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The Egg, Albany |
Cards that Keep on Giving
Who doesn’t love the gift of personal care? From a day at the spa to a much-needed getaway, gift card options for personal renewal are as close as your (Internet) fingertip.
It doesn’t get much better than Buffalo’s Heaven Salon & Day Spa where the deluxe package will have your lucky loved one chauffeured to and from a full day of pampering, including sitting on a lavish throne -716/631-3988. The Finger Lakes areas is home to several serene spas, such as Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles, inspired by Monet’s Giverny - 315/685-1927. Saratoga Springs has a long history of “healing waters”. Reserve a day for the Sanctuary Spa with everything from Treatment for Two to Golfer’s Packages - 877/587-5219. The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck (and NYC) hosts all sorts of workshops, retreats and one day classes in everything from health and wellness to organic cooking to forums on the compelling issues of the day - 877/944-2002.
Surprise your friends with a gift card that will go far beyond the expected.
Culinary Gift Cards
Sometimes it’s hard enough to decide what to eat, let alone where! What better way to pamper those on your gift list than with a “no decisions necessary” meal! Several restaurants and culinary destinations are happy to offer gift cards for everything from gourmet meals to desserts and other specialty food items to full-blown cooking classes.
Need a gift for a college student? A gift card to local favorites like Cortese Restaurant in Binghamton, will always be a hit – they ship pizza nationwide - 607/723-6440. Try Cold Stone Creamery (throughout the state) for a sweet ice cream gift that pleases all year. When you’re in or near Schenectady, Villa Italia Bakery (fabulous gelato) is your no-fail source - 518/355-1144.
Looking for a class? Check with your favorite chefs, many host a variety of courses. For a more formal adventure try The Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, training aspiring professionals and those seeking personal enrichment - 212/645-5170.
Gift Cards Galore
Famed Yankee Doodle songwriter, George M. Cohan, would have been singing about gift cards if he’d only had them in his day. Fortunately for us, these convenient gifts are available at hundreds of New York State’s favorite entertainment venues, so get out the calendar and start planning.
Broadway? Of course! Gift cards for tickets to both on and off Broadway productions make a memorable gift experience. Top shows this season include The Seagull, featuring two, box office stars making their Broadway debuts, Kristen Scott Thomas and Peter Sarsgaard. The “Harry Potter” movie star, Daniel Radcliffe, stars in the psychological thriller, Equus. Broadway family favorites include The Little Mermaid, Shrek-the Musical and Cirque du Soleil’s, Wintuk. Need information on transportation to the city? Check out Caz Limo - 315/849-1007.
The passion and influence of Broadway reach far and wide throughout New York State, so your entertainment gift card options are unlimited. From Woodstock’s Playhouse - 845/679-4101 to Albany’s Capital Rep Theater, who this year hosts the Biggest Little International Play Festival - 518/445-7469, to Endicott’s Cider Mill Playhouse -607/748-7363, the opportunities to experience highly professional and intimate productions have never been easier.
Several of the state’s grand and historic theaters have been beautifully preserved, offering patrons an extra bonus with their spectacular architecture, décor and acoustics. The Troy Music Hall repeatedly attracts artists seeking perfect recording conditions. Stage productions benefit, too -- you’ll easily hear important lines from current productions like Orphan Train - 518/274-3200. Proctor’s Theater brings the dazzling family spectacle, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy to the grand stage in January - 518/346-6204, and several special events throughout the year.
Utica is home to the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute with performances ranging from Circo Comedia on January 10, 2009 and Diavolo Great Artists Series January 15, 2009 to Hot Buttered Rum Concerts in the Court January 24, 2009, and much more. 315/797-0000.
Buffalo’s Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates Mozart’s birthday in style at Kleinhans Music Hall - 716/885-5000; and the Irish Classical Theater Company packs the Andrews Theater with several plays this season - 716/853-4282. Gear up for Valentine’s Day with a ticket to the Lancaster Opera House’s performance of the Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Jan. 16-25, 2009-716/683-1776.
Elmira boasts the stunning Clemens Center. Order your gift cards to favorites like, Ain’t Misbehavin’ – and The Moscow Ballet’s, Great Russian Nutcracker, and much more - 800/724-0159.
It just takes a simple click of the mouse or a phone call and you’re on your way to an unforgettable gift. You just may want to pick up a couple of extra gift cards for yourself!