3 Tips for Visiting the Empire State Plaza
You’ll find the Empire State Plaza right in the heart of Albany. This 98-acre complex includes convention centers and government buildings and is a great place to visit. Outside, there are fountains and an observation deck, and if you want to head inside, there are two theaters and a museum. Here are some tips for visiting the Empire State Plaza.
Start at the Visitors Center
Start your day at the visitors center of the Empire State Plaza. Here you can join a tour to learn about the history of the Plaza, and the former Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. There are also self-guided tours available all day long from Monday through Friday, and there is no cost.
See the Plaza Art Collection
There is an extensive collection of art at the Plaza that includes paintings, tapestries, and sculptures. You can explore all the different pieces — both inside and out — on your own or take a guided tour of all the pieces. Many consider this collection one of the most important State collections of modern art in the country.
See a Performance
The iconic structure known as The Egg also sits within the Plaza. Inside, there are two theaters that offer excellent acoustics and comfortable seats for visitors who want to take in a performance. You can catch all kinds of entertainment here, from dance to films, music, and comedy.
The Empire State Plaza has a wide variety of sites and activities. You can spend just the afternoon exploring or make a whole day of it and end with a performance at The Egg.
Image via Flickr by mava
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Stay Safe This Rainy Springtime!
When you are driving in the rain, there’s a huge risk of hydroplaning that you need to be aware of and on the lookout for. The most dangerous time is when it’s just started to rain, because the dirt and oil on the road start to mix with the water before it soaks into the pavement, creating a layer of slickness floating on top of the road that can cause your vehicle to slip. This week, we’ll be talking about what to do in this weather, and how to handle your vehicle if you start to hydroplane. Keep reading!
When you start to hydroplane, the most important thing you can do is not panic. Don’t brake or accelerate quickly; because hydroplaning is a loss of traction to your front tires, braking will slow your front tires but lock your rear tires, causing you to spin out. Accelerating suddenly can pull your vehicle straight forward, which is dangerous if your vehicle has spun a little and is not pointed straight down the road.
It’s important to not use your cruise control when you are driving in the rain because this can worsen the effects of hydroplaning. The vehicle will register the buildup of water under your tires as a slowing-down and ask for more power from your engine. This will make your car shift to a lower gear (if you’re in an automatic transmission vehicle) and build up more water underneath your tires.
Avoiding hydroplaning is simple: drive slowly in the rain (slow down by about a third of your usual speed) and make sure that your tires have enough tread. A good test to make sure your tread is good is to use a penny. Place the penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing the direct center of your wheel. If you can see the top of his head, then it’s time to get new tires. The closer you are to being able to see the top of his head, the closer you are to needing new tires. Simple!
Springtime comes with increased rainfall, and we’re hopeful that you’ll drive safely and avoid hydroplaning through safe driving. Questions? Give us a call!
Why the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is Great for Families
If you spend a lot of time toting your kids around town, you want a vehicle with lots of great family-friendly features to keep everyone happy and safe while on the road. SUVs are a top choice for many families, and the rugged, spacious Nissan Pathfinder is no exception. Equipped with an excellent entertainment system and loads of available safety features, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is the vehicle for families.
Tri-Zone Entertainment
Your kids will never suffer from boredom again thanks to the Pathfinder’s Tri-Zone Entertainment system. While many other SUVs also feature rear-seat entertainment systems, Nissan takes things to a whole new level. Passengers seated in the second and third rows can use the dual 8-inch monitors to play video games, watch movies, and work on a laptop. Thanks to wireless headphones, you won’t hear a thing in the front seat. In fact, you can tune into your own music. You can even control the entire entertainment system using the touchscreen display on the dashboard.
Safety Technologies
Nothing matters more than keeping your family safe. That’s why Nissan equips each Pathfinder with an impressive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking on all trims. The new rear door alert feature reminds you to check the backseat before getting out of the car. Other available safety features include 360-degree cameras, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and intelligent cruise control.
If you’re in the market for a family-friendly vehicle, these are just a few of the reasons why the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is great for families.
What to See at the New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is one of the most popular museums in the Albany area, drawing local visitors as well as those from across the world. Make sure to put this destination on your must-see list and check out some of the top exhibits.
Where to Begin
Before you head to the museum, plan and prepare for your visit. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but the museum does have a suggested donation of $5 per individual or $10 per family. Donations play a vital role in the museum’s expansion and improvements. Parking’s available in two adjacent lots, although the fee is generally between $5 and $10. Rides on the museum carousel are also free.
Current Exhibits
One of the top exhibits at the New York State Museum is the “Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial.” This exhibit will run through mid-May and is held in the West Gallery. View artifacts and information that raise awareness about the struggle for women’s suffrage and equal rights in the state.
The “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal (Phase One)” exhibit is another popular sight to see, which will be on display through Oct. 20, 2019. This “boldest and biggest American engineering project of its century” has fascinated people throughout the ages, and this exhibit offers a glimpse into its design, construction, and utilization.
The exhibits at the New York State Museum are fascinating, educational, and enjoyable to see. Pay a visit to this popular museum and check out the sights.
Image via Flickr by PeteDz.
How To Use Your Turn Signal Properly
Here in Albany, we have a little bit of a crisis on our hands. Every time I personally leave the house and get on the road, there’s someone else out there who, without fail, will not use their turn signal. It not only makes me SUPER angry, but it’s also incredibly unsafe. Do you know that your turn signals are, like, the only way you have to communicate with other drivers when you’re in the car? Obviously, you’re not going to stick your head out the window and yell “I’M TURNING LEFT,” you’re going to use your turn signal. Wouldn’t you want to know what the other drivers’ intentions are? Anyway, because of this pent-up anger and rage that I am feeling, I am writing a blog to hopefully teach everyone about how to use their turn signals properly and stay safe on the road. Let’s go!
First of all, let’s cover how to use your turn signal since I worry that there are some folks out there who are legitimately driving around without the basic knowledge of how the turn signal works (based on how few people I see using said turn signal).
First of all, there’s usually a little lever on the left side of your steering wheel. It sticks out a bit and probably has some icons on it, like a little lightbulb or even a couple of arrows. If you push this up or down, it will turn on the turn signals. Push it back to center to turn the signal off. You will be able to tell which direction you are indicating because little arrows will light up on your dashboard pointing either left or right, often accompanied by a clicking sound that will help you know that the signal is on.
To use the signal, you should make sure that you are about 100 feet away from the intersection when you turn your signal on. Some people think that it is important to turn on the signal as they are in the middle of turning, but by then it has become pointless to do so and is still frustrating to other drivers. The reason for the turn signal is to indicate to other drivers, before the action of turning, that you mean to turn soon so that they can prepare for this. Therefore, turn on the signal at least 100 feet before the physical turning place.
The next step is to make sure that your turn signal is off after you have completed your turn. Just because you have used it once doesn’t mean that you’re now set for life and never have to use it again! But, when you are done turning you should always make sure that your signal is off and ready to be used again the next time you have to turn. If your music is too loud, you might not hear the clicking that indicates that your signal is on, but you should be able to see the arrow flashing if you are paying attention!
Finally, I will leave you with this list of appropriate places to use your turn signal:
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When you are making a right-hand or left-hand turn
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When you are changing lanes
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When you are pulling away from the curb
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When you are parking, parallel or otherwise
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When you are merging onto the highway
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When you are getting off the highway
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When you are in a turning lane (yes, you still need to use your signal when you’re in a turning lane)
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When you are leaving the parking lot
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When you are exiting a driveway and getting onto the main road
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When you are passing another vehicle (legally, of course)
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When you think you should use your turn signal, use it.
Get A Better View Without Blind Spots
When you’re on the road, do you find that you suffer from blind spots in your vehicle? It’s a common problem that a lot of folks have, and funny enough there are some very easy remedies to this problem. Take a look, give them a try, and see more than ever before!
One way to eliminate blind spots is to stick convex mirrors on to your wing mirrors in the outer corners. You can find these small mirrors at your local auto parts store. Make sure your mirrors are clean first! This tip is not for folks who are leasing their vehicles… so if you are leasing, keep reading!
If you’re hesitant about using an adhesive solution or are in a lease, you can also adjust your mirrors in a way that eliminates blind spots in your vision. Here’s how:
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Adjust your rearview mirror to give you a view directly to the rear. Make it so that it best covers your rear window view. Don’t tilt it to get side views – just straight back through your window.
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Lean your head until it almost touches your driver’s side window. Adjust your left side mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car – no more.
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Lean your head to the passenger side as far as you can comfortably while still sitting up and adjust the right mirror so you can barely see the right side of your car.
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You shouldn’t be able to see the side of your car when your head is all the way upright!
This is an easy way to make sure you’ve got the full range of vision that you need to stay safe in your vehicle.
The final way is to find an aftermarket clip-on rearview mirror that has convex edges and a larger field of view that will allow you to be able to see more of what’s behind you. Ask us for recommendations!
Meet Up with Friends for Brunch in Albany
Can’t decide if you like breakfast or lunch better? Go for brunch instead! Whether you’re in the mood for a savory sandwich or sweet pancakes, brunch brings together the best of both meals. Next time you meet up with friends for brunch in Albany, New York, check out these great places to eat.
Cafe Madison
Head to the five-points intersection on Madison Avenue in the heart of Albany to try the award-winning brunch at Cafe Madison. Though it’s best known for its signature raspberry oatmeal pancakes, other fan-favorite dishes include the crispy Benedict and the home fries.
Iron Gate Cafe
Located on the edge of historical Center Square in downtown Albany, the Iron Gate Cafe is one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. From eggs Benedict to Denver sandwiches, the Iron Gate serves up a wide variety of brunch classics, including vegan items. Enjoy your meal on the picturesque garden patio or in one of the restaurant’s dining rooms.
French Press Cafe and Creperie
Crepes are delicious any time of day, making them the perfect brunch fare. The menu at French Press Cafe and Creperie near Wallenburg Park features a range of delicious crepes and sandwiches. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love the caramel apple, s’mores, and bananas foster crepes. If savory is more your style, try the Monte Cristo or El Duque.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to meet up with friends for brunch in Albany, you’ll find plenty of great options to please your palate at these three restaurants.
Image via Flickr by erin & camera
3 Impressive Nissan Safety Features
Most drivers put a high priority on safety. Nissan’s advanced safety suite monitors conditions and responds appropriately to help protect everyone inside the vehicle. Check out these three impressive Nissan safety features.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
What if your vehicle could detect hazards and stop on its own if needed? Thanks to the automatic emergency braking (AEB) feature that comes standard on eight 2018 Nissan models, it can. AEB uses radar technology to monitor the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If the system detects a collision threat, it sends out audio and visual cues for the driver to slow down. If the driver fails to do so, the AEB system will apply the brakes instead.
- Advanced Air Bag System
Every Nissan model comes equipped with an advanced air bag system. Each of the dual-stage front air bagsdeploys at different speeds depending on the crash severity. In addition, each Nissan model features two front-side air bags for side collisions and two curtain air bags that deploy in the case of a vehicle rollover.
- Around View Monitor
How many times have you wished you could see all the way around your vehicle to check for obstacles? Now, select Nissan models come with four cameras that give you a bird’s-eye view of your vehicle. There’s even an available Moving Object Detection system that warns drivers of obstacles in motion.
If safety is your top priority when buying a vehicle, be sure to check out these three impressive Nissan safety features.
Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia
Get Out in Albany This Summer
When the ice melts and winter turns into spring, many people throughout the Albany area enjoy getting outside. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by taking part in these outdoor activities and attractions.
Thacher State Park
Locals have been enjoying the outdoor activities at Thacher State Park for over a century. It’s a top hangout spot, located on Thacher Park Road in Voorheesville, about 20 miles from Albany. Bring your hiking shoes and explore the many trails that span the park. Thacher Park has many amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash to protect mammals and birds in the woods.
Mountain Ridge Adventure
Mountain Ridge Adventure is the top treetop challenge course and zip line park located in the Capital Region of New York. It’s about 30 miles from Albany, but it’s worth the drive to get out of the hustle and bustle for a few years. It sits on top of a 1,000-foot mountain and features a variety of zip lines, cargo nets, Tarzan swings, and rope bridges to get your adventure on in any way that suits your fancy.
Older kids and teenagers will have fun on the smaller obstacles, while daredevils will love reaching heights of up to 70 feet and soaring through the treetops. The park uses state-of-the-art safety technology. All participants are required to be locked onto a safety cable at all times.
Grab your family, get outdoors, and enjoy the warmer weather in the Albany area this upcoming season and head to these fun locations and attractions.
Image via Flickr by theglobalpanorama
Resist The Urge To Top Off!
When we’re at the pump, we probably all share that same bad habit of trying to get the dollar amount to an even number by squeezing the pump a bunch after it stops to get those cents up to a round number. Well, let me tell you something – that’s not only bad for your vehicle but it’s literally just a waste of money. Seriously. Take a look at why!
First of all, when you top off the tank, what you’re doing is literally adding more gas than can actually fit in the tank to begin with. That’s why the pump handle releases – because the sensor in the pump can tell when the tank is totally full, and so when you keep squeezing… well. You can figure it out. That excess gas doesn’t magically fit into the tank, though. If the tank is too full then the gas can go into your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system – specifically the carbon filter, which is designed only to hold fuel vapors, not actual fuel. The gas can then spill on the ground or cause issues with engine operation – the result of which is poor fuel economy, poor emissions, and decreased engine performance overall.
The next thing is that you’re just wasting money. A lot of pumps can sense when there’s too much gas in the tank already (as I mentioned above) and after that point is reached, it’ll start sending gas back into the station’s tank if you keep trying to add more to your own tank. So the dollars and cents will continue to rise but you’re getting none of the gas that you’re paying for. Waste! Of! Money!
Save your hard-earned cash and don’t waste it on topping off or engine repairs due to topping off. Let’s break the top-off habit together and revel in our newfound wealth! It might not be much, but it’s better than having nothing, right?
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