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3 Fun Winter Activities near Amsterdam, NY

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Winter in Amsterdam can be a magical time of year. The snow-covered landscape glitters in the sunlight while skating rinks and snow-covered hills offer a chance to experience the winter wonderland in a variety of ways. Here are three fun winter activities within driving distance of Amsterdam, NY that are sure to make your winter season one to remember.

Winter Hiking at Thacher Park

Hiking in winter is a great way to experience the landscape in a whole new way. The white landscape is transformed into sparkling and breathtaking scenery that you'll never see in summer. With an average of one snowfall per week in winter, the American northeast is one of the best places in the country for winter hikes.

Although the trails are generally well-groomed, you should be prepared for inclement weather and changing conditions.  Thacher Park is located at 1 Hales Cave Rd, Voorheesville, and there are approximately 50 miles of trails through the park, making it one of the area's most popular hiking destinations.

Snow Tubing at West Mountain

Snow tubing is an easy way to have a good time in the snow without having to ski or board. You'll be strapped into a tube and then sent down a hillside that's been covered with snow.

West Mountain is only 10 minutes from downtown Amsterdam. They offer snow tubing and tubing with a guide. Snow Tubing is only $7 per hour and they have both regular and special needs tubes available. West Mountain also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages, as well as snowshoeing, ice skating on a rink, and cross-country skiing on over 20 miles of trails. West Mountain is located at 59 W Mountain Rd, Queensbury.

Ice Skating at the Albany County Hockey Facility

Amsterdam isn't the only place in the area that offers ice skating opportunities. With an average annual temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the Capital District is one of the best places in the country to experience ice skating during the winter. There are several public ice rinks in the area, including the Albany County Hockey Facility. The hockey facility is home to its top-notch amateur ice skating program.

The ice skating season runs from early December to early April, and there are two public sessions a day that runs Monday to Friday. The ice skating season is truly one of a kind, and it's a great way to spend a winter afternoon. It is located at 830 Albany-Shaker Rd, Loudonville.

Winter is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. With fewer people in the area, you'll have a lot more privacy and a lot less traffic during your winter adventures. The brand-new Ford Bronco Sport is a great car to take on any of these spots. It has plenty of space to store all your gear. Make sure you stop by Brown's Ford of Amsterdam to find a Ford that fits your needs.

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4 Summer Activities Near Amsterdam, NY

It's going to be another great year full of summer activities in Amsterdam, NY. Here are some of the upcoming community events we're looking forward to. 1. Independence Day Festival The community will be celebrating Independence Day on the evening of Monday, July 3rd from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Activities will be taking place at Riverlink Park at 1 Front St. There will be live music offered by The Albany Symphony alongside food trucks and fireworks. more You'll love driving to the waterfront with the moonroof open in your 2023 Ford Explorer XLT to join the celebrations. The annual festival is promising to be another great one this year and is now sponsored by DANVANN. 2. Movies in the Park Free movie nights will be taking place in Veterans Park on Locust Ave this summer in July and August. In July, they will be on Wednesday nights at 8:30 pm. In August, they will be on Tuesday nights at 8:30 pm. All movie nights will be family-friendly, and you are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks while you watch. Movie nights begin July 12th with The Minions: Rise of Gru and continue on July 26th with The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. On August 1st the movie will be PAW Patrol and August 15th will be the final night with The Avengers. 3. National Night Out On Tuesday, August 1st from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the city will again participate in the nationwide Night Out event. This year, Amsterdam will see vendors, free activities for kids, and police demos at Veterans Memorial Park on Locust Ave. There will also be food and music. The pool will be open until 8:00 pm for this event with free entry for all attendees. This will also be the night PAW Patrol plays in the park. The movie is also free and takes place at 8:30 pm after the other activities for the Night Out event. National Night Out focuses on building community and camaraderie to promote safety in Amsterdam. The event this year is sponsored by Berkshire Farm. 4. Alice's Wildly Wonderful Wicked Market This is a summer market event full of small unique vendors. The themed marketplace is decorated in celebration of Alice in Wonderland. You can expect to see people in costumes and you will want to be wary of the Queen of Hearts. Many of the vendors here will be selling unique steampunk items and you can expect to find a lot of home decor and artwork. This market is taking place at Higher Grounds at 2 Ann Street. It's happening on Saturday, July 15th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets to get inside the market cost $15. There's nothing quite like driving around on a beautiful summer day here in New York. The only thing that could make it better is driving in a new vehicle. Visit Brown's Ford of Amsterdam now to see our new cars. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

3 Amazing Local Attractions Near Amsterdam, NY

If you're looking for an adventure on your next day trip, there are plenty of options in Amsterdam, NY. Whether you want something educational or a break from the hustle and bustle of life, we have something for everyone. Check out a few of the local attractions we have in town. Take a day trip near Amsterdam, NY! Wildlife and Sports Museum Looking for a fun way to spend the day with your family? Take a trip to the Wildlife and Sports Museum in your spacious 2022 Expedition. Use the built-in Alexa voice commands to provide directions and Expedition's three rows of seating and expansive cargo area to stow your gear. The Wildlife and Sports Museum is focused on hunting, fishing, and wildlife education. If you're looking for something different, you've found it at this wildlife museum. more The museum features memorabilia that tell the history of hunting, fishing, and trapping from colonial times. The Wildlife and Sports Museum also houses an impressive array of wildlife mounts, including bears, mountain lions, and animals native to New York State, such as white-tail deer. The museum has guided tours through its exhibits and group programs for kids focusing on wildlife preservation or environmental education. Howe Caverns The Howe Caverns are a great place to visit if you're in Amsterdam. The caverns are located just a short drive away and offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore underground caverns formed millions of years ago. The Howe Caverns are home to some of the oldest stalactites ever found in New York State. The Howe Caverns is a fascinating and affordable trip for the family. Visitors will see some incredible geological features and also learn about how these formations came to be. Visitors can tour the caves with a 1.25-mile walk underground, where you can see the stalactites and stalagmites up close. The cave also has a 0.25-mile underground boat ride and 139 stairs. Kirk Douglas Falls Kirk Douglas Falls is a beautiful landmark in Amsterdam. Located in a small urban park, the falls are named after famed Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas. Situated along North Chuctanunda Creek, Kirk Douglas Falls is a fantastic way to experience nature in the middle of the city. The falls are located in Kirk Douglas Park and consist of two waterfalls. These waterfalls are a series of drops, with the uppermost falls being 10-15 ft tall. You can see these drops from the nearby concrete path, but the best site for viewing and taking pictures is the Guy Park Avenue bridge on the park's south side. If you're looking for an exciting day trip near Amsterdam or just want to explore nature in your own backyard, consider taking a trip to any of these local landmarks. Stop by Brown's Ford of Amsterdam and check out our fantastic collection of SUVs, cars, and trucks. We'll gladly set up a test drive and answer any questions you have. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Check Out and Enjoy 3 State Parks Near Amsterdam, NY

Located about 35 miles northwest of Albany, the city of Amsterdam, NY, is within driving distance of some of the most beautiful and photogenic state parks that New York has to offer. If you are planning an adventure in your 2022 Ford F-150 and are looking for great spots to visit, here are three nature reserves you can reach in less than two hours by car. 1. Moreau Lake State Park Offering great opportunities for different recreational activities including skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, swimming, hiking, paddling, and ice fishing, Moreau Lake State Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip or a weekend escape from Amsterdam. Sitting on the banks of the Hudson River, this state park covers an area of over 6,200 acres and was established in the 1960s. more Located about 40 miles northeast of the Amsterdam city center, Moreau Lake State Park can be reached in less than one hour by car via routes NY-67 and I-87. Open year-round and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, this place boasts some of the most beautiful autumn and winter landscapes in the state. 2. Gilbert Lake State Park Featuring a beautiful lake, a series of small ponds, and over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, Gilbert Lake State Park is located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and covers an area of about 1,600 acres. Created in 1926, this place welcomes about 80,000 visitors each year and offers great opportunities to explore the stunning nature of the region. Some of the activities that make Gilbert Lake State Park a popular destination for Amsterdam locals and visitors from all over the state include swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and picnicking. Within the territory of this nature reserve, you can also find the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which features photographs, memorabilia, and permanent exhibits showcasing the work of this voluntary government work relief program between 1933 and 1942. 3. Schodack Island State Park Another idyllic nature reserve on the banks of the Hudson River, Schodack Island State Park covers an area of over 1,000 acres and welcomes more than 125,000 visitors each year. Established in 2022, this place offers excellent amenities including a large campground, an extensive network of multi-use trails, selective hunting areas, and picnic spots. Getting here from downtown Amsterdam takes about 50 minutes via route I-90. Before you hit the road and explore these fantastic parks with your friends and family, visit us at Brown's Ford! Take a look at our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles, book a test drive, and ask one of our agents about the custom deals we have available for you. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com