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.

Celebrating Pride Month in CapNY: 3 Leaders Who Make it Happen

Updated: July 2025

Pride Month is recognized around the world, to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. It takes place every June, in honor of the historic June 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which helped kickstart the Gay Rights Movement. It’s a month not just to celebrate, but to remember, to honor, to raise awareness, and to support.


Each June, there are dozens of Pride events across CapNY to celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ communities thanks to area organizations that include:

  • OutHudson: Nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQIA+ community of Columbia County
  • The Pride Center of the Capital Region: Nonprofit organization based in Albany; hosts annual Capital Pride Parade through downtown Albany and Festival in Washington Park, which features food, vendors, live music and performances like Pussycat Dolls’ Carmit Bachar and iHeartRadio Music Award Nominee JORDY.
  • Cafe Euphoria: Trans and Gender Nonconforming worker-owned cafe, coworking space, and curated thrifted clothing store in Troy, hosts an array of pride focused events including open mics, dance nights, drag show brunches, and LGBTQ budgeting workshops. They also serve as food vendors at Pride events like Capital Pride Parade and Festival and Say it Loud! Black and Latin@ Gay Pride.
  • In Our Own Voices Inc.: Organization based in Albany that serves the needs of LGBTQIA+ POC
  • Easton Mountain Retreat Center: Located in Greenwich, NY, Easton Mountain is a community retreat center and sanctuary created by gay men. They provide workshops, programs, and events to celebrate, heal, transform, and integrate body, mind, and spirit.

None of the Pride celebrations would have happened without dedicated individuals who helped bring them together. We spoke with three individuals who helped make events like these happen, and continue to support the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the year. 

  • Nathaniel Gray, Executive Director at the Pride Center for the Capital Region

Nathaniel Gray grew up in southern Ohio and moved to NYC at 19. Gray moved to CapNY in 2019, and recently purchased a home in the hamlet of Glenmont, where he enjoys the newfound space and garden, to escape from the day.

Why is Pride month special to you?

As a month, it is really a placeholder for our Civil Rights movement. June is Pride month because of the Stonewall Riots in late June of 1969. The first pride “parade” was a freedom march for “gay liberation.” The month of June is a lasting reminder, and encouragement, that there is still work to be done for true equity in society.

How are you involved in Pride across CapNY?

The Pride Center of the Capital Region hosts the largest Pride event north of New York City, and each year it grows. This year’s event, held on June 12th, drew crowds larger than previous years when we know our numbers were around 30,000 people. These folks come and celebrate themselves and the people they love, one of the most important things we can do in the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Center also helped organize an historic number of Pride Flag Raisings in the Capital Region this year, with plans on even more next year. 

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I started getting bullied for being effeminate in 2nd grade; I was 7-years-old the first time someone called me a fa**ot. The most recent time? Four weeks ago. This is my life, and I’m not going to rest in my work, nor is the Pride Center, until this region is safe and affirming for everyone. The person who shouted that word at me last month probably doesn’t know that there are many in my community that would hear something like that, and potentially end their life. This is not acceptable in 2022 to me, nor should it be to anyone. When I got my Master’s degree in Social Work in New York City, my professional focus was on LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Something about working with kids who risked everything to come out and be authentically themselves, only to become homeless and experience untold abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, and other horrible things, fundamentally changes me. It was a curtain I could not “unlook” behind. Once I knew about their experiences, and that it is all born from hate and ignorance, I also knew I had to do something about it. 

  • Osun Zotique, OutHudson Executive Director

Osun Zotique moved to CapNY in 2015, and lives in Hudson. Zotique is the Executive Director of OutHudson, and recently ran for office in the Congressional Primary to represent New York’s 19th District, making them the first openly transgender non-binary individual to run for federal elected office. 

Why is Pride month special to you?

Pride Month is special to me because I realize that it’s something we still actually really need. We really need that continuous work of individual and community self acceptance. In spite of any advances that we have made, which we certainly have seen basic civil and human rights for our gender identity and sexual orientation, that process of self-acceptance is ongoing, and it’s a lifelong and evolving journey for every human being on this planet. Actually, whether they identify as LGBTQIA+ or not, the fact of the matter is that we all have something to learn about our humanity vis-a-vis our gender and sexuality. 

How are you involved in Pride across CapNY?

I took over the directorship of OutHudson and brought back the parade and festivities after the pandemic. I also recently ran for elected office in the United States Congress. NY’s 17th congressional district, and was the first transgender, non-binary person to do so. And it’s been a very exciting journey and a very privileged platform to try to speak to everything that’s going on for all of us who are living, working and potentially struggling to make ends meet at this community and state, both LGBTQIA+ and also our straight allies. 

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I’m passionate about doing what I do because I actually moved to the state of New York when I was 18, and the environment where I grew up was not particularly accepting. So for me, it’s really important to help continue creating the environment that I would like to be part of and a space where queer ingenuity and creativity can flourish. Both my own, but also the folks around me and my neighbors and friends and the people who we support.

  • Atsushi Akera, Co-founder of Cafe Euphoria and Board of Directors at the Pride Center of the Capital Region

Atsushi Akera grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, and moved to the Capital Region in 1999, when she was hired as a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Akera has been a professor at RPI in the field of science and technology studies for the last 23 years, and is retiring this month. She lives in Troy and is the co-founder and General Manager of Cafe Euphoria, as well as a board member at the Pride Center of the Capital Region. 

Why is Pride month special to you?

That’s a big question, given Roe V Wade, and everything that’s happened. I’m on the board of directors of the Pride Center for the Capital Region. Many of us are afraid that once the conservatives get that kind of momentum, they’re going to go after other things, including gay marriage. And so it’s a time for the community to band together. Pride Month is so important because it brings the entire community together. I think segments of our community have felt that they’ve won the victories that needed to be won, and had gotten to the point where activism and change wasn’t very high on their agenda. And so this year’s Pride events have been so important in reestablishing the notion that we still have a really important role to play in giving support to those who are otherwise oppressed and discriminated against in our society. 

How are you involved in Pride across CapNY?

I’m on the board of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, and I oftentimes volunteer for the Pride events with the Pride Center, as well as serve as an ally and supporter for the Say it Loud! Black and Latino Pride event. But the ways in which I was involved this year, was more focused on the launching of Cafe Euphoria. So as a consequence, most of my new duties had to do with the cafe. We had a presence at the Pride events, taking part as a food vendor, selling vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian fare. Cafe Euphoria also had eight different events of our own throughout the month. 

Why are you passionate about what you do?

Because it’s necessary. It’s so necessary. Going into the pandemic, mental health rates were in excess of 50% among the transgender community. Suicide rates were one of the highest. Gender remains one of the strongest constructs in our society, along with race, so there’s all kinds of problems that many members of our community face. There are many people who are supportive, but job loss remains a major issue within our community. And that’s why Cafe Euphoria is built around creating jobs for, and a safe space for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. We are very much a trans visibility project. We created a business model very specifically on the idea that there are people out there who want to support us, and are willing to pay slightly above market rate for food, and then those resources turn into real assets for the trans and gender nonconforming folks who work here.

So it goes a step beyond just a safe space, it creates jobs. And then beyond a restaurant and creating jobs, we have a curated thrift, we have event space, a co-working space, and we have a lounge, as well as two private offices. We have a curated thrift so that if you’re transgender, and you’re totally scared of going to Target to shop in the women’s section for the first time, you can instead come here, to a space where you know that everybody’s going to be supportive of whatever choices you make.

  • Written by: Victoria Diana

How to Spend 48 Hours in CapNY

CapNY offers the perfect blend of small city charm and rustic nature. The region is a vast area that ranges from the foothills of the Catskills to the foothills of the Adirondacks, and in between those 90 miles are cities, towns, countrysides, forests, mountains and lakes, all with their own unique flares.

Photo: Samascotts Garden Market, learn more below!

Your Summer Rompin’ HQ

The area provides a wide variety of things to do, eat, and drink, and is located just three hours away from New York City. Definitely don’t overlook the Capital Region when planning your next weekend romp this summer. And if you do plan on visiting, here is a 48-hour itinerary to help map out your trip. 

Day 1

Late Afternoon: Arrive in Hudson, NY

If you’re coming from downstate, Hudson is the perfect first stop on your CapNY trip. Hudson sits on, given its name, the Hudson River, and is a quaint small city with an artsy vibe. If you’re a fan of antiquing and interior design, you could spend a whole weekend just here, going up and down Hudson’s main street, Warren Street, to all the shops and boutiques. 

Shop at The Antique Warehouse
When you see the HUGE warehouse that kind of looks like it’s abandoned – DON’T RUN AWAY! This is what’s inside. The Antique Warehouse

Not on Warren street, but definitely a must-see, is The Antique Warehouse, a literal warehouse, filled with furniture, decor, art, and architectural pieces like windows and pillars. Do a little shopping before checking into your hotel.

Check into your hotel!

If you’re in Hudson, you gotta keep with the interior design trend, and stay at The Maker, a beautifully designed boutique hotel, clad in leather, velvet and fringe, making for a luxurious and stylish stay. You won’t have to stray far for dinner, as The Maker has an incredible restaurant right at the hotel. Their restaurant sits in a glass conservatory, and focuses on seasonal plates with a local emphasis. They also have a separate menu in their candle-lit lounge, which serves more casual fare, as well as craft cocktails, wine and local beer. 

The Maker Hotel

Day 2

Morning: Stop at Bartlett House for breakfast

Once you’ve left Hudson, drive 20 minutes to Ghent, NY, and make sure to stop at the Bartlett House for breakfast. The Maker’s in-house cafe serves Bartlett House’s pastries, but why not go right to the source. Grab a coffee, one of their breakfast sandwiches made on a freshly baked English muffin, and a croissant, because why not? You’re on vacation. 

Check out Art Omi
After breakfast, take a 6 minute drive to Art Omi, a 120-acre outdoor sculpture and architecture park and gallery, where you can enjoy beautiful art pieces while also taking in some fresh air and upstate NY nature. You could easily spend half a day exploring the park, but you can also make it a shorter 2 hour stop, where you stick to one area. Art Omi is completely free, which is always a plus, but donations are encouraged. And make sure to wear your walking shoes, as it’s a nature walk as much as it is an art gallery.
Afternoon: Stop for a snack in Valatie, NY
The feline manager

After checking out Art Omi, head up North towards Troy, NY. If you’re hankering for a snack after all that walking, you can make a pitstop in the town of Valatie on the way. Stop at Golden Harvest Farms for one of their famous apple cider doughnuts, rated the best in the Capital Region, which they have year-round. Or go to Samascotts Garden Market, which has delicious homemade ice cream, and also happens to be a plant nursery. Lap up some ice cream in their greenhouse while you peruse their great indoor plant selection. And make sure to greet their very helpful feline manager.

Arrive in Troy, NY for lunch

Troy is a newly revitalized city that also sits along the Hudson River, just north of Albany. You could say Troy has a bit of a Brooklyn vibe, but it truly does have its own unique personality. Depending on what time you arrive, you might be able to hit Troy’s popular farmers market, right in the heart of its downtown, which runs from 9 am to 2 pm every Saturday. The farmers market not only has fresh fruit and vegetables, but also a ton of food vendors serving up all kinds of cuisines. If you miss it, no fret, as there’s plenty of restaurants in the cute downtown. 

Grab a coffee and walk around Washington Park
Do it for the gram at Superior Merchandise Company

If you need a pick-me-up afternoon coffee, make sure to stop at Superior Merchandise Company. I recommend their iced latte with oat milk, it’s my favorite in the Capital Region. And while you’re waiting for your coffee order, you can shop the store’s perfectly curated, vibesy assortment of candles, glassware, clothes, and stationery. Enjoy your coffee on their back patio or walk a few minutes to the historic Washington Park. The park is gated, as it is one of the few private parks in New York State, however, the cobblestone streets and houses around the park are stunning. So much so, the HBO show Gilded Age filmed there. 

Get lunch at Nighthawks

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants in downtown Troy. If it’s before 3 pm, you can’t beat Brunch at Nighthawks, a farm to table restaurant with an often changing menu depending on what’s in season, although their popular burgers are always available to order, veggie ones as well. And they always have at least one vegan option on their Brunch menu. Other options for lunch include the al pastor tacos from La Capital Tacos and the beef bulgogi from Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen. 

Pick up a bottle of natural wine
Twenty-Two 2nd Wine Co.

If you’re a fan of natural wine, make sure to stop at Twenty-Two 2nd Wine Co. The boutique wine store offers a great selection of unique, small-production, naturally-made wines from around the world. I especially love their selection of orange/skin-contact wines. 

Early Evening: Drive up to Saratoga Springs

Once you’ve had your fill of Troy, take the 30 minute drive North to Saratoga Springs. It is still a beautiful little city, featuring a walkable downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants, idyllic parks, and is in close proximity to lakes and hiking trails. Check into your hotel, like the newly renovated The Adelphi Hotel, which sits right on Broadway, in the heart of downtown Saratoga. Freshen up and get ready for a night on the town. 

Grab dinner at Hamlet and Ghost

Walk over to Hamlet and Ghost, a popular haunt in Saratoga Springs, that serves craft cocktails and modern American fare. Be sure to make a reservation, as it is very busy most nights, and for good reason. I’m partial to their oysters, and grass-fed burger with duck confit fries, but their vegetable small plates are also incredible, like their broccolini with cured egg yolk, mint, and tonnato sauce.

Night: Go to 9 Maple Ave for an after-dinner cocktail

After dinner, walk across the street to 9 Maple Ave, an intimate moody 1880’s area bar with a wide selection of liquor. Order their Espresso Martini, it’s amazing, while you listen to live jazz.

After 9 Maple Ave, you could go next door to the nightclub, The Nite Owl, for some dancing, or go bar hopping down Caroline Street, which is right around the corner, and lined with bars, many featuring outdoor patios or rooftops, so you can enjoy the warm summer nights. 

Day 3

Morning: Morning: Grab coffee and a quick breakfast

Wake up early, and nurse that hangover with a quick coffee and breakfast from the nearby Saratoga Coffee Traders or Uncommon Grounds. Saratoga Coffee Traders have great, quick, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, and Uncommon Grounds is often voted as the best bagels in the Capital Region. 

Pack a lunch for later from Putnam Market

Stop by the Putnam Market to get all the makings for a picnic lunch, I recommend ordering a sandwich on their baguettes, you won’t be disappointed. They also have a great selection of cheeses if you want to pack the makings of a charcuterie board. Check out of your hotel, grab some sunscreen, and head out for a day on Saratoga Lake. 

Go boating on Saratoga Lake

About a 10 minute drive from downtown Saratoga is Saratoga Lake. The idyllic lake is a popular spot in the summer months for boating, hanging out on the beach, or eating at one of the many restaurants that line its coast. Charter a pontoon boat for a half day (9 am to 2 pm) at Vivi E Basta Rentals, or rent kayaks, also at Vivi’s or at The Kayak Shak, which is located just upstream on a creek that feeds right into the lake. Enjoy a day in the sun and water, and if you still have some time before traveling back home, snag an Adirondack chair at Dock Brown’s Beach Bar for a cold drink to end the day.

  • Written by: Victoria Diana

Victoria Diana is a writer, director, and stand-up comedian born and based in Schenectady, NY.

CapNY Eats: 5 Droolworthy Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants

Updated: July 2025

The plant-based food industry has boomed in recent years with myco-protein chik’n and beet burgers that bleed, branded with names like Beyond and Impossible suggesting we’re scaling new heights.
  • Hello, Meatless Mondays

The pandemic only sharpened growth with renewed interest in health conscious eating, efforts to reduce animal consumption (hello, meatless Mondays), and awareness of strained farm-to-table supply chains coupled with new direct-to-consumer options. Suddenly, plant-based options surged on mainstream restaurants’ simplified, post-pandemic menus and customers continue to feed the demand for meatless options when dining out.

Downstate, we’ve seen a Michelin star and James Beard award nominations for a vegan restaurant, chef and veg-driven hospitality group. Upstate, CapNY is enjoying its own share of the action with more growth in the vegan/vegetarian dining scene in two years than the last ten. And they aren’t they aren’t doing it lightly. From the growing vegan list, we’ve picked five eateries putting flavor, fermentation and local farms at the forefront of their plant-based creations.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY. Visit them on Instagram at @upstatecreative!

  • BAR VEGAN | Center Square | Albany
Bar Vegan

From Lark St. Poke to the Loft 205, sibling owners Will and Mary Phan have opened downtown spots that earn a loyal crowd. But after closing their popular college bar, LAX, during the pandemic, Will was inspired by vegan restaurant Avant Garden in Manhattan and reinvented the LAX space as a vegan restaurant, including an entirely vegan bar. Partnering with a local florist, the place has been beautifully transformed with shiny white subway tiles, leafy planters and trailing vines, and the menu offers shareable plates that won’t break the bank. From a kitchen carefully separated to avoid cross contamination with the Loft restaurant upstairs, try the sweet potato tempura sushi roll, edamame potstickers filled with a luxurious edamame puree (choose steamed or fried), stuffed avocado and bang bang cauliflower florets. All wines and spirits are vegan or organic.

Bar Vegan | 205 Lark Street | Albany | IG

  • TAKE TWO CAFE | Schenectady
Take Two Cafe, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

Take Two picks up where much missed Shades of Green on Lark Street left off years ago. Owner Chelsea Heilman has created a gorgeous garden-inspired oasis on Schenectady’s State Street where foot traffic is high and it’s hard to miss her hand-painted sidewalk tables. An avid traveler, Heilman serves a chickpea curry, inspired by one from Iceland, along with a replica avocado-pesto-feta-walnut toast and a tofu scramble breakfast burrito with chorizo, chile, and homefries both inspired by cafes in Melbourne, Australia, and Colorado.

Among the most labor intensive ingredients is Heilman’s faux lox salmon. Carrots are given a 32-hour bath in a seaweed, soy and caper brine for umami bite – perfect to pile on a bagel with vegan cream cheese. Stop by and join an all-day crowd pouring in for sandwiches and vegan pastries. Fix your coffee as you like: A counter refrigerator is jammed with all the plant milks from oat to almond.

Take Two Cafe | 433 State Street | Schenectady | IG

  • MEADOWLARK @ TAKK HOUSE | Troy

Meadowlark Catering – from the team behind Wizard Burger and Burrito Burrito (Albany) and Takk House (Troy) – is now hosting their tasteful plant-based cuisine at pop-up events at the Takk House.

These Dining at Takk experiences give the owners an opportunity to craft new menus based on the most current harvest, and gives guests a taste of what they’re all about! Head to the Meadowlark website to check out details for their next experience.

Meadowlark Catering | Troy

  • WIZARD BURGER | Downtown Albany
Wizard Burger, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

It’s hard to overstate the craftiness behind the Wizard’s vegan creations. If you visit the Wiz on social media, you’ll find burger abominations flying off on intergalactic, space odysseys. Go in person and this purple-hued counter service spot has added a line up of boozy and non-alcoholic cocktails and an additional room in which to enjoy them surrounded with curios from plant terrariums to crystal balls.

Whether you go for lunch or happy hour, the team behind Wizard Burger has all their nighttime cravings on the menu. Get the Mumbo Jumbo – an Impossible burger topped with house chili, battered onion rings, tater tots and jalapeno-garlic crema – or a crispy chik’n Raptor, but don’t forget battered pickles on the side. Those with a sweet tooth might choose the Impossible Strawberry Snail with an Impossible patty and raspberry jelly on a glazed donut by tiny Strawberry Snail vegan bakery. 

Wizard Burger | 74 N. Pearl Street | Albany l IG

  • THE JUICE BRANCH | Catskill & Hudson | Black-Owned Business
The Juice Branch, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

Painted all the colors of a tropical island, it’s no surprise George Salter’s juice bar is an uplifting place to hang out whether you visit his Warren Street, Hudson location for an antioxidant packed smoothie or hop the Hudson river to Catskill. In Catskill, you’ll find Salter whipping up his lunch du jour, teased a day ahead on social media. It might be crisply fried oyster mushroom sandwich or plant-based Smack-n’Cheez. Sink into a barrel chair in the window, dip into a book on juicing or the benefits of tea, and Salter will hand deliver plates. Pick from more than twenty-four smoothie combos, add boosts from ginger, elderberry or MCT shots. Munch on nutella and banana or avocado toast topped with hard-boiled egg, hemp and chia or fuel up with an acai or peanut butter banana bowl. (Note: Cash or Venmo only in Catskill)

The Juice Branch | 65 W Bridge Street | Catskill | Phone: 518.947.0920
The Juice Branch | 719 Columbia Street | Hudson | Phone: 518.291.2612

Written by: Susie Davidson Powell

The Authentic CapNY Guide to Speakeasy Bars

Updated: July 2025

Ever find yourself in the mood for some swanky, jazzy vibes to transport you back a hundred years or so?
Luckily for us, CapNY is home to some actual bootlegging legends (check out @bootleggerbungalow on Instagram, you won’t be disappointed). We’re also home to entrepreneurs who know just how to leverage our rich history into some seriously cool speakeasy-style bars and restaurants. 

  • Four CapNY Speakeasies

We’ve cherry picked four bars that we think exude the turn of the century aura. They’ve got sexy, tactile interior decor, and they reside within 200-year-old buildings. Romance and legend and cocktails. It’s a can’t-miss night on the town. 

  • 9 Maple, Saratoga Springs
9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs

This speakeasy sure doesn’t make itself hard to find — the address and the name of the bar are one and the same. This self-proclaimed ‘Jazz Lounge’ is in a narrow brick building dating back to the 1880’s. This spot can get pretty crowded on the weekends when Saratogians pack into the space to listen to raucous live jazz bands.

While they’re known especially for their espresso martini, they also offer an impressive menu of 250 martinis. In addition, they allegedly have the largest selection of single malt scotch from Manhattan to Montreal. (We can’t wait to begin fact-checking this). The mahogany bar and iron-cast light fixtures are in keeping with the 1880s aura, while bartenders are dressed in formal attire as they shake two martinis at a time. Stop in early for a quiet drink or head in late-night for a bustling good time. 

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The glittering bar at 9 Maple in Saratoga Springs
  • The Berlin, Troy
2 King Street, Troy

This sultry spot in Troy sits on the second floor above the EMRY’s Garden, with an inconspicuous side-door entrance on the left side of the building. Complete with Chesterfield sofas, floor-to-ceiling red curtains, and gilded frames from wall-to-wall, The Berlin doesn’t leave even the smallest details unattended to. Intricate wallpaper, exposed brick, and tall ferns provide solarium vibes during daylight hours, and transition perfectly to mysterious night club after dark. Ten original ‘Haus Cocktails’ and nine wines offer a selection for anyone’s palate. This is the perfect spot for after dinner drinks and optimal mood lighting. 

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  • The Maker, Hudson
302 Warren Street, Hudson

As the prolific city of Hudson continues to put itself on the international ‘map’, this spot certainly hasn’t wanted for media coverage — it’s an exemplary example of historic renovation. Because of the building alone, we’d be remiss not to include The Lounge at The Maker. Built inside of a restored carriage barn, a marble and mahogany horseshoe bar acts as the grand focal point. Tassel-lamps descend from the ceiling. Intricately tiled floors, dark panel walls and heavy velvet curtains erase the last hundred years. It’s a complete the time-travel experience. With their unique and inventive cocktail list and small bites, The Maker lounge is a great stop for a date night or late-night get together.

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  • Elixir 16, Troy
45 2nd St, Troy

The history of the building at 45 2nd St is the most interesting and unique of any on this list. Originally built as a single-family home in 1822, it was renovated and the bottom floor used as a doctors office for nearly 100 years until now-owner Megan Reavey bought it in 2016. She pays homage to this in a couple of ways. The first is slightly macabre: in the front room sits an old, 1940’s medical bench, complete with stirrups and parchment paper rolled over the surface. She tells us that when she bought the building, this medical bench was still in use! The second homage is in the name. “The definition of Elixir is something the doctor prescribes, or a magical potion,” says Reavey.

The floors, fireplaces and chandeliers are original to the building. The ceiling tile is also of the 1800’s but salvaged from other buildings. Up until just a couple of years ago, there was no signage on the bar whatsoever. Instead, there was just a sandwich board out front that said ‘Curious? Come see for yourself’. They offer a wide selection of craft brews, as well as dumplings and board games. This one is an absolute must for the history buff or the craft beer enthusiast. 

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

  • Written by: Cabrina McGinn

Anthony D’Argenzio: Hudson Valley Entrepreneur

Updated: July 2025

Anthony D’Argenzio was named one of The 100 Most Creative People in the U.S. by Country Living Magazine. His work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Domino, and Architectural Digest.

  • Why does Anthony love CapNY? READ ON!

“I’ve always been interested in upstate New York and the Hudson Valley,” says Anthony D’Argenzio. “It has an old-world sensibility behind it, and I feel like I’m an old soul at heart.” The designer is founder and CEO of two New York-based companies; design consultancy firm Zio & Sons, and real estate company This Old Hudson.

Photo by: Winnie Au

D’Argenzio’s brands are known for his unique combination of concepts, countries, and centuries. His fascination with old-world interiors leads D’Argenzio toward Second Empire gilded mirrors and Chesterfield sofas. Decor that would’ve satisfied the most discerning of The Four Hundred, many of whom had mansions here in the Hudson Valley. Skipping backwards about 100 years, D’Argenzio often pulls influences from the French countryside. Rustic whitewashed floors, reclaimed tile, and weathered finishes abound. He infuses these with twenty-first century hygge minimalism and, of course, modern appliances and amenities.

“I gravitate towards timeless materials; wood, brick, tile, stone, bronze. I love Venetian plaster. I actually taught myself how to do it,” says D’Argenzio, who likes to work with his hands. It’s no surprise that his father was a cabinet maker and his mother an interior design and renovation enthusiast.

Anthony D’Argenzio Home Photo
  • From the West Coast to the East
Photo by: Winnie Au

Anthony D’Argenzio was born and raised in Sonoma, California. He moved to New York after getting a business degree from Arizona State. In 2012 he founded Zio & Sons, his design production firm. Initially, he focused on providing prop styling, vignettes and backdrops for big brands like West Elm and Anthropologie. Over the course of the next few years, D’Argenzio grew into the role of creative director and producer for his clients’ content, and his own.

His first renovation project was his 450-square-foot East Village apartment. He did most of the work himself, documenting it on social media throughout 2012 and 2013. D’Argenzio acknowledge that this was what ‘put him on the map’ and showed his aesthetic and interior design talents.

  • An Upstate Love Affair

“I would often take the Amtrak upstate to explore and to escape the city. I first discovered Hudson in 2014, when I would come up for antique sourcing, and really fell in love with the architecture of the town.” D’Argenzio would end up buying property in Hudson; a deteriorating two-family house built in 1915. Originally, the two-year renovation project was intended as an investment. Instead, he had manifested not only his home, but his first rental property. This became The Studios, a permanent photo-staging site for clients. Today, The Studios remain a highly sought-after venue, available exclusively for photography production, film bookings, and other staging projects.

  • This Old Hudson

In 2015, D’Argenzio founded This Old Hudson, providing rentals and renovation services. “It was kind of a natural evolution [into real estate]. I just love old homes, I love renovation, I love working with people,” he says. He sold the East Village apartment that catapulted his brand to social media stardom. Then he quickly purchased another investment property, effectively making Hudson his full-time home.

His second property was a beautifully neglected four-unit, built around 1910. He’d had his eye on, as it sat next door to his current two-family. After a fastidious renovation, the building opened in 2019. It featured four turnkey rentals called The Residences. Each has its own bespoke architecture and furnishings selected by Zio & Sons. This Old Hudson manages the rental side of the business. The properties cater to budding creative entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley.

The latest showplace is a short-term Airbnb rental that opened its doors this summer. Crowned The Maison, the space is an homage to old-world French style. D’Argenzio documented the renovation in his column with Domino Magazine, as well as on social media accounts. Each of D’Argenzio’s rental spaces lets the turn-of-the-century architecture shine through – a hallmark of the This Old Hudson brand.

“It definitely takes more work to save some of the architectural elements. If something can be saved, I try to save it. There’s so much waste in this world. I like to find salvaged wood, materials, or accents that can add character to a space in unique ways, even if I’m doing something more contemporary.” says D’Argenzio.

  • COVID Causes the Upstate NY Real Estate Boom

A natural extension of his vision, D’Argenzio obtained his real estate license in 2020, selling under luxury brokerage Houlihan Lawrence.

“COVID really sped up my real estate business. I was fortunate my brand was perfectly set up for it. We already have this buyer community, people who love the upstate lifestyle and loved to visit. I had a built-in clientele,” D’Argenzio says.

“The Hudson Valley draws a creative type that loves history, culture, design. The entrepreneurial activity is going to continue growing,” says D’Argenzio. “We’re also in a really great location. We have closeness to the city and amazing old homes. With an emerging economy, and low cost of living. Now with technology changing, being able to work from anywhere, there’s just so much opportunity.”

  • Anthony D’Argenzio’s Signature Style

Although it’s difficult to name to his signature style, for now D’Argenzio is calling it ‘Vintage Modern.’ His style combines gilded age, rustic countryside, art deco, mid-century modern, and minimalism. This is also the chosen aesthetic of the East Coast Millennial generation. The Maker Hotel, Stewart House, Green House Mansion, and The Morgan Statehouse are thriving, drawing tourists from all over the world. Brands like Hammertown Barn, Kabinett & Kammer, and The Modern Exchange are rising to national prominence. To D’Argenzio, it’s no surprise that upstate New York, rich with American history and antiques, would be the nucleus of this trend.

And, it’s no surprise that D’Argenzio’s brands are leading the way.

To learn more about his businesses, visit https://zioandsons.com or https://thisoldhudson.com. Follow his Instagram accounts @zioandsons and @thisoldhudson.

Special thank you to Anthony for taking the time to speak with us about his journey as an entrepreneur in the Hudson Valley.

  • Written by: Cabrina McGinn

Hudson’s Mayor Kamal Johnson is Making History

Updated: July 2025

Thinking back to his 2019 election night victory, Hudson, NY Mayor Kamal Johnson says “we made history,” with a smile.

Actually, he’s made history twice…
  • The Youngest & First Black Mayor of Hudson

Hudson’s history making Mayor Kamal Johnson holds the title for both the youngest and the first Black mayor of Hudson.  After a term filled with stark and intense challenges and polarization, Mayor Johnson is ready for more time in office.  The effects of 2020’s pandemic and widespread protests boldly highlight the platform Mayor Johnson has championed since the beginning of his career.  Police Reform. Accessible Housing. Equity. The list goes on*. 

Mayor Johnson and I met for a conversation that was easy-going as the mayor himself. We talked about his passions, his platform, and his journey from a young man with little direction to directing local politics.  I asked him how citizens reacted when his campaign went door-to-door.  “Who is this kid/guy?” he chuckles.  The answer is sure to inspire.

  • They said he couldn’t do it. He did it anyway.

In his office, Mayor Johnson displays framed degrees from Columbia-Greene Community College and SUNY New Paltz. He also hangs a letter denying his graduation from Hudson High School.

“It was the first time I was told I wouldn’t be able to do something,” he states.  “So I buckled down, doubled-up on classes, and graduated.”  Of course, the task wasn’t so simple.  Faced with family issues at home and the weight of self-doubt, Johnson found motivation from teachers and in popular culture. 

“One of the first teachers to tell me I was smart also told me not to be a waste of talent.”  He goes on to quote 1993 film, A Bronx Tale: “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.”

  • He’s been “The Mayor” since high school

Dubbed “The Mayor” in his 11th grade English class, Mayor Johnson gained early recognition for his commanding presence, polite charisma, and natural ability to engage a crowd.

“In class, I always went above and beyond for presentations,” Johnson recalls.  “Classes were always rowdy.  But when I presented, everyone was silent and listened.  I realized I could communicate in an effective way.”

Unofficially holding office at Hudson High School, a teenaged Johnson redefined talent as he discovered his own.

“I was like, ‘Maybe I have something here.’” He smiles, remembering his days as a political novice.  “When you grow up, you don’t think that’s an actual talent.  You think a talent is to sing, or play basketball, or something like that.  But to be able to capture people’s attention is a talent.”

  • He needed a seat to make a change.

That’s what Mayor Johnson heard 4 years ago when he petitioned for youth center improvements at a Common Council meeting.  He approached the Council several times after a visit to the local youth center that once served as his safe haven.  The center was without programming, maintenance, and basic infrastructure. 

“They said I had great ideas, but I had to be part of the process.”

By 2017, Johnson could list several years of youth work in the experience section of his resume.  He started mentoring in high school through a partnership program with the nearby elementary school.  From there, he proceeded work at community after school programs and the Hudson Youth Center.

Always a popular counselor, Johnson related easily to the kids, especially those dealing with socio-emotional stress.  Children gravitated to Johnson’s youthful personality and ability to handle tough situations with compassion.  He quickly realized his gift for youth empowerment, and it become his passion.

“Something was telling me, ‘This is the lane for me’.”

Determined to protect Hudson’s youth, Johnson stood in front of Council and sought restoration of a beloved and vital community institution.  He needed a seat to make change.  At this point, the only thing between him and that seat was an election.

“I was tired of hearing I needed a seat, so I ran for Councilman in a ward that’s 5% minority.”  He won and went on to chair the committee that oversees the Youth Center, proving passion can surpass barriers to enacting real change.

  • One Day in Therapy

During his two years as councilman, Johnson’s eyes opened to several other sectors of Hudson that were desperate for despair.  He knew that to truly achieve equity and security in the city he loves, he needed to take the final steps toward his dream of becoming mayor.

“I knew the only way I could tackle these issues is if I’m at City Hall full time.”

Even with his goal in sight, Johnson compared his options.  He understood this election would come with higher costs than his last. 

“At the time, I was at a transition in life where I was comfortable and had a full time job I love.” Was he ready to give up comfort for campaign chaos and more responsibility?  “Do I really want to put myself out there?” he wondered. 

Johnson’s nerves teetered from anxious to excited to scared when he first seriously considered running for mayor. “After all,” he says, “this is the dream.”

Then, one day in therapy, he said to himself, “I have this hole in me.  If I don’t find out if I can fill it, I’m going to be old, sitting around, telling my grandkids, ‘I was going to do this or that.’”  He refused to let that happen.  With a clear vision of his legacy and the story he wanted to tell, Johnson knew what he had to do. 

“I put my name in the hat, and we made history.”

  • Equity and Commitment

For Hudson Mayor Johnson’s election represents progression toward a more equitable society were everyone’s issues get attention. 

For Johnson, his election means two things:

1) He did not let his community down. 

“There were little Black kids coming up to me in the streets.  They said, ‘Our parents say you’re going to be the next mayor.  Is that true?’ and I say, ‘Yeah. That’s true.’” 

This sounds like an adorable encounter, but interactions like these remain the most pressured points of Johnson’s campaigns.  “It started to get to me.  What if I don’t win?  Am I letting all these people down?”

2) He can continue to cultivate a community that feels like family and structure a city that Hudson citizens can proudly call Home.

  • HOW IT’S GOING

 From beginning to end, 2020 tested Mayor Johnson’s capability.  What a way to start a dream job!  Fresh on the scene and equipped with enough enthusiasm to permeate the city, nothing could hold Johnson back from stepping into the role he was destined to take.

A Great Moment in Leadership

“Around the time George Floyd was murdered.  That’s the first time I was nervous to speak in front of a crowd.”

Last summer, as Black Lives Matter protests spread across the nation, Mayor Johnson adjusted to viewing the situation through a political lens.

“It was the first time I was nervous because I’m an activist,” Johnson says.  “I have the Black community saying ‘You represent us!  Don’t forget, just last year you would have been on the front lines.’”

Amid uncertainty and with little time for contemplation, Johnson confidently sprang into action. 

“I needed to get in front of this.  I needed to get the community together.  They’re protesting, I’m protesting.” He organized a protest and invited public servants and police officers to speak.  To conclude the event, Johnson set a community standard. “If you trust me and what we’ve said today, you’ll be home by 9PM.  If you trust your community leaders, that’s what you’ll do.”

He remembers declaring the curfew after a day of discouragement.  “All day people were telling me, ‘Don’t do it.  It’ll ruin your career!’” At 9:15PM, “Hudson was a ghost town,” Johnson recalls, triumphantly. He did it.  He gave Hudson’s people room to express themselves and kept them safe.  They trusted him. “That was probably my biggest moment of leadership.”

  • Not Normal

A prime point of Mayor Johnson’s advocacy is also a key ingredient to his recipe for success: Mental Health. “It’s equally as important as your physical health,” he explains.  He goes on to describe mental health as both necessary and taboo, especially in low-income communities of color. “Growing up, mental health isn’t always seen as normal to address.  Your life is hard.  Your neighbor’s life is hard.  So is your best friend’s.  Everybody is going through some sort of trauma.”

From seeing his single mother struggle to witnessing his brothers’ incarcerations, Johnson is no stranger to the stresses of inner-city life.  He recounts growing up numb to life’s pain. “Trauma has a way of settling.  You look at someone die and you don’t feel anything because you’re used to it.”  He continues, “But that’s not how it’s supposed to feel.  There’s supposed to be some kind of emotion.” The long-term effects of his experiences started causing sleepless nights.  ‘I could never sleep.  I would always think, ‘All these things happen in life.  Seeing your home get raided.  Seeing your friends die.  All these things just seem so normal.” Suddenly, an epiphany.  “None of this is normal.”

  • Fighting the Stigma Around Therapy

This life-changing realization prompted 2AM Google searches for local therapists, which lead to Johnson’s first therapy session a week later.  Johnson has been reaping the benefits of therapy ever since.  He says it helps with his confidence and interactions with his family.  “It became an outlet,” he says.  “I would go in, unload my whole week, and then unpack certain things.”  Therapy exposed hidden sources of his anxiety and depression.  “I started realizing a lot of things in life that bothered me.”

Mayor Johnson smiles when he thinks back to his preconceived notions about therapy.  “I thought it was some ‘white people stuff,’” he exclaims with a laugh.  Johnson hopes to erase the stigma of mental health maintenance and alter the perception of therapy in minority communities.  “That’s why it’s important for people like me to go,” he says.  He wants people like him to know, “It’s not what it’s like on TV.”

What does Johnson think about mental health now? Without hesitation, he proclaims, “It’s the most important.”

  • Last Question

I asked Hudson’s history making mayor one last question: Do you say a mantra before entering tough situations?  “Not really.  I just go over the possibilities, exhale, and go in.  As long as I speak from the heart, it will go well.”

  • Written by: Brennan Austin Peters

5 Companies With Unique Social Missions: CapNY

Throughout CapNY, you’ll find all different kinds of innovative businesses that impact their communities in various ways. In this article, we’ll focus on five CapNY businesses which have unique social missions and play an important part to the wellbeing of this region and its people.
CapNY Community-centric Businesses

These 5 CapNY companies have integrated social missions and community commitment directly into their business plans. Their work supports and lifts the people around them, and their leaders are actively contributing to causes that reach far beyond the bottom line.

Collectiveffort is a co-working, media and marketing firm based in Troy. “We tell real stories and create spaces that actually help people,” says Patrick Harris Jr., President of Collectiveffort. This mission is woven through the organization: a “creative agency turned social enterprise.” Collectiveffort provides creatives and companies with projects, resources and community, including:

  • #DoSomething, bringing creatives together to share and connect.
  • CollectiveffortTV (CETV) features a range of co-hosts and spotlights independent artists, while providing donation information.
  • Coworking space that facilitates organic and fluid interaction. They offer 1-on-1 micromeetings and access to in-house media production equipment to their members.
  • Ongoing film project, “Let’s Talk About Life,” addressing the gap between local residents and organizations.

Collectiveffort’s influence extends beyond its walls. Their deep engagement with the local community helps them broker conversations with stakeholders about development’s impact, particularly the impact on communities of color. CE is committed to innovative, supportive strategies for creative and community growth.

Content Director DeSean Moore adds, “We also work with large companies, who really want to see Black business entrepreneurs succeed. Collectiveffort helps these businesses transition into the digital age.”

Collectiveffort has established a trusted voice at decision making tables. They cultivate their own physical and digital infrastructure. They show the region how creative self determination can translate into meaningful change.

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Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is a Korean restaurant, local family farm and immigrant resource powerhouse all in one.

The restaurant is located in downtown Troy and focuses on wholesome food, supplied in part by their farm located in Cambridge. Thankfully, it has introduced Capital Region diners to Korean cuisine and culture. Take out services, event catering and kimchi workshops provide opportunities for customer interaction and education.

Jinah Kim, Sunhee’s, courtesy Albany Business Review

Sunhee’s empowers local immigrant communities, individuals and families in many ways. Sunhee’s non-profit arm gives local immigrants access to services, including three levels of free English language classes and a laptop grant program. Owner Jinah Kim, who recently began attending law school, and plans on adding legal services to the mix.

The restaurant provides both employment and professional development. As Jinah explains, “We provide jobs… in a space that’s not only safe for immigrants but also a great training platform. It’s great for transition.” Her experience in refugee resettlement and immigrant services helps her understand the needs and wants of the immigrant community. Sunhee’s is a fantastic restaurant and critical resource hub, both inside and outside the immigrant community.

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Root3d is a project borne out of deep love for community wholeness. The mission statement says it all: “Root3d is devoted to making wellness accessible for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Healing ourselves is our birthright and we all deserve safe space to heal.”

Program offerings include workshops, yoga, group therapy, therapeutic theater, reiki and sound healing. Co-Founders Jamel Mosely and Rachelle Pean opened their storefront in Albany’s South End. They chose to create an inclusive healing space in an area where many services are not readily available. This thoughtful approach has blossomed into Root3d’s collective atmosphere. Root3d’s healers and facilitators have found a welcoming home for their work within Root3d’s warm embrace. The space is an incubator for local BIPOC healers to develop their skills and move toward launching their own projects.

Root3d is a supportive starting point for residents beginning their own healing journeys. In response to Covid-19, the center has moved most of its sessions online. And, it has adopted an entirely “pay what you can if you can” model, ensuring attendee’s continued access to services. Root3d’s personal investment is palpable. Jamel says, “We are thankful for people who have continuously supported both our teachers and facilitators of healing, as well as our community.”

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Hudson River Exchange “activates spaces to bring together creativity and commerce” within the larger Hudson Valley. The company offers its members — local makers of various disciplines — support and commercial visibility.

Established in 2013, HRE has morphed through a variety of formats over time, including its annual makers market, a brick-and-mortar retail and rental work space, and more recently, an online store. Co-Founder / Director Stella Yoon explains, “Our programming is inspired by listening to emerging needs. We’re always asking what [makers] need and how we can do this better.” To that end, the company recently developed an innovative micro-lending program. 2.5% of online sales go toward a makers’ microloan fund with another 2.5% matched by HRE, coming to a contribution total of 5%. Loan are offered to network participants with 0% interest rate. They plan to expand upon this model over time, while also trying to demystifying money for participants.

HRE enables and inspires makers to invest in their work. Members past and present have opened their own storefronts and opened makers markets in and around Hudson. Above all, HRE helped members feel that their creative vision can flourish wherever they go.

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Rock Hill Bakehouse is dedicated to the art of hearth baked bread and plant based cuisine. Owner, President and General Manager Matt Funiciello explains, “our mission is to make real food for real people.”

The company’s recipes are inspired by early to mid 20th century European immigrant communities in New York City. Rock Hill’s understanding of bread’s historical socioeconomic significance translates to its organizational values as well. The bakery pays a sustainable living wage, and includes employees in decision making. Staff unanimously supported management when they proposed the creation of a free community bread rack. Now Rock Hill offers approximately 100 loaves per day for locals in need, Tuesday through Saturday, no questions asked.

Rock Hill has a newly veganized menu, collaborating with local produce farmers and up-and-coming restaurants. A crowd favorite is the vegan pizza, made with their handcrafted dough, fresh veggies and delicious dairy-free cheeses.

Rock Hill contribute to a wide array of fundraising efforts. They provide free bread to Capital Region soup kitchens, food pantries and animal sanctuaries. The Bakehouse is looking forward to reviving their full calendar of community events, including Glens Falls’ longest running open mic series, once conditions allow.

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  • Written by: Rio Riera Arbogast

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.

Discover These Seven Historic Performance Venues in CapNY

troymusichall
There are so many beautifully restored performance venues in CapNY. Steeped in history, they’ve hosted more than a century’s worth of stars. We’ve got the best of 19th century architecture teamed with today’s pop culture — what could be better!
7 Amazing Performance Venues

Join me for this (written) tour of seven amazing historic performance venues. Take a road trip to see each space, and I’ll see you at the shows!

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy

First on the list of historic performance venues is Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Troy Savings Bank renovated its office space into a grand performance venue in 1875, as a token of appreciation to its patrons.

This National Historic Landmark features a 19th-century organ. The instrument was originally installed in the New York mansion of millionaire William Belden. The original theatre design was never intended to accommodate the organ. Legend has it that this modification transformed the hall into the acoustic wonder that it is today. 

The hall has hosted world-renowned artists for nearly 150 years. Legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Vladimir Horowitz have graced the stage. Troy Music Hall hosts the best on today’s contemporary music scene. Joshua Bell, Andrew Bird, Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, and so many others have appeared here. I can’t wait to learn who’s coming when the lights are turned back on!

Its central location in downtown Troy means it’s only a few steps away from great places to eat (Bacchus Wood Fired pizza is across the street).

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Proctors Theater, Schenectady

In 1926 F. F. Proctor, the “Dean of Vaudeville,” built Proctors to host famous vaudevillians of the day. The ornate, Italian Baroque style theater features Egyptian design flourishes, and seats over 2,500 attendees. The first public demonstration of television was made here in the 1930s. For this historic test, there was a live orchestra in the pit, and they were led by a conductor who was located in a GE lab across the city. 

Proctors has hosted legendary musicians like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington as well as comedians Bob Hope and Red Skelton. The theater became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Lucky for us, the former vaudeville house continues to bring in top talent across all genres of performing arts and culture.

Before or after the show (and sometimes both), I always make time to stop at Villa Italia Bakery on Broadway. Need more than pastries? Marinos Pizza & Restaurant and Blue Ribbon Restaurant are nearby.

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Palace Theater, Albany

Like Proctors, the Palace Theater was originally designed for vaudeville acts. This theatre was designed by John Eberson, the world’s most respected theatre architect of the day. The building’s original décor is in the Austrian Baroque style, and some is still intact. There is an extraordinary brass chandelier in the main lobby. Walls features original murals painted by Hungarian artists Andrew Karoly and Louis Szanto. The plaster beams are painted to resemble carved wood.

After its life as a vaudeville venue, the Palace became Albany’s premier first-run movie house. However, though the theatre underwent a $40 million renovation, it closed in 1969. Almost two decades later, the Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc. became incorporated as a not-for-profit . The board launched extensive renovations that transformed one of Albany’s historic performance venues into the premier entertainment destination it is today.

A visit to Common Roots Brewing for dinner and drinks is a great way to start or end any evening out. Or, if you’re looking for a splurge, try the wonderful Yono’s.

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Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs

Caffe Lena is the longest continuously-operating folk music venue in the United States. Founded by Lena Spencer in 1960 in a former wood shop, the stage has helped launch the careers of countless folkies and songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Sawyer Fredericks. Lena’s offers a truly intimate musical experience. It’s one of the few places where you can sit close enough to see the artist’s fingers move on instrument frets, and feel their foot tapping rhythm on the stage.

Recently, the historic building was completely renovated, and has fantastic acoustics and great new seating. The caffe is renowned for its open mic nights, as well as world class acts. This local legend attracts fans (and performers) from all across the northeast.

Options for grabbing a drink or dinner, pre-or-post show, are endless. My personal favorite place is only a few blocks away. The Parting Glass is an Irish tavern with hearty meals and drafts. Try the Tin & Lint where they have a plaque designating the table where Don McLean wrote the lyrics to “American Pie.” (A claim McLean debunks.) It’s a great place to continue celebrating the area’s influence on musicians’ careers.

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Hubbard Hall, Cambridge

Susan B. Anthony’s campaign speeches brought her to venues across New York State and the Capital Region. Her tour included the historic opera house known as Hubbard Hall. In 1894, she spoke to a crowded room from the hall’s turn-of-the-century stage. 

The theater is ornate, with a Victorian gas chandelier, stenciled walls, and chestnut woodwork. During the 170+ years since its opening, the decor has remained nearly unchanged. Though the hall closed in the 1920s, it reopened as a not-for-profit arts and performance center in the 1970s. Today the Hubbard Hall Center brings theater, music, dance, and visual arts to rural Washington County through performances and educational opportunities. Hubbard Hall is revered as a venue for classically trained singers and instrumentalists across New England.

The resident theatre company has held productions of Shakespearian and other dramatic plays since its founding in 1999. Further, the historic performance venue is home to the Battenkill Chorale, a 100 person choral group.  

A trip to Hubbard Hall is also a chance to visit the nearby Argyle Brewing Co. The brewery is a few steps away from Hubbard Hall in the historic train station. The 2,000-square-foot venue seats up to 67 people inside and 56 outside. Live performances and a food truck add to the appeal.

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Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs

Built in 1871, the Universal Preservation Hall first served as a Methodist church. Eventually, the Universal Baptist Church bought the cavernous building (in 1976). Over time, costly repairs caused UPH to be condemned in 2000. Then, a group of concerned Saratoga Springs residents bought the space. UPH became part of the Proctors Collaborative, and together, they completed a massive restoration of the space. The historic performance venue reopened in February 2020 with only 10 days of operation before COVID forced its closure.

The majestic, vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained glass windows place this venue at the top of my list to visit when venues reopen. Depending on the day, some fried chicken or jambalaya at Hattie’s is a great option. My favorite Mexican fare is only a few steps away at Cantina. If I’m in the mood for shrimp tempura or sushi rolls, then it’s Sushi Thai.

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Hudson Hall, Hudson

Similarly, a trip to the historic Hudson Hall tops on my bucket list. Built as City Hall for Hudson in 1855, the building included New York State’s oldest opera house. This theater hosted popular cultural, social, and political events of the day.

The theater, abandoned in 1962, sat vacant for 30 years. Local citizens made it their mission to save the building and create a new cultural center. In 2017, Hudson Hall completed a $9.5 million restoration, reopening its doors for community enjoyment. Looking for entertainment in Hudson? You can’t go wrong at The Maker Lounge and Swoon Kitchenbar. They’re excellent!

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  • 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.

4 Cool CapNY Food and Drink Spots That Opened in 2020

Despite the challenges of 2020 and 2021, these four brave CapNY’ers launched cool, new food businesses. They’re rising above the challenges of building a customer base and keeping their doors open. And, they’re doing it with constantly changing health regulations and rules.
  • Left Bank Ciders, Catskill

Left Bank Ciders began when a large, nearby orchard nearby borrowed Anna Rosencranz‘s compost bins to get rid of the bad apples. Anna and partner Tim Graham decided to turn those bad apples into cider. And, that gradually became a full business plan you can read about on their website. “We originally planned to open in April 2020,” explained Anna, “but we waited to open until July.”

The team received the support of their landlord and town to hold off the opening date. Meanwhile they rushed to finish the patio in time to open. “Having outdoor seating during the summer and fall months was critical, and we saw lots of in-state tourism,” explained Anna. “People seem more excited to support local business and spend locally.” Having to adhere to ever-changing guidelines has its challenges for the team at Left Bank, but they’re facing them head on. “We are so grateful that we were able to open at all, and that our community has come out to enjoy our cider. Honestly, it’s been a great success, even with the pandemic and all of its challenges!”. 

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  • Kitty’s Market, Hudson

Kitty’s Market Café, located across from the Amtrak Train Station in Hudson, serves breakfast, lunch and takeaway dinner, six days a week (they’re closed Wednesdays). They opened in fall 2020, and sling plenty of delicious options like traveling hashbrowns, and steaming hot chicken dinners.

Don’t miss their amazing pastries from the pastry case, including sticky ginger tea cake and coconut almond carrot cake.  

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  • Darling Doughnuts, Saratoga Springs

Darling Doughnuts opened their Saratoga Springs Broadway storefront in July 2020. Although it wasn’t the ideal time to open, co-owner Natascha Pearl-Mansman already had a fan base from her Saratoga Springs pop-up shops, which she operated out of a commercial kitchen. Natascha’s art background infuses her creations. She envisions yeast-raised doughnuts as a canvas, creating stunning patterns and visuals using all-natural ingredients. And, their menu changes weekly, with everything from cannoli-filled to caramel stroopwafel to matcha.

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  • Nic’s Trattoria, East Greenbush

“As you could imagine, starting a new business during normal times is challenging enough, and doing it during a pandemic involves a whole new set of obstacles,” explained Rocco Nicoletta, Partner and General Manager of Nic’s Trattoria in East Greenbush. When they signed their lease and began building the restaurant, COVID didn’t seem to be much of a concern. Their main focus was spreading the restaurant’s business concept, originally about providing a quality alternative to other Italian-American restaurants in the area. “Many of our menu items are inspired by traditional, homemade Italian dishes and recipes,” explained Rocco. “For example, our pizza is made in the Neapolitan-style, as opposed to the more common NY-style pizza offered in this area. All of our pasta is made in-house, too. No pasta out of a box here.” 

When the pandemic hit harder than anyone expected, it slowed things down quite a bit. “We had to consider adjusting our business model to adapt to the circumstances. With a limit on dine-in capacity of 50%, it’s nearly impossible to be economically viable as a restaurant offering only dine-in service,” explained Rocco. “As a result, we decided to create a temporary take-out service via Nic’s To-Go, our internet-based virtual restaurant. Customers can place their order online and swing by our restaurant to pick it up. This has helped us out tremendously, as many people are hesitant about eating in at restaurants during the pandemic.”

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jess kelly
  • Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.