A Little Getaway: Tiny Home Resorts in CapNY

The beautiful backdrops here in CapNY are the perfect place for an escape from everyday life. Nestle up among the Catskill mountains, discover solitude just minutes from downtown Albany, or explore the rolling green hills of the Hudson Valley with a stay in one of these tiny havens. And, we’ve included both affordable and splurge options. Take your pick!

176 Levett Road, Coxsackie, NY 12051

The simple wood cabins at Gather Greene will make you feel like you’re sleeping in nature. However, you’ll be comfortably nestled in a comfortable king-sized bed, with a floor-to-ceiling window and views to the outside. Inside, the intelligent, minimal design has all you need for a perfect escape. The mirrored closet reflects the woods outside and tucks away your luggage. A hidden beverage nook stores multiple caffeine options. The cabins include a mini fridge, luxe linens, and outdoor furniture to enjoy on the  deck.

Nearby: The Martin Van Buren Historic Site, and a quick 20-minute drive to the shops and eateries in Hudson and Catskill.

Booking: http://www.gathergreene.com/cabins

275 Parker Rd, West Sand Lake, NY 12196

June Farms is a luxe-rustic oasis just 10 minutes from the hearts of both downtown Albany and Troy. The 120-acre farm is home to Instagram-famous Scottish Highland cows, Shire horses, pigs, ducks, goats, and occasionally, spotted barn cats.

June Farms offers several options for spending a delightful night or two. The TimberTown cabins are the ultimate choice for a truly off-the-grid experience. Each cabin has a king-sized bed, wood stove, and BBQ grill. Don’t expect to be able to check your news feed or give yourself a salon blowout. These cabins aren’t connected to electricity or running water (but a spa-style bathroom is only steps away). The wood stove provides a cozy, comforting heat and glow for a night away with a friend or partner.

Booking: https://junefarmscabins.com/

  • Airstream

The 1984 Airstream is an upgraded option for a scaled-down escape. The silver structure is nestled among the trees, and inside you’ll find a basic, modern kitchen and full bathroom. The best part? A salt water hot tub to soak away stress among the elements. 

During the day, take a leisurely lap around the site and visit the animals. In the spring and summer, there are delicious options for food and premium cocktails at the snack bar. The food and drinks are worth the trip. Owner and CapNY restauranter Matt Baumgartner has curated a menu of crave-worthy treats like wood fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and perfectly sweet lemonades. Also in the peak season: guided walks, seasonal events, and even workout classes led by local instructors. 

Nearby: the famous Kay’s Pizza on Burden Lake (seasonal)

Wright St, Prattsville, NY 12468

The Catskill Bungalow is a standout yellow tiny home with plenty of charm. Though small—about 200 square feet—this mini abode feels like a home away from home. Just a short walk to the small town of Prattsville, you can explore the nearby Schoharie Creek, dozens of hiking trails, and attractions such as Hunter Mountain (15 minutes) and Windham Mountain (10 minutes).

The Catskill Bungalow’s proximity to ski and snowboard destinations makes it a perfect option for a unique winter getaway. So, whether you’re looking for action-packed or low-key escapes, this is a great choice. Plus, the modest price leaves room in your budget for more exploring. 

Nearby: Kaaterskill Falls, scenic trails and hikes throughout the Catskills, and downtown Catskill.

Booking: https://www.catskillbungalow.com/prices.html

2776 County Route 23B, South Cairo, NY 12482

These delightful spaces may be small but they offer gigantic appeal. Each of the 11 tiny homes here are completely unique, and all offer stunning, wooded views through their large windows.   Many include loft beds that will take you back to childhood bunk bed days, and some sleep up to 6 people. And, the site has four seasons of activities, from sledding to swimming, making them a perfect backdrop for a mental reset. They are all fully connected to electricity and internet and the small kitchens and outdoor grills make cooking simple. 

Nearby: Olana State Historic Site (check out our guide to Olana With Kids!),  Gracie’s Luncheonette in Leeds (everything on the menu is homemade, even the ketchup!), downtown Catskill and Hudson.

Booking: https://atinyhouseresort.com/ 

411 NY-296, Hensonville, NY 12439

This custom-built geometric marvel has birchwood decor, a massive bay window, and a stunning forest mural. This is glamping at its rustic finest — a huge step up from traditional camping! The bed and wood stove are cozy, and keep nights nice and warm, even in winter.  

This pick is very close to many ski and snowboard hotspots, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities throughout the Catskills. The mountains and neighboring towns are also known to host fantastic fall festivals–this one is perfect to try now AND again later, when gatherings and celebrations return.

The owners live nearby, so you’re not in total isolation, but there is plenty of privacy.

Nearby: Local eateries in Windham including Vesuvio and Windham Local, downtown Catskill.

Booking: https://www.catskilldomeo.com/

Spencertown, NY

The Hemptons offers something for everyone. It’s an active organic hemp farm ready for visitors all year round. There are several options to spend a night or two among the greenery. The stay is what you make it. One can relax in a hammock with a good book or help out the owners Vanessa Villanova and Suzie Eckhart, the founders of The Hemptons Farm with farm tasks. 

The idea is a trip to help you escape—however that looks for you—and perhaps it means kicking back with nature and perhaps it means learning something new or putting in a day’s work on something besides spreadsheets and Zoom meetings. 

They have a tiny house to stay in right on site, it’s blocky and industrial looking and has multiple windows to catch views of the gorgeous scenery. There are also a few other options for larger groups like glamping in the farmhouse. Vanessa and Suzie make each stay custom to every guest depending on what you’re looking for.

You can also learn more about the growing hemp and cannabis industry. They not only grow the plant but they make products like lotions and tinctures.

Booking: https://thehemptons.com/

  • Written by: Lauren Mineau

Lauren Mineau is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for highlighting the places, spaces, and people that make upstate New York a great place to be. Her experience in local news, B2B marketing, and higher education, ignited her passion for telling stories of things people are curious about. In her spare time, you can find her searching for the perfect iced coffee, juggling five craft projects at a time, or cracking the perfect pun.

5 Family Friendly Museums You MUST Visit in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

As a mother of three children, my boys have always been curious individuals. My middle son is autistic and mentally disabled. Finding family friendly places to take my children that were fun, engaging, and interactive… but also educational and inspiring… was absolutely a challenge with school aged kids and one with special needs.

When my three boys were younger, I was a single mother seeking out places where my creative and imaginative boys could be boys. I had to find adventures that my special needs son could go on, and places that would welcome him.

I found museums and scenic spaces, in cities and towns that had a main street where we could walk, shop, eat, and explore.

These same spaces welcomed my boys as they grew into teenagers, and these spaces still seemed curious enough for them to want to keep exploring.

I’d like to share about five wonderful and curious spaces that would welcome your entire family, in small cities and towns that invite you to explore them.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.

  • THE FRANCES YOUNG TANG TEACHING MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs, NY

“The purpose of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery is to awaken the community to the richness and diversity of the human experience through the medium of art” – the introduction on the Tang website’s ABOUT section.

I don’t know if I can truly express what this museum is about better than that wonderful statement right there.

The Tang is a fantastic museum and art gallery… and it’s also a teaching museum, a space for curious individuals to explore and imagine, and a safe environment for both established and emerging artists.

The Tang Museum does approximately twelve exhibitions each year. Most of the exhibits are originated by the Tang. Faculty and students are involved as curators and advisors for its signature interdisciplinary exhibitions.

These large-scale projects combine diverse objects such as antique maps, scientific equipment, Rube Goldberg cartoons, Hudson River School landscapes, Shaker furniture and dynamic new works of international contemporary art.

Tang Guides, many of whom are Skidmore College students, are trained gallery ambassadors and tour guides. Through this program, they are introduced to the Tang and the museum world, and trained to give tours, while gaining valuable real-world experiences interacting with visitors.

Located in Skidmore college in Saratoga Springs NY, your family can visit the museum in this vibrant little city and spend a few more days exploring all of the downtown shops and restaurants. Make sure you plan enough time on your visit to take a short day trip to the Saratoga State Park or nearby Saratoga Lake.

815 North Broadway | Saratoga Springs, NY
WEB: tang.skidmore.edu
SOCIAL: IG @tangteachingmuseum | FB @tangmuseum

  • THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA

Saratoga Springs, NY

Are you looking for a fun & interactive day trip to go on with the kids or are you searching for a getaway for a few days with the family and you have to keep them entertained? Then add Saratoga Springs, NY, and of course The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, to your list of places to visit. With many wonderful shops, restaurants, and a lovely park nearby that has a beautiful carousel to ride on, you can easily spend several days and more in this little city.

“Where Learning and Play go Hand-in-Hand” describes what this Museum is about, “Paying it forward‘ and “community giving” are words often used to describe what this museum selflessly does for other organizations. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s foundation was created on the belief in inclusivity and equity of all children, including those outside the museum walls where they reach into and positively impact their community.

The mission of this museum is to inspire, spark and nurture children and foster active parent involvement in their child’s learning.

This museum not only offers the opportunity to experience an exhibit when you visit them, but children of all ages can interact in a variety of public programs such as Story Time, Science Explorers, and Art Adventures. This includes toddler & pre-school aged children too. The museum offers Seasonal Programs as well, such as Nature Exploration. Field Trip, Outreach and Hybrid Programs are options too.

The Museum’s hours will shift based on seasonal variations in attendance. Check their website for changes in their hours and to see what days they will be closed.

65 South Broadway | Saratoga Springs, NY
WEB: cmssny.org
SOCIAL: IG @togakidsmuseum | FB @childrensmuseumatsaratoga

  • THOMAS COLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Catskill, NY

Whether you are traveling near or far, you must take a detour to Catskill NY…. where you will find quiet, serenity, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. “We are still in Eden… Shall we turn from it?” was an expression of how Cole felt about the Catskill Mountain Region.

Thomas Cole was known as the most influential American artist of the nineteenth century. He founded this country’s first major art movement that was now known as the Hudson River School.

Located in the Village of Catskill, in the Hudson Valley at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, The Thomas Cole Site is part of the Hudson River Skywalk. The Hudson River School Art Trail connects you with the places in nature that Thomas Cole and the Hudson River School artists made famous in their 19th-century landscape paintings. The Collection of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site includes over six hundred objects and two research archives. Cole was a huge advocate for the preservation of the American landscape as a national treasure.

“The moment you witness the breathtaking mountain views from Cole’s porch, you’ll fully understand his devotion to landscape painting” – Times Union

The Museum shared that “He urged his fellow Americans to value and preserve the wild and natural beauty of the landscapes he depicted in his paintings. In his Essay on American Scenery, Cole wrote: I cannot but express my sorrow that the beauty of such landscapes is quickly passing away.“

“Being removed from the noise & bustle of the house is really charming.” He wrote.

Catskill, NY, is also full of places to stay, dine and explore. You can take a hike in the Great Northern Catskills, and find shops and galleries on historic Main Street. There are river activities such as fishing and boating. You can dine at waterfront restaurants. The Thomas Cole website can direct you on how to plan your entire trip around visiting them. I believe you’ll feel what Thomas Cole was trying to express about this region, when you are there in person.

218 Spring Street | Catskill, NY
WEB: thomascole.org
SOCIAL: IG @thomascolesite | FB @thomascolehistoricsite

  • WORLD AWARENESS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Glens Falls, NY

In beautiful Warren County, is the City of Glens Falls, NY, not far from the Adirondack Mountains. This gateway community to the Adirondack Mountain region is a wonderful place to visit with your family… and while there, you must explore The World Awareness Children’s Museum.

A hands on, interactive museum, The World Awareness Children’s Museum is full of Art Exhibits and a variety of programs. This museum houses a collection of pieces from 140 countries and includes 8,000+ artifacts (fashion, musical instruments, dolls, toys and other objects). Their creative learning space features art and artifacts. The museum’s permanent collection that includes 7,000 pieces of original children’s art from 81+ countries.

The World Awareness Children’s Museum’s mission is “To inspire curiosity and foster understanding and appreciation of worldwide cultural diversity.” “Art is truly the universal language“, shared by the museum. This NYS Designated Charter Museum has a passion to bring their diverse world to children, and they do this well.

“Our museum is a place where families can learn about our diverse world, encouraging them to engage curiosity when they encounter diversity in their community.” Bethanie Muska Lawrence – Executive Director

The Museum space is divided into the following hands on, interactive exhibit areas:
World Gallery, Home & Family Life, Animal Preserve Research Center, World Music, Textile Marketplace, World Fashion, Art Studio & Gallery.

When you do visit the City of Glen Falls NY, make sure you plan time to walk around and visit the restaurants and shops nearby. Plan to day to drive around the region looking for places that welcome you explore Warren County. With several small neighboring towns and cities nearby offering so much entertainment and activities for individuals of all ages, you may have to plan another trip back.

89 Warren Street | Glens Falls, NY
WEB: worldchildrensmuseum.org
SOCIAL: IG @worldkidsmuseum

  • MUSEUM OF INNOVATION AND SCIENCE
Schenectady, NY

When you visit this museum, you will instantly know and feel that this space was created for the young and the young at heart.

Founded in 1934, miSci has created a space that encourages learning, imagination, and creativity. In 1997, the Museum merged with the General Electric Hall of Electrical History and combined their collections. Now, more than 15,000 science and technology artifacts, thousands of advertising publications, 1,500 films, 400 audio recordings, and two million photographs document the history of electricity, electronics, and the impact of technological change.

The miSci has gallery space that you can wander through. Misci is a 44,270-square-foot facility that also houses The Suits-Beuche Planetarium, and thousands of curious individuals visit the museum to experience what the planetarium has to offer. You will find interactive exhibits and experiences at this creative museum that allow you to have fun and engage with the exhibits. It’s a wonderful space to be in, and this educational museum is for all ages.

The Mission & Vision of miSci :
At miSci, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed with our mission in mind: “To inspire people to celebrate and explore science and technology past, present, and future.” The Museum fulfills its mission by preserving and interpreting the history of technological change and its societal impact, helping visitors explore the creative processes that inspire discovery and invention – engaging visitors with interactive exhibitions and programs that encourage them to inquire about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. (STEAM)

The museum offers programs like the “miSci’s Little Edison’s program“, for kids ages 3 to 5. “A fun way to nurture the curiosity of pint-sized future engineers, chemists, and inventors.” is what’s shared on their website.

Also, If you haven’t had your birthday at a museum before, you can now! Host your child’s next birthday party at this museum too!

Schenectady, NY is full of incredible history that influenced, changed and moved this Country forward. There are many shops, great restaurants, and small locally owned businesses that fill up the downtown and surrounding area for locals and tourists to enjoy. This museum is worth visiting with your family. In the summer, just a short distance from the museum, you can experience the Harbor with live music along the Mohawk River. Schenectady is a great day trip destination, or you can stay for a long weekend.

15 Museum Drive | Schenectady, NY
WEB: misci.org
SOCIAL: IG @misci_ny | FB: @MiSci

  • Written by: Nellie Ackerman-Vellano

4 Must-Experience Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Activities in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

There are countless outdoor activities to partake in during CapNY’s spring and summer months. 10 state parks. Countless trails & opportunity. It’s important for us that CapNY has outdoor experiences that are accessible to EVERYONE across our community.

In this article, we’ll cover FOUR must-experience wheelchair outdoor activities that you should add to your to-do list on an upcoming weekend. Check it out!

Albany County
Located at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar

Five Rivers is a natural wonder of CapNY, with over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. It offers accessible programming for children, adults, and groups. Here you’ll find their upcoming programs and events. Whether you’re looking for guided or solo exploration, with over ten miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers “fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.”

Accessible Features:

All amenities of the Visitor Center, Comfort Station, picnic area, Woodlot Trail and Nature’s Backyard Trail are wheelchair accessible, as are several hard-surfaced interior routes. Sign interpreters are available upon request for education programs. Braille, large print and audio format interpretive guides are available upon request, as well as wheelchairs, walkers and a scooter.

Columbia County
Location:
Here’s the map with the different loops and trailheads!
-To enter at the Beaver Byway: 4079 County Rd 9, East Chatham, NY
-To enter at the Lake Loop: 451 Gale Hill Road, East Chatham, NY (use this entrance for kayaking access)
-If you are planning to use the Gale Hill Road entrance please use 398 Gale Hill Road when entering in GPS. The 451 is the official 911 road number, but some GPS systems lead elsewhere.

Hand Hollow includes about 3 miles of trails, most of it being pure forest. Explorers can admire an open meadow and kayak or fish in Meizinger Lake, which includes an accessible kayak launch. You have a great chance of catching a peek at a beaver and/or great blue heron if you observe closely. Sprinkled with spring wildflowers, it makes for a beautiful spot for meditating, gazing, and photos.

Accessible Features:

The parking area and fishing pier on Spiegelberg Lake are both accessible. Click here for more.

Greene County
Location: 70 Catskill View Cir, Saugerties, NY 12477

This forest, of almost 8,000 acres, is a popular destination due to the iconic Kaaterskill Falls, which can be enjoyed by all…from Laurel-House Road parking area, it’s 0.3 miles to the observation platform overlooking the falls.

Despite misconception, there’s more than hiking trails to be explored here. There’s accessible camping, horseback riding, and more.

Accessible Features:

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access. Kaaterskill Wild Forest features several horse trails with accessible horse-mounting platforms at various trailheads. Additionally, the Escarpment Trail leads to an accessible trailside campsite.

Washington County
Location: Ferguson Road & Calhoun Lane Washington County Rte. 49, Ferguson Road, East Greenwich, NY, 12834

Wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation all encompass the purpose of Carters Pond area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, and animal viewing are all popular activities there.

If hiking is calling your name, check out the mile long Interpretive Nature trail. In 2012, staff and volunteers made half of the loop into a fully accessible trail. “The trail offers an opportunity to learn more about nature and examine the relationship between wildlife, habitat, soils, and climate. There are many species of trees, plants, fungi, and ferns to identify along the path in both upland and wetland habitat communities.”

Accessible Features:

A wheelchair accessible half-mile loop trail and path to an elevated viewing platform exists within the nature trail described above. The accessible loop trail goes through several habitat areas, providing views of wooded wetlands, upland forest, and the large marshy pond. The trail has a hardened stone dust surface and includes a boardwalk, several foot bridges, and ample passing spaces. It is connected to a designated accessible parking area. There is no privy at this location.

A shorter trail leads from the accessible parking area up a very slight grade to a point where it meets a wooden boardwalk with railings. The level board walk extends out toward the pond as the surrounding ground slopes fairly steeply down to the water’s edge. The short board walk ends at a small deck with railings that allows room for a wheelchair to turn around. The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk provides a pleasant bird’s eye view of the pond.

 

Now get outside & explore! Tag us in your pics @gocapny on all platforms!

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Thriving in CapNY: Women in Digital Gaming

Updated: July 2025

CapNY offers a level up for those looking to break into the gaming space. Jobs in game design, character development, software, and so much more are plentiful with 24 studios (7 large, 17 indie) calling the region home.

An Industry BOOMING

Many have produced games of our childhoods such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater as well as present day digital escapes like Cooking Mama. At present, CapNY is home for more than 500 employees in the gaming industry from large, developed studios like Blizzard Entertainment to smaller, indie studios like Clockwork Games & Events.

The education needed for many of these roles can be earned at one of several CapNY schools. Specifically, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute –ranked 7th Best Undergraduate Game Design Program by U.S. News & World Report– offers up to a Ph.D in critical game design, among many other programs. The University at Albany launched a video game design program in 2021, shortly following the launch of its increasingly popular eSports program launched in 2019. 

We caught up with five women who are making their mark in the CapNY digital gaming world to discuss their paths, favorite CapNY spots, and what they love about working in the gaming field. From the moment an idea for the game gets going to the time it’s launched in stores, there are so many moving parts and years of expertise that go into every game out there. These ladies shared more about what they do as well as what advice they have to others looking to break into the industry.

Millie Harris, Technical and VFX Artist at Aestronauts and RPI student

Hometown: Barrington, RI
Currently Lives In: Troy
Favorite CapNY activity: Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

Harris has always loved gaming and art. She wondered, when it was time to start looking at colleges, if it might be possible to pursue both. She found RPI and then saw it was.

“I met all the people here. I knew that this was definitely the right fit for me and they have a really, really amazing game development program as well,” she said.

As part of her studies, she and several other students got to work on Aestronauts, now a small game development studio, through the STEAM garden program. Since it’s a small shop, she has to pitch in everywhere but her focus is digital sculpting, which uses software to push, pinch, shape a digital object to its desired look. Talk about a perfect match of technology and art!

“I take those sculpted models and I get them game ready, and then I create rigs for them so that our animator can bring the characters to life,” she said. “I feel like I can kind of touch on a bunch of different aspects of development and not just stick in one pillar or another, I can kind of reach into the art world a little bit and also like the technical programming world which is my favorite thing about being a technical artist.”

The gaming world is still a male-dominated industry; Harris notes she is often one of a few women in her classes. But, finding those other female classmates and creating a supportive environment has been incredible, she says.

Kathryn Ruiz, Founder, Lead Artist, Designer, Director and Producer of Eco Resilience Games and RPI Associate Professor

Currently lives in Glenmont, NY; studio in the Catskills
Favorite CapNY activity: Hiking, biking along the water–particularly the Hudson

Eco Resilience Games combines science, technology, and art to raise awareness about the condition and health of our water supply through immersive worlds to raise awareness for how to protect our real world. 

Ruiz worked on some of the first virtual reality programs in the 90s and it started her on a path to become a game creator and educator.

“I saw that I could express what I wanted to express through virtual, audio, and spatial ways using virtual reality. And gaming then began picking up speed and began commenting on our culture and I was hooked.”

Now, she teaches several courses in RPI’s Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences program and encourages her students to create games that contribute to the greater good and perhaps shy away from often violent or graphic games. She does this in a course called Games & Guts which challenges her students to create games outside of the gore realm. 

Just like her most recent launch, Algae Bloom Dynamics, a game focused on the magnitude Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) have in freshwater around the world. The game enables users to experience a clear-water lake that begins to have inputs of phosphorus from human activities. As this continues, underwater clarity will decline as the non-harmful algae begin to make the water green. The user must then make a plan to restore the water quality.

“We use our technology and design to show people what can happen to our world,” she said.

Steph Relyea, Producer, Blizzard Entertainment

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY
Currently lives: Troy
Favorite CapNY activity – Whitewater rafting in the North Country, more locally – exploring downtown Troy

Relyea has always enjoyed gaming, but it was a spur-of-the-moment decision that started her journey to working behind-the scenes. She spotted an opening for a QA test at then-Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Entertainment) and she went for it. It was a great learning experience, she said. In that role, she tested the games for function and overall experience.

After leaving the industry for a few years, she returned as a tools tester which helped her become a specialist in the software. Through the studio’s mentorship program and combined with her years of experience in the service industry, production seemed like a great fit.

“I have learned so much, I have challenged myself so much along the way, I love to learn and overcome new things,” she said. “As hard as it is, putting yourself out there is the key. All it takes is one person to give you a chance and it can change your whole path.” 

Day-to-day, she helps manage the teams and people that create games like Tony Hawk Proskater, Diablo IV, and Destiny. In a way, things have come around again now she’s mentoring those who were in her shoes at the start of her gaming career. Production roles can be a lot of juggling many moving parts and a key piece of success is making sure you don’t take on too much, she said. 

“If I can’t take something on and complete it without being stretched thin, I’m not going to do it. But that was one of the hardest things to learn, saying no when you’re at your max,” she said.

Adrienne Lange, 3D Character Artist, Blizzard Entertainment

Home state: Connecticut 
Currently lives: Colonie
Favorite CapNY activity – Indoor rock climbing and the Troy or Colonie Farmers Market

Lange was always an art lover but initially pursued a career as a behavioral therapist. Eventually, she felt a pull to pursue a more creative job. She taught herself the nuance of game design and technique to build on her natural artistic ability. 

“I did online courses, YouTube, and built up my portfolio,” she said. She then began applying to game design jobs and landed at Blizzard Entertainment. 

Now, she creates the monsters, animals, creatures, and people that are a core piece of a game. She has to make sure they look how they should before they move on to animators to start moving. 

“There is a lot of collaboration and working together so you have to enjoy those things in addition to being a creative person,” she said. “But yes, it is very, very exciting to see something you’ve created walking around and talking in a virtual setting. Exciting not only personally, but because it often represents a lot of people’s work.”

Being the creative mind behind many characters, including some in Diablo II, is a particularly rewarding career highlight for Lange. “I grew up watching my dad and eventually playing Diablo myself,” she said. “For me to be working on another game in the series is a truly full circle moment.”

Muse en Lystrala, Executive Director/Lead Composer Queenship Game Studio

Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Favorite CapNY based activity: I love hiking in the Catskills and High Peaks and getting burgers or garbage plates after!

As Queenship’s founder and a small company owner, she wears a lot of hats. As lead composer, she composes and records all the musical and sound assets for Queenship’s games. Juggling all these things –even with help- sounds exhausting, but she makes sure her employees take care of themselves. It’s perfectly on brand too, as Queenship’s games focus on mental health and management.

“I love that each day is different. One day I may be working on marketing tasks, the next composing music, the next writing narrative,” she said. “And as a person who suffers from chronic illness, I am very much a fan of the “work smart, not hard” school of thought, and doing this permits me to do just that.”

Coupling her love of music and gaming became a viable career option while she was studying at SUNY Schenectady. She started a chamber ensemble called Geek Musica, a classical group that performs video game and film music. A couple of years in, she started doing game jams at the Tech Valley Game Space. 

“After a year and a half or so of digging into the guts of game development, I realized that I had a good set of skills to either work in game development or to start my own company,” she said. Queenship was accepted to RPI’s Level Upstate accelerator program in summer of 2019, when the company also got its first investment and they have launched two games, and a third is very close!

Starting her own company means she’s not only the lead creative person but the human resources department, marketing, finance, and so much more. She has learned every aspect of what goes into a game as well as valuable workplace lessons.

“The best advice I can offer other women/femmes/femme-presenting people is this: prepare to be on your own, at least for awhile. It’s harsh, but it’s true. Seek out and befriend other women/femmes/femme-presenting people in games to learn from, to be mentored by, and to assist when you’ve started doing well. Develop new and existing skills by reading, watching YouTube tutorials, or investing in continuing education at your university or via an online platform like Coursera.

You’ll need to know a lot, and you won’t always be able to count on the big players to give you the information you need or want. Join Discord servers that aim to promote marginalized people, like Game Dev Galaxy or POC in Play. You’ll find people who have struggled to get to where you want to go and want to help you succeed.”

  • Written by: Lauren Mineau

Arts on the Move: CapNY Creative Transplants

Updated: July 2025

The myth of Upstate New York being a place where art and culture is lacking is officially over.

In the last couple of years, not only have our own residents paved the way for arts to take the forefront, but the recent influx of urban creatives have helped the growth of arts communities.
  • An Uptick in Relocations

Over the course of the last year Upstate New York has seen an uptick in relocations. According to the The Daily Gazette, Albany County alone has seen a near 2,000 increase in requests for relocation services from NYC transplants. The pandemic allowed for our urban neighbors to rethink their relationship to their surroundings and to community.

The end result being New Yorkers exploring those renewed relationships in Hudson, Saratoga, the Adirondacks, Albany, and Troy. Along with their rediscoveries they’ve brought their love for studio art, film, writing, and nature. Below, you’ll meet four creatives in our community who have a newfound love for CapNY.

  • Sam Jones

Meet outrageously funny and quick-witted Brooklynite Sam Jones. Self described as someone who has always climbed through windows to open doors, Sam is a creative who has had to work from the ground up for her career. While she currently works as a Creative Director at Viacom, Sam has made a name for herself as a comedy writer and actor. Sam’s comedy is defined by cutting satire aimed on societal expectations of women; her first viral moment being spoof commercials for feminine products.

Desiring a change of pace after the pandemic, Sam has found a new home in Greene County. “When the pandemic hit our friends moved up here and we were like ‘How the f— are you going to live up here all winter long?!’ But then we kept visiting and we were like ‘Maybe they have the right idea, I like this life!’ After a while I had a vision to buy a quaint house that I can afford, that’s less than my f–ing rent and here I am and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.” Sam loves the connection to nature that Greene County provides. Lush and full of beautiful scenery, the Catskills offer an atmosphere unlike any other.

The CapNY Community

One thing that surprised Sam is the hub of creatives residing in CapNY. “It truly is surprising how many fellow creatives moved up here! Every week there’s a get-together at someone’s house. There are so many creatives who’ve moved to Colonie, Albany, Chatham. I was nervous, but there are all these creative people here to have conversations with. These conversations are creative and innovative.” 

The slower pace of the Catskills also provides Sam, and other creative transplants, with a chance to connect to themselves. “We’re so disconnected in NYC. We don’t pay attention to nature. The pace is slower here, I think it lets us all take a pause. I think the pandemic forced us, especially me, to slow down and be like what is my purpose here? I love that I get to be more centered and quiet.” And it’s that very quiet that allowed Sam to think of her next evolution. While comedy will always be a natural talent and calling card, Sam has taken the time to expand on other genres of writing, including screenplays, a memoir, and eventually performance art. She wants to find a way to fund the funny in her new reality.

It’s for this reason she feels as if she was called here to engage in her next phase of life. 
If you want to follow Sam’s journey, check out her website at https://www.therealsamjones.com/.

  • Oscar Bográn

“In the constitution, the Adirondacks were declared to be forever wild. When I saw the Adirondacks at a young age I knew that I would have to make my way back here one day.” Enchanted with our forests due in part to his passionate expansive nature, Oscar Bográn has always had the heart of a creative.

Hailing from Honduras by way of Brooklyn, Oscar Bográn of Bográn Productions located in Schenectady. He is a sculptor, performance, conceptual and visual artist who has studied and taught at Tufts School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and has worked for the Schenectady City School District. 

ust as Oscar knew that he was destined to be in this region, he’s always known that art was essential to his life. “I grew up in Bushwick in the ‘80s. I came in, didn’t speak English and I saw graffiti art for the very first time at seven years old.” He lived right next to a train and used to watch the older kids climb and spray the trains. This is when he knew he wanted to be an artist. Oscar has honed his skills to include multiple forms of art – writing, rapping, and studio art – his passion knowing no bounds.

An Artist Community in Schenectady

Partial winner of a Schenectady downtown grant, Oscar is now focused on bringing all forms of art to CapNY. “I was inspired by an artist based in Chicago who turned some abandoned houses and buildings into literal art installations. I thought to myself how great it would be if we had actual spaces artists in this area could use. So, I applied for grants for years and years and then after getting a mentor-supporter, received a $300,000 grant to create my own version of it.” 

When complete, Oscar will run an art house site called Alchemy Urban Playground. It will host all artists but primarily Black and brown artists and entrepreneurs in the area. As creatives in this space we should always be looking for a diversity of perspective. Oscar is doing just that. You can keep an eye out for the Alchemy Urban Playground sometime next year.

  • Gabe Ling

Meet Gabe Ling, a Junior Narrative Designer at Vicarious Visions game development company. If you’re familiar with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series or Guitar Hero you’re familiar with their work. As a game writer, Gabe builds the narrative and dialogue for various games with a team of individuals. Though writing is a solo pursuit traditionally, Gabe enjoys the collaboration it requires, as well as the delicate balance writing for games needs.

“When you’re writing for the screen there’s a big emphasis on what is not said and what is left implied by the absence of dialogue. In games, you can’t have that, you have to load the dialogue with important information. Gamers typically skip through cutscenes and narrative content. So you have to find a way to pace out key information like character traits or quest lore in a way that is immediately clear and digestible for the player.” A difficult feat indeed, but an essential part of building story and gameplay.

A Stereotype Overturned

Coming to us from New Jersey by way of Seattle, Gabe didn’t know what to initially think about Troy. “I wasn’t really hyped to go back to the east coast if I’m being honest. I was looking on Glassdoor for my job and everyone was kind of dour about the area, talking about how Albany is barren and there’s nothing here. But now that I’ve been here for 9 months and I love the area. It’s full of life and people have much more personality here than given credit for. I’ve done some exploring since I’ve been vaccinated and I’m pleasantly surprised.” I could not have said it better! There is a rich tapestry of people here and CapNY doesn’t get enough shine.

For Gabe, his vehicle to finding community was Pride Month in CapNY. “There were so many pride events. I met so many of my friends and got to see more of the city. Something that really struck me about this area is that even though the queer presence here is small, everyone knows everyone. The atmosphere of the community here feels intimate and warm in that way. There is a lot of overlap in the queer and creative community.” The intimacy that smaller regions such as Albany, Schenectady and Troy provide is unmatched. Being in close proximity with one another can afford opportunities such as these to build stronger connections, as Gabe has found.

Ultimately for Gabe a move to CapNY has become a move for growth in his creative pursuits and a chance to reconnect with others in his community intentionally.

  • Amy Hausmann

Coming to us from Brooklyn is Amy Hausmann, the new Director of the Olana State Historic Site. The Olana site is an earthwork created by 19th century artist Fredric Church that sits on a high point in Columbia County. The artist contoured the land over a period of 40 years to create a near cinematic experience of Columbia County, from which the Hudson River, the Catskill mountains, and the Taconic Range can be seen.

With over 20 years of curating experience specifically with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and the New York Transit museum, Amy was a natural fit for Director. “I am a curator. My whole career has been in the arts. I’ve worked for non-profit organizations and eventually worked for NYS in the MTA Arts and Design which produces all the public art for the subway system. It was amazing to bring different music, graphic arts, and poetry into the everyday life of 8.5 million people.”

Like so many long distance commuters, Amy loved working in the city while being able to enjoy her second home in a rural area, but the commute wore on her. “It got a bit old. I really fell in love with all the green here. I loved being up in the mountains and being around the trees, and the river, and the open sky. Every morning I would drive with my husband across the Rip Van Winkle bridge and I would see Olana glittering on the hill as I was getting ready to get on the train for work. I would say to myself, ‘Gosh I really would love to find something to be up here full time.’” That she did! NYS Parks had an opening at the Olana site and the rest was history.  

Abundant with Arts & Culture

One thing Amy would like the world to know is that this region is abundant with arts and culture. “I like to think of the idea that this region is full of art, culture, and really rich history. We’re all working together, symbiotically, to encourage people to be here and participate in all that this region has to offer. Olana is a great part of this as well as so many small and bigger businesses, great art institutions, cultural institutions, and artists who help to make a gorgeous mosaic that always existed in the city, live here as well.” 

If you’d like to learn more about the Olana Historic site and meet Amy, check out the website and book a tour! You can learn more about visiting Olana with kids here!

  • Written by: Arielle Steele

5 Sizzling CapNY Summer Arts Experiences

Updated: July 2025

Here are five art experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone — solo, on a date, or with your kids. Visit one at a time, or make a day trip out of it! So, get outside and enjoy the summer weather, AND support our amazing creative economy.
  • Summer Exploration!

After more than a year of being cooped up indoors, I’m ready to explore and experience everything CapNY has to offer — safely, of course. I’ve been spending all of my spring and summer weekends exploring the outdoors, hunting for public art and enjoying whatever arts scene I stumble upon and of course, am always on the lookout for a new local spots to grab a craft beer or delicious food.

  • Art on the Rail Trail (ART) in Albany

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a daytime date

The nine-mile Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is perfect for walking, biking, or — my transportation mode of choice — rollerblading. I visited the trail on an absolutely gorgeous summer day and was blown away by how beautiful the scenery is! There’s greenery, flowers, and river. It’s a perfect spot to mix up an outdoor adventure while enjoying public art installations created by local artists. There are spots along the trail where you can see the art. Pop by and grab an Instagram pic at each!

Check out the current art installations at these locations along the Art on the Rail Trail (ART):

The entrance of one of the trailheads, 722 S Pearl St, Albany, 12202
Young People’s Mural
  1. Susan Togut art installations between Main St. and Grove St. in Voorheesville (2020).
  2. Young People’s Mural at the Kenwood Ave. trailhead in Slingerlands (created 2019) — community mural designed by student Emily Meier, project work led by artist Andrea Hersh.
  3. Angela Cuozzo‘s mural for Bliss Juice Bar on Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2019).
  4. John DeMarco’s art on the columns under the Cherry Ave. bridge in Slingerlands (created 2018).
  5. Ramiro Davaro-Comas mural on the Rail Trail bridge crossing Delaware Ave. in Delmar (created 2018).
  6. Andrea Hersh mural at the Adams St. Rail Trail entrance in Delmar (created 2017).
  • New York City Ballet at SPAC

Perfect for: family fun, a date

Every year, my grandmother and I see a summer New York City Ballet matinee at SPAC. Seating is available in the amphitheater or on the lawn, and it’s a lovely way to spend a beautiful summer’s day or night with the family or on a date. Fun fact: The New York City Ballet performed at the opening ceremony for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1966 and returns each year for their summer residency. 

Where to eat, you ask? Before or after the show, my grandma and I usually make reservations at her favorite Saratoga restaurant, Scallions, or if we’re in the mood for a smaller bite, we head to Boca Bistro for tapas and wine.

My Grandma and I – ready for the ballet!
SPAC Jazz Fest

(P.S. Another one of my absolute favorite summer activities at SPAC is going to the Jazz Fest! This is another annual tradition my grandma and I have. If you haven’t attended, I HIGHLY recommend the experience. It’s a bit more casual than the ballet. We bring in our own food, drinks & meet up for a picnic with some other jazz-loving friends while being serenaded by world-renowned artists. )

  • Explore Downtown Albany’s Public Art Scene via CDPHP Bicycles

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

The array of public art in Downtown Albany is growing by leaps and bounds. One of my favorite initiatives is #CapitalWalls, which is a partnership between Albany Center Gallery, Albany Barn, and Albany Parking Authority. This project seeks to inspire the local community with uplifting, educational, or thought-provoking works of public art. You’ll find pieces under bridges, alongside buildings, and other structures. Click here to check out the current murals and locations and rent a CDPHP cycle to take a tour of your own!

“Float” & “Flight” by John Breiner, Albany
River Garden Studio

Nearby the art displays, there’s SO much to explore! A few of my favorites… For a drink and/or delicious food, Loch and Quay or The Olde English Pub. For a cool little shop with local goods, Fort Orange Shop. Lastly, my personal favorite (because I’m an obsessed plant mom), River Garden Studio.

  • Cat’n Around Catskill

Perfect for: Family fun

Looking for a super fun day trip with the kids? Downtown Catskill is where it’s at. Explore Catskill’s Historic Main Street and experience community member renditions of cats! Designed by different local artists, each has its own unique theme and feel. Cat’n Around Catskill takes place Memorial Day through Labor Day. The cats will be auctioned off at the end of the showing period and proceeds will be donated to charity.

Cats on Main Street
Pulled pork sandwich at J&J Smokehouse BBQ

Not only is it fun to walk along Main St. to enjoy the colorful cats, but there is so much more that the area has to offer. Historic architecture and unique shops are a big draw to the area.

Now I will recommend my new favorite place to eat in Catskill, and I am salivating just writing this: J&J Smokehouse BBQ. The flavors, the smells…everything about the place is just delectable. Try it out, you won’t be disappointed.

  • Stonewall Memorial and Black Lives Matter Memorial in Downtown Schenectady

Perfect for: solo exploration, family fun, a day date

IMHO, the Stonewall Memorial Schenectady memorial/public art display doesn’t get the attention it deserves. And, as June is Pride Month, there’s never been a more perfect time to head to Gateway Plaza, and explore the display. The Stonewall Uprising was a milestone in the gay-rights movement. This piece beautifully memorializes the civil rights struggles of the LGBTQ community, and shines pride brightly.

Stonewall Memorial
Pulled pork sandwich at J&J Smokehouse BBQ

Recently, new additions were added to the park (right next to the Stonewall structure) to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Schenectady resident, I’m proud of these pieces and the effort it makes to educate visitors on both Stonewall and Black Lives Matter. This park has become one of celebrating civil rights for everybody and a symbol for equality.

If you’re looking for food or activities nearby, I’ve got you covered. One of my favorite summertime spots is Jumpin’ Jacks Drive-In on the Mohawk River. It’s only a few minutes away by car or bike (there are CDPHP bikes to rent right in the park). I’ve been going there every summer since I was a little kid.

If you have the family with you, right across the street from Jumpin’ Jacks is Collins Park, which has a playground, basketball courts, a splash pad and more! My nephews LOVE it.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, solo exploration, or a new date spot, these five outdoors arts experiences are a great way to support our local creative economy. Enjoy and be sure to tag us in your adventures, @gocapny! #GoCapNY!

Collins Park Splashpad with my nephews!
  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

7 Great Places to Ride Horses in CapNY

There’s no better view than the one from a saddle. The rhythmic pattern of horse hooves on a sandy path melts away all my stress of daily life. Plus, a sure-footed horse can carry us to places off the beaten path through scenic fields, alongside streams, and into the foothills of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains.
  • Exploring CapNY By Horse

From north to south, the capital region has great places to ride horses. Horseback trail riding is my favorite way to explore CapNY. Stables that rent horses for guided tours means you don’t have to own one to enjoy riding. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times of year. Some barns offer winter rides as the weather allows.

Each trail riding location operates a little differently. Walk-ups can be accommodated at some places, where others require reservations. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm rates, availability and age requirements.

  • Riding North In Saratoga and Warren Counties

In the small town of Hadley, residents crowded the streets in early 1951. They were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a special rail delivery: a train car carrying 30 wild horses was arriving from Montana. As the horses stepped out of the train, wranglers were waiting. They drove the band of horses five miles north along Route 9N, through small towns, and up to Painted Pony Ranch. This was the first and only delivery of horses to the Adirondack area by railcar. But Painted Pony was far from the first riding ranch in the region.

The first Adirondack Mountain dude ranch opened in the 1920s. At the industry’s peak, there were almost 40 dude ranches and 19 horses-for-hire stables in the area. These three trail riding stables have been an integral part of CapNY cowboy culture for decades, and are favorite places to ride for non-horse people and equestrians alike.

  • Horseback Riding Near Albany and Troy

Not far from the bustling downtowns of Albany and Troy are acres of woods and open fields, which are perfect for exploring by horseback. Unforgettable aromas waft from wildflowers in the summer. And if you’re lucky, there’s a possibility of seeing deer, turkey and other small wildlife. Best of all, it’s possible to trade in city sidewalks for quiet trails less than 25 miles from Albany or Troy at these three great places to ride horses:

  • Catskill by Horseback

Though not as large as the Adirondacks, the Catskill Forest Preserve has nearly 290,000 acres of protected land, beckoning horseback riders of all ages and levels of experience. Unique from other riding destinations, stables in the southern part of the Capital Region offer multiple attractions for all ages.

Exotic animals, camping and paintball are part of the experience at the Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables in Catskills. Mix and match activities for a full-day of family fun or make it into an overnight getaway.

  • Written by: Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.

8 Skateboard Parks in CapNY

CapNY boasts a long, vibrant history with skateboarding, turning out more than its fair share of pros and industry icons over the past 35 years including Johnny Schilleref,  Co-founder and former president of Element Skateboards, and pro skaters Kenny Reed and Curtis Rapp.

Now is the perfect time to get out and start rolling, no matter your age or experience level. In this post we highlight 8 skateboard parks in CapNY, along with skate organizations, stores, and influencers. Skating is an individualistic activity and social distancing is embedded in its DNA. Colder weather means way fewer people are at the parks and spots, so layer up and get out there!

  • Skate Organizations, Stores, & Influencers

Seasons Skate Shop (at 211 Lark Street, nudge nudge) deserves due credit for providing a much-needed home base in downtown Albany since their opening in 2010. Core shops like Seasons exist in towns around the country. They create an immediate link between local skaters and the industry by fostering community, hosting demos, making videos and helping promote hometown skaters with connections to national brands. There’s been a dramatic increase in participation from girls, women and the LGBTQ+ community.

Niche organizations such as Noteworthy Resources in Albany and ON DECK in Saratoga have sprouted up as well. Both provide advocacy, lessons, and outreach to people who want to get into skating but aren’t quite sure where to start. 

The Instagram account @albany_flicks is a testament to the lively skate scene here in CapNY. Check out clips curated from the myriad skate videos that have featured out-of-town crews visiting our parks and spots.

  • 8 Skateboard Parks Across the Capital Region
  • 1. The (Blue) Banks

A highly trafficked skate spot since the early 80s (maybe even earlier?), the former tennis courts at the Western edge of Albany’s Washington Park are now an official skatepark. The place features a combination of professionally constructed concrete street and transition features. There is also an ever-growing list of DIY obstacles. The skating area is huge, which means that anyone can find a space to roll around. For a little history, watch this video of some contest footage at the banks from way back in 1988.

The Banks
  • 2. CPAP

CPAP – Clifton Park Action Park — is a free, suburban pre-fab park off of Exit 9 near the mall, and is great for learning the basics, “action” included. Currently closed for the winter, there’s a grassroots effort to keep the park open year-round.

  • 3. Art OMI Bowl
Art Omi

The confluence of art and skating has a long history, and the new concrete bowl at Art OMI in Ghent is a testament to how far this relationship has come. Conceived by artist Chemi Rosado-Seijo, the Mahican Bowl identifies as sculpture, but welcomes (no – begs for) the contact of urethane wheels. The bowl sits in the midst of OMI’s Sculpture & Architecture Park. Whether you’re arting, skating or both, the park and bowl are free and open year-round.

  • 4. Saratoga Skatepark

This is oldest municipal skatepark in the state! Saratoga’s skatepark has been around since the late 80s and has had its share of upgrades through the years. Thrasher Magazine dubbed the bowl, “the gnarliest in the northeast.” Composed of a series of pre-fab metal ramps, recently, a smooth concrete slab was poured to replace the former gritty asphalt surface.

Saratoga Skatepark
  • 5. Lake George Skate Plaza
The Plaza

Lake George is Warren County’s lakeside tourist town. Built as phase one of a youth marketing and fundraising effort, the Lake George Skate Plaza is small but fun. While phase 2 may never happen, the plaza is fun and well-constructed in its larval form. On warmer days, after you’re done messing around at the park, walk right across the street and hop in the crystalline waters of the Queen of American Lakes. LGSP is open year-round.

  • 6. This Place

This coveted spot in the woods (known to outsiders as the Albany Bowl) has been in quite a few video parts, and sessioned by many touring pros and teams. The location has been kept under wraps, against the better wishes of outlanders who come to town expecting to be led there. If you can wrangle the whereabouts from the locals, bring brooms and buckets as the condition of its deep end is always in question.

  • 7. The Plaza

A shared history with the Blue Banks has made the Empire State Plaza one of Albany’s key skate spots since the dawn of street skating. Smooth, marble tiles, wide open spaces, photo- and videogenic architecture plus endless ledges, stairs, rails and picnic tables make this a dream spot, even for beginners.

  • 8. Endure Skate Park

Managed by the Shred Foundation, this new indoor skate park at 930 Broadway in Albany is a facility aimed to empower and inspire youth.

  • Written by: Benj Gleeksman

Benj Gleeksman is a lifelong skateboarder who lives with his wife and two kids in Saratoga Springs. You can learn more about him at www.mistergleeksman.com.

Charisse Bellante Making Space: CapNY Transplant

Charisse Bellante is an actress, bartender, Pilates instructor, drummer…just to name a few of the things she does. Born and raised in Kansas City, she moved to NYC when she was 18 years old. After living there for 21 years, at the end of April 2020, she decided to take the leap to start a new life in the village of Catskill.
We interviewed Charisse Bellante about her relocation experience, and also asked her to share some of her favorite cocktails. Check out how to make “The Sunshine Kid” and “Call You Later” in the video below!
  • Charisse Bellante’s CapNY Relocation Story

Charisse, tell us how you ended up here in CapNY...

For 21 years, I managed a bar, taught Pilates five days a week, and was back and forth to auditions, I was doing so much. So, I decided to give myself the gift of being in and around nature…somewhere peaceful. On a rental website, I saw an apartment in Catskill and before even visiting, signed a lease, packed up and decided to walk into the unknown. I wanted a new creative place with space and room to explore how I was feeling.

  • What are some of your first impressions of this place and the people who live here?

Aesthetically, Catskill is gorgeous and the people have all been cool and friendly. I ride my Vespa around and recently, drove it to the laundromat and people told me I look like I’m in Paris. I responded with, “This is my Paris.”

This area is diverse with cultures and people. I find many people who have relocated here, and there’s a strong creative vibe. It’s going to be cool to stay and create something here.

  • What’s your plan for work?

Before the pandemic, I was working at a new bar in Tribeca, trying to build some “street cred” in the quiet location the bar was located in…I’m not sure if they’re going to reopen after this. As far as teaching Pilates is concerned, I’m looking to set roots here in Catskill and go down to the city once a week to meet with clients. Most initial acting auditions are done through video these days, unless you get a call back or they’re really serious about you. This gives me some flexibility.

I’ve always wanted to create a “movement lab” – a crossover between a free creative space and a community center… It’s been a huge dream of mine. This could be the place where I start there. I plan to stay in the Catskill area for the next year at least. I think I’d like to buy a place here.

  • Connect with Charisse
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  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Gabby is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, matchmaker, & hypewoman. She is also the Lead Consultant on the CapNY Brand Initiative. She lives in Schenectady with her poodle Mochi and 60+ houseplants. Check out her website!

CapNY Transplants: Chrissy and Ben Traore, See and Be

Chrissy and Ben Traore met while working in a New York City restaurant. Soon, they were commuting upstate on weekends for a cooking gig. To their great surprise, they began dreading going back to Brooklyn during the week.
“We’ve always worked 70 to 100 hours a week,” Chrissy said. “And the city and the expenses just added stress to all of that.” Something had to give. So, by 2017, they settled in Cairo, a small, rural town in Greene County, about ten miles outside of Catskill.
  • The Compound

Together, Chrissy and Ben Traore founded See and Be Kitchen and Cafe. Their funky, functional, multi-building “compound” met all of their dreams. There’s a prep kitchen inside of a storage container (they insulated it themselves) and outdoor wood-fired oven for baking bread. Plus, there’s a chicken house and pen, and café / retail shop. Additionally, outdoor seating plans are in the works, in the shaded, rustic grounds

The homemade chicken coup!
  • See and Be’s Breads and Business Plan

Ben began baking bread in Burkina Faso, a West African country near Ivory Coast and Ghana. He uses a sourdough base for all of his products, including gorgeous croissants, pastries, and a full line of breads. The starter is fermented for 48 hours, making a refined and gorgeous loaf that even gluten-sensitive customers can digest (yep, this writer can vouch for that — and it’s fantastic).

The baking life isn’t easy. Ben goes to bed by 6 or 7pm, in order to tend to the wood-burning oven by 2am every day. Chrissy has pivoted their baking and food businesses from farmers markets to wholesale distribution, and now to online ordering and curbside pickups during COVID. Oh, and did we mention that Chrissy and Ben Traore also have an 18-month-old son in the mix now? These bakers are BUSY!

Chrissy utilizes Ben’s breads in all of her food creations, including a weekend sandwich selection. You can place online orders here, and pick them up at See and Be from Wednesdays through Saturdays.

“We’ve always taken things one step at a time,” said Chrissy. “We have room to grow here, and space to breathe. I want to let people know that they should not be afraid to try something new. We’re building something that is ours.”

  • Connect with See and Be Kitchen
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