The Weekender: August 19 - 21

Happy weekend! Looks like another hot one! Hopefully we can ingrain these temperatures into our memory to give us warmth when it’s below zero in February. Here are a few ideas to help you get out there and do just that…

Dancing Grain Farm Brewery: We are so excited to check out Dancing Grain, a new farm brewery in Moreau! They open tomorrow (Friday), and if craft beer, barns, Adirondack chairs, and serene farm views are your thing, then this is your place! Details here.

Farm to Table Dinner: This Saturday night, our friends at Lakota’s Farm in Cambridge are hosting a family friendly farm to table dinner and bonus, along with lawn games, music, a bonfire, and a movie! Did we mention a beautiful view of the farm, too? Details and tickets here.

Second Chance Barn: If you love a good vintage find like we do, you’ll be glad to know that Second Chance Barn in Granville has re-opened this summer! They usually post photos of the barn on their Facebook page on Fridays so you can see what’s up for grabs. If you’re headed out that way, check out some of our other Granville favorites here. It just so happens that Hicks is on the way, so you might as well grab a cider donut or two while you’re out that way, right?!

Sunset Limited: All aboard for a glass of wine! A train ride through the Southern Adirondacks in an open air car with live music, wine from Ledge Rock Hill Winery, and charcuterie plates. A pretty sweet date night pick, if we do say so ourselves! Grab the details and tickets from the Saratoga, Corinth, and Hudson Railroad here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Road Trip: Schenectady, NY

Have you taken a ride to Schenectady lately? There’s great energy happening in the city, especially in the summer! The patios come alive downtown, the window boxes in the Stockade District overflow with flowers, and the summer breeze flows through the open doors and windows of shops and galleries. Here are some favorites from our recent trip, if you’re headed that way!

EAT + DRINK

Arthur’s Market: A must! Recently restored (the building dates back to the 1700s!), Arthur’s was reopened under new ownership last year, and we were so thrilled to finally pay them a visit! We loved the nods to the building’s history throughout, from the exposed brick to the antique counter, as well as a display of old photos of the Market’s evolution through the years.

And the food! We ordered breakfast sandwiches on house-made english muffins along with a ham and asparagus quiche, and we were only a few bites in when we started planning our next trip back. Delicious! Don’t leave without grabbing a few of their cookies for the road - it was tough to pick a winner between the molasses and chocolate chip!

Great Flats Brewing: An awesome atmosphere with garage doors that open to the street, super friendly people, and fantastic beer (two thumbs up from Tom on their IPA!). Can’t wait to head back soon to beat Tom in ping pong :)

Malcolm’s: Run, do not walk, to Malcolm’s! While we couldn’t squeeze it into this trip, we’re still talking about our meal there from a previous visit! With a charming interior and friendly atmosphere, this is a top date night pick for sure. Don’t miss the Elote - grilled corn with roasted garlic aioli and pecorino cheese - so, so good. Their menu is fantastic and always changing, so we’re looking forward to trying something new on our next trip. Especially since we just saw they serve brunch as well!

Druthers Brewing Company: For a casual spot overlooking the recently constructed Mohawk Harbor, Druthers is always a win. Their outdoor beer garden is surrounded by hydrangeas and the sights and sounds of boat traffic coming and going on the river below. Their menu is full of classic comfort food, and we enjoyed a couple of their staples: a fried chicken sandwich and wood-fired pizza.

SEE, DO + SHOP

Van Gogh Experience: Art lovers, you won’t want to miss this one! We’ve been hearing rave reviews of the Van Gogh Experience in other spots around the country, so we were thrilled to hear that it had made it’s way to Schenectady this summer and fall. If you’re not familiar, the best way to describe the experience is like stepping into a painting. First, you’ll get to know a little bit about Van Gogh and his work in a more traditional museum exhibit. Next, you’ll step into the immersive experience, which includes two story projections of his work that make you feel like you’re in the painting. And finally, you’ll have a VR experience that will allow you to walk through some of his most famous works. Truly an awesome experience! It only runs through September, so grab your tickets!

Stockade Historic District: The gem of the city, the Stockade Historic District is a favorite of ours and reminds us just a bit of strolls through Charleston or Savannah. The beautiful architecture, the perfectly planted window boxes, the uneven brick walkways, and the streets lined with American flags had us charmed. We loved taking a peek at the plaques on the homes as we walked through, with some homes dating back to the 1700’s. Fun fact: it’s said to have the highest concentration of historic period homes in the country!

Bluebird Home + Gift: Perfectly styled and curated, I knew we were going to be here a while the second we walked in. Bluebird is stocked with the most gorgeous home goods as well as an amazing selection of vintage - including vintage Persian rugs! Yes, please! .

Upstate Kayak Rentals: Did you know there’s a harbor in Schenectady?! Newly constructed as part of a 60 acre master planned community along one mile of the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot for boaters to hop off the Mohawk River to grab a bite to eat and enjoy what Schenectady has to offer. Turns out it’s also the perfect spot to launch a kayak! While we didn’t have time this trip, I always love the option to leave city sidewalks behind and get out on the water. The best of both worlds!

STAY

The Landing Hotel: If you’re looking to extend your trip, this is the place! New in 2017, The Landing is a boutique hotel with views of the river, and it’s located within a short distance of everything the city has to offer.

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

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

This trip was in partnership with our friends at Discover Schenectady. We were so thrilled at the opportunity to share this charming city with you!

My Glens Falls: Melanie Weber

We chatted with Melanie Weber this week! You might recognize her as co-owner of the adorable new kids store downtown - (g)row. She shares her recipe for a perfect Glens Falls day, the next business she’s dreaming up, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, I'm Melanie! I live in Glens Falls with my husband Christian, 16 month old son Oliver, and our dog Cooper. 

I have two jobs right here in Glens Falls, I am the Co-Owner of (g)row- the new kids store on Exchange Street and I also work with the team at Fronhofer Design, an engineering firm that specializes in designing and manufacturing craft beverage equipment. Although these roles are very different, I feel fortunate to be in two awesome industries right here in our little city. 

When I'm not working I am usually out adventuring with Christian and Oliver. We love hiking, spending time on the lake, walking through the neighborhoods, or grabbing a bite to eat downtown. 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up in Salem, so not far from Glens Falls.  After living in Washington DC, Brooklyn, and Boston over the course of 10 years, I eventually made my way back upstate and settled in Glens Falls. It really had everything I was looking for; close to family, big city conveniences with small town charm, and walkability. 

I don't know many other places where you can walk 10 minutes in one direction and be at the shops, restaurants and bars, and then walk 10 minutes in the other direction and be in the woods on lit cross country ski trails. Glens Falls really does have it all! 

I have now lived here for 4 years and I can't imagine leaving anytime soon. I have fallen in love with this community and all that it has to offer. 

My husband and I own a Colonial home right near Crandall Park that was built in 1900. Although it still has a ton of original charm, the previous owners did an incredible job renovating it. Before we moved into this house we practically gutted our old home on Crandall Street ourselves with the help of family and friends, so moving into a home without a lot of projects has been a treat. 

We love our neighborhood and definitely take advantage of how close we are to Crandall Park. We are always headed there for a walk, the playground, the splash pad, or a round of disc golf. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

I know I keep bringing this up but truly, my favorite thing about Glens Falls is the walkability. I love that we can walk to the park, multiple trail systems, restaurants, bars, and even the grocery store. I love not having to get in my car and I have met so many people by just being out walking. 

As for hidden gems, The Hyde Collection and the Children's World Awareness Museum top the list for me. Both are places that I need to visit more often and think they get overlooked when it comes to what our city has to offer. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

This is a tough one and totally depends on the day of the week, so here is my ideal Sunday. It would start with taking our dog, Cooper, for a walk to Crandall Park and of course we’d have to stop at the swings and ducks for Oliver. We would then grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at KRU and walk along the Feeder Canal towpath. 

After that we would head to story time at (g)row, and then on a perfect Sunday my entire family would take a nap at the same time (I can dream, right?!).  

For the evening we would get a babysitter and head somewhere serving Common Roots for a beer and dinner. 

The ideal night would, of course, end with ice cream at one of our awesome soft ice cream spots! 

On the Past

When I was little we went to see Sesame Street Live at the then Civic Center. To me it felt like we were in the big city! We are so fortunate to have a venue like the Cool Insuring Arena in our downtown, and I would love to see more shows and concerts filling that space. 

On the Future

Dreaming up new businesses is one of my favorite activities! If I had to choose just one thing I think we could really benefit from, it would be a general store downtown; a place that sells basic hardware store supplies, a refrigerator stocked with local meat, cheese and produce, and maybe even fresh flowers.  Something that you can walk to downtown to meet all of your basic needs. If anyone reading this is feeling inspired to run with it, come find me — I have already been brainstorming names! 

The Weekender: August 5 - 7

Happy weekend! We’re going to pretend we didn’t see the Halloween candy out at the grocery store this week and just go about our summer business. Here are a few ideas to help you do just that!

Smoothie Date: Did you catch our story on Jenny Jo’s Smoothie Bar this week (click here if not!)? If you haven’t tried one of her smoothies, she’s popping up at City Park tomorrow from 8a-noon, and she’ll be at the Farmers Market on Saturday morning, too! Details here.

Hyde Community Day: The Hyde Community Day is back this year. Pop in on Sunday from 10am - 4pm for activities, live music, food from Tres Mijas, and ice cream from Stewarts. Details here.

Dinner at Dancing Ewe: Have you been out to a dinner at Dancing Ewe Farm yet? It’s on our summer to-do list for sure, and we just saw that there are a few tickets still available for tomorrow night’s dinner. Wine tasting, a farm-to-table meal and a beautiful view - sign us up! Grab tickets for Friday’s dinner (or any date for the rest of the summer!) here.

King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga: When’s the last time you’ve been to Fort Ticonderoga? We were there a few years ago and loved the history of course, but one of our favorite parts was a picnic in the King’s Garden (check out this post we did a few years ago for photos!). Looks like there’s an event there on Saturday evening, so a Sunday picnic might be your best bet! If you’re headed up that way and feeling extra ambitious, here is one of our favorite hikes on Lake George.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

First Look: Jenny Jo's Smoothie Bar

There’s a new smoothie bar in town, and it didn’t take long for it to become a fan favorite around here! Jenny Jo’s has been popping up around Glens Falls this summer and drawing a crowd in each location. We chatted with owner Haley Gerarde to find out a bit more about how Jenny Jo’s came to be, what inspired the name, and where to find her next!

First, tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Haley Gerarde. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mom, Lake George enthusiast, and now, business owner. Growing up in and around Lake George, I grew to love it, so I put most of my volunteer efforts into the Lake George Land Conservancy, which protects the land that protects the lake. In my free time, hiking their preserves is my go-to (The Pinnacle is a favorite, and Amy’s Park is a hidden gem).

Through high school and college, I felt like I wanted to be a business owner of some sort, or at least a manager. My dad and Michael Murray, of Adirondack Trust Company (who often came as a guest speaker to our high school business classes), will say that owning a food truck of some sort was one of my life goals.

How did Jenny Jo’s come about?

The pop-up camper that Jenny Jo’s does business out of was previously known as The Smoothie Shoppe. From the time our daughter JoJo was born, we had been drinking (and loving) their smoothies, and I had been following along on their personal journey as well.

Flash forward a few years, and the couple that owned The Smoothie Shoppe decided they were going to sell the camper that they had gutted and re-purposed into a smoothie truck. I messaged them for more info, mentioned it to my husband, but didn’t think of it as a real possibility (with two littles, it’s sometimes hard to think of what you would want, it’s more about what would work with them. Or at least for me this was the case). My husband encouraged me to just go for it. It was as if the mantras I had lived by until that point were coming out of his mouth to encourage me. So, we bought it. Using their old signage and name briefly, it felt a little like I was working for them, not creating my own story. We just went through with a re-brand and it officially feels like mine, and man does that feel good!

What inspired the name?

It’s been a few years since that dream of owning a food truck while I was in high school, and since then I have been blessed with two healthy & beautiful daughters, Genevieve (“Jenny”) and Josephine (“Jo”). They are my motivation to follow my dreams — to have the confidence to give it a shot, and the humility to admit when I make a mistake with it. I think that growing up watching parents who work hard is important, but parents who are happy doing what they do leaves an even bigger impression. After all, it is what I want most for them - to live a happy life. I think the best way to foster that is to live one myself, and let me tell ya, this gig is fun.

From watching the pride in JoJo’s face the first day I backed the trailer in, to working alongside my husband (and having him become a better blender than I am), to having Jo on the truck for a full shift with me serving up each smoothie that was ordered, to watching her bop around the Glens Falls Farmers Market with her “tokens” we’ve earned for her to go spend on fresh honey, fresh produce, or fresh flowers…it has all just been so rewarding.

So, long story short, it’s named after them — our “why”.

Tell us about your offerings!

Every smoothie that we offer is a perfect blend of nutritious and delicious. Truly. Our smoothies have no added sugars, are dairy and gluten free, contain no ice or water (what flavor suckers!) and each one includes its own “superfood” to offer consumers some added health benefits, such as goji berries, chia seeds, or fresh ginger. We also try to use produce from local vendors when we can. Right now we are getting our spinach from other vendors at each of our markets on the weekends.

There is a smoothie (or shake) for everyone. The difference between the two is that our smoothies have a 100% fruit juice base, and our shakes have an almond milk base. For the plain old strawberry banana folks, our “Righteous Red” is a spin on that traditional flavor, with goji berries and a bit of peach added to it. If you are more of a peanut butter lover, you’d enjoy our “Muscle Monkey” or “Mochaspresso”.

Are there any customer favorites on your menu? What’s your favorite?

This is a tricky question! Last month we did a “Rhuby Red” special, which included honey from Pleasant Valley Apiary, and rhubarb from either Butternut Ridge Farm or Fresh Take Farm depending on the week, and that was a huge hit. It’s always so much fun watching customers try a new flavor.

It is always hard helping people make a choice on what to get, because our “Purple Power” (like a mixed berry) and “Righteous Red” are our most popular smoothies, but our “Rhymes with Orange” is my personal favorite. If you are a coffee lover, our “Mochaspresso” is for you, but our “Muscle Monkey” is my husbands favorite, and “The Buddha” is definitely underrated! Now you understand how I’m not helpful in the least with choosing what to order!

How do you come up with the recipes?

A lot of the time a new recipe idea is sparked when I am craving something particular, or a customer wants something particular that ends up inspiring me. For the specials, I try to highlight a new vendors product each time.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner? And the challenges?

The most rewarding is definitely the feeling of “I did that” (and hearing the little one “mommy you did it!”). As for the challenges, I am not particularly handy, and you kind of need to be for a gig like this, so it has been challenging to learn that aspect of things, but also a blessing because it gets my dad over to our house more.

What’s next for Jenny Jo’s?

Next up is a ribbon cutting (August 10th with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce), employee appreciation days (give us a call if you want to treat your employees to a little something special before summer comes to an end!) and navigating winter as a mobile food truck without walls (and with freezers…bbrrrrr). Stay tuned via our Instagram or Facebook pages to be the first to know how you can still snag a smoothie through the winter.

Where can people find you?

So many options! Each week we pop up at the Shirt Factory for their Food Truck Corral on Thursday nights from 4:30 until 8pm. On Fridays we pop up on Maple Street outside of City Park from 8am until noon, and on Saturdays we are on South Street for the Glens Falls Farmers Market from 8am-noon. On Sundays we travel down to Saratoga for the Spa City Farmers Market which takes place outside of the Lincoln Baths from 10am until 2pm.

The Weekender: July 29 - 31

Happy weekend! On our agenda: the farmers market, a dip in the pool, and a walk downtown for dinner. What are you up to? Here are a few ideas…

Concert in the Park: It’s the last Friday in July (how?!) which means it’s the last night for The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series at the Crandall Park Bandshell. Chestnut Grove (a five piece rock-n-roll band from Philadelphia) is playing on Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and bonus, concessions are available from Doc's Restaurant in the form of small plates on site! Details here.

Beers and Blooms (and Brunch!): Common Roots is hosting a pop-up flower shop with Blooming Acres Farm this Sunday - enjoy brunch and beers and shop for some blooms while you’re at it - yes, please! Starts at noon. Details here.

Pups and Pints: Fellow dog people, this one’s for you. Slickfin Brewing Company in Fort Edward is hosting Pups and Pints on Sunday from 12-2pm. Enjoy a craft brew and maybe think about adopting a dog from Lucky Puppy Rescue while you’re at it? A portion of beer sales from the afternoon will benefit the Rescue too, ya know, just in case you’ve already reached your dog quota ;) Details here.

Summer at West Mountain: Winter at West Mountain is a given, but have you been in the summer? They’ve got hiking, chair lift rides, mountain top picnic packages, and activities for the kiddos - check out the details and our mini guide to summer at West here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

On The Farm: Greenfield's Forever

We headed south to Greenfield this month to chat with Tabor Ellsworth of Greenfield’s Forever about their delicious pickles (and raspberries, and blueberries…), as well as their pickling process - from cucumber to jar!

On Starting a Farm

I started our farm in 2009. At the time, I was looking for a new career. I attended a farm conference that year and decided to give it a try.

Our farm and house was established in 1792. After the American revolution, they were giving out 1,000 acre tracts of land to settle the upper Hudson Valley. The Kronkhite family got one of the tracts and moved here from Dutchess County. My great grandparents were immigrants and purchased what was remaining of the original farm in 1908 and operated as a dairy farm. They stopped farming in the 1960’s.

Tabor Ellsworth at Greenfield’s Forever | Photo: Bri Lyons

The Offerings

I currently have six acres under cultivation. I grow blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears and plums for fruit. Our vegetable offerings include asparagus and cucumbers.

We offer u-pick for our fruit and also sell the fruit from our farm stand. The asparagus is sold at the farm stand as well, and we use our cucumbers to make pickles.

On Food Processing

We have a value added products business which has been part of our farm business from the start. We make pickles, which is our biggest item by far. Americans eat 9 lbs of pickles per year per capita! We also make pickled beans, pickled beets, pickled carrots, pickled red onions, pickled asparagus, pickled peppers, pickled garlic and fruit jam. We have grown our business to include several brands, which include Farmer T’s and Food Union Family Farms.

We started out by renting space seasonally from a friend who has a commercial kitchen. In 2016, we constructed a processing facility on our farm and now do all of our processing here.

At first, we grew everything for our value added business. Now that we’ve expanded, we purchase the vast majority of the product that we don’t grow directly from other local New York State Farms.

The Process

Our all natural pickles are made from fresh cucumbers packaged directly into the jars within days of harvesting. We have unique recipes and a different brine for each flavor to compliment the herbs and spices used for that flavor. We make garlic dill, amish sweet dill, bread & butter, over the top garlic and hot pickles.

On Distributing Product

We have a few products sold to regional distributors within the northeastern United States. Most of our business is local, from Warrensburg to Kingston. We have approximately 15 outlets that sell our product within 8 miles of our farm.

On Farm Life

I like working for myself, though farming is difficult. I have worked in the food business and manufacturing for 37 years. By far, the most successful farmers are the best businesspeople. Most other businesses can simply order in whatever they need and then resell it to generate revenue. Farmers have to grow, raise or produce everything that they sell and deal with all of the challenges of that, many which are beyond their control - like weather and disease. Then we process, package and ultimately sell the product.

On The Future

If I was younger when I started, I would have a more diverse farm business. I hope to attract other farmers to collaborate with and have their own business on our farm.

Instead of me managing all aspects, I’d love to have independent businesspeople running their operation. We want to continue to grow our food products business and we have a business plan in place forecasting just that.

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Special thanks to Taste NY for making this series possible!

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center offers nine state-of-the-art vending machines featuring food, beverages, and gifts from the Adirondack Region and across New York State. Find locally roasted coffee, cold beverages, chips, nuts, snacks, baked goods, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, maple, honey, chocolate, candy, and artisan gifts.

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center is operated by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks for supporting the organizations that support Glens Falls Living!

My Glens Falls: Cam Cardinale

We’re catching up with Cam Cardinale this week! He shares what shaped his passion for our little city, how he spends his free time when he’s not working at Advokate and the Charles R. Wood Theater, his vision for Lower Adirondack Pride, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Cam Cardinale and I’m the Director of Marketing and Communications at Advokate, LLC, as well as the Operations Associate at the Charles R. Wood Theater. I’m a proud dog-dad to my soon to be two year old German Shepherd, Hudson! Hudson and I enjoy walking local trails such as Betar Byway and the Warren County Bike Trail.

My wonderful family resides in South Glens Falls and owns Cardinale’s Car Care. Growing up in a small family business really impacted my views of Glens Falls and shaped my mindset on supporting small, local businesses. At the repair shop, I am the Director of Business Development and Marketing. I am so thankful for the constant support of my family - including my parents Michelle and Pete and my brothers Gavin and Trey! Plus, I’ve got a new niece and I’m excited to share all of the greatness of Glens Falls with her.

Additionally, I am a huge advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and have found that we need more programming for these individuals in and around Glens Falls. Currently, I am working with a group of folks to bring The Bridge, now known as Lower Adirondack Pride, back to life to provide a social outlet for LGBTQIA+ individuals - especially youth!

I also owe a huge shoutout to Kate Austin, who has immersed me even more into the Glens Falls arts, events, and happenings! Through the last eight months at Advokate, I’ve been shown so many different perspectives of Glens Falls. It’s an honor to work with clients such as the Glens Falls Collaborative and the Warren County EDC to show how great of a place Glens Falls and Warren County as a whole are! Also, Emily Murphy and Shelley Fairbanks are my constant hype people and go along with (most) of my crazy ideas.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up right across the bridge in South Glens Falls but have always had a strong love and passion for what’s going on in Glens Falls. The thing that really drew me into Glens Falls was the constant flow of events happening right here! From Wing Fest to Pet Fest, GEM Fest, and more, there are always events at any time of the year.

There are so many things I wish people knew about Glens Falls. The wonderful food, events, and community. The variety in local restaurants is wonderful, and you can enjoy a different type of cuisine every night of the week!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls would start off with a breakfast sandwich from Birch Bark Eatery (or Sunday brunch from [farmacy] restobar!) followed by a stroll through City Park on the way to the Advokate office. My mid-day lunch run usually takes me to Juicin’ Jar for a wrap or Mikado for a Bento Box! After lunch, I make it a priority to attend any event that may be happening around the city. A few of the recent events I’ve loved were the LARAC June Arts Festival and Chuck Schumer’s visit to Glens Falls. Dinner is by far my favorite meal of the day. My go-to spots are [farmacy] restobar, Raul’s, Downtown City Tavern or Alif Cafe. After dinner, I often enjoy a sunset bike ride on the CDPHP Cycle bikes that you can find all around the city!

On the Past

One downtown business I was sad to see leave was Aimie’s Dinner & Movie. This would have been such a cool venue to be able to bring local films into - but I’m glad we have spaces like the Charles R. Wood Theater, Crandall Public Library, The Hyde, and The Park to show the masterpieces that local directors and filmmakers have produced.

On the Future

Glens Falls is a great city - and is on track to be an even better city! I am thrilled to see new businesses bringing so much variety to the downtown area. I also can’t wait to see Rude Betty’s new space!

The Arts District of Glens Falls is constantly brainstorming and executing projects such as bike racks, painted electrical boxes, and sidewalk stamps. I am excited to see what this group of dedicated individuals comes up with next!

I have an extraordinary vision for Lower Adirondack Pride and I know with the great group of people we have involved, it’ll do wonderful things for the community!

The Weekender: July 22-24

Happy weekend! This summer seems like it’s flying by and we’re trying to soak up every second - even the 95° ones ;) Here are a few ideas for the ol’ weekend agenda…

Date Night: Have you been to Mint yet? Are we the last ones?! Hoping to check it out this weekend - we’ve heard great things about their farm to table menu…and their cocktail list! Check out their menu here.

Concert in the Park: The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series is back this summer at the Crandall Park Bandshell! Hartley’s Encore is playing on Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and bonus, concessions are available from Doc's Restaurant in the form of small plates on site! Details here.

Outdoor Cinema: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing Sing 2 at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket - and snacks, of course! Find the details here!

Road Trip: We were just saying it’s been a while since we’ve cruised over to one of our favorite Vermont towns - Dorset! Take a hike, grab lunch, and do a little shopping, perhaps? Here’s a mini travel guide we put together if you’re in the mood for a Sunday drive.

Blueberry Picking: I know. We said this last week, but really, you should go ;) We’re hoping to freeze enough to sustain our fresh blueberry muffin habit until next summer — here’s a round up of some favorite local farms if you’re heading out!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Just Married: Kelsey and Spencer Morris-Taylor

A gorgeous lakeside wedding, complete with the sweetest couple (just read their proposal story!), Adirondack details, and a most meaningful venue. Read on to see and hear about all of the details of Kelsey and Spencer’s day, with beautiful photos by Carrie of CLH Images!

Photo: CLH Images

THE COUPLE: Kelsey Morris-Taylor (formerly Taylor) and Spencer Morris-Taylor (formerly Morris)

Tell us about yourselves! 

Spencer is from Indiana. I (Kelsey) am from Glens Falls! I left for college and then taught for a time in Memphis, TN. After missing home and the beautiful Adirondacks, I moved back to Glens Falls to take a job at a place that is very special and near to my heart — Camp Chingachgook. I had grown up attending Chingachgook and living there in the summers while my parents worked there. Little did I know that Spencer had just been told about Chingachgook from a friend, and moved across the country to take a job there as well.

Where did you meet?

Spencer and I both accepted jobs at Chingachgook to work as Outdoor Educators and met there in the fall of 2016. We would spend that fall doing everything together with our staff of 12 other 20-somethings. Outdoor educators live on the premises and spend all of their time together. We live, work, eat, and play together from sun up to sun down. Spencer and I were the two lead sailors that fall season, so we spent most of our days on the lake — him in one boat and myself in another, each accompanied by a gaggle of middle schoolers or whoever was visiting that week. I'd whiz by him and he'd wonder if my boat was faster or if I was simply a better sailor! 

What is something you two like to do together?

What don't we like to do together? Hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, sailing, camping, and really any fun outings in the Adirondacks. Walk downtown, wander the Feeder Canal Path, bagel sandwiches at Cool Beans, trivia at Common Roots, ATF shows at The Wood Theater, ADK Balloon Festival, X-Country skiing at Cole's Woods, brew our own beer together at home, cuddle up with our two kittens, and of course...our infamous annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Olympics party!

Photo: CLH Images

THE PROPOSAL

Our first date was in the fall of 2016. When you work and live with a very tight knit group of people in a place like Chingachgook, it's very hard to "sneak away" from the group. Typically if someone is heard saying, "I'm heading into town for something" suddenly their car has 11 people trying to cram in because we don't want to leave each other's sides, and a trip to Target can be a real blast with 11 friends!

I managed to discreetly ask Spencer to join me for the opening day of the Adirondack Balloon Festival at Crandall Park, though. He had no idea what he was walking into. I tried to tell him about my favorite childhood memories at the Balloon Festival, all the colors and shapes, and walking inside of the balloons, all the warmth from the fire, and dreaming that one day I'd get to ride in a hot air balloon. Even then, he still didn't quite know what to expect. We showed up at Crandall Park and I was instantly filled with childish glee. I looked at him and his jaw was on the floor. We had a perfect evening sharing in the awe that is the Balloon Fest. We wandered downtown for the street festival afterward and enjoyed some music and tasty brews.

Fast forward 3 years.

In September of 2019, we were with a bunch of friends and headed to the opening day of the Balloon Festival at Crandall Park. Eventually we found ourselves watching a sweet older couple as they were blowing up their balloon and setting up for take-off. As they were about ready to take off he said, "You know, we're missing a couple of crew members this evening. I wonder if there are two people out there that might want to hop in while we fly!" I think my heart stopped for a moment at this point. I looked around me to see a dozen precious children who have their arms in the air, shouting, "Oh me! Me!" and I thought there was no way I'll get chosen over one of these wide-eyed kiddos. Yet I can't seem to control my arm, and suddenly it was waving high in the air just like theirs were. The man made eye contact with me and I felt like I might faint. He pointed to me and before I can even recognize what's happening, I am diving into the basket of the balloon. With Spencer following behind me, we situated ourselves in the basket and suddenly the basket was off of the ground. Suddenly I could see the whole park below us, and we were flying. Just like that. In the air with us, were dozens of other colorful specks. There aren't really words to describe the next 30 minutes are so. I've tried to put it into words... astounding, sensational, momentous, but nothing could quite encapsulate it all.

After about 30 minutes in the air, and somewhere over Bay Road, we started to make our descent. As we touched down in a grassy opening on Meadowbrook Road, I noticed neighbors coming out of their homes at the shock of the balloon and I see the support vans arriving to help with the balloon. We climbed out of the basket, and the pilot told us that after landing the crew shares in a toast. We headed towards the vans to share in the celebratory toast and suddenly I see familiar faces. Our friends were there, my parents were there — had they all followed the balloon in their cars? Were they all there for the post-landing toast? Glasses were being handed out and then I was handed a bottle. I noticed the bottle had a hot air balloon on it, and in fact, it had an exact illustration of the balloon we were just riding in! The bottle read, "Kelsey, will you marry me?” When I turned around, Spencer was on one knee with the most endearing smile on his face, the sun setting behind him. Right there, in front of our friends and family, we got engaged. 

Photo: CLH Images

THE WEDDING: October 2, 2021

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

The most challenging part would be the same for both of us, dealing with two years of Covid-chaos. We were engaged and began planning before the pandemic began. So that spring was filled with difficult decisions, everything constantly changing, new information and rises in cases, and ultimately our decision to postpone an additional year. Even when it became safe to hold the wedding the following year in 2021, we were routinely faced with challenges due to the pandemic. 

Our favorite part of planning is actually tied into this challenge. I think all of these challenges that made this so difficult also brought us closer together as a couple. We really had to practice some of the qualities that make a marriage strong, like patience, compromise, and compassion. It was a true test, and we passed with flying colors! 

Photo: CLH Images

The Venue

There was no question as to where we would get married. We went right back to our favorite place and got married in the place where we first met, shared our first kiss, and created our first memories — Camp Chingachgook. We were married right on the point, with the lake behind us, and we had our reception under the stars in the pavilion along the lakeside. 

The Decor

Our color palette was natural jewel-tones and wildflower colors, and our style was natural and Adirondack. We used lots of raw birch wood for candle holders and decor. Our arch was made from birch. We had long farm tables covered in ivory tablecloths with burgundy runners, and glass jars filled with wildflowers and eucalyptus. The wild and local flowers ranged from every shade of green, to bright burgundy, light blue, peach, and deep maroon. Our reception tables were named after local mountains we've summited together. Our dessert table was filled with assorted cookies displayed on slabs of wood. 

Photo: CLH Images

The Dress

The dress had an underlay of subtle shimmer to emphasize my silly, vibrant side, and an overlay of lace flowers to emphasize my love for nature. I wore glitter sequined lace-up keds because I love to dance and wouldn't be seen dancing in heels to save my life.

The Details

Our flowers were done by two incredible family friends who dedicated their gardens to growing flowers for us, harvested local mosses and wildflowers, and even cut grasses to incorporate from our family's property. We had a very special potted plant also present along the wedding aisle: a plant from my grandmother's funeral (who passed earlier in 2021), so that she could still be there with us. Many of our very talented friends (woodworkers, graphic designers, bakers) helped us by contributing their skills to make our wedding very personal.

Photo: CLH Images

The Moments

Our favorite moments of the day included seeing people from different corners of our life connect. We put a lot of thought into how to really bring people together, from the seating arrangements, to conversation starters and trivia at the dinner tables, to the fact that we planned four days worth of events (hikes, beach days, brewery open houses, etc.) around the wedding so that everyone had ample opportunities to make new connections. At one point during the reception we looked around and there was not a single bored or lonely face in the room. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and chatting. That feeling was priceless.

Photo: CLH Images

Some Advice

Planning a wedding can be very difficult. It was an incredible challenge that made us stronger as a couple. Take the time to remind yourselves as often as you can what your wedding is really about: the opportunity to celebrate your love with the people you love the most. That truth can really put things into perspective. 

Vendor Credits

Venue:  Camp Chingachgook

Food/Catering: The Barnsider

Cake/Dessert: Tracey Davey (friend)

Gown: Bride and Gown (Saratoga)

Hair: Shirley Padasak (Touch of Class, GF)

Makeup: Cait Righi (friend)

Photographer: CLH Images

Videographer: Alex Hobbs (friend)

Invitations: Zola

Florals:  Suzanne Zaher and Carol Hobbs (friends)

DJ / Band: we made our own EPIC playlist

Transportation: Durham Transportation

Rentals: Saratoga Tents & Events

My Glens Falls: Elaina Brown

We caught up with Elaina Brown this week! She shares her love for downtown architecture, her go-to brunch spot, and the one addition to downtown we’re all waiting on…

Tell us about yourself!

Hey there! My name is Elaina. I am the regional recruiter for AFLAC. If someone were to ask me what my role as a recruiter entails, the best way to describe it would be that I look to find hidden talent in any industry. I work closely with our Regional Sales Coordinator, Melissa Stewart. You can find us both downtown on Fridays for our weekly afternoon happy hour at The Q or DTCT!

When I'm not working, I love to travel! It could be a staycation in Lake George or an all-inclusive beach getaway, either way — count me in. Especially now that travel has opened up again, I want to try and cross more destinations off my list. My dream vacation would be Greece!

I live downtown in Glens Falls with my boyfriend, Tony and our cat, Scarlett (aka Scar-Cheeto, Scar-Burrito, or Little Momma). We are currently searching for our first home, and I really can't see myself anywhere else but here! 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

First, a little backstory on me. I actually was not born in the states — I was born in New Delhi, India. My parents adopted me when I was about 8 months old. I'm a middle child — I have an older sister and younger brother who are both adopted as well. While we are not biological siblings, we are all from India. Growing up, my parents would bring us to Albany for the Indian Festival and different cultural events as a way to learn more about our culture and background. I've always enjoyed being a little "different" and I don't mind questions — I love to share my story! Someday I would like to go back and visit India. Plus, I wouldn't say no to authentic Indian curry! Mmm! 

I grew up in the Queensbury School District and graduated in 2015. My love for Glens Falls began about 5 years ago when I moved into my current apartment with my boyfriend, Tony. Being just a couple of blocks from downtown, we take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. Whether it's a walk around Crandall Park, grabbing a drink & catching a show at the Wood Theater, or simply relaxing on my porch overlooking Glen Street — I feel at home. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Glens Falls has such a cool, small-town vibe. You instantly get this sense of community — it's almost like something out of a movie set! 

Fun fact: I'm obsessed with the buildings in Glens Falls. Next time you're walking around, look up! Many of the shops and houses have unique details & colors. For example, you may notice by Siam Thai that there is an imprint of two lions with wings, almost like a gryphon. Check it out! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Oh geez, where should I begin? The day would have to start off with brunch at Farmacy. C’mon, who doesn’t love bottomless mimosas?!

On my way home, I'd walk through Finders Keepers consignment shop. I always end up finding unique earrings and necklaces when I stop in.

Later that day, I'd head over to DTCT to grab a couple more drinks before heading over to Radici for dinner. I’m sure Chef Brian will have some crazy dinner special that I’ll have to try out! Afterwards, I’d head back home to my happy spot on the porch for the rest of the evening. 

On the Future

Ok, hear me out — a rooftop bar! We have beautiful outdoor patios but having a rooftop bar and lounge would be awesome. I could see myself hanging out there on a beautiful summer afternoon, soaking up the sun while overlooking the city. 

The Weekender: July 15 - 17

Happy weekend! Hope you’ve got big plans to soak up the summer sunshine over the next few days. Here are a few ideas for the agenda…

Outdoor Cinema: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing Luca at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket - and snacks, of course! Details here!

Concert in the Park: UPDATE: This week’s show has been canceled. Stay tuned for next week’s performance! The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series is back this summer at the Crandall Park Bandshell! The Josh Morris Band is playing on Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and bonus, concessions are available from Doc's Restaurant in the form of small plates on site! Details here.

Blueberry Picking: Yep, we went last weekend and we’ve already got big plans to go again. If you’re in the mood for some fresh berries (and some blueberry pie from said berries), here’s a round up of some favorite local farms for picking.

A Barn Full of Art: Art and barn lovers, this one’s for you! Whiting Studio in Argyle is opening its barn doors this weekend for an exhibit of works by local artists. Swing by on your way back from blueberry picking, perhaps? Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Dave Globerson

This week, we’re chatting with Dave Globerson! He shares what he loves most about his career as an artist (you must check out his pet portraits!), his ideal GF day, and the one type of restaurant he’d love to see downtown.

Dave Globerson with his wife, Jenny | Photo: Bri Lyons

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Dave Globerson, I’m a Glens Falls based artist specializing in creative portraiture and illustration. I grew up in Saratoga and I graduated college from the University of Hartford Art School in 2008. My wife and I moved to the area in late 2020 and are absolutely thrilled to live here. 

The pandemic shutdown awarded an interesting opportunity to pivot and start my own creative business. I’ve had a number of different career paths in the restaurant industry (as many creatives tend to gravitate towards) and as a musician, but at the end of the day I knew I wanted to be an artist. I knew there was something more for me out there. I needed a change. I started making pet portraits for my family and a few friends and posting it on Instagram. Next thing I know, a flood of requests came my way. My wife encouraged me to keep going with it, so I set up a studio in our spare bedroom, got to work, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m so thankful for her love, support, organization and critical eye. Without her I don’t know where I’d be. 

My mission as an artist is to create meaningful and individualized paintings for my clients. I’m often regaled with stories about their pets or loved ones; many of my clients have hilarious narratives they give to their pets and it’s my job to bring those stories to life. I like to pepper my humor into my work (and in every aspect of my life for that matter) which has led to some genuinely hilarious pieces. I realize how uniquely fortunate I am when my work day ranges from printing a basset hound as an astronaut, a papillon as Martin Van Buren, or an Elizabethan portrait of a cat, just to name a few. Memorial paintings have become a major part of my portfolio, too. I’ve been able to help many people cope with grief through my artwork. I feel incredibly fortunate to bring light to people during difficult times. 

I don’t just paint pet portraits, although they are a primary focus of mine. I'm proud to have created artwork for a bunch of local 518 businesses such as Kru Coffee, Lake George Crossfit, Whitman Brewing Company, Henry Street Taproom, Flatbread Social, and Unified Beerworks. My portfolio also includes wedding portraits, traditional portraits, can labels, chalk art, spray paint murals, lawn jockeys and album art. I also painted a Saratoga Horse which is on display in front of The Posie Peddler in Saratoga, as well as several Ballet Shoes for the National Museum of Dance that are on display in front of Spot Coffee in Saratoga.  I try to say yes to every commission and give it my all.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

Why Glens Falls, you ask? Location and community is the short answer. My wife and I eloped at Highlands Castle in May 2020 and with the money we saved we were able to afford a house. She works at Glens Falls Hospital as a PA. The main criteria was for us to find a place close to the hospital, a place for me to set up a studio and a back yard for our dog to play in. 

After looking extensively we found the perfect home. The neighborhood around Crandall Park is lovely. I love how the entire area is so community based, wholesome and neighborly. Our house is from 1905 and was maintained beautifully. We moved in during that humongous snowstorm at the tail end of 2020 and our neighbors were quick to offer us help in any way we needed. I love how beautiful everyone’s homes and gardens are each season and holiday. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible collective effort that goes into Halloween around here. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

One thing I love about Glens Falls is that there are so many little hidden gems scattered throughout. Arroy Dee for sushi and thai is A+. Birch Bark Eatery donuts are a slice of heaven. Angelina’s Grandma Pizza is my personal favorite in the area. As a vinyl collector and overall music nerd, I’d also love to give a shoutout to Sweet Side Records. I would love to hear more recommendations from locals as well! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Our ideal day in Glens Falls?  Start off with a good workout at Lake George Crossfit, get coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Kru Coffee downtown, take the dog for a walk through Crandall Park, afternoon cocktails on the front porch, then dinner at Radici. If porch cocktails aren't an option then we’d have margaritas over at Raul’s. I also love paying a visit to our friends at Common Roots for some killer beer and a delicious pizza. Especially after a hike! 

On the Future

My wife and I frequent our downtown often and there are some really great shops and restaurants around the area. There are some empty storefronts that are holding tremendous potential. I could see this becoming the new hot spot for even more creative restaurants, bars, clothiers and startups.

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d love to see a proper BBQ restaurant set up somewhere downtown. If there is one and I’m missing out, please let me know!! 

 On the Past

Although I grew up in Saratoga, I have fond memories of Glens Falls. My Dad had a pediatric dental practice here. His office was super fun and full of arcade games and bright colors. He used to take me over to Lox of Bagels or Steve’s Place whenever I went to visit him during a work day. Chances are, if you’re a Gen Xer or an elder Millennial from around this area, he was your dentist. 

This is a wonderful town with a great sense of community. I’m glad to be part of it! For anyone interested in checking out my work or commissioning a painting, my website is www.dfgillustration.com and you can follow me on instagram @dfgillustration. 

On the Farm: Mapleland Farms

The best part of this muddy time between winter and spring - maple season! We headed into Washington County this month to chat with David Campbell and Mary Jeanne Packer of Mapleland Farms about their amazing maple syrup, as well as their process - from sap to syrup!  

On Running A Family Business 

My relatives came here from Scotland in the 1850’s and my brother Terry and myself are still living on and working on the same land that they came to back then. They were dairy farmers then. 

The sugaring business came about 50 years ago. My parents and grandparents tapped some trees here and there and made a little syrup for the family, and we took to the process after that, starting at age 13. Our first customers were the school bus driver, the school custodian, even the other kids at school! 

David Campbell and Mary Jeanne Packer at Mapleland Farms

On the Process: From Sap to Syrup

The process, in some ways, hasn’t changed in 200 years. That is, that you collect sap, you boil it down until there’s nothing left but the sweetness, and you call it maple syrup. 

The legend is that a busy wife and mother needed to put on a pot of water to boil for tea, but instead of going down to the brook for water, she noticed “water” running from the trees and used that instead. Her husband came home for lunch and said it was the best tea he’d ever had! So that’s how, supposedly, maple syrup was discovered. 

We’ve modernized some parts of the process since the early settlers learned about this sweet water from the trees. Starting at the tree, instead of just sticking a pot under the tree and hoping some sap falls into it, we have a certain way we drill holes with spouts that are the most efficient at grabbing the sap as it comes up. And we do get it on the way up! The sap comes from the ground to feed the leaves that are getting ready to open up. We then use sap lines, or tubing, to collect and direct the sap. We have almost 20,000 taps and over 60 miles of tubing over 600 acres that we’re tapping on. There’s a network of tubes that lead down to the bottom of the hill where the sap flows into tanks, which are then hauled to the sugar house. The sap is pumped into the back room at the sugar house, where we have reverse osmosis machines that take the sugar out, throw away the water, and save that sugar concentrate, which reduces the amount of time it has to boil. 

The concentrate is then boiled for a period of time and drawn off through a tube at the end when it’s just short of the boiling point. At that time, it’ll be syrup at 67% sugar. It’s then pumped through a filter, which catches any impurities, and then we store it in barrels until it’s ready to be packaged. 

It takes 50 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. This is because the sap is just 1 or 2 percent sugar. Right now it’s 2% - earlier in the season it would be 1%, and at the end of the season it will drop back down to 1%. When it’s 1%, it takes about 70 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. 

The Offerings

Our maple candies are a favorite, for sure. We’ve won numerous awards for making them - international awards and even Vermont awards! It’s a method that I’ve perfected myself using a bit of a different process than most folks do. 

We have the quintessential maple syrup, of course. Maple cream, maple fudge, maple cotton candy. We also have two flavors of maple granola, maple almonds, and maple roasted nuts. Our spicy maple rub and maple garlic pepper are very popular with folks on the craft fair circuit. The list goes on! 

On Sales + Distribution

Our largest customer is in New York City - it’s called Fresh Direct - and we ship by the pallet to them every week. They do home food delivery. They represent about 15-20% of all of our sales. We sell to a few distributors that then sell to restaurants, and we also sell direct to local restaurants by the gallon. All the good breakfast spots! 

Locally, you can also purchase at Price Chopper, Shop Rite, Healthy Living, and Fresh Market. Also apple orchards! Places like Hicks and Saratoga Apple are open year round and carry our products. Taste NY carries our products at rest areas across the state. We also sell direct to consumer on our website. 

On Farm Life

The most rewarding thing about the business is having people satisfied with a quality product. I’ve done a bunch of workshops on how to make maple candies since I’ve won a lot of awards with them, and so I’m trying to teach other people how to make good maple candies instead of poor quality, which has been very rewarding. 

The most challenging thing is probably the weather. With the weather changing, you don’t get as many freezing and thawing cycles, so we rely on the vacuum pumps to get the sap out of the trees more than we used to years ago. 

Weather has made the timing of our season unpredictable too. The season starts earlier and earlier. It used to be the middle of March before the season actually started. The last couple of years, we started putting in the taps on the Monday after Christmas, and this year we got a good sap flow on January 1 and 2 and we made syrup on January 2. 

Invasive species have been a problem because of the weather, too - bugs, like the asian longhorn beetle, and plants, like honeysuckle and buckthorn, are trying to take over the woods. The change in climate has made it so these plants and bugs that didn’t used to be able to survive here, are able to thrive here, which impedes on our trees. 

The sugar maples don’t like the warmth of the south, and as the warm weather shifts north, the maple producers are probably going to need to shift north as well. 

The view at Mapleland Farms

On Bird Friendly Maple

We’ve just been officially recognized as a bird friendly maple syrup producer! This is a project of Audubon New York, and we’re one of the first few to be recognized. We commit to manage our forests in a way that helps birds raise the next generation of their species. That includes leaving dead trees standing to provide nesting sites, and leaving downed trees on the forest floor to provide cover and forage. It’s an honor to have passed the certification and we hope to spark interest with customers who understand the value of a healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

On Maple Weekend

Maple Weekends will be the next two weekends - the 19th and 20th and the 26th and 27th of March from 9am - 4pm. While we won’t be having breakfast this year, we will be having a maple snack bar, which will feature maple doughnuts, maple cookies, and brownies and other products all made with maple syrup. Of course, we’ll also offer our tours! 

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Mapleland Farms
525 Bunker Hill Road • Salem, NY
Website

Special thanks to Taste NY for making this series possible!

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center offers nine state-of-the-art vending machines featuring food, beverages, and gifts from the Adirondack Region and across New York State. Find locally roasted coffee, cold beverages, chips, nuts, snacks, baked goods, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, maple, honey, chocolate, candy, and artisan gifts.

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center is operated by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks for supporting the organizations that support Glens Falls Living!

The Weekender: December 3 - 5

Happy weekend, and happy December! Holiday events are in full swing and we’re excited to soak up all the hometown magic. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

Hometown Holidays: The festivities kick off on Friday night at 5:30pm with the downtown tree lighting! Straight out of a Hallmark movie. There will also be live entertainment on Glen Street, wagon rides, and more! Details here.

Christkindlmarkt: So excited to have this event downtown in City Park this year! A European style Christmas festival with vendors (craft and food!), live music, activities, and more. Grab more info and the schedule here!

Holiday Lighted Nights: A mile and a half of holiday light displays to enjoy from the comfort of your car! A fun new tradition at the Washington County Fairgrounds - details here!

Festival of Lights: Head up to Shepard Park in Lake George on Saturdays this month for live music, dance performances, and of course, a light display! Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

On the Arts Trail: Rodney Bentley

Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to another of the talented artists behind this series - Rodney Bentley! You can see his work on the corner of Ridge and Maple Streets, right in front of Morgan and Company.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born in February at Glens Falls Hospital. As a child, I was surrounded by my five siblings and my caring, supportive, and spiritual mother, Bertha. I spent my childhood up in the Adirondacks. I graduated from Warrensburg Central School and attended local college with my sights set on a political or legal career. During college, JCPenney hired me as an internal auditor, supporting overall store operations and loss prevention. I was promoted through advanced district, regional and corporate positions, which allowed me to relocate to Rochester, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and metro New York City.

Due to the Great Recession, I found myself unemployed while living in the Philadelphia area. It was during that time that I fell in the bathroom at my residence and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). My fiancé, Janet, with wonderful grace and care, had me rushed by paramedics to the intensive care unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Many issues surfaced due the TBI including memory, aphasia, confusion and speech problems. My siblings and my mother helped me to return to the Glens Falls Region to heal and start a new life.

On Becoming an Artist

When I returned to the Glens Falls Region, I was not healing well and I began to sedate myself with alcohol to search for some form of comfort. I found myself in Saratoga County Jail due to back to back DWIs. While incarcerated, my family hired a local legal firm to assist me in being released from the facility. I declined to leave prison, as I knew I truly needed help and returning to society was not right for me at that time.

It was during my 108 days of incarceration that I became an artist without knowing it. It started with a rather large inmate, named Tiny, sitting at a table across from me with tears in his eyes. He asked me if I could draw something for him. I thought it was a joke at first but then I asked what I would draw and why. He explained it was for his 6 year old grandson’s birthday and that he liked dragons. I felt sympathy as I looked beyond his tears and into his eyes. I asked for a pencil and paper, which a guard provided. I started to sketch and magically a beautiful powerful dragon appeared on the paper.

I began to create an inmate gallery in prison. In the evening, I would place my newest work on the tables in the cell block and inmates would tour my work and make comments. Guards took notice of my work as well, and I began to create personalized work for both inmates and guards as requested. I look forward to sharing my prison work with the world when I feel the time is right.

The Inspiration

In the midst of COVID, art supplies became challenging to acquire. I was feeling a sense of solace, peace, beauty, and softness in some odd way. The split background of soft pink and violet on canvas evokes that simplicity. The tree branches and leaves are captured in mostly white with the soft hint of grey for depth, but not distraction. The brilliant monarch butterflies seem to offer a hint of softness, with brilliant color and clarity representing souls flowing upward to a sense of newness, peace and overflowing love. The yellow orb, which the butterflies are floating towards in the upper right portion of the electrical box, represents the most powerful unconditional love ever felt.

On The Process

The process was a learning curve. I followed instructions on how to remove graffiti, stickers and additional oddities that I found on the box. It very helpful that LARAC provided wonderful directions regarding cleaning the box, priming the box and finally sealing the box when the project was completed.

I really loved the interaction with the public while painting the electrical box. Car drivers passing by would wave their hands, smile and make great comments. People walking by wanted to take photos and create wonderful conversations. What a great experience!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

I reside on the property known as the historic and magnificent Morgan and Company restaurant which happens to be where the utility box is located. There are many wonderful spots I enjoy in Glens Falls, including Fenimore’s Pub, Mean Max Brew Works, Davidson Brothers Brewing Co., Downtown Social, Raul’s Mexican Grill, Downtown City Tavern, Mikado, Spot Coffee and many other relaxing establishments.

I find biking invigorating and enjoy riding along the extensive Glens Falls Feeder Canal, along the banks of the mighty Hudson River, and into Lake George and Hudson Falls. I find the Hyde Museum beyond inspirational, as well as shows at the Wood Theater and Park Theater.

Rodney Bentley
Website / Facebook / Instagram

The Weekender: November 19 - 21

Happy weekend! We did a double take when we saw some holiday events on the calendar this weekend - it seems to be sneaking up so quickly! Might as well lean into it, right?! Here are some ideas:

Wine and Chocolate Tasting: Wine and Chocolate - need we say more? Sample dozens of wines along with everyone’s favorite sweet treat at The Queensbury on Friday night to benefit The Chapman Museum. Details and tickets here!

Lighted Tractor Parade: Tractors + holiday lights = pure Christmas magic in Greenwich this weekend. Take a drive out to Washington County on Saturday night to watch the parade file through the village - details here!

SGF Holiday Parade: The South Glens Falls Holiday Parade kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, traveling up Route 9 from Carriage Traders to Stewart’s!

Save the Date: The perfect way to start Thanksgiving? Depends on who you ask ;) But maybe it’s a 5K through downtown Glens Falls for a good cause? The Open Door Mission is hosting the Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving Day at 8:30am to benefit the Mission. Sign up here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Back in the Day: The Boston Store

The Morning Star was careful to give equal praise to both competing downtown Glens Falls dry goods merchants.

“Note the array of bargains for today at the Boston Store,” the Glens Falls daily newspaper reported in its business column on March 12, 1887. “See B.B. Fowler’s big advertisement on collars, cuffs and shirts.”

George F. Bayle and junior partner W.T. Marsh opened the Boston Store on Glen Street on March 11, 1884, bringing new competition for B.B. Fowler, a long-time downtown retailer.

The store was located across Glen Street from Fowler’s, in a previous structure at the location that now is the Charles R. Wood Theater. 

The Boston Store on Glen Street, circa 1890 • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

“The interior of the (Boston) store presented a very inviting appearance, and from early in the morning until the doors were closed at night an almost continuous stream of visitors passed in and out of the building. All were loud in their praise of the new establishment,” The Morning Star reported.

“Mr. Bayle is well known in Glens Falls, and he has a long experience in the dry goods business. He is ably assisted by William Donnelly, well known as a competent salesman. The firm starts out with every prospect of success.”

Bayle had previously worked for B.B. Fowler from 1874 to 1880, when Bayle left to work in New York City.

He returned to Glens Falls to open the Boston Store.

Competition between the Boston Store and B.B. Fowler was friendly, whether it be in business or in sports.

Employees of the Boston Store defeated employees of B.B. Fowler 22-18 in a baseball game on June 21, 1886.

The Boston Store team went on to defeat employees of the Rochester Clothing Company store 14-1 on June 26.

Baseball wasn’t the only social activity employees enjoyed.

“The salesmen employed at the Boston Store enjoyed an oyster supper at the Globe Hotel last evening at the expense of Messrs. Bayle and Boyd,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 4, 1886

The Boston Store • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

Bayle and his associates quickly became known for quality and value.

“The firm marks goods in plain figures and have only one price,” The Morning Star reported on March 31, 1884.

“The good results of enterprise, industry, fair dealing and a vigorous application to the details of one’s business are truly exemplified in the career of the young and successful dry goods house of G.F. Bayle & Co.,” The Morning Star reported on May 16, 1886.

“The name of G.F. Bayle & Co., of the Boston Store, has evolved into a synonym of enterprise and business sagacity,” The Morning Star reported on Dec. 16, 1889.   

The store sold clothing, fabric, home decorating items, books and more.

In May 1884, Bayle opened a women’s hat department on the second floor, and hired L. Bidwell, “an experienced milliner of New York” City to manage the department.

Revenue in September 1885 was triple that of the previous year. 

Christmas season business was brisk in 1885.

“G.F. Bayle, of the young and enterprising G.F. Bayle & Company, was too busy to give the reporter much information, but it was evident from the throng about the counters that the firm’s goods and prices are elements that constitute a strong magnet.”

In 1886, an interior wall was removed to expand into space of an adjoining storefront, nearly tripling the amount of floorspace. 

Electric lighting was added in 1887.

“G.F. Bayle & Co., the enterprising proprietors of the Boston Store, have placed two electric lights in the north section of their store and it now presents a most affordable appearance.”

The Boston Store • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

By 1888, the Boston Store book department numbered 1,000 volumes.

Bayle left active management of the Boston Store, but remained its primary investor, in 1893 to become vice president and general manager of Denholm-McKay Company in Worcester, Mass.

He returned to Glens Falls in 1905 to become president of Glens Falls Portland Cement Co.

The Boston Store closed on Jan. 20, 1932 after nearly 48 years in business.

Merkel and Gelman department store, another downtown retailer, paid tribute.

“One of Glens Falls’ oldest institutions, one of our best friends and neighbors, the Boston Store! Tonight, its doors will be closed, terminating a notable business career,” read a Merkel and Gelman display ad in The Post-Star. “It is with regret that the entire Merkel and Gelman organization says good-bye.”

Bayle died March 10, 1939 at age 79.

“Mr. Bayle was one of the city’s foremost business men, and his career was one of success and achievement, coupled with a philanthropic activity practically unlimited in scope,” The Post-Star reported.

Bayle served on the Glens Falls Charter Committee in 1908, when Glens Falls became a city.

Previously he was the village Board of Public Safety and Glens Falls Board of Education.

In 1887, Bayle was a charter member of the Glens Falls Board of Trade, a precursor to the local Chamber of Commerce.

Bayle was president of the Warren County Committee for the Prevention of Tuberculosis from 1910 to 1928, and was a charter member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club in 1922. 

In Dec. 1922, Bayle announced at a Glens Falls Rotary Club meeting that the Warren County Christmas Seal campaign for prevention and treatment of tuberculosis raised more money per capita than any other county in the state.

He was grand knight of the Glens Falls Knights of Columbus in 1923, ‘24 and ’25.

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Sources: The Post-Star Jan.20, 22, 1932; March 11, 1939; The Morning Star March 31, May 17, Nov. 4, 1884; May 11, 17, June 22, 28, 1886; Feb. 3, 27, March 12, 17, 1887; Dec. 16, 1889; “Glens Falls: The Empire City,” 1908

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P.S. See more from our Back in the Day series here.

On the Arts Trail: Shelley Fairbanks

Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to another of the talented artists behind this series - Shelley Fairbanks! You can see her work on the corner of Warren and Church Streets.

Tell us about yourself!

I graduated from Granville High School in 2011 and attended SUNY New Paltz as a painting and drawing major. I ended up finding myself at SUNY Empire State College along the way and graduated with my bachelor's in Arts Management.

I have lived in Upstate New York my whole life and absolutely love the beauty of the Adirondacks. I grew up right near Hick’s Orchard in Granville so I was spoiled in the cider donut department. I was lucky to grow up on a huge piece of property with a nature trail behind my house. My parents instilled in me a huge love of nature, animals, and art. Going to Glens Falls was always a treat for me as a young kid. This was the big city! A bit embarrassing but funny to recall the fact that I often mistook Glens Falls for New York City.

I moved to Glens Falls over two and a half years ago after I started working at the Charles R. Wood Theater as the Box Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. It has truly been a dream job! I love to see what's happening on Glen Street every day, being so close to so many amazing restaurants, working with an incredible team, and of course dog watching!

On Becoming an Artist

My dad was an incredible artist and art educator. Painting was always a huge part of my life as I got to spend a lot of time in my dad's studio. He taught me everything about the great masters (Vincent was a stand out), mixing colors, using acrylics, composition, and how a little bit of blue paint can go a long way! I used to attend all sorts of gallery exhibits and art shows with him and even got to sell some of my own work at his outdoor shows when I was very young. My 25 cent cat paintings were a hit! My dad even painted a portrait of me titled "Shelley at Work" where I'm preparing cat masterpieces for an outdoor exhibit. It hangs in my downtown apartment currently.

I am very thankful for all of the opportunities I have had. I always wanted to be an artist (with the exception of when I briefly changed my career path to primatologist in 6th grade) and started seriously working toward those goals toward the end of high school. During my stay at SUNY New Paltz I won a few college competitions and that really pushed me to a place where I felt confident in what I was creating. I am still playing around with different mediums, styles, and subject matter and have been fortunate to have some pieces featured in various local shows and exhibits.

My dad passed in 2017 and I really owe most of my artistic success to him!

The Inspiration

I am a huge animal lover! But what really inspired my "Dogs of Glens Falls" mural was all of the adorable dogs I get to see downtown on a daily basis! As previously mentioned I LOVE dog watching at work. During the pandemic The Wood Theater was shut down for over a year and during that time my coworker Eric Potter installed a "doggie cam" security camera facing the outside window. It was truly his magnum opus and kept myself and my other half/coworker Emily Murphy and I sane while we both worked from home. We would post a "dog of the week" on our Facebook and it also helped me get to know our local furry friends.

We not only allow, but encourage dog owners to bring their pups into the theater if stopping to buy tickets for a show. Please note that if you're reading this, have a dog, and are thinking of coming to an upcoming event. I included dogs I met through working in the box office (Thatcher, Arthur & Avalon, Zuzu) and the rest are dogs I either know personally, know their owners, or know because a stranger reached out to me with a story. I put a lot of time and care into selecting the pups.

Of course I also have to give Murray Murphy a separate shoutout (son of Emily Murphy) who I often refer to as my "best fren". He is front and center if you are facing the street. From being named Thomas's English Muffins #1 Fan to reaching TikTok fame and starring in a movie (filmed by local filmmaker Cailtlin Stedman who's pup Vinny is also featured) he has really touched the lives of so many!

On The Process

This was definitely a challenge for me but one that I was super excited to take on! I'm so thankful to the Arts District for allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and work with a completely new medium. A LOT of research went into painting on a metal surface from how to prep and sand the box, finding the right primer, paints, and top coats.

I loved getting to interact with all of the people walking and driving by. The support was increible and completely overwhelming at times. One of my favorite moments was when a dog owner walked by with their German Shepherd puppy as I was painting another Shepherd on the box. The pup was very curious and watching me as I painted and I remember getting emotional as the owner said "she's painting what you will look like when you're older!" It was the purest thing!!

I have a busy work schedule so I was out painting almost every day after work even when it got dark and cold. I told all of my friends that when I had any free time in October "assume I am at the electrical box". I have done some public art and murals sporadically but I am still relatively new to the public art/mural scene so this was an all around wonderful adventure and fun opportunity to stretch my artistic wings!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

If you drove or walked past me at night around 7pm or 8pm you may have seen me with an AACC roll from Mikado. I usually ate during my painting sessions (being very careful to know what was paint water and what was drinking water). In the mornings when I had the day off to paint I would stop by Birch Bark to grab some specialty donuts. Spot Coffee is of course a standard go-to for me! I definitely had a few breakfast burritos by my side while painting. For a treat I LOVE pasta night at Gourmet Cafe (plus the amazing desserts made in house by Chef Francis!).

I also took some breaks to sit in City Park, shopped at 42 Degrees, browsed the new arrivals at Laura's Vintage, and warmed up at the Wood Theater which was a nice "home base" for me.

Gratitude

I would just like to again thank everyone for the incredible support. Cam Cardinale and Jeannette LaPointe for taking some professional photographs of me at work, Emily Murphy for hyping me up every step of the way, and the entire Arts District for all that is being done to make this city a beautiful home. I also just wanted to say how impressed and proud I am of every single artist that has been outside painting! I am humbled and inspired by all of their creativity and dedication.

I also wanted to thank Jereme Young who sat with me for hours while I worked just to keep me company. He proposed to me the week after completing the electrical box. I never knew I would end this project as an engaged woman!

I also dedicate my project to my two pups that have crossed the rainbow bridge, Alice and Penny. Dogs are a gift to humanity!

Shelley Fairbanks
Instagram

The Weekender: November 12 - 14

Happy Friday! This week went by in a blur, so we’re looking forward to slowing down this weekend, soaking up some time at home, and of course, heading downtown to check out a few favorites like these:

Thunder Hockey: It’s a big hockey weekend downtown! The Thunder are home Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights - grab your tickets here!

West Mountain Gear Swap: Ski season is sneaking up fast, so if you’re in the market for new or used gear, you’ll want to check out the gear swap at West Mountain - details here!

Merry at Mountain Gallery: Mountain Gallery is kicking off the holiday season with an Opening Reception on Friday November 12 from 6-8pm! What better gift to a loved one or to yourself than a beautiful piece of original art?! Details here.

LARAC Holiday Shop: Speaking of original art, LARAC is also hosting an opening reception for their holiday shop on Friday from 5 - 7pm. Bonus - all purchases receive 5% discount! More here.

Forget Me Nots: Premiering Friday at The Wood Theater, this is a locally produced film exploring the hardships of life and the bond between a father and daughter. And hey - our ol’ Wagoneer even makes an appearance! Tickets here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom