Activities
Empire State Plaza Ice Skating
Seasonally, an ice rink is set up downtown for public use. Usually there’s a food truck offering hot chocolate and some bites. This is free aside from rental fee. Rental skates are available during open hours. Hours vary- check site before going.
New York State Museum
Located downtown and walking distance from the Renaissance Hotel this museum has plenty to explore! Learn about the history of New York and much more. Some exhibits include Adirondack Wilderness, Cohoes Mastodon, Birds of New York, Gunboat at Ground Zero: a Revolutionary War Mystery, “a small fort which our people call Fort Orange” and many more!
Albany Institute of History and Art
New York’s oldest museum founded in 1791. Located downtown and is the location of our wedding ceremony!
New York State Capitol Tours
The Capitol building offers tours to enjoy the beautiful architecture and rich NYS history. Check out the assembly chamber, the senate chamber, the million dollar staircase, and more.
The Bunker Golf Bar
A casual spot in Latham, about a 15 minute drive from downtown, with several indoor golf simulator bays, lounge seating, and a full bar. Open during the day if you're looking for something to do before the wedding.
Coffee & Brunch
Stacks Espresso Bar
Coffee shop with two locations nearby- 488 Broadway and 275 Lark Street.
JA. Pequeño
Coffee shop with house-made pastries and specialty beverages. 466 Madison Ave.
Alias Coffee
Coffee shop with specialty brews and matcha. 76 N Pearl St.
Iron Gate Cafe
Breakfast/lunch restaurant- weekend wait times may be long on the weekends but you can join the waitlist online! Vegan options available. 182 Washington Ave.
Daily Grind
Coffeehouse with breakfast and lunch options. 204 Lark St.
Dove + Deer
Great Brunch option located right behind Fort Orange Club. 32 Dove St.
Dinner & Drinks
Café Capriccio
Cozy Italian restaurant offering fresh ingredients and house-made pastas. 49 Grand St.
Dove + Deer
Traditional pub fare dining with a new approach. Open for brunch, dinner, and even late night. Great selection of craft beer, specialty wine, and cocktails. 32 Dove St.
Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar
Small restaurant located in warehouse district, just down the street from downtown. This is one of our favorites- nothing beats a hot bowl of ramen! Located next to Wolff’s Biergarten and Fidens Brewing. 893 Broadway.
Fidens Brewing Company
Brewery known for their awesome beers and they have great food! They also carry to-go cans.
Albany Ale & Oyster
One of our more frequented restaurants in Albany- great selection of food and drinks!
The Olde English Pub and Pantry
Classic English pub in one of Albany’s oldest buildings. Adorable building and they always decorate well for the holidays. 683 Broadway
Wolff’s Biergarten
Lively biergarten with classic German fare. You will always find soccer on the TVs here and a crowd on game days! 895 Broadway.
677 Prime
Elevated restaurant with classic steakhouse favorites. 677 Broadway.