ACE PLACES

10 Can’t Miss Walking Trails in Rensselaer County

March 23, 2021 By upstatecreative

Just across the Hudson River from bustling Albany, Rensselaer County is a dream for hikers, cyclists, artists, nature-lovers, and locavores. Ten wonderful walking trails in Rensselaer County await you, just minutes away from the cities!

Driving east from Albany or Troy, you’ll soon start to notice the hills, and eventually your ears might pop. That’s due to the Rensselaer Plateau, a higher-elevation forested region with features that you might expect only in the Adirondacks. Spruce-fir forests, bogs and lakes, rare plants and animals, and sparkling streams soothe the senses.

Fall in Love with Rensselaer County

Looking for walking trails in Rensselaer county? Fortunately, community-led groups like the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and Rensselaer Land Trust have conserved many special places in the county and built trails for all to enjoy.

And it’s not only the forests that will make you fall in love with Rensselaer County. Small towns, family farms, art centers, and good food will pull you in, too. Whether you’re a bird nerd, a weekend hiker, or a creative person looking for space to think and feel, come on out and explore.

I asked the volunteers, young parents, and activists—those who know our local trails best—for their favorite walking trails in Rensselaer County.

Seasonal tips: Winter: dress in layers and avoid cotton; wear boots with good tread and consider microspikes, yaktrax, or ski poles. Spring, summer, fall: protect yourself from ticks. Fall/hunting season: wear orange and stay on the trail.

*Follow the hyperlinks for each preserve for trail maps.

If you’re looking to take a road trip through Rensselaer County, click here!

Falls Trail

Barberville Falls Preserve, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA)

Rensselaer County’s iconic waterfall, Best meditation spot

Few spots in Rensselaer County are as breathtaking as the 92-foot waterfall at Barberville Falls Preserve. As the centerpiece of a 140-acre pristine forest preserve, the Poesten Kill creek drops 92 feet into a gorge and tumbles down a striking rock face. At the base of the waterfall is a large pool that feeds back into the creek. In winter, you can marvel at the ice and how it sparkles in the sun. In the summer, find your perfect spot for meditation, painting, photography, or just basking on one of the large boulders along the creek.

To reach the waterfall, take the short but steep Falls Trail from the parking area on Blue Factory Rd. If you visit in winter, be sure to have sturdy footwear with good traction (microspikes or ski poles are a plus!) as you climb down a staircase made of wood from the surrounding forest and follow the winding trail down to the falls.

Tips: For a memorable Rensselaer Plateau experience, combine Barberville Falls with RPA’s Poestenkill Community Forest, just about four miles up the road.

Hungry after your hike? Visit downtown Averill Park and stop at Young’s Pharmacy and General Store for homemade soup or sandwiches from Paula’s Country Kitchen and go home with a 4-pack of Nine Pin Cider. For a hearty dinner, Towne Tavern has a lively vibe and a full menu of burgers, pizza, pasta, and delicious vegetarian options, plus 20 beers on draft.

Valley View and Vulture’s View Trail loop

Grafton Forest, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA)

Ecological gem, Sunset views, Photographer’s choice

Sophie, a young climate activist, recommends hiking up to the rocky overlooks on Valley View Trail and Vulture’s View Trail at Grafton Forest just before sunset. The views to the west are stunning, with the Tomhannock Reservoir—a.k.a. Troy’s drinking water source— in the foreground and the Adirondack and Green Mountains beyond. From Vulture’s View, you can loop back on Whoop-de do Trail, or hike to a third overlook on Rynard’s Roost Trail. “I love the diversity of wildlife and plants at Grafton Forest,” Sophie says. Lichens, rare mosses and plants, and animals like bobcat and moose, make this place extra special and sensitive. Stay on trail as you soak in the beauty of this ecological gem. Photographers, bring your camera.

Getting there is the challenge but just requires an awareness of conditions. The town road leading to the parking area is not graded and is not plowed in winter. When there’s snow, 4-wheel drive with good clearance is required. In warmer months, drive slowly to avoid potholes.

Tips: Before or after your hike, pick up some local food while supporting a family farm at the Laughing Earth Farm self-serve farm store. Annie and Zack Metzger keep it stocked with meats, eggs, milk, some veggies, honey, maple syrup, and a few crafty items like local handmade soap. Open seven days a week, daylight hours.

Dickinson Hill Fire Tower Trail

Grafton Lakes State Park, park at end of Long Pond Road

360° view, Most impressive views

“Fire Tower Trail is one of my favorites and great for families,” says Dick Gibbs, mountain biker and forest conservationist. “We’ve taken our grandkids on this trail since they were toddlers and they still love it.” Dick was a force behind restoring the fire tower over a decade ago. Thanks to him, you can now climb the tower to get a 360° view of the Rensselaer Plateau and Taconic Mountains, and the Adirondacks to the north and west.

Getting there: Don’t enter the main Park entrance. Instead, take North Long Pond Road from route 2. Drive to the end of Long Pond Road to the parking area. After parking, backtrack on foot down Long Pond Road to the historic Fire Tower Road on your left. Hike up Fire Tower Road for a little over a mile (steep and rough, but worth it!) to the service road gate on your right. If you choose to climb the 60-ft fire tower, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in Rensselaer County.

Tips: Combine your trip with a visit to the Grafton Peace Pagoda—one of seven in the world! It’s a Japanese Buddhist temple built on Mohican sacred land. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, every day, year-round. (note: Due to Covid, the temple and bathrooms are closed.)

Extra info to use if interesting: Along the way up Fire Tower Road, look for info kiosks that honor Grafton native Helen Ellett, who, in the 1940’s, was one of the 1^st female fire tower observers in New York.

Bloomingdale Brook Waterfall Loop Trail

Rensselaer Tech Park, Closest to Albany and Troy

Waterfalls, easy loop, public transportation

If water is your happy place and time is of the essence, try this short and lovely loop hike that’s close to Troy and Albany. You’ll see a beautiful waterfall and cross two bridges over the brook. “It’s a great short hike for kids or people just starting to discover the wonders and peace of the outdoors,” says Tanja, an RPA volunteer who hikes with her daughters, husband, and three dogs. “In the summer, it’s quiet and the waterfall trickle is calming. In winter, with the leaves down, the traffic of 90 and 787 and the train are present, but I still enjoy a quick dog walk on the loop.” Budding botanists, be sure to visit in early spring when you can see ephemeral wildflowers such as blood root, trout lily, and mayapple, in bloom.

To get there, drive into the Tech Park as far as the WMHT building, then left to the trailhead parking. Or, take CDTA bus #224—it stops right outside the Tech Park.

Tips: After your hike, stop at Alexis Diner not far north on Rt 4 for Souvlaki and Greek Salad, or order a delectable Mediterranean takeout dinner fromGarlic Lover’s Corner.

Dorothy’s Equal Access Trail

Poestenkill Community Forest

Most accessible, Mixed use, ADA-compliant accessible trail

“We love hiking at the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s Poestenkill Community Forest, and especially appreciate this new mixed-use trail,” August, a new dad, says. “With our young family – we had twins in March 2020 – getting outside is more important to us ever. We strap the kids on our backs when we can all hike together. When it’s just one of us we can put them in the stroller and walk Dorothy’s Trail. We can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest and still be close to the car—and the nice big restroom for changing a diaper!” As a millennial who is working from home during the pandemic, August is more grateful than ever for the peace and tranquility that’s just a short ride away.

If you’re up for a longer excursion, Poestenkill Community Forest is a treasure trove of hiking trails and ecological wonders. Big Beaver Bog Trail is a must if you like bogs … and carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants, anyone? And mountain bikers, you can test out the MTB trails and skills course!

Tips:After Poestenkill Community Forest, grab a sandwich at Duncan’s Farm to Market Country Store. Or, have a beer at Beer Diviner Brewery & Taproom in Cherry Plain.

Homestead Trail

Albert Family Community Forest

Most Family Friendly, Old stone walls and foundations, Nature Play Area, a hempcrete eco-cabin

Peter, a volunteer trail worker and outdoorsman, highly recommends the Homestead Trail at the Albert Family Community Forest. “This route will take you through beautiful hemlock forests and 200-year-old stone walls, by an abandoned homestead with a crumbled foundation and hand-dug well, along a cascading brook, and skirting a large wetland.” A bonus is the new footbridge over the brook, recently built by an Eagle Scout. If you finish Homestead Trail and are looking for more, take Susan’s Ramble or the Cascades Trail loop (with a series of small waterfalls).

While you’re at the Community Forest, check out the cabin (soon-to-be Nature Classroom) just beyond the parking area. It was restored by two Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students (Cam Kasper and Sam Berrigan) in 2020, using hempcrete, a regenerative natural building material. Behind the cabin, you’ll find a Nature Play Area where kids can swing, practice their balance, and explore primitive shelters.

Tips: Once you’re done playing, drive south to Blueberry Hill Market Café in New Lebanon for a tasty breakfast or lunch, and tea or coffee from their barista menu. Their turmeric chai latte will warm your belly after a winter hike!

Ridge Top Trail

Kinderhook Creek Preserve, Rensselaer Land Trust

Most playful “workout hike,” swinging benches, pull ropes, and water

For Molly, a social worker and nature meditation guide living in rural Rensselaer County, Ridge Top Trail at Kinderhook Creek Preserve is the perfect place to let off steam. “It’s steep enough to get the heart pumping and is also really beautiful with interesting rock formations,” she says. The higher you climb, the better the view, especially when the leaves are off the trees in winter. Then hang on tight to the guide rope and take the Up & Down Trail (also steep) down to the creek. Walk back along the creek on SAY Trail, or, in summer stay a while and dip your toes in the cool water. There are swinging benches and picnic tables at various spots all along the way. There are also vernal pools, and “in spring, you can hear the spring peeper tree frogs singing their hearts out,” Molly says.

After your workout hike, sample some beer made with sustainable and local ingredients atS & S Farm Brewery. As you sip and relax, relish the beauty of this 6^th generation family farm.

The Long Trail

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center

Best example of Rensselaer Plateau ecology, Lush moss & boardwalks

Amanda, an environmental educator with a green thumb, loves the trails at Dyken Pond for the lush moss and rich plant life. Try the Long Trail, which winds its way for about four miles through the forests and wetlands of the DPEEC. Head up the hill across the field at the main parking area for the northern section, which will take you through hardwood forest, a fern meadow, a small fen, and past an incredible glacial erratic (a boulder deposited by glaciers long ago) nicknamed “Grandfather.”

The southern section of the Long Trail passes through a series of spectacular wetlands as you cross a 300-foot boardwalk. The Long Trail is also open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in a back-country setting. Check the website at www.dykenpond.org for current trail and road conditions. Hungry after your hike? Stop by Grafton’s Town Store (2436 NY-2, Cropseyville, 12052) for a tasty grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. Or, combine your Dyken Pond adventure with a walk or mountain bike ride at Grafton Lakes State Park.

Petersburg Pass to the Snow Hole

Part of the Taconic Crest Trail

More strenuous, great views

For a longer hike, sample a stretch of the 37-mile Taconic Crest Trail, which passes through New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, following the Taconic Range. Marked by white diamonds on a blue square and maintained by the Taconic Hiking Club, the trails that lead off both north and south are easy to follow.

From the parking lot at Petersburg Pass, head across Rt. 2 and up a steep but short ascent, entering Hopkins Forest. Stop at a hang glider overlook just ¼ mile up on the west side for a spectacular view and then continue 2.5+ miles to a sign for a short detour off the trail to the east. There you’ll find a deep crevasse, called “The Snow Hole,” where year-round cold holds onto snow even into the summer. This section of the Taconic Range is marked by mature forest, frequent views, rocky outcrops and ledges, and several side trails.

Post-hike, enjoy the best and only Mexican food in Stephentown atNorte Azul Cantina. “Great food, good for vegetarians, tasty fish tacos, and don’t forget the spicy Margarita,” says Fran, a local leader in conservation and trails.

2^nd “tips” option if you include Waterfall Trail (see below):If you have energy leftover, head east on Rt. 2 and into Williamstown for The Clark art museum and a fine selection of town restaurants and shops.

Waterfall Trail

Cherry Plain State Park

Most idyllic

Fran Egbert, a local leader in conservation and trail building, has a soft spot for the Waterfall Trail in Cherry Plain because it’s beautiful and interesting in all seasons. In winter, the ice formations glisten, and in summer you can hop across the Black River to cool off. “After a hike I love sitting at the end of the lake, with minimal company other than in July or August. Without cell service, I’m forced to be present and observe all the sounds and smells around me. She also likes the Mill Pond Trail, which brings you to an old dam and Mill Pond and house site. Cherry Plain has several challenging loops for hiking, snowshoeing, biking, so check out the park map for more ideas. The park is surrounded by the Capital District Wildlife Management Area, with more than 4,000 acres of forest and wildlife habitat.

IF YOU USE THIS TRAIL, use 2^nd option for Taconic Crest meal tips.

Fran suggests you follow up with a stop at Norte Azul Cantina, the best and only Mexican Restaurant in Stephentown. “Great food, good for vegetarians, tasty fish tacos, and don’t forget the spicy Margarita,” she says.

Photo credits: Nate Simms, Kate Lovering Photography, Fred McCagg Photography

Written by: Annie Jacobs

Annie Jacobs is a naturalist and adventurer, poet, and artist living in Troy. As Communications Director for the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, she loves telling stories about the inspiring people who are safeguarding our wild places for future generations.

5 Black-Owned Health & Wellness Businesses in CapNY

February 24, 2021 By Arielle Steele

Jamel Mosely and Rachelle Pean of Root3d, photo courtesy Collaborative Magazine

Now more than ever, the adage “health is wealth” rings true. As the world gets smaller in the face of COVID-19, taking care of oneself can seem like a daunting task, especially for those in Black and brown communities. Black and brown folks are more likely to be on the frontline in service positions that do not provide effective protections against the virus. We also historically have had less access to adequate health care. Knowing the threat COVID-19 poses it makes it difficult to even feel safe with one another.

With that being said, I believe that no one can take care of you like your own. As a Black woman in Upstate NY, I know that finding community can be a challenge. However, there are leaders here who are taking a holistic approach to wellness. By finding healing in one another, we find a sense of home, and we also ensure that Black business endures in the Capital Region. So if you’ve got your tribe and are looking for something new, or are searching for a wellness space, here is a brief list of Black-owned businesses dedicated to uplifting and serving Black and brown communities in the 518.

Root3d

Co-founded by Rachelle Pean and Jamel Mosely in 2019, Root3d is a local wellness center that uses a mixture of therapy, energy work, and movement based classes to address health in the Cap Region.

Root3d originally started out as a yoga class run by Pean at the African-American Cultural Center, but when she noticed that she garnered a sizable following she decided to answer the call for more.

“I noticed that when we had the yoga classes, people would stick around after and start talking about things like body image or how breathing is helping them manage depression. Having a space where it’s all about connecting with your body and your breath automatically opened up a space to talk about emotional health. It just made sense and goes together with healing. It’s the three dimensions of healing, which the Root3d stands for: mind, body, and spirit.”

Their Mission

Root3d aims to create a safe space where participants can feel free to be their whole selves, “We have a space where we feel like we’re seen, we’re heard, and we’re safe and then we can show up with [our unique individual] needs. And that can shape the space.” Root3d makes room for the multitudes that human beings contain, especially people of color.

How They Serve the Black Community

“The fact that most of our teachers/healers are Black and brown– there’s something that happens when there’s someone that looks like you. You see yourself represented in a space, whether it’s the teacher or other people in the class, something in you goes, ‘Oh this is for me too.'” Their offerings also aren’t one size fits all because of the range and wealth of knowledge of the instructors. Per Rachelle Pean, the teachers just offer their experiences and what they know, which is not one size fits all healing.

Why They’re Passionate

Founder Rachelle sees the connections between the present and the past in how Black and brown people are approaching wellness. “I know our origins, I know how we heal ourselves. I know how much we heal in the community. We’re not just about the individual. It makes me so passionate to see us coming back to that and to see that the Root3d is one of many.” Relying on the whole in order to restore the self is the driving force behind Root3d.

Where to Find Them

Root3d is located at 165 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202. However if you would like to take classes virtually instead of in-person classes, you can catch them on their Instagram live streams or register for their Zoom classes.

Red Door Beauty and Wellness Garden

Wellness does not have a particular look, in fact it can have many! Established by hairstylist Erin Hundley, Red Door Beauty and Wellness Garden is equal parts beauty salon as it is wellness center as it focuses on non-traditional healing methods. Hundley also has a consignment shop within the salon which features independent products from Black women.

Her Mission

Erin states, “My focus is the integration of inner and outer beauty through hair, mind, and spirit.” Her special blend of hair services, life coaching, and offerings of the wellness sanctuary for relaxation supports this ethos. She wishes to establish a place of peace for BIPOC, especially Black women as we experience an intersection of violence in our lives. “We choose battles in our lives and I choose not to fight my hair. As Black women we have always had to to fight. I get so tired of fighting. That’s the groundwork of my business, healing that.”

How She Serves the Black Community

Outside of aiding BIPOC with styling and transitioning to natural hair, Hundley offers mentorship as she wants to offer what she didn’t have coming into her own as a Black woman. She showcases independent Black creatives in her consignment shop that features hair care products alongside crystals, incense, and tonics. Her consignment shop has lowered rates as she wants to help indie creators get their foot into the door.

Why She’s Passionate About Her Work

While Hundley’s interest in holistic health came much later in life, she’s always had a natural affinity for hair. “My grandmother and mother used to always go to the hairdresser, and I always gravitated towards [this work]. My cousin was like my test dummy, If I would go to the hairdresser with my mom I would watch the hairdressers and would try it out on my cousin. And she would let me!” Growing up in that atmosphere sewed a deep love for hair as Hundley came into her own as a woman.

Where to Find Her

Red Door Beauty & Wellness is still open during COVID and you can book an individual session here . Her shop is located at 510 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305 and support the creatives she features in her consignment shop here.

Healing Whispers

Though we traditionally think of health as it relates to the body, there are nontraditional ways to address spiritual health as well. Josy Smith does just that with her business Healing Whispers, located at 251 Karner Rd, in Colonie, NY.

Josy Smith is a Reiki Master Teacher, spiritual path coach, and an astrologer based in the Capital Region. In her work with Reiki, a Japanese technique that encourages clients to meditate and open themselves up spiritually to clear any negative energy in their bodies, Josy helps her clients heal a vulnerable space.

Her Mission

In her work Josy emphasizes connecting people — namely Black and brown folks — with their ancestors. “Who we are are who we come from. [I want to help] people understand that venerating your ancestors it’s who we are. It’s who we come from. It’s the source of so much power especially for Black people. The ancestors are those Healing Whispers that come to us in our time of need.” To Josy our ancestors are a form of guidance and protection. They create a sense of the divine inside of us.

How She Serves the Black Community

Healing Whispers’ physical location is closed due to Covid, but check back for updates or **book a tele session**

Josy not only services the Black community spiritually she also creates space for burgeoning independent business owners in the capital district. “I offer fully furnished professional rooms to rent for practitioners at very affordable prices. Commercial real estate is ridiculously expensive. For any practitioner who is looking to test the waters of their business, but do it in a way that fits their pockets, I provide that space. This starts from $20/hr and grows to different packages. She also has historically lended her space for local activists.”

In terms of local activism Josy also opens the space and calls in the ancestors for Black Lives Matters rallies, protests and meetings. She ensures that the space becomes sacred and allows for activists to stand on the shoulders of those from the past.

Why She’s Passionate About Her Work

Josy Smith has always had a love for spirituality. She got her start as a Vodoun practitioner with the blessing of a well respected Haitian mambo, or priestess. After she received a divination, her mentor priestess directed her to become initiated in the practice. From there she pursued her spiritual journey and has studied other works such as astrology to help guide others.

Where to Find Her

You can book a tele session with Josy here. You can also find her on Facebook.

Shia O’ Doula Services

For our expectant parents who would like to expand their prenatal care, there are options other than the standard OB/GYN.

Shia O is a doula who works in conjunction with nurses and OBs to help ensure the safety of parent and child before, after, and during delivery. Shia O gained her doula certifications in 2019 via BirthNet and has been active since.

Her Mission

Shia O says a doula “is a person who provides emotional and physical support to a person during pregnancy and childbirth. We are not medical professionals but we assist during labor and delivery. A lot of what I do is postpartum care. I stay on until people are settled and then I check in periodically up to 6 weeks later after the baby is born, or even longer if the parent wants it.”

How She Serves the Black Community

In terms of service toward Black parents, Shia O’s main role has been as an educator. “I like giving people other ideas. As a community we get stuck in our ways: if you get pregnant, you go to a doctor, you do things in a very specific way. And it’s like, no! Actually midwives and doulas are the ways we’ve been doing it since before [Black people] came here. So just having that conversation of education. Everybody doesn’t want the same thing, but it’s an option for you.”

Why She’s Passionate About Her Work

Shia O has a background in non-profit work as a care manager working with underprivileged youth. From the experience of supporting a teenage couple with their pregnancy, Shia O realized that this is another dimension of service she could enter.

“I love children, I love babies all the way up til they’re 21 in my program [at the non-profit]. I have a lot of genuine love to share and that is my passion. My commitment is to work with folks, it doesn’t matter your socioeconomic status, your race, your gender. I’ll meet people where they’re at.”

Where to Find Her

Shia O is based in Troy, NY and serves clients around the area. If you or someone you know would like to utilize her services you contact her at ShiaODoulaServices@gmail.com or find her on Instagram.

Indie Vibez

Looking for an energy shift or a yoga class? Well look no further than Indie Vibez. Founded in 2017 by Bronx born energy worker Sasha Baxter, Indie Vibez is a brand that not only offers Kemetic Yoga classes and Reiki healing sessions, but also offers resources to aid cleansing like crystals, candles, and sage.

Her Mission

Through Kemetic Yoga and Reiki sessions, Indie Vibez wishes to begin healing with energy, “Healing energy rides on the breath. Through breath and slow movement, my goal is to assist with breaking up those kinks– those energetic blockages throughout your physical body so that your energy can flow more freely.”

So what is Kemetic Yoga? Kemetic Yoga is yoga that’s rooted in the belief that yoga has roots in Africa, specifically Kemet. The poses are influenced from hieroglyphics. Though there is not much of a written history, the practice relies on the oral histories and research to carry on the tradition.

How She Serves the Black Community

Sasha believes that Reiki gives Black people a chance to see what healing looks like for the individual first before the community. “As Black people, a lot of what’s been ingrained in us– a lot of it being necessary– starts with the community first. Sometimes that looks like not prioritizing ourselves. With reiki all we ask of you is to lay on the table and be open to it and it just flows. It’s a beautiful transformative process that allows you to start healing with ourselves first. That’s how you make change.” Sasha is among the few health and wellness professionals who genuinely strive for healing her customers and also upholds her wellness branding with integrity.

Why She’s Passionate About Her Work

“Through Reiki I have healed a lot of things and felt love deeper. I’ve experienced the world differently. I’ve learned to dream bigger and I’ve actually seen those dreams come to fruition. The way that Reiki has changed my life is something I think we all deserve.”

Where to Find Her

Sasha currently leads biweekly Reiki Meditation with The Root3d Tuesdays at 6:30, and offers remote individual Reiki cleansing. She hopes in due time that she will be able to open Indie Vibez’s doors in the fall.

While this is just a sample of what the Capital Region has to offer, these bold and dynamic businesses are representative of the community we wish to maintain in the 518. Community that builds the individual so that they may become part of the whole. If holistic health isn’t your speed, we encourage you to take a look at our index of Black Businesses. There you will find a variety of services that believe in the spirit of supporting one another.

Written by: Arielle Steele

Arielle is a local writer who has a passion for community, film, dance, and Beyoncé. When she is not working at Ayco, she can be found working on her next film project or trying out a new hairstyle.

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.

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.