Road Trip: The Great Northern Catskills

Greetings from the Catskills! Did you know that the Great Northern Catskills are just over an hour from downtown Glens Falls? Cozy cabins, mountain views, and charming small towns await - all just a quick trip down the Northway. If you’re up for a fall getaway, here are some favorites from our recent trip (which would be equally as amazing in the winter, by the way)! 

STAY

Camptown: At the foot of the Catskills, this newly renovated 1930s motor lodge feels like summer camp for adults. Cozy cabins dot the property, made even more charming by the welcoming fire pit, string lights overhead, and of course, peak fall foliage. Camptown’s log cabins are dog friendly, and we couldn’t think of a better way to explore the Catskills than with your best four legged friend in tow. The location was the perfect jumping off point to explore the river towns to the east or the heart of the mountains to the west and south. Be sure to book one of their renovated cabins for the beautifully updated interiors!

EAT + DRINK

Gracie’s Luncheonette: Just up the road from Camptown, Gracie’s is a classic diner featuring scratch made American classics. Pop in for hearty breakfast, lunch, or just to grab a box of their fabulous baked goods - we heard the donuts are amazing!

Circle W Market: A favorite, we try to stop in to Circle W on each trip for their baked goods, breakfast sandwiches (and lunch sandwiches!), quiche, you name it! 

Deer Mountain Inn | Tannersville: A highlight of our trip, we took the scenic route to Deer Mountain Inn and ooh-ed and ahh-ed our way past waterfalls and striking mountain views. The Inn is tucked into a hillside with almost 200 acres of beautiful grounds and trails that we wish we’d had time to explore. The interiors are rustic in the best way - dimly lit, beautifully decorated, and wonderfully cozy. Dinner was amazing (don’t miss the house sourdough!), and it took everything we had to pull ourselves away from the cozy fire in the living room after dinner.

Casa Susanna: On property at Camptown (and also dog friendly!), Casa Susanna serves up authentic Mexican food with fresh, local ingredients. The menu is designed for tasting and sharing, so we ordered a variety and enjoyed the dishes with their fantastic house-made tortillas, and of course, margaritas! Every bite was full of flavor and we loved exchanging notes on favorites with the rest of the group at the bar.

SEE + DO

Walk the Windham Path: If you’re looking for a stroll instead of a hike, you don’t have to sacrifice on views! The Windham Path is a 1.5 mile loop that brings you across meadows, over bridges, and along the Batavia Kill Stream with spectacular views along the way. Great for biking and walking, kids and pups, this is a gem not to be missed!

Explore the Historic River Towns: We spent an afternoon exploring the historic towns along the Hudson - Coxsackie, Athens, and Catskill. Coxsackie was a favorite and felt a bit like we’d stumbled upon a movie set. Here are some of the favorites that we popped into or added to our list for next time:

• Coxsackie

• Eat + Drink: Coxsackie General Store, Coxsackie Creamery, Shipwrecked, Ravish Liquors, Patrick Henry’s Tavern

• See, Do + Shop: Coxsackie Antique Center, Reed Street Bottle Shop, Unquiet Antiques, Pilothouse Paper, The Bronck House and Barns

• Athens

• Eat + Drink: The Athens Rooster, The Stewart House

• Catskill

• Eat + Drink: Willa’s Bakery, Left Bank Ciders

• See, Do + Shop: Thomas Cole Historic Site, Magpie Bookshop, Kaaterskill Market, Catskill Chocolate Co

Until next time! If you’ve got any other favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here. 

This trip was in partnership with our friends at The Great Northern Catskills. We are so thrilled at the opportunity to share this beautiful destination with you!

Apple Orchards to Visit this Month

We tend to head back to the same orchard year after year, and while there’s something to be said for nostalgia, we thought we’d share a round-up of apple orchards to visit this fall just in case you’re in the mood to mix things up (and hey, you may even find a new favorite or two!). As for us, we figure we might as well spread the love and pick some at every orchard (and sample the donuts while we’re at it)!

Hicks Orchard | Granville, NY

Hicks is where we grew up picking (and devouring donuts), so this one is nostalgic for us. It’s become a bit of a year round destination for us too, with maple glazed cider donuts in the spring, blueberries in the summer, and delicious Slyboro cider tastings any time. We love the atmosphere here, always making ourselves comfortable on the porch with our cider, cider donuts, and a view of their red barns. And of course, no trip to Hicks is complete without feeding our pals, the goats.

McWhorters Orchard | Argyle, NY

As soon as we saw the Adirondack chairs with a view, we were hooked! Well, that and the adorable red barn, the u-pick pumpkin field with horses grazing just beyond, and the delicious apples, cider, and donuts. Did we mention the view? With lots of friendly faces (both human and animal!), we love the atmosphere at McWhorters and Tom is already itching to go back for more cider :)

Apple Hill Orchards | Whitehall, NY

Apple Hill is a good old fashioned apple orchard. You won’t find cider donuts or wagon rides here, but that’s a big part of the draw! We loved walking the rows of trees amidst the peace and quiet of the wind rustling through the branches and the occasional tractor coming by with a load of apples, a smile, and a wave. And if you’re feeling like a bit of a stroll, the view from the top of the hill is a beauty!

Mad Tom Orchard | East Dorset, VT

A bit more of a drive from Glens Falls (just over an hour), Mad Tom Orchard is a hidden gem in nearby East Dorset, VT. Here you’ll find a peaceful orchard, mountain views, an adorable red house with apple shutters, and little red wagons to pull the kiddos (or your bushels of apples!). Our pup Max’s smile pretty much says it all. Bonus: the most delicious donuts and cider to enjoy on your way home (or on a picnic table on the Dorset Town Green!).

Saratoga Apple | Schuylerville, NY

Like many of you, we were introduced to Saratoga Apple at the Glens Falls Farmers Market! They’ve always got a fantastic selection on hand, which inspired our drive out to their orchard and farmstand just outside of Saratoga in Schuylerville. A huge orchard, a farmstand filled with a great assortment of fruits and veggies, cider donuts, and bonus: hard cider (which is so good, by the way).

Happy picking! And if you have a local favorite, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more from our Road Trip series here.

Blueberry Farms to Visit This Summer

Blueberry pie, blueberry crisp, blueberry muffins, blueberry coffee cake… We looove blueberry season around here and we find ourselves going picking at least a few times each summer. Have you been? We’re sharing just a handful of local farms to try - because there’s nothing like a sweet treat made with fresh picked blueberries. Promise.  

Hicks Orchard | Granville: Opening soon for the 2024 season! There’s more than just apples at Hicks! Our family winds up here every summer. We usually head out on a weekday and enjoy the quiet of the breeze rustling through the leaves in the field and the promise of a cider donut at the barn when we’re done. They’re open Friday from 10am - 7pm and weekends from 10am to 4pm. Looks like they’ve got wood fired pizzas on Friday evenings, too! Find the rest of their info here. 

Winney’s Blueberry Farm | Schuylerville: Opening July 3 for the 2024 season! Another favorite to our south, Winney’s has a huge variety and lovely pastoral views. It also might just be the closest of these farms to Glens Falls - but don’t quote us on that ;) They’re open daily from 8am to 6pm. Grab their info here. 

Stu-berry Acres | Argyle: Open now for raspberries - blueberries to follow shortly! We picked here for the first time last summer and loved the easy picking and delicious berries. Bonus - they also have raspberries, which we had never picked before! Delish. Keep an eye on their Facebook for hours here. 

Gardenworks | Salem: Blueberries coming soon for the 2024 season. You’ve heard us rave about Gardenworks a time or two or ten, and we love them even more during blueberry season! Once you’ve picked, peruse the shop for more delicious goodies - or head out on a weekend to enjoy a delicious lunch or glass of wine at their Cafe. They’re open Friday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm. As of this posting on July 10, we haven’t seen an announcement that picking is open yet, but keep an eye out here. 

Strawberry Ridge | Granville: Opening July 5 for the 2024 season! We’ve picked strawberries here many times, but just found out they have blueberries as well! Keep an eye out for their u-pick hours here. P.S. Once you’re done picking, pop into Granville for a sandwich or a craft beer (here’s our mini guide to Granville with our favorites). 

Hand Melon Farm | Greenwich: We’ve heard great things about this farm! Pick your own blueberries are open now for the 2024 season, and they’re open 9am - 5pm on Wednesday thru Friday, and 9am - 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Find their info here.

Yoleberry Farms | Fort Ann: Always a favorite for strawberries, they have blueberries this year, too!  Their u-pick will be opening soon for the 2024 season, and they’ll be open 9am-4pm every day except Monday. Find their details here.

Happy picking! And if you have another local favorite, we’d love to hear! 

P.S. Check out more from our Road Trip series here. 

Strawberry Farms to Visit This Summer

Strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie, strawberry galette… We’re big fans of anything strawberry, and nothing’s better than fresh picked! Have you been picking yet? We’re rounding up a handful of local farms to try if you’re in the mood for some strawberry shortcake, too!

Yoleberry Farm in Fort Ann, NY • Photo: Bri Lyons

Ariel’s Farm | Gansevoort: A farm that comes highly recommended (and just a quick 20 minute ride from Glens Falls!), we can’t wait to try Ariel’s Farm this season. More info here.

Hand Melon Farm | Greenwich: This was a Washington County favorite when we asked our Instagram followers for suggestions! Find their info here.

Hicks Orchard | Granville: New this year! Hicks is always a summer favorite for blueberry picking, so we were thrilled to hear that they’ll have u-pick strawberries this season. Bonus points for the cider donuts you can enjoy once you’re done picking! More info here.

Strawberry Acres | Buskirk: A new to us option that we stumbled across on Facebook this year. If you’re looking for a ride through beautiful Washington County with strawberries as your reward, this looks like the spot for you. Grab their info here.

Bowman Orchard | Rexford: If you’re headed south, Bowman Orchard is the place to be! After you pick your fill of berries, you can head over to their farm store for homemade ice cream, play on the playground, and visit their many animals (including goats, sheep, and pigs!). Details here.

Yoleberry Farm | Fort Ann: Closed for the 2024 strawberry season, sadly! We picked here for the first time last season and loved it! A beautiful, quiet setting and plentiful picking made for a perfect morning. They’re open Tuesday - Sunday from 9am - 4pm. Details here.

Four Upstate NY Maple Farms to Visit This Season

Vermont typically gets all the love when it comes to maple syrup, but we're lucky to have a long list of amazing maple farms right here in our own back yard! And this time of year, a little road trip and a lotta maple is pretty much the best thing to beat cabin fever. So, if you're up for something sweet, here are a few of our favorite upstate sugar shacks to visit!

Toad Hill Maple Farm | Athol, NY: The largest of the bunch, the timberframe sugar house at Toad Hill is a beauty. Bonus points for the covered bridge on property, and the tour and wagon ride that takes you over it and through their sugarbush! 
Don't leave without: an enormous bag of maple caramel corn, along with the biggest maple leaf bottle of syrup you can buy.

Rathbun's Maple Sugar House | North Granville, NY: A local favorite year round for their breakfast! The smell of maple wafting through the air is a welcome greeting here and we always love watching them boil sap into syrup from above in the sugar house. Looks like they’ll be making syrup every weekend in March as long as the temperatures allow!
Don't leave without: devouring their pancake breakfast. Get there early!

Mapleland Farms | Salem, NY: Home of an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and one of the prettiest views in Washington County. We love checking out their specialty products - need some maple mustard? They've got you covered ;) Check out their Facebook page for details, and check out a longer feature we have on them here!
Don't leave without: a bag full of their maple candy (it melts in your mouth!) and a pic of the syrup samples in the window, of course.

Mud Street Maple | Athol, NY: Mud Street has made a name for themselves with their bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup and their infused syrups, as well as their traditional maple goods. You can’t go wrong combining the rich maple flavor with other favorites like vanilla, coffee, and cinnamon!
Don’t leave without: a maple s’more. Word is they’ll have a fire pit with said treats every weekend in March, and we can’t wait to get our paws on one!

Would love to hear your favorite spots in the comments below!

Christmas Tree Farms to Visit this Season

‘Tis the season! There’s nothing quite like the glow of the Christmas tree to get you in the holiday spirit! With that in mind, we did a little tree reconnaissance (tree-connaissance?!), and in case you’re looking for a new tree farm or stand to visit this year, we’re rounding up some great local options below!

Warren County

Brown’s Tree Farm | Warrensburg: Arriving at Brown’s after a snowstorm is like walking into a Christmas movie! A charming red barn with a gorgeous field of trees blanketed with snow. What holiday dreams are made of! A second and third generation run farm now, the first seedlings were planted in the 1950’s and they’ve been growing strong since! With cut your own (or they’ll cut one for you!), this is a fantastic spot (and a pretty drive from Glens Falls!). Find their info here.

River Bend Christmas Tree Farm | Lake Luzerne: Quite literally over the river and through the woods, River Bend is a beautiful spot with a traditional farm experience - stroll the fields, cut your tree, and you’re on your way! With a gorgeous selection of wreaths as well (we have our eye on the buffalo plaid bows!), you may want to browse a bit longer. Find their details here.

Washington County

Bailey Family Christmas Trees | Cambridge: It’s always fun hearing how tree farms got their start, and the lovely Bailey Family was no exception! What began in 1967 as 1,000 seedlings has grown to 11,000 gorgeous trees and a charming barn shop boasting wreaths, kissing balls, and garland, too. Cut your own, or they also have a great selection of pre-cut at the barn. Grab their info here! (And while you’re in town, check out some of our other favorites in Cambridge from our travel guide here.)

Gardenworks | Salem: Our tree tradition (tree-dition?!) for the last few years includes a morning ride out to Gardenworks to enjoy a browse around their charming tree lot (pre-cut only) and some shopping in the beautifully curated barn along with a cup of warm cider. You’re sure to be greeted by sweet Layla the pup, along with the friendliest folks, and great gift ideas, too! Find their info here.

Saratoga County

Candy Cane Farm | Gansevoort: We’ve passed the beloved “Cut Your Own Christmas Tree” sign many times, and are so glad we stopped at the Kuznierz Family’s pretty farm! They planted their first trees in the 1960’s and have continued to grow ever since. Beautiful trees (cut your own or pre-cut!), great views, and friendly people. More info here!

Ellms Family Farm | Ballston Spa: We’ve heard great things about Ellms and though we haven’t yet made the trip, it sounds like they have quite the family friendly experience! Get their details here. (And while you’re in Ballston Spa, check out some of our favorite spots in town from our travel guide here!)

Buell’s Christmas Trees | Gansevoort: We knew tree tagging was a thing (going to pick out your tree and tagging it sold ahead of time), but we loved the tradition we stumbled across here of folks decorating their tree on the farm to tag it! A beautiful farm to check out! Looks like their cut-your-own trees are sold out already, but they have pre-cut available! Find them on Facebook here.

Happy tree hunting! And if you’ve got a favorite local tree farm, we’d love to know! Happy Holidays!

P.S. A quick tip - Be sure to check the Facebook pages for the tree farms before you head out to be sure they’ve got trees left!

Road Trip: Dorset, Vermont

If you love charming small towns, great food, and beautiful views, then we have the day trip for you! Just one hour from Glens Falls sits the lovely town of Dorset, Vermont and it’s one of our favorite Sunday drives. Read on for some of our top picks while in town…

EAT + DRINK

Mach’s Market: The market of our dreams! You’ll run into Mach’s on your way to Dorset in Pawlet, Vermont. Filled to the brim with everything you could ever want - fresh baked goods, local meat and cheese, wine and craft beer, not to mention their delicious to-go menu! We always order a sandwich to take with us for a picnic at Merck Forest or to enjoy on one of the picnic tables on the Dorset Green. A must!

Dorset Inn + Barrows House: For a delicious meal, drink, or to stay the night, these restaurants / inns would be our top picks in Dorset. We love to drive out on a summer or fall afternoon for a drink on the porch at the Dorset Inn, overlooking the Green, or for a cocktail by the fire on the patio at Barrows House. Owned by the same group, the food is delicious at both restaurants (though we have a soft spot for the cozy atmosphere in the Tavern at the Dorset Inn).

Dorset Union Store: Another favorite, we never leave without one (okay, a couple) of their Ginger Molasses cookies. A quintessential general store, there’s a little bit of everything - an awesome deli in the back, baked goods in front, and all the kitchen essentials stacked neatly on the old wooden shelves. Grab a sandwich (or, ahem, a cookie) and enjoy it on the picnic tables on the Green just outside the door.

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SEE, DO + SHOP

3 Pears Gallery: Beautifully curated with fine art, we love strolling through the gallery to see what’s new - and we often recognize the names of some of our favorite Washington County artists while we’re there! The gallery rotates seasonally, so there’s always something new to see.

Merck Forest and Farmland Center: The view driving up the hill on the approach to the Visitor’s Center is almost worth the trip alone, and what’s waiting for you inside is even better. A quick walk down Old Town Road reveals the gorgeous farm, and more of the amazing view. Pack a picnic from Mach’s Market or the Dorset Union Store and grab a picnic table overlooking Harwood Barn (and the sheep and chickens below!), or explore some of the trails ranging from easy to difficult (maps here). If camping is your thing, they offer cabins, shelters, and dispersed camping, too!

The Kitchen Store at JK Adams: Well known for their beautiful cutting and serving boards (crafted right onsite!), they also curate and stock the very best products for cooking, baking, and home at their Kitchen Store. Always a favorite when we’re in town!

Dorset Farmers Market: We love to stop at local farmers markets when we’re on the road, and the Dorset Market is always a treat. From flowers to fresh produce and bread to local artisan goods, you’ll definitely end up bringing home an armful. Held at the HN Williams General Store during the warmer months, the market just moved indoors to the woodworking shop at JK Adams for the fall and winter season. Sundays from 10am-2pm!

Flower Brook Pottery: A working studio and a gift shop, they specialize in both pottery for daily use and for display (with a selection of the sweetest custom pieces, too!). Only open Tuesday - Thursday or by appointment, so plan ahead if you are visiting!

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Until next time, Dorset! If you have any area favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

Road Trip: Schenectady, NY

Have you taken a ride to Schenectady lately? There’s great energy happening in the city, especially in the summer! The patios come alive downtown, the window boxes in the Stockade District overflow with flowers, and the summer breeze flows through the open doors and windows of shops and galleries. Here are some favorites from our recent trip, if you’re headed that way!

EAT + DRINK

Arthur’s Market: A must! Recently restored (the building dates back to the 1700s!), Arthur’s was reopened under new ownership last year, and we were so thrilled to finally pay them a visit! We loved the nods to the building’s history throughout, from the exposed brick to the antique counter, as well as a display of old photos of the Market’s evolution through the years.

And the food! We ordered breakfast sandwiches on house-made english muffins along with a ham and asparagus quiche, and we were only a few bites in when we started planning our next trip back. Delicious! Don’t leave without grabbing a few of their cookies for the road - it was tough to pick a winner between the molasses and chocolate chip!

Great Flats Brewing: An awesome atmosphere with garage doors that open to the street, super friendly people, and fantastic beer (two thumbs up from Tom on their IPA!). Can’t wait to head back soon to beat Tom in ping pong :)

Malcolm’s: Run, do not walk, to Malcolm’s! While we couldn’t squeeze it into this trip, we’re still talking about our meal there from a previous visit! With a charming interior and friendly atmosphere, this is a top date night pick for sure. Don’t miss the Elote - grilled corn with roasted garlic aioli and pecorino cheese - so, so good. Their menu is fantastic and always changing, so we’re looking forward to trying something new on our next trip. Especially since we just saw they serve brunch as well!

Druthers Brewing Company: For a casual spot overlooking the recently constructed Mohawk Harbor, Druthers is always a win. Their outdoor beer garden is surrounded by hydrangeas and the sights and sounds of boat traffic coming and going on the river below. Their menu is full of classic comfort food, and we enjoyed a couple of their staples: a fried chicken sandwich and wood-fired pizza.

SEE, DO + SHOP

Van Gogh Experience: Art lovers, you won’t want to miss this one! We’ve been hearing rave reviews of the Van Gogh Experience in other spots around the country, so we were thrilled to hear that it had made it’s way to Schenectady this summer and fall. If you’re not familiar, the best way to describe the experience is like stepping into a painting. First, you’ll get to know a little bit about Van Gogh and his work in a more traditional museum exhibit. Next, you’ll step into the immersive experience, which includes two story projections of his work that make you feel like you’re in the painting. And finally, you’ll have a VR experience that will allow you to walk through some of his most famous works. Truly an awesome experience! It only runs through September, so grab your tickets!

Stockade Historic District: The gem of the city, the Stockade Historic District is a favorite of ours and reminds us just a bit of strolls through Charleston or Savannah. The beautiful architecture, the perfectly planted window boxes, the uneven brick walkways, and the streets lined with American flags had us charmed. We loved taking a peek at the plaques on the homes as we walked through, with some homes dating back to the 1700’s. Fun fact: it’s said to have the highest concentration of historic period homes in the country!

Bluebird Home + Gift: Perfectly styled and curated, I knew we were going to be here a while the second we walked in. Bluebird is stocked with the most gorgeous home goods as well as an amazing selection of vintage - including vintage Persian rugs! Yes, please! .

Upstate Kayak Rentals: Did you know there’s a harbor in Schenectady?! Newly constructed as part of a 60 acre master planned community along one mile of the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot for boaters to hop off the Mohawk River to grab a bite to eat and enjoy what Schenectady has to offer. Turns out it’s also the perfect spot to launch a kayak! While we didn’t have time this trip, I always love the option to leave city sidewalks behind and get out on the water. The best of both worlds!

STAY

The Landing Hotel: If you’re looking to extend your trip, this is the place! New in 2017, The Landing is a boutique hotel with views of the river, and it’s located within a short distance of everything the city has to offer.

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Until next time, Schenectady! If you’ve got any other favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

This trip was in partnership with our friends at Discover Schenectady. We were so thrilled at the opportunity to share this charming city with you!

Seven Antique Shops to Visit this Season

It’s the perfect time of year for one of our favorite weekend activities - antiquing! We shared a version of this roundup a few years ago over on Bri’s blog (along with a video - watch it here , but we wanted to pass along an updated version with some new favorites here. Happy treasure hunting! 

Fort Ann Antiques | Whitehall, NY 

We’re sure you’ve driven by here a time or two on your way into Vermont on Route 4. Take it from us - it’s worth a stop! We’ve left here with everything from a vintage oil painting, to a blue and white chinoiserie vase, to an old soda crate. It seems like there’s always something new each time we stop, which of course is the beauty of a good antique shop - you never know what will be around the next corner!

The Village Booksmith | Hudson Falls, NY

Another gem on Route 4 - this time in Hudson Falls - we always enjoy a tour through The Village Booksmith. We tend to look to old books for inspiration, and there are shelves upon shelves to flip through here. While I love a great read, I’m also guilty of picking up beautiful old books to use as decor around the house - who can resist adding a title like “Adventures to Come” on their bookshelf? It’s a great bit of inspiration for the day to day. 

Cambridge Antiques Center | Cambridge, NY

With a little bit of everything spanning two floors, you could easily spend the afternoon here. Some of our favorites are always waiting on the landing at the top of the stairs - vintage signage, rustic wooden trunks, and a bit of blue-and-white chinoiserie. Lots of vendors, so there’s always a great mix of formal, country / rustic, and lots of great lighting and rugs, too. 

Jack’s Out Back | Cambridge, NY 

Right next door to Cambridge Antiques, don’t miss popping into Jack’s. If you like vintage signage, this is your place - there’s an almost dizzying variety lining the walls, and you’ll likely want to bring them all home! 

Blacksmith Antiques | Cambridge, NY 

So many treasures to be found here - vintage art and photographs, tin containers and old bottles (perfectly and precariously stacked!). Wondering if the floor boards are going to collapse underneath you is just another exciting part of the experience! ;) 

Black Bass Antiques | Bolton Landing

Filled with local and Adirondack nostalgia - from vintage postcards to old photos, signage, and pennants, we’ll definitely be coming here to decorate our lakeside cabin that only exists in our dreams ;)

Antiques Market Place | Lake George

Twenty quality dealers offering an ever-changing inventory of unique and interesting antiques, vintage and collectibles. With a fantastic mix including Adirondack, Americana, Books, Country, Ephemera, Fishing, Folk Art, and more - there’s definitely something for everyone!

Would love to hear your favorite spots in the comments below!

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Summer at West Mountain

Winter at West Mountain is a given, but we had yet to take advantage of all that West has to offer in the warmer months. That said, we were so excited to experience it in all its summer glory this past week. The first thing we noticed and loved was that West has a little something for everyone - whether you want to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails, or catch a ride on the lift in your sundress and sandals, picnic basket (and wine!) in hand. We fall into the “let’s do both” category, and a summer pass makes it easy to create your own experience each time, all season long. 

We couldn’t stop talking about what a gem it is, and how lucky we are that it’s just 10 minutes or so from Glens Falls. We might just make this a weekly thing for the rest of the summer. And since we could all use a little bit more of this ( you know - amazing views, picnic lunches, quiet time spent in nature, etc.) in our lives right about now, we’re sharing a coupon code for your visit at the end of this post! 

In the mean time, read on for our favorites from our first trip and what’s on the list for next time! 

EAT + DRINK

Mountaintop Picnic Package: A picnic basket packed to the brim with summer favorites - sandwiches, chips, a giant chocolate chip cookie, maybe a bottle of wine or a couple of cold beers - and bonus, an amazing view. The picnic package was first on our to do list when we perused the activities on the mountain, and it did not disappoint. A quick + scenic 15 minute ride up the chairlift gets you to the top and you’re just a short walk downhill from the closest picnic area. We lucked out on a mid-week afternoon with the overlook (which doubles as their wedding ceremony platform) to ourselves for a while, with nothing but the sounds of the breeze and the birds, and for a few minutes it felt like we were on vacation in the mountains, even with the view of our little city in sight below. 

When you’re done, ask the friendly folks running the lift if they’ll watch your picnic basket while you lace up your sneaks for the next adventure (or if that’s it for the day, catch a ride back down and enjoy the view!). 

SEE + DO

Scenic Chairlift Ride + Hiking: With or without the picnic package, hiking once on top of the mountain is a must. In particular, don’t catch that ride back down the mountain without a quick hike out to the Crow’s Nest Overlook for an amazing view of the bend in the Hudson River below. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk from the lift, and you might even encounter a fawn or two frolicking through the woods like we did! So sweet! 

If you can manage to tear yourself away from the view (can you imagine it in the fall?!), you can either take the lift back down or hike down to the Base Lodge via the Slideshow trail - that’s on our list for next time! 

High Ropes Adventure Park: Also on our list for next time - the Treetop Adventure Park! We passed the course on our hike out to the Crow’s Nest Overlook (take Trail 3 if you’d like to take a peek!), and there was a family on the course having an absolute blast. It looked like so much fun! Tom is going to have to convince me to get up there, but gosh what a fun activity - especially for families with kiddos (ages 7+)!

Mountain Biking: If we were mountain bikers, this would for sure be top on our list - there are 20 cross-country and downhill trails to choose from on the mountain and we loved watching cyclists coasting underneath us as we rode the chairlift up. You can check out the trail maps here. 

Have you been yet this summer?

Enjoy!!

This post was in partnership with our friends at West Mountain. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share a closer look at this amazing place - right in our own backyards. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living.

At the Lake: Love is on Lake George Cruises

It’s been the hottest summer in recent memory, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these warm days than at the lake - better yet - on or in the lake! If you’re eager to get out on the water but find yourselves without a boat like us, Captain Ron from Love is on Lake George Cruises is your guy.

Fun fact: Tom planned a birthday picnic for me on an island on Lake George back in June and we rode in style aboard their 1971 lake cruiser to get to our picnic spot - truly one of the best days of our year.

Anyway! Read on for our chat with (Captain) Ron Miller and find out how to book a cruise yourself!

Ron and Kathy Miller and their dog Roxy (Photo: Tom Stock)

What brought you to Lake George?

I grew up in a Navy family moving around the world and around the country. Kathy was born and raised in Glens Falls. We met at college in Indiana. She at St. Mary's and me at Notre Dame. We moved around the country raising our 3 children, and finally decided to settle in the Lake George region 10 years ago. We love sharing all the beauty of our region with others.

Rumor has it that you’re a former Navy fighter and test pilot…that’s who we’d want piloting our cruise! Although there are obvious differences, what are some similarities between piloting a fighter jet and a boat?  

I was a Navy fighter pilot flying jets off aircraft carriers and then as an Experimental Test Pilot for McDonnell Douglas flying the F-15, F-18 and T-45 aircraft. One similarity with piloting a boat is the need to know and respect the weather! When I have a precise docking in tough conditions, I tell folks I used to land jets on aircraft carriers, if I embarrass myself with an ugly docking, I keep my mouth shut!

Ha! So, how did Love is on Lake George Cruises come to be?   

Having bought the Lyman, then seeing a possible synergy with Kathy's business, Love is in New York, I thought it would be smart and fun to turn a personal liability, i.e. old wooden boat, into a business asset.

The boat itself is a 1971 Lyman, Soft-Top Sleeper with the original Crusader/Chrysler 318 engine, 225 hp. An original lake cruiser. You learn quick when your boat takes on water faster than the bilge pump can pump it overboard, you add another bilge pump! It is in great shape now, reliable and looking good. We believe she has been on Lake George her entire life.

(Photo: Tom Stock)

What do you love the most about taking folks on cruises? 

We meet some really interesting people and we enjoy watching them fall in love with Lake George. And they come back! The most fun cruises are the surprise marriage proposals and special family occasions.

A special cruise that comes to mind was with a woman from Houston who returned to Lake George after 50+ years. She had an old photograph of herself (as a little girl) with her Dad and her dog on a rock on an island somewhere in the Narrows. She wanted to find that spot. We found it! It was very emotional for her and satisfying for me.

Amazing! So, what's one of your favorite routes for a cruise?  

Through the Narrows, past the Mother Bunch and a visit to the hamlet of Hulett's Landing.

Tom is always talking about his dream to own a wooden boat - any words of wisdom?

Don't sign-on to wooden boat project without your eyes wide open! And as far as tips for boating in general, be sure to get on-the-water instruction in the vessel you are operating.

What’s next for the Cruises? 

We had a bit of a game changer last season when The Sagamore Resort made us one of their limited Preferred Waterfront Vendors, all good. For 2020, we added a second boat to serve the water taxi market, as we get calls for simple A to B water transportation. Our 24 foot Key West Center Console is the right equipment! So far so good. 

What’s the best way to get on the boats?

All of our cruises are by reservation, and we offer online booking here.

A phone call or email gets it all started, and Kathy takes over from there. We get the best outcome for our customers the more we know about the experience they’re hoping for before we get on the water. She helps with any special requests i.e. taking photos, ground transportation, or arranging for catered meals.

We cruise May through October!

Before we go, tell us a little more about Kathy’s business Love is in New York! 

Well, Kathy has grown a very locally focused Lake George gifts and décor business into a successful regional, NYS certified women owned enterprise. With an online store and wholesale customers from Plattsburg to Old Forge to Saratoga and beyond she is very busy! Find out more at loveisinnewyork.com.

(Photo: Tom Stock)

Love is on Lake George Cruises

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Love is in New York

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Road Trip: Ballston Spa, NY

We breezed through Ballston Spa this summer while we were out and about and couldn’t help but notice the great energy downtown. We immediately made a mental note to head back down with some more time to explore the charming business district and admire the beautiful architecture throughout the village, and we’re so glad we made it happen this past week. We were thrilled to see the village bustling with activity, from shopping to coffee shops to bakeries and restaurants - and we couldn’t recommend it more for a little weekend day trip. You’ll most definitely need more than a day to eat and shop your way through town, but read on for a few favorites that we stumbled across while we were there.

EAT + DRINK

Two Birds Marketplace: With sunshine streaming through the windows and the smell of house made baked goods in the air, this is the type of place you’ll want to sit and enjoy for a while. The cozy seating nooks throughout pretty much guarantee it, too! Our muffin and scone were perfection, and we had our eye on pretty much every thing else in the bakery case, so chances are we’ll be making a return trip sooner than later. The perfect place to start your day!

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Nomad Coffee & Crepes: An awesome spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, Nomad has the best of both worlds - coffee and cocktails! And crepes too, by the way, which we can’t wait to sample next time. Two thumbs up on the coffee from Tom, and even though I’m not a coffee drinker, the super friendly crew sold me on a chai latte and it’s safe to say I’ve got my new go-to. Delish! Looking forward to checking out the cocktails next trip.

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Iron Roost: Lots of light, exposed brick, and all of the waffles your little heart desires - Iron Roost is a must for breakfast or lunch (or both!). With savory and sweet options, not to mention vegan and gluten free options too, there’s truly something for everyone. We went with savory for lunch and loved the Happy Harvest (did we mention it’s an open faced waffle sandwich?!), and we were eyeing the neighboring table’s sweet dishes as well - the Very Berry and Apple Crisp are happening next time for sure!

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Next Door Kitchen & Bar: With a fantastic atmosphere and an amazing menu, Next Door will definitely be in regular rotation for date night from here on out. The Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts were a favorite, as well as the Hand Rolled Gnocchi and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. And how could we forget the Cider Donut Bread Pudding?! Don’t miss it.

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SHOP

Stone Soup Antiques Gallery: With an antique shop at every turn, Ballston Spa is a fantastic spot for treasure hunters. Stone Soup has been a favorite of ours for a while, and with two floors and over 40 dealers, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. If you’re in the market for larger pieces, be sure to check out the Ballston Spa Antique Center on Milton Ave - they’ve got furniture galore and lots of fun smalls, too.

Front Street Home: If you’re into the modern farmhouse aesthetic, this is your place. A perfect blend of antiques and vintage with updated decor and art - you’ll want one of each. We were smitten by the desk above repurposed as a bar cart / wine rack, along with the farmhouse tables throughout. And if you’re in the market, they offer interior design as well!

Boho Chic: Beautifully curated with goods from over 40 New York State artisans, this is the place to shop if you’re looking for a unique gift and looking to support small local artists and businesses. A win-win! With a little bit of everything - adorable tea towels and totes, pottery, fine art, and more - you’ll want to add this to your list for sure.

The Bundle Store: The sweetest store for little ones, we found the perfect birthday gift for our nephew at The Bundle Store (and maybe a couple of Christmas gifts, too!). With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products, this was right up our alley. Bonus - they have classes for new moms, including Tummy Time and Baby and Me Yoga.

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Until next time, Ballston Spa! If you’ve got any other favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

THIS ROAD TRIP WAS FUELED BY STEWART’S SHOPS.

Fueled up at the Ballston Spa Stewart’s while we were in town and couldn’t help but notice the friendly reminder at the gas pump that it’s Egg Nog season (Tom’s favorite!). We’re holding out until after Thanksgiving, but come Friday, you can bet Tom will be heading back to pick some up.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT GLENS FALLS LIVING.

Road Trip: Cambridge, NY

If you love charming small towns, great food, and afternoons spent browsing antique shops, then we’ve got a road trip for you. Just a 45 minute drive from Glens Falls sits the lovely village of Cambridge, NY and it’s one of our go-to weekend day trips. Read on for some favorites from our recent jaunt, and if you go - don’t forget your appetite…and an empty trunk for all of your newfound treasures.

Eat + Drink

King Bakery Donut Cart: The most delicious donuts and pastries served fresh out of an old Freihofer’s wagon - need we say more?! Every Sunday morning a line forms at the beloved King Bakery Donut Cart parked at the end of the driveway at 108 West Main Street - and take it from us, it’s worth the short wait (which goes even quicker chatting with friendly folks in line!). The glazed are an absolute must, and you might as well grab some scones, danish, and good old fashioned cinnamon buns while you’re there too.

Round House Bakery Cafe: [Update as of March 2021: Round House Bakery Cafe has closed] A frequent stop for us when we find ourselves in Washington County, Round House is a cozy cafe reminiscent of an old country store. You’ll find some amazing sweet treats in the bakery case and cookie jars, but you’ll definitely want to linger for a sandwich (the Mediterranean is a favorite of ours). Of course, don’t leave without a ginger spice cookie (or three!).

Argyle Brewing Co. Tasting Room: Around the corner from the Cafe, a cold beverage awaits in an old train depot! While we love enjoying the picnic tables and fresh air in the summer, the charming interior of the depot is cozy and welcoming in the cooler months - and they’ve got a great lineup of music coming over the next couple of months as well.

See, Do + Shop

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market: Another great reason to make your trip on a Sunday (in addition to the King Bakery Donut Cart) is the Sunday Farmers Market. During the warmer months you’ll find the vendors on the lawn in front of the Argyle Brewing Co. Depot Taproom, but this time of year it’s held in the Lovejoy Building across the way - a charming barn behind Hubbard Hall. While we wanted one of everything, we left with a delicious baguette from Earth Sky Time Community Farm (because you can never have too many carbs).

Battenkill Books: The type of bookstore that everyone would want to have in their town. Friendly and warm, with a fantastic selection of bestsellers and classics alike (and children’s books, too!). We love giving books as Christmas gifts, and this will be the perfect spot to do some shopping while supporting a local independent bookstore.

Also - did you know that this bookstore has been continuously running (albeit with different owners and names) in Cambridge for 35 years?! Amazing.

Valley Artisans Market: We’re always thrilled to see a vibrant and talented arts scene in the towns we visit, and Cambridge was no different. The Artisans Market (located alongside the Round House Bakery Cafe) is an arts cooperative with a fantastic spectrum of hand-crafted work on display, including oil paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and so much more. The perfect place to shop for a unique holiday gift!

Antiques

Blacksmith Antiques: Absolutely filled to the brim with unique finds, it’s exactly the kind of place you’d see on American Pickers (which somehow always seems to be on tv at our house). We’re looking forward to coming back with a bit more time to peruse the aisles of old bottles, books, paintings and prints, “smalls” and so much more. A hidden gem, for sure.

Cambridge Antiques Center: With a little bit of everything spanning two floors, we always love to pop in here to see what’s new. From the ever popular blue and white ginger jars and chinoiserie lamps to beautiful antique furniture, lighting, and rugs, there’s something for everyone (and there’s a decent chance you’ll spend the afternoon!).

Jack’s Outback Antiques: Right next door to Cambridge Antiques, don’t miss Jack Metzger’s Gallery and Antiques. One of the best parts about browsing for antiques is hearing the stories behind them, and Jack, the owner, always has the story at the ready. We love the old signage here, as well as Jack’s one of a kind sculptures.

Hubbard Block: Just down the street from the Cafe, don’t miss Hubbard Block for antiques, folk art, and country collectibles. With a fantastic selection of seasonal items, this is a perfect stop as we head into the holidays. You won’t want to miss the Christmas room - plenty of antique and vintage ornaments and decor to get you in the spirit.

On our list for next trip: We’re looking forward to catching a performance at Hubbard Hall next time - check their events calendar here to see if something is playing while you’re in town!

Also, we can’t wait to see what Lakota’s Farm has in store next year - we had the most wonderful evening at one of their Farm to Table dinners this past summer, and we’re sure they have even more great events up their sleeve on their beautiful property in 2020!

Until next time, Cambridge! If you’ve got any area favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

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Our Road Trip series is fueled by Stewart’s Shops.

The gas gauge on our Wagoneer is stuck on full, so we fill up with gas every couple of hours. We’re always on the lookout for a Stewart’s to fuel up with non-ethanol, and lucky for us, there’s one right in Cambridge. Couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee for our morning stroll through the village, too.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

Road Trip: Bennington, VT

Have you been to Bennington lately? Filled with history, charm, covered bridges, fantastic restaurants, beautifully curated shops - and all just over an hour from our driveway in Glens Falls. And with a downtown revitalization project just beginning with the historic Putnam Block, it’s sure to become even more vibrant. If you’re looking for a Sunday drive this weekend, read on for some favorites from our recent trip:

EAT + DRINK

Harvest Brewing: Tucked into a brick storefront downtown, we loved the atmosphere at Harvest Brewing both inside and out. On this sunny day, the picnic tables, colorful umbrellas and lights strung up overhead made this a perfect place to enjoy a meal. On the menu for our late lunch? Well, we had to try the coffee and beer, of course (as the sign out front suggests!), as well as fresh and delicious sandwiches and avocado toast. We hear they just started selling cans of their craft beer, too!

The Tap House at Catamount Glass: We’d heard such great things about The Tap House and couldn’t wait to try it ourselves. With a casual and artistic vibe, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and some delicious comfort food to cap off our day. With a cozy patio surrounded by late summer blooms and lights twinkling overhead, we’re guessing this is a Bennington favorite for warm weather date nights. Inside, we loved the exposed brick, friendly staff, and fun conversation with other guests. Oh, and the fries! :)

The Village Chocolate Shoppe: The smell of chocolate will lure you in and once inside, you’ll want one of everything. We left with a couple of their best sellers, the Death by Chocolate Bars, and we couldn’t resist the maple creams - so good! The perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while you’re in town, for sure.

On our list for next time: While we’ve had drinks at Madison Brewing Company, we can’t wait to grab a meal next time, and we’re looking forward to checking out The Miller’s Toll Dinner Club for their cocktails and rotating seasonal menu!

SEE + DO

Stroll Old Bennington: A stretch of beautiful historic homes line the street starting with the photogenic Old First Church and cemetery (and fun fact: Robert Frost is buried here). From there, you can meander up the hill to the Bennington Battle Monument, where you’ll want to take the elevator up to the top for gorgeous views of the hills and valleys of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts - especially with the colors this time of year!

Covered Bridges: If you’re a covered bridge lover, this is your town - there are five within striking distance of Bennington! Here is a great overview on all five, but you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to our favorite - the Henry Bridge. It’s tucked away on a back road with the perfect perch for a picnic, or just taking in the view.

The Mile-Around Woods: It wouldn’t be a trip to Vermont without finding some open space to roam, and The Mile-Around Woods in North Bennington turned out to be the perfect place for an autumn stroll. Located just past The Park McCullough House (which is worth a visit too, by the way!), the preserve is home to carriage road trails and on this sunny day, a group of gorgeous horses grazing in the lower pasture.

Bennington Museum: With the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world, it’s easy to see why many visitors make the trip to Bennington for the Museum alone. They also have a fantastic collection representing life in Early Vermont, an amazing Bennington Pottery Gallery, and Tom’s personal favorite - a custom Martin Wasp luxury automobile.

On our list for next time: Hemmings Motor News (they have their headquarters in Bennington complete with a Car Lover’s Store, old fashioned Sunoco station, and vehicle display!).

SHOP

Catbird Studio: A most beautifully curated shop, if you’re looking for a head start on holiday shopping - this is your place. A thoughtful variety of gift items, home decor, stationery and fine papers, we’ve loved popping into Catbird on previous trips to Bennington as well - there’s always something new!

Bennington Potters: One of each, please! We’re sure you’ll be as smitten with Bennington Potters as we were. A gorgeous collection of stoneware pottery, made right onsite in Bennington (don't leave without taking a peek into the studio to see how each piece is made!). With so many glazes and styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we’ve got our eye on a pitcher in the classic Morning Glory Blue. A must while in Bennington.

Armstrong Farm: The sweetest roadside pumpkin stand, complete with red Radio Flyer wagons - and mini pumpkins that spell out Vermont, no less! If you go, be sure to pop in to the barn for some of their maple syrup, too - and hurry - they close for the season on October 31st!

The Apple Barn: A must, especially in the fall, we couldn’t get enough of their mini-cider donuts. The barn is stocked with all of the season’s essentials - pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, baked goods, and all of the Vermont maple syrup you could want. If you go, grab two boxes of the mini-cider donuts - they’ll go fast! :)

Fiddlehead: A bank at one time, Fiddlehead is located in a historic marble building downtown with beautifully preserved architecture (and the vault!), we loved browsing the curated gallery at Fiddlehead. With an eclectic mix of paintings, pottery, jewelry (and so much more!), they definitely have something for everyone - and we love that everything is handmade by artisans across North America.

Antiques: What’s a road trip without a stop or two (or three!) to browse an antique shop? Luckily there are three in Bennington, and fair warning - you could probably spend a full day just browsing for treasures! Don’t miss the Antique Center at Camelot Village, Green Mountain Antiques, and Owl’s Nest.

On our list for next time: Bennington Bookshop (who doesn’t love a good independent book store?!) and Bringing you Vermont Country Store (and cafe!).

STAY

Four Chimneys Inn: The most beautiful inn tucked behind an old stone wall, the Four Chimneys is a Bennington gem. With a stately white exterior, the four namesake chimneys, and the expansive lawn and lovely gardens, it’s no wonder it was chosen as this year’s best Vermont Bed and Breakfast by Yankee Magazine. From the lovely innkeepers who make you feel right at home, to the beautifully decorated rooms (each is unique!), to the delicious breakfast in the morning, you’ll definitely want to add the Four Chimneys to your list if you decide to extend your day trip to an overnight.

On our list for next time: The Henry House looks like the perfect place for a group or an event (and you can’t beat that view of a quintessential Vermont covered bridge right across the street!).

This post was brought to you by Vermont Begins Here. Thank you for supporting the organizations and businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

P.S. See more of our Road Trip series here.

Road Trip: Small-Town Bookstores

Even as an adult, there’s something about back-to-school season that still makes us want to go shopping for a couple of fresh notebooks, a stack of new pencils and pens, and a good book. If you’ve got that same fall feeling, you’re in luck, because we’ve got a list of four sweet small town bookstores (and barns!) to peruse and believe you me, you’ll leave this road trip with a stack of books that’ll last you ’til spring (and a most wonderful experience to boot!).

Owl Pen Books | GREENWICH

We just discovered Owl Pen this year, and I can’t believe we didn’t know about it sooner because it’s right up our alley. Down a winding dirt road, you’ll find a complex of red barns tucked behind a historic white home. The barns are the bookstore. It doesn’t get more charming! Inside, you’ll find over 100,000 pre-owned books, and the co-owner Edie, who, upon a customer request for a specific book, pulled it from the shelves within 30 seconds. (She assured us it’s not always that fast!). You could easily spend the afternoon here, slowly making your way through the shelves. A new favorite for sure.

Battenkill Books | Cambridge

Battenkill Books is the kind of bookstore that I wish we had in downtown Glens Falls, but am also glad we don’t, since it gives us an excuse to cruise out to the lovely village of Cambridge. Here you’ll find the friendliest staff, the newest releases, and a most adorable room filled with books for the kiddos. It’s bright, airy, and the kind of place that makes you want to grab a seat by the window and start your book right away. A major bonus - Argyle Brewing Company’s tasting room is at the old train station right around the corner, and there are fantastic antique shops up and down the street. Do yourself a favor and pick up your next book here instead of online - you won’t regret it!

Wilson Homestead | HEBRON

Washington County roads are some of the prettiest in the area, and we enjoyed the most gorgeous ride past old farmhouses and red barns to get to the Wilson Homestead. Book barns are indeed a new favorite of ours, and this historic property is no exception. Inside, there’s a little bit of everything - books ranging from cooking to architecture and design, to local and regional history - our favorite! There’s also a great selection of antiques, so it’s pretty much guaranteed that we won’t get out of there without buying something. When you’re done, head over to Gardenworks for lunch at the Cheese + Cafe - a pretty perfect afternoon if you ask us!

Old Book Surfer | CAMBRIDGE

Overlooking Lake Lauderdale in Cambridge, The Old Book Surfer was unique in that there was a great selection of old books and vinyl records (for that record player I keep saying we need to buy!). We loved flipping through the bins and reminiscing about the tunes our parents listened to when we were kids, and we can’t wait to go back when we finally do get that turntable. You’re sure to walk away with an armful of treasures, and a heaping dose of nostalgia, too!

2021 Update: We weren’t able to reach anyone for an update on business hours, so we’d skip this one for now!

Happy travels, happy shopping, happy reading!

P.S. Check out our other Road Trip ideas here.

Three Local Trails to Inspire Your Inner Birder

A few years ago, my wife, Katie, and I were carrying a canoe down to a tiny lake (appropriately named “Lower Duck Hole”) in a remote part of the Adirondacks. The lake connects to “Upper Duck Hole” through a narrow passage, and eventually, to Newcomb Lake—the site of Great Camp Santanoni—and our ultimate destination. As we gently slipped the canoe into the water, I mentioned to Katie how cool it would be to see a loon. I had never seen one in person, but I knew they were one of the more beloved birds in the Adirondacks. No sooner had the words left my lips than Katie spotted one far off in the middle of the lake. We set off to get a closer look and spent the rest of the afternoon paddling around these remote waters, watching loons dive and fly and call and display. Before that day, I had never thought much about birds, but from that moment on, we were both hooked.

Common Loon on Upper Duck Hole, Newcomb

Since that fateful day, our hobby (or perhaps “obsession” is a better word) has taken us to some truly special locations; places that we definitely would not have explored if it were not to see birds. But you don’t need to visit some far flung location, trek deep into the woods or climb an impossible peak to enjoy birds. In fact, one of my favorite things about birding is how accessible it is. I often find myself birdwatching through my kitchen window as I’m doing dishes or listening for bird songs while I’m walking the dog. Birds are just about everywhere and you might be surprised at the sheer variety that can be seen in and around Glens Falls.

Peregrine Falcon on the Travelers Building, Glens Falls

The Southern Adirondack Audubon Society counts 294 different species in our area and you don’t have to travel far to see them. For the past few winters, there’s been a Peregrine Falcon (the fastest animal on earth!) taking up residence on the Travelers Building downtown. You’ll often see him sitting on the handle of the umbrella looking for a pigeon to pick off. A few weeks ago, someone snapped a photo of a Barred Owl on the fire escape behind Raul’s Mexican Grill. And I’m always hearing about different hawks (Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Red-tailed) spotted in local backyards, harassing the bird feeder crowd, no doubt. Beyond these incidental sightings, there are plenty of great birding spots just a stone’s throw from downtown.

Betar Byway | First Street, South Glens Falls

Just across the bridge in South Glens Falls, the Betar Byway offers exceptional birding all year round. Park in the lot near the gazebo and follow the path down towards the river. From spring to autumn you can catch migrating species, including a great number of different warblers in the dense brush and canopy along the tree-lined path. In colder months, you’re likely to see a great variety of ducks and other waterfowl on the river, including the furtive Wood Duck, skirting along the reeds and rushes of sheltered inlets. You very well may see other interesting species fishing the river, including Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Common Goldeneye. Even the hot summer months can produce exciting birds like American Redstart, Scarlet Tanager and a number of different woodpeckers. If you’re lucky, you might catch a Bald Eagle or Osprey soaring high above the river. The path connects to the Beach Bikeway, making for an out-and-back that stretches about 2 miles one way. But you don’t have to walk the whole way to do some serious birding, and there are several benches and overlooks along the way if you’re interested in a shorter, more leisurely trip.

Wood Duck, Betar Byway, South Glens Falls

Hovey Pond Park | 25 Lafeyette Street, Queensbury

Hovey Pond is like an oasis in the heart of Queensbury’s commercial district. Tucked between Lafayette Street and Glenwood Avenue, this compact park is a great spot to see a surprisingly large variety of birds. From the parking lot, walk down the path towards the pond and look towards the stand of trees to your right. This little wooded area is usually bustling with an interesting mixture of birds, from backyard varieties to less common migratory species like vireos and warblers. Follow the path to the right, past the gazebo, to find a boardwalk that meanders through the wetlands of Halfway Brook with viewing platforms at either end. In the spring, you’ll find nesting Red-winged Blackbirds in these tall grasses. Take a quick lap around the pond and you’re sure to see Mallards, but other interesting species like Wood Duck and American Black Duck have also been spotted here. Search the water’s edge and you might even see a Green Heron blending into the grass. With such a diverse range of habitat in a relatively small footprint, it’s the perfect spot if you only have a short time or don’t want to travel too far.

Red-Winged Black Bird, Hovey Pond, Queensbury

Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve | Hudson Pointe Boulevard, Queensbury

This 83-acre preserve has several different loop trails of varying distances with scenic views of the Hudson River. If you’re not afraid of some steep terrain, I’d take the orange trail, which connects to the green trail, for a full loop around the peninsula (be sure to bring good footwear, as some sections can be quite muddy at times). From the parking lot, the trail starts off on a high bluff above the river, where many birds common to wooded areas can be seen, like woodpeckers and warblers (a Black-billed Cuckoo was even spotted recently!) As you make your way down to the water’s edge, there are many openings to scan the water and look for waterfowl. In early spring, you’ll find many different ducks and gulls, including Long-tailed Duck, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Ring-billed, Herring and Bonaparte’s Gulls, to name a few. As you make your way around the point, you’ll enter a marshy area overlooking Big Bay, the outlet of Clendon Brook. There are wooden planks and boardwalks for the especially swampy areas, and eventually an observation bridge. This is a great spot to see Great Blue Heron slowly wading through the waters. After the bridge, the trail re-enters the woods and loops back up the hill towards the parking lot. Even if you don’t see a single bird (which is probably impossible), this walk is still worth the effort due to the great views along the way.

Great Blue Heron, Hudson Pointe, Queensbury

So the next time you’re looking to stretch your legs, why not dig out that pair of binoculars from the back of the closet? I guarantee you’ll have a renewed appreciation for the abundance of nature that’s right in your backyard. Happy birding!

Will is a Partner at Sidekick Creative, whose expertise lies in branding, illustration, and creative direction. In his spare time, Will can be found spending time with his wife, Katie, doing the crossword and (of course) birding.

Road Trip: Fort Ticonderoga

It’s been years since we’ve visited Fort Ticonderoga (since we were kids, actually!), and we were so happy to head back again recently to experience it in a whole new way. While Tom is more of a history buff, we loved that the Fort offers a little something for everyone - a gorgeous garden to meander through and a boat cruise (with a little wine!) for me, musket and cannon firing demonstrations for Tom, and lots of activities to keep the kiddos we saw there entertained too.

You could easily spend a couple of days taking in everything there is to see - read on for some of our favorites!

SEE + DO

While Fort Ticonderoga has great opportunities for informative guided group tours, we opted to tour at our own pace and loved the flexibility it allowed us. Here’s what to see and do while you’re there:

The Fort: Of course! We spent a lot of our time here since there’s so much to see. Between admiring the view of Lake Champlain and exploring the fort - inside and out - there’s a lot to take in!

Fort Ticonderoga re-invents itself each year to focus on a particular period of time in their history (how amazing is that?!), and this year is 1758. We loved taking a peek at the historic trades shops where Fort’s military interpreters are actually making shoes and tailoring clothing, watching a typical 1758 lunch being made in the soldier’s camp kitchen, and of course, the musket and cannon firing demonstrations. We could’ve spent all day browsing the museum exhibitions too - I, of course, loved seeing all of the 18th century blue and white pottery, while Tom spent time browsing their extensive collection of bullets, muskets, and blades.

The Fort does an impeccable job of seamlessly integrating the interpreters into the visit, always available for questions and a chat between planned demonstrations as they go about their business as if it was the mid-1700’s. Truly a fun and immersive experience.

Next time, we’re looking forward to checking out the Carillion Battlefield, and the Guns by Night event sounds pretty cool, too.

King’s Garden: A highlight of the experience at Fort Ticonderoga, the King’s Garden is an absolutely beautiful garden set within lovely brick walls below the Fort. A tree-lined path leads up to the gate, with Lake Champlain just beyond the far wall. We could’ve spent all afternoon admiring the flowers (and taking notes for our future garden), and decided next time we’ll pack a picnic lunch or bring lunch down from the Cafe on site to enjoy amongst the flowers. We’ve got our eye on an upcoming pop-up bar in the King’s Garden in partnership with Shacksbury Cider this August (get the details here) - it sounds like a perfect night!

Oh, and did we mention the apple orchard and the corn maze opening in mid-August?! Sign us up.

Boat Cruise: We meant what we said when we mentioned there’s something for everyone! We loved touring Lake Champlain on the Fort’s beautiful replica 1920’s touring vessel, The Carillion.

Enjoy the historical narration and sonar of shipwrecks below, or just enjoy the view and a glass of wine or a cold beer. Or both! They’ve got a few sunset cruises scheduled for the rest of the summer, which sound pretty amazing too (grab tickets here).

Mount Defiance: The perfect spot for a picnic lunch, or simply to take in the gorgeous view, Mount Defiance is not to be missed. Just a quick drive from the Fort, this perch atop the mountain gives you a birds eye view of the Fort and Lake Champlain below. It’s hard to imagine this beautiful place was the site of such intense historical conflicts.

EAT + DRINK

America’s Fort Cafe: With a breeze blowing through the open windows and a view of the lake below, the Cafe was the perfect spot to take a break from exploring and grab a bite to eat. We devoured a tuna melt and a veggie wrap, and as we departed to catch the boat we immediately regretted not ordering dessert - the pie that the waitress brought out for a neighboring table looked so good! Next time, for sure.

SHOP

Gift Shop: Remember that blue and white pottery I mentioned earlier? They’ve got plenty of beautiful reproductions available in the gift shop, plus books, souvenirs, and all the toys kids (or husbands who think they’re kids) could want.

When’s the last time you visited Fort Ticonderoga? We’re already planning our next trip back, and would love to hear some of your favorites there, too.

This post was in partnership with our friends at Fort Ticonderoga. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share this historic and beautiful place with you. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living.

Road Trip: Bolton Landing

Summer on the lake…is there anything better? One of the things we love most about living in Glens Falls is our proximity to Lake George. Within 15 minutes, we can be cruising past the steamboats on Beach Road, taking in the view. And while we love the character of Lake George Village, there’s also something special about heading further north to the charm of Bolton Landing.

Read on for a couple of our favorite spots in town, and to learn a bit more about an organization that helps to ensure our Lake is protected for us to enjoy for years to come.

EAT + DRINK

Bear’s Cup: Newly opened this year, we couldn’t wait to try Bear’s Cup after seeing photos of their adorable space (and their coffee and bagels!). We can confirm that everything does indeed taste as amazing as it looks - and even better, it’s all made in house from scratch. We’re already planning our next ride up for more of their delicious coffee cakes - get the salted caramel…and the blueberry!

Bolton Landing Brewing Company: Another must while you’re in Bolton, we love stopping here for a cold drink after a good hike. Tom is a big fan of their IPAs (they’ve got five to choose from!) and I can never resist a glass of rosé on a summer day (and always love a brewery that also has a great selection of wines!). Bonus: their outdoor seating overlooking Lake Shore Drive is an awfully nice spot to take in the sunshine!

SEE + DO

Hike: We’re trying to get out for some more local hikes this summer and the Lake George Land Conservancy has a slew of great trails to choose from (and might we add, they’ve done an amazing job protecting and preserving the land around the lake to provide these hiking opportunities!). The Pinnacle is a favorite of ours - a short hike with a fantastic view - and we’re also big fans of Anthony’s Nose as well as Cat and Thomas Mountains. Find the trail info here.

Cruise: The main event for a trip to “the lake” is, well, the lake itself. It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth, right here in our backyard. Protecting our environment and the natural resources we all sometimes take for granted has always been important to us, so we were excited to be invited to an annual informational gathering held at The Sagamore and their beautiful 19th century replica touring vessel The Morgan for The Future Fund, a group formed by The Fund for Lake George for younger supporters (college students, young professionals and families, etc.) intended to inform and engage the next generation of protectors of Lake George. 

It was a beautiful night of hearing directly from the world class scientists and leadership who are furthering the mission of The Fund to “stop the present decline of water quality and achieve sustained protection of Lake George for the next generation.” We were introduced to the amazing scientists, leadership, and high-tech tools and monitoring equipment that are actively furthering the long-term scientific research, advocacy, partnerships, and investment necessary to keep our great resource happy and healthy for generations to come. Simply put, without the efforts of this organization and its supporters, Lake George would not be the pristine destination we all know and love today. 

Partnering with technological powerhouses RPI and IBM, The Jefferson Project has not only made Lake George the most intelligent lake on the planet, but is serving as a world wide model for fresh water protection and preservation. That’s pretty special. To learn more about how you can invest in the future of Lake George and the future of preservation of fresh water lakes everywhere, you can find more information here.

Pictured: Brian Mattes of RPI; Harry Kolar, PhD, of IBM; and Rick Relyea, PhD, of RPI. Photo courtesy of Brian Mattes.

By the way, did you know that you don’t have to stay at The Sagamore to head out for a cruise on The Morgan?! They have daily sightseeing cruises and they’re also doing a series of wine pairing cruises this summer. Sign us up!

SHOP

Black Bass Antiques and Lakeview Antiques: What’s a little road trip without a stop for a couple of treasures? We can’t resist a good antique shop, and Bolton has a couple of our favorites. We especially love peeking through the local nostalgia in both shops - from postcards, to old photos and pennants, you could easily spend the afternoon. And, we often do!

We’d love to know some of your Bolton favorites (leave them in the comments below!), and you can see more Glens Falls area road trips here.

*This post was in partnership with The FUND for Lake George, an organization that protects the lake that is near and dear to our hearts. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living.

Road Trip: Open Studios Tour

Have you ever been on the Open Studios Tour in Washington County? It’s coming up July 19 - 21, and after the little sneak peek we had this past week, we couldn’t be more excited to venture out on the full tour. Cruising the back roads of the county past beautiful old farmhouses and barns, exploring historic and charming towns, and meeting the most creative, talented, and kind artists - each in their own studio - is an ideal day in our book. Read on for just a small sampling of what you can expect on the self-guided tour, and plan to experience it for yourself in just a couple of short weeks!

The Artists

The Tour features 15 artists who work across a variety of mediums - painting, clay, sculpture, photography, and more! Below are just a few of the artists who will be featured on the tour, and you can find the full details here.

Gyula Varosy | Greenwich: We were delighted to meet Gyula and his wife Hannie (and their dogs!) at their studio - a restored barn in Greenwich. Trained as an architect, Gyula found himself pursuing art alongside his work in New York City, and moved north with his family in order to focus further on his art. He noted his inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere, but the focus is ultimately on form. Pulling from his background in architecture, his sculpture is a constructive and additive process. And, he joked, much like life - the process is not predictable or linear, and comes with many changes along the way. Don’t leave without taking a stroll on the trail around their property and enjoying the barn, the woods, and the stream!

Jacob Houston | Greenwich: Having just missed Jacob’s show at The Hyde recently, we were doubly thrilled to meet him at his home to view his gorgeous acrylic paintings on display there. Jacob’s paintings are almost like a dream, with vivid colors and intricate details, and we found our eyes being pulled into each corner of the painting to discover more of the story within. His paintings take anywhere from 1.5 months to about 5 months (!) depending on the size, and with that time commitment, it was easy to understand why he has a few favorite originals that he just can’t part with (but you can buy prints here!). We were immediately drawn to the painting of Nubble Light (where Tom proposed!), and loved the whimsical and fun take on such an iconic landmark.

Rebecca Sparks | Shushan: With her studio steps from the Battenkill River (and her beautiful gardens!), it wasn’t hard to see where Rebecca gets her inspiration from. In fact, it was the crows getting together for their morning “coffee chats” on her lawn that inspired her to start creating her ceramic birds (which by the way, start as an “egg” of clay - how fitting!). She’s been working with clay for over 20 years, and it was fun to see the evolution of her creations in her studio - from the slip casting molds to the finished birds, and from the carving to the patterns on her tableware (especially loved her blue glazes!).

Leslie Peck | Greenwich: We’ve long admired Leslie’s gorgeous paintings of the farm animals of Washington County (those cows!), and we were excited to finally see them in person, along with her new series featuring taxidermy subjects. Like many other artists along the tour, Leslie has made her studio in a converted barn behind their home in the village of Greenwich - an area which provides an endless amount of inspiration in the way of farms, barns, and animals. We loved the bold colors in her paintings, along with the life and personality in her subjects. Yes, she does commissions, and we both left knowing we’d love to have her to paint our dogs some day.

Clarence King | Cambridge: As admirers of landscape paintings, we were instant fans of Clarence’s work. We were also instant fans of his 1700’s colonial that he and his wife are restoring room-by-room, but that’s a story for a different day :) Rather than working as a plein air painter, Clarence works from a drawing done on site, along with a photo, and adds paint back in studio - up to 4 thin coats - which helps to give his paintings that vibrance and luminosity that is so striking. The beautiful views and changing seasons of Washington County provide him inspiration, and we love the contrast in colors between his summer landscapes lush with green to the crisp whites of his winter scenes.

Where to Eat + Drink

It wouldn’t be a road trip without stopping for a bite to eat along the way. Even if half of our stops were just for cookies ;) Here’s a few of the many great places to grab a snack or sip…

Greenwich Village Cafe + Bakery | Greenwich: Tucked just off Main Street, we popped into the adorable Village Cafe to grab a few cookies (so good!) as a quick snack. They’ve got the perfect patio to enjoy breakfast or lunch (or cookies!) outside, but we opted to take ours to go as we were eager to get to our next stop. Can’t wait to visit here again to try their breakfast!

Round House Bakery Cafe | Cambridge: Always a favorite stop in Cambridge, this was the perfect spot to grab lunch between artist visits. Reminiscent of an old general store, we love the ambience inside and always gravitate toward the counter to enjoy our sandwiches (our go-to: the Mediterranean). And don’t leave without a cookie - or two! We love the Ginger Spice, and you can never go wrong with their traditional chocolate chip.

Argyle Brewing Co. | Cambridge: Our first time here (and definitely not our last!). We couldn’t get over the uniqueness of the space (an old train depot!), and it was fun to imagine it bustling back in the day - and to see it bustling again as a tasting room! Tom was a big fan of the Hop to It IPA (which came highly recommended from a gentleman at the bar who proclaimed himself the president of the Hop to It fan club! :), and as a big cider fan, I was thrilled to see a couple of local options - Slyboro and Saratoga Apple. The perfect stop for a cold beverage on a hot day.

Gardenworks Cheese + Cafe | Salem: Another favorite of ours, we find our way out to Gardenworks whenever we can - especially in the summer for their Cheese + Cafe! Situated amongst the flowers in front of their gorgeous barn, this was the ideal spot to end the day. We opted for a panini and a slice of quiche (both amazing!), and went with local favorites to sip on - a can of beer from R.S. Taylor and a glass of wine from Victory View Vineyard. Don’t leave before perusing the shop, taking a peek in the barn gallery, and picking some blueberries (they should be ready next week!).

See you on the Tour! Grab all of the details on artists and locations here.

P.S. We just heard about an amazing Farm to Table dinner happening at Lakota’s Farm in Cambridge on Friday, July 19th! Gorgeous setting, local craft beer and cider, and a delicious menu - grab your tickets here before they sell out!

*This post was in partnership with our friends at Washington County NY Tourism. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share some of our favorite places in the county with you. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living.

Road Trip: Granville, NY

Have you taken a ride out to Granville lately? We went on a little day trip this weekend, and we can’t sing it’s praises enough. From the farms to the food to the friendly people, it’ll definitely be in heavy rotation for our Sunday drives this summer (especially since it’s only about 30 minutes from Glens Falls!). Read on for some favorites from our trip:

Dancing Ewe Farm

EAT + DRINK


Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House: We’ve been to Rathbun’s a few times during Maple Weekend, but we were never lucky enough to snag a table for breakfast during that busy season. Lucky for all of us, they’re open year round (!!) and we were so happy to cozy up in a booth for pancakes and french toast (…and eggs…and home fries…). It’s comfort food at it’s best, and you just can’t beat their maple syrup.

Edwards Market: I’m all about having a “second breakfast” on the weekend, but since we were pretty full from Rathbun’s, we settled on grabbing some sweets for the ride home. We spotted Edwards Market as we rolled through town, and loved the vintage inspired signage and of course, the mural on the side of the building. The charm continued inside, where we grabbed a few cookies for the road, and even got to try a sample of the danish - still warm and so good! Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu next trip, as well as their restaurant next door - West Main Grille!

Slate Town Brewing Company: We’ve heard such great things about Slate Town, and we couldn’t wait to check it out. The space has a super cool, casual vibe (we always love a great vintage rug and furniture), and of course, fantastic beer (two thumbs up from Tom for their Equinox IPA!). For those of us non-beer drinkers, they’ve got a great menu of local wines and hard ciders as well. And bonus - regular live music and food trucks, too!

SEE + DO

Dancing Ewe Farm: We lucked out with it being Fiber Tour weekend, and we loved visiting the sweet sheep (the adorable little lambs had us dreaming about buying our own farm!). They host lunch and dinner events throughout the year in the main barn, and we’re excited to make reservations for a dinner this summer - it looks like a dream!

Hicks Orchard + Slyboro Ciderhouse: Hicks is always a favorite for us in the fall, but we’ve been thrilled to see that they’ve been open here and there through the winter and spring! The Maple Glazed Cider Donuts that they’ve been serving up this season are to die for (we took half a dozen home!), and it’s always a must to visit (and feed!) the goats. Don’t leave without a cider tasting at Slyboro - or grabbing some to take home!

SHOP

Second Chance Barn: One of our favorites for vintage decor, we always love heading out to the barn to see what’s new. They’ve got a great (and always rotating!) selection of antiques, vintage furniture, old windows and doors, and basically everything you didn’t know you needed, but now you do. From vintage baskets in the summer to old sleds in the winter, we always seem to find something to bring home and give a “second chance”.

On our list for next trip: Shopping at The Gold Trout, and visits to the Slate Valley Museum and the Pember Library.

Until next time, Granville! We’d love to hear your Granville area favorites below!

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