From milder temperatures to blooming flowers, there’s a lot to love about spring in Upstate New York. It’s the perfect time of year to get outside, have some fun, and celebrate the return of your favorite warm weather activities. Whether you’re a resident of Rivers Ledge Apartments or new to the Niskayuna, NY area, we’ve rounded up the top things to do this spring.
Take a Walk in the Park or Through a Nature Preserve
With the snow melting, you can finally shed that winter coat, put away those snowshoes, and get ready for spring hiking. The Capital Region is filled with parks and preserves that feature hiking and nature trails to explore and other recreational activities as the season goes on.
Some of the best places to check out near Rivers Ledge include the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve in Clifton Park, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in Albany, Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes, and others. Adventure awaits!
Go for a Ride Down the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
Running and biking are great ways to stay active during spring, and one of the area’s most popular routes is the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. This multi-use path welcomes walkers, runners, and bicyclists. It travels throughout parts of the Capital Region, and for Rivers Ledge residents, the trail is accessible right from the property’s entrance. You can easily hop on the trail and travel west past Aqueduct Park or east toward Cohoes.
Look Forward to Hitting the Green at Golf Courses
Has it been too long since you last played a round of golf? Well, the long wait is over golfers – golf season kicks off at local courses as soon as conditions allow in the Capital Region. Keep your eyes open for updates from some of the top golf courses near Niskayuna, such as Schenectady Municipal Golf Course, Van Patten Golf Club, Briar Creek Golf Course, Capital Hills at Albany, and more.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of all the amenities at a private golf course and country club, then check out the historic Mohawk Golf Club. There are plenty of golf courses to choose from for all skill levels near Niskayuna.
Satisfy Your Ice Cream Cravings
Another welcome sign of spring is the reopening of ice cream shops, and luckily, you can find all kinds of places for this delicious frosty treat nearby. The Grandstand in Schenectady features an excellent selection of desserts, including sundaes and shakes, while Guptill’s in Cohoes is renowned for offering over 80 ice cream flavors. You can also stop by Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In in Scotia, which serves tasty comfort food too, or the Country Drive-In in Clifton Park.
Note: Visit each shop’s website or Facebook page for opening dates and current hours of operation.
Dine Outdoors at Regional Restaurants
Soaking up the sun while dining outdoors on a patio is one of the best parts of spring. Round up some friends and plan your next patio dining trip to Druthers Brewing Company in Schenectady (or one of their other Capital Region locations), the City Squire Pub, Innovo Kitchen in nearby Latham, or another great restaurant. Patio dining season typically begins around early April, but you can check online or call individual establishments to confirm if seating is available.
Mark Your Calendar For Top Spring Events
Don’t miss out on all of the fun events and festivals happening this season! Here are a few highlights you should plan ahead for:
Albany Tulip Festival
One of the most popular annual spring events in the area is the Albany Tulip Festival, which is scheduled for May 13-14, 2023. Each year during Tulip Festival, Albany’s Washington Park comes alive with thousands of blooming tulips, vendors, musical performances, activities, and more. This is a free, family-friendly event, and a fun way to spend Mother’s Day weekend.
Tri-City ValleyCats Baseball
The Capital Region’s own Tri-City ValleyCats baseball team begins their 2023 regular season on Friday, May 12, at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy. Part of the Frontier League, the ‘Cats are scheduled to play 51 home games, with promotions and theme nights hosted throughout the season. Take your family out to a ball game this spring!
Waterford Canal Festival
Come celebrate the start of canal season at the annual Waterford Canal Festival, which will take place on May 20-21, 2023, at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center. The two-day event features boats, local vendors, live music, delicious food, and other festivities. It’s also a great opportunity to discover Waterford’s rich history.
Capital Strawberry and Wine Festival
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Capital Strawberry and Wine Festival at the Altamont Fairgrounds on June 3-4, 2023. Strawberries will be the focus of this late spring festival, with strawberry shortcakes, strawberry and rhubarb pies, strawberry cocktails, and more available for purchase. Plus, there will be a tasting room with a wide array of wines, spirits, and specialty foods to sample.
Make the Most of Spring at Rivers Ledge
Rivers Ledge Apartments is conveniently located near awesome spring activities and exciting events. If you want to live in a luxury waterfront community close to everything the region has to offer, then explore our apartment options today!