5 of Gabby’s Favorite CapNY Coffee Shops

Updated: July 2025

Everybody knows I love where I come from. CapNY is home for me and I want to see it shine. I spend a lot of time exploring the nooks and crannies of this region, always on the hunt for new, small, local businesses with character.


Coffee culture is a huge part of my life, and my travels. Local coffee shops are the eyes into the culture of the place you are in.

  • Caffeine Connoisseur

I’ve met some lifelong friends in coffee shops, and have made crazy awesome networking connections in local spots. There’s something about them that sparks creativity in me. There’s a big burst of energy that filters through these shops (and it’s not the caffeine).

I put together a list (not in any particular order), with some of my favorite coffee shops in CapNY in hopes you’ll check them out, support local business, and find inspiration in the atmosphere and people you encounter here. (P.S. if you follow me on IG, you’ll see me post my coffee shop ventures as I continue to explore everything CapNY has to offer – old and new!)

I like to say this is the coolest, most hipster specialty coffee shop/home goods shop/community gathering space in the whole region. Whenever I have friends visit from out of town, I bring them there because I want them to see how dope of a place I live in. I once overheard a San Francisco local say how this coffee shop was cooler than any spot he frequented in SF… Oh, and don’t forget to hit up their weekly “Bagel Sunday” drops for speciality bagels and crazy unique cream cheese flavors. Check out their IG and get a feel for their aesthetic.

Little Pecks is a neighborhood all-day café with a passion for tasty bites and quality beans. There are few things as pleasant as sitting in the garden area of this coffee shop with their killer egg and cheese biscuit and a mocha latte. When I’m dreading a project, I setup shop here, because this is where I find peace. Plus…the plants…I’m a plant mom to the core so I’m feeling the vibes. Check out their IG here!

The best dirty chai tea latte I’ve ever had in my life…not exaggerating. It’s in such a cute little section of Delmar, so it’s a great place to hit up and then spend time walking about to explore the shops that are close by. Plus, it’s right near some of the public art spots along the Albany Rail Trail – so you can talk a nice walk, bike, or in my case, rollerblade before or after stopping for your coffee. Check out their IG here!

An absolute CapNY classic. Bomb food – my favorite thing for breakfast is the spicy Elise’s Demon breakfast wrap. It also has a cool atmosphere and is in a convenient location to everything you’d ever need…making it an especially great place for professional meetings. Check out their Facebook!

From their site, “We know coffee. Our wide selection of coffees is carefully chosen from farmers who produce the best product and are socially responsible toward workers. All of our coffee is Fair Trade, Direct Trade, or Rainforest Alliance Certified.” SOLD! The place has a cozy, industrial feel and a quality/taste that is key to me loving the place so much. Check out their page!

 

Hope you’ll pop on by and try these gems out yourself! Support local business, tag them in your posts, tag us in your posts and use #GoCapNY – let us know what you think!

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Six Rising Stars in the CapNY Fashion Industry

Updated: July 2025

If you ask, or simply look, around – it wouldn’t shock you to learn there hasn’t been much of a fashion scene here in the Upstate New York area. But if you sought out any of the up-and-comers who are paving a fashion path of their own, they’d tell you there is a lot going on to actively change how Upstate New Yorkers dress, shop and express personal style.

  • An Industry On the Rise

From retail shop owners, to designers, vintage thrifters and personal stylists, we rounded up six rising stars in fashion from across CapNY and beyond. While creating job opportunities and new outlets for people to shop and support the local fashion industry, this group is focused on boosting the narrative about Upstate fashion in their own individual ways. Allow me to introduce you to…

  • Taissha LaReau, Wardrobe Consultant and Stylist

Age: 33
Raised in: New York City
Living in: Albany

How did you get interested in fashion?

After college, I moved back to NYC and held a few positions with media agencies and digital publishers. During my time there, content creation and influencer marketing grew fairly quickly. I realized I wanted to pursue a career in fashion. I knew it would be challenging because I didn’t have much experience, so I started a blog and leveraged social media to showcase my creativity. Fast forward to present day, my approach has shifted to help people build functional wardrobes that will last.

What are the services you offer?

As a wardrobe consultant and stylist, my goal is to help people achieve their desired look by recommending styles and curating a wardrobe that is functional, fits their needs, and tailors to their lifestyle. I’m a firm believer that less is more, so while working with clients, my mission is to educate them on the benefits of buying smart and letting go of items that no longer suit them so they can make room for new ones. I work with a diverse range of clients and various body types while offering virtual and in-person style sessions. My services range from closet editing and repurposing, to personal shopping, building a sustainable wardrobe, closet organization, photoshoot styling, and more.

How has the CapNY community supported you?

I was recently part of an interview with local media entertainment company, Two Buttons Deep, for an episode of fashion-focused podcast, Buttonista. We chatted about my transition from NYC, my business, and how to build a functional wardrobe. I’ve been able to make new connections with local photographers and small local businesses. For anyone aspiring to pursue a career in fashion, I would recommend networking within your local community. It could potentially give you access to opportunities and provide you with insight on how to grow your business.

  • Nicole Nicholas and Randi Poillon, Haute Messes in Dresses

Name: Nicole Nicholas
Age: 40
Raised In: Niskayuna
Currently Live: Clifton Park

Name: Randi Poillon
Age: 38
Raised In: Stony Brook
Currently Live: Clifton Park

How did Haute Messes in Dresses get started?

Growing up, we both had a love for fashion. When we met as adults, we instantly connected through our love for fashion and became fast friends. After years of talking trends, stalking sales, and many shopping trips while pushing baby strollers, we decided to share our knowledge and expertise as personal stylists.

We started offering various session-based styling services, designing graphic tees and custom tie dye sets to be sold online. Once the pandemic hit, we saw an opportunity to change the way we share our love for fashion…We purchased a tiny house that we turned into a mobile shopping and styling boutique!

What are the services you offer?

On the racks customers can find Haute Messes In Dresses’ signature graphic tee-shirts and fashionable face masks as well as sweaters, dresses, jackets and denim. We felt it was important to move beyond our graphic tees and offer staple pieces, versatile outfits with great quality and fit.

Haute Messes In Dresses believes the mobile shopping and styling boutique will provide a great alternative for those who prefer to avoid crowded shopping malls and plazas.  

How has the CapNY community supported your efforts?

From the time we announced the mobile shopping and styling boutique, we have seen support from people who have been following us from the inception of Haute Messes In Dresses, and from those who just found out about us. Our customer base is all local. We would not be as successful as we are now without the support of these local women.

  • Tory Minkel, Supernatural

Age: 32
Raised in: Saratoga Springs
Currently living: Saratoga Springs

What’s your background, and how did you arrive at opening your own boutique?

My first official “fashion” job was in high school as a sales associate in the women’s department of a local landmark – the Saratoga Shoe Depot. After graduating college, I moved to New York City and worked in the industry. I quickly learned New York wasn’t for me, so when my lease was up, I packed up and headed to Los Angeles. Throughout my time working in the industry, my long-term career goals became much more clear: I needed my own shop. After a couple years in L.A. I came back to Saratoga.

I’ve always had a progressive view of the industry, and I used that to create the concept for my boutique. I was deeply affected by a fashion sustainability course I took during my senior year. My biggest takeaway was that if a consumer is getting something for a low price, someone or something somewhere is being exploited.

What are the services you offer?

I opened my shop, Supernatural, in October 2020 (yes, during a pandemic, social justice movement, and highly polarized political climate). Supernatural is a consciously curated lifestyle shop tucked away in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. We feature eco-friendly and sweatshop-free womenswear, ethically produced accessories, and plant-based, clean beauty and wellness products. I aim to connect like-minded shoppers with brands that care more about the product they produce than the profit they make.

Where would you recommend someone interested in fashion locally goes for advice or inspiration?

My best advice for anyone wanting to break into the local fashion scene is to get a job in boutique retail. Due to the nature of Saratoga being a summertime tourist destination, we have a unique fashion and retail market that I feel requires hands on experience to understand. Most shopkeepers have acquired unique skills and experiences over the years and are happy to share their knowledge with you.

  • David Reali, LYF Supply

Age: 35
Raised in: Schenectady
Currently living: Troy

How did you get into fashion?

Fashion has always been part of my being. I tend to be more inspired by style, how one uses style as a tool to express themselves –and I take inspiration from everywhere, including pop culture, hip hop and music and from my own friends and family. I always felt like how you presented yourself was very important especially as it pertains to first impression and reputation.

What is LYF SUPPLY and what does your brand offer?

LYF SUPPLY (LYF is an acronym for, “Love Yourself First”) is an embroidery company that supplies quality, custom embroidery to brands, companies and creatives. We offer high quality pieces ranging from hats, BLEACH’D 1 of 1s, UPLYFTED (upcycled customs) to full cut and sew pieces with slogans and images embroidered to reinforce the self love message, which is our brand’s foundation. We take pride in using colors to curate a mood.

How has the CapNY community supported your efforts?

Many local, small businesses use LYF SUPPLY for their embroidery services and recommend us to other people they work with. Superior Merchandise in Troy has been a huge supporter of ours as well as Phases (formerly known as AMC Jewelry).

Where would you recommend someone go to educate themselves on fashion locally?

While there isn’t much of a true fashion industry here locally (yet), I think it is important for people to find other ways to educate themselves. Mission Accomplished has a fashion program, but most of mine have come from self-education AKA Youtube University and Skillshare.

  • Kara Curtin, DINER

Age: 26
Raised in: Rotterdam
Living in: Albany

How did you decide to start DINER?

I’ve always been interested in fashion as a general idea, but in 2017 I combined a love of clothes with a hunting-for-treasure obsession and started my vintage business, DINER. DINER is an online shop focusing on all things vintage.

I say that half the reason it’s called DINER is because there’s something for everyone! The shop offers clothes mostly, but bags, books, jewelry, shoes, housewares, etc., are occasionally given a time to shine on the site.

How has the CapNY community supported or been part of your efforts?

There are some local girls that have been repeat shoppers from day one; that kind of continued love and support means so much to a small business owner. I’m also lucky to feature DINER items at Olive & June Floral Co. in Albany, year round, and during seasonal pop-up shops. It’s always nice to collaborate with another local female-owned shop and get support from others in the community that way, too.

  • Aniah Rose, Model

Age: 25
Raised in: Latham
Living in: Guilderland

How did you become interested in fashion and modeling?

Modeling and fashion wasn’t my dream until four years ago, after I made my way through high school and earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in accounting. Modeling was always a topic of discussion [what girl didn’t either watch or want to be on America’s Next Top Model] but I never pursued it until the perfect opportunity crossed my path when a local photographer asked me to do a photo shoot, which ended up coming out great! I was approached by a photographer from CapNY who was already active in the fashion community. We set up a three look shoot in Washington Park (Albany) and it came out surprisingly great. The exhilaration of shooting and seeing the outcome made me want to learn about the fashion industry, and I wanted to see my face on the cover of magazines. There’s no turning back on that goal now!

What modeling have you done and what are you available for?

After that initial experience, I’ve walked in New York Fashion Week, Atlantic City Fashion Week, Miss NY USA, landed paid advertisement gigs, and even became a published model. It’s so beautiful how much my passion for fashion and creative directing has grown. Right now, my goal is to sharpen my talent, freshen my portfolio, and pinpoint my long term motive in modeling. It has been a side hustle, since I’m an accountant as well, but I don’t plan on letting up anytime soon. It’s been tough with the pandemic but my motto is #alwaysworking. Whether it’s thinking of a new theme, helping a girl break through her camera fright, or scheduling future shoots, I’m always working on how to further brand “Aniah Rose” while setting a footprint wherever I go.

How has our local community supported your dream of modeling professionally?

My supporters, as well as the long term colleagues that I’ve met throughout CapNY, have been who keep me in this hustle. All we want to do is eat, sleep, create. With that being said, I do remain available during these times for bookings! I love to help businesses and individuals in any way that I can whether it’s me being in front of the camera or directing a photoshoot.

Photographer credit: Tyler Ki-re, Dan Shade, KPhotoZ
Make up artists: Tali Made Beauty
Hair: Lurissa Lawson

  • Written by: Taylor Rao

Five CapNY Artisanal Foods You Must Try!

Updated: July 2025

CapNY is every foodie’s dream!
We have an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants, nationally known farms, and incredibly unique food producers. Read on to learn more about five artisanal food makers that have some serious CapNY flare…CAUTION, we recommend reading this after you’ve already had a snack…may cause hunger.
Saratoga Peanut Butter Company is a woman-owned artisanal nut butter business based out of Saratoga Springs, NY. Owner Jessica Arceri mixes all of her butters in small batches without adding palm oils, cane sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavor. Each peanut butter, almond butter, and peanut-almond butter blend contains little to no sodium and are naturally gluten-free.

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

How — and Why — Saratoga Peanut Butter Co. Began

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Commitment to Rensselaer County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Innovation Abounds at Muddy Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainability is at the Heart of Junbucha

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Written by: Brennan Austin Peters