upstatecreative

4 Self-Care Ideas for CapNY Singles

February 10, 2021 By upstatecreative

Capital Heart Connection – living our best single lives!

Capital Heart Connection always celebrate singledom – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be tough sometimes! Whether you get a little down seeing your coupled up friends on the gram, or maybe you find yourself wishing you had a romantic partner to do some exploring with, or just feeling down due to being stuck in the middle of a pandemic…we get it. Being single can get a little bit lonely sometimes. The good news is, there are so many great ways to enjoy a little self-care all throughout CapNY. We’ve got a few of our favorite ways to show ourselves a little love for you here:

Becky’s Tips:

1.Take Yourself on a Date

mad jack brewery — Mad Jack Brewing Company at The Van Dyck is a great spot to dine at the bar

I’m a big believer that you have to show yourself the love that you want to bring into your life. So, with that, sometimes I take myself on a date.

If you’ve never done it, eating out alone can feel intimidating, but I’d bet many of you have a favorite spot or two where you know some of the bartenders or waitstaff. That’s a great place to start! (And, if you don’t have a favorite spot yet, this is a perfect way to find one). Clean yourself up, put on a favorite outfit and grab yourself a seat at the bar. Order a favorite drink and something decadent and enjoy! A few of my favorite spots for this are The Van Dyck and The City Squire in Schenectady. In my new neighborhood of Downtown Albany, I love DPs and The Hollow.

Pro tips — if you like sports, do this to watch a game and you’ll almost always make friends! And, if you’re not feeling social or chatty, bring a book or magazine with you so you can take a break from your phone while giving off a “no thanks” vibe to those who might try to chat you up.

city squire — The City Squire’s French Onion Soup with a glass of Pinot Noir never disappoints

During the pandemic, I still try to create the same atmosphere for myself with some candles and special takeout. And yes, occasionally, I’ll even put on something cute just to stay home to show my non-sweatpants clothing some love. Some spots even do cocktails to go which is SO fun — check out Plumb Oyster Bar’s Cocktail Club, or Rosanna’s for some fabulous creations you can enjoy on your couch.

2. Move Your Body

Another favorite form of self-care is to get moving! There are so many ways to do this and you have to figure out what brings you joy. Movement should not feel like a punishment!

I sometimes enjoy running, but lately I’ve found long walks a bit more relaxing. I love the Mohawk Hudson Bike path — I’m lucky to live walking distance from the Corning Preserve and can hop on the path there. I also love the portion of the path that starts at Lions Park in Niskayuna.

I also absolutely love yoga! Connecting my breath to my movement and taking time to really be intentional about checking in with myself feels amazing for my body and my brain. Now is a great time to try yoga if you’re a newbie – there are tons of free and low-cost online options. Many local studios are also offering online courses that will allow you to practice safely and support small business. One of my favorite spaces that I can’t wait to get back to post-pandemic is Studio 4 Hot Yoga — with a special shout out to the “Sweet Sunday Surrender” Class!

Gabby’s Tips:

guinness — Solo travel (and being single) means lots of selfies…like this one in pub in Dublin drinking my first Guinness

3. Book yourself a night away

I’ve done a lot of solo travel, domestic and abroad. I traveled solo for a month and a half through Europe and it was one of the most awakening experiences of my life. I’m what one would call an ambivert – with extrovert and introvert qualities. So, despite the fact that I love being around and meeting new people, I rejuvenate through alone time, where I can reflect in peace. Solo travel is my definition of self-care. I’ve put together some of my favorite overnight stays in CapNY, which you can see via these links –Albany and Catskills.

If I’m riding solo, I’d choose to stay in a Getaway tiny home in the Catskills, I’d bring my pup, Mochi, and spend a night in nature – phone off. Bring a book you’ve been wanting to read, turn up your favorite podcast, and cozy in for a night of stillness and peace. Wake up in the morning, brew yourself a cup of coffee, and take a stroll through the calm woods. There’s nothing like it

4. Nourish your body with locally sourced and homemade goods

I love making charcuterie boards at home from goods I found at Farmer’s Markets

Self-care is about feeling good and paying attention to your health – mental, emotional, and physical. When I consume fresh, healthy goods and support small local business, it makes me feel whole and it truly nourishes my soul. Spend a day browsing local shops and farmers markets, invest in some foods that make you happy, find some treats that you love but rarely have, buy yourself a bouquet of flowers…I tend to engage in these type of self-care days often and here are some of my favorite CapNY spots to do it

The Local in Cohoes – I’ll grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee (only $6!) and then grab a locally made candle, a plant or two (I’m an obsessed plant mom – my collection consists of more than 30 plants at this point), and I’ll always pick up some fresh veggies.

market — Hudson has some of the most amazing food shops I’ve ever been to

Olde Hudson Speciality Foods in Hudson – I love going here to get everything I need to make a charcuterie board…charcuterie board for one – with organic wine from 22 2nd St, Wine Co. in downtown Troy… I mix up stuff from all parts of CapNY…makes for the best smorgashboard.
Sometimes I like to stay close to home and less than a mile away my from house is The Schenectady Trading Co., which now provides produce from Capital Roots, flowers from Village Floral of Scotia, and countless other local goods.

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two single, boss women who ROCK being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living and experiencing CapNY solo…so they present to you, Capital Heart Connection! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be kept in the loop on singles content, events, and more fun than you could imagine.

CapNY Community Impact: The Free Food Fridge

January 6, 2021 By upstatecreative

Jammella Anderson, the founder of Free Food Fridge Albany, wanted to make fresh, perishable food available to marginalized communities. Food accessibility was already an issue, and the pandemic compounded these problems during the spring of 2020. So Jammella and a group of volunteers decided to take action.

How the Free Food Fridge Began

29-year-old Albany resident, Jammella Anderson, has always been concerned about food security. “It’s part of my personal journey and quest,” says Anderson. “I wanted to work with underserved communities because I am a black woman.”

“And I know, being someone who has grown up without that security was really difficult. So this has a personal place in my heart.” As a result of Covid, Jammella and a few friends came together with the idea of a food fridge. “Other cities like New York have similar projects going with more of a give-some-take-some idea. My idea is a restoration project,” Anderson says. “Thankfully, I had a lot of media presence, so people were really excited to help amplify it,” she explained. And she has successfully raising money to support the food fridge project for the past 10 months.

Supporting the Free Food Fridges Project

Anderson is grateful for all forms of support, but there are very specific ways that you can get involved on a regular basis. “The members of the community with the financial means can support the mission financially. This allows us to provide food for the fridges through donations to the project,” explained Anderson. “Making monetary donations is a great way to get involved. It’s a huge help.” Free Food Fridge Albany PayPal is freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com. Or, you can Venmo at Jammella-Anderson or use Cash App at $JammellaAnderson.

If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, they’re always looking for fresh foods. For example, perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and any meal enhancers you can think of. “If someone who wants to donate food regularly can ask to be assigned items. So when they go to get their own groceries, they can get specific things for a fridge,” explained Anderson. It’s a huge help. One time donations are certainly welcome, but the Free Food Fridge goal is to create sustainability. On their website, you can also see what volunteer positions they’re looking to fill like fridge managers, administrative work. Even artists can help by making the fridges beautiful!

Where to Find Free Food Fridges and How it Works

If you need food, you can just walk up to a Free Food Fridge and help yourself – simple as that. If you want to put food in the fridges, you must first contact the organization.

“We want to help monitor what’s going in and out and it’s crucial that we abide by health rules and regulations,” explained Anderson.

There are six fridges located at In Our Voices in Albany, The Free School in Albany, Collar Works in Troy, Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in Albany, Albany Barn, and Albany Center Gallery.

Connect with The Free Food Fridge

Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

10 Reasons We Love Being Single in CapNY

January 6, 2021 By upstatecreative

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two single, boss women who ROCK – and love being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living in and experiencing CapNY solo. We’re not the only ones who think this place is perfect for free spirits, Insurantly ranked the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metro the nation’s 7th Best City for Single Millennials. With over 71% of millennials in CapNY living single – whether you love ridin’ solo or are looking for a partner, this is the place to be.

Why Becky Loves Being Single in CapNY:

I am a near life-long resident of the Capital Region, growing up in Schenectady but recently moving to Downtown Albany. Here, I have built an incredible life living and loving in the 518. And the dating scene is great. however, being single here is pretty wonderful, too. I take great care of my furchild, Izzie, even if I struggle to keep plants alive,. So whether you’re looking for love — or are happier solo — here are just a few reasons to love being single in #CapNY.

1. CapNY is full of opportunities to meet new people

When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.

2. You can make a difference here

There are so many ways to feed your passion for making our community a better place. Whatever causes you might be interested in supporting, you can find it all here. Living in a community with such a vibrant nonprofit scene means that there are always an abundance of opportunities to lend your talents and treasures to worthy causes. For example, serving on nonprofit boards can be a rewarding way to enhance your own skills and experiences while meeting new people and making positive change in the world. As a current board member for the Schenectady City School District Education Foundation, I support our fundraising events, help distribute grant money to teachers and work with the other board members to guide the organization and make the biggest impact possible on the teachers and students we serve.

3. The housing options are incredible

I’ve rented, I’ve owned and I’ve even crashed with my parents for a month or two in between (spoiler: it wasn’t that bad!). I’ve recently returned to renting and love living in such a wonderful, vibrant downtown. Moral of the story? There are an abundance of affordable housing options in CapNY for a happy being single person.

Whatever living situation you’re looking for, it’s here. And, while moving can certainly be stressful, it’s fun to be able to try out different situations to see what suits you best before you take a leap and settle down in a more permanent situation (if that’s what your goal is).

4. Learning opportunities abound

There are tons of ways to have fun and learn something new at the same time! As an added bonus, dorking out over something you enjoy is a great way to meet new friends and potential dates with similar interests!

Here are some favorites that I’ve tried or come highly recommended by friends:

Education institutions
Health & wellness organizations
Nonprofits that offer free and low-cost training on a variety of topics
Local historical societies that host tours and workshops throughout the year (the haunted ones around Halloween are the BEST!)

5. There is always something to do

Great Flats Nature Trail, great place to go for a walk!

It’s pretty hard to be bored in CapNY! When I’m feeling outdoorsy, I love going for a run or walk on one of the waterfront bike trails. For a fancier mood, there are some incredible places to get a little dressed up and enjoy great food and service. I also absolutely love live music and comedy and there is no shortage of that here.

In post-covid times, I recommend keeping an eye on the Funny Bone in Albany, to catch some pretty big names and local comedy talent. Open Mic Nights at the Comedy Works in Saratoga are also always a good time! For live music – the free shows in the summer at places like Mohawk Harbor, Central Park and Freedom Park in Schenectady and Empire State Plaza in Albany are always fun. And for a bigger night out, SPAC is always a favorite! Want to try something new? Some of my favorite new activities include ziplining and axe-throwing — which are both super fun with “just friends” or a date.

Why Gabby Loves Being Single in CapNY

Ah, to be single in CapNY… I love this place and I think it’s an especially dope place to be single. I was in a relationship all of high school and college. When that relationship ended, I moved back to Albany – where I was born and raised – and found a new love for this place and the people in it. My relationship with myself, and this region, is blossoming every day. It was difficult to narrow down the list, but here are five reasons I love being single in CapNY.

6. Affordability

In October 2020, I bought a multi-family home in Schenectady. The fact that I can afford to buy this place as a single woman is huge. I love being single and living on my own. Plus, I live within a mile of two bustling downtown areas – restaurants, bars, boutiques…whether I feel like riding my bike to grab a bite by myself or meeting friends, the location is perfect.

7. CapNY transplants galore

An influx of interesting, ambitious people are moving to CapNY from all over in crazy numbers! I swear I meet a CapNY transplant, someone who has moved to CapNY from another place, at least once a week. It makes for a dynamic, diverse community. People of all backgrounds are here for many different reasons and it’s one of the things that make this place great.

8. We have the best first date spots

From a solo dinner on a farm, to renting Kayaks on the Mohawk River, to grabbing a local beer at a dive bar, there is never a shortage of first-date spots. Trust me, you’ll never have to take your new Bumble date to the place you took your last Bumble date! Stay tuned, Becky and I will put together some of our favorite first date spots soon.

9. Bored? Never

I’ve lived in three cities in CapNY in my lifetime – Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. Each city has a distinct vibe, a unique character, and different communities of people. I hear from some friends, especially single friends, who live in other cities that they’re “over” living where they are. They’ve felt they’ve experienced all there is to experience in their current city and are ready for a new adventure being single in a new city. I’ve traveled to places all over the world and I’ve never felt that way about CapNY. If I ever get bored of Schenectady (highly doubtful), or feel like I need a different vibe, I’ll just move to a different city or town within CapNY.

10. This is where I’m from and this is where my heart is

Okay, going to get a little sappy on this one…I was born and raised in CapNY. My entire family lives here and has lived here for generations. Being single isn’t equivalent to being lonely. In fact, quite the opposite. I’m surrounded by loved ones who I can always count on to make me feel loved and at home. I can’t imagine living – or loving being single – anywhere else in the world.

Stay tuned for the launch of Becky and Gabby’s brand, Capital Heart Connection! More singles content to come!

Winter Outdoors: Public Art in CapNY

December 16, 2020 By upstatecreative

Want some quarantine-friendly ways to enjoy art, stellar local food AND the great outdoors? Lucky for us, CapNY is filled with amazing public art! From historic architecture and neighborhoods to public art “galleries” in urban alleyways, CapNY writer Jessica Kelly found six great sites that we can enjoy all winter. Got more ideas? Send them along we’ll add them to the list!

The Sculptures at the Empire State Plaza

100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242
Note: Ice Skating is closed for the season

Empire State Plaza’s Reflection Pool is lined with 16 amazing, monumental mid-century sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Claes Oldenberg, Alexander Calder, Ellsworth Kelly and more. On a gloomy winter day, these pops of movement and color can bring some happiness and perspective. Then, head into the Empire State Concourse to warm up from the frigid temperatures. There, you’ll find dozens of large-scale (and some absolutely huge) paintings, and more amazing sculptures. Check out this video preview of the indoor and outdoor collections! After your explorations, I’d suggest you try a Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich from The Cuckoo’s Nest.

The 9/11 Memorial in Saratoga’s High Rock Park

112 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Did you know that Saratoga’s High Rock Park is home to a memorial made of steel from the Twin Towers? The sculpture, titled “Tempered By Memory,” was created by John Van Alstine and Noah Savett in 2012. The artists use the recovered materials to thoughtfully memorialize those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

After a reflective walk through High Rock Park, I highly recommend brunch at Hattie’s, served 10am-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They have tasty Bloody Marys, warm biscuits with honey butter, and the best cheesy grits.

Art Omi

1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent, NY 12075

Love contemporary art? Then head to Art Omi! This 120-acre sculpture and architecture park is a quarantine-friendly, no-cost way to take in art AND fresh air. You’ll find amazing sculptures (look for the Olaf Breuning work, “Clouds,” towering over 30 feet) and stunning architectural work (don’t miss “Magnetic Z,” by Cameron Wu). Check out this printable map to see all that Art Omi has to offer. Best of all, you can snowshoe or ski through the site! Hungry? Great! Drive 10 minutes to Saisonnier for an artisanal sandwich or cheese board, plus try one or two of their craft beers. And did we mention that they have 125 craft beers available for in-house or take-out?

Franklin Alley

282B, 3224, River St, Troy, NY 12180

As a recent transplant to CapNY, I became entranced by the art scene in Troy after seeing the amazing and powerful murals during the Black Lives Matter protests. I was also thrilled to recently find the artwork in Franklin Street Alley. This interactive installation was developed by Joe Lurato and other local creatives. It’s filled with painted murals and structures that ingeniously incorporate the alley’s pipes, ladders, and lights.

If you’re trying to find its exact location, put the address of Dutch Utter Ice Cream Shop in your GPS, 282 River St Troy. It’s the alley right next to it! When you’re finished exploring, walk over to grab an order of some of the best crispy wings CapNY has to offer at The Ruck.

Capital Walls

Address: The murals are scattered, but a good place to start is at Albany Center Gallery: 488 Broadway #107, Albany, NY 12207.

The Capital Walls project, an endeavor of Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, and Albany Parking Authority, has sponsored 14 colorful murals (and counting!), by local artists across downtown Albany. Grab this handy tour map before you head out. After snapping some IG photos in front of the murals, stop by Druthers Brewing Company (1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204) for delicious mac & cheese like their Memphis BBQ Mac with smokey, tender pulled pork, spicy jalapeño ranch coleslaw, and sweet BBQ sauce.

Outside of Druther’s, be sure to take a peek at Nipper, a four-ton, 28-foot tall steel and fiberglass painted dog statue atop an old concrete warehouse – one of the most IG worthy spots in the downtown area!

Stockade Historic District

100 North Ferry St., Schenectady, NY 12305

The Stockade Historic District is located in the northwest corner of Schenectady, on the banks of the Mohawk River. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, and has been continuously inhabited for over 300 years. Within it stand about 50 pre-Revolutionary houses in various styles that include Dutch Colonial, Georgian, Federal and Victorian. A good starting point to explore the neighborhood is 100 North Ferry St. This will bring you to the heart of the Stockade, right in front of the statue of “Lawrence the Indian.”

You don’t have to be a history lover to appreciate the gorgeous, unique artistic features of each of the homes. And, in the winter time, there’s an especially majestic feeling as the homes are decorated with winter lights and pines. You can even download a self-guided tour of the neighborhood here! Close by, you’ll find Mad Jack Brewing Co., there to quench your thirst and craving for a warm bite. You can read a review by a popular CapNY food influencer, Tim Walton, here!

Jessica Kelly is a freelance Journalist and Photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment living in New York State. She’s written for Huffington Post, Dame Traveler, Kitchen, Insider, Business Insider, Wine Enthusiast, AAA World Magazine, AAA Northeast, Eater, Cosmopolitan, Times Union, Food52, Thrillist — and now, ACE and CapNY, a new project launching in 2021.

In the Heart of Cohoes: Harmony CoWorks

December 16, 2020 By upstatecreative

By: Lauren Halligan

The Neighborhood

Set at the edge of the downtown Cohoes Historic District, an area that’s experiencing a remarkable revitalization, Harmony CoWorks is a brand new coworking facility. Situated within walking distance of the majestic Cohoes Falls and nearby trails as well as the shops and restaurants of downtown Cohoes, “It’s a great, walkable area,” said Dion, who recommends checking out the new Cafe Monocle or local favorite sandwich shop Subs-ta-toot.

Additionally, just a few steps away is Cohoes Music Hall, one of the oldest still-operating music halls in the nation and a cultural treasure among the region. Entertainment is also right outside the door when the City of Cohoes hosts its Rock the Block free summer concert series.

The Space

The 3,500-square-foot coworking space is set in a former bank building that’s been fully renovated. iTech Valley Office Interiors has fully outfitted the place with on-trend, top quality furnishings that are both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed. (Harmony CoWorks and Tech Valley Office Interiors are both owned by local native Rod Dion, and co-located at the Mohawk Street address.)

Harmony CoWorks offers inexpensive daily and monthly passes, along with dedicated desks and private offices. A kitchen space, meeting room and conference room are available for use as well. Amenities include high speed wifi, 24-hour access, card door entry, mail and address service, printer service, secure storage and a private, well-lit 50-car parking lot with security cameras.

Vibe & Community

The vibe at Harmony CoWorks is good for getting work done – which is one of the most important factors when choosing a coworking spot. With far fewer distractions than home and the motivation of being in a beautifully designed professional setting, this space is conducive to productivity. Whether you want to hunker down in solitude, have a constructive meeting, or be social with others, there’s a comfortable place for that at Harmony CoWorks.

In the future, Dion and the Harmony CoWorks team hope to host social events that will help establish and build a sense of community at this new small city coworking space.

The Location

Harmony CoWorks is conveniently located off of I-787 at 50 Mohawk St. in Cohoes, and a short walk to The Lofts at Harmony Mills, a residential community in the historic former Harmony Mills cotton mill complex. More information about Harmony CoWorks is available online at harmonycoworks.com or by calling (518) 874-1017. Connect with them on Facebook.

Check out last week’s coworking spotlight: Urban Co-Works in downtown Schenectady!