10 Best Places to Shop in Albany and Central New York, New York

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We've compiled the best of the best in Albany and Central New York - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Caffe Caruso

Caffe Caruso has glass cases packed with fresh cookies, a giant copper espresso machine, and white wrought-iron chairs and glass-topped tables.

707 Bleecker St., Utica, NY, 13501, USA
315-735--9712
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Civitello's

Civitello's, a bakery and small café with booths and tables, has been selling cannoli, spumoni, and Italian cookies since 1911.

42 N. Jay St., Schenectady, NY, 12305, USA
518-381--6165
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Mon.

Florentine Pastry Shop

Crisp-and-creamy cannoli are $1 each, and chocolate pasticciotti (small custard-filled pies) are 80¢ at the Florentine Pastry Shop, open since 1918. Enjoy your treat with a cup of coffee in an adjoining storefront room decorated with maps and photos of Italy.

667 Bleecker St., Utica, NY, 13501, USA
315-724--8032
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Gems Along the Mohawk

Gems Along the Mohawk, next to the Erie Canal, has more than 50 local and regional vendors. The complex includes a waterfront restaurant.

Lyrical Ballad Bookstore

Out-of-print books, first editions, and antique prints are the specialties at Lyrical Ballad Bookstore.

Mohawk Indian Craft Shop

Baskets, moccasins, beaded hair ornaments, and carved bone pendants, all handmade by American Indians, are available for purchase at the Mohawk Indian Craft Shop at Kanatsiohareke, a traditional Mohawk community and education center about 10 mi west of Amsterdam. The selection of books for adults and children is large; you'll also find American Indian–style cotton shirts and dresses adorned with flowing ribbons.

New York Folklore Society

The New York Folklore Society sells one-of-a-kind items made by New York folk artists: carved birds and walking sticks, quilts, hand-knitted children's sweaters, American Indian jewelry, baskets, and Ukrainian pysanky (decorated eggs).

129 Jay St., Schenectady, NY, 12305, USA
518-346--7008
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Perreca's Bakery

A line forms every afternoon at Perreca's Bakery, in business since 1914 and the cornerstone of the city's Little Italy project. It's a Schenectady tradition to wait for a loaf of Perreca's bread, still warm from the oven. Round or rectangular, large or small, the crusty bread is the city's best-known food item. Actor Jack Nicholson developed a craving for Perreca's when he was in Albany filming the 1987 movie Ironweed and has friends pick up a loaf when they're in the area.

33 N. Jay St., Schenectady, NY, 12305, USA
518-372--1875
Shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Saratoga Farmers' Market

The three covered pavilions at the Saratoga Farmers' Market are a social gathering spot on Wednesday 3–6 and Saturday 9–1, from early May to October. There's a good variety of produce, poultry, and meats from area farms, baked goods, and jams from local berries. From November to April, there is an inside location inside the Lincoln Baths at Saratoga Spa State Park.

Soave Faire

Although Soave Faire specializes in framing and art and office supplies, it's also the place to buy any type of hat you might want to wear to the track or a picnic on the polo grounds.

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
The Catskills

Hobart International Bookport51.6 miles away

615 Main St., Hobart, New York, USA
We recommend 18 Shopping in The Catskills
The Catskills

Parker House65.8 miles away

74 Main St., Delhi, New York, USA
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Good Cheap Food65.9 miles away

53 Main St., Delhi, New York, USA
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Ferndale Marketplace Antiques80.8 miles away

52 Ferndale Rd., Liberty, New York, USA
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Little Duck House86.8 miles away

4893 Main St., Jeffersonville, New York, USA
We recommend 18 Shopping in The Catskills