Take the Ford and Check Out These 4 Amazing Day Trips Near Amsterdam, NY

September 16, 2022 · 3 min read

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.

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.

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May 19, 2023 in Amsterdam things to do

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

Feb 10, 2023 in Amsterdam things to do

3 Fun Winter Activities near Amsterdam, NY

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

Feb 03, 2023 in Amsterdam things to do

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

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