One of the best parts about living at Rivers Ledge Apartments in Niskayuna, NY is the convenience factor! Not only is this luxury waterfront apartment community located just half an hour from Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, it’s also a short drive from the border of Vermont, making the Green Mountain State the perfect getaway spot for a “daycation.”
Things to Check Out During the Colder Months
Winter blues got you in a funk? Spend some time exploring antique stores, skiing and snowshoeing, and wandering through an adorable village—then warm up with a spiced mulled cider or hot toddy before heading home.
Browse the Wares at Covered Bridge Antiques
Covered Bridge Antiques is just over the border of Vermont in the quaint town of Bennington. The shop boasts over 4,000 sq ft of space, making it easy for the hours to simply fly by as you explore. Over a dozen dealers utilize this space, and each booth’s ever-changing wares are packed with carefully curated treasures.
Hit the Trails at Prospect Mountain Ski Area
Prospect Mountain Ski Area is a bit further away—about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Rivers Ledge—in Woodford, VT. However, the mountain is definitely worth the drive. Prospect has over 40 groomed cross-country ski trails, 8 Alpine touring ski trails, and half a dozen snowshoe trails, all expertly groomed and carefully maintained.
Prospect Mountain’s base elevation is 2,250 feet, making it the highest base elevation of any alpine or cross-country ski area in Vermont. This high elevation helps create consistently good conditions for skiers and snowshoers who want to visit the trails.
Visit Stratton Mountain Village for a Fairytale Feel
We know that living on the bank of the Mohawk River feels like a fairytale for most residents, but if you want more of those cozy, movie-esque vibes, you should visit Stratton Mountain Village. It’s located almost two hours from home, but when this alpine village is covered in snow, it’s like a scene out of a Hallmark movie!
As you make your way down the picturesque main street, you’ll come across boutiques, candy shops, clothing stores, and of course, plenty of shops for new snow gear. There are also an array of dining options if you start feeling a bit peckish along the way.
Stop at Village Garage Distillery to Taste the Spirit of the Green Mountains
Before leaving Vermont and heading home to your cozy apartment for some well-earned rest, stop once more in Bennington at the Village Garage Distillery for a hot toddy or spiced mulled cider. This local distillery has over 200 years of Vermont tradition behind it and an amazing menu of both cocktails and mocktails, along with beer, wine, and food.
Fun Activities for Warmer Weather in Vermont
Get out and enjoy the spring, summer, and early fall months with a hike through the Green Mountain National Forest! If you’d rather something a little less daunting, meander through the sculpture gardens at the Southern Vermont Arts Center or take a tour of historic Hildene. Either way, you’ll definitely want to end the day with a stop for a pint at a local brewery.
Take a Hike in the Green Mountain National Forest
Although the Adirondacks aren’t located too far north of Rivers Ledge, if you’re interested in experiencing something a little different, the Green Mountain National Forest is a stunning getaway option.
Near Bennington, which is just over the border, you’ll have access to quite a few cool trail options, including The Long Trail, which runs from the MA-VT border to the Canadian border, Harmon Hill, a moderate hike with a beautiful view, and many more.
The Everett Cave trail isn’t located in the Forest, but it’s amazing—if you decide to explore the cave, however, be sure to bring a headlamp and a few layers of clothes (it gets chilly in the caves!). You’ll also want to wear sturdy hiking boots to avoid twisting your ankle on the loose rocks that cover the cave’s floor.
Tour Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Vermont is absolutely brimming with historic locations for you to visit. One particularly interesting spot is Hildene, which was built by Robert Lincoln, the only child of Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln to survive to adulthood, and his wife, also named Mary. Hildene is located about 1.5 hours from Rivers Ledge.
The estate consists of the Welcome Center, Robert and Mary’s home (which has views of the Taconic and Green Mountains and overlooks the Battenkill River), and a restored wooden Pullman palace car. On the estate, guests can also visit the Hildene farms and walk the trail system.
Explore the Southern Vermont Arts Center Sculpture Park & Galleries
If you’re more of an arts lover, the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a must-visit. It’s only an 8-minute drive from Hildene, so it’s not too far out of the way, and has galleries, a café, and a unique sculpture garden.
The Sculpture Park and Gardens in particular are breathtaking and feature spectacular views of the Green and Taconic Mountains. Along the trails, visitors will come across sculptures and art installations that will pique their curiosity, inspire them, and even create opportunities for reflection and thought.
The Sculpture Park also has lovely spots for picnicking, so grab a bite to eat at the curATE café before heading into the great outdoors.
Finish the Day With a Pint at Harvest Brewing
Harvest Brewing is another great spot in Bennington for you to check out before returning home to Rivers Ledge. This microbrewery has a selection of porters, IPAs, and ciders on tap, and their Mexican-inspired menu hits the spot after a long day of fun.
The brewery also often hosts live music during the summer months, so you may even be serenaded as you enjoy your refreshing brew and tasty meal.
Take a Tour of Rivers Ledge Today
When you live at Rivers Ledge Apartments, you’ll be just a short drive from some of the most amazing places in the northeast—including Vermont! Contact us today to schedule a tour of our luxury apartments in Niskayuna and see how comfort, convenience, and aesthetic meet at Rivers Ledge.