Food – CapNY

4 Self-Care Ideas for CapNY Singles

Capital Heart Connection always celebrates singledom – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be tough sometimes!

Whether you get a little down seeing your coupled up friends on the gram, or maybe you find yourself wishing you had a romantic partner to do some exploring with, or just feeling down due to being stuck in the middle of a pandemic…we get it.

Being single can get a little bit lonely sometimes. The good news is, there are so many great ways to enjoy a little self-care all throughout CapNY. We’ve got a few of our favorite ways to show ourselves a little love for you here:

I’m a big believer that you have to show yourself the love that you want to bring into your life. So, with that, sometimes I take myself on a date.

If you’ve never done it, eating out alone can feel intimidating, but I’d bet many of you have a favorite spot or two where you know some of the bartenders or waitstaff. That’s a great place to start! (And, if you don’t have a favorite spot yet, this is a perfect way to find one). Clean yourself up, put on a favorite outfit and grab yourself a seat at the bar. Order a favorite drink and something decadent and enjoy! A few of my favorite spots for this are The Van Dyck and The City Squire in Schenectady. In my new neighborhood of Downtown Albany, I love DPs and The Hollow.

Pro tips — if you like sports, do this to watch a game and you’ll almost always make friends! And, if you’re not feeling social or chatty, bring a book or magazine with you so you can take a break from your phone while giving off a “no thanks” vibe to those who might try to chat you up.

During the pandemic, I still try to create the same atmosphere for myself with some candles and special takeout. And yes, occasionally, I’ll even put on something cute just to stay home to show my non-sweatpants clothing some love. Some spots even do cocktails to go which is SO fun. Check out Plumb Oyster Bar’s Cocktail Club, or Rosanna’s for some fabulous creations you can enjoy on your couch.

Another favorite form of self-care is to get moving! There are so many ways to do this and you have to figure out what brings you joy. Movement should not feel like a punishment!

I sometimes enjoy running, but lately I’ve found long walks a bit more relaxing. The Mohawk Hudson Bike path is within walking distance of my home. From the Corning Preserve, I can hop right onto the path. I also love the portion of the bike path that starts at Lions Park in Niskayuna.

I also absolutely love yoga! Connecting breath to movement — and being really intentional about checking in with myself — feels amazing for my body and my brain. Now is a great time to try yoga if you’re a newbie. Thankfully, you can find tons of free and low-cost online options. Many local studios are also offering online courses that will allow you to practice safely and support small business. One of my favorite spaces that I can’t wait to get back to post-pandemic is Studio 4 Hot Yoga — with a special shout out to the “Sweet Sunday Surrender” Class!

I’ve done a lot of solo travel, domestic and abroad. I traveled solo for a month and a half through Europe and it was one of the most awakening experiences of my life. I’m what one would call an ambivert – with extrovert and introvert qualities. So, despite the fact that I love being around and meeting new people, I rejuvenate through alone time, where I can reflect in peace. Solo travel is my definition of self-care. I’ve put together some of my favorite overnight stays in CapNY, which you can see via these links — Albany and Catskills.

If I’m riding solo, I’d choose to stay in a Getaway tiny home in the Catskills. I’d bring my pup, Mochi, and spend a night in nature — phone off. Bring a book you’ve been wanting to read, turn up your favorite podcast, and cozy in for a night of stillness and peace. Wake up in the morning, brew yourself a cup of coffee, and take a stroll through the calm woods. There’s nothing like it.

Self-care is about feeling good and paying attention to your health – mental, emotional, and physical. When I consume fresh, healthy goods and support small local business, it makes me feel whole and it truly nourishes my soul. Spend a day browsing local shops and farmers markets, and invest in some foods that make you happy. Find some treats that you love but rarely have. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers. I tend to engage in these type of self-care days often and here are some of my favorite CapNY spots to do it:

The Local in Cohoes – I’ll grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee (only $6!) and then buy a locally made candle, a plant or two (I’m an obsessed plant mom – my collection consists of more than 30 plants at this point), and I’ll always pick up some fresh veggies.

Olde Hudson Speciality Foods in Hudson — I love going here to get everything I need to make a charcuterie board…charcuterie board for one — with organic wine from 22 2nd St, Wine Co. in downtown Troy. I mix up stuff from all parts of CapNY…makes for the best smorgashboard.
Sometimes I like to stay close to home. Less than a mile away my from house is The Schenectady Trading Co., which now provides produce from Capital Roots, flowers from Village Floral of Scotia, and countless other local goods.

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two boss women who ROCK being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living and experiencing CapNY solo…so they present to you, Capital Heart Connection! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be kept in the loop on singles content, events, and more fun than you could imagine.

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 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!”.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

Drink Food Pandemic

CapNY Community: Free Food Fridge Albany

Jammella Anderson, the founder of Free Food Fridge Albany, wanted to make fresh, perishable food available to marginalized communities.

Food accessibility was already an issue, and the pandemic compounded these problems. So Jammella and a group of volunteers decided to take action with a community food project in Albany.

In the March 2021 edition of Time Magazine, Jammella was recognized as a woman making a difference in her community. Oh, and she was featured on the cover!

The article starts, “Just before 3 p.m. on a warm Wednesday in February, 30-year-old Jammella Anderson—donning heart-shaped glasses, a Black Lives Matter tee and 2-in. platform boots—strolls up to a small bicycle-repair shop just north of Albany, NY. She’s here to persuade Tr oy Bike Rescue to let her use an electrical outlet so she can plug in a new refrigerator just outside the shop’s front door.

Click here to read the full article!

29-year-oldAlbany resident, Jammella Anderson, has always been concerned about food security. “It’s part of my personal journey and quest,” says Anderson. “I wanted to work with underserved communities because I am a black woman.”

“And I know, being someone who has grown up without that security was really difficult. So this has a personal place in my heart.” As a result of Covid, Jammella and a few friends came together with the idea of a food fridge. “Other cities like New York have similar projects, going with more of a give-some-take-some idea. My idea is a restoration project,” Anderson says. “Thankfully, we received a lot of media presence, so people were really excited to help amplify it,” she explained. And she has successfully raising money to support the food fridge project for the past 10 months.

Anderson is grateful for all forms of support, but she outlined some specific ways that you can get involved. “The members of the community with the financial means can support the mission financially. This allows us to provide food for the fridges through donations to the project,” explained Anderson. “Monetary donations are a huge help.” You can find Free Food Fridge Albany on PayPal by searching for freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com. Or, you can Venmo @Jammella-Anderson or use Cash App at $JammellaAnderson.

If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, they’re always looking for fresh foods. For example, perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and any meal enhancers you can think of. “If you want to donate food regularly, we can assign you specific things for a specific fridge,” explained Anderson. One time donations are certainly welcome, but the Free Food Fridge goal is to create sustainability. On their website, you can also see what volunteer positions they’re looking to fill like fridge managers, and administrative work. Even artists can help by making the fridges beautiful!

If you need food, you can just walk up to a Free Food Fridge and help yourself – simple as that. If you want to put food in the fridges, you must first contact the organization.

“We want to help monitor what’s going in and out and it’s crucial that we abide by health rules and regulations,” explained Anderson.

Click here to locate one of the Free Food Fridges!

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.

Accessibility albany Food

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 Road Trip: A Hudson River Drive In Greene County

Itching to get out of the house, my kids, boyfriend and I piled into the car and ended up on a COVID-friendly afternoon of hiking and driving along the Hudson River on Route 385 in Greene County, from Coxsackie to Catskill.

Heading out for a Hudson River drive In Greene County we suggest packing a lunch and a blanket, or grab some curbside-delivered food. We didn’t get out of the car except to hike, and never came closer than a hundred yards of another human.

A Hudson River Drive In Greene County

What It Is: A picturesque 12-mile drive along Route 385, from Coxsackie to Catskill

What You’ll See: River Views, Riverfront Parks and Hikes, Forest Walks, and Three Quaint Historic Towns

Directions: Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 21B Coxsackie / Ravena. Follow US-9W S/Rte 9W S, then bear left onto Route 385 South / Mansion Street, to another left onto Reed St. Historic District (you’ll see a sign) in Coxsackie. If you miss the sign, just put “Reed Street Coxsackie” or “Reed + Mansion Store, Coxsackie” into your GPS to get you there.

Things to See and Do in Coxsackie:

Coxsackie’s Reed Street Historic District – make a slight left on Route 385 to stay on Mansion Street, and follow onto Reed Street, to see a lovely collection of Italianate buildings, as well as a great view of the Hudson River.

Coxsackie Riverfront Park, South River St. and Betke Blvd., Coxsackie. Boat launch, green space for picnics (with plenty of room for social distancing), beautiful view of the Hudson.

Four Mile Point Preserve, 169 Four-Mile Point Rd, Coxsackie. Kid-friendly walk, with longer trail options and river views. Click here for trails map.

Coxsackie Take Out / Curbside Delivery:

The Cask and Rasher, 245 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY 12051, 518-731-PINT (7468)

Coxsackie General Store, 45 Reed Street, Coxsackie, (518) 731-7200

Things to See and Do in Athens:

Athens Historic District — turn off of Route 385 onto Second Street when you enter the town of Athens, and drive through the side streets to see gorgeous, historic homes and storefronts.

Athens Riverfront Park, 4 North Water Street, Athens — Take Second Street to the river, and you’ll find a park with plenty of room for strolling, picnics.

Hudson Athens Lighthouse – You can see this gorgeous little lighthouse from Athens Riverfront Park.

The Willows at Brandow Point, 480 Rt. 385, Athens — Hike through wildflower fields and then down through forested land until you reach the river.

Cohotate Preserve Trail, 450 Route 385, Athens — An easy, one-mile walk in the woods, with access to Hudson River.

Athens Take-Out / Curbside Delivery:

Black Horse Farms, 10094 Route 9W, Athens, 518-943-9324. Fresh produce available; click for list.

Things to See and Do in Catskill:

Downtown Catskill, Main Street, is a quintessential Hudson River town, home to the founder of the Hudson River School of painting Thomas Cole, and legendary home of Rip Van Winkle.

Dutchman’s Landing Park, Lower Main Street, has boat launches, plenty of room for safe picnicking, and beautiful views of the Hudson River.

Beattie Powers Place, Prospect Ave. & Bridge St., Catskill, NY 12414. An 1837 Greek Revival mansion, with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Olana.

RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, 84 Dubois Road, Catskill. 2 miles of trails follow an old farm road past a 28-foot observation tower, then narrow as they meander through forests and skirt RamsHorn Marsh.

Catskill Take Out / Curbside Delivery:

Avalon Lounge, 29 Church Street, Catskill, NY 12414, 518-719-1640. Great Korean food — try the Kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and the Bulgogi. Actually, it’s ALL good! Cocktails to go, too.

La Conca D’Oro, 440 Main Street, Catskill, 12414, (518) 943-3549. Best red-sauce Italian north of New Jersey (I don’t say that lightly!). My favorite is the zuppa de pesce. It’s delicious, and the servings are huge — you’ll eat for a week.

Wasana Thai, 336 Main Street, Catskill, 12414, (518) 943-9134. Delicious, made-to-order Thai for over 20 years.

CapNY Road Trip: Columbia County Treks

Columbia County is home to stunning hikes, streams and waterfalls — perfect in all four seasons. Plus, there’s the thriving cultural scene, with standout sites like Olana and Art Omi, and many more venues. This road trip is focused on a fantastic, full day of nature, dining, history and culture!

Walking and Hiking

High Falls Conservation Area, 540 Roxbury Road, Philmont, 12565. The High Falls Area is home to Columbia County’s highest waterfall – over 150 feet high! The shady, wooded trails lead you to a dramatic overlook with views of the falls. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the beautiful, babbling Agawamuck Creek. There are a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the 47-acre site, as well as great fishing.

Copake Falls / Taconic State Park, 253 Route 344, Copake Falls 12517. Copake Falls is part of Taconic State Park, a 14-mile range that borders on both Massachusettes and Connecticut. There are an array of hiking trails throughout the site. But the highlight is definitely the paved, creekside path to the spectacular. Bash Bish Falls. Funny enough, you’ll start the trail in New York, but Bash Bish is actually in Massachusettes, just across the state border.

High Falls Conservation Area, 540 Roxbury Road, Philmont, 12565. The High Falls Area is home to Columbia County’s highest waterfall – over 150 feet high! The shady, wooded trails lead you to a dramatic overlook with views of the falls. Plus, you’ll have easy access to the beautiful, babbling Agawamuck Creek. There are a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the 47-acre site, as well as great fishing.

Beebe Hill and Harvey Mountain State Forests, Austerlitz, 12107. 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails link these two state forests, which include two lean-tos and a climbable fire tower. Because these forests are very large, you might want to use this handy map for easy location of parking and trail access points.

Ooms Conservation Area, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham, 12037. Explore three miles of easy trails on 180 acres of rolling grasslands. There’s a beautiful pond, pastoral landscape, Catskill mountain views, and benches and a gazebo for relaxing and birdwatching.

Harrier Hill Park, 6729 Rod and Gun Road, Stockport, 12534. There are two great hikes here. First, stroll down the small loop that has benches overlooking a pond and a gorgeous Catskills vista (plus a pavilion, for post-COVID gatherings). The second option is the 4-mile roundtrip trail that connects to Stockport-Greenport Trail. And there are even more hiking opportunities in the Greenport Conservation Area. This one has a ravine pass that’s a bit challenging, but totally worth it!

Art and History

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson 12534. First on the Columbia county treks is Olana. The Olana estate was home to Frederic Edwin Church, one of the major figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. His eclectic, Victorian / Moorish / Persian style villa has truly thrilling views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains and the Taconic Range — click here for some breathtaking aerial shots of the grounds (see, I wasn’t kidding!). You’ll find walking paths to keep you busy all afternoon. Open 8:30am to sunset.

Copake Iron Works Historic District, 35 Valley View Road, Copake Falls 12517. Copake Iron Works is home to a dozen well-preserved 19th century iron works buildings and structures. Follow the shaded, creekside, 3-mile loop trail that links the Copake Iron Works with Bash Bish Falls (see above). It’s a really nice meander, I highly recommend!

Art Omi, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, 12075. Art Omi is a free-range art experience where 120-acres of sculptures and structures await you! You can wander through wonderful woods and gorgeous fields, or borrow one of the on-site bikes. Fortunately, Art Omi is open every day from dawn until dusk, and admission is free. Can’t navigate the grounds on foot, or want to learn more about Art Omi? Click here for a great virtual tour.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, 1013 Old Post Rd, Kinderhook, 12106. After Van Buren lost his second-term presidential bid, he retired to this home in his native Kinderhook. This site offers two great options. First stop is to visit the historic home, where Van Buren entertained politicians and dignitaries until his death in 1862. Next, hike one of the two walking trails go through here: the Dutch Farming Heritage Trail and the Wayside Loop Trail. Click here for a virtual site tour!

Food and Drink

Random Harvest, 1785 State Route 23, Craryville 12521. Random Harvest is a worker-owned neighborhood market, cafe, and community space that provides food and goods sourced directly from farmers and producers. Even better, it’s located very near Copake Falls, so make this place a must-stop after your waterfall hike.

Roe Jan Brewery, 32 Anthony Street, Hillsdale, 12529. A brand new brewery / restaurant in a very old (1851) building. You’ll love what they’ve done with the place — the setting is as special as the beer and food! Plenty of outdoor seating and a seasonal menu to match the weather.

West Taghkanic Diner, 1016 NY-82, Ancram, 12502. One of my favorite spots in the Capital Region. Picture a classic diner menu, reimagined using locally grown produce, grains, dairy and meat. And don’t just take my word for it — the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Esquire and many more agree.

More Food and Drink for Your Columbia County treks

Pico de Gallo on the Hudson, 48 Riverview Street, Stuyvesant, NY 12173. Chef Moises Ortiz hails from Pueblo, Mexico, and he’s worked in many top New York City restaurants. We’re glad he’s settled in the Capital Region! And then there’s the pretty little village of Stuyvesant. Be sure to leave yourself some time for a post-meal stroll.

Bartlett House, 2258 Route 66, Ghent, 12075. Fantastic bakery and homemade, locally sourced food, served up in a beautifully restored 1870 building with a lovely, picturesque porch. Take your lunch over to nearby Art Omi, and eat on the rolling hills, amidst the sculpture!

Art Food Road trip

Top Ballston Spa Don’t-Miss Spots: Saratoga County

Driving south into Saratoga County’s Ballston Spa from the nearby city Saratoga Springs, as you approach the village’s heart you coast downhill toward the valley. You pass churches, residences and eateries, shops and boutiques.
And it’s here in Ballston Spa that you’ll find some of my favorite places.

My top Ballston Spa Spots spotlights the village’s thriving business district. Living in Ballston Spa’s Historic District, which features Victorian architecture and a peaceful hush, I frequently enjoy strolls around my neighborhood. Apart from passing the occasional dog-walker or family with children, I spot squirrels frisking about and even the occasional rabbit. Yet, just a short walk from my house (built in 1903), Ballston Spa is alive with a surprising variety of things to see and do. There is a quaint small town vibe here. There are also quite a few recreational gems that uplift and inspire these silvery winter days.

Here are the top Ballston Spa local jewels that brighten my days.

First settled in 1771, known as “A Village of Friends,” Ballston Spa was historically a place for leisure and rejuvenation, offering hotel stays, various entertainment options, and hot and cold mineral baths. Even today, the historic Medberry Inn and Spa offers mineral baths and spa treatments.

A well-lit Bohemian-inspired artisan store with a fine art gallery vibe, lives up to its name. It’s filled with many gift-worthy hand-crafted items–pottery, hand-painted wine glasses, handbags, industrial lights, furniture, knitted accessories, and more. “Placing the products as a collective, yet making sure each one shines individually is important to maintaining our aesthetic,” says co-owner Carrie VanDerhoof. This attention to detail is what I love about visiting Boho Chic, whether to pick out a condolence card or to shop for Christmas gifts. “Finding my featured artists is quite organic,” says VanDerhoof, “as no two artists are the same. When I opened my doors in Waterford [the business moved from Waterford to Ballston Spa in 2018], many local artisans simply walked through the door.”

VanDerhoof tries not to have more than one artist per sector (Pottery, Hand Painted Wine Glasses, Handbags, Industrial Lights, Furniture, Knitted Accessories, etc.) This celebration of the individual rings true. “I have always wanted it to feel like one big family,” says VanDerhoof. “I am blessed with the group I have, their hearts are all in the right place…” Often, Boho Chic artisans donate portions of their sales to good causes such as rescue animals, the fight against cancer, women’s rights & equality, and local fundraisers. “We can all do more than we think we can,” VanDerhoof says. “We live in a consumerist society and I believe we can consume smarter and do good at the same time.” She carries fair trade or sustainable clothing that employs women, giving them access to education, safe living environments, and fair wages.

There are also eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty free personal care products. Unhappy in her original career as environmental engineer, VanDerhoof found her calling as an entrepreneur through her need to “live a more intentful life.” She says, “Every single day at Boho Chic Boutique, I am surrounded by a collective of artisan energy. Each product has positive energy and that creates a pretty powerful collective in one space.” Like Marie Kondo, VanDerhoof hopes visitors to Boho Chic Boutique will find products to “spark joy.” This has been my experience there!

Price range: $$

Breakfast and lunch specials–such as lox, veggie cream cheese, tomato, onion and capers on a garlic bagel or turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion and banana peppers on sourdough bread with lemon chicken orzo–are inventive and tasty. And of course, there is always coffee on offer, including specialty flavors such as Maple French Toast and Peppermint Mocha. With its signature purple and gold color scheme and exposed brick facade, Coffee Planet’s tone is upbeat and hip. Indoor seating under a molded tin ceiling is surrounded by fine art works by local artists. My favorite element of their decor is a collection of globes, conducive to reflection. Whether I needed a refuge away from home to study or a congenial atmosphere for meeting friends, Coffee Planet fit the bill.

Price Range: $

The top 10 Ballston Spa spots includes Nomad Coffee and Crepes. Their kitschy decor includes license plates from various U.S. states mounted on the walls. Nick and Alex Furnia, the eclectic twin brothers who run this delightful venue, are always eager to engage patrons in lively conversation. Try the nutty, rich cappuccino and the Wild Bob Crepe, filled with lightly seasoned mozzarella, tomato, and basil. “In the past three years, Nomad has grown from a passion-project to a brick-and-mortar,” writes Nick Furnia. “It’s taught me so much about the real-world and being a member of my community.”

Furnia has an additional business roasting specialty coffee under the moniker Knockabout Coffee. Check out the 1971 Rowe AMI Jukebox that Furnia found for sale from a museum in Gloversville. The jukebox boasts a range of music, from The Originals to Johnny Cash. “Nomad is the result of many compromises,” Furnia writes. “We have no plans of leaving Ballston Spa, but we do intend to scale here, and start completely fresh with the lessons we’ve gathered over the years.”

Price range: $$

Located on bustling Front Street, Wiswall Park has the scenic charm of a small town hangout. And is also home to the Ballston Spa Farmer’s Market, which runs June through September. I especially love Wiswall Park for its circular footpath surrounded by benches looking over a central garden arrangement. There is a charming mineral spring, and a pavilion stage for a free annual summer music concert series. Wiswall Park tends to be quiet, which makes it a nice place to take a break from nearby shopping.

Nestled at the bottom of a hill in northeast Ballston Spa, Kelley Park welcomes families with young children and dog-owners, as well as adults looking to connect with nature. A well-trodden footpath meanders alongside the Kayaderosseras Creek, through woodland, reaching a pebbled beach overlooking the creek. Deeper into the park, there is a rugged nature trail. I come here with friends or family for a touch of wilderness. Halfway down the woodland path, a well-placed bench looks out over the creek. I have often sat here with a friend, or in solitude, to enjoy the therapeutic sight and sounds of flowing water. Maintained and lovingly protected by the volunteer-staffed Friends of the Kayaderosseras, the creek is home to fish (I’ve seen trout swimming there) and waterfowl. There is a canoe/kayak launch. Kelley Park also has a picnic pavilion, playground, and fenced dog park.

The village of Ballston Spa drilled The Old Iron Spring to a depth of 647 feet in 1874. The spring still flows today. Rich in iron, which helps oxygenate our blood, the cold spring water is refreshing to sip or cool your face with in hot weather, but turns a surprising rusty-orange if left standing overnight (ask me how I know)! Of the visitors to Ballston Spa I have invited to sip from the Iron Spring, only one person enjoyed the water’s metallic flavor as much as I do, but there is a sense of sacred ritual to stooping before the spigot jutting from its pagoda-like housing structure and, with cupped hands or an actual cup, bringing the water to your lips.

The Whistling Kettle offers a selection of 125+ fragrant teas, served by the pot. The food menu includes savory sandwiches, crepes, and salads. Exposed brickwork and diner-style booths add easeful charm. I love sliding into a booth here and studying the menu of teas, particularly the black teas, including Autumn Haze, Buckingham Palace Earl Grey, and Celebration. The festive ritual of pouring fragrant tea from a tall stainless pot and sipping while it cools makes The Whistling Kettle a delightful destination, whether flying solo or with company.

Price range: $$

Housed in the Christ Episcopal Church’s former rectory, Noah’s Attic is an extremely affordable thrift store (imagine a pair of second hand shoes for less than five bucks). Supplied exclusively by donations, the venue has a function-first yet whimsical vibe. I have discovered many chic clothing options here. The upstairs is devoted to clothing and shoes. Downstairs, you can find furniture, china and cookware, books, greeting cards, and bric-a-brac. I love finding unusual treasures here, including a polka-dotted belt and 1980s high top sneakers. Ever generous, Noah’s Attic offers people receiving Social Security benefits a free bag of clothing (per person) each month.

Price range: $

In no particular order The National Bottle Museum certainly makes the Top 10 Ballston Spa spots you shouldn’t miss. The museum exhibits bottles from many American epoques, documenting the history of bottle-making with a fascinating array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Each year in the early 1800s, Saratoga County’s mineral water consumption required production of millions of handmade glass bottles. Three thousand of these are on display at the Museum. Current exhibits include Ellenville Glassworks 1836-1866 and Whimseys, which includes unusually shaped glass pipes for “end of day” times. My personal favorite pieces are the permanent exhibit of oddly-shaped, neon greenish-yellow uranium glass–mesmerizing and a little intimidating! Once nicknamed “canary glass,” uranium was added for aesthetic reasons, but most production ceased during World War II. The National Bottle Museum has a serious, meditative atmosphere. Visiting with a friend, I was inclined to whisper.

Price: Admission is Free

Effy Redman is a memoirist, educator, and disability advocate living in Ballston Spa, NY. She has published work in the New York Times, Vice, Ravishly, and Chronogram, among other places. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from CUNY Hunter College. Follow Effy on Twitter: @effyredman.

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