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May 7, 2026
Adirondacks
Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak: Food, History & Spring Adventures
Exploring New York can be life-changing, especially when you step into a region that gives you a fresh perspective and transports you to an entirely new world. As Miss New York, I’m always looking for opportunities to connect with different communities across our great state, and my recent trip to the state capital was no exception. Albany provided the perfect spring excursion!
A smiling woman wearing a Miss New York Lake George sash and a pink-and-white striped dress stands next to a carousel horse on a merry-go-round, surrounded by vibrant decorations and painted scenery in the background.

DAY ONE

I started my journey in the best way I know how–onboard Amtrak! Train travel can instantly set the tone for an exciting journey. It’s relaxing, scenic and such a peaceful way to ease into a trip. I was taking in New York’s landscape right outside my window, and, before I knew it, I was arriving at the Albany-Rensselaer station, ready to explore!

My first stop was Washington Park for a guided tulip tour. I felt like I was walking through a Dutch painting! With the annual Tulip Festival on the horizon, the park was in full bloom, brimming with vibrant colors and carefully curated gardens. It’s no wonder that the festival is such a beloved event! It’s the kind of moment that reminds you to literally stop and smell (in this case) the tulips!

A woman with long brown hair wearing a pink dress sits on a train seat, smiling and holding open a New York By Rail magazine, showing pages with rafting and scenic train images.
Two women stand by a podium in a garden. One, wearing jeans and a beige top, speaks at the podium; the other, in a pink dress and sash, stands nearby. Bright orange and purple flowers and a black chain line the foreground.
Three women stand together smiling outdoors in a park. The woman in the middle wears a pink dress and a Miss New York sash. The other two women are casually dressed. There are trees and a statue in the background.

For lunch, I headed to Iron Gate Cafe, tucked inside a charming property on the edge of the city’s historic Center Square neighborhood.  Dining in its garden space felt like a hidden escape, and it was the perfect place to recharge before an afternoon of exploring. I truly enjoyed the pancakes.  They were some of the best gluten-free flapjacks I’ve ever had!

I spent the early afternoon at the Albany Institute of History & Art, where I had the opportunity to explore exhibits that highlight the rich culture and history of the region. One of the most memorable was an exhibition featuring the work of Julia McEntee Dillon, one of the most highly regarded floral painters of the 19th Century. Her works were so incredibly detailed, I swear I could smell them!  They were some of my favorites from the tour.

A woman wearing a bright pink dress and a “New York” sash smiles and poses with one hand raised in front of an Iron Gate Cafe sign, standing on a stone path near a black iron fence and greenery.
A woman wearing a Miss New York sash stands beside a person in a white jacket, both looking at an exhibit display in a museum or gallery setting.
A white plate with green sauce, poached eggs in the center, and garnished with thinly sliced radishes, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs—an elegant dish inspired by the charm of Miss New York Lake George.

After some downtime at the hotel, I was energized for an evening out at The Copper Crow. The space, located in city’s warehouse district, blends Albany’s industrial history with a modern, elevated dining experience, and the menu reflected that too. 

I ended the night at the Capital Repertory Theatre for a performance of Dodi & Diana, a powerful drama that presents a connection to the late Princess of Wales and her lover, Dodi Fayed. There’s something incredibly special about live theatre, and this performance stayed with me long after the curtain closed. I even got to meet the playwright before the show!

DAY TWO

The next morning began with breakfast at Peaches Cafe, a local staple that instantly felt warm and welcoming and offers breakfast all day. From there, I spent the morning at Stuyvesant Plaza, shopping and creating custom pieces at Kendra Scott’s Color Bar while soaking in the community-centered atmosphere that makes the space so unique.

Lunch at Bloom Boutique Bar & Eatery was truly a highlight! Bloom is somewhat new in the community, but you’d never know it. The space is bright, floral and full of energy from the staff. The food was delicious, and I can’t wait to return on my next trip to Albany!

Three people pose and smile in front of a wall display of jewelry under a sign that reads “COLOR BAR.” The woman in the center wears a “Miss New York” sash and a striped dress. The other two wear stylish outfits.
A smiling woman wearing a pink and beige striped dress and a Miss New York sash stands in a jewelry store with display cases and a wall of necklaces behind her.
A woman in a pink and white striped dress sits in a red booth, smiling and looking up at a vibrant wall covered in colorful flowers. A set table with black napkins is in front of her.
A man in a black shirt stands next to a woman wearing a pink and white striped dress and a Miss New York sash, both smiling in front of a marble counter and a flower sign that says Bloom.

In the afternoon, I visited the New York State Capitol, a building that is as stunning as it is historic. Walking through its halls was a reminder of the legacy and leadership that shape our state every day. I continued at the New York State Museum, where I explored incredibly moving exhibits, including the permanent 9/11 exhibit and one that highlights the stories of Black women in Albany during the Great Migration.  I even got a sneak peek at what’s to come in the next few weeks. 

Grand staircase in a historic building with ornate stone railings, arched windows, and decorative columns. Warm lights illuminate the interior, as if preparing for a Miss New York Lake George gala amid these intricate architectural details.
A large ornate chandelier with round lights hangs from a wooden ceiling before two tall stained glass windows in a historic building near Miss New York Lake George. Part of a person in a hat is visible at the bottom right.
A large, ornate legislative chamber with red carpet, curved rows of brown chairs, high arches, columns, and chandeliers—like a grand hall fit for Miss New York Lake George—viewed from an upper balcony with empty yellow seats.

Before heading home, I stopped at downtown Albany’s most iconic and historic restaurants, Jack’s Oyster House.  During my tour, everyone told me about this landmark! The oysters were fresh and fabulous, but you must end your dinner with the crème brûlée! 

A round tray of raw oysters from Miss New York Lake George rests on crushed ice, served with cocktail sauce and horseradish in the center. Three small forks are among the oysters, with a white plate and napkin in the background.

This trip reminded me of just how much there is to discover right here in New York. From the culture and history to the food and community, Albany offers such a thoughtful and vibrant experience and getting there by Amtrak made it all the more exciting and seamless.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking to explore a new destination, I can’t recommend Albany enough. Sometimes the most fascinating escapes are just a train ride away.

Take Amtrak to Albany

Experience fun in the New York State Capital via Amtrak to the Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer. Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!

There are plenty of ways to get around from Albany-Rensselaer Station! Pick up your reserved rental #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car or call Enterprise’s Albany office at 518-427-3893. Rideshare options are plentiful in Albany. Conveniently, the Albany-Rensselaer Station has a Lyft Pickup Zone right outside of the station.