ACE PLACES

CapNY Small Business: Upstate Coffee Collective

October 12, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Matt (left) and Kevin (right) talk coffee with Nick Furnia (middle) of Knockabout Coffee Roasters.

Sipping on a freshly brewed cup of their flagship coffee blend, All Day ADK, Matt Pfeifer, Co-Founder of Upstate Coffee Collective, said that if he had the opportunity to connect with every single one of the million people that live across CapNY, he would be able to spread the value of drinking ethically sourced, carefully crafted coffee.

Coffee & Community

The small business venture started when Kevin Miner, co-founder of Upstate Coffee Collective, invited his longtime friend Matt to kru Coffee in Saratoga Springs. Kevin worked at kru for free in exchange for learning the ins-and-outs of coffee science & culture. He shared his knowledge with Matt — the science, method, and trial & error behind that caffeine deliciousness. Both passionate about coffee culture, they decided to form a small coffee club. VOILA! The Upstate Coffee Collective community was born.

The Pandemic & The Pivot

The community quickly grew. About 30 people a month were showing up to their gatherings all across CapNY to taste and learn more about coffee, but then Covid hit. They pivoted, developed a website and a podcast where they shine a spotlight on people in CapNY doing cool things through the lens of coffee. They also set up an online retail store with highlights of special roasts and stories of its origins, producers and roasters. Matt said, “So many hands touch coffee on the way to your cup; the farmers are making a living on this agriculture, and we need to tell their stories.”

CapNY Entrepreneurship

When asked what role community has played in the development of the business and concept, Matt said, “Other CapNY coffee shop owners have been very supportive and are happy we’re chasing our dreams. They support us and we support them. It didn’t take much for me to make valuable business connections. People are so willing to hear your story and learn about your startup. I believe CapNY is in its infancy for major transformation in entrepreneurship…what we have now is incredible, but I see the possibility of something greater on the horizon.”

Connect with Upstate Coffee Collective!
Website
Phone: (518) 391-5773
Email
FB / IG

Photo credit: Kieran Mangels and Nick Rovazzini

Want to learn more about coffee? Read their blog, listen to their podcast, and check out their YouTube channel!

Upstate Overnights: Albany Edition

October 5, 2020 By wordpress

With COVID limitations and the warm months of summer ending, I’ve been feeling a little discouraged that my ability to “getaway” for a weekend here and there seems to be coming to an end. Luckily, CapNY has plenty of cozy little staycation spots that will feed my cravings to escape from reality for a couple of nights. On this edition of Upstate Overnights, I’ll fill you in on where you can stay for a few nights in Albany County!

Gabby’s Cozy Fall Picks

Click on each of the four picks for The Low-Down, what Gabby loves about each spot, and details on how to book!

Grey Gables

Washington Park Inn

The Morgan State House

The Red Cottage

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

Check out Upstate Overnights: Catskills edition, too!

Gabby Fisher is an avid CapNY ambassador, travel lover, & foodie. She is ACE’s Digital Media Manager and the Founder of co-mads, a consulting company that curates travel and volunteer experiences; along with providing marketing, event, and content creation services to organizations whose missions align. She’s also a Co-Founder of Flips Resale, a business she started with her father.

The Red Cottage: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

A home away from home. The Red Cottage is a unique bed and breakfast in the heart of peaceful historic Slingerlands. The 3-acre parcel is home to the Innkeeper’s house and the Red Cottage where guests are welcomed with open arms. The cottage is surrounded by old trees and gardens, and the interior decorated with period pieces and contemporary artisan crafts.

Breakfast served in dining room of main house

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This place had my admiration when I read the following about their breakfast, “The focus is on fresh, healthy, local, organic and seasonal. Local blue/green eggs from a nearby CSA are a favorite as are artisan breads.” Okay, so where do I sign up? Plus, “in the evening, plat du jour is offered occasionally in the main house at the whim of the cook.” The ambiance of this place, plus their emphasis on good local food is a win-win for me.

The Details

Reservations may be made via telephone or email. Click here for the contact information. In all seasons, the rate is $165 per night + 8% sales tax. If you stay more than three nights, there is a 10% discount. This is a beautiful autumn stay, book yours today before it’s reserved for the season!

The Red Cottage
Address: 138 Font Grove Rd, Slingerlands, NY 12159
Phone: (518) 475-1684
FB
Instagram

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

The Morgan State House: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

The Morgan State House is located on beautiful Washington Park in downtown Albany, impressively designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the architect of many of the world’s most well-known and beautiful public parks, including Central Park and Prospect Park in NYC. This “Ultimate Modern Inn” is accompanied by a private English garden and a taste of historical elegance in its design and layout.

What Gabby Loves About This Place

This was an easy choice…a delicious breakfast (included in your stay!) in the garden. Such a lovely, peaceful way to start a day of an urban adventure. Albany simply serves the best of both worlds, nature and city, and The Morgan State House is a perfect example of it.

The Details

You can book your stay directly on their website for the best rates. Rooms start at $149 per night. Parking is available for $10 per night. They also offer special packages and deals to enhance your stay and exploration of Albany.

The Morgan State House
Address: 393 State St, Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518)427-6063
FB
IG

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

Washington Park Inn: Upstate Overnights

September 28, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

Built in 1884, this brick Victorian Mansion has a historic charm that matches its location in the heart of historic Albany, as one can walk to the Capitol Building, Empire State Plaza, Center Square and the other gems of the downtown area. If you’re wishing for a leisurely, urban adventure through Albany’s fantastic downtown while enjoying an Inn with character, this may be the perfect place for you.

What Gabby Loves About This Place

I love small boutique hotels. Plus, location, location, location! Washington Park Inn is just two blocks from Center Square in the Lark Street neighborhood, which offers delectable local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and more. One of my favorite things to do in the area is walk around and admire the 19th century brownstones. I would love to live in one of these brownstones…maybe one day!

The Details

If you book a stay directly on their website, you get a 10% discount using code WPI10! Rates start at $139/night. Breakfast is included in your stay; Brooklyn bagels and smoked salmon included…I mean, what more could you want!

The Washington Park Inn
Address: 634 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 930-4700
FB

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos! We’d love to share. @UpstateCreative