Our day in Albany began with a lively stroll through the farmers market in Washington Park, and of course Lucky came along for the adventure. The park was buzzing with energy—colorful produce, fresh flowers. Lucky was in his element, wagging his tail at new friends and sniffing everything in sight.

After enjoying the market, we brought Lucky back to our Airbnb for a well-earned rest, then set out again to finish exploring the New York State Museum. This time, we made sure to see the moving 9/11 exhibit. Standing before the artifacts and images was a sobering experience, a reminder of the resilience and strength that has shaped recent history.

From there, we made our way upstairs for a lighter moment: a ride on the museum’s historic carousel. Built in 1912 by the Herschell-Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, NY, this fully restored carousel once delighted generations of riders in the Washington Park Lake House before eventually being preserved by the museum. Its hand-carved wooden horses—each one painted with exquisite detail—capture a bygone era when craftsmanship turned amusement rides into works of art. Today, it’s more than just a ride; it’s a piece of living history, and stepping onto it feels like being briefly transported back in time. We couldn’t resist taking a ride, smiling the whole way around as the music played and the carousel spun in gentle circles.

By the time we stepped outside, our stomachs were rumbling. We found our way to The Hill Street Cafe, a cozy nearby spot for lunch, where we lingered over good food before heading back to our Airbnb for a quiet evening in.

It was a day that blended Albany’s community spirit, history, and charm—a perfect balance of reflection and fun.