First Mathematical Programming Society
International Conference on Continuous Optimization
ICCOPT I

Local Attractions

Troy is part of of New York State's Capital District. The Capital District offers a wealth of activities for all ages. From historic French and Indian War battle sites to fine arts, entertainment, and historic Saratoga Springs; the Capital District is sure to please the entire family!


Overviews

Troy's RiverSpark Visitor Center
Official Albany Tourist Information
Capital District History

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Racetrack

Museums

Baseball Hall of Fame
National Museum of Dance
National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame
Fort William Henry Museum
Adirondack Museum
Opera Museum
Fort Ticonderoga

Arts and Entertainment

The Egg Performance Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Pepsi Arena

Recreation

Hiking
Balloon Flights

Lake Cruises
Horseback Riding
Whitewater Rafting
Kayaking

Other Sites and Attractions

Local Universities and Higher Education
Empire State Plaza
Lake George
Capital District Shopping


Saratoga Performing Arts Center

The cultural life of upstate New York flourishes at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Presenting New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, Freihofer's Jazz Festival, Lake George Opera, Pre-Performance Talks, Saratoga Wine & Food Festival and special events, SPAC enchants a diverse and expanding audience. We offer a lush landscape for strolling, picnicking and visiting with friends; a sheltered Amphitheatre and intimate Spa Little Theatre; convenient dining and refreshments; and ample parking. In this 38th season, we welcome loyal friends and families familiar with SPAC's classical performing arts pleasures, and encourage newcomers to explore this region's cultural centerpiece. http://www.spac.org/

Saratoga Racetrack

Experience world renowned horse racing at the Saratoga Racetrack.

For more information visit http://www.nyra.com/saratoga/default.asp

National Baseball Hall of Fame

Come to the National baseball hall of fame and celebrate America's favorite pastime. The baseball hall of fame has numerous exhibits and activities that preserve history, honor excellence, and connect generations.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

National Museum of Dance

The National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame is the only museum in the nation dedicated to American professional dance. Located in the former Washington Bath House - a spacious 1918 Arts and Crafts-style building - in the Saratoga Spa State Park, the Museum houses a growing collection of photographs, videos, artifacts, costumes, biographies and archives comprising a contemporary and retrospective examination of seminal contributions to dance. Located in Saratoga Springs approximately 30 minutes from Albany. Call 518-584-2225 for more information.

National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame

Visit the national museum dedicated to thoroughbread racing. Across from the Flat Track in Saratoga Springs. Approximately 30 minutes from Albany. http://www.racingmuseum.org

Fort William Henry Museum

Enjoy a part of North American history by visiting the restored Fort William Henry colonial fortress from the French and Indian War. Open 10 AM to 5 PM. Call 518-668-5471 for more information or visit http://www.fortwilliamhenry.com/fortmus.htm.

Adirondack Museum

This exciting museum has been called "the Smithsonian of the Adirondacks" by the National Geographic Traveler, and "the best of its kind in the world" by the New York Times. Approximately 20 exhibit building and live programming tell the story of the Adirondacks from the mid 1800s to the present. Exciting new Visitor Center with Museum Store, and Lake View Cafe. Magnificent views and landscaped grounds. Located at Blue Mountain Lake. Call 518-352-7311 for more information or Visit http://www.adkmuseum.org

Opera Museum

Experience a bit of Lake George's Golden Age, at the former teaching studio of the Metropolitan Opera Diva Marcella Sembrich; pianist, violinist, teacher, Polish patriot and benefactor. This quaint building is one of the few open to the public from the "Great and Gracious" period of northern New York State's history of the early 20th century. The Museum is filled with memorabilia of an international operatic career spanning over 50 years, including paintings, sculptures, accolades, personal effects, music, and autographed photographs of Sembrich contemporaries such as Mahler, Rachmaninoff, Caruso, Liszt, Brahms and Puccini. For more info call 518-644-9839 or the office at hilltop cottage 518-644-2492. http://www.operamuseum.org

Fort Ticonderoga

Visit Fort Ticonderoga, the world-renowned museum and historic fort and site of major victories in the Seven Years' War and American Revolution. Open 9am-5pm, 7 days. Call 518-585-2821 for more information or visit http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org.

The Egg Performance Center

In New York's Capital Region stands one of the most beguiling structures of them all. The Egg hovers dramatically at the Empire State Plaza against a downtown landscape rich in architectural marvels. And in this stunning oval shape - a masterpiece of construction and design - occur some of the most inspiring performances in all the Northeast. In fact, the attractions that grace this performance center fill its spaces in a unique way. http://www.theegg.org

Pepsi Arena

Home to the AHL River Rats, NLL Attack, Albany Conquest, and the Siena Saints MAAC basketball team, the Pepsi Arena continually brings a variety of exciting events to Albany, New York. Concerts, family shows, ice shows, motorcross and monster truck events, trade shows, and professional and college sports are just some of the events that you can enjoy at the Pepsi Arena. www.pepsiarena.com

Hiking

Located only 15 miles from Albany, John Boyd Thacher State Park houses one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The park offers trails for summer hiking and mountain biking.

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/next.html

Balloon Flights

Float on gentle air currents beneath the colorful canopy of a hot air balloon. Experience magnificent views of the Adirondack Region of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the feeling of escape and freedom that only a balloon ride can give. Join us for a unique and unforgettable good time.

Adirondack Balloon Flights - Daily at sunrise and a few hours before sunset. Reservations required. Call 518-793-6342 or visit http://www.adkballoonflights.com

Lake Cruises

The Lake George Steamboat Company offers a variety of cruises on their three large cruise ships: The Minne-Ha-Ha, an authentic Paddlewheeler; The Mohican; and the Lake's largest cruise ship, The Lac du Saint Sacrement. Choose from lunch and dinner cruises, one-hour trips, a 2¼ hr paradise bay cruise, or a 4½ hr complete tour of the historic and scenic Lake George. Call 518-668-5777 or 1-800-553-BOAT for more information or visit http://www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com/Cruises.html.

A 72' long wooden touring vessel, the Morgan, is another cruise option. The Morgan offers sightseeing lunch cruises from 12:30-2:00 pm and dinner cruises from 6-9 PM Leaves from the Sagamore's waterfront. Call reservations at 518-644-9400 for more information.

Horseback Riding

Take a trail ride throughout the rolling hills of the Adirondacks or a sunset dinner ride.

Saddle Up Stables offers a scenic ride through trails overlooking Lake George. Daily 9-5. Off Lake Shore Drive on Rt. 9N in Lake George. Open Mid May through Labor Day. Visit www.ridingstables.com for more information.

Bennett Riding Stables offers Trail, adventure, and sunset dinner rides. Route 9N, Lake Luzerne. A short drive from Lake George. Call 518-696-4444 for reservations or visit www.lakegeorgenewyork.com/horses/.

Whitewater Rafting

Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Hudson or Sacandoga Rivers. For more information contact the following:

Adirondack River Outfitters - 518-696-5101
Hudson River Rafting Company - 518-251-3215

Kayaking

Kayak in scenic Lake George! Kayaking tours are given on different scenic spots on Lake George as well as other lakes located in the Adirondack Park. Tours are available varying in length from two hours to a full day. Lunch can be provided upon request. Prices for tours vary depending on length of tour, number of guides needed, and transportation required. Kayaks and all kayak accessories are included in price of tour. Group rates are available. Call Lake George Kayak Company 518-644-9366. Season Hours: Thurs-Mon 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Closed Tues. Weds.

Lake George

In 1791, Thomas Jefferson said "Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw; formed by a contour of mountains into a basin... finely interspersed with islands, its water limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves... down to the water-edge: here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it from monotony."

Lake George is within an hours drive of Albany and offers a host of activities. Find out more at http://www.visitlakegeorge.com.

Local Universities and Higher Education

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Sustained by a truly unique 175-year tradition of excellence in education, the Rensselaer mission and vision have never been more relevant - on a global scale - than they are today. http://www.rpi.edu


University at Albany, State University of New York

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages 17,000 diverse students in nine schools and colleges. http://www.albany.edu



Thanks to MDOL for allowing us to use this information from the MAO 2004 Conference.