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Winter Outdoors: Public Art in CapNY

December 16, 2020 By Jessica Kelly

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

The Sculptures at the Empire State Plaza

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

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

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

112 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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

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

Art Omi

1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent, NY 12075

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

Franklin Alley

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

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

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

Capital Walls

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

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

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

Stockade Historic District

100 North Ferry St., Schenectady, NY 12305

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

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

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

In the Heart of Cohoes: Harmony CoWorks

December 16, 2020 By Lauren Halligan

By: Lauren Halligan

The Neighborhood

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

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

The Space

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

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

Vibe & Community

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

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

The Location

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

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

CapNY History Day Trip: Visiting Olana with Kids

December 16, 2020 By Kara Zuaro

I’ve been visiting the Catskills since I was a kid, and the best part of the drive was always looking up at Olana from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge over the Hudson River. The views from its hilltop perch are even more breathtaking than those from below. It seemed like a dreamy place to explore with my family.

What is Olana?

Olana is a towering castle-like villa atop a leafy hill overlooking the Hudson River. Among the most iconic views in the Hudson Valley, Olana was home to painter Frederic Church in the 1800s.

Even in the weird times of 2020, it’s the perfect place for a day trip. Due to COVID concerns, you can’t go inside the Olana State Historic Site at the moment. The villa is still beautiful from the outside, and the real magic of the place — especially for kids and kids at heart — is in the 250 acres surrounding this historic home.

Olana Family Tours

Carolyn Keogh, the Olana Partnership’s Director of Education and Public Programs, said, “While our outdoor tours are open to all ages, this year we began a new tour format specifically for families, our Family Explorer Tours. These offerings provide more interactive opportunities for families to learn together by participating in activities like drawing and other kid-friendly conversation prompts.”

When you’re traveling with kids, my advice is to book an outdoor family tour of Olana or if your kids are too little for that, you can explore the vast, beautiful grounds on your own. Explore the trails and soak up the greenery that inspired the artists who walked these hills before us.

If you want to take a guided tour, you’ll want to book in advance, as they do fill up. It’s also worth noting that Electric Carriage Tours are available, for anyone who’d prefer to be driven around the 250 acres of landscape design. At present these 60-minute tours cost $150 are limited to up to 4 passengers from the same household.

Outdoors at Olana

Olana is a 4-season destination, welcoming snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well as walking in the wintertime. In the spring, the Mingled Garden bursts into pastel-colored bloom, with the show of flowers turning into deeper reds and oranges, to attract hummingbirds in the height of summer. In the autumn, it’s common to spot a painter behind an easel, capturing the awe-inspiring fall foliage on display. Small children don’t always have the deepest appreciation for scenic lookouts, but my kids love matching up Olana’s view of the Catskills with the mountains pictured and labeled on the park map.

Website
Address: 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone number: 518-828-1872
FB/IG/Twitter/Pinterest

Where to Eat With Kids in Hudson

The village of Hudson is located just 10 minutes north of Olana. There you’ll find a wealth of dining options. Casa Latina Pupusas Y Mas, a mom-and-pop counter-service spot serving traditional fare from El Salvador and Mexico, is our family favorite. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Warren Street, they’ve got ample parking, umbrella tables, and crave-worthy pupusas – corn masa flatbreads that are stuffed with tasty fillings like cheese, beans, or chicharron (fried pork belly). They also serve nachos, tacos, quesadillas, a kid’s menu, and a must-try juice of the day. My daughter lives for their watermelon agua fresca.

If your crew is more in the mood for burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and fries, Grazin’ Diner promises a hearty meal that you can feel good about. All of their meat is sourced from their nearby farm, all their produce is organic, and almost every ingredient they serve is local. For instance, on their incredibly juicy Unburdened Burger with baby Swiss, the bourbon used to sauté their mushroom and make their steak sauce is sourced from Ghent’s Unburdened Distillery. And the sweetest way to end a day after a long stroll around Olana’s carriage roads is a Grazin’ milkshake paired with their house-made brownies, cookies, and pies.

Casa Latina Pupusas Y Mas
Website
Address: 78 Green Street, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone number: 518-653-1334
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Grazin’ Diner
Website
Address: 717 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone number: 518-822-9323
FB/IG

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 Coworking Spaces: Urban Co-Works, Schenectady

November 23, 2020 By wordpress

Since popping up as one of CapNY’s first coworking spaces, Urban Co-Works has become a second home for lots of local professionals who choose to make this downtown office the hub for their hustle.

The Neighborhood

Set in the heart of Schenectady – at the corner of quaint, little Jay Street and the city’s main corridor State Street – this fourth-floor space features grand views of the downtown district, including a large conference room overlooking the historic Proctors Theatre marquee. This spacious, open office has character, namely a friendly life-size skeleton called Skully that greets visitors upon arrival.

The Space

Inside, there are chances to meet real live humans as well. “We love the open concept and the ability for people to mingle, get to know each other, do business with each other,” Urban Co-Works CEO Jeff Goronkin said.

Depending on their desired level of social interaction, members have many options for where to work: solo desks, large community-style tables, cozy lounge chairs or soundproof phone booths for privacy. Private offices, like the one with a giant reminder to “Be Awesome Today,” are available, too.

Vibe / Community

Throughout all of Urban Co-Works, the atmosphere is calm, clean and super quiet – except when there’s a lively networking opportunity happening at the on-site event space. Urban Co-Works is also a place for play. Schenectady-based gaming company, Gaming Insomniacs, hosts its eSports league here on a regular basis for some serious gaming fun.

Membership is diverse and eclectic; include professionals and business in tech, banking, health care, medical innovation, mental health services, sustainability consultants, affordable energy developers, business and product innovators, and Guatemalan chocolate.

The Basics

Membership in coworking spaces generally includes a wide range of perks.

Says community manager Kristen Guastella, “We try to provide as much as we can to members, of course, other than just the Wi-Fi and the comfortable chairs.”

At Urban Co-working all members access 24/7 key card entry, high speed (FIOS) internet, printing, lockable storage, indoor bike storage, restrooms, a kitchenette and complimentary coffee, tea and water.

Memberships are scaled to professional needs: from a one day pass, 5 or 10 days per month flex memberships or private offices all have access to use of a conference room with Bluetooth, television and video accessories. For those in need of private space, Urban Co-working offers affordable fully furnished offices by the month, suitable for up to 5 teammates, a business address, and on-site office support plus all the basic benefits.

For the coworking foodie, Urban Co-Works has plenty of nearby eateries to explore, for take out or delivery all within walking distance. Breakfast or lunch at quirky coffee shop Ambition, tea time at the Whistling Kettle or a hearty Italian meal at Johnny’s are just a few spots on this adorable, pedestrian-only section of Jay Street.

What’s YOUR favorite coworking space? Send us a DM on social media! @upstatecreative

Connect with Urban Co-Works

Address: 433 State Street, in downtown Schenectady.
Website
Phone: (518) 290-7203
FB / IG

#CapNYRedAlert: Sarah Craig, Caffe Lena

November 21, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Caffe Lena’s Sarah Craig, courtesy the Daily Gazette

Caffe Lena is widely recognized as the oldest continuously-operating folk-music venue in the United States. Over 60 years of operation in the heart of Saratoga Springs, its stage has hosted luminaries including Bob Dylan in 1961 and Sawyer Fredericks in 2014. We checked in with Executive Director Sarah Craig to find out how this gutsy little venue is faring during the Covid challenges, and were not surprised to find them bravely weathering these unprecendented ups and downs.

Hot Club of Saratoga, courtesy of Sarah Dobies

The Pivot From Mainly-Live to Totally-Online Performances

Right now, Caffe Lena is not a “live performance venue;” technically, we’re a “broadcast studio.” Therefore, we’re an essential business. We were able to qualify for that designation because we’ve been live streaming every performance for over six years now. So we went into the shutdown in a much different position than many performing arts venues. Even though we’re very small and very DIY, we had the infrastructure to be a virtual venue the day the shutdown started. That’s meant that we’ve been able to hang onto our staff, and have given work to dozens of regional artists by producing live shows on our stage almost every night since mid-March. Also, the launch of the Caffe Lena School of Music coincided with the start of the pandemic. We pivoted to virtual group lessons for kids and adults, and the school is growing and growing.

A live studio audience at Caffe Lena, courtesy Sarah Dobies

Has Caffe Lena had any attendees at these performances?

As a broadcast studio, we’re allowed to have a live studio audience. This is very different than having a show — there’s a very small, prescreened audience that arrives with their masks on, and they’re taken to their seats. They’re there to applaud and lend atmosphere to a performance. It’s been WONDERFUL for the performers to get that immediate feedback for their performance. But last week we decided to dial it back to essential-personnel-only in light of the Covid numbers creeping up. We’re all frustrated about having to pause–not just the music world, but all industries–but nobody wants to risk going through this again so we’re playing it super safe.

This is a tough question, but what is the financial picture like?

We have virtually no earned income right now. We have not sold a ticket since March 13. But the generosity of the public has been astounding. People have made it clear that they really want us to continue creating work for musicians, and keep the Caffe Lena legacy intact. Our only earned revenue is tuition from the Caffe Lena School of Music – it’s a mission project, to teach the next generation the culture of folk music.

Our live streams feature a prominent virtual tip jar. It really works, because everybody wants to keep the music alive! They’ve been generous with the tip jar, which we split evenly with the performer. Most times they cover our direct production costs, sometimes not. The tip jar isn’t enough to pay all the bills, but because of a couple of very successful fundraising endeavors we’re definitely hanging on and we have no plans to stop streaming live shows. In fact, we’re looking at ways to add even more programming.

How are you, the staff, the board and the performers faring through these challenges?

This is our 60^th anniversary year – what a great year for an anniversary!

For the venue’s first 57 or 58 years, it was an organization that just got by. Living close to the bone was a source of pride. It wasn’t until our board of directors said that this organization is incredibly vulnerable that we hatched a plan to stabilize finances and create an organization that could weather hard times. Thank heavens we turned things around before Covid hit!

But the bottom line is that we are all in this for the love of music and a deep commitment to serving the community in keeping with folk music values and traditions. We are fine living close to the bone again until this crisis passes, and there’s no sense that “we might not make it.” In fact, although we miss our audience and so many of our out-of-state bands with all our hearts, we’re mostly feeling blessed that we can still be a full-time music producer at a time when so much of the live music industry is shutdown.

As long as we can just keep putting on shows, we are satisfied.

For more on Caffe Lena, go to CaffeLena.org. Address: 47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. (518) 583-0022.