Blog

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

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. more 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. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

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

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

Do you love to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors? If this sounds like you, then you'll love our list of the top picnic spots near Amsterdam, NY. They are the perfect places to explore with friends or family and enjoy a sunny day in nature. Schoharie Crossing Schoharie Crossing is a popular place for a picnic. The area is located along the Schoharie Creek, which runs through the town of Schoharie and is one of the best trout fishing spots in New York State. more The area offers beautiful views of the creek and surrounding mountains as well as plenty of space for relaxing on a blanket or bench. You can also take a short hike to the nearby Yankee Hill Lock, which was once used to raise canoeists' boats over a waterfall on Schoharie Creek. Canals Lock 10 Canals Lock 10 is a beautiful spot for a picnic, a boat ride, and even fishing. This scenic area is popular with tourists, but local residents also love to visit. You can find the Canals Lock 10 in Amsterdam, right off of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. This is an excellent spot for a picnic because there are many places to park your vehicle and lay out a blanket or set up your picnic basket. There are also bathrooms, so you don't have to worry about going home dirty after enjoying your lunchtime meal. Veterans Park Veterans Park is located in Amsterdam and is a great spot to visit if you want to enjoy the outdoors. This park has a lot to offer, including picnic tables and a playground area for children. The park is also home to Veterans Field, where baseball games are often played by local teams. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking trails and fishing in the nearby creek. You can also participate in archery or shooting at the range on-site. Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve Strawberry Fields is a beautiful preserve that is part of the Palisades Cliffs State Park. The preserve features trails that meander through the woods and along streams, providing many opportunities to enjoy the scenery. You can also see several historical points of interest, such as an old gristmill and a stone arch bridge. The preserve also has several picnic tables and benches that can be used while hiking or picnicking. Amsterdam provides a perfect opportunity to take a mini road trip with family or friends, explore some of the nearby nature, and have a short picnic. So it's time to log some miles in your stylish Ford EcoSport and enjoy a road trip with your family. Schedule routine service at Brown's Ford of Amsterdam so your vehicle can keep up with all the fun. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Go on exciting day trips from Amsterdam, NY, to see roaring waterfalls, impressive Victorian architecture, a magnificent subterranean lake, and the skeleton of a massive beast 13,000 years old. Enjoy every mile behind the wheel in a 2022 Ford Ranger XLT with easy maneuverability, great driver-assistance features, and a gutsy turbo engine. 1. Plotter Kill Preserve The breathtaking 632-acre Plotter Kill Preserve right here in Amsterdam boasts three beautiful waterfalls ranging from 40 to 60 feet in height. A path leads from the Mariaville Road parking lot and splits into two trails that lead to each waterfall. more The scenic Red Trail is the longest trail and loops through most of the preserve to the top of all three waterfalls. If you follow the Blue Trail, you will reach the overlook for the best view of the roaring Upper Falls, the largest waterfall in the preserve. 2. The Nott Memorial The impressive Nott Memorial on the campus of Union College in Schenectady is one of the world's few 16-sided buildings. The beautiful Victorian building is 89 feet in diameter and capped with a vaulted dome sprinkled with 709 small colored-glass windows. Intricately tiled floors cover the ground level, and beautiful stained glass windows on all 16 sides. The building is dedicated to Eliphalet Nott, president of Union College, for 62 years, from 1804 to 1866. The construction of the Nott Memorial began in 1858 and was completed in 1879, and today, this beloved building houses the Mandeville Gallery and the Wikoff Student Gallery. The Nott Memorial is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. 3. Howe Caverns Take a drive to 255 Discovery Drive in Howe, explore the Howe Caverns, and enjoy a boat ride on an underground lake. An experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will then take you to explore the six million-year-old Howe Caverns through winding corridors under massive boulders to a subterranean riverbed carved out of limestone over millions of years. You will find spectacular rock formations and dripping stalactites down well-worn winding pathways and 139 stairs that twist and turn into the cavern's depths 156 feet below to a breathtaking underground lake. 4. The Site of the Cohoes Mastodon For a century and a half, the Cohoes Mastodon has been a significant feature of the New York State Museum at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany. Still, you'll have to drive the 40 or so miles to 100 N Mohawk Street in Cohoes to visit the site where this incredible beast was found. During the construction of Harmony Mill No. 3 in 1866, the 13,000-year-old male mastodon skeleton was uncovered deep within an Ice Age pothole near the base of the Cohoes Falls. Archaeologists determined that he weighed around five and a half tons, stood over eight and a half feet tall, and was about 32 years old when he died. Take a trip to these unique destinations and see amazing sights. Before you hit the road, swing by Brown's Ford of Amsterdam today and check out the all-new tough 2022 Ford Ranger XLT.

Something our favorite coffee shops all share is a warm, welcoming feel that makes you want to settle in for a while, perhaps with a good book, a fresh notepad, or the friend you've been meaning to catch up with for a while. The shops featured here all pair great coffee with a cozy atmosphere that will make you look forward to stopping in whenever you're near Amsterdam, NY. 1. Star's Cafe Star's Cafe is a cozy hometown establishment that keeps things simple and does it very well, serving up coffee and diner food that locals can't get enough of. The owner, herself a former waitress, bought the cafe from the previous owner and changed the name in honor of her daughter, Star. more Pop by Star's for your morning coffee and a quick breakfast sandwich or omelet and you'll feel right at home from your first visit. If you're stopping in for an afternoon coffee, you can complement it with one of the cafe's hot or cold sandwiches, a bowl of soup, or a burger. Regulars love the homestyle food, low prices, and community feel fostered by a friendly and helpful staff. 2. G's Famous Lemon Cookies If you're looking to treat your sweet tooth while you drink your coffee, G's Famous Lemon Cookies in Amsterdam is the place for you. G's serves coffee and espresso-based drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. There's also a selection of sandwiches and other lunch foods available, along with a variety of baked goods including cookies, cakes, muffins, and scones. The star of the show, though, is the lemon cookie available in different flavors. The generously sized cookies come in more traditional flavors like lemon, lime, and raspberry; experimental flavors like cotton candy; and seasonal flavors like pumpkin and maple. The shop updates the rotation regularly, so chances are good that you'll get the chance to try something new if you visit regularly. 3. Second Wind Coffee You'll find Second Wind Coffee at 32 W. Main St. in nearby Johnstown. The vintage feel and variety of seating welcomes visitors to stay for a while, whether they want to relax alone in an oversized armchair or have a group brainstorming session at one of the spacious tables. Much of the decor is made up of repurposed antiques, which was intentional for more than just aesthetics: The owners used 90% recycled building materials for the shop to promote sustainability. There are plenty of espresso-based drinks to choose from, and the shop regularly has around a dozen additional seasonal and specialty offerings at a time, including a white chocolate S'mores latte and a bacon caramel macchiato. If you're hungry, you can choose from muffins and bagels with your choice of toppings. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up on your way to the office, are looking for a comfortable place to get some work done, or want to curl up in a comfortable chair with a good book, we think one of these locations is sure to have what you're looking for, in addition to a great cup of coffee. And on your way home, make sure to stop by Brown's Ford of Amsterdam to say hello! Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Amsterdam, NY is the perfect city for history and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Many historical sites have been redeveloped, but some have been preserved. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are parks and a museum highlighting the hunting and trapping prevalent in Amsterdam's past. The Walter Elwood Museum in Amsterdam Walter Elwood was a teacher with a passion for preserving cultural history from places he visited around the world. When he died in the 1950s, he requested that his collection remain in Amsterdam. The current 25,000 artifacts include Carpet City History, a Vintage Children's Toy Room, a Military Room, and an American Locomotive Company History Exhibit. more The museum is located at 100 Church Street in one of the former carpet manufacturing company buildings. It offers interactive displays, traveling exhibits, classes, and lecturers. The collection includes scrapbooks that document its history. The museum is open from Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Green Hill Cemetery The Green Hill Cemetery was originally located west of Bridge Street between Main Street and the Mohawk River, but development has decimated that site. The cemetery was moved to the hill on Market and Prospect Streets. It was filled to capacity by 1857, so a 14-acre site was purchased on the north side of Amsterdam. It has winding roads and beautiful landscaping. Benedict Arnold is among the historic figures buried there. The Amsterdam Riverfront The Mohawk River runs through Amsterdam, creating the beautiful Riverlink Park in the downtown area. The MVGO bridge crossing the river creates a scenic view, especially when the sun is setting. You can enjoy concerts, festivals, fireworks, shopping, and food vendors at the park. Fresh drinking water, electrical outlets, and a boat dock are available. There are a children's playground and walking and biking trails. You can also rent a party tent that includes catering for special occasions. The Wildlife Sports and Wildlife Educational Museum For hunters and trappers, the Wildlife Sports and Wildlife Educational Museum provides full-size mounts of buffalo, mountain lions, bears, wolves, birds, and fish. Children can have a safe, close-up view of these animals  On the wall, there are over 160 mounted deer heads. Plotter Kill Preserve In nearby Schenectady, you can visit the Plotter Kill Preserve located at 3985 Mariaville Road. The preserve offers a variety of walking and biking trails ranging from easy to challenging. No printed maps are available, so it's a good idea to photograph the posted maps. The moderately-challenging 5.40-mile loop trail is near Rotterdam Junction and takes 2-hours and 45-minutes to complete. The preserve features a beautiful gorge, three waterfalls, conifer and hardwood trees, and over 600 other plants. Wildlife includes chipmunks, amphibians, garter snakes, a variety of birds, and other animals. It is open year-round, but March through November is the best period to visit. Whether you're a history or outdoor enthusiast or a metropolitan shopper, you'll love living in  Amsterdam. If you're shopping for a new Ford vehicle, visit Brown's Ford, located at 4419 State Highway 30 in Amsterdam, or call us at 518-770-1224.