Rachel Dunn

Insider Tip: Bear’s Cup Bagel Delivery

September 20, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

The super-cute husband-and-wife Bear’s Cup team

I love bagels. A lot. Like a lot a lot. The crispy… the chewy… the toppings…the variety of flavors… I’m all in! So what I missed most during the shutdown was a fresh bagel with cream cheese, but sadly all my favorite places were closed. Commence the complaining. I complained loudly and frequently enough that my husband actually taught himself how to make bagels. They were delicious, but a lot of work and not something he could do every Sunday. Still the gesture was so amazing that I had to share the sweetness on the socials. And that’s when my public bagel bellyaching paid off in spades…

Bagels At My Doorstep!

Into my inbox came the answer. Jacob Hopper from Evander + Louise, a curated guide to Saratoga Springs with exclusive deals and access for members, sent me the goods: Bear’s Cup Bagel Delivery. Yes! Fresh bagels delivered right to your door. Naturally, I was all over it, much to the relief of my husband whose quest for more yeast could finally come to an end. (Who knew quarantine would create a new army of bakers and bread makers!)

Bear’s Cup is a café located in Bolton Landing, owned by a husband & wife team. They are serving up bagels with artisanal coffees and pastries made in-house daily from scratch. They are currently open for walk-up service Thurs-Mon 7am-1pm. Pre-orders required 24-hours ahead of time. BUT, like Jacob told me, they also offer Sunday bagel deliver from Bolton to Saratoga. Naturally, it was my duty to check it out.

Their weekly menu is posted Instagram (@bearscuptoga). The menu includes bagels, pastries (some of which are gluten-free), several cream cheese flavors and cold brew. Follow the online ordering instructions and – voila! – deliciousness shows up at your door Sunday morning. That alone is worth a round of applause but it really does come down to how everything tastes.

My Expert Review and Taste Test…

It’s all AH-mazing! No really. The bagels have that perfect mix of crunchy outside and doughy inside. The honey sriracha cream cheese blends spicy and sweet effortlessly. But let me tell you the biggest surprise: the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They weren’t scrumptious for a gluten-free cookie. They were scrumptious for a cookie, period.

Do yourself a favor and make your Sunday brunch an at-home hit with Bear’s Cup. You won’t be sorry.

Connect with Bear’s Cup!
Website
Address
Email
Phone: (518) 240-6086
Instagram / Facebook

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DIY Daycation: Washington County Farm Tour

September 1, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

One of the best things about New York’s Capital Region is buying local products, fresh from the farm. So, plan a farm daycation in Washington County! The sites listed below all have fantastic food, AND will have you in breathtaking scenery in no time. I’ve grouped the farms by proximity, so that you can make multiple stops relatively easily, rather than trying to cover the whole county in one day. Rest assured, you’ll be back for more!

Northern Washington County

Dancing Ewe Farm

181 County Rte 12, Granville, NY 12832
Visit Tuscany without having to leave New York State! That’s the vibe at Dancing Ewe Farm. Luisa Somers — a Tuscany native — and her husband Jody Somers have dedicated themselves to the art of cheese-making, salumi and olive oil. Their Sunday lunches and weekend dinners, which feature a curated farm-to-table experience with hand-selected Italian wines, are not-to-be missed. While you cannot currently sit in their beautiful dining room, you can enjoy the experience in an open-air tent. Reservations are required and space is limited, so book now!

Hicks Orchard

18 Hicks Rd, Granville, NY 12832. Cherries and blueberries and apples, oh my! At Hicks Orchard, the oldest U-Pick in New York State, you can load up with fruit, and afterwards, stop by their store and pick up some of their Slyboro Ciders to help wash it all down. My personal favorites are the Montmorency Cherry & La Sainte Terre. If you’re lucky to be there in the Fall, the cider donuts — made fresh on site — are worth the splurge. Trust me. If there anything I know, it’s sweets.

Battle Hill Brewery

4 Charles St, Fort Ann, NY 12827. Not technically a farm, but with so much locally sourced ingredients in the food and beers, I felt like they could sneak onto the list. Start with their Farmers Platter featuring locally made cheeses or their soft pretzel bites with beer cheese. Choose one of their rotating beer selections to go with your order or try a flight and sample a few. For the main course, I recommend trying one of their two burgers served on house-made buns. These may be some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Seriously. Not a burger fan? Try the Fort Ann Pub Club with turkey on toasted cranberry spent grain bread instead. I’m starting to get hungry… See you there!

Central Washington County

Battenkill Valley Creamery

691 County Rte 30, Salem, NY 12865. Two words: Ice cream. Two more words: So delicious. For over a century, Battenkill Creamery has been producing dairy. What started as a family is open to the public today. I must say there is something really special about locally sourced dairy. Makes you remember why you loved milk as a kid. And when you put that dairy into ice cream, well… love. But don’t just stop by for a scoop and a gallon. Battenkill also sells products from many other local purveyors including: cheese from Argyle Cheese Farmer, maple products from Wild Hill Maple and local, free-range eggs from Saunders Farm to name a few.

Bunker Hill Creamery

167 Bunker Hill Road, Cossayuna, NY 12823. Speaking of dairy, I defy you to try Bunker Hill Creamery’s maple milk and not want to chug the entire bottle. It’s ridiculously good and makes that morning cuppa joe a little more delightful. Right now, you can’t tour their creamery. However, you can buy the milk along with farm-raised beef, eggs and other seasonal offerings at their farm stand. Their store is operated on the honor system, so make sure to bring cash. Do yourself a favor and take a moment to appreciate the amazing views from their farm.

Gardenworks Farm

1055 County Rte 30, Salem, NY 12865. Now in the hands of the third generation, Gardenworks Farm is a place that has it all. You could spend quite a few hours here. From seasonal produce that you can pick on your own, to a shop full of local artisans’ wares, to an art gallery upstairs full of antique farm equipment, theres something for everyone. I loved seeing the old equipment and realizing how much work went into farming before technology came along. This is not to say farming today is by any means “easy”. Gardenworks also does flowers arrangements for weddings, which are created from their blooming fields of flowers.

Southern Washington County

Victory View Vineyard

11975 NY-40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154. Victory View Vineyard is a family-owned winery producing cold-weather wines that harken back to the rich history of the region. Owned by Mary and Gerry Barnhart, the winery offers outdoor seating on their lush grounds for wine tasting and cheese sampling. If you’re not a wine fan, but want to get out of the house, Victory View has generously opened up their property for picnics. There are guidelines that you’ll need to follow including stopping at the drive-through and not bringing outside alcoholic beverages in. You can get the full rundown on their website. I mean a picnic on a vineyard in picturesque Washington County… doesn’t that just sound glorious?

Liberty Ridge Farm

340 Crescent Ave, Highland, NY 12528. Family fun abounds at Liberty Ridge Farm. There is so much going on at Liberty Ridge that one visit won’t cover it. Blueberry and sunflower picking in the Summer, corn maze in the Fall, pumpkin patches and haunted houses for Halloween… They even have cabins to rent for an afternoon. There you can enjoy a catered event or bring your own food. After you’ve visited and fallen in love with the farm and that special someone, you can even get married at Liberty Ridge. Check out their website to find our more, make reservations and buy tickets to special events.

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market

Washington St, Cambridge, NY 12816. I’m including the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market on my Washington County list, because there are so many great small farms that don’t allow visitors, but still shouldn’t be missed. The CVFM allows you the opportunity to get to experience many of them. The vendors at this market are so diverse that you can go home with kimchi from Sunhee’s Farm (spicy deliciousness), pierogi from Slavonian European Cafe, fresh veggies from Long Days Farm and locally raised meats from Joint Venture Farm, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg with regard to vendors. The market is open on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Cambridge Central School.

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Discover Your Inner Pinball Wizard At UPH

August 19, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

Want to spend some time with Elvis, Dolly Parton and Mick? Always thought you could be a pinball wizard just given the chance? Well, you’ll get your chance at Universal Preservation Hall’s “Part of The Machine: Rock & Pinball Exhibit“.The interactive exhibit is on loan from Cleveland’s Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Rock an old-school wooden machine or test drive a spectacular, modern, high-tech model. It’s a super-fun walk through music history by way of pinball machines.

The best part is that you can PLAY the machines as much as you want during your 90-minute visit. Attempt to break the high score solo, or if you’re like my husband and me, you can go head-to-head to see who is truly a pinball wizard. Hint: It wasn’t me.

There are also artifacts from the Hall of Fame including Alice Cooper’s electric chair, a Dolly Parton concert dress and more. It’s such an immersive and fun experience that you won’t want to leave. The good news is that the tickets are just $20, which includes all the pinball you can manage in 90 minutes, so you can go back again… and again… and again. At least until September 26th, when the exhibit moves on.

Side note: If you’re concerned about safety during your visit, UPH has put your health first and created an incredibly clean and sterile environment. I felt absolutely safe the entire time I was at the venue. See details below.

The Details:

Tickets:
$20 for a 90-minute session
Purchase here
Dates:
August 11, 2020 through September 26th, 2020
Times:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols

UPH will follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State safety guidelines in establishing safety protocol for exhibit visitors.

Each visitor, staff person and volunteer will be required to bring and wear a face mask and to wear provided gloves while playing the pinball machines.
All individuals will also be required to maintain proper social distancing.
Staff will take and record each individual’s temperature and procure proper tracing information
Proper sanitization of all surfaces including handrails, light switches, elevators, exhibit pieces, restrooms and common surfaces will occur before new groups are admitted.

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6 Things To Do In Saratoga Springs (That Aren’t Downtown)

July 28, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

Summer in Saratoga Springs. There’s nothing like it. Horses, restaurant patios, shopping… and crowds. Sometimes I crave an outing that’s a little less “populated”, so I’ve put together a few ideas on what to do in Saratoga Springs that are a bit more off the beaten path. Here are 6 of my favorites to get you started. Have a non-Broadway favorite not on the list? Let me know and I’ll include it here. Click here to send suggestion.

Commune With Nature

My husband & I exploring on a two-person kayak.

Kayak Shak – Nothing says summer to me more than being out on the water. In Saratoga Springs, we’re lucky to have Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek, which provide us with miles of scenic waterways, and they’re just a few minutes from downtown. Don’t worry if you don’t have a boat, Saratoga’s Kayak Shak rents kayaks (singles & doubles) and stand-up paddle boards to the public every day of the week. Make reservations before you arrive, and sign their waiver before boarding your kayak. Masks are required while pushing off from docks and returning to shore. After I’ve worked up an appetite, I like to sate that hunger with a delicious wood-fired pizza at Harvest & Hearth. They are located in the same parking lot as Kayak Shak, so you can go directly from the workout to the reward. Their BBQ chicken pizza is other-worldly. (Gluten-free crust available. Woohoo!)

Victoria Pool at Spa State Park
Photo: Saratoga.org

Saratoga Spa State Park – When I hear “State Park”, I think hiking, green spaces and nature. All of that is in abundance at Saratoga Spa State Park, but it’s only just a small sliver of what there is to do there. Take a swim or catch some rays at the Victoria (my favorite in an old school glam setting) and Peerless Pools (water wonderland for families and kids), soak in healing waters in a mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa (reopening August 20th), take an outdoor wellness class and more. There’s also the Saratoga Automobile Museum on site if you want to spend some time inside and an 18-hole golf course if that’s more your thing. No matter what you choose, you won’t run out of things to do at Spa State Park. Pack a picnic, fill your water bottle at the Geyser Spring and spend the day!

Helpful hint: I prefer to see the park by bike (and avoid dealing with parking). If you do too, but don’t have a bike or feel like bringing yours with you there are plenty of CDPHP bikes for rent around Saratoga. Click here for a location map.

Brush Up on History

Greenridge Cemetery – I know this might seem morbid, but Greenridge Cemetery is a favorite of mine for a beautiful, peaceful walk, and especially great for history buffs. Dating back to 1844, there are monuments to those that fought in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and beyond. As well, there are notable figures including poets, philanthropists, statesmen and horse racing dignitaries. Even the main gates located on Lincoln Avenue are worthy of your time. I like to wander on my own, but if you want to learn the history of some of the gravesites, download a cemetery map here. Afterwards, head around the corner to the The Thirsty Owl to grab a bite and sample their award-winning wines. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended.

Photo: Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

Tour of Saratoga’s Historic Homes – One of the first things that made me fall in love with Saratoga Springs is the beautiful and significant architecture all over town. I have lived here three years, and am still stunned by homes I hadn’t noticed before. Saratoga Springs has 8 Historic Districts that make up the fabric of the town. I highly recommend the historic homes dotted along Circular Street and Union Avenue on the East Side.

From small cottages to sprawling mansions, the architecture and history of the homes make a tour a Saratoga Springs must-do. Whether you take the tour by foot, bike or car, you will not be disappointed. There are several neighborhoods and plenty to see, so you might not be able to cover all the neighborhoods in one day. Thankfully, Saratoga.com has created self-guided tour maps broken out by neighborhood to help you plan. You can find them on their site by clicking here.

BONUS: Saratoga National Historical Park – The Battlefield (Submitted by Chet Opalka) – Located just outside of Saratoga Springs in Stillwater, NY, Saratoga National Historical Park is where wildlife, nature and history come together. Walk or bike along the same grounds where, in 1777, American troops defeated the British army, in a battle that is credited with turning the tide to America ultimately gaining its independence. My husband and I visited back in April for a hike. We chose to stay on the paved roads but were still able to see some deer and stopped along the way to brush up on our history. There are many options for routes and you can download a map to help you plan here. Please note that vehicles are allowed to travel through the park as well, so stay aware and alert.

Slightly-Outside-Town Wines and Brews

Racing City Brewery – I don’t know about you, but I think there are very few things as refreshing on a hot summer day than an ice cold beer. The Capital Region has great local breweries, and one of them is located right here in Saratoga Springs. Racing City Brewery has over a dozen beers on tap. (Wine and cocktails also available.) They also offer contactless ordering and pickup with their online system. Want to watch the races while sipping on a local brew? Racing City will be showing the races daily on the 23’x14′ TV on their outside patio. Reservations for stakes races can be made online. And what goes better with beer and ponies than pizza? Place an order from 9 Miles East (great farm-grown salads, too!) and they will deliver right to Racing City Brewery.

Saratoga Winery – Beer is great in the summer, but so is a chilled glass of wine. As with the brewery, I like to support local when I can, and Saratoga Winery is an easy spot to get behind. Situated on the site of a former farm stand, Saratoga Winery offers 15 locally-crafted wines in a charming backyard setting. Whether you want to try a flight of wine along with your perfectly curated cheese plate or settle on one varietal to help wash down your short rib grilled cheese, Saratoga Winery has you covered. There is also beer & cider for sale. They are also the official tasting room for Saratoga Courage Distillery, so there’s something for everyone. They’re currently only open on weekends and reservations are required. Keep updated on their current hours and offerings on their Facebook page linked here.

BY RACHEL DUNN – Rachel Dunn is a Marketing & Branding Specialist, one half of CapGirls NY and an avid explorer of New York’s Capital Region.

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