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5 Lake George Winter Activities

January 27, 2021 By wordpress

Located in the southeastern Adirondacks, Lake George is a spectacular spot to enjoy numerous winter activities while avoiding the crowds of the summer. Now is the time where the area slows down from its bustling summer pace to and becomes a tranquil haven for those seeking snowy, outdoor adventures. From hiking to snowshoeing to skiing, you’ll never run out of things to do near the “Queen of American Lakes.”

Hiking

With its prime location in the Adirondack Mountains, hiking is a four-season option in the Lake George area. There are a huge range of trails, from towering mountains to gentle nature preserves. Just remember to have proper hiking gear on you such as microspikes or snowshoes whenever you are hiking in winter!

Sleeping Beauty Mountain

One of my favorites is Sleeping Beauty Mountain, located on the eastern side of the lake. This 3.6 mile out and back hike takes you over rolling terrain to a beautiful overlook of Lake George, the Southern Adirondack Mountains and even the Green Mountains in Vermont. You’ll get expansive views to the east, south and west within a fairly short walk at around 1.8 miles. The summit of Sleeping Beauty does have a lot of cliffs, so be careful once you reach the top as it can be icy. However, this hike is suitable for all skill levels, including children.

Shelving Rock Falls

Another of my beloved hiking spots is Shelving Rock Falls, just down the road from Sleeping Beauty. From the parking area on Shelving Rock Road, it’s only about .3 miles to the base of Shelving Rock Falls, a spectacular 50 foot cascade that pours into Lake George. This waterfall is truly a sight in wintertime, as blue and white ice make for stunning contrast to the dark green evergreens that surround the falls. This is another short but sweet hike that has a big payoff for little effort.

Snowshoeing

Lake George Recreation Center

Snowshoeing is one of my favorite winter activities, I love leisurely walking through snow covered woods. Lake George Recreation Center offers great snowshoeing opportunities right outside of town. Its five miles of mixed use trails take you over varied terrain, from rolling hills to steep inclines to flat straightaways. Level of difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced so there’s a trail for everyone! The trails snake along the bubbling Gage Brook, through a beautiful hardwood forest. The best part of this place is how quiet it is. I didn’t see a single person on the trail the whole time I was there! The Rec Center is easily accessible and located off the Northway at exit 21.

Up Yonda Farm

Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center is another must visit location for snowshoers. Every month the farm offers one-hour naturalist-guided snowshoe hikes for all ages. The hikes are led on Saturdays during January and February and admission includes rental snowshoes and hot cocoa! I love visiting Up Yonda Farm for the wonderful views of Lake George and the friendly staff that are passionate about the Adirondacks. More information on their guided snowshoe hikes and cost of admission is available on their website.

Cross Country Skiing

Cole’s Woods, Queensbury

If you’re a cross country skier, you must try Cole’s Woods in Queensbury, just south of Lake George. (My boyfriend, Terry, who loves cross country skiing, was adamant that Cole’s Woods made it into this article.) Cole’s Woods is home to the first lighted cross country ski trails in North America. Terry and I recently made the trip north for some night time skiing and snowshoeing. We headed out onto the 5 km race loop and enjoyed a lovely, foggy night in snow that was in perfect condition.

Although the woods are flanked by the Northway and the Aviation Mall, I was surprised at how I still felt like I was in a wilderness area. I loved how well lighted the trails were, and appreciated the lack of crowds. We saw just five people our entire time there! Additionally, if you don’t own your own skis, you can rent them at Inside Edge Ski and Bike, conveniently located right next to Cole’s Woods. I can’t wait to go back for some more nighttime winter fun! Cole’s Woods is free to visit.

Downhill Skiing and Tubing

The Lake George area has multiple opportunities for downhill skiing. Snow is plentiful in the Lake George area with snow fall usually occurring between November and April so there’s plenty of time to ski, snowboard and tube!

Gore Mountain Ski Resort

Just north of Lake George is Gore Mountain Ski Resort, a popular and beloved ski spot in the Adirondacks. Gore attracts skiers from all over the East Coast, with its 107 trails, 15 lifts and 12 Nordic trails for cross country skiing. And, there are tubing trails and other family-friendly ski options, too. Skiing looks a little different at Gore this winter with operational updates due to Covid, but they are still open for business, with tickets available to purchase online in advance of your visit. You can visit their website for more information on their updates and prices.

West Mountain

West Mountain is located in Queensbury, just south of Lake George Village. Home to 31 trails with over 1,000 feet in vertical drop and an all-ages tubing park, the trails at West Mountain are lighted so you can ski well into the night. West Mountain offers deals on different days of the week, so be sure to check their website for discounted rates! For more information on their Covid-19 protocols and lift tickets, visit their website.

Walk the Village

Lake George Village is a lovely place for a stroll. I particularly enjoy the waterfront by Shepard Park, and walking along the sidewalk around the southern end of the lake. When you’re done, warm up at a Lake George staple, Caffe Vero, serving breakfast and lunch. My favorite thing on their menu is the Chai Latte. Or, head to my personal favorite, Lake George Baking Company, for some local baked goods. In my opinion, they make one of the best black and white cookies in Upstate New York!

Written by: Maria Gigliello

Maria Gigliello is an avid hiker, paddler and writer who enjoys spending as much time as possible doing all three things in the Adirondack State Park. She is just as passionate about beer as she is about responsible outdoor recreation and is always in search of a good view and a brew. You can follow her adventures on her blog, The Dirt.

Best Takeout Places in CapNY: 10 Under $15

January 26, 2021 By wordpress

Why write about the best takeout places in CapNY? It’s no exaggeration to say that every restaurant in CapNY (let alone the country) has been pummeled by COVID. Owners and managers who’ve spent their lives building careers and businesses are shaken to find their establishments struggling. However, many are rising to the challenge, despite the obstacles.

Takeout Orders Save the Day

More than 110,000 restaurants in the U.S. have closed permanently (more than 40 of which right here in CapNY). How have the other managed to stay afloat? One of the largest factors was takeout.

“The to-go orders are great, they really help. The problem is people don’t think of us first when they think of takeout,” says Susie Carrk, owner of McAddy’s, The Local 217, and Susie’s Pub. Her statement echoes what I’ve heard from almost every owner and General Manager of local restaurants.

It’s no surprise that most of us think of pizza and Chinese food when we think of take out – but just as we’ve had to shift our perspective when it comes to birthdays and weddings, I invite you to shift your perspective on dining. Just maybe, in doing so, you” help save the restaurant where you hope to spend your next special occasion.

9 Best Takeout Places in CapNY

Looking for a jumping-off point? Look no further! These are my 9 of the best takeout places in CapNY (meaning, my favorites!) with options under $15!

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen, Troy

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

This cozy, authentic Korean spot in Downtown Troy is a family affair. Owner Jinah Kim enlisted her father and mother as farmer and chef, respectively, when she opened her restaurant in 2016. Many of their ingredients come from her parents’ 42-acre farm in Cambridge, and the recipes are mostly derived right from her mother’s home cooking. Sunhee’s is not currently offering dine-in service, but employee Bethany tells me that takeout has been booming, and sure enough, there was a line out the door pretty much the entire time I was there!

Kimchi Fried Rice $12

House kimchi, rice, scallions, smoked bacon, sesame seeds and sunny-side egg

Soft Tofu Stew $13

Extra soft tofu, garlic, green squash, onion, scallion, and choice of kimchi or seafood; served with egg

Burdock Root $5

Burdock root sliced and deep marinated in a sweet, soy based sauce, topped with sesame seeds

Mermaid Café, Catskill

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

Owner Michelle Williams opened Mermaid Café in December 2019, about three months before the pandemic hit. She says her community has been so supportive of her eclectic café, and it’s easy to see why! From tacos to tater tots, to ramen and more, her menu is bound to please picky eaters of all ages, as well as more adventurous types. She seldom uses plastic in her restaurant. And, Michelle sources most of her beverages from local producers, including Westkill Brewery and Subversive Brewery, right in Catskill. For the first few months of the pandemic she was operating a soup kitchen out of the restaurant in the mornings, before the café opened up.

Ramen $10.75

Choose your Broth: Organic Kinderhook Farm Pork Bone Broth or Vegan Miso Seaweed Broth. Choose your Noodle: GF Rice Noodle or Homemade Toasted Rye Ramen. Comes with Pickled Daikon, Corn, Greens, Scallions, Soft Boiled Tamari Marinated Egg, Pork Belly, Lotus, Korean Chili Oil, Nori

Tachos (loaded tater tots) $13.25

Comes With Choice of Protein, Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream, Chipotle Crema, Heavy Metal Sauce (Ginger, Garlic and Cilantro), Corn, Scallions, Queso Fresco, and Pickled Jalapeños

Susie’s Pub and The Local 217, Albany, and McAddy’s, Troy

Dine In? Yes ☒ No ☐

3 of the 9 best takeout places in CapNY were created by Susie Carrk: Susie’s Pub, and The Local 217 (both in Albany), and McAddy’s in Troy. Carrk has enjoyed twenty-something years as a successful entrepreneur in the restaurant industry.

All three businesses have remained open, but Susie says that it’s difficult to predict volume, therefore making it more difficult to know how many staff to keep on, or how much produce to buy. While the summer months were overwhelmed with patrons, the winter months have seen far less traffic as people become nervous to dine indoors. “We clean everything constantly, we have dividers between seats at the bar, and we’ve spaced everything out. We’re literally doing everything possible to keep everyone safe.”

While the PPP loans have provided much necessary relief, Susie says that she has a ton of loyal regulars whose support is what she is most grateful for.

Almost everything at The Local 217 is made from scratch, from the soups to the marinara sauce – but the wings are what The Local 217 is most famous for. “There’s not really a spice that’s not in there,” Susie says of her homemade rub.

House Wings $13

Secret house seasoning made from scratch – wings are grilled over an open flame, then baked, and then deep fried

Mozzarella Sticks $11

Giant mozzarella sticks served with homemade marinara or melba

Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich $14

Fried eggplant, homemade marinara, mozzarella cheese on rustic bread

Wunderbar Bistro, Hudson

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

Owner Lyle Lentz has made his restaurant what he calls “restriction resistant,” transforming Wunderbar Bistro into a takeout champion. With Chef Phil Schools, Lyle changed the menu, employees were cut from 42 to 12, and a takeout counter was installed in place of the front door. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Wunderbar Bistro has been takeout only. And, they’re not just surviving, they’re thriving.

“Mother’s Day was the busiest day ever,” says Lyle. “It was the hardest day of my whole career.” Their kitchen has had to adapt to a much higher volume. Now, instead of having a limit to the number of heads in the restaurant, each order represents one table – and they’ve had more orders than they ever could’ve had tables at one time. “The demographic has changed with people moving from the city, and none of our old tricks work anymore, they don’t translate to takeout,” says Lyle, speaking about all of the things he had to consider in making Wunderbar Bistro a takeout machine. I ask him if he will attempt to continue his takeout model when restrictions let up – “yes, but the transition back to normal dining is going to be way harder than the transition to takeout.”

Southwest Chicken Eggrolls $9

Chicken, black beans, sweet corn & peppers, chipotle ranch

Avocado Bacon Burger $14

Avocado, goat cheese, bacon, tomato, pickle, lettuce

Parmesan Truffle Fries $9

Hand-cut fries, truffle oil drizzle, parmesan cheese

Pierogi Shoppe, Saratoga Springs

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

Ever heard of a ghost kitchen? Well now you have! Owners Mike and Shelley Spain of Seneca have officially launched the Pierogi Shoppe, a new concept that is, for now, operating out of the Seneca kitchen. These aren’t your grandma’s pierogis – incorporating ingredients like chicken, bacon, braised short ribs and artichoke, this menu is certainly one of the most creative to ever come out of Saratoga. The Spain’s hope to have a brick-and-mortar space for their new business before the end of the winter.

Spinach Artichoke $10

Garlic spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, breadcrumbs

Short & Sweet $11

Mashed sweet potato, bacon, braised short ribs, chipotle sour cream, fried onions

More Perreca’s, Schenectady

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

The famous Schenectady bakery, Perreca’s, is attached to the aptly named Italian restaurant, More Perreca’s. Owned and operated by the third generation of the family, Maria and Tony Perreca-Papa are the grandchildren of the immigrants who established the business 108 years ago. The original oven is still used to bake bread, and has not stopped burning since it was installed in 1913. We had the pleasure of trying the Eggs in Purgatory, a recipe that came off of the boat with their grandmother Carmella. It’s one of their most popular dishes of all time. Do. Not. Miss.

Eggs in Purgatory $12

Three poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce served with toasted Perreca’s bread

Pappardelle alla Pomodoro $16

Plum tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, shaved Locatelli pecorino romano

The Back Door at Malcolm’s, Schenectady

Dine In? Yes ☒ No ☐

Nate Germain quickly realized that he had to adapt when their dine-in volume plummeted after the summer. However, the upscale, farm-to-table Malcolm’s menu didn’t exactly translate to takeout. “Over the summer, we were crazy busy, we were seating in the whole driveway, doing up to 85 heads,” says Nate. “No one wants to sit inside, even with all of the precautions we’ve taken – we’ve even gotten air purifiers. On New Years, we actually did way more takeout than we did in-person dining.”

Nate decided to put forth a new, Japanese-inspired takeout concept, and promoted his sous chef Josh Hoffman to become head chef of Back Door at Malcolm’s. Patrons drive to the back of the restaurant and are literally given their takeout orders out of the back door of the kitchen. “We’re in talks to purchase the Bier Abbey building [two doors down from Malcolm’s] so that when COVID ends, we can move the Back Door menu and concept over there – we’ll also incorporate a speakeasy style bar over there.”

Burger $13

Miso cured highland hollow beef, pickles, garlic tofu aioli, micro cilantro, lime, furikake fries

Tonkotsu $15

Pork ramen, roasted shiitake, enoki, bok choy, mayu, soy egg +$1

The Daisy, Troy

Dine In? Yes ☐ No ☒

Joe and Kelly Proctor already had menu items that translated rather well to a takeout concept at their restaurant, The Daisy. Offering a smattering of inventive tacos, Joe tells me that the takeout has been going well and that the transition was rather seamless. They also transformed Cascade, (their other, older restaurant), into another franchise of The Daisy. And, they’ve added to-go pitchers of margaritas and other cocktails!

Pork Banh Mi $11

Hoisin, cucumber, pickled carrot, cilantro, sambal mayo

Fried Chicken $9

Aji verde, cotija, pickled onions, cilantro

Farmstead Flatbread, Queensbury

Dine In? Yes ☒ No ☐

Northernmost of the best takeout places in CapNY is Farmstead Flatbread in Queensbury. The Sutton family has a long history in the Glens Falls area – having bought their farm in 1976. Flash forward to today, the second generation of the family has reinvented themselves after 40 years as a farmstore and marketplace, into this new brewery/pizza concept, Farmstead Flatbread. They’ve held onto their traditional values of good, local food and even today the majority of their ingredients come from local farms, breweries, distilleries and suppliers.

Fireside 14.75

Organic house made tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh herbs

The Cow Pasture 16.25

Housemade meatballs, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella & basil

Roux, Slingerlands

Dine In? ☒ No ☐ Yes

Owner Angie Carkner feels lucky to have been slammed with takeout orders since the pandemic began. While normally the restaurant can seat around 86 indoors, they have had to adjust their kitchen to take on a much higher volume than that, especially on burger night! Each Tuesday and Saturday, “The Burger” at Roux, normally $16 is only $10. Made with two brisket patties, onion, pickle, lettuce, cheese, and “fancy sauce” (the ingredients of which cannot be shared), this burger is truly one of the best in the Capital Region!

The Burger $10 (Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Written by: Cabrina McGinn

Born and raised in Delmar, Cabrina McGinn has spent much of her life in restaurants, having bartended in Albany, Binghamton, and, New York, NY. Upon moving back to the Capital Region three years ago, she realized that a lot of the bars and restaurants in Upstate New York were quite up to par with some of those in the city; problem was, between Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga, you kind of have to ‘be in the know’ to know what’s going on in each town on any given night. Thus, her blog On The Rocks or Straight Upstate was born! Cabrina lives in Saratoga Springs, and while the sun is up she is the Marketing Coordinator for medical device company, Hometa.

5 Amazing Makers and Doers in Washington County

January 26, 2021 By wordpress

The creatives – our makers and doers in Washington County – who call this region home draw inspiration from the natural beauty. The sprawling small towns within a largely rural landscape offer a relaxed pace of life and collaborative spirit.

The Cultural Heartbeat of Washington County

There is a loving, down to earth pride in the artisans and organizers here. A blend of longtime residents and recent arrivals, they all have a part in shaping a distinctive cultural heartbeat.

Sweetbrier Farms, Plant Caretaker and Herbal Product Maker: Stephinie Miner

Location: Salem

Sweetbrier Farms was established five years ago out of Stephinie Miner’s passion for making safe and natural herbal remedies. Her products connect people to the power of plants and wild places.

After two decades of traveling with a family of six via the Coast Guard, Stephinie and her husband Joe wanted to lay down roots. Washington County offered everything they wanted, with access to nearby cities, as well as abundant nature and tranquility. Sweetbrier is situated on thirty-five acres of mostly wooded land in Salem. The farm boasts two dozen varieties of medicinal herbs, and a sizable vegetable garden. And, they nurture a small orchard, cultivated through permaculture and biodynamic practices. Stephinie and Joe live in balance with the resident wildlife, too. A good bit of rough pasture is left for neighboring pollinators and forest animals to enjoy.

The Sweetbrier catalogue is ever growing. Mainstays include herbal tinctures, salves and organic soap featuring plants grown or wild-harvested on their land. Additionally, they run a unique apothecary style CSA, providing members with seasonally curated herbal wellness goods. Stephinie and Joe are also constructing a workshop and guest cabin for “farm stays,” so visitors can enjoy the landscape for themselves.. Plans for herbalism classes and apprenticeship programs are also in the works.

Find Sweetbrier Farm herbal products on their website as well as at the Cambridge Co-op in Cambridge.

Hubbard Hall, Executive and Artistic Director: David Snider

Location: Cambridge

David Snider is Hubbard Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director, managing both operational and creative dimensions of the institution. He believes in art’s potential for individual and collective transformation. “Feeling and seeing how the work affects people’s lives” is what drives him.

Hubbard Hall was established in 1878 by Mary and Martin Hubbard as a performance venue and community town square. Hubbard Hall proudly features one of the country’s few remaining operational 19th century vaudeville theaters. The organization’s mission — to develop, sustain and promote the cultural life of its rural community — is evident in its eclectic year-round programming. Hubbard Hall is the largest arts institution in Washington County.

Diverse Programming

Multidisciplinary courses in the arts are available for folks of all ages and skill levels. High school drama club students are coached and nurtured on the historic stage. Artists in residence share work in progress with Cambridge residents. And it’s not just local talent: renowned professionals such as composer Rupert Holmes and dancer Twyla Tharpe have performed here, too. Hubbard’s LGBTQIA+ monthly potluck initiative, Breaking Bread, fosters regional relationship building.

After thirteen years of life in Washington D.C., Snider and his family relocated to Cambridge, captivated by the town’s close knit social fabric and natural beauty. For Snider, Hubbard Hall carries both great responsibility and opportunity. By enthusiastically supporting artists and artistry, he is an important leader of the creative economy of the county.

Coffee And, Owner and Operator: Ashley McCuin

Location: Cambridge

Ashley McCuin’s artisanal bakery business, Coffee And, provides customers with homespun nourishment. Their specialities span from the nostagiac to the nouveau. Ashley’s Everything Bagel Scones include chunks of cream cheese and everything bagel topping. Kouign amanns — muffin shaped croissants topped with a satisfying sugar glaze — sit alongside stellar rye rolls. Coffee And is short form for “coffee and a treat while chatting with a friend.” It was a regular phrase of Ashley’s partner’s grandmother. Ashley hopes her baked goods will encourage patrons to take a moment of self care and relaxation amidst the daily grind.

Embracing Possibilities

Ashley was raised in Cambridge, and returned after a handful of years in Burlington, Vermont. Motivated by a love for and familiarity with the area, she shares, “I know there’s a future here in these small towns. I walk down Main Street and imagine all the possibilities.” Ashley is a strong advocate for small business and shopping local. Ashley has a weekly presence at the Cambridge Valley’s Farmers Market and uses other local distribution methods. Through this dedication, Coffee And continues to grow and build its network, a testament to the power of rural community support.

You can find Ashley’s Coffee And products on Fridays at the Cambridge Food Co-op in Cambridge and Iron Coffee in Hoosic Falls. Visit her on Sundays at her farm stand located at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in Cambridge.

Comfort Food Community, Executive Director: Devin Bulger

Location: Greenwich

Devin Bulger founded Comfort Food Community in 2014 to address food scarcity amongst low-income individuals and families in Washington County. After several years in Colorado engaging in homelessness advocacy work, Devin returned to his hometown of Greenwich, where he recognized the unmet need. Comfort Food Community now provides low-income residents with high quality nourishment. The organization centers their efforts on local pantries in Greenwich and Cossayuna. And, they run a community garden space in the village of Greenwich.

Collaborating with Community

CFC’s food recovery brings staff and farms together to collect produce that would otherwise be composted or fed to animals. A network of food pantries and partners then distribute the produce to residents. Also, a partnership with Hudson Headwaters Health Network and CDPHP helped CFC introduce community health programs, including CFC’s Food Farmacy and Produce Prescription.

Greenwich’s slow pace and neighborly atmosphere provide fertile ground for Comfort Food Community’s impactful programs.

Esoteric Energy Design, Founder and Designer: Rachel Bauscher

Location: Coila

Rachel Bauscher founded Esoteric Energy Design on a desire to blend natural beauty and wearable art. She lives in the tiny hamlet of Coila, a stone’s throw from the village of Cambridge. The location affords ample access to organic material for her work. Robin feathers from an afternoon walk find their way into jewel-toned leather earrings later that evening. A quartz-veined stone from the Battenkill River and vintage beads from a second hand store will find similar use.

Rachel also designs custom jewelry, likening the experience to pulling a tarot card specific to her client. Through her process, a piece emerges, and the wearer is supported in “feeling seen.”

Rachel returned to Washington County eight years ago with her family of five. She appreciates that her children have the opportunity to grow alongside the plant and animal life found right outside of their doorstep.

Written by: Rio Riera Arbogast

Rio Riera Arbogast is a queer, non-binary Cuban and Irish/Alsatian author currently based in the Capital Region. They are especially drawn to dynamics of beauty alive in nature, people and the creative.

Exploring Art Omi with Kids- An Outdoor Art Museum

January 11, 2021 By wordpress

Visting Art Omi with kids makes a perfect day-trip destination for families with children of all ages. Here, more than 60 large-scale works of art are presented in open fields or tucked between the trees along twisting nature trails. Art Omi, is a 120-acre sculpture park. Which makes it an ideal spot for any child who needs more room to run than an art museum allows. It also promises more visual delights than a traditional nature hike.

Located 20 minutes outside of Hudson, Art Omi is a must-visit for fans of Storm King, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the lower Hudson Valley. Art Omi’s smaller size makes it more manageable if you’re visiting with kids, and unlike Storm King, it’s free to the public.

Must-See Spots to Explore

An adult could cover the entire Art Omi loop in an hour or so. But little kids can make it impossible to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Art Omi’s Explore Map will lead you directly to all the interactive exhibits on the grounds. Kids love to weave through Will Ryman’s Pac-Lab, a technicolored Pac Man-inspired maze. Peek inside Beverly Pepper’s Paraclete, a steel pyramid structure. And overlook the wetland pond from the swing inside Matthew Gellar’s Babble, Pummel, and Pride II. From there, it’s worth looping around the pond to seek out a few sculptures along the woodland trails. Make sure to strike a pose beside Biana Beck’s untitled sculpture, which captures the essence of a sassy young child.

Outdoor Workshops for Kids

For creative kids with a deeper curiosity in the sculptures they see, Art Omi offers several hands-on learning programs to encourage children to study and create their own art. To keep kids busy during winter break (February 15-19, 2020), Art Omi offers 2-hour morning sessions from 10am to 12pm for a cost of $25 per day. This mini Winter Art Camp welcomes children ages 5 to 11, They’ll enjoy a daily outdoor activity (possibly sledding!) followed by an art project held in their large gallery space. Teaching artists will lead a maximum of 12 students per day.

For older children, aged 11 to 14, Art Omi hosts a bookbinding course in their Benenson Center called Pagemakers by Grace Lang. The class, limited to 8 participants, will meets every Tuesday from January 19 through March 9, from 3:30 to 5:30pm. The students will create their own books, and the cost of $390 will cover all the necessary materials.

All participants for both the Art Camp and the Pagemakers program will be required to wear masks, sanitize hands, and keep a safe social distance. Snacks and materials will not be shared among classmates.

What to Know Before Your Go

Arrive early:

The grounds of Art Omi open at 9am daily. On a sunny Saturday or Sunday, it can fill up fast. Keep in mind that once the parking lot is full, the park is at capacity. Any additional visitors will need to return after the lot empties out a bit. Parking on the road is prohibited and violators may be ticketed or have their cars towed.

Prepare for unpaved trails:

Although we saw a few all-terrain strollers in the park, it seemed like it would be easier to get around with a wearable baby carrier. And although bicycles are permitted in the park, it looked like rough terrain for novice cyclists. For ease, we’d advise families to wear weather-appropriate footwear and explore Art Omi by foot.

Food is allowed:

The best thing about an outdoor art museum is that your kids can snack to their hearts’ content. While the café is closed until further notice, picnic blankets and lunches are welcome here.

Bring a four-legged friend:

Dogs are welcome in the park from 9am to 4pm, as long as they are kept on leash at all times.

COVID-safety rules:

Masks are required in the parking lot, in all indoor facilities, and whenever you pass other visitors on the trails. Visitors are also asked to maintain a 6-foot distance from anyone who is not a member of their household.

Where to Eat Nearby

Though restaurant regulations are always in flux these days and virus surges can cause temporary closures, Love Apple Farm is a safe bet for convenient, kid-friendly eats. Located within a 5-minute drive from Art Omi, the market’s café may be closed for the winter, but they have grab-and-go sandwiches (like turkey and gouda croissants) and take-out baked goods (cookies, apple cider donuts, and more), plus an ample parking lot so you can chow down in your car.

If you need to grab some groceries while you’re there, they have a wide selection of locally farmed produce, dairy, and meat, plus plenty of delicious prepared foods, like their beloved Apple Cheddar Chicken Chili. For kids, the main draw of Love Apple Farm is their on-site animal pen. The petting zoo is not open to the public at the moment. But kids can visit their friendly goats, llama, donkey, and cream-colored miniature pony through the fence. Love Apple Farm closes daily at 6pm. If you’re traveling on the later side and looking for a heartier dinner, Baba Louie’s in Hudson offers online ordering and curbside pick-up of their pizzas, salads, and pastas – including a kid-sized buttered pasta plate.

Written by: Kara Zuaro, Brooklyn Doublewide, Exploring the less traveled (and less expensive!) Catskills, in and around Greene County. Farms, drive-in movies, kids, food, beer, shopping, home design, and real estate.

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 [email protected]. 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.