The new weicome center now open
NEW BALTIMORE – A grand opening of the Capital Region Welcome Center on the Thruway north was celebrated on Friday. The Welcome Center, with a historic Dutch-style building facade, is across from the southbound New Baltimore rest area, about 15 miles south of Albany. It represents the gateway into the Capital Region for northbound travelers and promotes the region’s local tourism industry, rich history, food and beverages.
“Tourism is a pillar of economic development for New York, and through strategic investments in the industry, we are strengthening our commitment to growing regional economies and promoting local attractions across the Empire State,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “The Capital Region Welcome Center embodies the rich history and world-class destinations this region has to offer and will bolster the regional economy for decades to come.”
The Capital Region Welcome Center features regionally-specific elements linked to the history and natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, which includes such attractions as the New York State Capitol, the historic Saratoga Race Course, and the Lake George region. The Welcome Center includes a Taste NY Market showcasing locally grown and sourced products from across the Capital Region and the state.
The Taste NY Market will showcase a broad selection of fresh made breakfast and lunch items, including soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts using ingredients sourced from Capital Region growers and producers. It will also offer grab-and-go snacks, and specialty local gift items for sale, providing an opportunity for local producers to market their products and to connect New York’s residents and visitors to the state’s food and beverage producers. The current menu and list of products available can be found here. The Taste NY Market will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
The new Welcome Center was constructed consistent with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design design standards and features solar panels, high-speed Electric Vehicle charging stations, rainwater management, enhanced use of natural lighting, and energy efficient building materials.
