Articles Tagged "Things to Do"

For many, a frozen drink at the swimming pool sounds like the perfect summer afternoon. If you're looking for a way to beat the heat, wine slushies are the perfect frozen concoction to cool you down on a hot day. This refreshing boozy summer treat combines your favorite blend of wine with frozen fruit and ice, so there are countless ways to make them!

Wine slushies are also a favorite of our real estate agents, who put together a quick list of 5 places around the Capital Region where you can order one this summer.

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Mountain Day is observed on August 11 and has its origins in Japan. Why not celebrate it in the U.S. by getting out into nature?

Our real estate agents suggest the following five places to celebrate Mountain Day in the Adirondack Region.

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The strawberry daiquiri: It's the ultimate summertime drink. It's not only the go-to pool side beverage (don't forget the cocktail umbrella), it's also a favorite beverage of our real estate agents very much looking forward to celebrating National Daiquiri Day on July 19th!

This perfect blend of rum, lime juice, ice, sugar, and fruit flavoring is so delicious that it deserves its own day of recognition. It's no coincidence that day just happens to take place in the middle of the summer. If you're looking for a place to grab a Daiquiri around the Capital Region, we have some great recommendations for you.

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Some of the wildest adventures in New York State await in the Adirondack Mountains, less than two hours from these Albany homes for sale. Adirondack Park spans more than 9,000 square miles, including hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of hiking trails, and campsites beyond counting. 

It's not every day that you get a chance to camp on your own private island, but in the ADK, you can do just that. Our real estate agents are excited to share these amazing island camping opportunities in the Adirondacks!

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The Adirondacks have long been known for their distinctively gorgeous natural scenery—why not capture some of it in photographs for National Nature Photography Day? Many aspiring shutterbugs enjoy exploring this region to find the best spots to snap a shot. Some of our real estate agents are also photography enthusiasts who have spent a lot of time in the area. Here are some of their top picks for nature photography spots in this beautiful part of New York.

• Pilot Knob Trail Head - 1195 Pilot Knob Road, Queensbury, NY
  The Pilot Knob trailhead is part of the short but incredibly scenic trail at the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob. At just 3.8 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain, this trail near our Queensbury homes for sale is perfect for beginner-level hikers. Along the way, you'll find plenty of breathtaking photo subjects, including a majestic waterfall at the trail's mid-point.

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Don't you just love biting into a juicy hamburger? The crunchy lettuce, the gooey cheese, the tender beef—everything just blends together so well. If this has you in the mood for a burger, then you're in luck. May is National Hamburger Month, and the very best way to celebrate is to go out for a burger. Our real estate agents have a few restaurants to recommend in the Central New York region.

• LODED: 6393 Thompson Rd., Syracuse, NY 13206
  As the name suggests, the burgers at LODED are loaded. This restaurant makes smash burgers, flat patties cooked until the outsides are crisp and delicious.

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Eager to settle down with a new read? You're in luck. May is Get Caught Reading Month, an occasion that asks participants to make a point of reading openly. Its goal is to encourage everyone to embrace the joy of literature.

Some of our real estate agents are true bookworms who are often on the hunt for a new read during their time in the Capital Region. Check out some of their favorite bookstores in the area to find yourself a new book this month.

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Tucked away at the top of one of New York's Finger Lakes, you'll find the quaint, scenic village of Skaneateles. Located just 30 minutes from Syracuse homes for sale, Skaneateles is a historic community with local businesses that have been around for more than a century and natural beauty waiting for you around every corner. Our real estate agents have some tips on local attractions that you won't want to miss when you spend the day in Skaneateles.

• Lockwood Lavender Farm – 1682 W. Lake Rd., Skaneateles, NY 13152
  Set on 120 acres overlooking Skaneateles Lake, Lockwood Lavender Farm has been owned by the same family for more than 150 years and has long been a favorite attraction near Skaneateles homes for sale. The farm is open to visitors from late spring through summer, but the best time to visit is during harvest season in July for some truly Instagram-worthy photo ops in the lavender fields.

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National Wildlife Week is a time of year that our real estate agents always look forward to because there's no better place in New York to see wildlife than the Adirondacks. 

Encompassing over 6 million acres, Adirondack Park is the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states, and one of the oldest Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation. These spots in the Adirondacks are perfect places to see New York's native wildlife.

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Butterfly gardens are popular additions to Albany homes for sale as they decorate backyard spaces and delight children. Not only are these insects beautiful to observe, but they are also an integral part of the ecosystem as they pollinate plants. Fortunately, butterflies are easy to attract with the proper setup. Our real estate agents have compiled a simple guide below to help you start a unique butterfly garden.

1. Select the Right Location
   Choose a sunny site in your backyard as butterflies love to bask and most plants that attract them love the sun too. Ensure that the winged beauties will receive sunlight for half the day.

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The Capital Region has become known for its dining and drinking culture over the past few years. If you're a bourbon lover, then you're in luck: There are several craft distillers and bourbon bars in and around Albany. While you're in the area looking at Albany homes for sale, we highly recommend stopping by one of these destinations for a drink, a tasting, and perhaps even a tour.

1. Albany Distilling Company: 75 Livingston Ave., Albany, NY 12207
   Albany Distilling Company is a small craft distillery that creates spirits using a combination of traditional and modern methods. They make their own rum and vodka, but they're particularly well known for their bourbon whiskey. It's 43% ABV and aged for 48 months.

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As the threat of COVID continues to loom, outdoor dining is more popular than ever. There are plenty of Albany homes for sale near outdoor dining establishments. However, eating outside seems like a tricky proposition when the weather is cold. Fortunately, there's a rather ingenious solution: igloos. Several restaurants around Albany allow you to reserve a personal, heated igloo in which to dine. Here's where you can find them.

• Fenimore's Pub - 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls, NY 12801
  Fenimore's Pub is attached to the Queensbury Hotel, which has stood near Glens Falls homes for sale for over a hundred years. Igloos have become a staple of their outdoor dining experience during the colder months. Reserve one for up to six people, with a $25 rental fee, and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. You can reserve igloo dining in the evening any day of the week or for lunch on weekends. Be sure to specify igloo dining when you call for your reservation.

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January is National Train Your Dog Month, so why not start the new year with some Albany-area classes for you and your pup? Professional training can help puppies develop good habits and help adult dogs overcome behavioral issues.
  
Our real estate agents suggest taking your dog for training at one of these places around the Capital Region.

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Pastry Day is December 9, so it's the perfect chance to indulge in our favorite tasty treats. Everyone has a favorite type of pastry, which is why they're such a good choice for any celebration. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to start ordering your favorites. Our real estate agents share five local bakeshops around the Capital Region.

• Zachary's Pastry Shoppe - 54 State St., Albany, NY 12207
  For some of the best pastry trays in the Albany area, check out Zachary's Pastry Shoppe near downtown. Their famous trays include mini cannoli, cream puffs, eclairs, cheesecakes, mousse tarts, and more. They also serve a wide range of cakes, pies, and cupcakes. Zachary's is a great stop for a sweet treat or a holiday platter of pastries. Best of all, it's just down the road from these Albany homes for sale.

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This holiday season, shopping small is more important than ever! Our real estate agents love exploring local shops and sharing their finds with new residents.

Whether you decide to wait for Small Business Saturday or you're ready to start your shopping now, we recommend paying a visit to these nearby retailers. 

• T&J Handcrafted Soap: 271 River St., Troy, NY 12180
  Handmade soaps make great stocking stuffers, gifts for coworkers, or additions to larger gift baskets. At T&J Handcrafted Soap, you'll find over 40 different varieties of soap. Some are made from local beer, wine, and tea! They also have a selection of other body products — like fizzies, soaks, lotions, and hand-poured soy candles.  
  
  This shop is located near some of the best Troy homes for sale, so we recommend taking a drive around after you're done shopping. You never know, you just might come across your dream home.

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Cappuccinos are one of the most popular coffee drinks and are well known for their combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. They're comforting yet strong and can be enjoyed in many coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
  
Our real estate agents suggest celebrating Cappuccino Day - which falls on November 8 - by visiting one of the following cafes or other venues in the Albany area:

• Stacks Espresso Bar 260 Lark St., Albany, NY 12210 
  The owners of Stacks Espresso Bar take pride in creating a cafe and community space that's a friendly and accessible place to enjoy your cappuccino or other coffee drink. Located just around the corner from Albany homes for sale, it features coffee from diverse roasters to serve unique, delicious coffees. Order your 8- or 12-ounce richly-textured cappuccino with a soy or almond milk alternative if you'd prefer, and treat yourself to a tasty treat to enjoy alongside your drink.

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There are no bad seasons in the Adirondacks. You can ski in the winter, swim in the summer, and go for a hike just about any time. But fall is, without a doubt, our real estate agents' favorite time to take a scenic drive. 

With the leaves at peak color and the cool fall air on your face, the open road brings adventure and beauty to the mountains. There are our favorite routes in the Adirondacks for a fall motorcycle ride!

• NY State Route 30 - Northville, NY 12134
  Beginning in the community of Northville at the southern edge of the Adirondacks, NY State Route 9 arcs northward through some of the most beautiful scenery in New York. The beginning of the route is convenient to many Northville homes for sale, and the road will carry you through dense forests, cozy mountain communities, and along the picturesque shoreline of Indian Lake. The route has been nicknamed the Adirondack Trail, and you can follow it to the Canadian border if you're so inclined.

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October 4th is National Cinnamon Bun Day. What better excuse to indulge in a warm, gooey treat filled with rich spices and topped drizzled with melty glaze? You could go to the store and get a tube of pre-made cinnamon rolls to bake up. Or you could indulge yourself a little by going to a local bakery or cafe that sells them fresh, hot, and homemade. The only question is, where do you find one? You've just moved to the area and don't know where things are. There are plenty of Albany homes for sale, but where do you go for cinnamon rolls near those homes? We've got your back. Here are five local cinnamon rolls you need to try in the Capital Region.

1. Rolly-Poly Buns & Stuff - 30 Davis Ave., Albany, NY 12203.
   Open from 4-10 pm on weekdays, and 11 am-10 pm on weekends, Rolly-Poly Buns & Stuff is a home bakery specializing in cinnamon buns and apple fritters, baked fresh in a cast-iron skillet. From simple flavors like classic cinnamon, maple pecan, and Ukrainian walnut to their "bougie buns" like lemon cardamom and pineapple upside-down, there's truly not a bad bun in the bunch. Buns are sold individually or in batches of five or 10 and must be ordered online, at least one day in advance.

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September is on its way, and that means Shake Month is about to start once again. This American tradition began as a way to celebrate our cultural love for the milkshake, a blended drinkable treat made from milk, ice cream, and various syrups, sprinkles, and other garnishes. Our real estate agents have scoped out the best places to grab a milkshake in and around Albany, including both old favorites and up-and-coming establishments.

1. Emack and Bolio's - 366 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209
   Emack and Bolio's has been a popular local destination for ice cream treats since the Albany location first opened in 2008. This shop is known for their delicious frappe drinks, which is what they call milkshakes according to Boston tradition. They offer these in every flavor their hand-crafted ice cream comes in, including Beantown Buzz, Stoney's Dream, and Serious Chocolate Addiction. If you're looking for a very special shake for your Shake Month indulgence, this is the place to go!

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With "Drive Your Studebaker Day" coming up Sept. 11, our real estate agents got to thinking about all of the awesome local car shows that take place in our community. If you're a classic car collector or spectator, there are ample opportunities in and around Albany to see some of the best antiques and vintage models. Even if cars aren't your thing, our local shows have lots of food, music, and prizes and can be fun for the whole family. 

• TCM Tuesday and Saturday Cruise-Ins - 7 Old Mariaville Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
  If you're a fan of old muscle classics, check out TriCity Muscle Cruise-in every Tuesday and Saturday night at Poppy's Ice Cream. The show is Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 pm, and dates go until September 28. After the show, be sure to take a look at these gorgeous Schenectady homes for sale.

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You don't need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with the real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for a mortgage, you may hear your real estate agent or lender use any of the terms or acronyms below.

Keep this four-part guide handy — you'll be fluent in the language of home buying before you know it.

When you're searching for a home

• Approved for short sale: A term that indicates that a homeowner's bank has approved a reduced listing price on a home, and the home is ready for resale.
• Buyers market: Market conditions that exist when homes for sale outnumber buyers. Homes sit on the market a long time, and prices drop.
• Comparative market analysis (CMA): An in-depth analysis, prepared by a real estate agent, that determines the estimated value of a home based on recently sold homes of similar condition, size, features and age that are located in the same area.
• Comps: Or comparable sales, are homes in a given area that have sold within the past six months that a real estate agent uses to determine a home's value.
• Days on market (DOM): The number of days a property listing is considered active.
• Listing price: The price of a home, as set by the seller.
• Multiple listing service (MLS): A database where real estate agents list properties for sale.
• Sellers market: Market conditions that exist when buyers outnumber homes for sale. Bidding wars are common.
• Short sale: The sale of a home by an owner who owes more on the home than it's worth. The owner's bank must approve a lower listing price before the home can be sold.

When you're applying for a mortgage

• Back-end ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares the borrower's monthly debt payments to gross income.
• Depository institutions: Banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. These institutions underwrite as well as set home loan pricing in-house.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): A ratio that compares a home buyer's expenses to gross income.
• Housing ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares total housing cost (principal, homeowners insurance, taxes and private mortgage insurance) to gross income.
• Loan estimate: A three-page document sent to an applicant three days after they apply for a home loan. The document includes loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs.
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The amount of the loan divided by the price of the house. Lenders reward lower LTV ratios.
• Origination fee: A fee, charged by a broker or lender, to initiate and complete the home loan application process.
• Pre-approval: A thorough assessment of a borrower's income, assets and other data to determine a loan amount they would qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Pre-qualification: A basic assessment of income, assets and credit score to determine what, if any, loan programs a borrower might qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Underwriting: A process a lender follows to assess a home loan applicant's income, assets and credit, and the risk involved in offering the applicant a mortgage.

When you're shopping for a mortgage

• Conventional loan: A home loan not guaranteed by a government agency, such as the FHA or the VA.
• Down payment: A certain portion of the home's purchase price that a buyer must pay. A minimum requirement is often dictated by the loan type.
• Fannie Mae: A government-sponsored enterprise chartered in 1938 to help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA): A government agency created by the National Housing Act of 1934 that insures loans made by private lenders.
• FHA 203(k): A rehabilitation loan backed by the federal government that permits homebuyers to finance money into a mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade a home.
• Foreclosure: A property repossessed by a bank when the owner fails to make mortgage payments.
• Freddie Mac: A government agency chartered by Congress in 1970 to provide a constant source of mortgage funding for the nation's housing markets.
• Mortgage broker: A licensed professional who works on behalf of the buyer to secure financing through a bank or other lending institution.
• Mortgage interest rate: The price of borrowing money. The base rate is set by the Federal Reserve and then customized per borrower, based on credit score, down payment, property type and points the buyer pays to lower the rate.
• Piggyback loan: A combination of loans bundled to avoid private mortgage insurance. One loan covers 80% of the home's value, another loan covers 10% to 15% of the home's value, and the buyer contributes the remainder.
• Principal, interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance (PITI): The components of a monthly mortgage payment.
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI): A fee charged to borrowers who make a down payment that is less than 20% of the home's value. The fee, 0.3% to 1.5% of the yearly loan amount, can be canceled in certain circumstances when the borrower reaches 20% equity.
• Points: Prepaid interest owed at closing, with one point representing 1% of the loan. Paying points, which are tax deductible, will lower the monthly mortgage payment.

When you've chosen a home

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): A not-for-profit professional association that sets and promotes standards for property inspections. Look for this accreditation or something similar when shopping for a home inspector.
• Cash-value policy: A homeowners insurance policy that pays the replacement cost of a home, minus depreciation, should damage occur.
• Closing costs: Fees associated with the purchase of a home that are due at the end of the sales transaction. Fees may include the appraisal, the home inspection, a title search, a pest inspection and more. Buyers should budget for an amount that is 1% to 3% of the home's purchase price.
• Contingencies: Conditions written into a home purchase contract that protect the buyer should issue arise with financing, the home inspection, etc.
• Earnest money: A security deposit made by the buyer to assure the seller of his or her intent to purchase.
• Escrow account: An account required by a lender and funded by a buyer's mortgage payment to pay the buyer's homeowners insurance and property taxes.
• Escrow state: A state in which an escrow agent is responsible for closing.
• Home inspection: A non-destructive visual look at the systems in a building. Inspection occurs when the home is under contract or in escrow.
• Homeowners insurance: A policy that protects the structure of the home, its contents, injury to others and living expenses should damage occur.
• In escrow: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title searched for liens, etc.
• Title insurance: Insurance that protects the buyer and lender should an individual or entity step forward with a claim that was attached to the property before the seller transferred legal ownership of the property or "title" to the buyer.
• Transfer taxes: Fees imposed by the state, county or municipality on transfer of title.
• Under contract: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title is searched for liens, etc.
• Walkthrough: A buyer's final inspection of a home before closing.

When you own a home

• Equity: A percentage of the home's value owned by the homeowner.
• Homeowners Association (HOA): The governing body of a housing development, condo or townhome complex that sets rules and regulations. They charge dues used to maintain common areas.
• Property tax exemption: A reduction in taxes based on specific criteria, such as installation of a renewable energy system or rehabilitation of a historic home.
• Tax lien: The government's legal claim against property when the homeowner neglects or fails to pay a tax debt.

Find out what else you can do to prepare for buying a home here.

About the author

Few places in New York offer a chance to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature quite like the Catskills. Established in 1885, Catskill Park encompasses an incredible 700,000 acres of land, much of it completely open and free for the public to use. 

Catskill Park represents a hub for hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Be sure to check out some of our real estate agents' favorite Catskills destinations as you're getting acquainted with the area!

• Ashokan Rail Trail - 1285 NY-28, West Hurley, NY 12491
  If you're looking for great trails, you've come to the right place. And while the Ashokan Rail Trail is far from the most challenging trek in the Catskills, it is one of the region's most accessible trails and a great starting point for newcomers. The Ashokan Rail Trail stretches just over 11 miles, following the course of a former railroad line along the shore of Ashokan Reservoir. The trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and horseback riding, and provides stunning views of the mountains.

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Disc golf is such a fun, inviting summer activity. It requires less skill than golf and is approachable to family members of all ages. Once you figure out how to throw a disc, you're set! The Albany area has really embraced disc golf over the past few years. In fact, there are a few awesome disc golf courses our real estate agents recommend.

• Central Park Disc Golf Course: 500 Iroquois Path, Schenectady, NY 12309
  If you're looking at Schenectady homes for sale, then the Central Park Disc Golf Course is just minutes away. The City of Schenectady owns this course, and its varied scenery makes for a fun afternoon. It's a full, 18-hole course with several holes in wooded areas, others near a creek, and still others on green fairways.
  
  The Central Park Disc Golf Course was upgraded to DisCatcher baskets in 2011. It's open to the public seven days a week, except for on Thursdays after 5:00 pm when league play is taking place.

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New York's Catskill Mountains offer some of the most rugged country and spectacular scenery in the Northeast. Hammock camping is one of the greatest ways to explore this unique part of the world. 

Hammocks and hammock tents are perfect for camping. They're lightweight enough to take with you on backpacking trips, yet comfortable enough to replace more traditional tents. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite hammock camping spots in the Catskills.

• Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest - Livingston Manor, NY 12758
  Spanning a little over 13,000 acres, Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest offers endless opportunities to enjoy the backcountry. The forest includes a labyrinth of hiking trails totaling over 22 miles, including a section of the 575-mile Finger Lakes Trail. Primitive backcountry camping is permitted throughout most of the forest, and there is also a rustic campground located at Balsam Pond. Despite its remoteness, much of the forest is easily accessible near these Livingston Manor homes for sale.

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Crispy crust, flavorful sauce, unique toppings – could anything be more delicious than wood-fired pizza? There's just something about baking it in a high-temp, wood-fired oven that makes pizza even more incredible. The Albany area is home to a few great restaurants that serve wood-fired pizza. Here are the ones our real estate agents recommend visiting for a tasty experience. 

• Bacchus Wood-Fired: 33 2nd St., Troy, NY 12180
  Bacchus Wood-Fired is a great restaurant to stop by when you're looking at Troy homes for sale. Their slogan is "Antique Pizza in an Antique Town," and indeed, their food has a very traditional flair. Their pizza oven is shaped like a Bacchus sculpture and was created by artist Brian McCandless.
  
  A favorite at Bacchus is the Cheese Trigeminous, which comes topped with feta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. They do offer a "make your own" option, along with a selection of salads, wood-fired wings, and specialty pastas.

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Namaste! June 21st marks International Yoga Day – a day to celebrate the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. Whether you do it to achieve inner peace, alleviate stress, or get in a great workout, yoga is a therapeutic activity for your body, mind, and soul. There are plenty of yoga studios in the Capital Region of New York, offering every conceivable style of yoga. The classes range from soothing to intense, so you're sure to find something for your skill level. Our real estate agents have rounded up the best yoga classes in the Capital Region, where you can stretch, bend, relax your mind, and find balance on International Yoga Day. Check out these yoga studios, grab your mat, and have a zen day.

• Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts ­- 747 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12208
  Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts is one of the most highly-regarded yoga studios in the Capital Region.  Opened in 1998, this Albany-based studio offers yoga, healing arts, and meditation classes from a broad range of traditions. They have a calm, relaxing, and tranquil setting to ensure everyone achieves mind-body balance in every class. Heartspace's yoga classes include Hath yoga, Ashtanga primary series practice, Jivamukti yoga, gentle flow, Vinyasa yoga, Kundalini yoga, and Kripalu yoga. These beautiful Albany homes for sale are just a short drive away.

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Tacos are an approachable and delicious option for lunch or dinner — especially on Taco Tuesday! Whether you prefer carnitas or classic beef, there are plenty of awesome Mexican restaurants to choose from in the Capital Region. If you're house-hunting nearby or are new to the area, here are some of the top taco spots our real estate agents recommend checking out.

• La Cosina Mexicana Restaurant: 313 Bay Road, Queensbury NY, 12804
  La Cosina Mexicana is a welcoming, family-owned restaurant with a comfortable patio and an extensive menu, close to Queensbury homes for sale. If you're dining with friends, definitely start off with an order of guacamole and salsa for the table. The tacos here come in crisp, folded tortillas, with your choice of beef or chicken. They also offer several combination platters, allowing you to enjoy both a taco and an enchilada, or a taco and a chimichanga.

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Mother's Day brunch is the perfect way to show Mom your care. Our real estate agents think you'll enjoy the delicious options at these Central New York destinations:

• The Marriott Syracuse Downtown - 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13202
  When you want to honor Mom with more than a meal, why not make it a truly special event in the Grand Ballroom of this beautiful hotel? She'll enjoy her favorite culinary delights, be they seafood, pasta, or exquisite desserts. Three seating opportunities will be available between 9:30 AM and 1 PM. Tickets are $49/adults and $20 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Children under 6 are free of charge. With limited seating, this offer will likely sell out quickly.

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If your books are littered everywhere around your house, here's some good news: You don't need master carpentry skills, thousands of dollars, or a workshop full of tools to build a dreamy bookshelf. With the right supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can build a unit worthy of a great library. Use it to display your cherished reads, media collection, knickknacks, and anything that suits your fancy. Our real estate agents give you the steps below for building an easy and inexpensive DIY bookshelf.

• Design and Determine the Dimensions
  You can custom design your bookshelf to fit a particular space or make one that can work in various locations. Either way, measure the space where you'll place the shelf unit. Decide how tall and how wide you want it to be. Typically, bookshelves are 12" or 16", but you can build yours to suit your needs. When you plan the size, you want the shelves to support the heaviest objects you have in mind without causing a noticeable dip. The shelves should be strong enough to support a heavy load of books and other décor items. Also, decide if you want your bookshelf to have a closed or open back.

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Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

Interested in learning about Irish American history, or perhaps seeing World War II ship that's the only one of its kind moored in U.S. waters? The Capital Region has plenty of unique museums that provide a great way to spend an afternoon having fun while learning about a wide variety of topics.

Our real estate agents suggest visiting some of the following museums around the Albany area:

1. USS Slater – 1 Quay St., Albany, NY 12202
   The USS Slater is a restored Destroyer Escort, a type of ship that played an important role in World War II. Among other important duties, it protected convoys traveling across the Atlantic from U-boat attacks. It's the only one of these ships that remains afloat in the U.S. One-hour guided tours – which let you walk the decks and even aim weaponry – start every 30 minutes, so you won't have to wait long for the next one to start when you arrive.

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Our real estate agents love visiting local restaurants. We're always looking for a reason to dine out, so imagine our excitement when we learned that National Tortilla Chip Day is right around the corner! 

We want to make sure you're prepared, so we've done the hard work for you. That's right; we've visited a bunch of local Mexican restaurants and created this round-up of our favorites so you can enjoy the best of the best.

• Mesa Grande Taqueria: 100 Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021
  Mesa Grande Taqueria serves fresh, authentic Mexican food, including huge burritos, freshly toasted nachos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and more. All of their food is made in-house from scratch, and you can taste the difference.
  
  Located not far from the best Auburn homes for sale, this restaurant has some of the best barbacoa in the area and queso you're sure to fall in love with. When you're done with your meal, we recommend taking a drive around so you can get to know some of the great neighborhoods nearby.

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If it seems like there is a little bit of extra love in the air this week, it could be a sign that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you're planning to celebrate with a significant other or hangout with friends and family, Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to show your love for the important people in your life.

Health and safety restrictions might make it a little more challenging to plan a fun night out his year, but many of our favorite local restaurants are offering romantic Valentine's Day dinners to-go. If you haven't set your holiday plans, our real estate agents recommend a romantic candlelight dinner at home with takeout from one of these Albany restaurants.

• Jack's Oyster House - 42 State St, Albany, NY 12207
  If you're near downtown Albany, Jack's Oyster House is offering takeout and curbside service this Valentine's Day. The takeout menu, which is posted every Monday, features a three-course meal with your choice of two appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert. Takeout orders are accepted until Thursday at noon and pickup times are from 5 to 7 pm Thursday through Sunday. After grabbing dinner, be sure to take a look at some of these Albany homes for sale nearby.

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Cheese? Yes, please! January 20th is Cheese Lovers Day, and our real estate agents are ready to devour a cheese plate. Stinky, soft, blue, or brie, no matter how you like your cheese, make a visit to these cheese shops around Albany and get a little funky on Cheese Lovers Day.

• The Cheese Traveler — 540 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 11209
  Have you ever wanted to travel the globe in search of the finest cheeses? The folks at The Cheese Traveler do just that, and best of all, they bring them back to Albany for you to enjoy. This DelSo district shop has a healthy selection of domestic cheeses from states like Vermont and Wisconsin as well as imported wheels from Switzerland, France, and Italy. Pair their cheeses with a savory charcuterie from Essendorfer or crispy crackers and spreads.

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Warm summer weather and vibrant fall foliage are well and good, but our real estate agents really love the Adirondacks in winter. When the snow flies and the ski lifts start lifting, there's simply no better place to be. 

The Adirondack Mountains offer an incredible wealth of winter activities, from sledding and ice fishing to snowshoeing and—of course—skiing. Check out these five amazing winter hot spots in the ADK this season!

• Northville-Lake Placid Trail - Cedar River Rd., Indian Lake, NY 12842
  The Adirondacks are home to seemingly endless miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, but the Northville-Lake Placid Trail is criminally underrated. This 136-mile pathway sticks to the valleys between the Adirondacks' tallest mountains, lined by dense stands of hemlock and pine. The views along the way are breathtaking, and it's a relatively easy trek by snowshoe or ski. There are dozens of access points along the way, but the southernmost trailhead is right on Main Street in the village of Northville, a stone's throw from these Northville homes for sale.

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Did you know New York produces more than 800,000 gallons of maple syrup each year? Show your pride in the Capital Region by celebrating Maple Syrup Day on Thursday, December 17. Enjoy some sweet treats from one of these great maple farms recommended by our real estate agents.

• Sugar Oak Farms - 50 Atkins Rd., Malta, NY 12020
  While some fathers and sons spend time together playing catch, Erich and Paul bonded over creating maple syrup. Their mutual hobby eventually led to the opening of Sugar Oak Farms, just minutes from Malta homes for sale. The 100 percent pure syrup is also available in sugar form for cooking and as a cream to spread on toast and pastries. Don't leave without a bag of their best-selling maple-coated peanuts. The store is open every Thursday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., or you can shop 24/7 on their website.

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