The Weekender: May 3 - 5

Happy Thursday! We’re weekend ready and it’s going to be a great one! Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, and hopefully some good old fashioned relaxing on the back porch (60s this weekend!). Here’s what we’re hoping to squeeze in:

Have a great weekend!
Bri and Tom

P.S. If you’re looking for a Sunday drive, how ‘bout a ride out to Granville? See some of our recommendations here.

End of the Line for Mile Track

There was a hint of grief in The Post-Star report on Nov. 21, 1919, that work would begin that day on demolition of the barns and grand stand at the old Mile Track on Upper Coolidge Avenue, between Dixon Road and Sherman Avenue, in Glens Falls. “The passing of the Mile Track will bring many memories … to sporting men in this section and in fact the whole country.”

The old One-Mile Track at Broadacres, west of Kensington Road in Glens Falls, where harness racing was held in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Photo courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

In its heyday, it was known outside Glens Falls in the harness racing world as the “Billiard Table Track,” for its smooth surface and speed. “The horses whose feet graced the track were the very peers of their species in this form of sport.”

Sixty-seven trotting horses set records at the track, “universally considered to be the fastest one-mile track in existence,” according to the 1908 book “Glens Falls – The Empire City.”

In 1897 – 1901, the Mile Track was a stop on the Grand Circuit of racing, putting Glens Falls in an elite league of cities that included Detroit, Cleveland, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Buffalo and the Bronx.

There was excitement when George Finch, president of the Northern New York Horse Breeders Association, received a letter that Glens Falls would be accepted into the Grand Circuit, provided necessary purses could be raised.

“A grand circuit meeting would bring a great crowd of money spenders to Glens Falls, and the town would be benefited financially,” The Morning Star reported on Feb. 10, 1897. “There is every reason to believe that the breeder’s association would also realize a handsome profit from the venture.”

Anticipation turned to reality and 335 horses were entered in the debut meet Aug. 17-20, 1897.

“Promptly at two o’clock starter Frank Walker of Chicago will ring up the horses for the opening event,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 17, 1897.

Admission was $1 for “gentlemen” and 50 cents for “ladies.”

By 1901, the meet was losing momentum, and in 1902 local organizers pulled the plug when the Glens Falls meet was moved on the schedule from August to mid-September, coinciding with another prominent meet at the Empire Track in New York City.

Local organizers feared they would not be able to draw enough entries for the local meet to be feasible.

“This news will be received with extreme regret in town, since there was no one thing which advertised this place more extremely than the annual circuit meeting. It brought visitors from the length and breadth of the country,” The Morning Star reported on May 20, 1902. The track was not used and fell into disrepair. A Post-Star editorial on June 11, 1918 urged the community to brainstorm to come up with a new use for the Mile Track.

“Glens Falls, noted for its civic pride, ought not to allow these grounds and grandstand to fall into decay,” the editorial stated. “Grand Circuit racing may never return here, but this track would make an ideal place for athletic events of school or municipal nature.”

The grandstand was still structurally sound, and with a little work could be put back in good condition.

“Too many of us are prone to forget, as we dream of the glories of some bygone days, what it is possible to do in the present. … Glens Falls should find some way to save them for the use of the younger generation.”

But a way was not found, and the barns and grand stand were demolished, and the land eventually redeveloped for housing.

All that is left are antiquated newspaper reports of trotting horse John R. Gentry setting a world record and of M.J. Cassidy of Colorado, a man with no arms or hands, driving trotting horse Raymond M.

“Other famous horses of the day that won great laurels and who will go down in history of trackdom as among greatest of the great and who competed at the old Mile Track are Star Pointer, Royal R. Sheldon, Indiana, Bingin and many other too numerous to mention,” The Post-Star reported on Nov. 21, 1919.

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

My Glens Falls: Cristina Laubenheimer

This week, we’re chatting with Cristina Laubenheimer! If you’ve ever popped into Juicin’ Jar, you’re sure to recognize her. We were so happy to get to know her better, including where you’re likely to find her on a free Saturday morning, her go-to dinner spot, and her dream for a future home.

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! My name is Cristina Laubenheimer. I am the owner and operator of Juicin' Jar. I live in Queensbury with my fiancé Daniel (we recently got engaged on Christmas last year!). We live with our dog Riley and our two kitties Rosie and Ralphie. I love all types of food and enjoy making dinner for friends and family. Most of my free time is spent working on projects with my fiancé, getting outside, or making a meal and watching a good movie!  

On Life in Glens Falls

I am not originally from this area. My parents were born and raised in Long Island which is where I was born. We moved up here to the Ballston Lake area originally. We moved around a lot as kids and I ended up graduating from Schuylerville High School. My mom bought her house in South Glens Falls 10 years ago, where we planted our roots in the area.

I attended Adirondack Community College (now SUNY Adirondack) and transferred to the Paul Smith's ACE program where I studied hotel restaurant tourism management. Over the last ten years I have worked a lot in the area and met a lot of people throughout the years of moving around and through college.

My family is small but we all have found our home in this beautiful area. My oldest sister is now married and recently had our niece Eleana and my sister Nicole and I have been running the Juicin' Jar together for the past four years. My mom works for Glens Falls Hospital. My fiancé Daniel has a large family and was born and raised in Queensbury. We rent an apartment in Queensbury but are working and saving towards owning our own home, hopefully with some land where we can have horses and a small farm.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is the local small town charm. Each building, business owner, and street has so much character and charm. There are so many great places and events that happen. Summer is my favorite time of year with so many local events like Take a Bite, GemFest, and Wingfest. I’m sure people know, but the local community that makes up this city are very giving and involved people. There are many of us who support and see the full potential this city has and what it will become.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

If I'm not at the Juicin' Jar (let's be honest, most of my time is spent there which truly does bring me joy to make people happy with delicious food!), my ideal day would be to wake up on a Saturday and go to the Glens Falls Farmers Market and pick up fresh produce and flowers. I’d make my way to a yoga class at Yoga Kayla where my sister Nicole is now an instructor! Or a restorative Yin Yoga Class at the Adirondack Salt Cave. My new favorite dinner spot is the Seasoned Restaurant that holds the culinary program for SUNY Adirondack. I love the gelato at the Lake George Olive Oil Co. For a special occasion, I will find the perfect dress at Minky Mink or any accessories or handbag at Finders Keepers Consignment. When I’m shopping for someone, I love Milk & Honey as they have the cutest baby clothes, nice trendy jewelry, and best smelling soaps and candles! Twice a year, Crandall Library hosts their book sale and you will find me there with three bags of gently used books! I am looking forward to trying the new restaurant [farmacy]!

On the Past

My favorite Glens Falls memory is the day we moved our business from South Street to Exchange Street. We had been on the search for the perfect spot for our business and from the kitchen to the outside patio, it has the charm that fits us perfectly. I have loved to see the changes that the perfect location makes for a business. I can hear my college business professor saying "location, location , location".

…And On The Future

I would love to see a larger parking area for the community! That is the number one thing I think tourists and the community need to be able to enjoy our beautiful city even more!

Thanks so much, Cristina!

P.S. Check out our other recent My Glens Falls features here.

Road Trip: Granville, NY

Have you taken a ride out to Granville lately? We went on a little day trip this weekend, and we can’t sing it’s praises enough. From the farms to the food to the friendly people, it’ll definitely be in heavy rotation for our Sunday drives this summer (especially since it’s only about 30 minutes from Glens Falls!). Read on for some favorites from our trip:

Dancing Ewe Farm

EAT + DRINK


Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House: We’ve been to Rathbun’s a few times during Maple Weekend, but we were never lucky enough to snag a table for breakfast during that busy season. Lucky for all of us, they’re open year round (!!) and we were so happy to cozy up in a booth for pancakes and french toast (…and eggs…and home fries…). It’s comfort food at it’s best, and you just can’t beat their maple syrup.

Edwards Market: I’m all about having a “second breakfast” on the weekend, but since we were pretty full from Rathbun’s, we settled on grabbing some sweets for the ride home. We spotted Edwards Market as we rolled through town, and loved the vintage inspired signage and of course, the mural on the side of the building. The charm continued inside, where we grabbed a few cookies for the road, and even got to try a sample of the danish - still warm and so good! Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu next trip, as well as their restaurant next door - West Main Grille!

Slate Town Brewing Company: We’ve heard such great things about Slate Town, and we couldn’t wait to check it out. The space has a super cool, casual vibe (we always love a great vintage rug and furniture), and of course, fantastic beer (two thumbs up from Tom for their Equinox IPA!). For those of us non-beer drinkers, they’ve got a great menu of local wines and hard ciders as well. And bonus - regular live music and food trucks, too!

SEE + DO

Dancing Ewe Farm: We lucked out with it being Fiber Tour weekend, and we loved visiting the sweet sheep (the adorable little lambs had us dreaming about buying our own farm!). They host lunch and dinner events throughout the year in the main barn, and we’re excited to make reservations for a dinner this summer - it looks like a dream!

Hicks Orchard + Slyboro Ciderhouse: Hicks is always a favorite for us in the fall, but we’ve been thrilled to see that they’ve been open here and there through the winter and spring! The Maple Glazed Cider Donuts that they’ve been serving up this season are to die for (we took half a dozen home!), and it’s always a must to visit (and feed!) the goats. Don’t leave without a cider tasting at Slyboro - or grabbing some to take home!

SHOP

Second Chance Barn: One of our favorites for vintage decor, we always love heading out to the barn to see what’s new. They’ve got a great (and always rotating!) selection of antiques, vintage furniture, old windows and doors, and basically everything you didn’t know you needed, but now you do. From vintage baskets in the summer to old sleds in the winter, we always seem to find something to bring home and give a “second chance”.

On our list for next trip: Shopping at The Gold Trout, and visits to the Slate Valley Museum and the Pember Library.

Until next time, Granville! We’d love to hear your Granville area favorites below!

P.S. If you’d like to keep up with future Glens Falls Living stories, we’d love to have you along for the ride! Sign up for our once a week email newsletter by entering your email address below.

The Weekender: April 26 - 28

Happy Thursday! How’s your week been? We’ve been savoring these sunny warm days with long walks and spending our afternoons working on the back porch. We’re crossing our fingers for more sunshine this weekend, because there’s lots going on! Here’s a few things to keep you busy:

Have a great weekend!
Bri and Tom

P.S. In case you missed it, the first featured wedding in our Celebrations series.

Just Married: George + Bethany Carpenter

We’re so excited to kick off our Celebrations section with a gorgeous wedding that took place downtown last spring. Read on to find out about the sweet proposal (loved this idea!), the beautiful venue they chose, and the one piece of advice they have for you if you’re planning your wedding!

Photography by Mindy LaVine

THE COUPLE - George and Bethany Carpenter

Tell us about yourselves!

George has been a Warren County Sheriff for the past 10 years. I am a 4th grade teacher at Big Cross Elementary school in Glens Falls. We just welcomed a baby boy named Paxton Thomas on March 23, 2019.

Where did you meet?

George and I met playing co-ed softball 5 years ago. We were on opposite teams and eventually became friends which turned into a relationship.

What do you two like to do together?

We like to play softball, go to hockey games, hang out with friends, play outside yard games and spend time with our new child.

What do you admire about each other?

I admire George's work ethic and kind heart. He is willing to help anyone out that asks for a favor. He is very loving and an amazing father. George admires my athleticism and great personality. He also likes the fact that I work with children and my patience.

THE PROPOSAL

We’d love to hear about the proposal!

George proposed to me on Easter in 2018. He set up an Easter egg hunt in our house and inside one of the eggs was a note that asked me to marry him. I was surprised but also had a feeling he was doing it that way because he isn't the best at keeping secrets.

The ring is absolutely beautiful. It was purchased from a friend who bought it through an estate. It originally had a diamond in the middle and a halo around the center diamond. George had it customized and took the diamonds from the halo to place around the band of the ring.

THE WEDDING - June 9, 2018

What was your favorite part (and/or the most challenging part) of the planning process?

Our favorite part of the planning process was being able to see our ideas come together. Every time we made a decision, it made the process even more exciting. The most challenging part was keeping the guest list under a certain amount. We have many friends but had to cut back due to the venue size.

What was the setting for your wedding?

The wedding was at The Queensbury Hotel. It was everything we could have hoped for. The food and staff were outstanding. We would recommend the venue to anyone who is thinking about getting married in the area. All of the new upgrades to the hotel made the venue very modern and beautiful.

What made you choose Glens Falls as the location for your wedding?

We wanted to stay close to home so that everyone that lived in the area could attend. We also love the look of downtown Glens Falls which is where we did most of our wedding pictures.

What was your color palette and style for the occasion?

The colors were blush, ivory and gold. The groom and groomsmen wore blue suits with pink ties. We wanted to keep the colors light and spring colors.

My gown was mermaid style and covered in lace. It had a blush layer underneath the lace to give it a little pop of pink. The bridesmaids dresses were blush as well and they were able to choose any floor length dress they liked. The flowers were pink and white roses with a lot of greenery. We wanted to keep the cake simple so it was ivory with roses and greenery as well. My mother, sister, and I made all of the center pieces. We had half of the tables with lanterns and the other half were tall vases with branches and roses.

How about your favorite moments from the day?

Our favorite moment of the wedding day was seeing each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle. We also enjoyed riding in the trolley after the wedding. We did not want the traditional limousine and had so much fun with the bridal party in the trolley. We also enjoyed taking pictures in downtown Glens Falls and in the middle of Glen Street.

And finally, one piece of advice for a bride-and-groom-to-be?

Our piece of advice for brides and grooms is to make sure that the day is about them and to take deep breaths throughout the day to reflect on what is going on. Like everyone says, the day flies by and it is important to step back for a moment and to take everything in.

Vendor Credits

Venue: The Queensbury Hotel
Food/Catering: The Queensbury Hotel
Cake: Gambles
Gown: Lily Saratoga
Hair: Brene Choppa
Makeup: Linette Cerrone
Photographer: Mindy LaVine (518-232-6395)
Florals: Adirondack Flower
DJ / Band: Cool Cat Entertainment
Ring Designer: Louis Jewelers
Transportation: Advantage Transit Group
Photo Booth: Queensbury Photo Booth

We’re looking forward to sharing the stories of engaged and newly married couples, births, milestone birthdays, retirements, and more.

Have a celebration to share? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us here.

My Glens Falls: Steph Rollo

This week, we’re chatting with Steph Rollo! As a registered nurse at Glens Falls Hospital for over 20 years, she’s seen quite the transformation in Glens Falls through that time! We were excited to find out what she loves about her job, how she hits reset after work, and the downtown shops she wishes would re-open.

Steph Rollo outside Glens Falls Hospital

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Steph Rollo and I have worked as a registered nurse at Glens Falls Hospital (GFH) for almost 21 years. I am a certified gastroenterology nurse (CGRN) and I am very active in our shared leadership structure at GFH. I love what I do. I go into work each day with a smile.

Being a nurse allows me to care for and interact with our community members. They are our neighbors, friends and families. I want to help take the best possible care of them. That can be in preventative medicine such as educating people about colon cancer prevention, for example. It can be helping to care for those who need treatment for existing health issues, actively participating in their procedures and recovery, as well as providing follow-up care.

Our mission statement at GFH is to improve the health of people in our region by providing access to exceptional, affordable, and patient-centered care every day and in every setting. As a nurse, I have had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the teamwork, pride, and genuine care that goes into what we do. I know the level of commitment that our nurses have for the care that we provide to our community and I am happy to be a part of that team.

It's pretty awesome when your work is also your passion. I’m very blessed to be able to do what I love.  

On Life in Glens Falls

I don’t live in Glens Falls, but I have lived in the area my whole life. I went to school in Lake George but Glens Falls is definitely my second home. More specifically, I guess the hospital is like my second home. Most of my family lives in the area as well.

I stay in this area because I genuinely love it and the sense of community that we have here. People go above and beyond to help each other. One of my close friends was new to the area and after running into several friends and people that I knew she asked me if there was anyone that I didn’t know. I don’t think that I have ever met a stranger and I can thank my parents for that. I love getting to know people and their “stories.” I’m fascinated by people. I love books and the stories within their pages, but nothing compares to real-life narrations and the richness of hearing people tell their stories. Thankfully, my profession provides me with countless opportunities to meet people.

I’ve seen such a positive transformation in Glens Falls over the last 15 years or so. There has been so much growth and new businesses seem to open up all of the time. Realtors and developers are recognizing the potential of Glens Falls.

I love the four seasons and the countless community activities that happen throughout the entire year here. The Wood Theater and The Park Theater are two great places to catch some live entertainment. Our area has been on the sports map for a long time with major teams considering our area as conducive to the development of their young players. Our family used to have season tickets to the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, The Adirondack Red Wings. Many hockey players that were on their way up passed through our arena. As a result, many of the prominent athletes who spent time in our area, made it their home. When people come here, they stay here.

For me, this area will always read as home on my GPS.

While I do not own a home in Glens Falls, I have always admired and appreciated the vintage architecture, character and true hometown feeling that it has to offer. The buildings and homes each tell a story and add to the richness of our community. I love seeing people invest in older homes and renovate them to make them new again, while maintaining their character, heritage and history.

Glens Falls has a way of making you feel welcome and feel as if you are a part of things. I love that it is family-friendly and safe. I see our officers and rescue workers out and about daily making sure of it.

If you drive through town, you’ll see families spending time together, walkers and joggers, cyclists, and people with their dogs. We live in a very active area with plenty of fitness opportunities. We have area parks & recreation, The Adirondack Balloon Festival, concerts, Take a Bite, Taste of the North Country, the LARAC arts festival, the Glens Falls Symphony, vintage car shows, and so much more to enjoy. These are just some of the community events and activities that foster community connections. There is just always something to do.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Glens Falls and our surrounding areas have such a uniquely strong sense of community. We rally around each other and support each other like no other place that I have seen. That’s my favorite thing about our area. When there is a time of need, people just lock arms and support each other. When we have local school activities and sporting events you will see family members, townspeople and local businesses all take part in the festivities.

Glens Falls is a town of traditions. One of my favorite annual events is the South High Marathon Dance. If you want to feel a palpable community pulse you cannot miss the way everyone pulls together to help local people, families and charities. Millions of dollars are raised by school kids, our community and the awesome businesses who contribute as well. That money stays in our community helping area people in need.

One hidden gem might be the Warren County Bikeway which offers over 18 miles of fun between Lake George and Glens Falls. It’s just another area activity that gets you outside and doesn’t cost you a penny to enjoy. That said though, I always tell people that mental health and physical health go hand in hand. So, go ahead and treat yourself to a little ice cream at one of shops while you’re at it.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect day is usually one where I can hit the reset button, so to speak. I just like to take time to recharge and maybe do a little people watching while enjoying a hot tea or a latte.  My husband and I might take a wander through the Shirt Factory to check out local crafts, baked goods, food trucks and activities. Then, I would probably stop at a garden center (who am I kidding? …   probably a few) and grab-up some plants, trees and gardening supplies. I love spending time in my yard.

I always enjoy being home, sitting by a fire in my back yard, soaking up the sounds of nature. I like to watch my dogs play and spend time with family. My time is spent enjoying the natural attributes of the area. The beauty is that you don’t have to spend money to enjoy yourself here.

On the Past

Some of my favorite memories of Glens Falls center around the Adirondack Red Wings games and time with my family. Nights at the Civic Center brought people out no matter what the winter weather was.

As for favorite stores that I would like to see brought back, I really miss Downtown Charm and Muddy Boots Decor. They had some really cool vintage finds, chalk paint supplies and Pinterest classes with chocolate, wine and paint. I used to go there after work, with friends. The girls at the shops were always so much fun, too. If they announced that they were reopening, I could guarantee that I’d be right there to see it happen… and to get first dibs!

…And On the Future

I really think that our area is the package deal. The beauty of our region speaks for itself and there is so much to do. We have so many great restaurants, parks, bike paths, strong school systems, great local sports, and a fantastic library. I’m all for anything that promotes family time and strengthens our community.

I suppose if I could wave a magic wand the only thing that I’d ask for would be more time to enjoy what we already have.

Thanks so much, Steph! We could go for more time to enjoy what this area has to offer, too.

P.S. Check out our other recent My Glens Falls features here.

First Look: The Exchange

We know we weren’t the only ones who were bummed when we heard the news that Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe downtown would be closing, and we definitely weren’t the only ones who were all the more excited when we learned that the cafe would live on under new ownership as The Exchange! After seeing the (super cute) new logo go up on the windows a couple weeks back, we couldn’t wait to pop in and see what was new.

We got to chat with the new owners, Sara and Chris Patten, and learned that Rock Hill had always been a favorite lunch spot for them. In fact, Sara had always wanted to open a cafe, but found it hard to justify since she would have just rather gone to Rock Hill to eat! :) We love that they kept the menu choices (and staff!) that made everyone love Rock Hill, while adding their own special touch. Sara’s love for cooking was easy to see, and she’s proud to offer a menu with a focus on fresh, quality food that makes you feel good (case in point: so many great salads and new dressings!).

The space is still cozy and welcoming, with new windows, updated decor, and fresh flowers adding a light and bright feel. And while the stage is gone (making room for some more seating!), it was fun to see that they kept the floor boards as decor for the wall! We hear they have even more renovations in store next year, and we can’t wait to see the changes they continue to make to the space.

So - the food! We grabbed a sunny table next to the window and quickly ordered the yogurt parfait (with honey, fruit, and local granola - so good!). I had to get the Rise and Shine Toast after seeing a photo of it on their Instagram (a drizzle of olive oil, hummus, avocado, tomato and an over easy egg on toast) - and it was everything I hoped for and more. Tom got the Veggie Breakfast Panini, and we spent the next 5 minutes passing it back and forth, fighting over who got the last bite (you can’t beat that perfectly toasted bread!). We couldn’t leave without sampling the soups (with a soup sampler, of course!), and the rumors are true - they are the best. Our favorite was the Broccoli Cheddar Tomato (we went back for more the next day!), but the Curried Cauliflower was amazing and for the meat eaters out there, the Buffalo Chicken smelled awesome. Also, they do catering and takeout. Backyard picnic anyone? Yes, please!

See you at The Exchange! We’ll be the ones eating all the soup. Oh! And they’re going to be open on Saturdays starting April 29 (in addition to Monday - Friday) - a new weekend brunch spot!

Sara Patten outside The Exchange Cafe

P.S. In case you missed it, a First Look at another new downtown restaurant - [farmacy].

The Weekender: April 19 - 21

Spring in the city - finally! Buds on the trees, tulips sprouting up, patios and porches opening downtown. There’s just an energy about the city in the springtime that we love, and we’re so happy it’s here.

This Easter weekend, we’re planning on potting some pansies for the porch, and spending lots of time with family. Here’s what’s doin’:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. In case you missed it, a go-to dessert recipe just in time for the weekend.

Recipe Swap: Coconut Creme Pie

When it comes to dessert, we’re huge fans of pie. And while we’ve (okay, mostly just Bri) mastered a great berry and apple pie, we’ve yet to find a winning recipe that will satisfy our pie craving when those aren’t in season. Looks like that’s all about to change! We’re thrilled to have our friend and neighbor Jen Gohn (who has her own blog called Pershing Road, by the way!) share her go-to Easter dessert recipe - Coconut Creme Pie!

Tell us about yourself, Jen!

I am a wife and mom to three amazing kids, two in college and one still at home. I live to care for my family and make our house a home. My husband and I were born and raised here in Glens Falls. We moved away and lived in Seattle for awhile many years ago but moved back right before our oldest child was born, having realized we didn’t want to raise our children anywhere else but Glens Falls! There’s nothing like the small town community living that we are blessed to have here!

The Recipe…

This Coconut Creme Pie recipe is one that I have been making for more years than I can count! I honestly have no idea where I got it from. I make it every year for Easter, and everyone loves it so much they have been convincing me to make it at Christmas also! Usually when I make it my girls stay close by and sample the filling, whipped cream and toasted coconut topping.

I think that this is a fairly simple pie to make, but I also bake all the time. Some people are intimidated by making a custard, as you have to be careful to temper the eggs so they don’t become scrambled! It’s really very easy to do! You bake the crust on its own, prepare and cool the custard, make the whipped cream, and then assemble everything when cooled. I only make Martha Stewart’s Sweet Pie Crust for all of my pies, but you could certainly use a store bought crust and cut the prep time way down!

Coconut Creme Pie

3/4 C sugar

3 eggs

2 egg yolks

4 1/2 Tbsp flour

3/4 C milk

3/4 C coconut milk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp coconut extract

1 1/2 C sweetened flaked coconut

Topping:

2 C whipping cream

3 Tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp coconut extract

3/4 C sweetened flaked coconut

1 pie crust, baked

Whisk together first four ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Heat two milks in a saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges. Slowly add to egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Put combined mixture back into the saucepan and whisk constantly until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Stir in the extracts and coconut. Cover with plastic wrap placed right on top of the custard mixture so a ’skin’ does not form and let cool completely. Once cooled, spoon into prepared crust; cover and chill eight hours or more.

Whip the cream, coconut extract and sugar together to your preferred consistency. Fold in coconut and top the chilled pie before serving. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with toasted coconut.

And a few lightning round questions…

A favorite cookbook?

I love all of Barefoot Contessa’s cookbooks and I also love The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

A must have item in your kitchen?

Couldn’t live without my Kitchen Aid stand mixer or my Le Creuset Dutch Oven!

A favorite local spot for sweets when you don’t feel like baking?

Gambles Bakery mini danish and crumb cake are a family fave. Silo donuts, Sweets by Marisa’s Cupcakes, and Lake George Baking Company, too!

Thanks so much, Jen!

P.S. Another favorite from our recipe swap - blueberry crumb cake.

Have a recipe of your own you’d like to share, or a cookbook favorite that’s too good to keep to yourself? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Send us a note here or email us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

My Glens Falls: Ray Fisher

This week, we’re excited to chat with Ray Fisher! We first connected with Ray after discovering his Instagram account, where he shares his beautiful photos of Downtown Glens Falls. We were thrilled to learn a bit more about him, including his favorite spot for ice cream, and the one place he’d love to photograph a sunrise from.

Photo courtesy of Ray Fisher.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Ray Fisher, a photographer and dad to 3 amazing little girls and a baby boy.

On Life in Glens Falls

I've lived here most of my life, except when I was very young and a 2 year hiatus in Florida.

I came back to Glens Falls because I've lived here so long that a lot of my friends still live up here, not that I didn't make great friends in Florida (miss you guys). but friends are one of the most important things to me and I've been lucky to have some great ones. 

I stayed in Glens Falls because I fell for my wife (I knew her a long time before that, but we both grew up) and we had our first munchkin. My family is my entire world and everything I do now is to hopefully create things they can be proud of.

We rent a house in the city, just makes more financial sense right now. And honestly, I just love that my neighborhood has a park within walking distance - it really helps keep the kids busy in the summer.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls has to be the aesthetic. I'm a visual person and just the fact that I can walk down the street and see an old Gothic church, walk a few blocks and see some old buildings with old iron fire escapes, old houses with their own personality, go walk around an old cemetery, and then walk around the woods (I know Cole's Woods is technically Queensbury but eh I still walk them).

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Honestly, my perfect day in Glens Falls would probably be waking up super early, going out and getting some nice sunrise shots hopefully from someplace elevated (I've been wanting to get on top of the Traveler's Building forever). Then come home, wake up my kids, go outside and let them play for a while. Then we all go get ice cream at Cooper’s Cave because I am a sucker for mixing all those soft serve flavors. Then take ‘em all to the movies assuming something we want to see is playing. Then after we tuck them in, leave the kids with grandma and go take some night portraits of my wife out and around town. Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good day.

Photo courtesy of Ray Fisher.

On The Past

I have a loooooot of memories of Glens Falls, but one of the best has to be when I was around 11, my mother used to work at East Field when the Lumberjacks still played here. She would bring me to work, so I got to watch the teams warm up, plus I would always walk around under the bleachers looking for foul balls (I found like 30). Then one day just to put the icing on the cake, I won a raffle they had to win a ball autographed by the entire team! I know it wasn't any big team or anything, but it was great. 

As for a favorite store I miss two things - the first is Jolly John’s, my mom used to take me down there to get fried clams like once or twice a month. I walk by the building everyday, and it still brings back memories. The second is the original spot for Dirty John's (New Way Lunch) - not that the new spot isn't great, I still eat there like all the time, it's just nostalgia.

…And on The Future

As for the future, honestly if I could bring one thing to Glens Falls, it would be one giant creative space for every creative mind we have in this area to get together, talk, collaborate, create, and just be around other creatives. All for free (or at least affordable enough for everyone) with spaces and equipment for photographers, videographers, artists, musicians, and any creative project to just be able to come together and work on creating. We are lucky to live in an area with as much artistic support that we have, but there are still some barriers that are difficult for some people to overcome - musicians have a hard time finding a space to practice, high school students can't afford studio space, that kind of thing. I just want to take the starving out of starving artist.

Honestly, this area is just a great place to raise a family - no hurricanes, no tornadoes, lots of snow, beautiful lakes and mountains within driving distance. As a photographer, I am very lucky that I live here, but as a father I feel pretty good about sticking around.

Thanks so much, Ray, and congratulations to you and your family on your new baby boy!

See more of Ray’s work here.

P.S. Check out last week’s My Glens Falls with Sarah Mosher here.

Balance and Beauty

Balance. Work and family. Spouse and children and parents. Time and money. We spend a tremendous amount of time trying to balance them all on the scales of life. Do we ever feel there is a thumb on the scales? A thumb applying pressure that perpetuates imbalance? Maybe it’s the same thumb we use to unlock our phone. Maybe, just maybe, we can’t find our balance because we are so incredibly wired in, so cyber-connected that the scales are always skewed towards some other thing that our devices tell us to go to, be at, take care of (….you are reading this online, aren’t you?).

We do need to spend some of our lives online; our world is simply put together that way. But shouldn’t there be a life balance waiting to be struck between wired and real? To find that balance sometimes we need to truly disconnect. Not think about it, not just want to (but need to keep my phone with me), nor maybe tomorrow I will, nor it-might-be–nice-to-do-but-only–right-after-I-finish-reading-these–next-few-posts. We need to disconnect in order to balance; to truly connect with our world - eye to eye, spoken word to word, breath to breath. To be where things live.

That balance can be struck a step out our door. We live here, in a magical place where we are always five minutes away from deep quiet, from a calming breeze brushing our cheek, from the snap of a twig underfoot. The place where our whispered voice gets a response not from Alexa, but from a cardinal or an owl. Where we can then head indoors and, alone in front of “Christ with Folded Arms”, examine every brushstroke as if standing next to the artist himself and see some minute exquisiteness our screens would hide from us. Connected then to Rembrandt (!), just you and he, in a way that Instagram only pretends we can. Or yes, we can hear Bach as Bach heard it, pouring out from the breath and emotions of a musician in cascades of real humanness, sharing a sublime something drawn from a lifetime of diligence and understanding.

These things are so good, so indispensable to us because they are taken in live and are alive. The woods, the lake, the art and the music grow and change in front of us and we are part of that growing and changing. It is a world in which we have a part to play. Our part is to live in this world; one very real and very present.

So, go ahead, tap ‘shut down’. And go find real. This informative and lovely site will still be here when you come back. But it will be a much better read for you having found your balance.

Having served as the Music Director of the Glens Falls Symphony since 2000, Charles Peltz is a proud resident of our vibrant Glens Falls community.  Dividing his time between Glens Falls and Boston, where he is Director of Wind Ensembles at the New England Conservatory of Music, Maestro Peltz brings to Glens Falls a wealth of musical expertise.

Join The Glens Falls Symphony on May 5 at 4pm for the close of their 2018-19 season with Bernstein's evocative "Chichester Psalms, followed by the season's spectacular Grand Finale, Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 9. More information and tickets here.

The Weekender | April 12 - 14

Hey there! Happy (almost) Friday! What are you all up to this weekend?

It’s supposed to be 70 on Saturday, and a ride in the ol’ Wagoneer is definitely in order (if we can get it to start!). That, and the raking that we never finished up last weekend. Here’s what we’re hoping to get to after we power through that yard work…

Have a great weekend!

Bri and Tom

P.S. In case you missed it, a new date night spot downtown.

My Glens Falls: Sarah Mosher

This week, we’re chatting with Sarah Mosher! If you’ve ever been to Morgan and Company, you’re sure to recognize her smiling face. We were so happy to have the opportunity to get to know her a bit better, including where she grew up, what brought her here, and all of the sweet reasons why she’s so happy to call Glens Falls home now. Fair warning, her answers might just make you fall in love with our city even more…

Sarah Mosher outside Morgan and Company in Glens Falls

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Sarah Mosher, a server at Morgan and Company Restaurant. My husband is Michael, he's a manager at the Queensbury 99 Restaurant. We have three dogs that I'm mildly obsessed with: two pomeranians (JoJo and Nora) and a corgi mix (Sawyer).

I grew up in Hilton, a village outside of Rochester, New York. My sister, Emily lives close in Albany (she also attended SUNY Albany), the rest of my family still resides in western NY.  My father and sisters visit here in the summer, it's always nice showing them what's new and exploring the area with them.

One of my favorite things about my job is chatting with people who are passing through or visiting. I love hearing newcomers rave about how much they enjoy our little city. I also love the familiar faces of the regulars who brighten a shift when they come in. Working outside in the warmer months is wonderful, the view of City Park and the gazebo are a treat. I work with a good crew, that are more friends than just coworkers. Ever since I started working there I felt more connected to the community of Glens Falls, it's a nice feeling.

On Life in Glens Falls

I am a transplant to the city.  After finishing college at SUNY Albany, my roommate and I moved here because we got summer jobs in Lake George. Apartments were hard to come by in LG, so we decided to look in Glens Falls. We thought it would be fun to work the summer then move on to a new adventure. After the summer had ended, I had fallen in love with the area, its hometown feel, and I decided to stay. It was the perfect balance of urban and rural to me - I can walk to shops and restaurants, yet a hike in the mountains surrounded by wilderness is a quick drive away. That was back in 2005 and since then this has been my home.

Admittedly, I had never heard of Glens Falls until moving here, but my mother had. She was a labor and delivery nurse and the first hospital she had worked at, Genessee Hospital in Rochester, had modeled its birthing unit after the Glens Falls Hospital's. I wouldn't be surprised if I were to learn she had snuck away to the hospital during one of my family's visits to ask for a tour of their snuggery and chat with fellow nurses.

Michael and I bought a house on Vanderheyden Street about two years ago. It's around the corner from the house on William Street where he grew up and his mother still resides at. I have a great mother in law, it's nice to live so close to her since most of my family lives hours away. Some of our neighbors have lived here since Michael was a kid, so he already knew them. He even has a memory of trick or treating as a kid at the house we now own, at the time 3 elderly woman lived there and handed out homemade cookies for Halloween treats.   

I am in love with our home. We've been doing projects to put our own stamp on it. It's fun realizing we're both more handy than we thought we were. Michael was delighted to learn he's good at fixing a leaking toilet. We just put in a new window in our upstairs hall so now we're painting a new color. Of course that has now led to new carpet for the stairs. There's always a new project lurking, we really enjoy making our house our home.

I love to garden and our yard was a blank canvas. My favorite thing in summer is tending to my vegetable garden, mowing the lawn, adding new perennials to the landscape.

In the warmer weather I take the dogs for long morning walks through our neighborhood. I know most people by their dogs - there is a Newfoundland named Oliver on Hunter Street that always has a lot to bark about. His owner and I usually exchange pleasantries while shouting over the canine conversation between our pups.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

There's a lot I love about the city of Glens Falls. Early summer Saturday mornings at the farmers market or spending a snowy day stocking up on books to read at Crandall Library. Picking up a Chronicle to read during morning coffee is a weekly habit of mine. I enjoy the festivals - LARAC, Taste of the North Country, and the car show downtown during the Balloon Festival. It's nice when downtown is bustling with a good vibe.  

I appreciate the location of Glens Falls. There's all sorts of opportunities for a good day trip.  Recently we went to MASS MoCA, a fantastically fun art museum in Massachusetts. This past fall, we ventured to the Grafton Peace Pagoda - a beautiful serene structure in the middle of the woods. Both trips took us through country roads with gorgeous views, covered bridges, passing through villages and rolling farmland on the way.

The community garden by Rite Aid always has gorgeous sunflowers that bloom near the end of summer. I drive by it on my way to work and love when the sunflowers have matured to their towering size and glory. It is awesome that the empty lawn was turned into a space with purpose and beauty.

Last summer a drum circle was popping up here and there in City Park. One afternoon they were playing and I had just finished a brunch shift, so I wandered across the street, sat on a bench enjoying the balmy, sunny, summer day, and listening to their music. It's so neat that a bunch of people can gather with no set song and produce such pretty music.

Sarah Mosher

A Perfect GF Day

A perfect Glens Falls day for me would start at Rock Hill Bakehouse (now The Exchange Cafe) for breakfast. They have a great vegan menu. Maybe pop into Rude Betty or Laura's Vintage, two favorite shops of mine. Rude Betty has a lot of quirky things, and Laura's Vintage has a beautiful collection of clothes and jewelry from the past.  

Then I'd probably take the dogs for a stroll through the trails in Crandall Park. If they mind their manners, I'd probably take them for a doggy ice cream at Coopers Cave.

I would wind down the day with inviting my sister and brother in law, Emily and Casey, up from Albany for hibachi at Mikado. Maybe grab a nightcap at Fenimore's Pub at the Queensbury Hotel, it's super cozy (and in good proximity to work and home).

On the Past

I miss the store Poor Richards Antiques. It was always fun to browse and buy. There was an electroshock therapy machine in there that was creepy and intriguing. Someone actually bought it and I wonder why.

The window displays of Downtown Charm, it was a cute shop.

A nice memory was one snowy night when my husband and I went to Fenimore's and ran into the night manager, Frank. My husband knew him from he had worked at The Queensbury years before. Frank ended up giving us a late night tour of the hotel, mostly for me since Michael had worked there. But we walked through the quiet hotel with our wine while Frank told little anecdotes about various spots in the hotel and took us through "behind the scene" spots. I thought the old mail slot that goes through each floor of the hotel ending in the lobby was super cool.  This was years ago, before they had begun to restore the hotel.

…And on the Future

A bookstore would be a nice addition. Maybe a mixture of new and used books. There was Red Fox Books years ago...

My dream would be to have a Wegmans grocery store open up here. Being from western New York, we have a cult like appreciation for Wegmans. Although thinking of grocery stores, I was sorry to see the Cooper Street Price Chopper close - it was super convenient to pop into. A Trader Joes would be a neat replacement in that empty space

Thanks so much, Sarah! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for that book store :)

P.S. Catch last week’s My Glens Falls with Maura Forcier here.

First Look: [farmacy]

We were so happy to see that [farmacy] opened its doors downtown this week! You might recognize those brackets around the name from sister restaurant, [forged] in Hudson Falls. While we’ve not yet made it to [forged], we’ve heard such great things and couldn’t wait to see AJ and Christina Richards’ newest venture.

Located in the Lapham and Parks building on Ridge, the owners are big fans of history and charm, and we love that they took the time to both preserve and restore the character in the space (which was an old feed store!). Double doors open to the alley on the side, where horse drawn wagons used to pull up to load feed, and we’ve got our fingers crossed that the outdoor seating that’s been proposed for the alley will be approved - would be so much fun this summer!

Back inside, the original hardwood floors and tin ceiling have been preserved, and there are thoughtful touches throughout - from the dinner plates found in antique stores, to the vintage inspired lighting, and vignettes with old books and postcards. There are three great spaces to enjoy - the chef’s table/bar up front where you can watch the food being prepared, a second low-key bar in the center, and a cozy space in the back with bench seating.

And the food! We grabbed a few small plates along with drinks at the bar - the shishito peppers are always a win with us (and these are prepared with brown butter and ginger beer aioli!), and since Tom is a big bread guy, we had to go for the house sourdough with pink butter and himalayan salt - so good! The vegetables though (pictured below) are a work of art and might have been the favorite - the cider poached carrots were perfection. We’re excited to head back again soon to check out the rest of the menu!

Until next time, [farmacy]!

P.S. More things to do here.

The Weekender | April 5 - 7

Happy weekend! We can’t thank you all enough for your support and excitement with the launch of the website this week. We’re looking forward to continuing to develop this space and sharing all the good that’s happening in the city and beyond, and we hope you’ll help us spread the word! Exciting things to come.

Our weather app says temps in the sixties (!!!) this weekend and in addition to raking the yard and getting the back porch ready for the season (finally!), here’s what looks good to us:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Check out five shows you don’t want to miss this month here.

Before + After | Inside a Baker's Beautiful Kitchen

If you love a good before and after as much as we do, you won’t want to miss these photos of Sandy Petracca’s dramatic (and gorgeous!) kitchen transformation. Sandy loves to bake and cook, so function was important. Equally significant, though, was creating a space that felt inviting and true to the period in which the home was built, and we happen to think she nailed it!

Read on to see and hear about her journey from this…

to this!

C’mon inside and enjoy…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a mother of two grown children. Baking their birthday cakes through the years, I fell in love with cake decorating. That love of baking transformed into a career. I became the lead decorator for a well known bakery in Cleveland, The White Flower Cake Shop.

I then moved to Glens Falls in 2015 and fell in love with the area. I purchased an old home and threw myself into some serious DIY, transforming it into my own. Missing the creative process of cake decorating, I decided to start my own business. Juggling both was a challenge and thrilling at the same time. Unexpectedly, I found new love and began the journey of a beautiful relationship. Tony and I continued with passion to create our own special place. A home to share new memories, filled with laughter, good friends, good food and of course, good wine. A home to live life sweetly.

When did you buy your home? What attracted you to it and to your neighborhood?

I purchased my home in Glens Falls in 2015. Glens Falls has a downtown that echoes the charm of yesteryear, with beautiful parks and tree lined streets, sidewalks to stroll, and homes with friendly porches adorned with American Flags. It is the quintessential "Home Town USA." Each home seems to have its own unique personality that tells a story. I wanted to be a part of that story. With the help of my patient realtor, we finally found the perfect little gem built in 1939 with character and charm along with layers of wallpaper and old chipping paint. I realized that much of the house was a simple case of updating the interior using good ol' sweat equity. The house had good bones, except the kitchen which needed a major renovation, and the bathrooms which also needed modernizing. My love of baking and cooking made the kitchen renovation a top priority.

What were your goals when designing and decorating your kitchen?

My home was built in 1939 and I felt I had to maintain the integrity of the time period while also improving the layout of the kitchen. I chose to update the kitchen using items that upheld a vintage feel but also offered the convenience of modernizing the space. I love to cook, bake and entertain with family and friends, so it was imperative to create a kitchen that would act as the heart of my home.

Where did you draw your inspiration from?

Inspiration for the renovation came from numerous sources. I scoured design magazines, Pinterest, and other things that happened to catch my eye.

What’s your favorite thing about your kitchen?

I love my "Blue Star" stove!! I wanted one for many years. Some women dream of diamonds, designer clothes and status cars, but I dream of kitchen appliances and paraphernalia relating to all things kitchen, cooking and entertaining.

Anything you’d do differently?

I would not change anything about my kitchen. The renovation was truly a labor of love and I invested a lot of time in planning to assure I had no regrets.

Do you remember the first thing you cooked or baked once the kitchen was complete?

Meatballs with cheesy polenta.

What advice would you give to someone about to dive into a kitchen renovation?

Although I had done my homework and had a clear vision for my kitchen renovation, I would recommend working with a professional kitchen designer. When I found my designer we had an instant connection. I knew instinctively that we were a good match and would be a great team. Joël was instrumental in refining my vision and providing possibilities that I did not realize were conceivable. She was vigilant about my budget and offered creative ides to maintain the look without breaking the bank.

Describe your decor aesthetic in three words.

Only three!!! No fair, you're putting me in a box. I am a true believer in doing what you love when it come to your personal space. Now if I had to choose three words I would say: Functional, Stylish, Homey.

You have such great taste - where are some of your favorite places to shop for home decor? Any favorite local spots that you’d recommend?

Glenwood Manor Antiques & More: I am always on the hunt for unique, one of a kind items to display.

Homegoods, and TJ Maxx: I mean, do you know any woman who doesn't delight in the search of a good buy at a low price?

Online shopping: One Kings Lane, excellent source for curated furniture and decor; Williams Sonoma & Food52: These sites fed my addiction for kitchen paraphernalia.

I do wish our downtown had more boutique shopping for gifts and home decor. That would be amazing.

The item in your kitchen you couldn’t live without?

There are a few, but the one that I love and use everyday is my French Press for coffee. I love the ritual and the aromas of making my morning coffee and holding the warm mug in my hands as I contemplate the new day ahead of me.

A favorite meal in regular rotation?


I would have to say, my meatballs and cheesy polenta. This is Tony's favorite. I honestly think it was my meatballs that sparked his love for me!!

What’s one essential every baker should have in their kitchen?

I would say a KitchenAid Mixer. I LOVE mine. I use it often and have a secret spot to hide it away so it doesn't clutter the counter.

We must know - what’s your favorite dessert?

Surprisingly it is not cake! I do love a good donut. Simple and plain. I don't make them but maybe I should teach myself. I do however make a delicious, perfectly boozy Tiramisu that is often requested by my friends, and I must say it is very good!

—————

Resources

Designer:  Joël Jackoski, Designers Studio, Saratoga

Contractor: Jason Petralia, Building Concepts, Saratoga

Realtor: DeMarsh Real Estate - Karen Levison

Kohler Sink and Faucet: Bath Expressions Showroom at Security Supply

White Subway Tiles: Glens Falls Tile

Blue Star Range & Hood, Bosch Dishwasher: Adirondack Appliance, Saratoga Springs

GE Monogram Refrigerator: Best Kitchen and Appliance Center, South Glens Falls

Cabinet & Ceiling Lighting and Electrical: Hills Electric, Glens Falls

Decorative Lighting: Rejuvenation

Hand block Printed Kitchen Curtains: Saffron Marigold

Cast Iron Cocotte: Staub

Mixer: KitchenAid

Thank you, Sandy! We’ll definitely be knocking on your door again for that Tiramisu recipe! :)

Have a before and after you’d like to share? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Contact us here, or send a note to us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

Recipe Swap | Blueberry Crumb Cake

What’s your favorite brunch staple? Our neighbor (and Bri’s sister!), Erin Vooris, swears by this Blueberry Crumb Cake. And having had it many times, we can attest, this is a winner. With Easter coming up, you might just want to think about adding this to your menu!

Tell us about yourself, Erin!

I am a wife, mama to a sweet and busy 16 month old boy, and a 2nd grade teacher. We’re expecting our second little one, a girl, this July! We’ve lived in Glens Falls for 4 years and love the small town feel and the restaurants and shopping downtown.

The Recipe…

We are big fans of brunch in our family, and this Blueberry Crumb Cake almost always makes an appearance at the table. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for spring. This is a Pioneer Woman recipe (always a hit in our family), and my mom originally shared it with my sister and I years ago. It’s very easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of time or fuss - no matter which one of us makes it, it always turns out perfectly.

Whether brunch is at my house or at my mom’s or sister’s, walking in to the smell of this coffee cake brings back the happiest memories of birthdays, holidays, and time spent with my family and friends.

Since no one describes it better than the Pioneer Woman herself, click here to download and print the recipe!

A few lightning round questions:

A must have item in your kitchen?

The cookbook stand my dad made for me...and my KitchenAid mixer! 

A favorite cookbook?

Any Pioneer Woman cookbook (we love her Pasta Primavera and Sugar Cookies!) and a new favorite, Magnolia Table.

And we must know, where is your favorite local spot to buy or pick blueberries when they’re in season?

Hicks Orchard! My sister and I pick blueberries there every summer (and eat a few apple cider donuts while we’re at it).

Thanks, Erin!

Have a recipe of your own you’d like to share with your neighbors, or a cookbook favorite that’s too good to keep to yourself? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Send us a note here or email us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

My Glens Falls: Maura Forcier

We’re excited to introduce My Glens Falls, a weekly feature in which we’ll chat with neighbors who live or work in Glens Falls, learn a bit more about them, and hear their city favorites - past, present, and future. This week, we’re kicking things off with one of our go-to gals for fashion, Maura Forcier of MinkyMink! Read on to find out why she’s stayed local, a favorite store from her childhood (anyone else remember going there?!), and her favorite spot for date night.

Maura Forcier

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Maura Eilene Forcier and I own MinkyMink in Downtown Glens Falls. Before I owned my own business, I worked in healthcare marketing. When I'm not at the shop, you'll find me trail running with my dogs (Phoebe + Cody) or adventuring around the Adirondacks with my husband, Mike.

On Life in Glens Falls

I'm a Lake George native, so I grew up in the area. I went to college in Vermont and then lived in Saratoga as well. So, I've managed to stay local. I moved back to Glens Falls from Saratoga in 2015 when my husband and I bought a home. Glens Falls was so much more economical than other places that we looked at and our jobs are both in Glens Falls, so it was a no-brainer for us. You can get so much more bang for your buck when you buy a home in this city. 

My husband and I own a two family home very close to Downtown. It's a white brick house built in 1920 that we absolutely adore. We are slowly renovating it and making it our own. What I love about our neighborhood is that it's close to everything, so I can walk to MinkyMink in literally 5 minutes! Yet somehow, it's still so hard for me to be on time! 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Where do I begin? I love our little city! I spend a lot of time in Cole's Woods where I run a few times a week. It's great for running, walking or mountain biking. In the winter, they light up the trails at night for cross country skiing, which is very cool. If you haven't been there, take advantage of it! 

MinkyMink, Downtown Glens Falls, NY

A Perfect GF Day

I love this question! My perfect day in Glens Falls would have to start with some sort of exercise. Either running in Cole's Woods, a class at Yoga Kayla, Hot Yoga Queensbury or at the YMCA. After breaking a sweat, I would head over to Spektor with some girlfriends and order a cafe au lait and a "Fresh." After breakfast, I'd drive to Crandall Park with husband and let my dogs run around. If I'm at MinkyMink, I usually order a salad from Gourmet Cafe (they know my order by heart) and they will run it down to me if they aren't super busy. I also frequent the Juicin' Jar, where I get a beet juice or a smoothie. If I get some free time, I always like to check out Fountain Square Outfitters to see what new gear they have in store. Love their Darn Tough socks! If it's a treat myself kind of day, I would get a manicure at Nails by Bari. She always does an amazing job! For dinner, my husband and I frequent Raul's...their taro chips are my favorite. For drinks, we would stop by Mean Max for a beer and then head over to Downtown Social so I can get a prosecco. Voila, a perfect Glens Falls Day! 

On the Past

My cousin Mary Kate grew up in Glens Falls, so I would spend a lot of time at her house. We would always ride our bikes to "The Big Party," which used to be in the Quaker Plaza. We would get candy, games, and what ever else we could buy with the little money we had. I remember riding our bikes all around Glens Falls and visiting with family, friends and spending time outside. I'm feeling nostalgic already! 

…and On the Future

It would be so awesome if there was a dog park in Glens Falls. I take my pups to Crandall Park a lot, but it would be so fun if there was a designated space for dogs so they could run around and socialize with each other. 

A lot of my customers comment that there isn't enough parking downtown. If we could build a multi level parking garage, I know it would increase business in Glens Falls. 

The Glens Falls community has been so supportive of MinkyMink and I'm grateful that I am able to live, work and play in this city. I'm excited for all of the new businesses opening up and look forward to the continued growth of Glens Falls.

Thanks, Maura!

Five Shows to See in April

Spring is here at last in Glens Falls which makes me want to put away my crock pot, hang a floral wreath on my front door and meet up with friends in town for dinner and a show!  I am always amazed by the array of entertainment that is right here at our doorstep. Sometimes I need a push off of my comfy couch, but I am always so glad when I am able to see live performances and support the folks that are bringing some great artists and performers to this area! Here are the shows I’m planning on seeing this month:

APRIL 4 • Hayley Reardon • Crandall Library

I am so excited to see this young woman perform!  Her voice is spectacular, her songwriting is inspirational and she is out to make the world a better place. You can go to see her at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA (where Tracy Chapman and Shawn Colvin got their start) this spring or for FREE at the Crandall Library! Find more info on Thursday’s show here.

APRIL 9 • ADIRONDACK VOICES • Christ Church United Methodist

This is Penny Schiek’s finale season after 20 years of conducting this fabulous group of 110 local singers. They will be performing Penny’s favorites from over the years, with a great mix from classical to show tunes. Some of my favorites are: Loch Lomond, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and For Good from Wicked. Get the details here.

April 12 • Girl Blue with Olivia Quillio • The Park Theater

This will be Girl Blue’s second time performing at The Park - last fall she opened for David Wilcox. Arielle O’Keefe (her real name) is such a talented singer/songwriter from Albany - it will be a great show! “Compared often to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Carole King and Jeff Buckley, she is a powerhouse vocalist with the rare ability to write songs that both catch the ear and touch the heart.” -The Park Theater. Grab tickets here!

April 24 - 27 • Menopause The Musical • The Wood Theater

After this cold snowy winter, I need a good laugh! This show will do the trick - I’ve heard it’s hysterical! It will be performed by the official Menopause the Musical group that is touring internationally, so it will be an accomplished cast.  Get your tickets here.

April 26 • Ballet Meets the Beatles @ Alvin Ailey Theater • The Strand Theater

I missed this last year and heard it was fabulous so I am thrilled at the chance to see this unique mash up! A Manhattan based dance troupe will be dancing to Beatles songs by tribute band Across The Pond and a string quartet! Click here for tickets.

Susan Siplon is a singer, actor, artist and arts enthusiast who has been both on the stage and behind the scenes as a producer, festival director and venue manager. Susan recently moved to Glens Falls after living all over the country and in Fiji and New Zealand and has found the arts scene in this area to be one of the most vibrant and easily accessible that she has ever experienced.