Albany : New York

The capital of New York State, Albany forms a major port and trading center for New York State. It is surrounded by interstate highways – I-90 from the east and circles westward, I-87 from the south, and I-787 completes the circle to the east. State government buildings dominate the city's skyline and governmental activities dominate the economy. Albany is one of the oldest cities in the country and displays its Dutch heritage in the architecture of some of its buildings and in the narrow streets that date from colonial times. Today Albany is a thriving cultural center with a variety of museums, theaters, and historic buildings.

Albany is located on a steep hill at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in the east-central region of New York State.

Winters in Albany are usually cold and sometimes severe. Temperatures rise in the warmer months during the daytime and then falls rapidly after sunset, making the evenings relatively cool.

Area: 21.84 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 29 feet above sea level

Latitude: 42.66 N

Longitude: 73.78 W

Average Temperatures: January, 22.2° F; July, 71.1° F; average annual temperature, 47.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.6 inches of rain; 64.1 inches of snow

Population: 93,523 as on 2005

Attractions

    * Empire State Plaza
    * New York State Museum
    * Albany Institute of History and Art
    * Albany City Hall

Festivals

    * Tulip Festival
    * Annual Albany History Fair
    * Lobster Festival
    * Father's Day Pops Concert
    * Grecian Festival
    * African American Arts &Cultural Festival