First Look: New Menu at Park 26

Now that summer weather has arrived (finally!), we can’t get enough of patio dining downtown. Lucky for us, Park 26 at The Queensbury Hotel has a great spot overlooking City Park. When we heard about the new menu put together by Chef Colin Miner, who recently joined the team at Park 26, we were even more excited for an evening on their pretty patio.

We settled into a table overlooking the gazebo in the park across the street, one of our favorite Glens Falls views. In addition to the tables, Park 26 also has a couple of cozy couches (with fire pits!), which we made a mental note to snatch up the second that they came available :)

The service at The Q is always fantastic, and this night was no exception. Everyone was so sweet, especially our waitress, who cheered on our every menu choice and had us even more excited for our meals to arrive.

We loved all of the special touches Park 26 offers while dining with them - a little snack to start the meal, warm rolls with an assortment of butter - made in house (traditional, herb, and mushroom), and an intermezzo between courses (Rosé and lime sorbet!). All of these rotate weekly to keep things fresh and seasonal.

It’s tough to play favorites, especially when everything was amazing, but it’s hard to beat (no pun intended) how gorgeous and delicious the Beets and Citrus was. First, the colors! It was almost too pretty to eat. The ricotta and the orange supremes were so light and perfect for a summer meal. And, we’re still thinking about their twist on a traditional Bruschetta - the Burrata and Tomato. The crumbles on top instead of it being served on a crostini were a total game-changer, and we can’t wait to go back for more.

Did we already declare favorites? We take that back, because the entrées were fabulous. Their vegetarian option, the Cavatelli, was amazing - the perfect light summer pasta, and Tom couldn’t say enough good things about the Scallop and Dill (and again, look at the beautiful presentation and colors!).

Once the sun started to set, the fireplace was flipped on and we started thinking dessert. Their take on Crème Brulée was a trip down memory lane, with the Cap’n Crunch creme (that tasted like cereal milk!), the fruity pebbles, and the dehydrated strawberries that tasted like the fruit roll-up your mom packed in your lunch box when you were a kid. Perfection! And we couldn’t leave without trying the Baked Alaska, with the house made graham cracker and coconut snow - each element delicious on it’s own and an amazing mix when put together.

Colin Miner, Chef de Cuisine

Until next time, Park 26! Save us a seat on the sofa! :)

P.S. In case you missed it, a first look at another new outdoor dining option downtown here.

My Glens Falls: Rachael Leigh Rodenmayer

This week, we’re chatting with Rachael Leigh! You’ve probably seen her gorgeous portrait photography on Instagram (we’ve been following along for a few years now!), and we always love running into Rachael and her husband walking their sweet pups around the neighborhood. Read on to find out how she got her start in photography, her favorite spots for rainy day fun, and the fabulous ideas she’d like to see come to life in Glens Falls in the future!

Tell us about yourself!

Hiya! My name is Rachael Leigh Rodenmayer & I am the owner & artist behind {ser.en.dip.iti} photography & certified aerial yoga instructor at {ser.en.dip.iti} fit. I rebuilt my business headquarters in Upstate NY after moving from my hometown in Colorado almost 12 years ago and have been blessed to create adventures in the #518 and all around the world, from the United Kingdom to Australia!

How did you get your start in photography? What do you love about it?

I absolutely adore photographing people and have since I was a teenager. After interning for a professional photography duo, I began my own business at 18 years of age and over the years, have found my absolute passion photographing custom senior portrait adventures for upcoming high school graduates #serendipitiseniors. I've just begun expanding into lifestyle photography for social media content shoots. Creating with business women in the area with #serendipitisubscribe is so much fun for me.  I love coming along side these awesome entrepreneurs to capture them doing life & building their own passions! 

As dog people ourselves, we couldn't let the opportunity to ask about your dogs pass us by! Tell us about them!

You had me at "dog people" and now you wont be able to shut me up about my fur babies ;) My boys are Ace & Booker and they are my world. Ace is a tripawd rescue and Booker is a Bernese Mountain Dog. When I'm not shooting or teaching aerial yoga, you can find us at the dog park or going on an adventure in the woods or lakeside. I love them sooo much & you can find them on insta @brosbookerandace (shameless plug). 

On Life in Glens Falls

My best friend i.e. husband and I live in a sweet yellow & white home in the city of Glens Falls and the minute we set foot in it we both looked at each other and said "this is it!"

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My absolute favorite places in Glens Falls:

Walking our fur babies: Crandall Park

Fashion & Beauty: Beauty Bubble - from affordable fashion trends, accessories & gifts to facials & eyelash tinting

Smoothies & Healthy Fare: Juicin Jar is where it's at, also their fresh guacamole is my favorite!

Date night: [farmacy] just blew our minds...you gotta try it!

Coffee in a cool atmosphere: Spektor Coffee Roasters is always top notch!

Rainy day fun: The Hyde Collection and Crandall Library

For sushi & thai (my favorite food on the planet): Aroydee - try the black & white roll or the pad thai or mango curry!

On the Past

Downtown charm at its finest, my earliest glimpse was after eating dinner out with Wade one summer night. As we began to walk home, we heard lively jazz music streaming from the city park and realized that a Big Band was playing live in the gazebo in the moonlight, we wandered over and danced to a couple songs under the starry sky & sparkle lights. I remember thinking "we've moved to Stars Hollow!"

…And On the Future

I would love to see a dueling piano bar, a dog bark & brew (indoor/outdoor dog park bar) & a natural grocery store like healthy living!

Thanks so much, Rachael! We’re totally on board with that bark and brew idea!!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is sneaking up fast, and we’re rounding up just a handful of ideas that would make a perfect gift. That said, half the fun is strolling the shops downtown and in The Shirt Factory to find that special something on your own, so happy shopping!

FOR THE CRAFT BEER CONNOISSEUR

We’re awfully lucky to have lots of great options for those dads that love a cold beverage on a hot summer afternoon. Here’s a few to keep in mind:

Mean Max: Whether it’s a growler or a gift card to enjoy a pint on their newly opened patio on Glen Street, this will be a sure win.

Common Roots: Pick up a four pack and tie it with a bow, or grab a gift card to enjoy a round in their awesome temporary taproom just over the bridge in South Glens Falls.

Coopers Cave Ale: A gift certificate for a bike ride and a couple of brewskis (followed by an ice cream, perhaps?) sounds like the recipe for a perfect gift.

Davidson Brothers: Last but not least, grab him a growler, or bring him out for lunch and a couple of brews on their patio.

FOR THE DAD THAT PREFERS EXPERIENCES OVER THINGS

Because the last thing he needs is more “stuff”…

For the Active Dad: Head out hiking (Anthony’s Nose or The Pinnacle are nice shorter hikes for kiddos), or make a plan to head to West Mountain’s new Aerial Adventure Park after it opens July 1. Grab him a gift certificate for a round of golf at any of the local courses, or make it a family event with a round of mini golf.

For the Dad that Loves Eating Out: Make a reservation for Father’s Day lunch or dinner (Raul’s? Downtown City Tavern? Fenimore’s?), or snag a gift card to his downtown favorite (Morgan and Co., [farmacy] or Spot Coffee, maybe?).

For the Dad that Loves a Great Show: Perfect timing, since the Adirondack Theatre Festival is just kicking off, and The Park Theater and Cool Insuring Arena have some fun shows coming up as well.

THE CLASSICS

A Card: You just can’t beat a handwritten note telling him all the reasons you’re thankful for him. These cards from Rude Betty are a great place to start.

A Mug: Rude Betty has an awesome assortment of mugs, and we think he’d love just about anything from the Gentlemen’s Hardware line they have in stock. The games they have by the door as you come in would be a sure bet, too!

Toolbox (and spices for grilling!): You can’t go wrong with a custom spice tool kit from Rachel’s Cafe & Spice Company! A blue Kobalt toolbox just so happens to perfectly fit 7 bottles of spices from Rachel’s, and it’s perfect to tote around for backyard cookouts this summer.

Backyard Shirt: Affectionately known at our house as backyard shirts, these button down plaid shirts from Fountain Square Outfitters are a summer staple. They have a great selection of styles and colors - just add Darn Tough socks to complete the gift!

Anything from LARAC: Finding a great gift just got way easier since LARAC is this weekend! Browse over 150 booths featuring everything from food to fine art. Or even better, make the experience itself a gift and bring him along for a little browsing and a lot of snacking from the food vendors.

Okay, maybe just a couple more ideas: a hometown themed pint glass from Adirondack Etching, a box of Darling Doughnuts, or some bagels from Alchemy Bagel Cafe (they’ll both be at MinkyMink on Saturday).

That’s it! Just a small sampling of gift ideas you can grab right here in the city - and bonus - you don’t have to worry about it getting lost in the mail. Total win.

Happiest Father’s Day to all the Dads, soon to be Dads, someday Dads, dog and cat Dads, and all the special guys in between.

The Weekender: June 7 - 9

Happy weekend! It’s supposed to be a gorgeous one, and we’re thinking it’s high time we trade our pansies for geraniums on the porch, and maybe get around to planting some veggies out back. Here’s what else looks good this weekend:

Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Check out five shows to see this month here.

P.P.S. If you’re a runner (or walker!), a couple of 5Ks to check out this weekend: the Aloha Family 5K benefitting Amanda’s House at Glens Falls Hospital, and the River Run for the Roots, benefitting Common Roots.

First Look: The Patio at Doc's

Have you been to Doc’s? It’s just downstairs at The Park Theater, and the cozy atmosphere and great food had us there often this winter. And well, who can resist the pub mix they have at the bar?!

That said, our visits there are about to get even more frequent as their patio just opened for the season! Once we saw the umbrellas peeking out from behind the hedges on Park Street, we could barely wait to pop in to check it out.

The moment we sat down, we felt like we were in a little oasis in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by greenery and planters overflowing with flowers (with lights strung up overhead for summer nights!), we immediately knew this was going to be amongst our summer favorites.

What really sold us, though, was the food. Okay, and the drinks! While we started with our usuals - an IPA for Tom and a glass of rosé for Bri, we couldn’t resist sampling this beautiful (and delicious!) gin sour cocktail.

Back to the food! We started with calamari, which is always a win, and avocado fries. Not sure how we didn’t know that avocado fries were a thing, but after devouring them (and that delish cajun ranch dipping sauce) within minutes, it’s clear we’ll be starting with these from now on, too.

We loved the veggie cauliflower crust pizza (with chimichurri, spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, etc.), and we were so psyched to hear that there are plans in the works for a rooftop garden above The Park - it doesn’t get much more local than that for fresh herbs and veggies! The pesto grilled chicken sandwich looked amazing as well, and you just can’t beat their hand cut fries. A couple other favorites? We love the Impossible Burger (fellow vegetarians, you must try it!), and the Doc’s Grilled Cheese with mushrooms, red peppers, and avocado is always high on our list.

Finally, there’s always room for dessert, and it turns out their ice cream sandwiches are a work of art. The flavor of the day was raspberry white chocolate between shortbread cookies, and it was the perfect end to a sunny afternoon.

Chef Jessica Hoy and Doc’s Restaurant Manager Alexandra Fracchia

Will we see you there this summer? We’ll be the ones hogging all of the ice cream sandwiches ;)

P.S. In case you missed it, a first look at another new downtown restaurant here.

My Glens Falls: Amanda Blanton

This week, we’re catching up with Amanda Blanton! We’ve been fortunate to know her through her hard work at The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and her weekly radio show! Read on to find out what brought her to Glens Falls, her go-to breakfast spot, and the three things she’d love to see in Glens Falls in the future (we totally agree!).

Tell us about yourself!


Hi! My name is Amanda Blanton and I am the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. I am a proud auntie to my niece, and cat momma to the most handsome orange cat on the planet, named Fry. I enjoy cooking, traveling, a good book and good company. I make a pretty good margarita. Oh, and I hate winter.

On Life in Glens Falls

I have lived in this region for almost 10 years. Before packing up a truck and moving to Upstate New York I lived in San Antonio, Texas for 13 years. Being in a military family took me all over the world, but there is something special about Upstate New York. Not only do I have family living here but there is a great sense of community, which you cannot find everywhere. When deciding where to move, this seemed like the obvious choice.


Home ownership is something I hope to achieve one day, but renting has its perks too. I work in downtown Glens Falls and my commute is 11 minutes. Life is good!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

 Although I have only lived here for 10 years, I have been visiting Glens Falls many years before that. My sister and I spent a few summers exploring Glens Falls/Queensbury/Lake George, when we visited family. I believe that gives me an interesting perspective of the region as I got to watch it change over the years. This may sound dorky, but I absolutely LOVE Crandall Public Library. It is such a beautiful building and a great resource for the community. I also enjoy walking around downtown as there always seems to be something new to see or check out.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

I am absolutely obsessed with the breakfast bowl at Rachel's Cafe & Spice Co. on Warren Street. I never knew sweet potatoes could be incorporated into breakfast! If you haven't been to Mikado, since they moved to Glen Street, you have to go. Not only is it gorgeous inside, but they have these awesome sushi boxes that are perfect for lunch. The best thing about downtown is everything is within walking distance and there's a little bit of everything. I could get a craft beer and Buffalo chicken soup at Davidson Brothers, then hop over to the Bullpen Tavern for their grilled cheese of the week. Too many choices!

 On the Future

I saw that someone else said a bookstore would be a great addition, and I totally agree. What else? A rooftop bar somewhere would be awesome. And I know space may be a little limited, but a small dog park would make a lot of people (and furry friends) happy.

Thanks, Amanda! We’re rooting for that rooftop bar, too!

P.S. Check out more of our My Glens Falls series here.

Five Shows to See in June

Summertime and the livin’ is easy...with lots of choices of events in and around Glens Falls! I’ll make it a little easier for you to decide what to do by sharing a few of my favorite picks.

June 5 • Charlie Chaplin Silent Shorts with Live Piano Accompaniment • The Park Theater  

The Park Theater started showing silent movies in the early 1900s, when they were the only movie theater in upstate New York! I love the idea of seeing these Chaplin shorts as they would have been shown originally with a live pianist. And kids only pay 5 cents! Purchase tickets here.

June 14 - 22 • Calling All Kates • Adirondack Theater Festival • The Wood Theater

The first show of the ATF season is a romantic musical comedy and it is the start to a season of original shows that I look forward to all year! We are so fortunate to have some of the best actors, writers and directors right here in Glens Falls all summer long! See the schedule here.

June 15 - 16 • Larac June Arts Festival • Glens Falls

City Park in Downtown Glens Falls comes alive with tents (about 150 of them) filled with crafts, art, jewelry, and delicious food. It is such a fun atmosphere with local musicians performing on stages that are dotted throughout the festival. The perfect old fashioned hometown event that is yet another reason why I love living in walking distance to downtown! Find all the details here.

June 19 • Opera Saratoga Season Preview • The Sembrich

Last year I went to The Sembrich for the first time for the Opera Saratoga season preview. I was overwhelmed with joy listening to these spectacular voices a few feet away from me in this intimate and historic space, all while watching the sun set on Lake George. I can’t recommend it enough - even if you aren’t an opera fan - you will be after this! See all the details here.                   

July 2 • Barefoot Movement • Bolton Landing Brewing Company

In case you missed one of my favorite North Carolina bluegrass bands when they played at The Park in April, here is another chance to see them! Just some fun and fabulous music! And craft beer!! Find out more here.

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. 

Putting Glens Falls on the Aviation Map

The Boston Chamber of Commerce turned to the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce in December 1919 for advice about how to develop an aviation landing field.

The local chamber was a trend setter, having earlier that year developed the Miller Hill Landing Field, near where the Queensbury school campus on Aviation Road is now.

Photo courtesy of the Glens Falls City Historian’s Office

“Glens Falls is not to be behind the times for one minute if its enterprising chamber of commerce has anything to say about it,” The Lake George Mirror editorialized on July 12, 1919. “As soon as the war was over and they realized just what steps aviation was to take in peace terms, they got busy discussing what Glens Falls ought to do toward stimulating interest in this new means of transportation.”

Pilots also praised the chamber.

“Aviators who have visited Glens Falls during the last several weeks are warm in praise of the landing field which the Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce has secured at Miller Hill,” The Post-Star editorialized on July 26, 1919. “According to these aviators, the landing field is one of the best in this part of the country. They assert it is much better than the field at Albany, about which we have heard so much.”

The chamber secured rights from Cornelius Brownell, owner of the property, to establish the landing field.

The chamber installed fuel pumps and hired Brownell to supervise the selling of gasoline and oil.

The operation was expanded over the years, and was renamed Floyd Bennett Field in 1928, in memory of the local aviator who flew with Richard Byrd over the North Pole, said Glens Falls City Historian Wayne Wright.

The Miller Hill airport closed in 1947, after the current Floyd Bennett Memorial-Warren County Airport on Queensbury Avenue opened.

A century ago, developing the Miller Hill landing field bode well for local economic development and tourism, and provided a new form of recreation for area residents.

Ralph M. Mann, president of Park Trust Co, of Worcestor, Mass., made local headlines when he and pilot C.S. Jones landed Mann’s private plane overnight en route from Curtiss Field on Long Island to Middlebury, Vt. to attend a Middlebury College alumni reunion.

Jones had difficulty finding the landing strip and landed on Bay Road, near the Seaman farm, but found the Miller Hill field OK on the return trip.

Mann stayed overnight at Hotel Cunningham in Hudson Falls because no hotel rooms were available in Glens Falls.

Miss Gladys E. Peters, daughter of merchant C.V. Peters, was the first Glens Falls resident to fly over the city.

The flight that took off from Miller Hill was on Sunday morning June 30, 1919. Peters, wearing an aviation hood and goggles, was a passenger in a Curtis airplane that Lt. O.S. Palmer flew at 2,000 feet above ground for 15 minutes.

“Upon landing the young woman expressed herself as greatly delighted with the experience and said that she at no time had fear of harm befalling her,” The Post-Star reported.

Photo courtesy of the Glens Falls City Historian’s Office

Birch Aircraft Co. of Albany established a local recreational flight service at Miller Hill in July 1919.

“Glens Falls people have always been proud of this beautiful city and justly so, but until the city has been seen from an airplane they will never know how beautiful it is,” The Post-Star reported.

Stewart McFarland, an insurance agent, was the first passenger. Other passengers the first day were Homer Dailey, manager of the Tichnor Cigar Co. store, Robert W. Bayle, a merchant, Thomas Steele, a Hudson Falls farm implement dealer, Michael Moynehan, and H.A. Weinge, who was representing The Post-Star.

In the fall, Weinge again took a flight, this time with a stunt pilot, and wrote about it for The Post-Star.

“As I had been up in an airplane before, I didn’t think there would be any sensation to just going up,” Weinge wrote.

Things got interesting when Allen S. Moody, the pilot, performed a loop the loop, four reverses and four vertical reverses at about 1,500 feet above the ground.

“The first sensation was to that experienced when riding in one of the roller coasters and then suddenly the earth seemed to rush right up at me and before I realized it we had flipped completely over and the earth was back in its proper place,” Weinge wrote.

Early on, some pilots had trouble finding the landing field.

These included Mr. Palmer, sales manager for Curtis Company, an aviation manufacturer, who stopped in Glens Falls for the night en route to Burlington.

“Not having a map to aid him in locating the Miller Hill field, Mr. Palmer first made a landing to the west of Crandall Park, and in getting back into the air again he had a narrow escape from crashing into several trees, a fence and a barn.”

Another pilot that landed near Crandall Park was not so fortunate.

A crowd that gathered helped the pilot push his plane into the park, where he thought it was safe to take off.

But the field was too short and the plane crashed into trees, resulting in an extended stay in Glens Falls while the plane was being repaired.

—

Sources: The Post-Star, June 20, 30, July 1, 4, 12, 26, Oct. 13, Dec. 18, 1919; The Lake George Mirror, July 12, 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.

The Weekender: May 31 - June 2

We’re not entirely sure where the time has gone, but it’s June 1 on Saturday and we can already tell that the summer is going to fly by. Spending some time making our summer bucket list this weekend, and hoping to squeeze in a few of these:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Michael Murray

This week, we’re chatting with Michael Murray. We met Michael downtown last summer, and ended up chatting about cars, road trips, and all the reasons we love Glens Falls. Another example of what is great about our little city - you’re just one conversation away from learning something new. Read on to find out where he’s from, what brought him to Glens Falls, and why he’s decided to stick around.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Michael Murray and I work for an amazing architecture firm right here in Glens Falls. My responsibilities are varied at AJA Architecture, but my main goal is to introduce new clients to our firm so they can know more about the great work that we do as designers for local, regional, and international design projects.

On Life in Glens Falls

I’m not originally from Glens Falls, but every time I’ve visited, I’ve found another reason to like it here – and last year I decided to move here and so now I’m a “local”!

I grew up in southern Connecticut but moved out west in my late 20’s and lived in Boulder Colorado for several years. I first became familiar with Glens Falls about 10-years ago while visiting friends here in town. Whenever I’d come to visit, their family would always be active doing things in town and so my visits with them over the years always gave me a very good glimpse of what Glens Falls and the surrounding area was all about. I remember going to the Balloon Festival with them, boating on Lake George, going to a drive-in movie, taking in the scenery on several different hikes, going to hockey games at the Cool Insuring Arena, and of course, lots of dinners out and lots of laughs in the local restaurants and pubs. We also took a few road-trips to Albany, Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid, and other areas of the Adirondacks. With each of my visits I discovered something new that I liked and appreciated about the area. And I especially liked the “small-town” feel of Glens Falls.


I started visiting Glens Falls a bit more frequently a few years ago after I left Colorado and moved back to my hometown of Greenwich Connecticut. My move from Colorado was on the same day my friend, Andy Allison, started his own architecture firm in Glens Falls – AJA Architecture and Planning. That moving-day was an exciting day for me for two reasons; I was excited to be back on the east coast again after being out west for so many years, and I was excited to hear about Andy starting his own firm. I began helping AJA early on with some marketing strategies which gave me a good excuse to drive up to Glens Falls more often. As the firm grew, so did my involvement. At the time, I was working with AJA as a consultant out of my home-office in Connecticut, but as AJA’s client-base increased, so did my 3-hour drives to the office. And so after a few years of up-and-back drives from Greenwich to Glens Falls, I began working for AJA full-time and decided to relocate here. I’ve only been living here a year but with all my visits over the years, I already feel like a “local”.

Some Glens Falls Favorites


What I like most about Glens Falls is the people and the more relaxed pace compared to living an hour outside of NYC. The people of Glens Falls seem to be very down-to-earth and genuinely friendly. And now that I live up here, I regularly see people in town that I’ve met at an event, or at the local YMCA, or at one of the coffee shops, and it’s always a good opportunity to stop and say ‘hi’ and catch-up. It’s just great to be in a small town where community is important.

I’ve discovered countless great hikes, bike rides, and snowshoeing around town. Cole’s Wood is a great place for nighttime cross country skiing, Gurney Lane has some of the best single-track mountain bike trails I’ve ever done, and the Rush Pond Trail is one the area’s best-kept secrets for both biking and hiking. And last summer I learned about the rail-trail that goes all the way to Lake George. Another favorite of mine is West Mountain. It’s really amazing to have such a fun ski area right here in town. And in the summer being on a boat in nearby Lake George is such a great way to spend the day. The lake is so beautiful. There’s really so much to do in and around Glens Falls that the list is too long to name. And that’s not even mentioning anything about the wonders found further north in the Adirondack Park – Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid, Gore Mountain, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and so much more. I think it’s great that all these towns and all that they have to offer in the winter and in the summer, are just a couple of hours of relaxed scenic driving to the north.  

 A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Before I moved to Glens Falls, I would typically stay at the Queensbury Hotel when I visited, and so I’m very familiar with all the great restaurants and pubs in the downtown area. I’ve frequented nearly all of them and I like them all – Morgan and Co for their amazing food and expertly made martinis, Downtown City Tavern for their lunch and good selection of brews, Rock Hill Bake House (now “The Exchange”) for their awesome sandwiches and fresh breads, Davidson Brothers for their outdoor seating, the Bullpen Tavern for when the game is on, and of course, Raul’s Mexican Grill for locally sourced Mexican food (and the best margaritas in town!). I also like that Glens Falls has a variety of coffee shops. I like them all, but I think SPoT Coffee is my favorite (with Spektor Roasters being a close second). SPoT Coffee is a very social spot and a good place to chill on a Sunday morning, especially when the weather allows for the large window-wall to be open.

On the Future

It’s great that there are some new restaurants in Glens Falls, which to me, shows that this area is improving. The new Downtown Social has a great menu and was designed thoughtfully and elegantly. It has an upscale feel to it, without feeling pretentious. It’s got a really great atmosphere. Mikado’s new location also offers a very upscale look, while keeping its local flavor and fun hibachi tables. I haven’t been to the [farmacy] restobar yet, but I’ve heard some great reviews and so I’m looking forward to checking it out. And soon Craft On Nine will be moving to South Street, which I know will be as popular as their current location in Fort Edward.

I’ve seen lots of improvements in Glens Falls over the past few years and I believe there’s more to come without altering much of the personality of the town as we all know it today. The newly renovated Park Theater is a good example of how a run-down building can come back to life and be something special for Glens Falls. My hope is that more of the local retail stores will thrive, which I know is an on-going issue with any small retail shop. But with the new restaurants coming in, new apartments recently built, and a new parking structure soon to be built, I believe we’ll all see some nice improvements to Glens Falls soon and in the coming years.

Thanks, Michael! We agree - great things to come!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

The Weekender: May 24 - 26

Memorial Day Weekend! We’re looking forward to a long weekend of relaxing with friends and family, and most importantly, reflecting on the true meaning of the day by honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you to those who have and continue to serve our country. We’re so grateful.

Here’s what’s doing this weekend:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown Talent: Charles Cornell Goes Viral

Today we’re catching up with our pal Charles Cornell! If his name rings a bell, it’s because you and approximately 20 million others have seen one of his videos on social media over the last couple of weeks!

Originally from our area and now living in Denver, Charles is a talented videographer whom we shot this video in Washington County. Shortly thereafter, Charles invited us to check out his band at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls. Long story short, after he and his band blew the doors off the place we knew there was something special going on.

Like the great explorers who came before us, Charles and the gang packed up and headed west to Denver, Colorado looking to expand horizons and share their talents with more of the world. Apparently, there’s something in the water in Denver. Somewhere between here and there, Charles sat down in his new apartment, plugged in his video camera, flipped on his mic, fired up his keyboard, and proceeded to put a dent in the universe with some of the most uniquely entertaining, hilarious, and talent-filled content the interweb has ever seen. And it seems like he’s just getting started.

To sum it up, spanning almost every social media plattform, Charles has officially gone viral. In about two weeks (!!) and as of the writing of this story, he’s somewhere around 207k followers on TikTok, 108k followers on Instagram, 10k on Facebook, 10k on Twitter, and somewhere around 8k subscribers on his YouTube channel. So by my math, that’s around 340k followers / subscribers. Yea, that’s fun, but it’s the approximately 20 million views of his videos that is the mind boggling part.

We were fortunate to catch Charles in between writing, singing, playing and recording his next piece to get some questions and curiosities answered. Let’s get right to it….

Photo courtesy of Charles Cornell

First, tell us about your ties to the area… where are you from originally?

I was born and raised in Hartford, NY, just east of Glens Falls in Washington County. I went to Hartford Central School from pre-school through graduation. My family has been in the greater Glens Falls area for generations!

It’s clear you’ve been doing this a while… Tell us about your musical origins! Why the piano? How’d that happen? 

I don’t remember this, but my Mom always talked about how when I was 3 or 4 years old, she heard me playing the Doxology from church by ear on an old piano outside on our porch. I don’t know if that’s a proud Mom beefing up the real story or if it actually happened that way. Either way, it sounds cool, so we’ll go with it. I didn’t start studying the piano formally until I was about 8 years old. I had the best first teacher any kid could possibly want - Grandma. My grandmother, Carol Cornell, is still the organist at the First Baptist Church in Hartford and has long been involved in many things throughout the Glens Falls area, including being a lifetime member of the Glens Falls Community Theater! I studied with her for a while before transitioning between a few different teachers throughout my elementary school years. Eventually, thanks once again to my grandmother, who made the initial contact, I was fortunate enough to study with Albany area jazz piano legend Lee Shaw. My relationship with Lee would continue for 5 years between 8th grade and when I left for college. She was absolutely key in my development as a musician and I owe her a tremendous amount of gratitude for the guidance she gave me before her passing in late 2015.

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I have so much respect for @johnmayer as a musician. I hope you enjoy this reimagined version of "New Light"! We'll be back to our regularly scheduled meme posting shortly. . . . . . . . #johnmayer #newlight #reharm #reharmonization #musicians #music #musicvideo #musicvideos #producers #musician #piano🎹 #pianogram #piano #pianocovers #cover

A post shared by Charles Cornell (@charlescornellstudios) on May 13, 2019 at 9:51am PDT

Do you play any other instruments? One you wish you could play? 

I’m fairly proficient at the drums, trumpet, alto saxophone and baritone, though I’d probably hesitate to try playing any of them professionally! I play an extremely limited amount of guitar, and that’s something I’d like to be better at. 

Favorite music genre? How long have you been writing your own music? Singing? Performing? 

Younger me would have unequivocally said jazz. I still favor music based in and around jazz, but I’ve learned over time that I have a wide variety of interests and I’m influenced by everything from classical and jazz to progressive metal and hip hop. I love good music. Regardless of complexity and regardless of genre. Music is meant to make us feel something and to move us. I don’t care what genre it is, good music will do that. I’ve been writing music since I was 12 years old. Singing since probably 8. I played my first “paid gig” at the old Country Meadows golf course restaurant when I was 11 years old. The restaurant is still there! Jeremy Treadway runs it as part of his ADK MX motocross facility. Haven’t played there since, though.

What gave you the inspiration to meld your musical and videography talents into the content that has resonated with so many?

I wish it was more of a light switch moment, but it really all happened when I pulled up an article curating some of the most hilarious Trump tweets. I was sitting in my car in a parking lot and I just started thinking about what the tweets would sound like if they were song lyrics. I started singing one in my head and I couldn’t stop laughing at how dumb it was. I just thought it would be fun to try! So I went home and made a few and found myself still laughing, so I posted them. Eventually, I found a video that I thought was pretty funny and I had remembered seeing videos from years ago where people would transcribe the notes of speech and play along to them. Those videos were always utterly hysterical, so I decided to give it a shot myself! Eventually, I made the Cardi B video when my girlfriend showed me some of her Instagram rants, which are pure gold. That one caught on and the rest is history!

What’s your best guess as to why your content has gone insanely viral? 

There’s something about hearing speech turned into music that’s just funny. Possibly because nobody ever meant for it to be turned into song. So when you do it, the music tends to jump around a lot in order to keep up. If, on top of that, it’s well executed and musically interesting, something about the wow factor plus the ridiculousness of it all just makes us laugh. In regards to the tweet songs, I just think it’s hilarious to put funny or hilariously-worded content into a seriously written tune. Even when I’m highlighting somebody like Donald Trump, I like to think that anybody can laugh at the tunes, no matter what side of the aisle you consider yourself on. Whether you love him or hate him for it, I think we can all agree that many of the tweets he has published over the years are just plain funny. I certainly aim to use music and comedy to bring people together rather than start arguments and further divide people. Thankfully, the feedback on those videos has been incredible and I’ve had people from all walks of life and all different viewpoints say how much fun they are.  

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I present to you, for your listening pleasure, the all-time classic standard...Covfefe. . . . . . . . #trump #jazz #trumpmemes #donaldtrumpmemes #meme #memes #memesdaily #musicians #musicvideo #musicvideos #music #jazzmusic #franksinatra #dankmemes #comedy #shitpost

A post shared by Charles Cornell (@charlescornellstudios) on May 16, 2019 at 9:25am PDT

It’s a bit tricky to put into words how to describe your content - so I’ll leave it to you! Tell us about how you would best describe your content… 

I think my Instagram bio is pretty conclusive. I make questionably performed songs out of tweets and videos. In short, it’s all complete nonsense and a ton of fun. 

What would you like folks to know most about your work? 

I want to make people laugh while also giving them music at a level they might be inspired by. There’s so much negativity in the press and in the world. I just want to give people something during their day that gives them a break from all of that. The world needs more positivity and fun. These videos are meant to be complete nonsense while at the same time, hopefully musically impressive. If that combination gives people a boost in positivity throughout their day, then I see that as a win.

If you could hang with any current musician, entertainer, band who would it be? Why? What would you want to play and what would you ask them? 

That’s a great question and one that I don’t think I could answer definitively. There are so many musicians in jazz who are far better at playing their instrument than I am. I could learn a ton from anyone on that list. I would love to hang with Jacob Collier. Playing some two piano duet stuff would be crazy fun with him. I’d probably ask him a bunch of super technical questions about polyrhythmic grooves and atonal harmony.  

Same question - you’re a time traveller - which one from yesteryear? 

I’d want to hear about the times that laid the groundwork for jazz and the music that would evolve from it. From Miles to Coltrane to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. I would want to learn about what it was like to play this music when it was at its peak of popularity and when bands were actually bands and traveled the country playing 6 nights a week 50 weeks out of the year. So many incredible legacies were born in that era and I’d simply want to know what that was like. 

We know you’re good… but you’ve also got an amazing band… What’s next for the band? 

I would be nothing and nowhere without the guys I’ve spent the most time playing with. Matt Niedbalski and Steve Kirsty have been my drummer and bass player respectively for about 10 years now. They’re my brothers in music and two of my best friends in the entire world. When you play with the same people for so long, you develop a musical relationship on the bandstand that functions almost like telepathy. We just know each others’ tendencies and can predict what we’re going to do as a unit. For the upcoming album, we had Nate Giroux join us on tenor saxophone. Nate is incredible and fits right into the group like he’s been there the whole time. We’re all great friends and we all have a tremendous amount of respect for each other as musicians. That goes a long way when you’re trying to make the best music possible. In terms of what’s next, I honestly have no idea. This new audience I’ve stumbled across is so new to me and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I hope that it will bring us opportunities to play as a group in exciting places all over the world and that we’ll continue to develop our language together on the bandstand. 

What’s next for you? 

Again, I honestly have no idea. This is totally uncharted territory for me and I’m just grateful to have so many people interested in what I’m doing. I can’t thank my audience enough for the attention they’ve given me and for the enjoyment they’ve gotten from my content. I hope I can continue to make people laugh and give them something positive each day. 

And we have to ask, when you come home to visit, what’s a perfect Glens Falls area day? 

If it’s summer and my parents don’t need any help doing hay on the farm, I’ll be mountain biking at Gurney Lane, hitting Dirty John’s for some hot dogs or Mikado for some sushi, and then completing an extremely questionable diet day with a milkshake from Rob and Deb’s. In the winter, you’ll find me on skis. Anywhere in the area. I love night skiing at West, or spending a day at Gore or Killington. Even though I live in Colorado now and I absolutely love it, Glens Falls and the surrounding area is and always will be home.

Thanks, Charles! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

P.S. Read more about your Glens Falls neighbors here!

My Glens Falls: Sidney Scacchetti & Steven Brodt

This week, we’re excited to get to know Sidney Scacchetti and Steven Brodt! We discovered their Instagram account recently, and it was great to finally meet the couple behind the photos. Scroll on to see their sweet pup Luna, read about their perfect summer Saturday, and hear about their (multiple) businesses!

Tell us about yourselves!

Our names are Sidney Scacchetti and Steven Brodt, we created and run the @historic.homes Instagram page, an account dedicated to showcasing historic homes, buildings and architecture in the area. Aside from that, we also own and operate a non-profit paranormal investigation organization, The South Glens Falls Paranormal Society. In addition, we also recently just launched our new marketing business, Be Social Marketing. When we have a free moment to ourselves, you'll find us sitting on the porch of our 109 year old home lounging with our rescue pup, Luna (@pit_luna_bull).

On Life in Glens Falls

We both grew up just over the bridge in South Glens Falls. After moving away, we didn't think we would permanently return to the area, but that wasn’t the case. We soon found ourselves back in NY State, but this time a little further south. We rented in the historic district of Schenectady while finishing school. Upon graduation, we bought our first home right in Glens Falls! Our house was built in 1910, complete with all original wood work and old charm. We were/are excited to restore our home to its original beauty all while making it ours! We enjoy living within walking distance to downtown, making it easy to frequent all of the near by restaurants. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

We enjoy all of the festivals and activities that Glens Falls has to offer - there is always something going on. In the warmer months we like to take Luna to Rob & Debs Frozen Dreams for a doggie dish, peruse the booths at LARAC and stop into Juicin' Jar (who are dog friendly) for a delicious gluten free snack. Being located just 15 minutes south of Lake George allows us to take a short drive for a hike or a stroll along the shores. 

Glens Falls has plenty to do in the long cold winter months as well. We enjoy stopping into Spektor Coffee for breakfast and a couple caramel bulletproof lattes! Our favorite winter activity has to be supporting the local ECHL team, the Adirondack Thunder. The Thunder games are always a great way to spend a night with friends. Having the Cool Insuring Arena right on the edge of downtown brings big crowds and helps support many of the local businesses with pre and post game drinks and food.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in GF would be hitting up the Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, followed by a reality class in downtown with our PAWS family (North Country Paws for Obedience). For lunch, sitting outside (so Luna can join) at our favorite restaurant, Gourmet Café, where they have an extensive gluten free menu, and the staff knows our order before we even sit down. Next, a trip to Spot Coffee for their amazing lavender lemonade! We also like to head over to Crandall Park for a round of tug and a game of frisbee with Luna. Sometimes, while I’m busy taking pictures of old homes, Sidney sneaks away for some shopping and pampering at Beauty Bubble. For dinner we would head over to Siam Thai and grab some fresh sushi and a drink! Being able to walk to all of our favorite spots gives me plenty of chances to take pictures of all the historic homes in Glens Falls.

ON THE PAST

The city of Glens Falls has lost a number of historic buildings over the years due to large fires and modernization. However, we are glad to see that the mind set of the area has changed from tearing down and rebuilding to restoring and revitalizing these historic structures. The homes surrounding the downtown area are historic which lends itself to the Glens Falls of the past. Being able to live in a home that has seen Glens Falls evolve for the last century helps give the city its cozy, charming vibe.  

 …AND ON THE FUTURE

We are excited to announce the launch of our new business, Be Social Marketing, a marketing agency focused on small business and bringing the community together. The start of this new journey is very exciting for us and we are very eager to help the business in the area prosper!

We look forward to the opening of the year round indoor farmers market, the new parking garage that will accompany it, and all of the new business that will be popping up. We can't wait to see the historic buildings of Glens Falls get a second chance with all of the ongoing restorations in downtown.

Thanks Steven and Sidney! We’ll have to have you back again to chat more about the Paranormal Society - Tom is SO intrigued!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

The Weekender: May 17 - 19

The weekend is in sight - we made it! And was that the sun we saw today?! Unheard of.

We’re looking forward to a weekend at home after some travel this week. The Farmers’ Market is calling our name on Saturday morning, and Tom doesn’t know it yet, but building a window box just might be in our future :) Here’s what else we’re hoping to fit in:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. In case you missed it, we chatted with Natascha Pearl-Mansman of Darling Doughnuts here!

Six Trends to Wear this Spring

The birds are chirping, the sun is peeking through the clouds and flowers are starting to bloom again. That means Spring is making its debut and with the change of season comes new fashion trends to try! Below are some of the most wearable trends that everyone can incorporate into their wardrobe for Spring 2019.

Sunshine Shades

Sunshine Shades: The colors you would typically see for the spring season are pastels like lavender, mint or blush. But this Spring, I’m seeing warmer tones like mustard, terracotta and orange. These “sunshine” colors are bold, happy and look great on just about any skin tone. Yellows especially are a stand out color that you will see in spring, summer and will continue into fall designs.

Practical Shorts

Neon

Practical Shorts: Say goodbye to booty shorts and say hello to Bermuda shorts! The runways are jam packed with shorts that are longer in length and it’s a trend that is comfortable and practical. For a chic work look, try pairing Bermuda shorts with a structured top or a blazer and your favorite pair of heels. For a weekend outfit, try longer length denim shorts with a simple tucked in tee and cute sneakers.

Neon: Neon brights were all over the catwalks for the new season and it’s a trend that you’ll see on a lot of celebrities. Lots of shocking pinks, electric yellows and sassy greens! If you’re on the fence about these highlighter colors, try wearing them in your accessories. Go for a neon colored strappy sandal or a bright clutch to stay on trend. I’m a fan of neon pink and I think wearing this color in my jewelry is the route that I’m going to take when I try this trend.

Utility Style

Utility Style: This is a big trend that you’ll see a lot this season. I love the classic “utility colors” like olive and khaki because they are very neutral and are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. For this trend, think cargo pants and shorts, trench coats and boiler suits. A simple way to wear this style is to pair some utility inspired cropped pants with a simple cream tank and toss a khaki trench coat over the outfit to pull everything together. An effortless and timeless look.

Layered Necklaces: This is an easy trend to try because you can use what you have at home and stack them up! If you’re looking to buy some new layering necklaces, you’ll see a lot of coin inspired jewelry and necklaces that are adjustable so you can change the length yourself. Gold is very trendy, but feel free to mix your metals for an eclectic, on trend look.

Tie-Dye + Layered Necklaces

Tie-Dye: As soon as you bring up spring trends, your mind automatically goes to florals. Yes, florals are always a safe spring staple, but designers are mixing it up a little this year and throwing it back to the hippie era with the exploration of tie-dyes! It’s the season of color, so if you don’t like color, 2019 might not be the year for you! You don’t have to go crazy with every color in the rainbow in your tie-dye, but perhaps try two complimentary colors. Or, if you’re more daring, go all out and have fun with this throwback trend! I personally would leave the crazy colors to the younger crowd, but I might rock a subtle tie-dye maxi dress or simple tie-dye tee.

This wraps up my trend forecast for Spring 2019! This list was created to give you some fashion inspiration for the warmer months that we so look forward to! Don’t forget that fashion is supposed to be fun, so play around with the trends that call your name and always be unapologetically you! What fashion trends are you loving?

Maura Forcier is the owner of MinkyMink in downtown Glens Falls, NY - a boutique offering curated clothing & accessories at affordable prices.

Spring Fever Event!

To find all these great styles mentioned above and more join MinkyMink and these participating stores on Thursday, May 16 from 5-8pm …

Beauty Bubble
Finders Keepers Consignment
Fountain Square Outfitters
Lake George Olive Oil Company
LARAC
Milk & Honey
Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Rude Betty
Shine Style Boutique
Whisper Boutique
42 Degrees

… for a night of shopping, discounts and giveaways!! Every shop will offer a special or discount and serve refreshments. This is the time to shop in Downtown Glens Falls! Have some fun while supporting our city's small businesses! Details here.

My Glens Falls: Natascha Pearl-Mansman

This week, we’re catching up with Natascha Pearl-Mansman! If you’ve been lucky enough to make it to a Darling Doughnuts Pop-Up, you’re sure to recognize her (and you’re sure to be addicted to those sweet treats!). Read on to find out what downtown department store her Dad’s family owned, her go-to spot for breakfast with her husband, and what’s next for Darling Doughnuts!

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! My name is Natascha Pearl-Mansman. I’m an artist, wife, stay-at-home mama, and owner of Darling Doughnuts Artisan Doughnut Pop-Up Shop. 

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in Glens Falls and have lived here most of my life. Upon graduating from high school I felt like I needed to get out, move to a big city and see the world. I lived in Boston for almost five years, and even spent a summer semester in China! I didn’t truly appreciate all that Glens Falls has to offer until I left, and moved back home in 2010. My biggest complaint about big city life - it never got dark enough at night to see the stars! Glens Falls has all the perks of city life with a small-town feel, and in just a few minutes drive you can be in nature. Within a few hours drive you can be in Montreal, Boston, or New York City, but we have world-class attractions right here in our own backyard. 

Both my parents have spent most of their lives in Glens Falls as well, and we have a lot of family that lives in the area. My Dad’s family owned Pearl’s Department Stores which was in business from the 1920s through the 1980s, and they had a warehouse in the old WO building on Maple St. He collects historical architectural details, and I grew up in a house built in 1832 over by the Bay St Cemetery - it even still has thumb latch doors! Apparently the land the cemetery sits on used to be the fields of the person who built our house, and the surrounding homes were built for his children. I love seeing the preservation of our historical architecture around the city - I’m especially excited to see the restoration of that tiny home over on Culvert St! 

My husband and I rent a duplex apartment close to Downtown in Glens Falls with our daughter and our two cats. We’re in walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools, and parks, so I think we’re pretty well situated! Plus, my brother-in-law and his wife live upstairs so we couldn’t ask for better neighbors. My commercial kitchen space is only a few blocks away - at least I don’t have very far to travel when I’m pulling all-nighters making doughnuts! 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is all the events and activities we have throughout the year - from the LARAC and Zonta Festivals in the summer, to the Balloon Festival in the Fall, ice skating on Crandall Pond in winter, and Thursday Markets at the Shirt Factory starting up again in spring - there’s always something to do. We’re lucky to have a thriving arts community, and places like the Hyde Museum, the World Awareness Children’s Museum, the CR Wood Theater, and the Crandall Public Library to enjoy. I love seeing all the small businesses opening up and thriving downtown, it’s really come a long way since I was a kid. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

On days when I’m not working, I love to take my daughter out for a brunch date downtown, usually Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe (now the Exchange Cafe) for soup and sandwiches (and a cookie, of course!), or Samantha’s Cafe - their bananas foster oatmeal is so yummy! Then after a nap, we’ll pack up the stroller and take a walk to Crandall Park or down the bike trail - and stop at Cooper’s Cave for ice cream (I love their ‘baby’ cone - it’s the perfect size for a little one!).

On the occasion that my husband and I are both off on the same day, we like to go out to Poopie’s Diner for breakfast (love their homefries and the Villa Bread toast!). Admittedly between owning my own business and being a mom, and my husband’s work and his band (Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band) we don’t get many opportunities for date nights - but when we do I love to go out for margaritas at Raul’s, have dinner at Aroy Dee (I either order the chirashi sushi or drunken noodles) or Downtown City Tavern (sunnyside up egg on a pizza, yes please!), and catch some live music somewhere. 

On the Past

I still remember that epic snowstorm, I think it was ‘93 or ‘94 - we got almost 4 feet of snow and everything was shut down for the day. People were cross-country skiing down the road, and we had enough snow that we built an igloo in our back yard. I think it was that same year on my sister’s birthday that we caught a rare glimpse of the northern lights! A lot of people complain about the cold in upstate NY, but I love the changing of the seasons. When I’ve brought friends from around the country (and around the world) to this area they’re always blown away by how beautiful it is here! 

…and On the Future

I would love to be able to open a brick-and-mortar location for Darling Doughnuts at some point! I started my business after my daughter Clementine was born. My goal was to earn enough money working nights and weekends to make my monthly student loan payments so that we could afford for me to stay home with her. I’ve always baked for fun - I make awesome bagels, pretzels, and even fully-laminated croissants and pan au chocolat, but it was my husband Joey who finally convinced me to get over my fear of the deep fryer and try making doughnuts. I knew right away that I was on to something! Our area has a ton of great cider donuts (we even had some in lieu of cake at our wedding!), but is lacking in the kind of flavorful yeast-raised doughnuts that you can find in the big cities. Sometimes I wish I had chosen to make something less time and labor-intensive (they take 10-12 hours to make depending on the batch size), but the response has been incredible. I’ve sold nearly 5,000 doughnuts in my first year in business, and have had the opportunity to work with many great local businesses and organizations. I rent a shared commercial kitchen space in town, but have reached the point where the demand has exceeded my current production capabilities, so I’ll be keeping my eyes out for a brick-and-mortar storefront in the future! 

Anything else?

Starting May 16th you can find me at Thursday Markets at the Shirt Factory nearly every week til mid September! It’s great to see a building from Glens Falls’s industrial age reimagined as a space for artists and artisans to showcase their wares - and the food truck corrals are fun for the whole family!

Thanks, Natascha! We can’t wait to try the new Doughrogi!!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

The Weekender: May 10 - 12

Happy Mother’s Day weekend! It always feels like the official start to spring since it usually coincides with everything coming into bloom, and we couldn’t be happier to finally spot some color around here. The allergies, though, we could do without those.

In addition to stocking up on more allergy meds, here’s what we’re hoping to fit in:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Looking for more to do? Check out Susan Siplon’s picks for Five Shows to See this Month!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

With Mother’s Day coming right up (this Sunday to be exact!), we’re rounding up just a few ideas that would make a perfect gift. There are so many great shops in the city that it’s easy to find a great gift and hard to include them all in just one post! We hope this helps get you started, and mostly, we hope it gets you downtown to do your shopping! :)

a sure bet

Flowers: Snipped from your lilac bush if yours blooms in time (or look for flowers at the Farmer’s Market!) - always a favorite!

FOR THE FOODIE

Olive Oil: Having great olive oil on hand always makes us feel like we’ve got it together in the kitchen. Lake George Olive Oil Company has an awesome selection, with traditional options as well as infused olive oil to add a little something extra. Not to mention the pretty new cutting boards and other home decor!

Spice Mix + Dip: Make her life a bit easier with Spice and Dip Mixes from Rachel’s Spice Company. And these might just go perfectly with the aforementioned olive oil - just sayin’!

Cookies: Need we say more? We’ve been eyeing The Muffin-Top Baker’s cookies for a while now, and this cookie bouquet would make the perfect gift. Get your order in via Facebook or Instagram for pick-up before Sunday (limited slots left!).

For the mom who prefers experiences over things

Mani + Pedi: A little relaxation and self-care never hurt anyone, and we love the idea of a gift certificate to Studio Bari to get her nails summer ready!

Mother’s Day Brunch: Whether it’s breakfast in bed or taking her out to eat, breakfast is always a win! If you don’t want to worry about making the quiche, take her out to brunch and let someone else do the dishes! Looks like Morgan and Co., Park 26, Davidson Brothers and more are open for Mother’s Day.

Dinner + A Show: Summer shows abound in Glens Falls (especially with Adirondack Theatre Festival coming up!), and a gift certificate for dinner out on a downtown patio followed by a fantastic show at The Wood Theater or The Park Theater would make the perfect pair.

for her Closet

Jewelry: She’ll probably want everything at MinkyMink, but the jewelry by Buffalo Bannon on the front table caught our eye!

Spring Jacket: Since jackets are necessary around here until ohhh maybe August, we love the spring and summer colors of Patagonia windbreakers at Fountain Square Outfitters - and so would she!

Handbag: Can you ever have too many bags? A question Tom asks all the time! Since the answer is no, Milk and Honey has a great selection!

Hair Scarves: The best accessory for spring and summer (and only $8!) at Beauty Bubble.

THE ClASSICS

A Card: We can’t think of anything more meaningful than a handwritten note telling her just how much she means to you. This pretty card at Rude Betty makes it easy.

Notepad: For her never ending to-do list. This Today (or Tomorrow) notepad from Made in Upstate NY at The Shirt Factory seems awfully fitting.

Soap: You can’t go wrong with Beekman 1802! Rude Betty has a great selection of their soaps (and the packaging is so pretty, you don’t need to wrap it!).

Truth is, we could’ve snapped photos of gift ideas downtown all day. So many great options to make Mother’s Day special, and supporting local businesses at the same time!

Happiest Mother’s Day to all the Moms, soon to be Moms, hoping someday Moms, dog and cat Moms, and all the special ladies in between.

My Glens Falls: Joseph Girard III

This week, we caught up with Joseph Girard III - JG3! He likely needs no introduction, as most of us were cheering him on as he and his Glens Falls High School Basketball teammates won the State and Federation Championships earlier this year. Read on to find out a bit more about him, including his favorite places to grab a bite to eat, what he’s looking forward to about college, and a few words of advice for up and coming basketball players.

Tell us about yourself! 

My name is Joseph Girard III and I am a senior at Glens Falls High School. I will be attending Syracuse University after graduation and will be playing basketball for the Orangemen. I will be leaving for SU on June 30th and taking classes over the summer while working out with my future basketball coaches and teammates. The SU basketball team will be heading to Italy in August for an exhibition tour and play in some exhibition games. I am looking forward to this trip! When I am not in school or playing basketball, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing video games and enjoying summertime activities like boating, tubing, hanging by our pool and miniature golfing.

On Life in Glens Falls

Glens Falls has always been my home. You can say I am a “local”… born at Glens Falls Hospital, live in Glens Falls and go to Glens Falls High School. My parents grew up in Glens Falls as well. My mom is a graduate of Glens Falls High and my dad attended St. Mary’s School in Glens Falls. I think it says a lot that they both went away to college (LeMoyne College in Syracuse) and returned home to start a career and raise a family. I believe many of us feel that Glens Falls is a community to be proud of and a great place to raise a family.

What I love about my neighborhood is that we are centrally located to the places I go to the most - the bike trail, walking distance to the YMCA and Crandall Park, walking distance to the School and Downtown Glens Falls. Although I say “walking distance”, I used to ride my bike all over with my friends, and now I usually drive!

What I love about Glens Falls overall is the community feel and support. It was an honor to play in front of so many supporters and community members during our football and basketball seasons. Playing in the Basketball Federation tournament to a sold-out crowd at the Cool Insuring Arena was incredible! We also appreciated all the people who came out for the Parade honoring the basketball team. Glens Falls community members support each other!

What I love about my school is that I have a lot of friends and know many kids from all grades. Our smaller class sizes and neighborhood schools allow students to get to know their classmates. It is also neat that many of our teachers and administrators are Glens Falls graduates. I like to hear their stories about how school was “when they were in our seats”.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

As a true basketball fan – one of my favorite things about Glens Falls is hosting the NYS High School Basketball Tournament and the Federation tournament. I grew up attending the tournaments at the Glens Falls Civic Center (now Cool Insuring Arena). My grandfather, Joe Girard Sr, was on the basketball committee (s) – so as a treat he would let me go with him to “volunteer” and help out. I especially loved when I missed school for it! I enjoyed watching players – like Lance Stephenson, Dajuan Coleman and of course, Jimmer Fredette. I remember wishing and wanting to have the opportunity to play in the tournament and be a State Champion one day. How ironic we won the State tournament in Binghamton this past March, the last year it was being held there before coming back to Glens Falls! I am so thankful my team and I made it to the Federation Tournament this past March to win the title in front of our home crowd!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My friends and I always seem to congregate around a basketball hoop or the football field. Going to the “turf”, our high school football field, to throw the ball around or the YMCA for basketball or a friend’s house to play mini-ball is usually the perfect day for me. For down time we play video games – Fortnite or Madden.

And then of course we eat! Some of our favorite spots are:

Talk of the Town – Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a must!

Angelina’s Pizzeria – pizza and wings

Sam’s Diner – breakfast

Recovery Sports Grill

O’Toole’s

During the summer – we spend a lot of time on Lake George – boating, tubing and maybe a little cliff-diving. Martha’s Ice Cream is always a must-do also.

On the Past

My parents tell me I was putting the ball in the hoop before I could walk. Apparently, I would crawl with the ball to make the shot in the basket on my Fisher-Price hoop. I never stopped…. as I grew bigger, so did the basketball and hoop. I could not wait to play on a basketball team. I started at the YMCA playing Saturday mornings when I was maybe five (5). I remember being so excited and made sure I had a basketball uniform to wear and basketball sneakers. When I was in third grade, my dad put together a Glens Falls team with me, my cousins and friends. We would play against other schools and go to small tournaments. It wasn’t until 7th grade that I played on a school team and played AAU basketball for Albany teams. My dad started teaching and coaching me at basketball and my grandfather would give me advice on how to better my game. I always strived to be a better player than both of them. Of course, Jimmer has been an inspiration and mentor to me. I grew up watching him play at Glens Falls and followed him at BYU, in the NBA and in China. He has been a great role model for me because he is humble, hard-working and dedicated. I have enjoyed our workouts together and appreciate his words of encouragement and advice on how to be a better all-around player.

My favorite high school moments were winning two (2) football state championships and a basketball state championship – the only ones in the School’s history.

On the Future

I chose Syracuse University because I felt it was the best fit for me. I built a strong relationship with Coach Boeheim and Coach McNamara and was comfortable with how they recruited me and made me feel a part of the team. I look forward to playing and contributing to the team. I plan to study Communications and Syracuse University has one of the top programs in this field -– Newhouse School of Public Communications.

While at school, I will miss my family and friends, for sure. I’ll have to find some favorite eating spots in Syracuse to replace the places I will miss here. But it is nice to know I am only a few hours away from home if I get a craving for something!

I am looking forward to getting to know my teammates and experiencing being part of a Division 1 basketball team. Like every college student, I will be adjusting to living on my own and taking care of things that I don’t necessarily think of now, but I am excited to grow as a person, a player and a student while at Syracuse University.

My goals at college and beyond is to help SU win a NCAA Championship, obtain a great education and play in the NBA.

Words of Advice for Up-and-Coming Basketball Players

Work hard and practice hard. Playing with older kids who were bigger and faster than me pushed me to work harder. If you set a goal for yourself – do what it takes to reach that goal. There will be sacrifices along the way – but trust me, it is worth it!

Thanks, Joseph, and good luck at Syracuse! We’ll all be cheering you on.

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

Five Shows to See in May

While spring is trying to find its way to Glens Falls, and leaves and buds are peeking out to see if it is safe, we have many reasons to come out of our homes to blossom. By listening to live music! Oh joy! There are so many choices in this area and I encourage you to add one or all of my recommendations to your calendar this month.

May 5 • Glens Falls Symphony • Glens Falls High School

It is amazing to have a world class symphony in our little city of Glens Falls. Truly something to celebrate and support. The Glens Falls Symphony season finale concert: Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Beethoven's spectacular Ninth Symphony will be performed with a chorus of around 180 voices from local choral groups, including Adirondack Voices and Queensbury High School Madrigals and Concert Choir. There are still tickets (get yours here!) but it looks like they are going fast! It will be a true ode to joy!!

May 5 - Albany Pro Musica - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

I would be attending the Glens Falls Symphony concert if I wasn’t singing on the same day with Albany Pro Musica! By far the best chorus I’ve ever sung with - we’ll be singing Mozart’s Mass in C Minor and a new commissioned work by APM Composer-in-Residence Ola Gjeilo. Two great options to choose from in one afternoon! Find more information here!

May 9 • Ustad Shafaat Khan • Crandall Public Library

Every Thursday I look forward to heading over to the library after dinner and popping in for the FREE concert series. I am amazed by the quality of the curation and how easy and accessible it is to attend. I have had a good amount of exposure listening to Indian music live - I lived in Fiji for a number of years where there is a large Indian population and sat for hours on a hard wooden bench during a wedding or puja and first heard the sounds of the sitar and tabla. I am looking forward to reliving some of these fond memories in the comfort of the library space listening to a world-renowned Indian classical musician, Ustad Shafaat Khan. I support world music performances in Glens Falls whenever I am able to as I value diversity and want to encourage more opportunities to open eyes and ears to the world. Music is a comfortable bridge that unites.

Ustad Shafaat Khan has performed all over the world and recently performed with Stevie Wonder at the world famous Bonnaroo Festival. And he’ll be right here in Glens Falls in the Crandall Public Library! Get the details here.

May 11 • Hui Cox and Laura Roth • Caffe Lena

When I first met Hui and Laura at Spector over a cup of coffee a few years ago, I understood why they were viewed as “celebrities” in Glens Falls. They are both so passionate about music and working together and they are fun and fabulous people! One of the highlights of my time at The Park Theater was having them perform there monthly. They put on a spectacular show and drew a loyal following. Laura has got a “show-stopper” voice and personality and Hui backs her with finesse on guitar. They will be celebrating the release of their new CD together “Karma Bound” at Caffe Lena and it will be a great night! Find all the details here.

May 17 • Traveler’s Tales • Hyde House

The Hyde Museum is one of my favorite spots to spend a rainy afternoon in Glens Falls. You can find me there a lot lately! I am excited to see it come to life theatrically as guests are lead through the museum and presented with tales of artwork from the perspective of guest characters. Art in the Public Eye is doing a fabulous job creating unique and enjoyable art opportunities for us to attend in Glens Falls! I’ll be at this one! More information here!

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.