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Erastus Corning Tower observation deck
Want to get a view of the Capital Region from way up high? The Erastus Corning Tower’s 42nd floor is a dizzyingly-high perch equipped with viewing scopes, maps and factoids about the region’s complex history. If you grew up here, you probably know already that this tower in the center of OPEN: Monday through the Empire State Plaza is named for ErasFriday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. tus Corning II, a former Albany mayor ADMISSION: Free who helped create this plaza. The CornCONTACT: (518) 474-2418 or ogs. ing Tower is the tallest building in the ny.gov/esp/CT/Tours/OBdeck.asp state outside of New York City.
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— PHOTO BY PAUL BUCKOWSKI/TIMES UNION ARCHIVES
Cohoes Falls
OPEN: May 1- Nov. 1, It’s believed that the word Cohoes 7 a.m. to dusk comes from the Native American word ADMISSION: Free Coho meaning “falling or shipwrecked CONTACT: canoe.” This meaning makes sense when you take friendsofcohoesfalls.org a visit to Cohoes Falls. Located just minutes from 787 and Route 9, the Cohoes Falls are the biggest falls east of Niagara. Access is through Falls View Park. The park is four-acres and offers a wide range of recreational and historical features. A 192-foot-long pedestrian bridge spans the School Street power canal from North Mohawk Street to the primary overlook area. Falls View Park also has access to nearby hiking trails. The lower level deck offers a secondary view and fishing platforms. Visitors can also access the riverbed via a natural trail at the base of the falls, open Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting).
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Adirondack Balloon flights
Want to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Adirondacks/Lake George/Saratoga Springs region of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont? Consider a hot air balloon ride. With over 30 years of experience and 3,000 flights, pilot Phil Jackson of Adirondack Balloon Flights will guide you on an hour-long journey spanning over 10 miles. The rides are at sunrise or dusk and can be scheduled for as many as four guests; romantic private flight for two are popular too. In-flight service provides a champagne toast and photographs of your adventure. OPEN: Flights available daily April through October, Pickup and drop-off just after sunrise and one hour before sunset is located at Exit 19 of ADMISSION: Private flight for two, $700.00; shared I-84 in Queensbury, less space and private group flight, $270.00 per person than 1 hour north of CONTACT: 518-793-6342 or adkballoonflights.com Albany.
— PHOTO BY PHILIP KAMRASS/TIMES UNION ARCHIVES
— PHOTO COURTESY ADIRONDACK BALLOON FLIGHTS
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