It’s our 4th night in Albany, we were going to stay only 3 nights, but when we booked our rooms online, we got this great deal, that if we book one more night, it will be free! We took the offer, I mean after all, it was a free night!
Our first couple of days in Albany were pretty wet and cold; there was even hail and wind! We figured it was Albany’s usual winter fare. Our first day, we went to 1st Friday. 1st Fridays feature numerous galleries, local shops, one-night shows, eateries and live entertainment that takes place every 1st Friday of every month. One aspect we really appreciated was that 1st Fridays is free! We checked out exhibitions in Downtown Albany and some of the venues had some of the most interesting art we’ve ever seen. There were even a few gallery openings, which had live entertainment. We rode the trolley to all the participating venues, which was great since it was so cold out; the trolley had heaters.
We saw all kinds of people from every age walking around the main area, which is where most of the galleries are. We saw a lot of street vendors, mostly young adults selling their art and there were performers on every corner, either playing music or dancing. It was all so much fun. The atmosphere was one of comradery and of total abandon. When we get back home, we’re going to see if our city has a 1st Friday. We were told at one gallery, that most states have a 1st Friday.
We couldn’t help think that 1st Friday was a wonderful concept. It’s were all kinds of art forms can get together an celebrate the beauty of differences and tastes. Where the old can enjoy the new and the silly bangs into pretentiousness. We were so happy to have stumbled upon something so magical.