ACE PLACES

The Red Cottage: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

A home away from home. The Red Cottage is a unique bed and breakfast in the heart of peaceful historic Slingerlands. The 3-acre parcel is home to the Innkeeper’s house and the Red Cottage where guests are welcomed with open arms. The cottage is surrounded by old trees and gardens, and the interior decorated with period pieces and contemporary artisan crafts.

Breakfast served in dining room of main house

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This place had my admiration when I read the following about their breakfast, “The focus is on fresh, healthy, local, organic and seasonal. Local blue/green eggs from a nearby CSA are a favorite as are artisan breads.” Okay, so where do I sign up? Plus, “in the evening, plat du jour is offered occasionally in the main house at the whim of the cook.” The ambiance of this place, plus their emphasis on good local food is a win-win for me.

The Details

Reservations may be made via telephone or email. Click here for the contact information. In all seasons, the rate is $165 per night + 8% sales tax. If you stay more than three nights, there is a 10% discount. This is a beautiful autumn stay, book yours today before it’s reserved for the season!

The Red Cottage
Address: 138 Font Grove Rd, Slingerlands, NY 12159
Phone: (518) 475-1684
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CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

The Morgan State House: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

The Morgan State House is located on beautiful Washington Park in downtown Albany, impressively designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the architect of many of the world’s most well-known and beautiful public parks, including Central Park and Prospect Park in NYC. This “Ultimate Modern Inn” is accompanied by a private English garden and a taste of historical elegance in its design and layout.

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This was an easy choice…a delicious breakfast (included in your stay!) in the garden. Such a lovely, peaceful way to start a day of an urban adventure. Albany simply serves the best of both worlds, nature and city, and The Morgan State House is a perfect example of it.

The Details

You can book your stay directly on their website for the best rates. Rooms start at $149 per night. Parking is available for $10 per night. They also offer special packages and deals to enhance your stay and exploration of Albany.

The Morgan State House
Address: 393 State St, Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518)427-6063
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CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

Washington Park Inn: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

Built in 1884, this brick Victorian Mansion has a historic charm that matches its location in the heart of historic Albany, as one can walk to the Capitol Building, Empire State Plaza, Center Square and the other gems of the downtown area. If you’re wishing for a leisurely, urban adventure through Albany’s fantastic downtown while enjoying an Inn with character, this may be the perfect place for you.

What Gabby Loves About This Place

I love small boutique hotels. Plus, location, location, location! Washington Park Inn is just two blocks from Center Square in the Lark Street neighborhood, which offers delectable local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and more. One of my favorite things to do in the area is walk around and admire the 19th century brownstones. I would love to live in one of these brownstones…maybe one day!

The Details

If you book a stay directly on their website, you get a 10% discount using code WPI10! Rates start at $139/night. Breakfast is included in your stay; Brooklyn bagels and smoked salmon included…I mean, what more could you want!

The Washington Park Inn
Address: 634 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 930-4700
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CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos! We’d love to share. @UpstateCreative

CapNY Insider Tips: Automated Edition

September 14, 2020 By wordpress

Sign up, pay online, get a code, unlock your kayak/life jacket/paddle, ADVENTURE! Upstate Kayak Rentals makes the process of self-service kayak rentals THAT easy and that’s why they’re included in this week’s first edition of CapNY Insider Tips.

The only difficult part of the process was choosing one of the eight paddle locations – many of which I’ve never explored before. My friend Cassie and I chose the Klamstream Kayak Launch in Clifton Park, which allowed us to explore the area of the Mohawk River underneath the twin bridges – making for some pretty cool Instagram pics, as seen below.

Unlock the kayaks with your special code

After I chose our launch spot, I picked a reservation time, paid the $50+tax (for the two of us, total!) for a three hour adventure, and then I got an email with the instructions.

Day of, we met at Klamstream and quickly unlocked our kayaks and went on our way. We loved the fact that we didn’t have to wait in line and could leisurely take off on our own schedule. It made for such a peaceful, serene experience and we were truly able to enjoy one another’s company. It was by far the easiest, most enjoyable kayak experience I’ve ever had. I cannot wait to explore the other seven launch spots.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Sign up for Upstate Kayak’s FREE adventure: Paddle-Pedal the Mohawk: Schenectady and Niskayuna. Learn more here!

If you happen to embark on your paddle adventure at Klamstream launch, pop over across the street to The Klamr Tavern & Marina for DELICIOUS pub food and some craft beers. One of the best buffalo chicken wraps I’ve ever had…

Connect with Upstate Kayak Rentals!
Website / Email / Phone: 518-209-1063 / IG / FB

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DIY Daycation: Washington County Farm Tour

September 1, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

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

Northern Washington County

Dancing Ewe Farm

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

Hicks Orchard

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

Battle Hill Brewery

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

Central Washington County

Battenkill Valley Creamery

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

Bunker Hill Creamery

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

Gardenworks Farm

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

Southern Washington County

Victory View Vineyard

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

Liberty Ridge Farm

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

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market

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

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