You can't use the Baltimore service area right now because it's under construction, and for some…read morereason the state decided to renovate almost all the Thruway rest areas at the same time. But stop here instead! There's a giant Taste of New York store with ready made foods and some custom sandwiches, excellent baked goods, fresh coffee (and espresso drinks), and various New York gifts, including some food gift baskets. The inside is spacious with huge ceilings, and there's a few outdoor areas (although none so great as the Erie Canal heritage center much further along towards Buffalo going west only). You can't get gas but you can use the restrooms and get enough food to fill your belly, and look at a little local history on display while you do.

With a historic Dutch-style building facade, the Capital Region Welcome Center represents the…read moregateway into the Capital Region for northbound travelers and promotes the region's local tourism industry, rich history, food, and beverages. This I Love NY sign- is a symbol of New York State Welcome Centers and it has 11 welcome centers across NY state. I am just listing this down because now I am interested in exploring it all. * Adirondacks Welcome Center * Capital Region Welcome Center * Central NY Welcome Center * Finger Lakes Welcome Center * Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center * Long Island Welcome Center * Mohawk Valley Welcome Center * New York State Welcome Center * North Country Welcome Center * Southern Tier Welcome Center * Western NY Welcome Center These are all newly constructed and not your usual rest stop. Food options are limited here, not a single chain or separate kiosk. Approximately 15 miles south of Albany, the Capital Region Welcome Center is located across from the New York State Thruway Authority's New Baltimore Service Area on the Thruway (I-87) it features regionally specific elements linked to the history and natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, including attractions such as the New York State Capitol, the historic Saratoga Racecourse, and the Lake George region. Other features include: Taste NY Market showcases locally grown and sourced products from across the capital region and the state. Taste NY Market Menu PDF Artifact wall I LOVE NY interactive kiosks. Area for farmers' markets Music-themed children's playground High-speed Electric Vehicle charging stations.

We didn't spot the parking area on the west side of the bridge and there was traffic behind us, so…read morewe continued across the bridge and there is a parking area on the east side. It's free parking but you have to cross the traffic at the roundabout and that's always a good time. In place since 1935, this cantilever and truss bridge is 145 feet above the Hudson River below. Plenty of space for pedestrians with a very high curb and that made me feel safe from the traffic. There are a couple of spots with overhangs so that you can step a bit out from the bridge to look at it from the side. Helpful! The bridge joins the cities of Hudson and Catskill, carrying NY route 23. It is a total of 5040 feet from end to end. The toll is eastbound only. There are a number of mounted telephones for suicide awareness. I guess enough people have jumped that they felt the need to put the phones up. On a clear day, the "America's First Canvas" notes make sense. This area got some of the first American landscape paintings by Thomas Cole (1801-1848) and Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900). Before the bridge, of course. [Review 11496 overall, 1276 of 2019.]

It looks like they finally removed the 25mph speed limit on the Greene County side of the bridge…read more That, plus removing toll booths and repaving that stretch of road definitely speeds up the flow of traffic across the bridge.

I enjoyed the hotel and it's scenery. Unfortunately my friend and I did not have a room that faced…read morethe valley. But we were the first to arrive as the entire hotel was booked. Because of a nearby motorcycle rally called Rolling Thunder. Only 12 rooms. Our room was at the end of a very long hallway on the second floor which is where all the rooms were located. We were on the left-hand side which faced the front of the hotel at the rooms on the right hand side where the rooms that have the great view. All of the doors were open as the captain told us he had been preparing the rooms for his guests. My friend and I proceeded to unpack our suitcases and get everything ready for the three days that we would be staying putting our clothes away putting our toiletries into the bathroom etc. When I was done putting my things away I walked across the hallway into the hotel room across from us and looked out the window. I wanted to check out the gorgeous view and it really was gorgeous. All of a sudden I heard a crashing sound coming from my room so I ran back in and I said to my friend what was that and she said it was something in the bathroom. So I looked on my toiletries which I had put into a large Ziploc bag had fallen into the trash can. It was impossible that they would have fallen in the trashcan from where I have placed them so I found it very odd but I just brushed it off. So I decided to go and have a look with my friend who is now done putting her things away at the room that I was looking out the window and across the hall. As we walked out of my room I noticed that the door was closed to the other room. I know for a fact that I did not close it because I ran out of the room when I heard the noise. And I suddenly felt I guess this very strange energy. I suppose it gave me the creeps. And then it happened again... My toiletries ended up in the trashcan!!! I decided I would run downstairs and talk to the captain about where we could purchase some bottled water on the premises since the soda machine was broken. I found him sitting outside having a glass of bourbon and a cigar and he was a super nice guy. So I sat down with him and he offered to give me some free bottled waters which I thought was nice and I asked him point blank if his hotel was haunted. He laughed but only slightly and said I guess you met her. I said yes not exactly but she's messing with my stuff. So he told me the story of a woman that they had found murdered who was a prostitute in the room across from ours. And nobody knew that she was under the bed for a couple of weeks until she started to smell. I felt slightly unhinged as he was telling the story. And I believe that he said it happened in the early 80s. She told me that she wasn't going to hurt us but likes to scare the women that were staying in the hotel. So a few more things happened like she rearranged my bracelets on the dresser and took my girlfriends diamond ring and placed it in a very unusual place- on the window sill. I also felt someone following me down the hallway. But it would stop when I arrived at the top of the staircase. I heard a woman moaning. Yikes The scariest thing that happened was the morning of the day we were going to leave. My girlfriend and I slept in the same bed bc it was the only bed. And I was wearing my earplugs because she snores like a truck driver... L O L. So I could hear nothing. She wakes me up in the morning looking white as a ghost and screams at me to take out my earplugs and asked me did I grab her by her hip and violently shake her to wake her up? I said absolutely not. And then we looked at each other and got dressed real quick without even showering and left... !!!! we knew a few of the people who were staying there and we asked them days after we left if they had experienced anything like that but they told us no. I assumed it was because they were mostly couples and there was a man in the room. Oh yeah and there's a very nice man who is also a ghost who roams around the dining area during breakfast. But he wasn't scary.

The food at captains inn is always perfect! And the captain is one of the nicest guys around. Old…read moreschool feeling with a modern menu!

Woodstock is an eclectic town in the Adirondacks. It's about 2 - 3 hours northeast of NYC…read moredepending, in my opinion, on the amount of time you have to sit in traffic on the George Washington Bridge. The drive itself (except for traffic on the GW) is very pleasant. Many people believe it was the site of the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. That was actually held in a field outside Bethel, NY, about an hour away. Despite my pleas my family wouldn't take me to the field because we would get back to the city too late. I've wanted for years to lay in the field with my eyes closed & feel the presence of the event that was a highlight of my generation. Of course at my age, I would need a strong hand to help me get back up again. Our visit was because my Grandson loved to swim in a stream that ran through a part of town. After seeing the incline down I chose to roam the town during his swim. The town, for someone of my generation, was not just charming. It appeared to be a place where old hippies went to live the remainder of their life around like minded people, Of course there were souvenirs stores that capitalized on its famous name. But there was so much more. Sitting on a bench watching a band playing in the town square, I chatted with people of my generation. It was pleasant and calming, a place where "Peace will guide the planets.....And love will steer the stars." When my family returned from their swim we ate at a cafe with 60's decor then headed back to the city without a detour to the field. Sigh.....

Mostly everyone, associate the 1969 concert that originally took place in Bethel, NY, with…read moreWoodstock, NY (the concert's namesake). But the "Free Loving", energy and music that occurred then- just extended here. Most people ask me, "what do you do up in Woodstock? Do you wear hippie clothes? Do you just roam around mindlessly? Do you sing in the Town's Square ?" No. No. And. No. Please fast forward to the newly rich Woodstock. It's more than Janis Joplin and tie-dyed t-shirts- please; (though I love every Janis song). I've seen the changes in the last 16 years; and the presence of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban (pre wedding) while Mr. Man and I had lunch at Landau Grill, just bumped Woodstock to a modern destination spot; attracting folks from the city- by the bus loads! Locally-owned shops, rightfully remain, with a more refined appearance. But it also holds that country vibe also. That's perfectly fine. Creativity in the form of paintings, sculptures, Art Galleries and film, flows everywhere you go. I've driven in for the day, spent a long weekend and have spent a week. Either or, you will not be at a loss- there's something for everyone up here. People are genuinely approachable. And that aura of Peace and Love that initially took place more than 40 decades ago- will never go away.

This house was where British General John Burgoyne was hosted as a POW after his loss at Saratoga…read morein October 1777. This house is an interesting landmark for it's historical value. It is not open to the public.

In the site of the Watt's DePyster Fireman's Hall in Tivoli, NY, lies this mediocre-sized library…read more Although my brothers have been going in there from time to time, my first time into this library was today. Although I wasn't overly thrilled at seeing the inside, but I know it's someplace to return to if all my former sources of Internet have been taken up and I'm in desperate need. The library may look big when viewed from outside, but it's not when you head inside. From the outside, what you are seeing is actually one of three "departments" inside this 2-story building. When you look inside this library, they don't have many computers, and the computers they did have today, were all full of other people. Overall, the remainder of the library wasn't overly crowded, but was awaiting a book-sale presentation about "Mysterious Creatures" in New York State (near Kinderhook, NY more or less). Anywho, when you look around the library, the walkways are not very wide, and are not suitable for any wheelchair accessibility to get through, and the steps leading into this library prove that there is no other accessibility in. (The back entrance is no better.) Even then, the large print books are merged sporadically throughout the library, and mixed into the regular books according to call number. They are marked however, so don't get this review wrong. Personally, if they designated another single section for just these "special" books, they can be better found for those who have trouble seeing. The weirdest thing was there's another bookshelf filled with a few more books across the alleyway that seemed to contain about 50 books I bet the EMPLOYEE'S DON'T EVEN REALISE are over there. Overall, I wouldn't mind going back there when I need a place just to read, but to actually find a book or empty computer seat to type up documents, you're best off going to other sources.

This is the best library per square foot in America. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful…read more Yes, it's TINY. It also offers more programs for the community (young, old and in between) than many libraries twenty times its size.

Love this place. New to the area and although hours are slightly goofy, it is a great place to get…read morework done, prints or just grab a book and enjoy the space. Staff are great and helpful and the space is beautiful in a great little town! Highly recommend checking it out and seeing what peaks your interest there. Great local resource!!!

The Phoenicia Library's logo is the best. It features a bespectacled bear in an Adirondack chair,…read morereading a book. Really, what's NOT to adore about that? Due to a fire several years ago, the library recently underwent major renovations and looks brand spanking new. There are two floors full of books and DVDs, and the rooms are bright with lots of light and wooden floors. There were plenty of folks sitting in chairs and reading and also a bunch in a back conference-like room. If you enjoy fishing and ukuleles, you're in luck. Ukuleles are available to borrow, and the Phoenicia Library also has the unique Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection which is worth checking out, on the second floor. We spoke with a couple of librarians, and they were quite friendly and helpful. There is a bathroom off to the side of the circulation desk. Offering lots of books and activities, if I lived in Phoenicia, I'd be a regular fixture at the library, no doubt.

The young ladies who work at the Philmont, New York Post Office are delightful. They are cheerful,…read morehelpful, and I think they do whatever they can for the community.