one of my favorite quick trips i've ever taken - such a cute downtown (a lot of fun shopping / dining / bars), the architecture is IN. SANE. driving down union ave looking at houses was so fun. there's also a ton in the area that is a fun sub-trip - lake george (way trashier than i thought it would be but in a fun way, the lake itself is so beautiful), i randomly was transfixed by the albany downtown area bc the government buildings feel like evil villain headquarters from the 60s / 70s, ballston spa is cool and has interesting history. AND this whole area is right up against the adirondacks so the hiking is genuinely really good!!