This week we’re chatting with Serena Smith, who you may recognize from Hot Yoga Queensbury! She shares the importance of movement in her life and how she decided to make it her full time job, her go-to spot for cocktails downtown, and more…
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, my name is Serena Smith. I’m the new proprietor and instructor at Hot Yoga Queensbury located at 118 Quaker Road.
I’m new to this area but have grown very fond of it. I was born and raised in the mountains of Vermont where outdoor activities were always number one on my to-do list. I would say my sister was the one that inspired me to move my body. She was always the one motivating me, inspiring me to do more, and pushing me to be a better version of myself.
I have always been a runner before I found yoga. I have completed the Vermont Marathon four times, the 100 on 100 four times, several half marathons and many 5Ks all over New England.
I love traveling, and I try to go to a new place at least once a year. I always bring my running shoes because I believe running or walking a new place is the best way to see what it can offer you and makes exploring way more fun. My running shoes now share the suitcase with a yoga outfit. I hate flying but I bear it for the experiences on the other end of the flight. I also love the food scene, craft cocktails and a tasty glass of red wine with a local dish.
Prior to taking over the yoga studio, I was in the food service industry. I opened my own restaurant in Poultney, Vermont in 2012, which is where I met my husband Jon. Meeting him was my motivation to eventually move across state lines. Although my restaurant thrived as a take-out only restaurant during COVID, it became clear to me that the time I was missing out on with family to be at the restaurant 24/7 was not how I wanted to spend the second part of my life.
It took some time to find my next path, but I finally made it to the start of my next journey. I taught at Hot Yoga Queensbury for several years before the conversation of purchasing the amazing space came up. It made me realize I wanted to make movement my full-time job. The Queensbury/Glens Falls area is thriving, and is so lovely and full of community. I am excited to be a part of it.
On Lake Life
My husband and I bought the family home in Huletts where we have lived together for 10 years. Living on the lake is such a gift and we never take it for granted. We love spending our free time on and in the water during the summer. We also love biking, which is a newer hobby that we discovered during COVID. When we’re not on the water, you can find us biking, hiking or wandering Glens Falls looking for a drink and a snack. There is so much happening and it is exciting to see.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
There are so many versions of the perfect Glens Falls day. It really depends on the season. Let’s go with the perfect Glens Falls summer day. I would start out with taking or teaching Yoga or Pilates at Hot Yoga Queensbury with Jon. Then we’d head on down to Kru Coffee to get my oat milk with honey lavender matcha, the Big BLT for Jon and the Spicy Vegetarian for myself.
After finishing that up we’d walk down to the Farmers’ Market to get some fresh local goods from all of the amazing farmers in the area. Then we’d head on over to Crandall Library to get a new book to read for the week and see what event might be going on in the park. Afterwards, we’d stroll to Minky Mink to treat myself to a new outfit or piece of jewelry.
In the afternoon we’d meet up with some yoga buddies and take the bikes on the bike path to enjoy the sunshine and local views. Once we had our fill of the Adirondack sunshine, we’d pack up the bikes and head to Park & Elm for one of Ethan’s famous cocktail creations. Then we’d go to Farmacy for dinner, ending with the most delicious donut dessert. After having our fill of food and beverages, finding some local music would round off my version of a perfect Glens Falls summer day.
On the Past
The communities I grew up in were always so small and loving but didn’t have much going on and you had to drive for hours to get to anything. Small businesses are the foundation of any community and I like when they create the back bone of a neighborhood like they do here.
On the Future
I feel like the future of Glens Falls is bright and exciting. What else can you add to Glens Falls? Besides more people to enjoy it with, more music and arts festivals would be amazing. It would also be lovely to see a local book store so I can add to my cookbook collection.
