(Photo) The Egg Performing Arts Center at the Empire State Plaza in Albany NY.

Piece 1: Empire State Plaza. The Empire State Plaza, located in the heart of Albany NY, is a monumental complex spanning over 98 acres.

Designed by Wallace Harrison, a prominent American architect, the plaza’s construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1978. It reflects a modernist style with sleek lines, geometric shapes, and an innovative use of materials.

The plaza features a collection of striking buildings, including The Egg, a unique performing arts venue in the center of the complex.

Designed by artist Fritz Olenberger and unveiled in 2012, The Egg has a smooth white exterior that gleams under the sunlight. The structure houses two performance spaces, The Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre and The Lewis A. Swyer Theatre.

Another noteworthy structure on the plaza is the New York State Capitol Building, located on the State Street side. Housing the state legislature, the capitol was completed in 1899. The Romanesque Revival-style building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1979.

On the Madison Avenue side of the plaza is The Cultural Education Center. The eleven story Brutalist-style building (completed in 1978) includes the New York State Museum (floors 1-4).

Finally, the plaza features a remarkable collection of Modern Art. There are close to 100 pieces (sculpture and paintings) to enjoy across the main plaza and the subterranean concourse level.

Library and Reading Room

Piece 2: Rensselaerville NY Historic District. Located about a hour drive southwest of Albany is the little town of Rensselaerville NY. Established in the early 19th century, Rensselaerville served as a vital center for agricultural and industrial activities during the early years of settlement in upstate New York.

The Rensselaerville Historic District is a rare surviving example of an intact early nineteenth century hamlet in a dramatic natural setting. It showcases various architectural styles from different periods, including Greek Revival, Federal, and Victorian.

One highlight of the district is the Rensselaerville Library and Reading Room (1459 County Route 351), established in an old row house in the late 1800’s. Francis Conkling Huyck Sr. purchased and renovated the building in 1906, adding a distinctive Tudor facade.

Visitors to the Rensselaerville Historic District are transported back in time as they tour through tree-lined streets and amongst beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century structures.

Ty Cobb HOF Plaque

Piece 3: National Baseball Hall of Fame. Located about a 90-minute drive west from Albany is Cooperstown NY, home of The National Baseball Hall of Fame (NBHOF), a revered institution celebrating the rich history and iconic figures of America’s favorite pastime.

The origins of the NBHOF can be traced back to 1935 when Stephen C. Clark, a hotel owner inspired by the legendary story that baseball was invented in Cooperstown by Abner Doubleday, developed the idea of museum honoring the sport as something to attract tourists to the area following the Depression.

On June 12, 1939, the inaugural NBHOF class of Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson was inducted.

Over the years, the NBHOF has grown exponentially and now houses an extensive collection of artifacts including jerseys, equipment, photographs, and memorabilia.

One of the highlights at the NBHOF is (of course) the Plaque Gallery, where bronze plaques honor each inductee. Also in this area of the museum are two exceptional action statues of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, carved from basswood and colorfully painted by artist Armand LaMontagne.

The NBHOF is a full-day experience, and be sure to explore outside the museum along Main Street; your admission should allow exit and reentry. There are several great restaurants to grab some lunch, a number of collectable shops to visit, and take a peak inside Doubleday Field.

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