Downtown Albany Worth Discovering this Summer

ALBANY, NY (07/25/2008)(readMedia)-- With rapidly rising gas prices, creeping inflation and uncertainty in the market, more people are looking for vacations and getaways closer to home this year. Albany's designation as the country's second oldest chartered city (note the upcoming Quadricentennial celebrations) make it a natural destination with its rich history, remarkable architecture, arts and culture, and diverse travel amenities like dining and accommodations for every taste and at every price point. The initiative to showcase Albany as a premier alternative for local vacation travel is the result of a coordinated effort by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACCVB), and Downtown Albany hotels, restaurants, venues and attractions. A comprehensive list of packages and sample itineraries can be found by visiting the Downtown Albany BID website at http://www.downtownalbany.org.

"Despite challenging economic times, people still look for ways to break away from their routines and enjoy some leisure time. Tourism in urban areas has always had a niche; Downtown Albany has a great deal to offer close to home and at affordable prices. The Downtown Albany BID took the lead in working with our various attraction and destination partners to pull together ideas for daytrips, weekends and longer to engage Capital Region residents and beyond. There is so much worth discovering right here in the Capital City you'll be amazed at what you learn," said Pamela Tobin, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany BID.

To maximize the visitors' experience in everything the region has to offer, Albany's downtown hotels have created special theme-based packages and incentives for travelers, and Albany's restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues have joined in to sweeten the deal. Links to package details can be found at http://www.downtownalbany.org.

Downtown Albany is not only a great destination in and of itself; it's an ideal place to begin any visit to Tech Valley and the greater Capital Region. Just minutes from Saratoga's famed racetrack and the New York Giants Training Camp, Albany is centered between the fabled Adirondack, Catskill, Green and Berkshire mountains. Downtown Albany is worth discovering since 1609!

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The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. The Downtown Albany BID covers approximately 50 square blocks from Eagle Street on the west to Broadway on the east, and Clinton Avenue on the north to Madison Avenue on the south. Downtown Albany is easily accessible from four exits off I-787. Ample public parking is available in more than 16,000 spaces; metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call 518-465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.