To start, this review is for the Department of State who has had the same address as The Department…read moreof Health up in Albany. Called to ask a basic question today regarding a $30 check i submitted back in November 2022 for a business address change and after calling almost 15 times to only get that automated response stating "our representatives are currently assisting other callers, please try again later"; i finally got through and was able to choose a call back without losing my place in line. The rep who called me back was absolutely disgusting. Her tone was gross while mine was patient and calm. I told her exactly that and she told me to "have a blessed day" as if she's godly ! She definately needs to choose another feild. I dont understand the people who choose to work in feilds that require dealing with people fulltime, who are uninterested and speak to the general public as if they are above you. I have a higher education and do not speak to people in a condescending tone. The Department of State workers are clearly overwhelmed with the high demand of callers. It is unfortunate that many people work in feilds and hate their existing job.

My wife and I brought our Chinese exchange friend here for the view of Albany. We were the only…read moreones up there for much of the time, and it was quiet and peaceful. While it was a gloomy February day, the views were still pretty good. Since I am familiar with the area, it was fun to look around and spot areas I know from the higher vantage point. For those who don't know Albany, they had nice picture boards pointing out the major sites in the area. However, since they were only in English (and not Chinese) they were of limited value to our friend. We did our best to help her out. One downside is that to gain access from the indoor concourse level you either need to take an elevator to the plaza level, or take an escalator. Because we had a baby stroller they helped us with the first elevator ride up. On the way down, though, they not only acknowledged that we had a stroller but instead asked us to "deal with the escalator." I believe they were short-staffed at the desk, but this was really annoying. Thankfully, a we made it down without incident (or lawsuit). At least it is free.

Now that you are in New York's capital, why not see it from the tallest building in the city. Best…read moreof all it's FREE to go to the 42nd floor observatory. If you come here on a sunny day, you can really see a lot of Albany and it's surroundings. I personally love viewing the Empire State Plaza from above. Go to the other side of the observation deck and you can see the governor's mansion. This is a GREAT place to take out of town visitors since there isn't a TON to do in Albany. Two things to keep in mind: 1. Hours are limited, at my time of visit it was only open M-F, 10-4. Kind of a bummer that this isn't open on the weekends, I think it used to be, but it has to do with state funding. 2. If the weather outside is horrible and cloudy you won't be able to see much. If you are visiting Albany, I'd also suggest a quick visit to the free state museum where you can also ride the carousel. Stroll up to Lark Street for a meal or beverage too! If it's nice out wander through Washington Park.

Regulatory Reform Governors Office of…read more The Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) improves the State's regulatory process by assisting State agencies in the development of regulations that are supposed to be well conceived, understandable, and based upon adequate input from the parties affected. We the people, business owners and on and on, are the "parties ". I had a hard time rating this government business. They're busy keeping up with the current situations but there's a lot of old regulations that need review. Either clean up the regs or do away with the archaic garbage that's on the record. Let's face it, from the time you take a breath, until the day you take your last breath, there's a regulation involved. They regulate the air cleanliness and the burial process. Now we have the Covid process! I'm sure we will have mixed feelings about the new vaccine and/or test verification system. I remember in 1968 when I went to Europe for the first time I carried a health card I had to get from my local health department. It had proof I had the required inoculations necessary to travel abroad. I'm telling you this so you know, this is nothing new we are facing. I'm glad my state is taking a huge step forward in the process. I've downloaded the app. After my second vaccine I will go to the website to obtain my QR Code. (If you're not familiar with the Q. R. Code read my DENSO review.) You enter the code into the app on your phone and you're good to go! I'm looking forward to attending a ball game first thing as it is outdoors. Maybe eventually I'll be comfortable with returning to the theater or a indoor arena for sports or concerts. Regulations are a part of life and I'm all for being prepared! I hope to have a little more living to do! How about you?

I've been calling for week. Literally. Sometimes multiple times a day only to be hung up or…read moresimilar. I've never dealt with such poor customer service. I continue to be without a license despite having insurance. People here hate their jobs.

Call at your own risk of getting wrong/false answer. 2014 told my trailer didn't need to be…read moreregistered (under 200 lbs tongue weight and less then 2000 lbs), when I got a ticket for unregistered trailer called again and was told just needed a photo, weight from calibrated scale and bill of sale....wrong again. New York State cares nothing about it's people, it is only a huge money extortion machine - lie to you, charge you for it then lie again.

I have been to two events at the Albany Convention Center and I have to say...this place is fu**ing…read moreenormous. And beautiful. I came for a mac & cheese event a few years ago and there were like...a million mac & cheese vendors PLUS a full sized basketball court. I recently came for a large formal event and I also had a great time for that. The event had to include well over 600 guests and there was more than enough room for them. The space is gorgeous. The ceiling has all these tiny, star like lights that are constantly changing. I arrived a little late so I didn't try any of the hors d'oeurves. There were lines at every bar, as to be expected at an open bar event for 600 people, but the lines moved quickly. The dinner I had there was not really good but to be fair I have never eaten at a large event and been like "oh, that prime rib was the best thing ever". You know what I mean... I'd say the entree was on par with other event venues that I've been to. The service was out of the park. The bartenders and the wait staff were all so friendly and accommodating. Overall I really have enjoyed this venue both times I've been there.

Beautiful, expansive, in-depth museum (donations accepted)/library/tourist shop…read more In the main lobby is a HUGE history tourist shop that sells novels, snacks, post cards, souvenirs! Above is the main library and below (down a ramp) the New York State museum with exhibits on American indians, 9-11, the Dutch colonies and warfare/exploration in New York State. Since the only lonely review is from some dude who drove from Minneapolis to Albany, to get wifi (says a lot about internet in Minnesota).. I'll leave a short recap of this place. It's fun for all ages. The old museum exhibits were a thrill for my Grampa. He especially loved the re-enactments, stalls with goods for sale and glass encasements with history items; clothes, cannons, miniatures, maps. Awesome exhibits (rotated). Nifty, large (multi-leveled) library with benches to sit near windows. Brilliant place. Review: 5

This is a well placed and helpful State library with a decent amount of archives and genealogy…read moreinformation. Plus, it is quiet. Unfortunately, the wireless if week on the top levels and the parking is paid. I would return after 2PM when the lot is free.

Perhaps this isn't a destination per se, but I liked the art exhibits, the museum before the…read moremuseum. Alvin Loving's New Morning I serves up a 55-foot assortment of parallelograms, dramatic enough to be a marquee attraction in an actual museum. The food court looks amazing (I already reviewed the stellar Umana Yana) but the hours of operation are grim; it's a just a Monday-Friday lunch place.

A trip to Albany would only be complete with seeing New York's grand Capitol Building and the…read moreEmpire State Plaza, the seat of New York State's government. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza - one of the most spectacular capital centers in the country. The Plaza was the vision of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who wanted to create "the most electrifying capital in the world." Since its completion in 1978, The Empire State Plaza has become a cultural center for thousands of visitors yearly. The buildings are set around three beautiful reflecting pools, accented by fountains in the summer. Empire State Plaza events host Summer at the Plaza, including an outdoor Farmers Market, movies under the stars, and other festivals. The government buildings are all connected below ground, so follow the underground maze from the Capitol Building to the Egg Performing Arts Center, to the Corning Tower, to the New York State Museum. what to See: 1) For breathtaking skyline views, head to the Corning Tower Observation Deck. Located on the 42nd floor of the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside of NYC. 2) New York State Capitol Building: Marvel at the magnificent New York State Capitol Building on your next visit to Albany. 3) Empire State Plaza Art Collection: It is the most important State collection of modern art in the country. 4) The Egg: The Egg is a performing arts center dedicated to providing Capital Region audiences with the best arts offerings and providing a showcase for NYS artists. 5) New York State Museum: Explore the cultural and natural history of New York State at the New York State Museum. 6) New York State Education Building: Across the street from the Empire State Plaza is the stunning New York State Education Building

Where is it? One week it's here. Next gone. Typical administrative bloat. Nobody's got a clue of…read morehow or why! Showed up and all the computers and high-school staff are gone! Review: 2

I didn't want to write this review, as my December trip to the Capital District was a pleasant…read moredistraction from reality, so this final writeup symbolizes the "end of an era" (three days long but I stretched out the content). The museum does stellar work on the impossible task of capturing New York State. ("How dare they mention the NYC subway but completely ignore the one that used to be Syracuse?! ZERO STARS"). Sesame Street's here, along with clocks, fire engines and a discussion of Albany's rum trade. Not only you can you enter an old-timey train car in the subway exhibit, there's a newsstand with old Post and Daily News copies mentioning the (an?) A-Rod scandal. The best part of the museum, or at least the most photogenic, is the assortment of minerals. The greens and oranges were quite surprising, as was the information that many of the specimens are from downstate. The cartography-inclined will enjoy old depictions of areas like "Lange Eyland."

Can't believe it's free. It's super fun and lots of random facts and the staff is sooooo helpful…read moreand invested in the learning. So cute.