ACE PLACES

CapNY Insider Tips: Automated Edition

September 14, 2020 By wordpress

Sign up, pay online, get a code, unlock your kayak/life jacket/paddle, ADVENTURE! Upstate Kayak Rentals makes the process of self-service kayak rentals THAT easy and that’s why they’re included in this week’s first edition of CapNY Insider Tips.

The only difficult part of the process was choosing one of the eight paddle locations – many of which I’ve never explored before. My friend Cassie and I chose the Klamstream Kayak Launch in Clifton Park, which allowed us to explore the area of the Mohawk River underneath the twin bridges – making for some pretty cool Instagram pics, as seen below.

Unlock the kayaks with your special code

After I chose our launch spot, I picked a reservation time, paid the $50+tax (for the two of us, total!) for a three hour adventure, and then I got an email with the instructions.

Day of, we met at Klamstream and quickly unlocked our kayaks and went on our way. We loved the fact that we didn’t have to wait in line and could leisurely take off on our own schedule. It made for such a peaceful, serene experience and we were truly able to enjoy one another’s company. It was by far the easiest, most enjoyable kayak experience I’ve ever had. I cannot wait to explore the other seven launch spots.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Sign up for Upstate Kayak’s FREE adventure: Paddle-Pedal the Mohawk: Schenectady and Niskayuna. Learn more here!

If you happen to embark on your paddle adventure at Klamstream launch, pop over across the street to The Klamr Tavern & Marina for DELICIOUS pub food and some craft beers. One of the best buffalo chicken wraps I’ve ever had…

Connect with Upstate Kayak Rentals!
Website / Email / Phone: 518-209-1063 / IG / FB

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DIY Daycation: Washington County Farm Tour

September 1, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

One of the best things about New York’s Capital Region is buying local products, fresh from the farm. So, plan a farm daycation in Washington County! The sites listed below all have fantastic food, AND will have you in breathtaking scenery in no time. I’ve grouped the farms by proximity, so that you can make multiple stops relatively easily, rather than trying to cover the whole county in one day. Rest assured, you’ll be back for more!

Northern Washington County

Dancing Ewe Farm

181 County Rte 12, Granville, NY 12832
Visit Tuscany without having to leave New York State! That’s the vibe at Dancing Ewe Farm. Luisa Somers — a Tuscany native — and her husband Jody Somers have dedicated themselves to the art of cheese-making, salumi and olive oil. Their Sunday lunches and weekend dinners, which feature a curated farm-to-table experience with hand-selected Italian wines, are not-to-be missed. While you cannot currently sit in their beautiful dining room, you can enjoy the experience in an open-air tent. Reservations are required and space is limited, so book now!

Hicks Orchard

18 Hicks Rd, Granville, NY 12832. Cherries and blueberries and apples, oh my! At Hicks Orchard, the oldest U-Pick in New York State, you can load up with fruit, and afterwards, stop by their store and pick up some of their Slyboro Ciders to help wash it all down. My personal favorites are the Montmorency Cherry & La Sainte Terre. If you’re lucky to be there in the Fall, the cider donuts — made fresh on site — are worth the splurge. Trust me. If there anything I know, it’s sweets.

Battle Hill Brewery

4 Charles St, Fort Ann, NY 12827. Not technically a farm, but with so much locally sourced ingredients in the food and beers, I felt like they could sneak onto the list. Start with their Farmers Platter featuring locally made cheeses or their soft pretzel bites with beer cheese. Choose one of their rotating beer selections to go with your order or try a flight and sample a few. For the main course, I recommend trying one of their two burgers served on house-made buns. These may be some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Seriously. Not a burger fan? Try the Fort Ann Pub Club with turkey on toasted cranberry spent grain bread instead. I’m starting to get hungry… See you there!

Central Washington County

Battenkill Valley Creamery

691 County Rte 30, Salem, NY 12865. Two words: Ice cream. Two more words: So delicious. For over a century, Battenkill Creamery has been producing dairy. What started as a family is open to the public today. I must say there is something really special about locally sourced dairy. Makes you remember why you loved milk as a kid. And when you put that dairy into ice cream, well… love. But don’t just stop by for a scoop and a gallon. Battenkill also sells products from many other local purveyors including: cheese from Argyle Cheese Farmer, maple products from Wild Hill Maple and local, free-range eggs from Saunders Farm to name a few.

Bunker Hill Creamery

167 Bunker Hill Road, Cossayuna, NY 12823. Speaking of dairy, I defy you to try Bunker Hill Creamery’s maple milk and not want to chug the entire bottle. It’s ridiculously good and makes that morning cuppa joe a little more delightful. Right now, you can’t tour their creamery. However, you can buy the milk along with farm-raised beef, eggs and other seasonal offerings at their farm stand. Their store is operated on the honor system, so make sure to bring cash. Do yourself a favor and take a moment to appreciate the amazing views from their farm.

Gardenworks Farm

1055 County Rte 30, Salem, NY 12865. Now in the hands of the third generation, Gardenworks Farm is a place that has it all. You could spend quite a few hours here. From seasonal produce that you can pick on your own, to a shop full of local artisans’ wares, to an art gallery upstairs full of antique farm equipment, theres something for everyone. I loved seeing the old equipment and realizing how much work went into farming before technology came along. This is not to say farming today is by any means “easy”. Gardenworks also does flowers arrangements for weddings, which are created from their blooming fields of flowers.

Southern Washington County

Victory View Vineyard

11975 NY-40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154. Victory View Vineyard is a family-owned winery producing cold-weather wines that harken back to the rich history of the region. Owned by Mary and Gerry Barnhart, the winery offers outdoor seating on their lush grounds for wine tasting and cheese sampling. If you’re not a wine fan, but want to get out of the house, Victory View has generously opened up their property for picnics. There are guidelines that you’ll need to follow including stopping at the drive-through and not bringing outside alcoholic beverages in. You can get the full rundown on their website. I mean a picnic on a vineyard in picturesque Washington County… doesn’t that just sound glorious?

Liberty Ridge Farm

340 Crescent Ave, Highland, NY 12528. Family fun abounds at Liberty Ridge Farm. There is so much going on at Liberty Ridge that one visit won’t cover it. Blueberry and sunflower picking in the Summer, corn maze in the Fall, pumpkin patches and haunted houses for Halloween… They even have cabins to rent for an afternoon. There you can enjoy a catered event or bring your own food. After you’ve visited and fallen in love with the farm and that special someone, you can even get married at Liberty Ridge. Check out their website to find our more, make reservations and buy tickets to special events.

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market

Washington St, Cambridge, NY 12816. I’m including the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market on my Washington County list, because there are so many great small farms that don’t allow visitors, but still shouldn’t be missed. The CVFM allows you the opportunity to get to experience many of them. The vendors at this market are so diverse that you can go home with kimchi from Sunhee’s Farm (spicy deliciousness), pierogi from Slavonian European Cafe, fresh veggies from Long Days Farm and locally raised meats from Joint Venture Farm, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg with regard to vendors. The market is open on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Cambridge Central School.

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Exploring the Albany Pine Bush Preserve

August 26, 2020 By wordpress

By: Maria Gigliello

Did you know that the Cap Region is home to one of the rarest habitats in the world? Out of only 20 in existence, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve boasts one of the largest inland pine barrens in existence. You might know it as the sandy stretch of land around the Thruway in the Guilderland/Colonie area, but the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a totally unique piece of preserved land teeming with rare plants and animals that we are lucky to have right in our own backyard. Take a trip with me as we explore this delightfully uncommon preserve in the Cap Region.

The Helderbergs from the Karner Road Barrens

I had the opportunity to intern at the Pine Bush when I was in college and spent many days leading school and camp groups around the preserve. I still know some of the trails like the back of my hand and I still never tire of lingering among the towering pitch pines. There are so many elements to the Pine Bush that make it a unique place but one thing to note is that the preserve is not just one chunk of land. The Thruway, Crossgates Mall and suburban neighborhoods split the land up into several parcels. With 12 trailheads and over 20 miles of trail, you have endless options of exploration!

The Discovery Center

Let’s start right at The Discovery Center off of Route 155. Several miles of trail start from here, including a 1 mile loop and a 2.5 mile loop over rolling sand dunes. This is a great part of the preserve to explore if you’re interested in seeing wildlife. Pretty soon, in September, you’ll catch sight of black, orange and white inland buck moths flying above the scrub oak. Be on the lookout for turtles, deer and a wide variety of birds as well!

The Madison Avenue Pine Barrens

Moving down the road to Madison Ave Extension, I want to bring you to my favorite trailhead of the Pine Bush. The Madison Avenue Pine Barrens is one of the best spots to feel dwarfed by the distinct pitch pine trees that tower over the preserve. Gentle, rolling terrain makes for a relaxing walk while taking in the beauty of the land around you. When lockdown first started, my dog, Remy, and I frequented this trailhead as the wide, sandy trails make for a good spot to walk a four-legged friend. The full loop at this trailhead is only about .6 miles but take the purple connector trail for an extended 3.7 mile walk to DiCaprio Park in Guilderland!

The Great Dune Trailhead

The preserve’s characteristic pitch pines

Just down the road from the Madison Ave. Pine Barrens is one of the crown jewels of the whole preserve, the Great Dune trailhead. This area contains–you guessed it– the largest sand dune of the preserve standing at 75 feet tall! While most of the Pine Bush’s habitat is made up of sandy soil, pitch pines and species that prefer a dryer climate, the Kaikout Kill that runs through the Great Dune area supports ferns and mosses providing some charming greenery. In spring, this is also a great area to look for the endangered Karner blue butterfly that only feeds on the leaves of wild lupine. Several loops can be made from here, the longest being just under 2 miles.

Six Mile Waterworks

Finally, we’re making a stop at the Six Mile Waterworks trailhead! Home to Rensselaer Lake, this section of the preserve allows for fishing, paddling and picnicking. If fishing is your thing you can try your hand at catching bass, carp, pike and pumpkin seed. If you’re more of a hiker, you can pick up a .5 mile trail from Six Mile Waterworks that will lead you to the neighboring Rapp Road Barrens.

There are several more trailheads in the preserve with superb hiking and bird watching opportunities! You can check out all of the trails and what they have to offer by visiting the preserve’s website.

Eat & Drink

When you’re done hiking, paddling, or fishing, there are some great eateries in the area to stop by as well:

Blessing’s Tavern in Colonie: Located on Watervliet Shaker Road, just down the road from the Pine Bush, this local favorite has some top notch pub food to refuel after your day of adventuring. You can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches or wings!

Fiden’s Brewing Company: Mere minutes from several Pine Bush trailheads is Fidens, a local microbrewery. If you’re a fan of IPAs, they’ve got you covered with their “Socratic Questioning” lineup that features 7 different kinds of IPAs and DIPAs.

Maria Gigliello is an avid hiker, paddler and writer who enjoys spending as much time as possible doing all three things in the Adirondack State Park. She is just as passionate about beer as she is about responsible outdoor recreation and is always in search of a good view and a brew. You can follow her adventures on her blog, The Dirt.

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Long Neck Inn: Upstate Overnights

August 20, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

Have you ever stayed on old zoo grounds? Pretty unique, huh! Long Neck Inn is the former Catskill Game Farm, once a 150 acre zoo with all types of animals. Now the site hosts the Inn (five guest rooms) and four upscale glamping sites! All connected to 20+ miles of maintained mountain hiking and biking trails.

What Gabby Loves About This Space

The concept and theme of this place is so interesting. I wonder who thought of the idea of turning the zoo into an Inn and glamping accommodations – if you visit and find out the answer, let me know! What I love most are the charming glamping areas…it’s such a comfortable, immersive way to explore the Catskills.

The Details

Click here for more details about each room and space! Once you find your desired space, you can book right online. Connect with them on social media: FB / IG!

Long Neck Inn
Address: 400 Game Farm Rd., Catskill, NY 12414
Email: theoldgamefarm@gmail.com
Phone: (518) 719-9172

Winter Clove Inn & Resort: Upstate Overnights

August 20, 2020 By wordpress

The Low-Down

The Winter Clove Inn & Resort offers family-friendly, year-round, all-inclusive accommodations in Catskills country. Family owned and operated, this is one of the oldest resorts in Upstate New York. Guests can choose one of three places to stay depending on your space and amenities preference: The Carriage Lodge, The Oaks Lodge, and The Main Inn.

What Gabby Loves About This Place

I always love a spacious, activity-filled place that caters to spending quality time with your family. Check out some of the activities they offer, here! Also, three meals a day are prepared by a chef and included in your stay! That’s a huge perk and value for people wanting to maximize their time exploring the outdoors. Speaking of the outdoors, Artist Falls is just a short walk out of your front door – a stunning waterfall complete with a covered bridge overlooking the magnificence.

The Details

You must call (518-622-3267) or email the resort to book your stay. You can click here to fill out a contact form! Scroll to the bottom of this link for rates. Connect with them on social media: FB / IG

Check out their website, here, Winter Clove Inn & Resort
Address: 557 Winter Clove Rd., Round Top, NY 12473
Phone: 518-622-3267
Email: info@winterclove.com