Our road trip from Cortland to Albany turned into a full day of history, art, and a little bit of fun competition. The first stop along the way was the Oneida Community Mansion House, a fascinating place with a history as unconventional as its architecture. Walking through the halls, it was easy to imagine the community that once thrived there, blending ideals of shared living, innovation, and some truly unique social experiments. The house itself felt both stately and mysterious—a piece of history preserved just off the highway.

From there we carried on to Rome, NY, where the Munson Museum welcomed us with open galleries. It was a treat to wander through its collection, a mix of classic and contemporary works, each room inviting us to linger a little longer. The building itself had a quiet elegance, making it the perfect stop to break up the drive and stretch both legs and imagination.

By the time we reached Albany and found our Airbnb, we were ready to relax a bit before heading out for dinner. A short walk brought us to The Local 217 Taproom & Kitchen, where the night came alive with trivia. The atmosphere was buzzing—locals laughing, teams huddled over questions, and the clink of glasses carrying across the room. Our meal was satisfying, hearty, and paired perfectly with the lively energy of the place. Afterward, we strolled back through the evening streets to our Airbnb, full from both food and a day of discoveries.

It was one of those travel days where the mix of history, art, and a dash of unexpected fun made the miles fly by.