3 Local Fun Runs This Festive Season
Just because the hectic holiday season is coming up doesn’t mean that you should slow down or stop your exercise regimen. Take part in one of these local fun runs to stay in shape over the holidays.
Run Off That Turkey Trot
On Saturday, Nov. 26, you can burn off some of your Thanksgiving meal by running in this 5K race. It starts at Altamont Elementary School and benefits the Helderberg Running Club Junior Olympic Team. Prizes are awarded for all age groups, from 12 and under to 80 and over.
The Capital Region Jingle Bell Run
This is one of the largest holiday-themed races in the area. Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, this 5K run is a fun way to get out and exercise. It is a family-friendly event that you can either run or walk while wearing your holiday-themed costume. Join the fun on Dec. 3 at Halfmoon Town Park.
First Night Saratoga 5K Run
This annual race takes place on Dec. 31. The challenging course starts and finishes on the Skidmore College campus, and participants receive $5 off their First Night button when they register for the race. The top three male and female finishers receive awards.
There are plenty of races you can join throughout the holiday season in the Albany area, whether you like a quick one-mile run or a longer half marathon. Bring the whole family, and run or walk your way through the holidays.
Image via Flickr by akarmy
3 Easy Ways to Get More Mileage on Your Road Trip
Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or a weekend drive to see the fall colors, you want to maximize your gas mileage and spend less at the pump. Here are a few tips for getting more mileage on your road trip.
Drive at an Even Speed
Pressing hard on the gas and braking sharply uses a lot of gas. To cut down on your mileage, apply even pressure to the gas pedal and brake slowly and evenly. You can also decrease your speed to increase your gas mileage. The faster you drive, the more gas your car will burn.
Check the Tires
Before heading out on your trip, check to make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires will cause your vehicle to use more gas. Keep in mind that when the temperature drops, the tire pressure will drop, too, so check them when the weather cools. You can keep a tire pressure gauge in the car for a quick check when needed.
Don’t Carry Excess Weight
Before heading out on a road trip, make sure you are not carrying unnecessary cargo. You also want to avoid using a rooftop cargo box. Strapping one of these to the top of your vehicle decreases the aerodynamics and results in lower gas mileage.
These are just a few of the things you can do to get the most out of a tank of gas. Just a few minor adjustments can make a big difference.
Image via Flickr by Rhubarbie
3 Can’t Miss Concerts in Albany this December
With many musical acts coming to Albany this December, there is something for everyone no matter what kind of music you like. Here are some of the can’t-miss concerts this season at venues large and small.
I Love the 90s
The 90s brought us Vanilla Ice, Coolio, and Salt-N-Pepa, and you can see them all at this fun show on Dec. 1. Head to the Times Union Center on South Pearl Street to listen to these popular 90s bands’ music and take a trip down memory lane.
An Evening With Yo-Yo Ma
Yo-Yo Ma returns to the Albany Symphony for a one-night performance on Dec. 8 at the Palace Theater. Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most renowned cellists in the world, and he will perform with the Albany Symphony alongside conductor David Alan Miller.
Joan Osborne
On Dec. 10, Joan Osborne will perform at The Egg on Empire State Plaza in Albany. Osborne has released several hits over the past 20 years, including “Relish,” and has won seven Grammy awards. Her style includes a combination of blues, soul, rock, and country, and her acoustic concert is part of the American Roots & Branches series.
If you love music, Albany is a great place to see some of your favorite artists. A number of venues offer all kinds of music, whether you enjoy a smaller intimate experience or a large crowd and heart-pumping music that will get you dancing.
Image via Flickr by chuckthewriter
The Nissan LEAF Makes Life Easier
If you’re like most of us, you have enough stress in your life. Kids, pets, meetings, all the things that keep us running day in and day out. Wouldn’t it be nice to have just one thing that’s always easy? How about a reliable vehicle that can be ready to go when you need it? For example, the Nissan LEAF has access to the largest metro-area fast changing network, making charging easier than ever! Stop into Destination Nissan for a test drive and you’ll feel a weight lifted off your shoulders immediately.
Fun Fall Activities in Our Area
The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler and we know that means it’s fall in the Capital Region! There are so many great activities to do in the Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY areas, you’re going to be busy every weekend! Below are a few of our favorite events that have become Fall traditions over the years. Check them out and mark your calendars.
This hayride has become a staple event in our area. Everyone knows Scary Harry and his haunted woods! Admission, which includes the hay ride, corn maze, haunted house, and more, is $25. They request that you make a reservation by phone at 518-884-9122 for the 30-40 minute ride. With the walk-through attractions, the entire experience will be about an hour long. This year’s walk-through attractions include the Salvage Junkyard, the Last Inn, and the Schadenfreude Circus.
You do not want to miss your chance to spend the day at Indian Ladder Farms. We suggest getting right in line for your fresh, homemade cider donut and then heading over to the orchard to pick some of the freshest apples you can find. Throughout this month they host Apple and Pumpkin picking parties that are great for kids and include a tractor ride and pumpkin decorating.
Mix the thrill of zombies, ghosts, and ghouls with the excitement of rollercoasters and you have Fright Fest at the Great Escape! Through the entire month of October, during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday days there are family friendly events like trick or treating and costume contests. At night the place is transformed into a living nightmare with haunted mazes, scare zones and rides in the dark!
“Fall 2016 In Albany – Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patches & More!” Albany Fall Guide: The Best Fall Activities, Events and More. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Research & Review page that we told you we were going to be releasing is now officially available right here at on our website. Look under our “Model Research” tab to find this exciting new page and read up on all the details of this all-new SUV.
When you read this page you will find out all about the four trim level options, the capabilities of the engine that powers all of them and the feature options that are available depending on which trim you choose. A few of these features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System, EZ FLEZ™ Seating System with 2nd-Row 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Bench Seat Featuring LATCH AND GLIDE® and 3rd-Row 50/50 Split Fold-Flat Reclining Bench Seat, Eight-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Manual Lumbar, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, AroundView® Monitor, and Motion-Activated Liftgate with Position Memory.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has a lot to offer you and your family. A fact you that’s exemplified over and over on the new Research & Review page that we are going to release soon. The details of this page will include facts about each of the trim level options, engine and transmission, and safety features. Look out for the arrival of this page and then be sure to contact us with any additional questions that you may have about this vehicle.
Nissan Heisman House 2016
The Nissan Heisman house is the lavish home that Nissan has set up for all Heisman winners of the past. You can imagine that when a large group of football players from rival teams share one house, things can get interesting, even in a house this big. Check out the video above for a quick glance at some of the antics. Maybe a player from your favorite college team will fill this year’s empty bed!
How to Create a Safe Driver
It takes a lot of time and hard work to become a good driver. Of course, you want to limit distractions, understand the difference between a rolling and complete stop, and be able to read every road sign, but there’s more to it than that. There are even some tips that your teen’s Driver’s Education teacher might not teach.
Experience is Everything
When teaching a young driver, don’t just stick with days that have ideal conditions, and do more than practice three-point-turns. How will your child know how to avoid a collision if they’ve never been in that situation before? Use cones to keep things safe but be sure to run through different scenarios (quick stops, hydroplaning) so they’ll be prepared for these things on the road.
Proper Braking Saves Lives
A lot of driving students are nervous to push their (or their parent’s) vehicles to the extreme. That means a lot of new drivers end up in collisions that could have been avoided if they had used their ABS correctly. Teach the proper way to use the ABS before they get on the road so you know you’re handing the keys over to a confident driver.
Above All, Relax
Nervous drivers are dangerous. They’re the ones that overcorrect and slam on their brakes in the middle of the highway. If you or your beginner driver do happen to drift out of the lane, make sure they know to lift their foot off the gas, and not hit the brake as hard as possible. This will allow the vehicle to slow down at a safe rate.
Finally, one of the best things you can do it get them started in a safe vehicle. And that’s exactly what we have available at Destination Nissan. Come check out our new and used vehicle inventory and take a test drive!
Demere, Mac. “4 Things You Didn’t Learn in Driver’s Ed.” Popular Mechanics. N.p., 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 20 Sept. 2016.
Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in Albany, NY
The Albany area has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, no matter what you like to eat. If you are looking for some delicious seafood when in the capital region, try these top restaurants.
Jack’s Oyster House
Serving superb seafood since 1913, Jack’s is a family-owned restaurant and one of the oldest in the country. They serve a delicious salmon and steak dinner and fresh oysters. This restaurant has an upscale feel and is suitable for both special occasions and family dinners. You’ll find Jack’s at 42 State St. in Albany.
Black & Blue Steak and Crab
This popular restaurant on Western Avenue offers steak and seafood with a twist. The Filet and Lobster Mac and Cheese is a big hit with diners, and the restaurant offers several different cuts of steak cooked how you like it. The decor is modern with a wall of wine bottles that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. The staff is attentive, and they offer large portions.
The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant and Inn
Enjoy your seafood while sitting by the water at this award-winning restaurant. It has a multilevel patio and an outdoor Cabana Bar when the weather is nice. Enjoy delicious seafood along with pasta and steak as you sit and enjoy views of the river from the newly renovated dining room. The Waters Edge is in Glenville on Freemans Bridge Road.
Enjoy your seafood in a trendy downtown restaurant or with quiet views of the river when you dine in Albany.
Image via Flickr by Nanophoto69
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