My Glens Falls: Rachel Meacher

This week we caught up with Rachel Meacher! We were psyched to hear she’s just opened a new cycling studio downtown (which we need to try out before we overload on holiday desserts!). Read on to find out her go-to picks for dinner and a cocktail, a favorite workout (other than cycling!) and the one thing she’d like to see in Glens Falls in the future.

Tell us about yourself!

My name’s Rachel, and I’m the owner and instructor at the newly opened Kind Cycling Studio in downtown Glens Falls. I’m a wife, mother, world-adventurer, avid cyclist, group exercise instructor, and personal trainer. You may recognize me as your waitress from a handful of local restaurants, or maybe you once took my class at the Glens Falls YMCA. Every spring and summer I offer a free community HIIT class on the bandstand in Crandall Park. This year will be its tenth year running! 

On Life in Glens Falls

I’m originally from a small town in the Hudson Valley region, but Glens Falls has been my home since I graduated in 2007. As a newcomer to the area, I instantly fell in love. It’s such a charming little city, with the kindest people around. I’ve tried living other places — my husband and I have lived in the Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. Even paradise doesn’t compare to good old Hometown USA. We love our apartment on the outskirts of downtown. We have great neighbors and are just a short walk away from everything we love to do. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day? That’s a tough one! I’d kick off my day with my Rise & Kind class at 6AM. It’s such a feel-good way to start the day! After class, I’d get my coffee fix at Spot or Spektor, followed by breakfast with my family at Juicin’ Jar. I love that they offer light, healthy options! I’d digest a little before heading over to the Cool Insuring Arena to run the stairs. If you’re looking for a really good workout, that’s my other go-to. A walking membership is only $10 a year! After that, I’d take my 5 year old son, Atlas, to the library. He loves the playroom and the super friendly library staff. We’d pick some books for him to read in the bike trailer, before heading up the bike path for an easy afternoon ride. After all that exercise, it’d be Mikado on my mind. My husband and I love their new space and the awesome sushi! Last stop would be at the Park Theater for a nightcap at Doc’s restaurant. The “prescription” cocktails are unique and delicious. Sipping on one at the candlelit bar makes me feel just a little bit more glamorous.  

On the Future

If I could add anything to the Glens Falls area, it’d be a health-oriented grocery store like the Healthy Living Market or maybe a Whole Foods. One of our daily activities includes a trip to the grocery store; often in which we have to drive to Saratoga to find what we’re looking for. I’d love to keep those dollars more local. 

Oh, by the Way…

Thank you for taking a moment and allowing me to introduce myself. I hope you’ll become one of the Kind, and join me for a ride soon! To check out my class schedule, class descriptions, or reserve your ride, you can visit www.KindCyclingStudio.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram!

Thanks Rachel!

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

The Weekender: November 15 - 17

Happy weekend! How was your week? Kinda chilly, eh? This is about the time of year Tom and I start discussing the fact that I need to learn to ski - otherwise I’ll be hibernating by the fire until April. But I digress - here are a few things that might just get us away from the fireplace this weekend:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Looking for a Sunday drive this weekend? Head to Cambridge for amazing donuts, great shopping, and a local craft beer - check out our travel guide here.

…and if you need some date night inspiration, see our First Look at Craft on 9 here!

First Look: Craft on 9

Have you been to Craft on 9 in their new location downtown? We were so excited to check it out for the first time a couple weeks ago, and our jaws just about hit the floor when we walked in. The new space is absolutely amazing, and no detail was overlooked in the (12 month!) renovation. From the cozy lounge, high-tops, and bar in front, to the booths and mezzanine seating in back, it’s definitely a place that makes you want to linger a little longer over their fantastic food + drink. We were lucky enough to catch Chef Rob Murphy and his mom, Maria to hear a bit more about their renovation and move, some favorites from their menu, as well as some background on how it all began.

SOME BACKGROUND

Chef Rob, we’d love to know - what inspired you to become a chef?

Rob: I grew up with all of my grandparents being great home cooks. Watching them was fun, especially my grandfather Jim Murphy. I also was homeschooled by my grandmother from grades 7-9 and traveled with my family’s furniture business “Cottage Crafts”. We ate out a lot at very cool and unique restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner - sometimes being away from home for 4 weeks at a time. Seeing different cuisine from all over the country was very inspiring.

How did Craft on 9 come about?

Rob: I learned just about everything I know from Chef Shawn Whalen from Bistro Tallula (RIP). He gave me the tools I needed to be a successful chef/owner from the day I started working for him up until the point where I opened Craft on 9, which was five years. With my love for the community of South Glens Falls, when I heard that the former Luisas Italian Bistro had closed, I thought it could be a perfect spot to finally have the restaurant I had always wanted.

Maria: My husband Jeramie and I knew how much Rob wanted his own place. We had some financial availability to help with that, and along with Jeramie’s abilities in building we decided to take the leap of faith to help our son live his dream.

How did you decide on the name?

Rob: I wanted to focus on everything being handcrafted - from the food, cocktails, and of course, craft beer. I thought the simple but bold name “CRAFT” was catchy and then added the “on 9” to give it a “homey” feel as Route 9 pretty much runs through the center of all of our lives around here.

ON THE MOVE

We’re so thrilled to have you here downtown - how did you decide to make the move to Glens Falls?

Rob: It was a combination of it being a much better location with more seating, and the chance to have a new fresh breath of air with a space that will be maintained and kept up well by my new landlord Chris Patten.

How have things been at the new location? Settling in nicely?

Rob: We are settling in GREAT! We have just about quadrupled sales from the last restaurant. People seem to be enjoying it, as we’ve been sold out every weekend. We also have many private parties booked and have already done at least a dozen. We’re seeing a lot of the same faces plus many new regulars.

What kind of feedback have you gotten from customers on the space? 

Rob: We have been welcomed to the neighborhood for sure! Everyone has been super great to us and seem to be excited that were closer to the majority of the population.

What's been the biggest advantage to having the new space?

Rob: Definitely the prime location and being able to seat 140 customers. The last location had a very dilapidated parking lot - it’s nice to have the Pavilion parking lot right next door also.

What's your personal favorite thing about the location in GF?

Rob: My personal favorite thing is and was being able to design this space from the ground up, with my parents and landlord Chris Patten. Also just the whole building being beautifully renovated, and the soon to be South Street project underway is very exciting.

Maria: The space, the people!! Glens Falls feels very alive and it’s inspiring!

ON THE TEAM

Sounds like it was a group effort to get all of the renovations done... how does it feel now that that's behind you?

Rob: It feels great! We had the best team ever while designing and building this place…my parents and I (who did the majority of the work) couldn’t have asked for better help than we had. Tons of people gave up extra time out of their days on the regular, such as my brothers, my uncle Matt, girlfriend Morgan, best friend Hank, and even some of my employees would come and help on their days off. The amount of help we received was incredibly overwhelming, and we are super grateful to everyone that lent a hand as the project STILL took 12 months.

Maria: Throughout the winter and spring it became difficult to stay motivated and there were times we lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, so it feels very good to be done and exciting to see guests enjoying the space as much as we hoped they would. 

Amazing! You mentioned your employees - how many do you have on board now?

Rob: We now have 18 employees, and I really do have the best employees. My new GM Bill Dingman and my Sous Chef Shawn have been killing it and really taking a huge load off my back, along with Bartender Joe and Chef Bill Nash who came with me to this new space from the old space. These guys have made training all of the new employees at Craft an absolute dream. I even got to hire my mother Maria full time…it feels great to be able to do that.

Yes! We noticed "Mom's Office" inscribed on the door upstairs..what's Mom's role?

Rob: Mom keeps all of the things that you don’t really think about while being a chef nice and glued together. She is basically my human resources person and accountant. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.. cooking really good food is the easiest part of owning your own place.

Maria: I’ll help wherever I am needed, but the main responsibilities will be anything to do with keeping the lights on and the employees paid. And decorating - my favorite thing to do in this amazing space!

ON THE SPACE

Speaking of the space - what was the most fun part and / or biggest challenge with the renovation?

Rob: The most fun part was definitely seeing and working closely alongside my parents for countless hours even though it wasn’t exactly what most people would call fun. I enjoy spending time with my family. The biggest challenge for us was working our normal full time jobs in between it all.. also I hate tile now.

Maria: The most fun part was when we started gutting and opened up the space to find the beautiful potential this old building had and to freely create and design the space. Another fun part of remodeling was when I built the bar back. Using the old shiplap flooring we found and the old Exit 17 highway sign we had made. It was one of the first of our designs to be finished. The most challenging part was balancing family time and the renovations. Working full time jobs and renovating in between. And the project taking 366 days!

Any fun surprises that came about during the renovation? 

Rob: There were many surprises during the demolition part, which was to be expected in these old buildings. Countless layers of flooring installed through multiple decades - and apparently some people just poured concrete over problem areas back in the day!

Maria: All of the brick, high tin ceilings and the words Hotel Rolluf Glens Falls we discovered written on the I-beam on the front of the building. So much history and beauty.

Now that you’ve been through it, any recommendations you would offer to anyone looking to dig into a major renovation?

Rob: If it’s in an old building, allow yourself much more time than you think you need.

Maria: Do what it takes to stay motivated and work past the hard because in the end hard work will pay off.

Any favorite unique details in the space?

Rob: We got to use all of the old shiplap flooring from the 1800s that was in the now dining room on the front and behind the bar - gives it a real nice touch. Also, I got to hang my great grandfather “Bud” Scoville’s original “M.C. Scoville Jewelers” sign above my kitchen.

Maria: I love the huge old doors dividing the bar lounge from the dining area. I am also loving my office area as we added that floor to the mezzanine plan where it was originally just open space. My amazing husband found a way for me to be there rather than the basement!

ON THE MENU

All the regular favorites are still there... any plans on adding anything new? 

Rob: Yes! Now that the train is rolling nicely and all new employees are well trained on how we do things here, we will start running more specials and change a few of the menu items to go along with the seasons.

How would you describe the menu to someone from out of town?

Rob: It’s hard to describe it honestly..when people ask what kind of menu I have, I tell them “it’s really whatever I feel like cooking”. It’s nice not being limited to one thing like Italian or Mexican. We have some American, Japanese, and lots of European dishes.

You've got about a dozen local brews on tap... how often do you rotate them?

Rob: Often! We never get two kegs of the same thing back to back and very rarely does one keg even make it through one work week.

What's your favorite dish to prepare?

Rob: My favorite thing on my menu is the Ramen for sure.. it’s also the most difficult to prepare but its just sooo good.

We can’t wait to try it. We’re so excited to have you downtown!

Maria: We are so excited to be a part of the growth downtown is experiencing!

Thanks Chef Rob and Maria - we’ll see you again soon for sure!

P.S. Reservations are recommended (they’ve been busy!) - you can grab all of their info and check out their awesome menu here.

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Hungry for more? We’ve featured a few other downtown restaurants here!

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

My Glens Falls: Jeremy Deason

This week we caught up with Jeremy Deason! He and his wife Cassie were among the first friendly faces we met when we moved to Glens Falls years ago. Find out what brought him here, what he loves about working downtown, and his go-to brunch and pizza spots (a couple of our favorites!).

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Jeremy Deason, and I am an Account Executive at Associates of Glens Falls Insurance. I live locally with my wife Cassie and our seven year old twins. I’m on the Glens Falls School Board, am a coach in local youth recreational sports, and I volunteer for both the State Basketball Tournament Committee and the YMCA.

On Life in Glens Falls

I was born in Michigan and grew up in Atlanta, GA, but attended college in upstate New York. I met my wife (a Glens Falls native) in college, and I always enjoyed coming to visit the area. After living in Massachusetts after college, life intervened, and we moved back to the area about 10 years ago. We love this place, love that we have four seasons, and love the community. Glens Falls has pride and grit, things you don’t get in a big city, and traits we are happy to have ingrained in our kids. We are also so lucky to live in a neighborhood where we walk to school every day. Even better, the kids can head outside and, at any moment, be playing with a number of kids, all within a few blocks. I am also fortunate that my "commute" is about a mile, and I really enjoy working downtown. It's rewarding to be a part of a locally owned business (look for the clock!) that has been in Glens Falls for over 50 years and is an active part of our community. One thing I've become aware of working downtown is that if you only go downtown on nights or weekends, you wouldn't know that a bustle and flow really does exist during the weekday days. It's refreshing to work in an area that is both busy and inviting at the same time.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect GF day could be any time of the year, but since it's the fall, it would probably start with a Rec Soccer game in the morning, playing with neighbors or a bike ride, and then dinner at Raul's followed by a drink or two at Fenimore's (or sitting at the outside fire pits at The Q). For breakfast/brunch we love Kelly's Roots, and you can’t beat a pizza for dinner and seeing friends at Talk of the Town! Crandall Library is also a must visit for us most weeks.

On the Past

While I didn't grow up here, many Glens Falls moments have become a part of my life. One of my favorite times of year is the State Basketball Tournament. Having played basketball in college in New York, so many people talk with such fond memories of coming to our community for those few days, and remark how welcoming Glens Falls is. It feels much better that it’s back in its rightful place this year.

On the Future

Selfishly I'd love a place to have a good deli sandwich downtown, but overall, it's nice to see downtown transforming each day. I truly do feel like good things are happening.

We have friends and family who live in places like Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, and while it's great to visit with them, we wouldn't trade Glens Falls and Hometown USA for the world. I'm incredibly grateful that Cassie and I met in college and we ended up here to settle and raise our family.

Thanks Jeremy!

P.S. Read more of our chats with Glens Falls neighbors in our My Glens Falls series here.

Road Trip: Cambridge, NY

If you love charming small towns, great food, and afternoons spent browsing antique shops, then we’ve got a road trip for you. Just a 45 minute drive from Glens Falls sits the lovely village of Cambridge, NY and it’s one of our go-to weekend day trips. Read on for some favorites from our recent jaunt, and if you go - don’t forget your appetite…and an empty trunk for all of your newfound treasures.

Eat + Drink

King Bakery Donut Cart: The most delicious donuts and pastries served fresh out of an old Freihofer’s wagon - need we say more?! Every Sunday morning a line forms at the beloved King Bakery Donut Cart parked at the end of the driveway at 108 West Main Street - and take it from us, it’s worth the short wait (which goes even quicker chatting with friendly folks in line!). The glazed are an absolute must, and you might as well grab some scones, danish, and good old fashioned cinnamon buns while you’re there too.

Round House Bakery Cafe: [Update as of March 2021: Round House Bakery Cafe has closed] A frequent stop for us when we find ourselves in Washington County, Round House is a cozy cafe reminiscent of an old country store. You’ll find some amazing sweet treats in the bakery case and cookie jars, but you’ll definitely want to linger for a sandwich (the Mediterranean is a favorite of ours). Of course, don’t leave without a ginger spice cookie (or three!).

Argyle Brewing Co. Tasting Room: Around the corner from the Cafe, a cold beverage awaits in an old train depot! While we love enjoying the picnic tables and fresh air in the summer, the charming interior of the depot is cozy and welcoming in the cooler months - and they’ve got a great lineup of music coming over the next couple of months as well.

See, Do + Shop

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market: Another great reason to make your trip on a Sunday (in addition to the King Bakery Donut Cart) is the Sunday Farmers Market. During the warmer months you’ll find the vendors on the lawn in front of the Argyle Brewing Co. Depot Taproom, but this time of year it’s held in the Lovejoy Building across the way - a charming barn behind Hubbard Hall. While we wanted one of everything, we left with a delicious baguette from Earth Sky Time Community Farm (because you can never have too many carbs).

Battenkill Books: The type of bookstore that everyone would want to have in their town. Friendly and warm, with a fantastic selection of bestsellers and classics alike (and children’s books, too!). We love giving books as Christmas gifts, and this will be the perfect spot to do some shopping while supporting a local independent bookstore.

Also - did you know that this bookstore has been continuously running (albeit with different owners and names) in Cambridge for 35 years?! Amazing.

Valley Artisans Market: We’re always thrilled to see a vibrant and talented arts scene in the towns we visit, and Cambridge was no different. The Artisans Market (located alongside the Round House Bakery Cafe) is an arts cooperative with a fantastic spectrum of hand-crafted work on display, including oil paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and so much more. The perfect place to shop for a unique holiday gift!

Antiques

Blacksmith Antiques: Absolutely filled to the brim with unique finds, it’s exactly the kind of place you’d see on American Pickers (which somehow always seems to be on tv at our house). We’re looking forward to coming back with a bit more time to peruse the aisles of old bottles, books, paintings and prints, “smalls” and so much more. A hidden gem, for sure.

Cambridge Antiques Center: With a little bit of everything spanning two floors, we always love to pop in here to see what’s new. From the ever popular blue and white ginger jars and chinoiserie lamps to beautiful antique furniture, lighting, and rugs, there’s something for everyone (and there’s a decent chance you’ll spend the afternoon!).

Jack’s Outback Antiques: Right next door to Cambridge Antiques, don’t miss Jack Metzger’s Gallery and Antiques. One of the best parts about browsing for antiques is hearing the stories behind them, and Jack, the owner, always has the story at the ready. We love the old signage here, as well as Jack’s one of a kind sculptures.

Hubbard Block: Just down the street from the Cafe, don’t miss Hubbard Block for antiques, folk art, and country collectibles. With a fantastic selection of seasonal items, this is a perfect stop as we head into the holidays. You won’t want to miss the Christmas room - plenty of antique and vintage ornaments and decor to get you in the spirit.

On our list for next trip: We’re looking forward to catching a performance at Hubbard Hall next time - check their events calendar here to see if something is playing while you’re in town!

Also, we can’t wait to see what Lakota’s Farm has in store next year - we had the most wonderful evening at one of their Farm to Table dinners this past summer, and we’re sure they have even more great events up their sleeve on their beautiful property in 2020!

Until next time, Cambridge! If you’ve got any area favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

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Our Road Trip series is fueled by Stewart’s Shops.

The gas gauge on our Wagoneer is stuck on full, so we fill up with gas every couple of hours. We’re always on the lookout for a Stewart’s to fuel up with non-ethanol, and lucky for us, there’s one right in Cambridge. Couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee for our morning stroll through the village, too.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

The Weekender: November 8-10

Happy weekend! We’re holding on to these golden views, but word on the street is that the first snowflakes are set to fly tonight. Can’t say we’re ready, but there’s also no denying the excitement that comes along with those first few flurries of the season - so we’ll go with it :) In addition to cozying up by the fire this weekend, here’s what caught our eye:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Are you following us on Instagram? We’re doing a giveaway with Darling Doughnuts that you won’t want to miss - check it out here!

Back in the Day: A Warrensburg Housewarming (with Marilyn Monroe!)

The “economical house for the average American family” that Virginia MacAllister of Warrensburg won in 1949 had an above average guest list at the house-warming party, including actress Marilyn Monroe.

The 23-year-old Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, was just three years into her career as an actress, model and singer at the time.

L-R: Marilyn Monroe, actor Donald Buka, Photoplay Editor Adele Fletcher and Virginia MacAllister pose in front of the “Dream House” in Warrensburg that MacAllister won in a national jingle writing contest. Photo Courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

“Ladies of the Chorus,” Monroe’s fifth film, had just been released in February, and “Love Happy” was in production.  

MacAllister, a widow with a five-year-old son, Rusty, was winner of the Photoplay magazine “Dream House” national contest to write the best jingle to promote the economy of a prefabricated house, or an “industrial engineered bungalow” as the National Retail Lumber Dealers Association, the contest sponsor, called it.

An industrial engineered home could be constructed 1,540 labor hours versus 2,079 labor hours for a convention home, saving about 10 percent on the total price.

The lyrics and tune of the jingle seem to have been lost over time.

MacAllister, the winner out of 265,000 entries, received a free house and furnishings built at a location of her choice – a one-acre plot on James Street in Warrensburg, two blocks from the Warrensburg school and two blocks from the business district.

“I’m in a state of coma. I’ve got to catch my breath,” MacAllister said, when informed that she won. “Is it true, really true?”

Actresses Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Shirley Temple and director Mitch Leisen, along with “engineers from all over the country,” consulted on the design of the L-shaped, two-story house which, at 5-year-old Rusty’s request, included a basement.

Griffin Lumber of Hudson Falls constructed the house, and Union-Fern, a retail furniture chain with a store in Glens Falls, furnished the house.

Monroe and three male actors traveled with the magazine’s staff and publicists via special rail car from New York City to Albany, and then on to Warrensburg via automobile, to present the house keys to MacAllister in a ceremony on June 21, 1949, which about 500 people attended.

WWSC radio of Glens Falls audio-taped the ceremony for broadcast on 500 Mutual Radio Network stations nationwide.

“Lon McAllister, the young actor who will soon be in ‘The Story of Seabiscuit,’ was very impressed with the Dream House,” The Post-Star reported. “He remarked that he particularly liked the large windows with their beautiful view of the Adirondack Mountains.”

The other actors were Don DeFore and Donald Buka.

The story of how MacAllister came to be a home owner could easily be a Hollywood movie plot itself.

“This is a story of big hearts,” said Jackie Neben, a writer for Photoplay.

The Rev. Douglas MacAllister of Trenton, N.J., Virginia’s husband, died in 1945 from polio.

Virginia moved with her young son to Warrensburg, her hometown, to live with her parents and work as a camp nurse in summers and ski instructor at Gore Mountain in  winters.

About five years after winning the house, she remarried, sold the house and moved with her new husband to New York City.

She wrote 30 published novels and wrote soap opera scripts for “The Guiding Light” and “The Young and the Restless” – writing under the names Virginia McDonnell and Virginia Barclay.

Son Rusty grew up to graduate the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

As of 1979 he was living in California.

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Sources: The Post-Star, March 9, 31, May 9, June 20, 22, Oct. 11, 1949; Dec. 26, 1979; Dec. 15, 2006; Warrensburg Historical Society; IMBd.

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: Lisa Boucher

This week we chatted with Lisa Boucher! Read on to find out why the City Park bandstand is so special to her (the sweetest story!), what inspired her to get into the field of Human Resources, and what hobbies keep her busy when she finds some spare time.

Tell us about yourself!

Hi - My name is Lisa Boucher and I am the HR Director at Double H Ranch as well as Vice-President and Co-Owner of Women in Networking Connect, Inc. (WINC). WINC is a social and professional networking group of women empowering women. Our mission is to offer women a place to connect, share and grow. We are true believers in empowering each other and “strength in numbers!” Our passion is to inspire and empower women to pursue their true passions in life.  

My hobbies include teaching Tae Kwon Do classes and women’s self defense classes for over 20 years as part of Murray’s Family Martial Arts in Hudson Falls.  There is something about empowering a woman to feel she can protect herself or her family that I cannot begin to describe. My husband and I also truck and tractor pull together and travel all over New York State and have gone as far as Ohio to compete!  I just love the noise of a big motor and the excitement of the competition! I also love the freedom of traveling in our motorhome and stopping at places along the way to just camp out for the night.  

My life’s passion has been about empowering others to live their best lives and be the best they can at whatever their heart leads them to. I got into Human Resources as I saw it as a way to help employees be more productive and happy at work, while at the same time helping the organization retain and coach good employees for longevity. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone succeed and be happy coming to work every day. It’s ironic that I ended up at Double H Ranch as my cousin was one of the very first campers there and I feel like I’m able to give back to an organization that gave so much to our family. (I don’t believe in coincidence though - I believe everything happens for a reason!)

When my closest friend and business partner, Cristine DiCaprio, approached me at about starting WINC I was all in. To provide a way for local business women to connect and thrive through an all women’s networking group was really exciting to me. Being able to impact local small businesses and families through such a fun and inspiring venture has been so rewarding and I cannot begin to list the amazing things we’ve seen happen through this group.

On Life in Glens Falls

I was born and raised in South Glens Falls and have always loved the Glens Falls area. We have some fun city events, like plays at the Wood Theater, concerts at the Cool Insuring Arena, the Adirondack Balloon Fest, as well as amazing countryside to tour and live in. It’s really the best of both worlds in my opinion!  

I live in Kingsbury with my husband Jeff, and our 4 rescue kitties, Buddy, Maggie, Jack and Chloe. My husband and I both have chosen to live and work in this area because we love the change of seasons and the diversity of the area. Our families also still live in the area and we love to be near them and spend time with them. I cannot imagine living more than 15 to 20 minutes away from my parents!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls to me would start with breakfast at The Exchange Cafe, hitting the local farmers market, lunch at Samantha’s Cafe, shopping the great local shops downtown, and then ending the evening with a great country concert at the Cool Insuring Arena with dinner at Davidson Brothers! (I may like to eat just a little too much and there are so many great places downtown it’s hard to choose just one!)

On the Past

One of my fondest and favorite memories of Glens Falls is Christmas Eve 1998. My husband and I had been dating for about a year and he knew I just love to see the band stand at City Park all lit up for Christmas. After an evening of family parties, he stopped downtown on Ridge Street at about 11 p.m. and told me to get out of the truck. I thought I’d done something wrong but did it anyway even though it was super cold and snowy out! He took my hand and led me through the snow to the bandstand and stood me in front of the Christmas tree. He then handed me a box and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most romantic thing ever!

On the Future

I cannot imagine anything I’d change about living in the Glens Falls area! It’s why we’ve chosen to stay here all these years! I have to say that seeing the city come back to life over the last few years has been so awesome. The vibrancy and diversity that we are seeing happen makes me happy to be a part of the community. I cannot wait to see what else is to come!

Thanks Lisa!

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

Hockey Town: Conor Riley

Had a blast catching up with and getting to know Adirondack Thunder Forward Conor Riley as we gear up for another couple of home games this weekend. Read on to learn more about his small town beginnings, a unique experience on the ice at Fenway, some great advice from his father, and his thoughts on who's shaping up to be the big competition this year.

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

On the Past

What inspired you to play hockey? How’d you get started?

Growing up it was pretty much my father. He had played college hockey actually in Plattsburgh. He went overseas for a little bit, and he played over there. So growing up it was kind of a family thing.


Also, I’m from a small town up north [Massena, NY] where there were a bunch of rinks, so it was a community thing, too. People would always go skating, and it was easy to get on the ice. My dad would take me and my two sisters skating all the time. Actually, it all started as my sisters were in figure skating. My dad put me in that too and said it would be good for hockey down the road. It’s really good for your edge-work.

You played at the University of Maine at Oreno - how was that for you?

I was playing junior hockey in Boston, and I got recruited by a few universities and when I went up to the University of Maine, I just fell in love with it up there. It just had that small community feel and it was a strong hockey team as far as being nationally ranked. So I did an official visit there, left the visit, and called the coach right away to say that I would commit there. It was nice because it’s a good sized university, but it still has that small town feel.

How about the seafood?

Even in our dining halls, every now and then they’d bring in lobster - that was nice!

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

Did you have a favorite team growing up?

Growing up I was always a Devils fan. My Dad was a Devils fan, so I just stuck with that. Zack Parise was definitely one of my favorite players growing up.

How about a favorite hockey memory?

I would say one of the coolest moments was my sophomore year at Maine, we played one of those outdoor games at Fenway Park. We used the Red Sox locker room and all. It was a unique experience to play in a stadium like that. And mid-way through the second period we had to stop for a lightning delay. We had to get off the ice in a hurry!

On the Ice

What do you love most about being on the ice?

I think the biggest thing is just being able to go out and compete. You can go out there and it’s just you vs. that other guy. The physicality of it, the speed of the game, I think that’s always something that really drove me to play hockey - it’s just a fast paced game with a lot of contact.

Also, the camaraderie with the guys. It’s easy to get along with the hockey guys. The whole team aspect. It’s a big team game and you never feel like you’re secluded, so that’s what makes hockey pretty fun.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game routines?

Not really. More just a basic routine. Get to the rink. Cup of coffee. Meeting. Warm up. Play a little soccer with the guys before which is always fun. I say talk to a goalie, they definitely have their superstitions!

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

On the Season

Thoughts on this season so far?

Record wise, a good start - we’re tied for first. We’re lucky to have two really good goaltenders that have stolen us a couple of wins. I think we’re still trying to figure out our team identity a little bit - it’s always tough to get into that team chemistry right away. It takes time, and right now we’re in a good spot. It’s always good to have a really good start to the season. To be racking up those wins is huge, but I think we still have room to grow as a team.

Any rivalries this year?

Looks like Worcester is going to be that team this year. With Manchester out of the league, you end up playing your divisional rivals at least four or five more games per year, which adds up. It seems like Worcseter is going to be a team that’s pretty physical and could be a big rivalry.

On the Next Generation

Any advice you’d like to share for up and coming players?

I think people spend time worrying about what team they’re on, what line they’re on, who they’re playing with, how much ice time they get. But I’d say the biggest thing to worry about as a player would be - at the end of the year, if you think you got better, then that was a successful season. Too many people worry about all the ins and outs, but if you’re getting better every year, then you’re going to find yourself where you want to be at the end of the day.

That and the other thing that my dad taught me growing up is that it’s hard for coaches and scouts to cut you if you’re the hardest working guy on the ice. So always work to be the hardest working guy on the ice and make it tough for teams to release you. Everyone recognizes the guy going the hardest.

How about words of wisdom for folks just learning to skate?

I’d say right away - you’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to fall a bunch. You might not last long out there, but it’s like riding a bike, you’ve just gotta get back on until sooner or later you start catching on to it. Skating is a unique thing where you’re definitely going to hurt yourself a couple of times, but you’ve just gotta keep getting back up.

On Glens Falls

Favorite place to grab a bite after a game?

There’s really not a bad spot to eat! We bounce around a lot - Mikado, Downtown City Tavern…

How do you unwind on your days off?

I like to read a lot - it doesn’t matter if it’s non-fiction, fiction. Lately I just like to sit down and read, which is kind of new because in school, the last thing you want to do is read those books. I’ve really started to enjoy reading on my own time.

Also, my sister lives down in Kinderhook, and she has a daughter and newborn son. It’s great because on my days off I can go down there, and that’s a big reason I love playing here. Traveling with hockey, it can be tough to find time to see family, but with my sister and brother in law and two kids nearby, it’s nice to go down there and see them and relax, so that’s a huge bonus of playing here. My whole family is really important to me. I really can’t say enough about them. They’re the reason I’ve been able to play and keep on playing.

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

Two games this weekend - Friday and Sunday! Grab tickets here.

P.S. Who wouldn't love to meet a superhero? Join the Thunder for great family fun on Sunday, November 10th at 3pm. The one and only Spiderman will be there for a pre-game meet and greet! Four pack specials are available and you can grab all the details here.

The Weekender: November 1 - 3

Happy weekend and Happy Halloween! Hope you’re staying dry and enjoying all of your favorite candy - we’re sneaking a few Twix and Snickers in between trick or treaters ourselves :)

With all of the leaves coming down tonight, raking is definitely on the agenda this weekend, and here’s what else looks good…

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. If you’re up for a Sunday drive this weekend, we shared some favorites from a recent trip to Bennington here.

First Look: A New Home for Grey Ghost

Many have grown to know and love Grey Ghost Bicycles over the years, so we’re thrilled at the opportunity to share the latest from the guys - Dan, Paul, Steve, and Niles, which just so happens to include their awesome new home on Lawrence Street. From some background on how they got started, to their favorite rides, and the transition to the new space, read on to hear more from Grey Ghost.

How did you catch the cycling bug? Why do you think it stuck? 

Steve: For me, it may have been watching the Olympic Road Race in 1984. Watching Alexi Grewal outsprint a much faster Steve Bauer to win the gold medal really lit a fire in me for the sport. I always liked the freedom that riding provided me and still does to this day. 

Niles: I fell in love with cycling when I was around 11 or so. I would ride my bike through Gansevoort, sometimes for transportation, but mostly for something to do. Ever since, I have been on two wheels for enjoyment.

Steve Fairchild & Niles Gagnon at Grey Ghost

For beginners… what’s the best way to get more involved in the sport?

Steve: Pedal your bike! Biking to cycling can be a different thing to different people and one in the same to others. It may be a 100 mile century ride, a mtb adventure race, a local group ride, or simply a cruise on the bike trail. There is a great support system locally for all types of cycling and a wealth of information as well.  

Niles: To start, find something you’re interested in. Not all that love cycling do it to compete, most do it for fun. Now with all the different types of bikes from road to mountain to gravel, ebikes, hybrids, there is a bike for everyone. 

Let’s chat about cycling in general… what do you think are the top benefits of getting involved in the sport?

Steve: Cycling can be a lifelong sport, it’s great exercise and fairly easy on the body. It can be competitive, a solitary relaxing activity, or a very social one as well. You get to choose what you want it to be!

Niles: One of my favorite things about the sport is the freedom of where a bike can take you. I recently did an event that takes you through some really rough jeep roads in Vermont, something a regular motor vehicle could not pass, and the bike can take you through it with ease. It’s all up to how far the rider wants to push themselves and their equipment.

What would be some of your top tips and tricks to be aware of before getting serious about the road? 

Steve: Be aware and careful. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there, but I feel the roads are still as safe as they were 20 and 30 years ago. Cycling has grown in popularity greatly in the last few decades, so while we all hear about how unsafe the roads are, there are more cyclists and I feel more awareness for cyclists these days than when I began riding in the early 80’s. There are also bike paths that you can choose to ride on initially until you are ready to conquer the local roads.

Niles: Top tips for the road would be - don’t skimp on good cycling clothing. From good shorts, which are what provides the padding, to a nice helmet that is light with good venting. These items will keep you comfortable out there which will make you want to ride longer. Now as for the road itself, it can be a very dangerous place with traffic. I suggest learning all the quiet roads in your area, make sure you understand and obey the traffic laws, and don’t be afraid to explore. Washington County is one of our favorite places to ride, with tons of quiet roads and lots of different terrain options.

How would you describe the local cycling community? 

Steve: The local cycling community is very active in my opinion for small town USA. There are groups to ride with pretty much every day of the week if you look a little. It is rare I go on a ride anywhere these days without seeing other cyclists out and about. When I first started riding we would be lucky to see 15-20 riders for an entire season, and we usually knew everyone back then! That is not the case these days, you could likely meet new riding partners everyday.

Niles:  The local cycling community is great. There are a number of different core groups that are always doing rides, not just on the road too. 

Dan: The local cycling community is strong and active. I see more people and different people out riding on the roads and the trails every day. In addition, the local communities have seemed to embrace cyclists at a new level. Take a look at the recent Bicyclists Bring Business initiatives around New York State.

You offer a cool variety of group rides over the season… is there a crowd favorite? 

Steve: Has to be the Donut 100 - it’s a long, long day, but you get donut stops! Maple Bacon Donuts from King’s Bakery Donut Cart in Cambridge, NY does not disappoint.

Niles: It’s tough too pick one but I would say the Metric Loop for Janey’s Ride, our ride we do on Mother’s Day to support the breast cancer fund at the Glens Falls Hospital. It is a 62 mile loop leaving from Common Roots Brewing and heading into Washington County, around Lake Cossayuna and through some of the nicest views in the whole county. There are also two shorter ride options for Janey’s Ride, a 30 mile and a 15 mile.

My personal favorite is The Donut 100- a ride where we head to Cambridge and get donuts at Kings Donut Cart then proceed to Manchester, VT for more donuts and a taco stop for lunch. The ride is about 120 miles all said and done. A great challenge.

Let’s get caught up on the tech a bit. Do you have any favorite new gadgets or design features that you find most helpful? 

Steve: I’m partial to electronic shifting and carbon wheels, I need all the help I can get as I get older :)

Niles: There are a ton of items to make the riding experience more enjoyable. Narrowing it down to one or two is hard because they are different for everyone. The one thing I can say that everyone can enjoy is how comfortable bikes have become. Frames have more flex built into them where they need it, and the geometry offers a comfortable position. That teamed with a good bike fitting will ensure you enjoy your cycling experience.  

How has technology made an impact on cycling over the past decade? 

Steve: Technology changes have been non stop in the last decade. Hi tech carbon, electronic shifting, constantly evolving mtb suspension systems, pedal assist e-bikes. There has been tech upgrades to just about every aspect of every bike available. They all make for a more enjoyable experience. 

Niles: The tech in the way frames are manufactured has allowed companies to make bikes for the road that are not only fast and efficient but extremely comfortable to ride. In the past ten years I can’t even begin to scratch the surface on how far mountain bikes have come. From frame geometry to shock technology, pretty much everything has changed in the dirt world and all of it has been for the better.   

Your website mentions your favorite rides… what it is that makes them your favorite? 

Steve: Palisades Road in Brant Lake - it’s just a really cool scenic fun road to ride on! I can get there easily and ride it whenever I want. It never disappoints.

Niles: Most of these are our favorites because they get you off the beaten path and off the main roads. Some take you by some scenic sights, some are just fun routes with twisting country roads.

Paul: With the new Kelly Bedford tandem, my latest favorite rides are anywhere that I can get out with my son, Max.

Dan: My favorite rides are evolving as well. I love the exploration component. Exploring a new town, county, state, or country on a bike gives unique perspective and a thrill.  

We all know it, change is the only constant… how’s the move into the new space and location been? 

Steve: It’s been fantastic. The store space is more open and inviting. To have our own parking lot so customers don’t have to drive around looking for parking is wonderful.

Niles: We love our new space. It’s always tough moving from your first location, but it has been well received by our customers. We have a much wider space that makes it easier to shop and walk around, and best of all there is no more hunting for a parking spot, we have plenty. And the bike path is right out back! 

Who is your favorite cyclist of all time? 

Steve: Greg LeMond, bar none. When I raced my bike in France, which was at the tail end of his career, he was more popular with the local French than their cycling stars. His accomplishments changed the sport for future generations.

Niles: I’m fairly new into following competitive cycling but if I had to pick one from years past I would have to say Greg LeMond. Current cyclist to watch would be Mathieu van der Poel. 

If you could sit down and shoot the breeze with any current cyclist in the world who would it be and what would you ask them? 

Steve: Peter Sagan. How do you ride a wheelie, uphill, on your time trial bike? Tour de France 2019......

Niles: I would sit down with the current US Cyclocross champ Stephen Hyde. I would have to image the conversation would consist of a lot of talk about trucks, he has really awesome older pickup. He is a total character, FYI.  

Cycling seems like such a fun adventure… we bet you’ve got a story or two. How about one of the most inspiring ones? Or most humorous?

Steve: More than a few in 35+ years of being a cyclist. Helping a child ride without training wheels for the first time. Because you know you just opened up a whole new book of adventure for them. Some other stories are best untold :)

Niles: We have a youth mountain bike team (NICA) that consists of any kids in 7th-12th grade. When we get the group together each spring, some have been on the team for a few years and some are new to it and new to the sport, and it is great to watch them grow with their abilities and see them help each other. From helping each other through the trails to cheering teammates on at the racing, seeing the interaction and love for the sport is great. Getting kids into programs like this, whether they want to race or just ride with the group, helps to get them excited about cycling for years to come!   

Anything you’d like to share about what’s on the horizon for Grey Ghost? 

Steve: There may be a thing or two on the horizon, we can’t give all our secrets away. Stay tuned!

Niles: We are always looking for things to help grow all aspects of the cycling community so be on the look out for new events and rides, workshops and other fun events.

Niles Gagnon, Paul Fronhofer, Dan Fronhofer, and Steve Fairchild at Grey Ghost

Thanks guys!

P.S. See more in our First Look series here.

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

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My Glens Falls: Herman Johnson

We caught up with Herman Johnson this week! Keep reading to find out what brought him back to Glens Falls after spending years away, some favorite Glens Falls memories, and a few of his favorite spots in the city.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Herman Johnson, I’m the president of Cerebral Sports, a coach at Glens Falls High School, an Instructor at SUNY Adirondack, and a Radio Host on 1450 WWSC AM. I have three daughters who reside in Washington State. I am married to a wonderful woman, Caroline Johnson, who has a son and a young lady attending SUNY Potsdam. I enjoy helping those who cannot help themselves.

On Life in Glens Falls

I am back in Glens Falls after spending many years away. After graduating from Glens Falls High and attending the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, I came back home to work at the Nautilus which was located just across the street from the Civic Center, now the Cool Insuring Arena.

Upon leaving Glens Falls, my family and I moved to Lewiston, Idaho for 12 years, where I taught and coached, and then from Idaho to Washington State where we lived for 22 years and I continued teaching, coaching and doing triggerpoint therapy.

A divorce got me saying to myself, it's time to return home, and so here I am and am so excited to be here, staying here forever.

My mom, who lives in South Glens Falls now and still drives at 90 years old, moved from Alabama in the early 50s. I have 4 sisters, Remona, Maureen, Joslyn, and Bridget and 2 brothers, Lamont and Jeffrey.

My wife Caroline is from Redhook area and her son is Michael and a beautiful daughter, Victoria.

We rent a very beautiful older home on South Street Extension. Caroline and I enjoy the quiet and quick stroll to Haviland Cove. We do not have to commute, which is the beauty of residing here.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is that I grew up with the majority of the long time residents here and it's so nice to see how they have become successful and generous and are comfortable in their own skin - and everyone can love that, can't they?

I wish more people would explore seasonal activities that abound throughout the region, especially the excellent cuisine assembled with fresh ingredients within walking distance of each other.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

An ideal day comes in many forms - like, in the middle of winter, when we have piles of snow and the streets are clear and there is lots of sunshine - taking a trip to West Mountain Ski Resort and observing the symphony of skiers.

It could be the eventual saunter into the library to read and enjoy the glass enclosure, watching humans and animals strolling by in all kinds of weather.

I’ve never met a calorie I didn't like, but all my closest breakfast nooks deliver a breakfast that's to die for, seriously. I can't single out a particular restaurant because I give praises to all of them when I meet people from out of town. Is it obvious I'm in love with the area?

On the Past

My favorite memory is growing up in the city, having been a part of this great school system and having a school record in the triple jump which afforded me the ability to attend the University. Or sitting in the library reading 24 volumes of Sigmund Freud and 18 volumes of Carl Gustave Jung - love psychology.

Another indelible impression was going to Poopie's when I was 10 years old and getting an egg sandwich with ketchup. I haven't had that sandwich in a great while however, I always enjoy having the delicious hashbrowns.

On the Future

The future of Glens Falls is evolving as we speak because since returning home, many things are happening. I'm loving the leadership of Mayor Hall. The momentum picked up by expanding the Farmer's Market, and many developers have renovated and have beautified South Street and Glen Street is transitioning into a corridor of shops and eateries and as is Ridge, Park, Hudson and many others - kudos to the entrepreneurs! I am hopeful that the people of Glens Falls participate in the growth and transformation of this great city because without their involvement, it is only a dream.

My personal dream is to have people steer more towards Holistic Health, spread the love. Many, many praises to the individual practitioners in the field of Holistic Medicine.

Thanks, Herman!

P.S. Read more in our My Glens Falls series here.

Just Married: Angela & Seth Weinberger

High school sweethearts, a classic downtown wedding, an elegant ballroom, and dreamy rooftop photos at sunset to cap off the night. We’re so thrilled to share Angela and Seth’s wedding (beautifully captured by Simply 23 Photography), as well as the fun way they met, and the story behind the meaningful proposal. Congratulations, you two!

THE COUPLE - Angela & Seth Weinberger 

Tell us about yourselves!

Seth and I live in South Glens Falls. We love football (the Carolina Panthers - we go to Charlotte in 2 weeks for 4th row seats!), we both love to work on home projects inside and out, and we love to be outside with our two yellow labs Hayden (4), Charlotte (1) doing yard work! Seth and I enjoy local date nights (to Five Guys and Downtown City Tavern), and we also love a good trip to Lowe’s and Homegoods!

I grew up in North Carolina but moved here in 8th grade. Seth was born and raised here. We both went to South High. My family is from the area and had a lot available to build on after my great grandmother passed away. The year I graduated high school and my first year of college, we bought the lot and then saved every penny to build on it.

How did you meet?

Seth and I met when he was a freshman in high school at South High and I was in 8th grade at Oliver Winch Middle School. We were playing “manhunt” at the local elementary school with a big group of friends. Too funny! We started dating when we were in high school, and have been together since!

THE PROPOSAL

Seth proposed on Christmas at my grandparent’s house. What made it so special was that it was our first Christmas with our new home, and my mom and little brother were also in town from California. That was my first Christmas with my brother and the first one I’ve had with my mom in over 10 years. It was very special for me.

At the time we were about 7 years into our relationship. I knew we had created a beautiful life together and built a beautiful home, and I knew the next step would be marriage. 

My engagement ring is very simple. We had actually looked at rings together 2-3 years before he asked. My style changed 5-6 times! I have a very simple but elegant round solitaire.

THE WEDDING - August 23, 2019

The best part of our wedding day was the party and having all of our family and friends together. I come from a family with divorced parents so the most exciting part for me was having my parents and their relatives all together. Being that I have family on the west coast and east coast, some of them had never even met. Seth also has many relatives out of state. It was nice for everyone to get together. We love a good party and to dance!

Our favorite moment from the day was all the love we received from our family and friends. It was so special. Also the anticipation all morning of finally seeing one another and becoming husband and wife! 

The Venue

Our venue was The Queensbury Hotel. We both loved the elegant ballroom theme. Very simple but beautiful. We had all white, black and biscotti (cream) decor. We used white Hydrangeas and floating candles as the centerpiece. It was beautiful. 

The Decor

We both agreed we weren’t the ”color” or “theme” type of couple. We loved the elegance and classy look we went with. Especially being in a ballroom setting. White linens, white flowers, floating candles, and a pop of black and biscotti.

The Details

I had an all white, lace gown with off the shoulder sleeves. My bridesmaids wore a one shoulder biscotti dress and my flower girls (2 little sisters) also had a one shoulder dress. My cake was all white, tiered, vanilla bean frosting with vanilla cake. My aunt owns a local bakery in South Glens Falls (Cakes by Kate). I’ve had so many people tell me how wonderful the food and cake was! 

The Honeymoon

We did not go on a honeymoon right away as we had family in town staying with us after the wedding. Instead we are spending the week before Christmas in sunny Mexico!

Some Advice…

Soak it all in. The love, stress, excitement, anticipation, everything. It goes so quick. When planning, it seems like a lifetime! We loved every single moment. We were both pretty calm and easy going through the whole process and the day of our wedding. That made for a much more enjoyable experience.

VENDOR CREDITS  

Venue + Food: The Queensbury Hotel 
Cake: Cakes by Kate 
Gown: A Love Story Bridal (Troy)
Hair: Lauren White, En Pointe Hair Studio 
Makeup: Taylor Seymour, Makeup by Taylor 
Photographer: Hannah Hutter, Simply 23 Photography
Videographer: Adam Merrow, Thoughts Left On 
Florist: A Lasting Impression Florist / Trader Joe’s Albany 
DJ: Joesph Stanislowsky, New Era Entertainment

P.S. Check out more in our Wedding series here.

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

We’d love to share your happy news! Contact us here.

Road Trip: Bennington, VT

Have you been to Bennington lately? Filled with history, charm, covered bridges, fantastic restaurants, beautifully curated shops - and all just over an hour from our driveway in Glens Falls. And with a downtown revitalization project just beginning with the historic Putnam Block, it’s sure to become even more vibrant. If you’re looking for a Sunday drive this weekend, read on for some favorites from our recent trip:

EAT + DRINK

Harvest Brewing: Tucked into a brick storefront downtown, we loved the atmosphere at Harvest Brewing both inside and out. On this sunny day, the picnic tables, colorful umbrellas and lights strung up overhead made this a perfect place to enjoy a meal. On the menu for our late lunch? Well, we had to try the coffee and beer, of course (as the sign out front suggests!), as well as fresh and delicious sandwiches and avocado toast. We hear they just started selling cans of their craft beer, too!

The Tap House at Catamount Glass: We’d heard such great things about The Tap House and couldn’t wait to try it ourselves. With a casual and artistic vibe, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and some delicious comfort food to cap off our day. With a cozy patio surrounded by late summer blooms and lights twinkling overhead, we’re guessing this is a Bennington favorite for warm weather date nights. Inside, we loved the exposed brick, friendly staff, and fun conversation with other guests. Oh, and the fries! :)

The Village Chocolate Shoppe: The smell of chocolate will lure you in and once inside, you’ll want one of everything. We left with a couple of their best sellers, the Death by Chocolate Bars, and we couldn’t resist the maple creams - so good! The perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while you’re in town, for sure.

On our list for next time: While we’ve had drinks at Madison Brewing Company, we can’t wait to grab a meal next time, and we’re looking forward to checking out The Miller’s Toll Dinner Club for their cocktails and rotating seasonal menu!

SEE + DO

Stroll Old Bennington: A stretch of beautiful historic homes line the street starting with the photogenic Old First Church and cemetery (and fun fact: Robert Frost is buried here). From there, you can meander up the hill to the Bennington Battle Monument, where you’ll want to take the elevator up to the top for gorgeous views of the hills and valleys of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts - especially with the colors this time of year!

Covered Bridges: If you’re a covered bridge lover, this is your town - there are five within striking distance of Bennington! Here is a great overview on all five, but you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to our favorite - the Henry Bridge. It’s tucked away on a back road with the perfect perch for a picnic, or just taking in the view.

The Mile-Around Woods: It wouldn’t be a trip to Vermont without finding some open space to roam, and The Mile-Around Woods in North Bennington turned out to be the perfect place for an autumn stroll. Located just past The Park McCullough House (which is worth a visit too, by the way!), the preserve is home to carriage road trails and on this sunny day, a group of gorgeous horses grazing in the lower pasture.

Bennington Museum: With the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world, it’s easy to see why many visitors make the trip to Bennington for the Museum alone. They also have a fantastic collection representing life in Early Vermont, an amazing Bennington Pottery Gallery, and Tom’s personal favorite - a custom Martin Wasp luxury automobile.

On our list for next time: Hemmings Motor News (they have their headquarters in Bennington complete with a Car Lover’s Store, old fashioned Sunoco station, and vehicle display!).

SHOP

Catbird Studio: A most beautifully curated shop, if you’re looking for a head start on holiday shopping - this is your place. A thoughtful variety of gift items, home decor, stationery and fine papers, we’ve loved popping into Catbird on previous trips to Bennington as well - there’s always something new!

Bennington Potters: One of each, please! We’re sure you’ll be as smitten with Bennington Potters as we were. A gorgeous collection of stoneware pottery, made right onsite in Bennington (don't leave without taking a peek into the studio to see how each piece is made!). With so many glazes and styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we’ve got our eye on a pitcher in the classic Morning Glory Blue. A must while in Bennington.

Armstrong Farm: The sweetest roadside pumpkin stand, complete with red Radio Flyer wagons - and mini pumpkins that spell out Vermont, no less! If you go, be sure to pop in to the barn for some of their maple syrup, too - and hurry - they close for the season on October 31st!

The Apple Barn: A must, especially in the fall, we couldn’t get enough of their mini-cider donuts. The barn is stocked with all of the season’s essentials - pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, baked goods, and all of the Vermont maple syrup you could want. If you go, grab two boxes of the mini-cider donuts - they’ll go fast! :)

Fiddlehead: A bank at one time, Fiddlehead is located in a historic marble building downtown with beautifully preserved architecture (and the vault!), we loved browsing the curated gallery at Fiddlehead. With an eclectic mix of paintings, pottery, jewelry (and so much more!), they definitely have something for everyone - and we love that everything is handmade by artisans across North America.

Antiques: What’s a road trip without a stop or two (or three!) to browse an antique shop? Luckily there are three in Bennington, and fair warning - you could probably spend a full day just browsing for treasures! Don’t miss the Antique Center at Camelot Village, Green Mountain Antiques, and Owl’s Nest.

On our list for next time: Bennington Bookshop (who doesn’t love a good independent book store?!) and Bringing you Vermont Country Store (and cafe!).

STAY

Four Chimneys Inn: The most beautiful inn tucked behind an old stone wall, the Four Chimneys is a Bennington gem. With a stately white exterior, the four namesake chimneys, and the expansive lawn and lovely gardens, it’s no wonder it was chosen as this year’s best Vermont Bed and Breakfast by Yankee Magazine. From the lovely innkeepers who make you feel right at home, to the beautifully decorated rooms (each is unique!), to the delicious breakfast in the morning, you’ll definitely want to add the Four Chimneys to your list if you decide to extend your day trip to an overnight.

On our list for next time: The Henry House looks like the perfect place for a group or an event (and you can’t beat that view of a quintessential Vermont covered bridge right across the street!).

This post was brought to you by Vermont Begins Here. Thank you for supporting the organizations and businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

P.S. See more of our Road Trip series here.

The Weekender: October 25 - 27

Happy weekend to you! We did a little double take as we looked at the calendar - Halloween definitely snuck up on us this year, and while it’s not ’til next Thursday, we were happy to see some fun Halloween events on the calendar this Saturday and Sunday. We’ll be stocking up on candy for the trick-or-treaters this weekend, and here’s what else is going on:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: John Marcantonio

This week we’re catching up with John Marcantonio. You might recognize John from his role with Glens Falls National Bank, from his days with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, or his dedicated volunteerism locally. Read on to learn more about John’s ties to the city, a little known fact about him, and a cause near and dear to his heart.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is John Marcantonio and I am a Business Development Officer for Glens Falls National Bank and volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association. A little known fact about me is that last year I became an Adirondack 46er which I’m extremely proud of. I am a lifelong resident of the Glens Falls region and love that my son is growing up in the place I call home. My son is an athlete in baseball and hockey which translates to me being a coach in those sports. I love being involved and making a difference in the lives of others. 

On Life in Glens Falls

Growing up in South Glens Falls was a great experience. When I was a kid, I loved all of the local attractions but didn't appreciate all that we have. I was able to attend a great college locally at SUNY Adirondack and then went on to SUNY Utica. After college, I couldn't wait to see what the world had to offer and moved to Syracuse to further my career. After a few years in Syracuse, I realized what a special place Glens Falls is and moved home. I bought a two family house on Ridge Street when I was 25 and loved fixing that house up with my Dad and friends. I enjoyed living in downtown Glens Falls and all that it had to offer within walking distance. This is a very special place that allows us the opportunity to enjoy world class vacation destinations and still have that small town living. I couldn't imagine a better community to raise my son. My wife Shelly and I bought the house I grew up in when my Dad passed away 11 years ago and I built an addition and remodeled to make it our own. 

My family is from Glens Falls, my Mom was an RN at Glens Falls Hospital for decades and helped care for many families in this community. My Dad was a famous semi-pro baseball player for the Glens Falls Doblers where he enjoyed playing with his brothers and friends. I love running into folks in town that share their stories about my parents. That is the charm of small town living.   

The amazing thing about this community is the philanthropic spirit. Whether big or small, the way that this community rallies together is amazing. We have all witnessed the power of the South High Marathon Dance and what an amazing opportunity it is to educate our youth on the impact they can have to make the world a better place.  

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is watching the city constantly evolve. This is a city on the rise. The dining options that we have for a small town are incredible. I love going to the Bullpen, as a young guy it was one of the best bars to hang out in, but now the little known secret...and this might make it harder for me to get in…the food that Pam and her staff serve for lunch and dinner is incredible. To watch and be a part of the redevelopment of all of the old buildings into thriving businesses in downtown is awesome!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A great day here for me would include getting a coffee at SPOT and then heading to Crandall Library to grab a few books for my son. Then I’d do a quick hike up Sleeping Beauty, dinner at Gourmet Café and then an Adirondack Thunder hockey game.

On a Personal Note

The reason that I am so passionate about Glens Falls is a very personal one. I was blessed to work at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for five years. During that time I met a lot of great people that make this community special and I also lived through a personal tragedy. My Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease nine years ago. She was a resident of Cronin High Rise at the time, some of you will remember the little hunched over lady that walked the streets of downtown for years (that was my Mom). I had the pleasure of working downtown and knowing all of the business owners, and so many of them helped me keep an eye on my Mom and let her live independently for as long as possible. Eventually her condition worsened and she moved to a memory care unit at The Landing in Queensbury. Alzheimer's eventually took her memory and then her life. As her primary caregiver, that journey with Alzheimer's was devastating for me and my family but it also led to inspiration. I got involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer's and soon after was nominated to be Co-Chair of the committee. I am so proud to report that in the last four years that event has become one of the top fundraisers in the Capital Region. Last year we had over 1,000 walkers and raised over $165,000. The money raised goes to fund research to make sure that future generations will have treatment and cure, and also funds caregiver support in our community for those that are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. Please join us on October 26th at SUNY Adirondack to Walk to End Alzheimer's. Here’s a link for more information.

On the Future

If I could wave a magic wand and change anything about Glens Falls what would it be? Nothing! We live in a geographically superior place that offers everything that you could want. Whatever draws you to this region: mountains, lakes, the horses at Saratoga or something else, you will want to stay or come back because of the wonderful people who live here.

Thanks John!

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

The Weekender: October 18-20

Hope you’ve had a great week! We made it through yesterday’s dreary weather and it looks like there’s three nice days on the horizon this weekend and lots going on - here’s what’s doin’:

Hope you have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hockey Town: Casey Pierro-Zabotel

Ahh, October. When Hometown USA transforms into Hockey Town once again. When downtown comes alive in a fresh new way. When dinners out turn into dinner and a game (and maybe dinner, a game, and celebratory drinks after the game). We’re psyched for the Adirondack Thunder’s new season, and what better way to start it off than with a new series on GFL - Hockey Town - and what better way to start said new series than with the newly signed (and two time Kelly Cup Champion) - Casey Pierro-Zabotel (you can call him Zabby). Read on to find out what inspired him to play hockey, his favorite moments on the ice, and what he’s looking forward to this season.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Photo: Andy Camp)

Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from and how are you settling in to Glens Falls?

My wife Levi and I have been married for 10 years now. We have two children - our son Lane is 10 and our daughter Collins is three. My wife and I are both from the same town called Kamloops in British Columbia, Canada. It's been about a month and it's been really good. Our family is settling in well and we've had the chance to explore around town and it's really nice. We have really enjoyed Glens Falls, and also went to the Great Escape with the family, and a couple trips to Lake George. The people are really friendly here, especially the fans.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE PAST

What inspired you to play hockey?

I started playing hockey because of my parents. They got me started at age 3, so I really had no choice but to play. My father played junior hockey and I was always at the rink with him - he’s the one that got me started, coached me first, and pushed me to play all the time.

Favorite hockey player / team?

My favorite hockey player is Joe Sakic - he’s an elite goal scorer, and he’s on my favorite team (the Colorado Avalanche), and also from British Columbia near where I live.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE ICE

What do you love the most about being out on the ice? 

I love competing every day for a chance to win - winning is the reason I love to play hockey.

What has been a favorite moment of your career so far?

My favorite hockey moment so far is winning back to back Kelly Cups - it took me 7 years to win the first one so that was an amazing feeling.

You've led the league in scoring... what's it feel like to score a goal? 

It's amazing, it’s one of the best things about hockey. Everyone wants to score a goal and of course help the team win. And sometimes the opportunities may not come by that easily. Some games, you may not even get a shot on net, then the next it happens all at once. It's a pretty cool feeling to celebrate with your teammates when the fans are going crazy around you. 

Any superstitions or regular routines prior to game time?

No superstitions, but my favorite thing to do before a game is play soccer with the guys - it’s a nice way to get loose prior to the intensity of getting out onto the ice.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE UPCOMING SEASON

What made you decide to come to Glens Falls?

We decided to come to Glens Falls because we heard so many great things from friends and guys on the team.

We're excited to welcome you and the team on opening night...any extra adrenaline pumping before a home game? 

The first home game of the year is always the best when the fans are all screaming and excited - it gives me a little more energy hearing that. 

Looks like we've got an impressive roster. What are you most excited about in the upcoming season? 

I’m most excited about this team we have - it’s a really well balanced team and should be a real fun year.

ON THE NEXT GENERATION

Any advice you'd be willing to share for up-and coming players with dreams of playing professionally? 

The advice I would give to young kids is to work hard every day in practices and games. Even if you’re not playing, stay at it and most importantly, have fun and just enjoy it.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Photo: Andy Camp)

Thanks Zabby! See you at the game on Saturday - Go Thunder!

P.S. If you’re thinking of heading to the game, grab tickets here, or snag an opening night four pack here (it includes four tickets, four souvenir cups, and a $20 gift card to Stewart’s!).

Sweet Ride: 1950 Chevy Pickup

We’re rolling along (pun intended) with our Sweet Ride series, and this week we’re chatting with Gary and Joy McCoola about their beautiful 1950 pickup truck. Read on for the scoop on how they came to own it, a little about it’s previous owners (the sweetest story - grab your tissues!), and hear about their favorite road trips.

Before we get into the details on your gorgeous truck, let’s chat a bit about the two of you!

I grew up in Edison, New Jersey and Joy grew up in Long Beach on Long Island. We met on the dance floor of a country-western bar in NYC when I was in college in 1981. I was attending NJIT in Newark - studying architecture. Joy was living in Manhattan and teaching. Between academic years at NJIT, I was working summer jobs in Colorado. It was there that I spent time sketching old vehicles and I came to appreciate the style of the 1947-55 Chevrolet trucks, what I consider to be "the classic American pickup truck". While finishing college, I worked in NYC and soon after moved to Durango, Colorado, where I also interned as an architect. Joy joined me there for a few years and after we married we moved to Glens Falls in 1985.

THE SPECS

Year, make, and model: 1950 Chevrolet 3800 Series, one-ton pickup truck with a 9-foot bed.

Mileage: 74,000 miles

Size engine: 216.5 ci "Thriftmaster" inline 6-cylinder rated at 29.4 SAE HP or 90 HP at 3400 RPM.

Automatic or stick: Four speed on the floor, though speed is a relative term. 1st is granny gear with top speed of about 3 MPH; in 4th gear it tops out at about 50 MPH so a comfortable highway cruising speed is about 47 MPH.

Approximate gas mileage: Maybe 12-15 MPG.

Years owned: 36 years.

Driven through all seasons or stored: I store it through the winter.

Favorite features: There is an opening in the front grill so that you can hand-crank the engine. The cab is ventilated by popping the cowl vent and driver's side vent. Manual choke and throttle on the dashboard;  pedal starter on the floor. Nine-foot bed so that you can load it with plywood and still have space for other stuff. Hard steering and slow driving, especially in granny gear. My truck is the antithesis of the current rage in hot rod trucks.

THE HISTORY

How did you come to own it?

While living in Durango in 1983, I attended numerous estate auctions looking for cool antiques. I missed the opportunity (had no money) to bid on an original, low-mileage 1949 1/2-ton Chevy pickup with a custom cab - visor, chrome grille, rear corner windows and radio.

At a subsequent ranch auction, another Chevy pickup was available - 68,000 miles and in original condition, though a bit weathered. I set my limit and was bidding against one other person. At the hammer, the other bidder had won and I spent the next hour or so kicking myself for not bidding higher. Later, the auctioneer came to me and said that the successful bidder had to withdraw his bid, and instead of going back to a public bid, he would accept an additional $50 offer.  No problem, I was the new owner of the truck with a price of $1,550.

Do you know much about its history or previous owners?  

The truck is from Bayfield, Colorado and I am the second owner. The estate auction where I purchased the truck was a working ranch for about 100 years. Every tool, appliance, piece of furniture, vehicle, etc. ever used there was retired to a barn instead of being discarded. Everything was being auctioned so that the owners could sell the ranch and move to a nursing home. This particular truck performed many ranch chores and was used by the family's son and wife to travel through New Mexico on their honeymoon. It had been fitted with Oak slat hoops over the bed and covered with a canvas top - much like a Conestoga wagon. I had the hoops in the truck and was told that the canvas top was in a barn somewhere, but I never found it. Weeks later, when I finally got the title, registration and insurance, I went to claim the truck. By that time everything at the ranch was gone, except for the pickup truck. The owner, an elderly woman, gave me the key. I climbed into the truck, turned the key, pulled the choke, hit the gas pedal few times, stepped on the starter pedal and it fired right up. As the truck warmed up, she walked over and gently kissed the left front fender - saying good-bye to the last of her family's belongings. Needless to say, I had tears in my eyes and that was the saddest drive I have ever taken despite my joy in having the truck.

THE REPAIRS

How about the repairs? Do you work on the truck yourself?

I do minor repairs and maintenance myself. After owning it for about 20 years, the northeast humidity had taken its toll on the worn paint and the surface of the truck was an even coat of rust. I decided to have it repainted so that it would last another 50 years. The truck is about 98% original metal with no bondo.  I replaced the tailgate and bed front and the floor of the bed only. The bed is Southern Yellow Pine with black paint finish as original. The truck has been restored as close as possible to original condition, except for the addition of a second rear tail light, rear directional lights, rear view mirror and an oil filter. The restoration was performed by Bob Adler of Stephentown, NY. He works almost exclusively on the Chevy "Advance-Design Era" trucks from 1947-55. He is a highly skilled painter, mechanic and engineer, and it was great to correspond with him throughout the restoration process. For instance, he hadn't worked on a truck manufactured in the Kansas plant before, so he was able to dissect how the painting sequence of the two-tone front grill in that factory differed from those painted in the east-coast factory.

Any must haves in the truck during road trips?

An adjustable wrench and a screwdriver are always in the glove box. They can fix just about anything that might come loose or need adjustment. The truck has never broken down or not started in 36 years!

THE RIDE

Your favorite local cruise? 

About every weekend, I make it a point to drive the truck. Most trips are to the trash transfer station, farmer's market, Lowes, Ace Hardware and Curtis Lumber. I feel obligated to use it as a work truck, so I have hauled beds full of stone, cow manure, fire wood, slate tiles, newspaper, trash and lumber. I look forward to any load that will dampen the stiff two-stage rear leaf springs.

And your favorite long distance road trip?

When Joy and I moved from Colorado to New York in 1985, we used the truck. It was still in original condition and had 4-foot high Oak stock racks around the bed. After a thorough inspection by a local mechanic we were road worthy. We loaded everything we owned at the time into the back of the truck and were ready for our 2,200 mile journey. Within the first two hours was our greatest obstacle: Wolf Creek Pass - a 7-percent grade for 10 miles topping out at about 11,000 foot elevation. With the truck in third gear, about 25 MPH, we crawled up the pass. The truck was spewing a bit a blue smoke, but was running well. Once at the top, I thought that we would stop for a break, but I knew that it was all downhill from there to New York and we motored on. We generally followed the old Lincoln Highway, US Route 30, which was one of the earliest transcontinental highways. With a cruising speed of 47 MPH, a single taillight, hand signaling for turns, and headlights equivalent to an old flashlight, we drove only during the day. We stopped frequently in the many small towns and enjoyed the slow ride. Over the course of the trip, an old Volkswagen bus passed us and they were clearly excited to have passed a vehicle other than a farm tractor. Our trip lasted six days and on the seventh day we rested.

The Advice

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take the leap and buy their dream ride?

Look for a clean, running vehicle with no rust. Vehicles from the southwest are preserved by the dry climate and are not subjected to salted roads. I always look forward to western vacations so I can drive the back roads through small towns searching backyards and alleys for those vehicles waiting to be rescued.

Thanks Gary and Joy!

P.S. See more from our Sweet Ride series here.

My Glens Falls: Tabitha Burton

This week we’re chatting with Tabitha Burton, who will be a familiar face if you’ve been to the Adirondack Theatre Festival or Film Festival. Read on to find out what brought her to good ol’ GF, what drew her to get involved in theatre, and her local go-to spots for everything from coffee to trivia night.

Tell us about yourself!

Hey Glens Falls! I’m Tabitha Burton, but most of you know me by Tab. I’m the Company Manager for the Adirondack Film Festival which runs October 17-20th in downtown Glens Falls. 

We’d love to hear more about your background - how did you become involved in theatre?

I got a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (Undergrad) and a Masters of Art in Art Administration (Grad School). I first got involved in theatre when I was in grad school. I had an amazing teacher who would take us to shows and emphasized the importance of live theatre - the story it tells and how everyone can relate to either the story or the characters. I stuck with it after graduation.

I started working at the Shawnee Theatre the day after I graduated high school and worked there for 8 years each summer learning how to do the many different jobs it takes to put on a show. It was Mrs. Jerrells who introduced me to music and theatre and why I fell in love with it. She was an amazing teacher, friend and role model. She retired and now her and her husband work at Disney in Florida.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in a small town similar to Glens Falls in Bloomfield, Indiana. I started working for the Bloomington Playwrights Project Theatre shortly after undergrad where Chad Rabinovitz is the artistic director. I first came to Glens Falls four years ago for the Adirondack Film Festival and fell in love with the community. From there, Chad (who is also the artistic director of the Adirondack Theatre Festival) brought me on as the Company Manager and I kept coming back every October for the Film Festival and every May for the Theatre Festival for the past three years. I fell in love with the downtown area and looked forward to seeing the same familiar faces each year.

Once I graduated from grad school at Indiana University (Go Hoosier!) in December 2017, I decided I wanted to move out of Indiana and move to Glens Falls - I mean, I already knew people and had a community here. Now, I live right downtown at Bemis Place Apartments on Sherman Ave with my sweet cat Calvin that I adopted at the local Glens Falls Animal Shelter and couldn’t be happier.

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is the different art events the community has - from the LARAC Festival, Adirondack Theatre and Film Festivals to the Black Fly event at the Hyde, there is so much going on. I also love the small town feel, it’s a nice feeling to go into a restaurant or bar and people know your name (shout out to Fenimores at the Q!).  

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Some of my favorite spots to frequent downtown are definitely Spot Coffee for that Java Shake, the patio at The Q for their firepits, Rauls for the best margs in town, or trivia night at Mean Max. There is something for everyone downtown. 

On the Future

If you asked me where I would be living 4 yrs ago, Glens Falls wouldn’t have even been on the radar. I wouldn’t even have known about Glens Falls if it wasn’t for Chad. Indiana will always hold a special place in my heart, but for now Glens Falls has won me over and my heart.

By the way…

The fourth annual Adirondack Film Festival is Oct 17-20th. If you find yourself downtown, buy a pass and come check out our amazing line up. We have over 200 filmmakers coming to town, so it’s going to be a busy but exciting weekend.

Thanks Tab - see you at the Film Festival!

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