upstatecreative

Five Fantastic Capital Region Wineries to Visit This Fall

September 13, 2021 By upstatecreative

Fall is a fabulous time to visit the Capital Region’s wineries. Drive the gorgeous rural routes and take in the scenery. And, you’ll be rewarded with seeing the makers in the throes of harvesting and making the 2021 vintage. It’s a thrilling yet tiring time at a winery, and they’ll appreciate your visit.

Of course, you’ll find terrific local wines. But there are also the personal stories, and the lovely locations, and the exploration of your “back yard” that can yield such delights and surprises. Truly, you can’t go wrong visiting any of the wineries in the Capital Region. And make sure to explore the rest of the Hudson Valley, and all of New York’s world-class wine regions.

Here are my top recommendations (in alphabetical order):

Altamont Winery, Altamont

Altamont Winery Owner Mike DeCrescenzo (photo courtesy Edible Capital District)

I first met Mike DeCrescenzo, owner of Altamont Winery, at the Schenectady Farmer’s Market, about ten years ago. Intrigued with what was growing on his family’s large farm west of Albany, I took a visit. Knowing nothing about the area, I was skeptical about what kind of grapes could be growing in Altamont. Happily, my expectations were shattered – the vineyard is huge! It was originally planted by Larry Grossi, who passed in 1999. In 2006, Mike’s dad, Louis, decided to take it on, equally trusting what the 26-acre piece of land could yield.

There are many varieties thriving on the site, and the DeCrescenzos are passionate about their craft. Visiting Altamont is like reconnecting with a family member. The experience is friendly, welcoming, casual. The wines are home-grown and homemade. Be sure to try the Sirius, a dry white made with St. Pepin and Cayuga; the Leon Millot – a dry red made from this French-American hybrid; the semi-sweet Rose made from a blend of the grapes; and the others, too! Make a day of it. Learn more at www.altamontwinery.com, follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit at 3001 Furbeck Road, Altamont, NY.

Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery, Ballston Lake

Galway Rock Founder Kate Soldani, processing the harvest

Kate Soldani is the brains – and the brawn – behind Galway Rock Vineyard & Winery in Galway, New York. She started the winery in 2014, inspired by the garagiste movement of fine wine making (small-scale entrepreneurial wine-makers, who do not adhere to the traditions of wine-making). In under a decade, Kate has launched three signature brands with dedicated followers -– Galway Rock, Robinia Hill, and Saratoga Sparkling. The result is a range of white, red, rose, and sparkling wines to please any palate.

Galway Rock Wine selection — Galway Rock Winery produces a wide selection of wines under three separate brand names

A visit to the tasting room is as creative and uplifting as Kate’s wines, offering a flight of six wines, or a signature “mimosa tower” tasting. What’s better than a tower of bubbles?? Hang out on the tasting room’s sunny patio with a specially prepared cheese board. Try the beautifully balanced Galway Rock Merlot-Malbec blend that’s full of delicious dark fruit notes. The Robinia Hill Riesling unfolds with apple and pear notes. And, don’t miss the Saratoga Sparkling Moscato that tickles the palate and turns on the pleasure. Learn more at www.galwayrockwines.com, follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit at 988 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake, NY.

Home Range Winery, Canaan

Inspired by Cape Cod (of all places!) wine making, Peter Bartlett and Susan Powell reconsidered what was possible on their farm in rural Canaan, New York. The 30-acre Flatbrook Farm – in the Bartlett family for generations — was already planted with Concord grapes, as well as raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. All are fruits that are suitable for wines. Susan was an amateur (and now a full-time) winemaker. Peter is a farmer who raised his three children on Flatbrook Farm. Why not follow their passions for growing and wine making and start a winery?

Thankfully for the rest of us, they did it. Their goal? To grow grapes suitable for a colder climate, and to make wines they would be proud to serve to friends and strangers alike. They planted Marquette and Baco for red wines, and Traminette and Cayuga for white wines. An old barn on the property was cleaned out and converted to the tasting room and winery. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and to bring a picnic.

The wines have names that reflect the couple’s connections to nature, too. There’s Calm After the Storm, an easy-drinking Cayuga; Big Buck, a signature red made with Marquette; Cold Snap, a luscious blueberry wine; and several others offering a range from dry whites and reds to sweeter wines. Learn more at www.homerangewinery.com, follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit at 146 Flints Crossing Rd., Canaan, NY.

Nine Lamb Farm Winery, Cambridge

A relative newcomer on the scene is Nine Lamb Winery in Cambridge, NY, about 45 minutes northeast of Albany in some truly breathtaking countryside in Washington County. In 2016, the Bateman family planted six varieties of cold-hardy grapes on land that has been farmed for over 200 years. They’ve created two lovely, distinct brands. For the father/son Bateman team, South Dominion Vineyard represents tradition and heritage. And, their Nine Lamb Farm brand expands their inspiring vision. The Batemans say that Nine Lamb “intersects the realms of art, design, agriculture, and community so as to carry us forward into new life and a shared abundance born out of patience and forgiveness.”

South Dominion Winery, sister brand of Nine Lamb

Take a ride and visit the Cambridge tasting room this fall, when colors are at their peak. Or, try the wines at the Troy Farmer’s Market on Saturdays between 9 am and 2 pm (which is where I discovered them). Their enthusiasm is as inspiring as their wines. The Dionné (South Dominion brand) is a big, dry, oak-aged red with ripe berry notes and some spice on the finish. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/ninelambfarm, follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit at 166 Brownell Road, Cambridge, NY.

Tousey Winery, Germantown

Ben and Kimberly Peacock of Tousey Winery (photo credit: Hudson Valley Magazine)

Everything about Tousey Winery is quirky and cool, from the unusual tasting room along Route 9 between Columbia and Dutchess Counties, to the names of the wines. That’s because the owners, Ben and Kimberly Peacock, are quirky and cool themselves. Ben is English and Kimberly is Scandinavian, and they share a deep love of fine wine. When they decided to settle in Germantown and start a winery, they went all in. That was back in 2008. Today, over a decade later, their wines are trend setters in the region and the state.

Tousey offers traditional wines like Riesling and Cabernet Franc. Additionally, they have blends like their off-dry Queen of Clermont, and the fun and friendly red blend, Riot. They make a Sauvignon Blanc called Hygge that is as clean and beautiful as any SB out there. Plus, they’ve recently added sparklers to their line-up, including Naughtiness, a rose sparkler. And we all know that bubbles make everything better!

Tousey is also renowned for their cassis, a wine made from black currants. Tangy and sweet at the same time, it’s delicious on its own but is best when topped with sparkling wine to make a Kir Royale. That they do it all with three young children is even more impressive. Learn more at www.touseywinery.com, follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit at 1774 Route 9, Germantown, NY.

Other Don’t-Miss Spots

I would be remiss to not mention a couple of others that are near and dear to me. Hudson-Chatham Winery, Columbia County’s first winery, is alive and well and making wonderful wines under the ownership of Steven Rosario and Justin Nickell. See where the Columbia County winery experience all started. (1900 State Rte 66, Ghent, NY). Another don’t-miss spot is Stable Gate Winery (12 Linda Way, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY). This female owned and operated vineyard was founded by Valerie Feldman. Her young and forward-thinking perspective on land and relationships shines through everything she does.

Dominique DeVito started Hudson-Chatham Winery with Carlo DeVito and their boys, Dawson and Dylan, in 2007. Today Dominique is a Wine Manager at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse in Clifton Park, where she has a world of wines to play with. She writes a monthly feature for Main Street magazine as well as a “wine of the week” for the magazine’s website and social media. Find it at www.mainstreetmag.com.

Photo Gallery: Our First Creative Economy Mixer of 2021, “Glimpsing the Gilded Age”

August 4, 2021 By upstatecreative

5 Queer-Owned Creative Businesses

June 27, 2021 By upstatecreative

Meet five of the Capital Region’s most passionate and exciting creative businesses, run by Makers, Designers, Writers, Performers, and Culinary Connoisseurs. Each is bringing personal — and inclusive — perspectives to the creative economy in Upstate New York.

Bold Strokes Books

Humans seek stories to make sense of the world, which is why representation in media matters so much. Since 2005, Bold Strokes Books in Cambridge, NY, has been publishing fiction centered around LGBTQ+ themes and characters. Their goal: to push print culture toward diversity and inclusion.

Bold Strokes Books was founded by award-winning lesbian romance novelist (and former surgeon!) Len Barot. After publishing her first book in 2001, Barot said, “I began to look at how publishing worked. It became apparent to me very quickly that LGBTQ+ fiction is needed.”

Previously, LGBTQ+ media was an underground art form. The vast majority of the publishing industry’s gatekeepers did not represent and barely acknowledged LGBTQ+ readers and writers. Therefore, queer-themed books were dismissed as ‘taboo’ and not commercially viable.

Happily, Barot’s vision is now an expectation-exceeding reality. Bold Strokes Books is a modern continuation of “queer bookstore culture.” It provides the global LGBTQ+ community with relatable material, safe (online) meeting space, and information about health and social services. .

Not surprisingly, the pandemic was no match for Barot’s energy. Despite the challenges, Bold Strokes Books launched a new YouTube channel, virtual events, and live, online readings and discussions. So, while society continues to prove unpredictable, Barot never loses sight of her purpose. “We are here to reach members of the community who are looking for visions of their lives.” Her motto: Serve. More. People.

Trojan Womyn Productions

Have you ever enjoyed a fajita while a drag queen serenades you from a stage? Cried with laughter between shots of tequila when a drag comedienne heckles you with a raucous, bawdy joke? Luckily for lovers of performance art, such a sensational show exists in the Capital Region.

Troy-based theatre company Trojan Womyn Productions is an artist-led troupe of the area’s most talented drag queens, dancers, and performers. Their well-rounded cast includes Acrylic Facade, Daniella Diamonte, Demona Blackheart LaTease, Anita Dickinson, and a rotation of fabulous guests. From Burlesque to Broadway, this crew does it all, while always staying true to their values.

“We’re about visibility, inclusivity, and acceptance.” says co-director Susan Preiss.

In the Beginning…

Trojan Womyn began when co-director Marisa Ledesma-Henry learned her drag queen friends were often earning less than $10 per night, despite long hours of prep and massive out-of-pocket spending. Marisa contacted Susan to discuss the need for financial and community support for drag queens in the Capital Region. Trojan Womyn Productions was in development soon after. According to Marisa, “It was time to bring this art form out of the bars.”

In the past three years, Trojan Womyn Productions has been providing fair wages, and scouting for venues where the queens can best entertain.

This summer, you can see Trojan Womyn’s daytime Drag Brunch in Albany and evening Burlesque in Troy. Later this year, Trojan Womyn Productions will organize a fundraiser in remembrance of Marisa’s drag mother, Chardonnay LeTease, one of the original members of Trojan Womyn whose effervescent spirit inspires everything they do. “We would be nowhere without Chardonnay LaTease,” Marisa said.

Jacob Alejandro

At the end of 2020, a year of uncertainty, instability, and chaos, two coffee lovers took a risk. With over 15 years of experience, a love of craft, and a lot of dollars, Alejandro and Jacob Griffin-Diaz invested in a charming shop on tree-lined River Street in downtown Troy.

Jacob Alejandro is a specialty coffee shop that shares the personalities, values, and expertise of both owners. The Griffin-Diaz pair are coffee innovators and educators. “We want to share coffee with people.” Alejandro says.

The Griffin-Diaz duo were students of the industry long before becoming owners. Jacob studied at The Culinary Institute of America, Alejandro worked at numerous shops and cafes in Guatemala, his original home. Each were experts before they met at a coffee shop in Westchester, NY. The Griffin-Diaz team always had their own cafe in the back of their mind. When the right place came along in the neighborhood they love, they went all in.

Specialty coffee experts like Alejandro devote their lives (and time and energy!) to studying and curating the coffee experience. All the shop’s coffee beans are sourced from ethical, sustainable, fair-wage farms. All syrups and milk alternatives are handmade by Alejandro, a true innovator. (See for yourself: try the Strawberry Milk Cold Brew, or a Rosemary Infused Blackberry Latte).

A Destination Built on Makers

Alejandro and Jacob designed the shop to be an inviting, urban haven for coffee culture, but that’s not all. The team plans to use Troy’s central location to further define The Capital Region’s creative culture by attracting travelers.

“We want to create a coffee destination.” Alejandro explains. “You shouldn’t have to go to New York City to get a coffee education.”

“We also want this to be a safe space for LGBTQ+” says Alejandro. “A safe space for everyone.” There will be plenty of space this summer when Jacob Alejandro opens a patio in Franklin Alley and extends business hours. Downtown Troy summer is going to be sweet!

KASURI

It is common for the average shopper to enter a high-end store and feel out of place or the pressure to buy a “Pretty Woman” moment. Many of us avoid luxury shops for this reason. “I’m just looking” feels different when all the price tags have commas.

These literal and figurative barriers — and this type of exclusion — are exactly the things that KASURI creative director Jonathan Osofsky won’t allow.

“I believe in collapsing the boundaries between art and everyday life.”

Jonathan Osofsky and Layla Kalin, the executive talent behind KASURI, run the brand’s boutique in Hudson, NY. The shop holds a carefully curated collection of contemporary apparel, designed by artists who challenge and ignore fashion norms.

The Style: Expressive, Fearless, Experimental, Innovative, Out of Bounds.

The Experience: Engaging, Immersive, Intimate, Socially Conscious.

KASURI combines these aspects to provide an incomparable service in an unlikely place. “We bring a form of cultural production to a place that it would not normally exist.”

Jonathan, a Hudson Valley native, knows well the demand for eccentric design in a small Upstate city. Growing up, he had limited access to the avant garde, so he pursued magazines and media to quell his craving for contemporary design. Seven years ago, he created KASURI to fill this niche. Now, KASURI is the type of discovery zone Jonathan would have frequented as a youth.

“The fact that young kids today in Hudson can walk in and see, touch, try on, and learn about all these visionary designers, in an environment that is open, and welcoming, and queer, that doesn’t exclude people, this feels very special, even radical to me.”

Fighting the Norms and Providing a Place

Although fashion is often defined as “self-expression”, American fashion culture implicitly promotes uniformity — ‘the model-type”, dress codes, categorical trends, etc. It’s portraying a manufactured ideal. In the years before meaningful social progression, self expression in LGBTQ+ and other anti-norm cultures could result in jail time or violence, forcing vibrant creativity out of society’s view and to the underground.

Now, KASURI is moving the culture by redefining, or un-defining, the word “fashion” and discarding all of the rules.

Upcoming KASURI projects include a renovated e-commerce marketplace, the 2nd Annual Fundraiser for Black Lives, and expanding capacity so they can display the work of more artists. And of course, as always, dismantling and rebuilding what fashion means to society.

“Hopefully, we will obliterate some of the hierarchies of who is seen and not seen, who is validated by the system, and who operates outside it.”

Village Common

The emotional connection between senses and art is profound. Songs can bring back memories. Scents can take you to places from your past. Village Common owners Blake Hays and Benjamin Lebel utilize this phenomenon when designing and hand-crafted candles from their studio in Catskill, NY. Each candle comes with a poem written by Blake, and an image that captures the scent’s essence. Each candle tells a story.

Blake and Benjamin had success in creative fields before moving to Catskill from New York City in 2016. They recognized the demand for quality, accessible home goods in Upstate New York, so they brought the Village Common brand to Hudson. The brand has been around since 1968, when Benjamin’s grandmother ran an antique shop with the same name. Blake and Benjamin’s modern redesign keeps the Village Common tradition of high quality and incorporates their value of travel, home, the earth, and artistry.

All Village Common candles are 100% plant-based, infused with pure essential oils, hand poured in New York, and sustainability packaged. The scents are inspired by the land we share, what connects all of us, our “Common Ground”.

The Value of Hand Made

Expert crafters, aka “makers”, hold a very unique, respected, time-honored position in the creative production economy. Their impact began centuries ago, when everything was made by hand. Value lies in product, practice, and specialized knowledge. Small batch makers have more control over inputs and ingredients, and are able to easily tailor the product to the consumer’s wants and needs. Makers are often members of the community they serve, so they have a special connection to the people and can learn the effects of their product first-hand. A crafter’s proximity to a neighborhood shows in the material, the symbolism, the colors, the feel. In turn, this attracts buyers who love their home, or want to be reminded of it.

Village Common uses the simplicity of candles to highlight complex issues. This summer’s sold out Artist Collection featured hand painted designs by local artists, and all proceeds went to organizations that support the movement toward social equity for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC. This collection shows how makers can truly capture culture and preserve a moment in time.

The five businesses featured today are an intregal part of the wealth and breadth of the Upstate Creative Economy. Their stories inspire, connect, and make apparent the talent and artistry the Capital Region is so proud to share.

Foreland: A Fantastic, New Arts Complex in Catskill

June 8, 2021 By upstatecreative

Along the Catskill Creek, on the site of a Civil War Era mill, sits the huge, new arts campus called Foreland. This completely renovated, artist-led, contemporary art complex is gearing up for a fantastic summer opening. The vision is to provide space, resources, and programs designed for artists, by artists.

“We left no stone unturned,” said Stef Halmos, Foreland’s founder. “Foreland is an artist-led development. Therefore, we’ve created the studios, galleries, and special project spaces that we ourselves would want to inhabit.”

Foreland’s Renovation Story

In 2017, Stef Halmos acquired the flagship building of the Foreland Campus at 111 Water Street. Mentored by her father, she hit the ground running. It took 18 months to complete the structural remediation — essentially, saving the building’s shell. Since then, the two remaining buildings of the Campus (125 Water Street and 361 Main Street) have begun renovations. The buildings will be completed by August, 2021.

Foreland Interior — Foreland’s Interior Space

The transformation from dilapidated factory to thriving arts campus is remarkable. “Our Campus includes 4 contemporary exhibition spaces and 31 artist studios,” said Halmos. “Plus, there are two food & beverage spaces, and two residential loft apartments. Soon, a cooperative workspace and two massive waterfront event / project spaces” will also come online.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity at Foreland means more than demographics. “We are very proud to have diversity of ethnicity, age, sex, and so forth in our artist-neighbors, and which we feel is crucial to the success of the project,” said Halmos. “Additionally, we’re intentional with the type of (and caliber) of work made within our buildings. Our tenants range from highly conceptual video artists to novelists and ceramicists.” Click here for more on Foreland’s resident artists, including Laleh Khorramian, seen above.

And, Foreland’s campus is kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and accessible to the disabled. To keep up to date on this summer’s opening schedule, as well as gallery, food, and event plans, visit https://www.f orelandcatskill.com/. Interested in finding out more about Foreland’s artist studios? Click here.

5 Sizzling Capital Region Summer Arts Experiences

June 2, 2021 By upstatecreative

Andrea Hersh mural at the Adams St. Rail Trail entrance in Delmar (corner of Adams St. and Hudson Ave., Albany)

After more than a year of being cooped up indoors, I’m ready to explore and experience everything the Capital Region has to offer — safely, of course. I’ve been spending all of my spring and summer weekends exploring the outdoors, hunting for public art and enjoying whatever arts scene I stumble upon and of course, am always on the lookout for a new local spots to grab a craft beer or delicious food.

Here are five art experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone — solo, on a date, or with your kids. Visit one at a time, or make a day trip out of it! So, get outside and enjoy the summer weather, AND support our amazing creative economy.

Art on the Rail Trail (ART)

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a daytime date

Albany Rail Trail — The entrance of one of the trailheads, 722 S Pearl St, Albany, 12202

The nine-mile Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is perfect for walking, biking, or — my transportation mode of choice — rollerblading. I visited the trail on an absolutely gorgeous summer day and was blown away by how beautiful the scenery is! There’s greenery, flowers, and river. It’s a perfect spot to mix up an outdoor adventure while enjoying public art installations created by local artists. There are spots along the trail where you can see the art. Pop by and grab an Instagram pic at each!

Check out the current art installations at these locations along the Art on the Rail Trail (ART):

Young People's Mural — Young People’s Mural

Susan Togut art installations between Main St. and Grove St. in Voorheesville (2020).
Young People’s Mural at the Kenwood Ave. trailhead in Slingerlands (created 2019) — community mural designed by student Emily Meier, project work led by artist Andrea Hersh.
Angela Cuozzo‘s mural for Bliss Juice Bar on Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2019).
John DeMarco’s art on the columns under the Cherry Ave. bridge in Slingerlands (created 2018).
Ramiro Davaro-Comas mural on the Rail Trail bridge crossing Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2018).
Andrea Hersh mural at the Adams St. Rail Trail entrance in Delmar (created 2017).

Bliss Juice Bar (stop #3 on the Trail) is a perfect place for a pick-me-up, especially on a hot day. Delicious smoothies, toasts, coffee, and more…all right off the trail! Plus, there’s plenty of bike parking outside.

New York City Ballet at SPAC

Perfect for: family fun, a date

Gabby and her grandma — My Grandma and I, ready for the ballet!

Every year, my grandmother and I see a summer ballet matinee at SPAC. This July, we’re really looking forward to New York City Ballet‘s two 75-minute special programs –- Short Stories, hosted by Principal Dancer Maria Kowroski and All Balanchine, hosted by Principal Dancer Gonzalo Garcia. Both are excerpts from the Company’s wide-ranging repertory, performed by 15 dancers accompanied by piano on SPAC’s main stage. Socially distanced seating will be provided in the amphitheater and on the lawn. It’s a lovely way to spend a beautiful summer’s day or night with the family or on a date.

Where to eat, you ask? Before or after the show, my grandma and I usually make reservations at her favorite Saratoga restaurant, Scallions, or if we’re in the mood for a smaller bite, we head to Boca Bistro for tapas and wine.

(P.S. Another one of my absolute favorite summer activities at SPAC is going to the Jazz Fest! This is another annual tradition my grandma and I have. If you haven’t attended, I HIGHLY recommend the experience. It’s a bit more casual than the ballet. We bring in our own food, drinks & meet up for a picnic with some other jazz-loving friends while being serenaded by world-renowned artists. It’s this coming weekend, June 26-27 and there is still time to buy tickets!)

Explore Downtown Albany’s Public Art Scene via CDPHP Bicycles

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

The array of public art in Downtown Albany is growing by leaps and bounds. One of my favorite initiatives is #CapitalWalls, which is a partnership between Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, and Albany Parking Authority. This project seeks to inspire the local community with uplifting, educational, or thought-provoking works of public art. You’ll find pieces under bridges, alongside buildings, and other structures. Click here to check out the current murals and locations and rent a CDPHP cycle to take a tour of your own!

Nearby the art displays, there’s SO much to explore! A few of my favorites… For a drink and/or delicious food, Loch and Quay or The Cloud Food Hall. For a cool little shop with local goods, Fort Orange Shop. Lastly, my personal favorite (because I’m an obsessed plant mom), River Garden Studio.

Cat’n Around Catskill

Perfect for: Family fun

Looking for a super fun day trip with the kids? Downtown Catskill is where it’s at. For the 15th year in a row, Catskill’s Historic Main Street will be lined with community member renditions of cats! Designed by different local artists, each has its own unique theme and feel. Cat’n Around Catskill will take place through September. The cats will be auctioned off at the end of the showing period and proceeds will be donated to charity.

Not only is it fun to walk along Main St. to enjoy the colorful cats, but there is so much more that the area has to offer. Historic architecture and unique shops are a big draw to the area. One of my favorite shops to visit is the Mahalo Gift Shop. There is such a wide variety of creative local goods there – mostly all from women-owned businesses. It’s a great place to visit with the kids too. They also have a toy shop close by!

Now I will recommend my new favorite place to eat in Catskill, and I am salivating just writing this: J&J Smokehouse BBQ. The flavors, the smells…everything about the place is just delectable. Try it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Stonewall Memorial and Black Lives Matter Memorial in Downtown Schenectady

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

IMHO, the Stonewall Memorial Schenectady memorial/public art display doesn’t get the attention it deserves. And, as June is Pride Month, there’s never been a more perfect time to head to Gateway Plaza, and explore the display. The Stonewall Uprising was a milestone in the gay-rights movement. This piece beautifully memorializes the civil rights struggles of the L:GBTQ community, and shines pride brightly.

Recently, new additions were added to the park (right next to the Stonewall structure) to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Schenectady resident, I’m proud of these pieces and the effort it makes to educate visitors on both Stonewall and Black Lives Matter. This park has become one of celebrating civil rights for everybody and a symbol for equality.

If you’re looking for food or activities nearby, I’ve got you covered. One of my favorite summertime spots is Jumpin’ Jacks Drive-In on the Mohawk River. It’s only a few minutes away by car or bike (there are CDPHP bikes to rent right in the park). I’ve been going there every summer since I was a little kid.

If you have the family with you, right across the street from Jumpin’ Jacks is Collins Park, which has a playground, basketball courts, a splash pad and more! My nephews LOVE it.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, solo exploration, or a new date spot, these five outdoors arts experiences are a great way to support our local creative economy. If there are other experiences or events we should add to the list, send me an email to let us know! Enjoy and be sure to tag us in your adventures, @upstatecreative!