Albany

Albany's best art museum is the second-oldest museum in the United States -- older even than the Smithsonian and Louvre. — Frommer's

Through exhibits and tours, the preservation group details the history of the Shaker movement. — Fodor's

A World War I destroyer escort ship, one of three remaining, sits docked on the banks of the Hudson, open to tours of the crew's quarters, galley, and main guns. — Frommer's

Guided tours focus on Catherine Putnam, Rensselaer's niece, who lived in the house during the Civil War and World Wars I and II. — Fodor's

Within the visitor center is the which presents various shows and lectures. The star-sighting program, an interactive show, is held the second Saturday of each month at 1 pm. — Fodor's

New York State Museum documents the state's political, cultural and natural history. — Lonely Planet

A 49-bell carillon, one of about 200 in the country, was added in 1927. — Fodor's

An elevator whisks you up 589 feet to the 42nd-floor observation deck of this building, the tallest structure in the state outside New York City. — Fodor's