Farmers Markets & Farm Stores

Autumn in CapNY: Finding the Fun in Fall

Updated: July 2025

For many, Fall is a time for tradition, nostalgia and change. We welcome the new season by saying farewell to Summer and breathing in those first chilly breaths of Fall. Often, those breaths energize us into participating in our favorite Fall activities; the activities we look forward to all year long.

Tucker Farms, Inc.
56 Hobart Rd. Gabriels, New York 12939

Nothing brings in the season better than a traditional Corn Maze! At Tucker Farms, Inc. you will be able to find a corn maze for all ages and personalities. It can even be challenging for the mathematician in your life! The latest design contains a hybrid with a treasure hunt and multiple mailboxes hidden throughout the maze. Luckily, there are escape routes for those who decide not to finish the maze or those who aren’t able to find all of the mailboxes. At the beginning, you will be given an aerial photograph of the maze and be given a ‘game piece’, it is suggested that from there you will need to find all eight of the hidden mailboxes.

Be sure to stick around after sunset for the bonfire and S’mores! The perfect ending to a perfect Fall day.

524 Thacher Pk Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186

Kick off the start of the season by experiencing this awesome zip lining course!

Rope courses and zip-lining are the perfect activities to do with your family or for a date! With the fall foliage about to be in bloom, it makes the experience that much better. The best thing about this course is that there is an adventure for everyone, including kids! There are three levels of obstacles that include wobbly bridges, nets, rope swings and so much more. There’s also an extreme course, made for the courageous and competitive person in your life.

204 Lisha Kill Rd, Colonie, NY 12309

By the time the air starts to feel a little more chilly and when the leaves start to change, I know that I can’t be the only one who is in need of the best cider donut around. Lansing Farm is a small, family owned farm in Colonie that has everything that you would want during the autumn season. From pumpkins and mums to farm grown vegetables and pies. When I think of picking out the perfect pumpkin, it’s gotta be from a local farm.

My absolute favorite thing from Lansing Farm is their cider donuts, made fresh daily. Whenever I pass by, I always have to make a stop in to share with others the best donut that I have ever had. Make sure to pick up your favorite fudge flavor while you’re in there too! Another thing to note is that the staff is incredibly personal and friendly and will give you the best advice on how to plant your mum’s for the season. Every experience at Lansing is better than the last.

This majestic, one of a kind experience is an effortless eight miles hugging the Hudson River. Enjoy the naturesque view of the leaves changing, wildflowers, and the outside creatures that surround “The River Run”. One of the best things about this rail-biking adventure is that once you reach the halfway point you are able to get out and walk down to the banks of the Hudson River to take in the beautiful scenery and to stretch your legs. The intimate time spent in nature with nothing to do but have a conversation and sight see, could be just what you need this Fall.

Charming CapNY Towns on the Outskirts

Updated: July 2025

Centuries before automobiles emerged as the singular mode of transport, the Industrial Revolution exploded upward from its epicenter of Manhattan, through the waterways that carve the landscape of Upstate New York.

As a result of this rapid expansion, mill towns popped up along the creeks and streams that branch from the Hudson River.

Unlike many of the city centers in CapNY, the charming small towns in this story haven’t been bulldozed for strip malls and high rises. Instead, they maintain the architecture and ambiance of the time in which they were founded. Lucky for us, they’re all just a short automobile ride away! So if you’ve ever had the urge to play out your Schitt’s Creek fantasy, or if you’re someone for whom ‘antique’ is a verb, plan your next day trip to one of these charming small towns!

Surprisingly, the town I hadn’t heard of before was the one with the most going on! Greenwich has some of the most beautiful historic homes in the Capital Region. Plus, there’s a bustling main street with restaurants, cafes, antique shops and craft stores.

Formerly known as Whipple City, the town grew up around a cotton mill and continued to flourish until the mid 19th century. Be sure to take a stroll through the surrounding neighborhoods to see some of the best examples of 18th and 19th century architecture that Upstate New York has to offer.

There’s great food and drink in Greenwich, too. Argyle Brewing offers tasting flights and food trucks. Nearby, Elsassers 111 offers Flammkuchen (German-style flatbread pizza). The Country Peddler offers Christmas tchotchkes and fresh fudge year-round. And don’t miss Wallie’s, a Greenwich institution since 1929, serving patrons for almost a century in the heart of this beautiful village.

Your Greenwich Itinerary:

Certainly the swankiest of the bunch, Kinderhook has drawn Michelin-star chefs, restaurateurs, and other impressive proprietors from New York City and Hudson in recent months. And, this small town was home to the nation’s eighth president, Martin Van Buren; you can still visit his estate house, Lindenwald, which is now a museum in his honor.

The food and architecture is awesome in Kinderhook. First, pop into the Saisonnier (French for farmhand) to enjoy some fresh beer and a delicious charcuterie board. Then, cross the town square to take a look at the Knitting Mill, a renovated 1860’s knitting factory home to businesses including Morningbird and OK Pantry. Down the street, Meghan Calcagno brings her family’s 150-year old bagel recipe from Brooklyn to Kinderhook with Broad St. Bagel Co. They’ve recently expanded to the spot next door with Focaccia Bakery, where they offer Old World Italian bread and pizza.

Your Kinderhook Itinerary:

The little village sits almost on the border of Vermont, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Bennington. The gazebo at the center of town is the spitting image of the one in Stars Hollow (the fictitious Connecticut town that serves as the backdrop for Gilmore Girls). Thankfully for us, the rest of the architecture in town follows suit.

Artists Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses both lived in the area; their paintings are exhibited in museums around the world as examples of American Folk Art from Upstate New York and Vermont.

In more recent times, Brown’s Brewing brought fame to the area once more when they renovated a mill on the Walloomsac River. The beautiful spot now houses a brewery and full restaurant, drawing tourists from all over New York State. The Potter Hill Barn, a ‘primitive gift store’, is another classic Capital Region staple, operating for more than 25 years.

Meanwhile, young business Iron Coffee Co., has seen a booming clientele since launching their roastery in 2016. And, new favorite Hoosick Provisions is an absolute must-stop for anyone looking for their Rose Apothecary moment. You’ll find local cheeses, homemade pastries and regional produce, set against the backdrop of 19th century exposed brick.

Your Hoosick Falls Itinerary:

Schuylerville is sometimes called America’s most historic village, because the Battle of Saratoga — known as the “Turning Point of the American Revolution” — was fought here. Later, in the 19th century, captains-of-industry arrived, harnessing the Fish Creek and Hudson River that made Shuylerville into a bustling township. Today, this quaint village remains a cultural hub of Upstate New York.

If you want good hikes and views of the waterways, Schuylerville is for you! Stop into Bound by Fate Brewing or The Basin Grill to enjoy a brew or bite on their beautiful patios overlooking the water. Then, get your steps in at Hudson Crossing Park and check out the beautiful Dix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Hudson River into Washington County.

Your Schuylerville Itinerary:

This charming village might be the Barn-Quilt capital of Upstate New York. On the main drag alone there are four businesses exhibiting large quilt-like signage on the outsides of their historic buildings.

As a result of its rural location, Schoharie is home to a number of regionally famous farms & farm stores. As a result, local produce, plants, prepared foods and artisan products abound. One of my favorites is The Carrot Barn, a Capital Region institution offering local produce and products from all over Upstate New York. (Surprise, surprise, the carrot cake is to die for). My family has been going to Wellingtons for years – run by retired couple Carolyn and Frederick. Their 45-acre farm offers landscaped gardens, artisan gifts and collectibles. And, there’s a tea room where Carolyn serves her signature gooey butter cake and island tea.

Stop by consignment shop Generations, which offers — dare I say it — the best selection of antiques that I’ve ever come across outside of the city centers. While you’re there, say hi to Ann, a lifelong Upstate New Yorker with years of stories and Schoharie history!

Your Schoharie Itinerary:

Five CapNY Artisanal Foods You Must Try!

Updated: July 2025

CapNY is every foodie’s dream!

We have an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants, nationally known farms, and incredibly unique food producers. Read on to learn more about five artisanal food makers that have some serious CapNY flare…CAUTION, we recommend reading this after you’ve already had a snack…may cause hunger.

Saratoga Peanut Butter Company is a woman-owned artisanal nut butter business based out of Saratoga Springs, NY. Owner Jessica Arceri mixes all of her butters in small batches without adding palm oils, cane sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavor. Each peanut butter, almond butter, and peanut-almond butter blend contains little to no sodium and are naturally gluten-free.

Twelve butter varieties are available online, and seasonal blends pop up throughout the year. There’s traditional — and delicious! — Plain Jane. If you like a little chocolate, try Chillin Chocolate Peanut Butter for a sweet-and-salty vibe. Want to try peanut butter with a kick? Let Slow Burner Spicy Garlic Peanut Butter ignite your senses. Arceri is most proud of Adirondack Jack. “It is a peanut/almond butter blend with cranberries, flax, cinnamon, and honey. It’s off the charts delicious!”

How — and Why — Saratoga Peanut Butter Co. Began

Arceri started making peanut butter for friends at SUNY Cortland. After the birth of her son Abe, she started experimenting and concocting unique, innovative nut butters at home. “I started the company officially in 2005. I loved peanut butter and healthy foods. At the time, there were very limited all-natural options, and many still added cane sugars and palm oils.”

At first, Arceri’s blends were only sold at local stores and The Saratoga Farmers Market. Now, you can find Saratoga Peanut Butter Co. butters at Capital Region markets of all sizes, from Hannaford and Price Chopper to Indian Ladder Farms.

Top-notch quality and outrageously fun butters are 2 things that make Saratoga Peanut Butter Co. worth the spotlight. The third is the company’s mindfulness about sustainability. “We have minimal waste and reuse cardboard to ship orders,” says Arceri. “We recycle everything and repurpose whenever we can.”

All Vital Eats hot sauce, jerky, “cheezy” dips and salsas are delicious, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% free of artificial preservatives. Offering healthier substitutes for common favorites without giving up taste has been the owners’ mission since Vital Eats started in 2013. Back then, cousins and Vital Eats owners Jude Goldman and Reuben Schwartz were testing recipes in their kitchens and anticipating the rapid growth in demand for plant-based products in CapNY/the Capital Region.

From the beginning, Goldman wanted Vital Eats to be easy to find for all customers, regardless of status or location. “We try to make the products accessible to those who may not be ‘the elite’,” Goldman explains. Now, shoppers can grab Vital Eats from grocery shelves across New York State, at markets, or online.

For Goldman and Schwartz, riding the wave of the “[fill in the blank]-free” food culture leaves sample room for experimentation.

All Vital Eats hot sauce, jerky, “cheezy” dips and salsas are delicious, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% free of artificial preservatives. Offering healthier substitutes for common favorites without giving up taste has been the owners’ mission since Vital Eats started in 2013. Back then, cousins and Vital Eats owners Jude Goldman and Reuben Schwartz were testing recipes in their kitchens and anticipating the rapid growth in demand for plant-based products in CapNY/the Capital Region.

Albany Is an Entrepreneurial Mecca

CapNY/Albany remains one of the best cities for an entrepreneur to explore a cool idea and start a business. Goldman lists CapNY Farmers Markets as a valuable source of information.

“If you’ve got something new and unique and it is something that people want, Albany is a good place to start. Here, you can get immediate feedback at the markets. You’re able to test your product before you take it elsewhere.”

Goldman is happy to help motivated entrepreneurs who want their business to grow. The recent Vital Eats expansion gives young or novice food producers a change to start their business in a license commercial kitchen.

“We recently started producing for small business that may not have the equipment, space, or kitchen to do it themselves.” He hopes the Vital Eats facility located in South Albany brings attention and opportunity to the neighborhood. “We hope to bring jobs to economically depressed areas in Albany.”

The Four Fat Fowl creamery operates within an old schoolhouse in Stephentown, NY. Willy and Shaleena Bridgham and Josie Madison have been making and selling artisan cheese in Rensselaer County since 2013. They introduced their signature St. Stephen soft cheese in 2014, which went on to win medals at the New York State Fair three years in a row. Later, the creamy, the more pungent, rich Camembertha and versitile Inagadda Ricotta joined the product line.

Cheesemaker Willy Bridgham’s undeniable craftsmanship is clear at first taste. He and wife Shaleena opened Four Fat Fowl after Willy spent ample time as an apprentice cheesemaker in Hudson, NY.

“We thought, ‘We can do this!’” Shaleena exclaims, recalling the beginning of their small business journey.

After exceeding expectations and experiencing rapid growth. Four Fat Fowl moved from a renovated pizzeria to its current location on Route 43. They use more than 500 gallons of Jersey cow milk from Dutch Hollow Farm every week. Sourcing local dairy is important to the Four Fat Fowl process. Cutting down on shipping time and distance is essential to the quality and taste of the cheese.

A Commitment to Rensselaer County

Locality isn’t only imperative for freshness, it is the core of Four Fat Fowl culture. Both the name and the location of the creamery are odes to Rensselaer’s history. All three owners are from Stephentown, and their hometown pride oozes like the cheeses they produce. Why did they decided to stay in Stephentown when they moved to a larger facility? Shaleena smiles, “It’s home.”

Though the owners do not agree on their favorites (Willy and Shaleena prefer St. Stephen. Josie loves the Ricotta!) they all share the same sentiments about the importance of teamwork and their community.

“Stephentown has been incredibly supportive,” says Madison. “Some of our best customers live right in town.” They’ve also got wonderful distribution with stores and restaurants, including Tribeca Grill in Manhattan, and Whole Foods locations throughout the region.

Such unwavering loyalty is what makes the Four Fat Fowl team work so well. “We are super lucky to have a fantastic team of amazing employees who have been with us since the beginning.”

Want to dress your next charcuterie or your next cracker with a Four Fat Fowl cheese? Find it here, stop by their store at 473 NY Route 43 or purchase online!

The folks at Muddy Trail Jerky Co. in Washington County are keeping up with the Capital Region’s interest in healthy, small batch foods by offering a vast variety of handmade jerkies, seasonings, pickles, dips, and baking kits. Owners Mary and René Lussier work as a team at their store in Greenwich, NY. They started Muddy Trail in 2015 after Mary’s jerky proved to be a hit amongst family and friends. Now, Muddy Trail is a multi-product seller helping patrons explore a colorful range of spice and flavor at local markets and events.

Muddy Trail Jerky goes fast, so Mary must replenish almost daily. She carefully slices and seasons the Washington County beef to make her flagship product. “We marinate the meat in our own marinades for at least 48 hours. Then, we dehydrate the meat for another four hours.”

Innovation Abounds at Muddy Trail

Locality isn’t only imperative for freshness, it is the core of Four Fat Fowl culture. Both the name and the location of the creamery are odes to Rensselaer’s history. All three owners are from Stephentown, and their hometown pride oozes like the cheeses they produce. Why did they decided to stay in Stephentown when they moved to a larger facility? Shaleena smiles, “It’s home.”

Though the owners do not agree on their favorites (Willy and Shaleena prefer St. Stephen. Josie loves the Ricotta!) they all share the same sentiments about the importance of teamwork and their community.

This time-consuming technique strays away from commercial practice. It is the reason Muddy Trail jerky holds such strong, intense flavor, like the zing of citrus of the Jalapeño Lime Jerky and the northeast style sweetness of their new Maple Rounds.

The Lussiers stay up to date and adopting to trends, including the nation’s latest uptick in home cooking. “Last year, more people started cooking at home,” says René Lussier. For the Lussiers, it was an opportunity for innovation. “People started asking for different mixes, so we made them!”

Muddy Trail offers Everything Bagel seasoning, Sloppy Joe Mix, Maple BBQ mix, and almost everything in between. “We put real pieces of lemon in our Lemon Pepper, and real orange and whole cloves in our mulling spice,” René says, displaying the beauty of the spices through the clear package.

The Muddy Trail Jerky Co. store is across from two CapNY/Capital District staples, 1) The Washington County Fairgrounds; and 2) The Ice Cream Man, creating one of the best food tour triangles in the region. Feel free to stop by the store and meet the owners and browse their offerings, or catch Muddy Trail Jerky at the Troy Farmers Market and upcoming local events!

Shane Avery’s Saratoga-based brewing company Junbucha is popularizing Jun, a close cousin to kombucha. Though the two beverages are both fermented using a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast), Jun is made with green teas and honey, while kombucha is made with black tea and cane sugar. Jun has a lighter, more delicate taste. This helps bring out the traits of the added fruits, flora, or fauna.

Jasmine Junbucha bursts with floral notes of the sweet jasmine flower. The Ginger Yerba Mate Junbucha yields both a warm spicy comfort and an invigorating jolt to the senses. New Pineapple Tumeric combines the succulence of organic pineapple juice with the raw complexity of turmeric. It’s packed with antioxidants. Best yet — it fights inflammation!

Junbucha has natural probiotic qualities, which could improve and maintain gut health. Sometimes, to give Junbucha even more of a boost, Avery creates a specialty batch brewed with adaptogenics, all-natural aids for brain and body function that grow directly from the earth. Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps support the immune system, fight and repair inflammation, sustain energy, and can promote deeper sleep.

Sustainability is at the Heart of Junbucha

Avery’s commitment to sustainability is apparent. “Your footprint matters,” he confidently states. All Junbucha ingredients are ethically sourced from trusted suppliers. They use a solar powered facility. Waste is either composted or recycled. Finally, the fizzy elixir is poured into custom swing-top glass bottles. All Junbucha bottles are recyclable, reusable, and redeemable for cash through the company’s recycling program.

Saratoga’s exuberant history and tight-knit culture make the area an optimal location for a small scale, health-conscious food producer to succeed.

Dr. Sarah Avery, owner of Moon Cycle Seed Co. (and Shane’s wife and business partner), said they started their businesses in Saratoga County because “Saratoga was built on health and wellness, so it only made sense to start here.” She says locals appreciate high-quality, well-crafted products like Junbucha. “An entrepreneur pours their heart into their product. Community members appreciate this.”

It is this special direct relationship between business, brewer, and buyer that fuels Junbucha’s growth and innovation. “It is a beautiful cycle of creating and sharing.”

New, old, and curious shoppers can find 6 refreshing flavors of Junbucha at local farmers markets, restaurants, cafes, and online.

foodindustry foodproduction smallbiz

8 Can’t Miss Spots in Washington County, NY

Washington County, NY, has natural beauty, family owned farmland, innovative culinary arts, charming Main Streets and creative artists of various disciplines.

Traverse the abundant wilderness and enjoy farm-based food culture. While taking in its languid, neighborly atmosphere. Want to find my favorite 8 can’t-miss spots in Washington County? Read on!

Off the Beaten Path

Largely rural and off the major roadways, Washington County surprises and delights new visitors! The southern part of the county is nestled northeast of Albany and Troy, east of Saratoga Springs and west of Vermont. Hugging the southern Adirondacks to the west, there are views to the Green Mountains. A day of local exploring is sure to leave you planning a return to this Capital Region pocket of wilderness and culture.

Walk into Twins Thai Food and you’ll be greeted by the aroma of fresh garlic, ginger, lemongrass and coconut. Owned and operated by twin sisters, Siriporn and Sirilak, Twins Thai serves family recipes passed down over generations. The county’s only Thai restaurant is set along Route 29 in Greenwich. Look for a sign featuring two elephants raising their trunks in celebration, and you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Twin Thai began as a roadside food truck located at the juncture of Route 29 and Route 40. After four years of growth, Siriporn and Sirilak moved their business into a building a thousand feet down the road. Their menu boasts an impressive array of fresh curries, nourishing soups and noodle dishes. All meals can be prepared vegetarian for non-meat eaters. Splurge on their mango with sticky rice for dessert. Or stop at The Ice Cream Man, Greenwich’s locally-owned ice cream shop, for its handcrafted flavors to rival Ben & Jerry’s.

Salem Art Works is a non profit arts center and artist community on the grounds of a former Washington County dairy farm. They offer a selection of blacksmithing, ceramics and glass artistry workshops and displays, and you can enjoy an afternoon of leisurely exploring through 119 acre Cary Hill Sculpture Park. The park hosts a rotating collection of works created by regional, national and international artists.

Begin your journey by foot at the center’s base and wind along their trail system. If you’re driving through, take a more direct route and follow the upward earthen road to access the park’s summit. There you’ll find “For Euler” by Mark di Suvero, a sizable tangerine lacquered I-beam sculpture meets decorative tractor tire swing.

From this viewpoint you’ll see New York and Vermont farmland and thick forest. Call the SAW office in advance to arrange for bonfire usage. They supply a generous, stone stacked fire pit. Or walk the quiet woodland trail situated behind you. Above all, SAW is an all season destination. Autumnal colors burst in all their glory in fall. During winter months, go sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Cary Hill. Pop into Steininger’s in the village of Salem to sample their delectable selection of handcrafted artisanal chocolate.

At either of Argyle Brewing Company’s two Washington County taprooms, guests are met with a down-home atmosphere. ABC, as it’s referred to by townspeople, features a variety of craft beers produced from locally sourced hops and barley. You’ll find classics brews, such as India Pale Ale and Oatmeal Stout, and local favorites like Rough and Ready No. 2, an Irish style Red whose title nods to Greenwich’s firehouse of days past. The company’s flagship Greenwich brewery and tasting room sits on the eastern edge of Main Street. An outdoor courtyard festooned with lights invites evening socializing. Pastoral views of the Battenkill River are right around the corner.

In the village of Cambridge, Argyle Brewing Company reclaimed the former train depot as an indoor tasting room, heated beer garden and live performance space. Handsome original pine paneling creates an intimacy suited to their live concerts. The welcoming staff and natural lighting glow with the quiet reprieve of small town life. Both Greenwich and Cambridge locations also feature on-site food trucks to complement one’s imbibing pleasure. Feel like a stroll after your brew? Head down Broad Street to peruse the colorful windows of Battenkill Books.

Nestled within Washington County’s rolling hills is Willard Mountain. This is a treasured winter resource for winter sport novices and experts alike. Dubbed “New York’s coolest little ski area,” locals will nostalgically tell you Willard is where they first learned how to ski. Willard is a homegrown affair. Staff and guests alike are, in large part, seasonal regulars who appreciate the mountain for its unpretentious nature. The concentrated size allows for a relaxed experience. Plus, Willard offers affordable lift tickets, gear rentals and seasons passes.

With sixteen routes of varied difficulty, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can find their slope. Additionally, the mountain hosts a four lane tubing park for folks interested in sitting while they slide. Willard’s circular lodge is centered on a fire pit surrounded by lacquered picnic tables. It’s a perfect place to stretch and warm your toes. Treat yourself to a bite from the snack bar or local brew from the Thirst Aid Room. Explore southern Washington County’s vast agricultural landscape on your way home. During the growing season make a stop at Hand Melon Farm, a popular pick-your-own spot and local market.

Situated deep within Washington County farmland, Hicks is New York state’s oldest u-pick orchard. They boast a generous selection of upstate apple varieties, including Cortland, Honeycrisp and Ruby McIntosh to name a few! Hicks is a beloved stop during all four seasons. The company’s wood cabin farm store is gently lit and punctuated with the aroma of cinnamon sugar. Browse the refrigerators for fresh pressed cider and colorful apples. Through a small window at the far end, you’ll find the orchard’s perennial favorite handmade cider donuts, fresh out of the fryer.

Hicks also crafts award-winning hard cider and apple brandy though their sister company, Slyboro Cider House. The rustic tasting room is next to the farm store. On weekends the orchard offers a series of “reserve your own campfire” packages. Visitors indulge in grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and baked apples warmed directly by the fire’s flames. The Hicks’ also prides themselves on their support of fellow local food entrepreneurs. Pick up Whitehall’s Scribner maple syrup or Granville’s Myer honey. Salem’s Battenkill Valley Creamery dairy products are featured in the fridges. After stocking up at Hicks, visit the Pine Grove Diner in Granville for comfort food served in a family friendly atmosphere.

Northern Washington county serves as a southern gateway to the sprawling Adirondack Park. On the eastern side of Lake George you’ll find one of the area’s most renowned and sublime routes – a seven mile trek up Sleeping Beauty. This geological jewel is a choice destination for solo hikers and bands of adventurous friends. Begin your journey by parking at the easily accessible Hog Town Trailhead. If you and your vehicle are up for more adventurous terrain, forge a bumpy mile and a half down to Darcy Clearing.

Once on foot you’ll traverse a series of switchbacks while walking along granite cliffs and boulders. Marvel at the clear quartz and blue calcite in mossy outcroppings. Key your ears to the trail’s birdcalls. Upon reaching the trail’s summit, feast your eyes on its myriad of illustrious local mountains. To your west is Crane Mountain, look to your east for Pico and Killington. The summit outlook also delivers outstanding views of Lake George itself. Wrap your day in the sun with a fresh draft from Battle Hill Brewing Company, Fort Ann’s resident craft brewery.

Argyle Cheese Farmer Store and Bakery operates as part marketplace, part production facility. Stroll through the rows of fully stocked product coolers. Peer into the back room where tall glass windows reveal the company’s employees in action. Argyle Cheese Farmer procures their fresh milk (no artificial hormones used) from Ideal Dairy Farms, a family-owned farm in nearby Hudson Falls.

Argyle Cheese Farmer Store produces a wide selection of aged cheeses. Their cheeses have memorable names like Grace, Glory and Mrs. Robinson. You will also find familiar classics: traditional whole milk yogurt, buttermilk, and herbed cheese curds. Try the yogurt smoothies flavored with ginger pear, raspberry and vanilla chai. Take home one of Argyle Cheese Farmer’s frozen pizza pies, a handcrafted meal with dough made from the company’s whey. For dessert, pick up a homemade cheesecake laced with fresh blueberry or chocolate chips. While visiting Hudson Falls, drop by Vintage Vibe Boutique, a mother-daughter owned vintage clothing store inspiring self-expression through fashion.

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.

Culture Farm Land Washington County

Washington County Makers and Doers: CapNY Entrepreneurs

A constellation of small towns sprinkled across a largely rural landscape, Washington County prides itself on its attention to community. Creatives who call this region home draw inspiration from the county’s abundant natural beauty, relaxed pace of life and collaborative spirit.

A Cultural Heartbeat

Washington County makers and doers have a down to earth pride. Together, they’re shaping a distinctive cultural heartbeat. For Washington County creatives, strength lies in amazing folks embracing its infinite possibility.

Location: Salem

Stephinie Miner is a plant caretaker and herbal product maker. Her passion for making safe and natural herbal remedies led to the founding of Sweetbrier Farms five years ago. She envisioned a space for connecting people to the power of plants and wild places.

Her family of six spent two decades traveling with the Coast Guard. Then Miner and her husband Joe decided to lay down roots. Washington County offered everything they wanted: day trip access to nearby cities, abundant nature and quiet tranquility.

Sweetbrier Farms is situated on thirty-five acres of mostly wooded land in Salem. They grow two dozen varieties of medicinal herbs along with a sizable vegetable garden. The small orchard is cultivated through a blend of permaculture and biodynamic practices. Stephinie and Joe are careful to balance their human presence with that of resident wildlife. To do so, they reserve rough pasture during the summer for pollinators and forest animals.

The Sweetbrier catalogue mainstays include herbal tinctures, salves and organic soap featuring plants grown or wild-harvested on their land. The farm also runs a unique apothecary style CSA. Members receive a selection of seasonally curated herbal wellness goods to support their health. Stephinie and Joe are also in the process of constructing a workshop-guest cabin on their property.

Find Stephinie’s Sweetbrier Farm herbal products on her website https://sweetbrierfarms.com/. Look for them locally at the Cambridge Co-op in Cambridge.

Location: Cambridge

David Snider believes in art’s potential for individual and collective transformation. His commitment as Hubbard Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director derives from that foundation. With dual roles, he manages both the operational and creative dimensions of the institution. Snider is motivated by “feeling and seeing how the work affects people’s lives.”

Established in 1878 by Mary and Martin Hubbard, Hubbard Hall is a performance venue and community town square. The building proudly features one of the country’s few remaining operational 19th century vaudeville theaters.

The organization’s mission -– to develop, sustain and promote the cultural life of its rural community –- is evident in their year-round programming. Courses in the arts are available for folks of all ages and skill levels. Students from the high school drama club are coached and nurtured on the historic stage. Artists in residence share work in progress with Cambridge residents. From local emerging talent to renowned professionals such as composer Rupert Holmes and dancer Twyla Tharpe, Hubbard Hall holds space for passionate creatives. Other initiatives include Breaking Bread, a LGBTQIA+ monthly potluck fostering regional relationship building.

After thirteen years of living and working in Washington D.C., David and his family relocated to Cambridge. The town’s close knit social fabric and natural beauty captivated the Snider family. As the largest arts institution in Washington County, Snider knows Hubbard Hall carries both great responsibility and big opportunity. His efforts are a welcome contribution to the creative lifeblood of Washington County.

Location: Cambridge

Ashley McCuin’s artisanal bakery business, Coffee And, provides customers with comforting nourishment. The name, Coffee And, is a phrase from her partner’s grandmother, a short form for “coffee and a treat while chatting with a friend.” Ashley hopes her baked goods can encourage patrons to take a moment for self care and relaxation amidst the daily grind.

Grounded in nostalgic crowd favorites, Coffee And’s repertoire spans from classic to nouveau. Ashley’s Everything Bagel Scones include chunks of cream cheese and everything bagel topping. Kouign amanns – muffin shaped croissants topped with a sugar glaze – sit alongside stellar rye rolls.

Born and raised in Cambridge, Ashley returned to southern Washington County after a handful of years in Burlington, Vermont. She shares, “I know there’s a future here in these small towns. I walk down Main Street and imagine all the possibilities.” Ashley is also a strong advocate for small business. “Shopping local” cultivates a vibrant local economy and quality employment.

You’ll find Ashley’s Coffee And products on Fridays at the Cambridge Food Co-op in Cambridge and Iron Coffee in Hoosic Falls, as well as on Sunday at her farm stand located at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in Cambridge.

Location: Greenwich

Devin Bulger founded Comfort Food Community in 2014 to address food scarcity amongst low-income individuals and families in Washington County. Devin spent several years in Colorado engaging in homelessness advocacy work. Upon returning to his rural hometown of Greenwich he recognized an unmet need. Comfort Food Community supports low-income residents in a largely agricultural area with quality nourishment. The organization utilizes a multi-pronged approach in supporting county residents. Comfort Food has local pantries in Greenwich and Cossayuna. The popular community garden space located in the village of Greenwich provides connection and supplements the pantry shelves .

CFC’s food recovery initiative serves as its farm facing arm. In a collaborative effort, staff and employees collect farm fresh produce that would otherwise be composted or fed to animals. The produce is distributed through food pantries and directly to residents through a network of local partners. The community health component, in partnership with Hudson Headwaters Health Network and CDPHP, includes Food Farmacy and Produce Prescription programs. Devin appreciates how his work and personal life positively inform each other in a small town context.

Comfort Food Community is a prime example of how Washington County makers and doers play a role in sharing abundance. Devin’s work affirms for us what can be harvested when a valuable seed is planted in fertile ground.

Location: Coila

Rachel Bauscher’s Esoteric Energy Design blends her love of natural beauty and wearable art. Her residence in the hamlet of Coila is a stone’s throw from the village of Cambridge. The location allows her ample opportunity to collect the organic materials she lovingly incorporates into her work. Rachel might weave a robin feathers from a nearby maple into a pair of jewel-toned leather earrings. A quartz-veined stone from the Battenkill River and forgotten vintage beads from a second hand store find new life in a bracelet merging classic and contemporary.

One of Rachel’s favorite practices is designing custom jewelry. She likens the experience to pulling a tarot card specific to her client. The piece emerges, and the wearer feels a part of a collaborative process.

As a local who left the area and returned eight years ago, Rachel enjoys the generous landscape that Washington County offers her and her family of five. She derives inspiration directly from the elements. Her children have the opportunity to grow alongside the plant and animal life found right outside of their doorstep.

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.

Creatives entrepreneur Washington County

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.

Together, Chrissy and Ben Traore founded S ee 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

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.”

Cafe Food Pastries

CapNY Daycation: Washington County Farm Tours

One of the best things about CapNY 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 Farms

County Rte 12, Granville, NY 12832

Visit Tuscany without having to leave New York State on your Washington County farm tours! That’s the vibe at Dancing Ewe Farm. Luisa Somers — a Tuscany native — and her husband Jody 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!

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’s anything I know, it’s sweets.

4 Charles St, Fort Ann, NY 12827

Not technically a farm, but with so many 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 Farms

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 hobby 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.

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.

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, there’s 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 Farm Tours

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?

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.

Washington St, Cambridge, NY 12816

I’m including the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market on my Washington County Farm Tours 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.

Rachel Dunn is a Marketing & Branding Specialist, one half of CapGirls NY and an avid explorer of New York’s Capital Region.

Brewery Creamery Farm

CapNY Road Trip From Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville

This country drive on Route 29 from Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville is a great chance to revel in the farmland, lakes and rivers, and apple groves of rural Saratoga County. The solace and space of Stillwater, Schuylerville and all of these little hamlets make for a great spring drive.

How to Get There

A road trip from Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville begins at Exit 14 Saratoga off the Northway I-87. Follow directions for NY-9P toward NY-29/Saratoga Springs/Schuylerville. Route 29 will be the “backbone” for this drive, with side jaunts to Saratoga National Historic Park, Fish Creek, Hudson Crossing Park, and more. Download this custom Google Map to find all stops mentioned in this article.

What to See

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail, Route 29, Saratoga Springs. This two-mile, well-maintained rail trail is an easy, relaxing walk through marshy wetlands (don’t worry, the trail itself is dry). I was thrilled to see a blue heron during my visit in May.

Saratoga National Historic Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater. The park facilities and tour road are closed, but the grounds are open for pedestrians and bicycles every day from sunrise to sunset. Click here for a map to the grounds. Updates are available on their Facebook page.

Hudson Crossing Park, County Road 42, Schuyerville. Open every day, year round, dawn to dusk. This terrific park offers fishing and birding sites, a children’s play garden (keep safe distances, of course!) and two miles of nature trails with panoramic Hudson River views and Champlain Canal overlooks. There’s also a floating dock where boaters can stay for up to 48 hours, and a kayak launch on their Riverwalk Sensory Trail walk.

Champlain Canal Lock 5, County Road 42, Schuylerville. On your way to Hudson Crossing Park, park your car and take a look at Champlain Canal Lock 5. The now-inactive lock has great signage to give you a sense of our region’s history and relationship with the Canal.

Kayak Shak, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Enjoy some spring paddling on Fish Creek! You’ll need to book your reservation online before arriving, as no more than 5 watercrafts will be allowed to launch at once, every 15 minutes.

Browns Beach / Saratoga Lake, 511 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY. If you’ve never seen Saratoga Lake, this side tour is worth your time. You can enjoy the serene and beautiful lake drive from your car, and if you want to stretch your legs, Brown’s Beach offers public access to the lake.

Where to Eat

Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In Restaurant, 882 Route 29, Saratoga Springs. One of my all-time favorites, this 60’s style stops is doing a fantastic job of adapting to quarantine, with car-side or internet orders, and safe, well-marked pickups. Try the fresh-cut fries with Michigan sauce. Gluten-free menu and cones available.

Saratoga Apple Orchard and Farm Stand, Route 29, Schuylerville. This Saratoga institution is open daily all year round, offering a full array of fresh vegetables in addition to its startlingly fresh, crisp apples — twelve varieties in all! Delivery is also available within 15-mile radius.

Just Meats, 1023 Route 29, Schuylerville. A carnivore’s paradise, this butcher shop has deli sandwiches made to order (call ahead for pick up, 518-507-6061) and fresh meat, milk and eggs for purchase.

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods, 176 Broad Street, Schuylerville. Trust me, you do NOT have to be gluten free to enjoy these amazing, homemade baked goods. Grab yourself some lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. You’ll thank me later.

Harvest and Hearth, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Terrific wood-fired pizza and more are available for takeout and dine in. Located on Fish Creek, right next door to Kayak Shak, if you’re up for a paddle!

Kayak Road trip trails

CapNY Essentials: Capital Region Farmers Markets & Farm Stores

Among the very best things about CapNY is our access to farmers and farmland. Lucky for us the fields and. farms are relatively nearby. These beautiful drives are a great way to spend an afternoon; I let out an audible sigh at my first sight of cows.

Another good reason to go: supporting small farmers and family-owned nurseries keeps our local economy humming. Also: your brand-new Victory Garden will be healthier with locally grown seedlings. Therefore, to get you started, we’ve offered up some great farm store and nursery options in all eight counties.

Download the map, below, to take it with you on your journey exploring Capital region farmer’s markets, nurseries, and farm stores!

Our many Capital Region farmers markets are rapidly adapting to current conditions with online ordering, timed shopping, and more. Check their websites for updates before heading out.

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market, 24 South Park Street, Cambridge, 12816. Sundays 10am – 2pm at Cambridge Central School. Check their website for theWinter 2021 location.

Chatham Farmers and Makers Market, Chatham, 12037, Fridays 4pm – 7pm on the Village Green, across from the Clock Tower.

Delmar Farmers Market, Elm Avenue Park, 261 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054, Saturdays 9am – 1pm, with 9am – 10am.

Germantown Farmers Market, Palatine Park Road, Germantown, 12526. Saturdays 10am – 1pm, under the Pavilion at Palatine Park.

Glens Falls Farmers Market, Elm Street, Glens Falls, 12801. Saturdays 10am – 2pm at South Street Pavilion in downtown Glens Falls. The winter 2021 location is the Cool Insuring Arena.

Kinderhook Farmers Market, 1 Hundson Street, Kinderhook, 12106. Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm.

Saratoga Farmers Market, Wilton Mall, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Wednesdays 3pm-6pm and Saturdays 9am – 1pm, at Wilton Mall, near Bon Ton parking lot. The winter 2021 location is indoor at the Wilton Mall food court.

Schenectady Greenmarket, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, 12305. Sundays 10am – 2pm, around Schenectady City Hall. For the winter of 2021 the market is held inside Proctors.

South End Night Market, The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center, 153 Grand Street, Albany 12202. Thursday evenings 4pm – 7pm; curbside pickup is available.

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, Troy, 12180. Online sign-up and other pickup options available; check their website for updates.

Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market, 9140 State Route 22, Hillsdale, 12529. Saturdays 9am – 1pm, through October 31st.

Delaware Community Farmers Market, 331 Delaware Avenue, Albany 12209. Tuesdays 4pm – 7pm, July 2 – September 24.

Hudson Farmers Market, North 6th Street, Hudson, 12534. Saturdays 9am – 1pm, April 25 – November 21, on Columbia Street between 5th and 6th Streets.

New Lebanon Farmers Market, 496 Columbia Pike, New Lebanon, 12125. Sundays 10am – 2pm, beginning June 7th.

South End Health y Market, 230 Green Street, Albany, NY 12202. Saturdays 11am – 2pm, July through October.

Black Horse Farms, 10094 U.S. Route 9W, Athens, 12015. Black Horse Farm is a family-owned country market with a wide array of fruits and vegetables. Their garden store offers summer blossoms, nursery stock, garden items, pottery, gourmet foods, and much more.

Capital Roots Urban Grow Center Market, 594 River Street, Troy, 12180. Terrific collection of locally-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, produced by dozens of area farms. Open 9am – 5:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The Chatham Berry Farm, 2309 Route 203, Chatham, 12037. Take a drive to Columbia County to find this award winning, family owned store with a range of local, regional, all-natural & organic products. Don’t be fooled by their name — it’s more than berries!

Gade Farm Farm Stand, 2479 Western Avenue, Guilderland, 12084. Family-owned farm stand and nursery, available for pickup and delivery.

Hawthorne Valley Farm Store, 327 County Road 21C, Ghent, 12075. This full-line natural / organic food and grocery store is set on a working farm in rural Columbia County. Also check out Hawthorne Valley programs and products that fulfill their social and economic mission.

Samascott’s Garden Market, 65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook, 12106. Vegetables, fruit, local products and more available for online orders and in-store shopping.

Saratoga Apple, 1174 Route 29, Schuylerville, 12871. A family owned orchard and farm market for a century, they produce much more than apples. Here you’ll find a wide range of fruit, cider, fresh baked goods, and produce, as plus local, natural, and healthy food and gifts. The world’s best apple cider donuts are made daily, all year round.

Story Farms, 4640 NY-32, Catskill, 12414. Story Farms is my favorite place to buy fresh vegetables and seedlings for my backyard garden. Don’t miss the terrific baked goods and local meats in their freezer.

Balet Flowers and Design, 5041 Nelson Avenue Extension, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Just outside of downtown Saratoga Springs, you’ll find this wonderful greenhouse and flower farm helmed by farmer / owner / potter Suzanne Haight. Along with vibrant blooms, vegetables, and herb plants, Suzanne offers kind and supportive tips for what will work in your garden.

Story’s Nursery, 4265 Route 67, Freehold, 12431. Great selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, greenhouse crops, soils, and bedding plants, much of it grown on site. This wonderful family business has been thriving for over 50 years.

Becker’s Farm Garden Center, 420 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, 12144. Family owned for five generations, Becker’s offers soils, mulch, and a great plant and flower selection.

Pondside Nursery, 5918 Route 9G, Hudson, 12534. Great selection of plants and trees in a beautiful, pondside setting, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Hudson.

Toadflax Nursery, 1604 Saratoga Road, South Glens Falls, 12803. Idyllic nursery with 11 greenhouses and huge selection of shrubs and trees, common and unusual annuals, tropicals and perennials. There is also a full selection of mulches, landscaping materials, and soils.

Faddegon’s Nursery, 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 12110. Three beautiful greenhouses of trees, plants, flowers and more, owned by the Faddegon family for 100 years.

Gade Farm Nursery, 2479 Western Avenue, Guilderland, 12084. Family-owned farm stand and nursery, available for pickup and delivery.

Kulak’s Nursery and Landscaping, 1615 Route 146, Rexford, 12148. Family-owned nursery and greenhouses with wide selection of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees and more.

Olde Saratoga Home and Garden, 934 Route 29, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Family-owned nursery with locally grown herbs, flowers, bedding plants and perennials. You’ll find garden supplies, tools, potting soil, crafts, gifts and more in their store. They provide great tips, and have a teaching garden on-site.

Zema’s Nursery, 154 Presbyterian Hill Road, Stephentown, 12168. Family-owned nursery and greenhouses with varied selection. Curbside pickup is available.

Greene Bee Greenhouse, 2744 Route 20, Cornwallville, 12418. Family-owned nursery with online ordering and on-site pickup.

Farm Market Stores

CapNY Road Trip through Rensselaer County

A road trip to Rensselaer county is easier to plan than it is to spell but it’s a county with rich history and beautiful rural landscapes. This road trip includes both natural and man-made vantage points, and you see beautiful vistas that stretch into Massachusetts and Vermont. There’s also a stop at a farm stand, hikes and historic sites. By the end of this trip you might even be able to spell “Rensselaer.” Though, admittedly, I’ve lived here most of my life and still second guess the spelling.

Places to Explore on a Day Trip to Rensselaer County

You can choose your own adventure by starting your road trip to Rensselaer county at any of the stops below. The main routes you’ll be using are I-90 and Rt 787, then Rt 7 and Rt 2.

Dickinson Fire Tower

Dickinson Hill F ire Tower, Fire Tower Road, Petersburg, NY, off Babcock Lake Road. The 60-foot fire tower was constructed in 1924, last used in the 1980s, and is now open to the public. From the top, you can see Grafton Lake State Park, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Taconics, and the Berkshires. You also have the option to do a 2.6 mile hike to the tower.

Fire Tower Parking Directions: When driving, take Babcock Lake Road which runs between Route 7 and Route 2. Turn onto Fire Tower Road in Petersburg. Go to the very end of Fire Tower Road (about 1.5 miles) and do a three-point turn at the end. Drive back up a small hill and on the right you’ll see a blocked off utility road. Park in the shoulder near here. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, there is also a small area off the road where you can park which is across the street from the utility road. Once parked, take the trail past the barrier. You’ll see a plaque about the fire tower on your left. Then make your way up the short, moderately steep incline to the fire tower, which you’ll see in a clearing at the top.

Grafton Peace Pagoda

Grafton Peace Pagoda, 87 Crandall Rd, Petersburg, NY 12138. This stunning Buddhist pagoda was built in the 1980s, inspired by a monk who still lives on site. (You might see her beating a drum on the hilly, winding roadway.) To get to the pagoda, walk up either the stone driveway or take the short, 6 minute wooded hike. Sorry, you can’t bring dogs on the Pagoda grounds.

Petersburg Pass

Petersburg Pass (Trailheads for Snow Hole and Berlin Mountain), 57 Taconic Trail, Petersburg, NY 12138. The drive up to the Petersburg Pass is a popular route for motorcyclists and a good stop for anyone heading into Williamstown and The Clark. There are a slew of hiking trails, including Hopkins Memorial Forest, or the six mile round trip hike to Snow Hole – a crevice known for ice and snow, even in August. To the South is Rensselaer County’s highest point, Berlin Mountain which, at 2,818 feet, is also the state’s highest point outside the Catskills and Adirondacks. It’s a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike to Berlin Mountain in the Taconic Mountains. Leash your dog, and please be mindful of wild animals (I’ve had my share of run-ins around here) and ticks.

Laughing Earth Farmstand

Laughing Earth Farmstand, 3842 Rt 2, Cropseyville, NY 12052. This self-serve farm stand has eggs, honey, vegetables, sausage and bacon. Zack, Annie and Willa Metzger have been proprietors of the 200-year-old farm since the 2015-16 season. Their newly-painted yellow farmhouse and the lovely pastoral setting make this a nice, picturesque stop after a hike.

Historical Spots

Oakwood Cemetery , 186 Oakwood Ave., Troy, NY 12182. Notable for its Hudson Valley vistas and as the resting place for local luminaries including Samuel “Uncle Sam” Wilson, the Oakwood Cemetery is a great, historic stroll. Don’t miss the Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel, built in the 1880s, has Tiffany glass windows and stunning stonework. There are 282 acres in total, with man-made lakes and impressive monuments. The cemetery also holds regular scavenger hunts and other events.

Lansingburgh Historical Society and Museum, 2 114th St., Troy, NY 12182. Lansingburgh is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the state, founded in the late 1700s and once known for its brush and oil cloth industries. To get to the historical society and museum, you’ll be driving by beautiful riverfront mansions and once-grand estates. It was also home to an author you might have heard of – Herman Melville. He lived at the now-museum on 114th Street and wrote his first two novels, Typee and Omoo, at the site. Some also say he named his Moby Dick character Starbuck after nearby Starbuck Island. The architecture in this neighborhood is lovely and Snowman Ice Cream is right nearby.

Crailo State Historic Site, 9 1/2 Riverside Ave., Rensselaer, NY 12144, is a museum of the Colonial Dutch in The Dutch home was built in the early 18th century by Hendrick Van Rensselaer, grandson of the first patroon of the area, Kiliaen van Rensselaer, the county’s namesake. the Hudson River Valley. Legend has it that “Yankee Doodle” was written here in 1755.

Places to Eat and Drink

Wrap up your road trip to Rensselaer county with a visit to historic Hoosick Falls. This is where artist Grandma Moses’ work was first discovered by a New York City art collector. You can see much of her work on another road trip to Bennington, Vermont at the Bennington Museum. You’ll find some great food and drink options in and around Hoosick Falls, including:

Brown’s Brewing Walloomsac Taproom, 50 Factory Hill Rd., North Hoosick, NY 12133. Conclude your road trip in this factory turned taproom, opened in 2013, located next to a small waterfall. The menu includes a great range of beer (brewed on site), wine, cider, wings, pretzels, salad, pizza, soup, and dessert.

Unihog, 2 Center Street, Hoosick Falls 12090. Jason VonGuinness built this roadhouse-style restaurant and bar in a former mannequin factory. The decor and vibe are rustic, raucous and rough-and-tumble. Awesome Asian-fusion food by Sumo’s Kitchen. Great local beer selection, and live music most nights. Insider tip: before you leave, ask Jason if you can see his Martin Van Buren tattoo.

Hoosac Package Store, 53 Classic Street, Hoosick Falls, 12090. Another Jason VonGuinness enterprise, this shop offers a great selection of local, national and imported wines and liquors.

Iron Coffee Company, 9 Main Street, Hoosick Falls, 12090. Owner Mike Milliron takes his coffee seriously, roasting daily in the shop, and sourcing his milk from nearby Battenkill Creamery in Salem.

More stops!

There are LOTS of other great stops for future visits. Dyken Pond, Cherry Plain State Park, the Knickerbocker Mansion, Grafton Lake State Park, Barberville Falls (in spring and fall), the Champlain Canal Lock 4 Park. And, of course, the amazing city of Troy, worthy of an all-day visit of its own.

Danielle Sanzone is a freelance writer who worked for a decade at The Record in Troy and is currently in the Digital Initiatives department at the local PBS, WMHT.

Beer nature Road trip

Category: Farmers Markets & Farm Stores

Autumn in CapNY: Finding the Fun in Fall

Charming CapNY Towns on the Outskirts

Five CapNY Artisanal Foods You Must Try!

8 Can’t Miss Spots in Washington County, NY

Washington County Makers and Doers: CapNY Entrepreneurs

CapNY Transplants: Chrissy and Ben Traore, See and Be

CapNY Daycation: Washington County Farm Tours

CapNY Road Trip From Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville

How to Get There

What to See

Where to Eat

CapNY Essentials: Capital Region Farmers Markets & Farm Stores

CapNY Road Trip through Rensselaer County

Places to Explore on a Day Trip to Rensselaer County

Dickinson Fire Tower

Grafton Peace Pagoda

Petersburg Pass

Laughing Earth Farmstand

Historical Spots

Places to Eat and Drink

More stops!

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