. Its prime location in the heart of New York exposes students and professionals to an international assembly of backgrounds and perspectives; top-notch facilities and resources offer the best in world-class research from global welfare to nanotechnology; and finally, the University at Albany is a haven for forward thinkers and new ideas. Alongside the wealth of promise for students and researchers, the campus itself buzzes with activity for visitors, offering a lush campus. several theatre performances, and high-energy sporting events well-known, not just in the college community, but throughout the state.

If you're a fan of the movie Seabiscuit, then it's time to get your head out of the clouds and into 'reel' life! Visit the Saratoga race course where there are facilities for steeplechases and horse racing. The track is only open from late July to early September, so if you're really into horses plan your vacation around this time. The course has eight restaurants so starvation is not something to worry about. Call for schedule updates.

Jack's Place is an intimate venue run by the MEISA group of the College of Saint Rose. Known for hosting local indie rock bands, the venue also opens its doors for artists/ bands on tour. The students organize two to three concerts a month, and when they do, a number of students and music lovers flock the house to enjoy the stellar performances. Bands like The Growing Pains, Alta Mira, Nine Votes Short and Drive The Tower have performed here regularly, much to the delight of the rock fans. Call ahead to know more.

This stunning oval shaped piece of architecture is located at the Empire State Plaza. Art is what thrives at this venue. Come by to visualize the high energy levels during one of the concerts or other live performances. The venue houses two beautifully designed theaters, which are equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system. Events run throughout the year giving you ample opportunity to appreciate performing arts. And when you are here, take time to see this giant sculpture, which is rooted down to six floors below the earth! Call or fax the Box Office for tickets and find out about the group discounts.

Situated across the Front Street, the Basilica Hudson is a popular event venue. Housed in a former factory that belongs to the 19th Century, it is a thriving art hub. The decor is a mix of bygone era and modern comforts of this century and offers flexibility to its organizers, thereby making it the most sought after venue. Concert series, solo performances, art exhibitions, art talk, workshops and other interesting events are a regular feature here. You can also hire Basilica Hudson for wedding receptions and similar private events. For more details and schedule, call ahead.

The Albany Center Gallery strives to showcase local, dynamic artists from throughout the Mohawk Hudson region, while creating and sustaining a strong visual arts community in Albany. The gallery regularly exhibits artists' work, while hosting local contests and markets' for area artists to sell and  show off their wares! 

The Sunnyview Farm lies a little away from the center of the town of Ghent, closer to Pulvers, between the Union Turnpike and Taconic State Parkway. Though operating more or less as a typical farm for the most part of the year, it also acts as a venue for a few events, of which The Big Up is quite popular. So if you find yourself traveling this way, do stop by here, for if not for the entertaining concerts, something interesting is sure to be happening at Sunnyview Farm.

The Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, also known as, 'The Joe', is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, in Troy, just a few miles from Albany. Named after the former NY State Senate member Joseph Bruno, who acquired the USD14 million required to build the stadium, this baseball stadium is one of the premier venues for baseball in the Minor League Baseball circuit, and is the home of the Tri-City Valley Cats. The architecture firm Clough Harbour & Associates designed this stadium, equipped with a grass surface, and able to accommodate about 4,500 guests. Though the stadium is used primarily for baseball, it does host cultural events sometimes. Call for more information.

Frank L. Messa Rink is a swanky multi-purpose arena that is located on the premises of Union College. It was built in 1975 and was formerly known as as Achilles Rink. The rink is part of the Achilles Center and is home to the skating and ice hockey teams of the college. All through the year, a number of tournaments and league fixtures are held here that draw a large number of fans from all over.

The RPI Houston Field House, a multi-purpose arena that hosts many sporting events. Located on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, this place is the official venue for many hockey leagues, games and tournaments. The arena was built way back in 1949 and has been renovated and modified several times to make it the state-of-the-art, well- facilitated venue it is today. The place attracts large crowds during hockey seasons.