When you choose to make your home at Rivers Ledge Apartments in Niskayuna, NY, you can rest assured: there is plenty to do in the area, no matter what the weather is like in winter. Aside from our Recreation Building, which will be complete in Spring of 2023, there are a variety of places to visit in the surrounding area, whether there’s snow on the ground or not a flake in sight!
Outdoor Fun for Snowy Weather
Upstate New York and the Capital Region don’t hibernate during the winter months! In fact, the area comes to life with frosty fun. When a snowy blanket covers the ground, you’ll find a ton of outdoor activities to help you stay warm and active.
Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve or Peebles Island
The Capital Region has plenty of scenic spots to snowshoe or cross-country ski, if that’s more your style. One of the best options is the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in Albany, NY, which offers over 20 miles of trails that are free to explore, as well as special events where experts will guide you through the Preserve and share their knowledge of its inhabitants and ecosystem. Guided programs also include free use of the Preserve’s snowshoes, although they are not available to rent for solo snowshoe adventures.
Peebles Island State Park in nearby Cohoes, NY, is an excellent place to visit if you want great views. The island is located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, and the 2-mile perimeter trail allows guests to walk the island’s edge and see rapids and a dam along the way.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Maple Ski Ridge
Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady, NY, is a top choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. This family-owned mountain has 8 trails, including three black diamonds. Don’t let that make you nervous, however—there are several slopes for beginners, and you can rent equipment if you’re interested in hitting the trails but don’t have your own.
Maple Ski Ridge is open daily, but hours vary, so be sure to check before venturing into the chilly air.
Ice Skate at Empire State Plaza
Want to feel as though you’ve fallen into a romantic movie, set in a winter wonderland? Go ice skating at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY! The rink is open seasonally from Tuesday-Sunday and is free to use, though it offers paid skate rentals for kids and adults. Every Saturday, however, rentals are free thanks to Hannaford’s Free Skate Rental Saturday program. Rentals are available adjacent to the rink in the glass pavilion; you’ll also find 25 cent locker rentals and refreshments available for purchase at the pavilion.
Indoor Activities to Check Out This Winter
No snow? Looking a little gray outside? There are still lots of indoor activities to choose from, thanks to the convenient location of Rivers Ledge. Because our luxury apartment complex is close to Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, you’ll never run out of things to do or new places to explore, even if the day calls for indoor fun.
Still Want to Skate? Try the Indoor Rink at Schenectady County Recreational Facility
If you’re not ready for winter to be over, but the weather isn’t cooperating, you can go for an indoor skate at Schenectady County Recreational Facility in Glenville, NY. The cost to skate is $5 for general admission, and $3 for seniors and children under the age of 5. Skates can also be rented for $5, as well. The rink has a calendar for open skating, figure skating, and even senior skating, so you’ll be able to find a time with ease.
Another local option is the Capital Arena in Clifton Park, NY, which has not one, but two NHL-sized rinks for you to enjoy, any time of year.
Visit The Arts Center of the Capital Region
The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, NY, is an awesome place to check out, especially during the colder months. The Center not only offers exhibits for visitors to peruse, but it also hosts community programs, camps, classes, and more.
If there’s a specific medium you’d like to learn more about, the Arts Center more than likely will have a class available. They hold classes on digital art, photography, woodworking, pottery, fiber arts, and even stained glass.
Peruse the Shelves at Wit’s End Giftique
If you’d rather spend your day out of the chilly weather and scoping out a good deal, we certainly wouldn’t blame you. One unique local shop to venture to is Wit’s End Giftique in Clifton Park. The store is absolutely massive and has nearly anything you could think of amongst its wares.
From jewelry, decor, and designer clothes to Waterford Crystal and other collectibles to toys and books for the little ones, you’ll be so amazed by their selection, you won’t even think about the weather outside!
Enjoy All Seasons & Weather at Rivers Ledge Apartments
The choice is up to you, when you live at Rivers Ledge Apartments! You’ll be comfortable and cozy in your spacious and modern luxury apartment, no matter what the weather’s like outside. Contact us today to schedule a tour and see this stunning waterfront complex in Niskayuna.