This week, we chatted with April Greene! She shares what brought her to the area from Pennsylvania over 15 years ago, a favorite spot in Glens Falls for Pakistani food, a bit about her love for digging (and selling!) rare crystals, and more…
Tell us about yourself!
My name is April Greene. I met my partner and the love of my life, Kevin Drake, a very talented tattoo artist, working at Forged Tattoo Co. in Hudson Falls. Shortly after we met, we began running an Etsy shop (@mossomrocks) selling beautiful, rare crystals and have been going strong for the past 9 years. We fell in love with crystals and started visiting different spots around the area to dig our own. By far, our favorite crystals to dig are Herkimer Diamonds, which are only found in one location in the entire world — Herkimer County, NY. It’s a fun hobby and turned out to be a great business venture at the same time!
In 2017, Kevin and I were featured in Adirondack Life Magazine for a wikiup structure that we built out of sticks, logs and moss. It was an incredible experience to have a whole spread in such an outstanding magazine. What an honor!
We have four wonderful children, ages 18, 15, 14 and 12. I’ve been a stay at home mom since 2006, so my other hobbies include laundry, cooking, cleaning and driving my kids around — fun stuff like that.
On Life In and Around Glens Falls
I have lived in Glens Falls for the past 16 years after relocating from Allentown, Pennsylvania and not knowing anyone or anything about this area. My family had decided they wanted to relocate to upstate NY and since we are all very close, we packed up three households and made the move to Glens Falls along with my parents and my sister and her family.
One of my favorite things about the area is the hometown vibe. Moving here from a larger city was a big change, but a wonderful one. I love that the beautiful Adirondack Mountains surround us. I love the community and the schools. You can really see the effort. I have met so many amazing people in the time I have lived here.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
An ideal day in Glens Falls? Where to start?!
We’d have to begin the day at Juicin’ Jar. Their juices and smoothies are simply the best and always delivered with a smile. I absolutely love Rockhill Bakehouse too! Their soups and sandwiches are always fresh and made with love, but have you tried their Pakistani food? Wow, it’s incredible!
My family and I have always loved walking along the Feeder Canal, so we would have to do that and end the day at the Cool Insuring Arena to watch our favorite hockey team, the Adirondack Thunder! For dinner, hands down it’s Siam Thai. Their food never disappoints.
On the Past
While I did not grow up here, my favorite memories in the 16 years residing and raising my children here are enjoying the local activities. My children participated in Little League through the Glens Falls Youth Baseball and Softball program, the Memorial Day Parade (which we still never miss), the hot air balloons, LARAC, the Crandall Public Library, and all of the events in the City. We have many special memories.
On the Future
If I could wave a magic wand and bring something new to the area it would definitely be a small bar/music venue similar to the one that used to be upstairs at 42°. We loved going there. They always had open mic, live music, affordable drinks and free pool — how can you beat that? It was a really cool vibe and there is nothing better than live music!
I absolutely look forward to the future of my children being grown up in Glens Falls — seeing whether or not they stay rooted, or fly the nest and return one day. There are so many beautiful reasons to stay planted in Glens Falls!
