upstatenewyork

4 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show

The underground music scene is rapidly growing with hundreds of local musicians and only more to come. There is the quantity of bands and musicians and the quality of music. Upstate creatives have taken this as an opportunity to create underground live music venues. The scene brings together a bunch of people in random locations that all share something in common, a love for live music.

Personally, through going to shows I have met some really cool people that I would not know exist unless I knew of these underground venues. It also allows the musicians more opportunity to perform live and share their music with people like me and you. As such, I’m here to let you know of 5 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show.

The first two locations are right in the heart of College Town. They are the hottest underground spots, run by UAlbany college students.

This venue is truly so different, in the coolest ways possible. Typically an evening at The Dojo includes, the night starting out with comic acts, and music follows. In the meantime you can relax on their open roof patio or you may even find yourself getting a tattoo, the possibilities are beyond Space and Time. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, find them online.

IG: @thedojobeyond

The most intimate of the venues as their shows are literally right in their living room. Truly a lifetime experience, to be invited to someone’s home to watch and listen to music in their living room….that’s special. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, be sure to check them out.

IG: @the.rat.den518

Located 110 Mohawk Ave, Scotia (NY), this skate shop has got it going on. They have skate apparel to shop, an indoor half pipe open for use AND LIVE MUSIC. That sounds like paradise. If you’re interested is seeing a show checkout their website or Instagram page.

WEB: townandcountryskate.com
IG: @townskate518

A venue located in Clifton Park (NY). Personally, my favorite underground show I’ve seen was at this venue. It also led me to discover one of my favorite bands – Latchkey Kids. They’re a Philly / NJ based band that sing song’s “in broken English”, as they state on their Instagram page @latchkeykidsnj. This venue also requires a DM on Instagram for the address.

IG: @makeoutreef

The underground scene is thriving. What is being curated amongst these venue’s and creative’s is unheard of and absolutely beautiful. I personally have been able to watch these venues unfold and grow, and it’s something special. Come check out some shows, and get involved because I can guarantee you that you don’t want to miss this.

Written By: Lily Buckley is an Upstate New York Artist / Event Producer. Find her out and about at all the places you need to know across the Capital Region.

IG: @visualilypleasing

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

Autumn in CapNY: Finding the Fun in Fall

Updated: July 2025

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

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

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

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

524 Thacher Pk Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186

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

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

204 Lisha Kill Rd, Colonie, NY 12309

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

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

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

capitalregion capny fallactivities fallupstate upstatenewyork

5 CapNY Family Owned & Operated Drive-In Movie Theaters

Updated: July 2024

Before there was cable TV and the internet (my own kids can’t imagine such a primitive time) families went out together to enjoy a movie in a car, packed full of kids. Sometimes the neighbor’s kids were mixed in the bunch too. I remember being about 8 years old, and walking to the drive-in movie concession stand with my dad, and the feeling I had when we all got to have our own brown paper lunch bags filled with buttered popcorn…

We lived on a small income, and this was one of the few times when we didn’t have to share the one treat that might have been quickly bought on another type of outing. The small bag of popcorn was all mine! It was like we were on a vacation, and then my parents would even let us have candy after 8pm at night too. I remember seeing people of all ages enjoying the movies that we’d watch together as a family, under the stars.

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

Kids today don’t like the things we liked back when we were kids right? I’m a parent that has these worried thoughts that many other parents have, and while I have really good kids… kids get bored easily. Would they be excited about sitting on a blanket or lawn chair outside watching the movie? Will my autistic middle child be able to sit through this movie with so many distractions and stimulation going on around him?

We packed the back of our suv with pillows & blankets, some lawn chairs, lots of hopefulness, and loaded ourselves inside and headed to the drive-in-movies for the first time with my children. We found the perfect spot, center of the field, not too close to the screen and not too far of a walk to the snack bar. We opened the back door, put some lawn chairs by our tail end, and set up the blankets and pillows too. It was now time to “officially” prepare for the movie. That means lots of snacks! We walked to the concession building before the movie started. There we rented a little portable radio that some drive-ins offer as an option to run your car radio on the vehicle’s battery, and it also can allow for the movie to be heard better outside of our vehicle while sitting in our lawn chairs.

Next, we needed food and drinks. The menu options now offered in many snack bars at drive-in movie theaters, compare more to pub fare and the food is good. This is a huge life saver as a parent. I didn’t have to rush making dinner and feeding it to the kids before we left the house. We each ordered a main menu item, drinks, and of course you can’t not order freshly popped popcorn and candy to have during the movie. After our picnic style meal, we cleaned up a bit, and then sat back, ready to watch the movie. I will never forget how I immediately felt sharing this cherished childhood memory with my own kids, and watching them experience seeing the largest outdoor movie screen they’d ever seen for the very first time… together as a family, under the stars.

Drive-in movie theaters are almost always owned by a local family living in the very community their theater is in. They don’t make much money off of your movie ticket. The families sell snacks and other foods, and that’s what helps keep these classic old school drive-in movie theaters open and alive for all of us to enjoy still. Some have been here for over 70 years. The concession stands create jobs, and employee people all throughout the duration they are open. Jericho Drive-in for example currently employs over 45 people. Please be sure to visit and support the snack bars when you go to the drive-in movie theater. I know these local family owned businesses will greatly appreciate you for this.

Below are a list of 5 drive-in movie theaters including my two top picks. All mentioned are worth taking a little drive to while visiting each of the counties they are in.

Open since 1952. Owned and operated by the Fisher family.

“In 1968 Frank took over the business from his father and still enjoys running it to this day .He has learned everything from the projectors to the concessions when he was just a teenager working with his father and through trial and error and have improved the theater tremendously from those early days.” their website stated. “The Hollywood Drive-In (TM) has been in business for 70 years and over the years has seen many changes. We have always maintained that having fun is what a drive-in is all about. We offer a neat and clean facility with a freshly mowed parking area. At the Hollywood Drive-In (TM) you will find a well trained staff ready to serve you with a relaxed atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy.“

They have also recently remodeled their concession building and have an expanded their menu to suit everyone’s palette. They offer fresh homemade pizza, which you can order by the slice or the whole pie. You can get cooked to order hamburgers, hot dogs and fries… and of course the old time favorite popcorn.

Their website mentions that the popcorn boxes are randomly stuffed with free passes into the drive-in.

Food Permit: Outside food can be brought for a fee; visit website for more information.

Open since 1957. Owned and operated by the Chenette family.

I was able to reach and speak with Lisa Chenette by phone, one of the owners of The Jericho Drive-in & Twist Ice Cream Shoppe. She shared with me their family’s story. Jericho Drive-in was purchased in 1995 by Mike Chennette, and has since had a stand alone ice cream shoppe built in 2007 that services both their drive-in movie guests and the general public. This well thought out stand has service windows on both sides of the building, that sits partly inside of the fence surrounding the drive-in, and accessible to non moviegoers who only want to enjoy a cold treat from the ice cream stand. Like their Sweetheart Sundae that tells the sweet story of how Mike’s mother always called his father, Sweetheart. This special sundae was added to their menu in memory of Mike’s father after he passed away, and is only offered around Valentine’s Day, when the ice cream shoppe officially reopens for the season.

Their concession stand was just remodeled and their menu includes Philly cheesesteaks on a toasted bun, and Chinese Egg Rolls made by the local Chinese in Restaurant in their town to support another local small business.

Here are three more family owned and operated Drive-in movie theaters that I recommended visiting in these different counties here in Upstate New York.

Located between Catskill and Coxsackie NY, Hi-Way Drive-In movie theater is referred to as the ‘Cinema Under The Stars.’ The Gate and the Snack Bar open 90 Minutes Before the 1st Movie starts.

Open since 1949!

This is the Drive-in movie theater that created my own family’s very first drive-in movie memories. I can still remember when my 12yr old son asked for the first time if he could walk his little brother to the concession stand, by himself, and how as a child he felt like this was a move towards growing up. I watched them walk towards the snack bar, holding hands, and walk into the building. I watched and waited for my two boys to walk out of the snack bar and proudly bring back food and drinks for their other brother and their mom. I must say, I love the burgers here. Make sure you grab one from their snack bar when you visit them.

This two screen drive-in theater is family owned and operated by Ed & Tom Caro. “Many of our staff have been working here for years“, Ed shared. Ed & Tom Caro are both very active in the drive-in theater and both of their children have worked at the drive-in in the past too. Ed & Tom have worked towards not only making their drive-in theater a place where families can come to and make memories… they have also encouraged their staff to be a part of their drive-in family too. In fact, Ed shared that “We have a father & daughter, a mother & son, two sisters, and three cousins that all work for us“. This small locally owned family business, welcomes locals and visitors from outside of Saratoga County to come and feel like part of the Caro family too.

The Caro family added the second movie screen in 2008, and with the new addition they also updated & expanded their restroom area as well.

Outside Food and beverage can be brought for a fee per car; visit website for more information.

Movie sound is broadcast in stereo over FM radio and can be heard via your car radio or a portable radio that you bring. Additionally, boom boxes can be rented for $5 in the concession stand (limited availability) and they require surrender of your driver’s license until return of the radio. They do not have any speakers on the posts.

Open since 1958! Glen is open 7 nights a week during the season starting at 7:00 PM. Shows start at dusk.

albanyny capnyfamilyfun drive-in drive-intheater familyfun upstatenewyork upstateny

2 Hot Woman-Run Startups in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

Startup formation throughout Upstate New York has been second strongest in the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth analysis of data from U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics.

Our startup economy is booming and people, we invite you to BYOB (bring your own business) here to CapNY!

From incubators and co-working spaces to funding and entrepreneurial bootcamps, there are countless opportunities for you to secure the resources you need to build your business.

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG)’s Business Growth Solutions (BGS) unit offers a menu of support s ervices for entrepreneurs. CEG is also an operational partner of Innovate518, a collaborative effort managed by the University at Albany of incubators and accelerators and co-working spaces. The Capital Region Chamber provides support services for entrepreneurs including loan programs, entrepreneur boot camps and an MWBE program. Just to name a few…

Today, we’ll focus on two booming woman-run startups in CapNY that are making waves. Read on!

Inspect Point gives you everything you need to run a fire inspection business. It helps you perform more inspections, win more contracts, and grow your inspection business to new heights.

Jennifer Doyle, CapNY native & Co-Founder/VP of Customer Success, said “after graduating from The Sage Colleges, I worked at several technology companies in the area in the marketing departments. While I learned a lot during my time with each, I did not feel fulfilled. After several years of working in the area, I quit my job and started a consulting company with my then boyfriend (now husband).

The concept of the business was inspired by a friend in the fire protection space came to us upset with their current software solution. After doing some research on the other solutions, as well as the market space, we saw an opportunity to build something that the industry needed and went all in.

Having a support system, outside of work, has been vital to our success. Since all of us (founders) have grown up and attended college in the area (Sage and RPI), our families and friends have been able to help us with babysitting, hot meals, and support throughout the years. Growing up in and starting our business in the Capital Region has also given us the opportunity to lean on resources and people we have known for many years.”

Micropolitan Matchmakers, formerly Capital Heart Connection, provides matchmaking services, dating coaching, a podcast & more to help people in CapNY and other micropolitan areas “find their big love in their micropolitan region!” They’re the only matchmaking service of their kind in the region.

Founded by two CapNY natives and current Schenectady residents, Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher. As two young professionals living in CapNY, they wanted to get off the apps and into the real dating world by curating singles events at local businesses. “As much as apps can help extend personal networks, it’s kind of dehumanizing,” said Daniels, “People aren’t people — they’re just a picture.” Diversity and inclusiveness play a central role, too. While both Fisher and Daniels are cis-gendered white women looking for men, “we really want to make sure the community is open for love across the spectrum,” Daniels said.

You can check out their services, listen to their podcast, join the free singles database, & find upcoming CapNY-based singles events, here!

“My husband and I traveled for many years before moving back to the area and starting Inspect Point. What drew us back here was not only family, but the proximity to hiking, restaurants, travel opportunities, and a great place to build a company. I enjoy hiking with my kids at Peebles Island, grabbing a coffee with my coworkers at JACOB ALEJANDRO, grabbing a beer with my friends at The Ruck, and enjoying a date night with my husband at Browns or Nicole’s.”

Jennifer Doyle

Inspect Point

“When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.”

Becky Daniels

Micropolitan Matchmakers

capitalregion mwbe upstatenewyork upstateny WomanOwned

Exploring the Arts & Culture of Washington County with Kids!

Updated: July 2025

I remember being invited to a friend’s bonfire a little over 25 years ago. She had told me it was at her parents house in Shushan, NY. I’m not originally from New York, so I had never even heard of that town before. I was living in Schenectady at the time. We didn’t have cell phones or a GPS app back then. She emailed the directions to me, and I printed them out. I remember thinking to myself, “What place is she leading me to?”, I then got in my car and started driving towards Washington County.

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

As I was driving through towns like Greenwich and Salem to get to her house, I started to feel gratitude about the time it was taking to get there. I drove past barns, horses, farm stands, and country stores. Living in busy Cities around the world and in other US States, I hadn’t experienced a nice drive through the country since I was a little girl in Korea. It was such a peaceful and scenic drive. The ride seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had arrived at her house, greeted by other friends who also made their way there too.

As the night went on, we ate lots of great home cooked food, we sang songs around the fire led by an acoustic guitar, we told stories that made us laugh, and we made memories that I still think about today. For many of us that met at SCCC, this was our first time experiencing Shushan hospitality. I remember heading home and thinking how lucky my friend was to live in such a beautiful place. I remember that night like it was yesterday.

Since then we both have had children, and I’ve been able to bring my boys out to Shushan several times to play with her boys. Riding horses, playing in the mud, chasing chickens…. while us moms sit inside and catch up over cups of tea.

My family has since become familiar with many parts of Washington County over the years, and we always find new spots to explore and sites to visit with the kids. I’m so joyful to be able to share about a few places, out of so many wonderful places, to visit in Washington County.

In June of 2021 a lovely little theater in Washington County opened to the public….new in spirit, but not new to Salem, NY. In order to share about this theater’s promising future, we have to take a quick look back at their inspiring past.

While being constructed as the countries First Presbyterian Church in 1774, it was taken by patriot forces and used as a staging area for troops. It was then known as Fort Salem. Lost to fire in 1777, the church was rebuilt by the Presbyterian, adding the chapel in 1882. In 1972 the building was privately purchased, a stage added, and the very first show in the Fort Salem Theater was enjoyed.

The theater sold again in 1979, and again in 2006 with major renovations taking place. In 2020, the Fort Salem Theater sold to the current owners Kyle and Jared West who had relocated to Salem from Dallas, Texas. In June 2021 the theater reopened with a sold-out show, and is still open today for all to enjoy in the many years to come.

Locals and visitors from all over the Region attend shows throughout the year to see well performed plays and great live acts. This well loved theater welcomes the community, neighboring communities, and anyone from outside of Washington County to visit and enjoy the variety of performances here.

If you’re looking for entertainment to enjoy with your family or friends, whether you’re staying in Salem or not…. I recommend taking a peek at the playlist for this venue and buying tickets to one of their shows. It’s a nice drive to Salem, NY on your way to the Fort Salem Theater.

11 East Broadway | Salem, New York 12865
Web: fortsalem.com | IG: @fortsalem

Whether you’re a master of a brush on canvas, or if you’ve never picked up a creative tool before…. Salem Art Works welcomes you and your curiously creative heart. Located in Salem, NY, on 119 acres, artists from around the globe retreat to SAW for stay, community, inspiration, and reflection.

Locals and out of town travelers come to visit this artists retreat center and tour the grounds that are covered with artists workshop buildings & spaces, an artist created tiny home community, and natural gathering spaces. Incredible and larger than life sculptures greet you as soon as you turn off the main road, and escort you all the way through the grounds and up the drive to the top of the hill….where you will find an incredible view and a peace that makes you pause, in silence, as you appreciate the knowing that this unselfish space was created for you and everyone else who visits.

SAW also offers summer camps and workshops for young artists and any one aspiring to be one to learn a trade like welding, pottery, glassblowing or blacksmith. The retreat center has programs where entire families can stay on site and participate in various workshops together or individually. Live music takes place at the highest point on the grounds, overlooking the entire Town of Salem, and all are welcome.

If you’re looking for a unique day trip experience or week long destination vacation, I encourage you to add Salem Art Works to your creative bucket list of places to visit and contact them today to register for one of their workshops. For a full listing of programs and events visit the website.

19 Cary Lane | Salem, New York 12865
Web: salemartworks.org | IG: @salemartworks

A real old fashioned soda fountain isn’t something that you see anymore these days… but a working one too, while sitting at a vintage inspired soda shop bar? You’ll find that Jacko’s Corner in Salem, NY, has that kind of “bubbly fun” for you to experience in their restaurant on Main Street.

It’s already well known by the locals that they have a great menu, but what also makes this spot a great destination spot for out of towner’s is that they have great food AND an awesome concert series featuring talented musicians around the region. Described by Jacko’s as “Cozy vibes, flowing wine & beer at Jacko’s”. You can enjoy a nice meal, good drinks, and great live music with your family, friends or even make it a date night.

They have wonderful artwork created by local artists hung around the restaurant too, and for sale. Many of the pieces share the story of Salem, NY and the community that has embraced and inspired them. Jacko’s supports the community and the creatives within it, and enthusiastically shares about them with all of their guests that visit.

If you’re desiring to go on a day trip…. I recommend exploring Washington County, and setting your GPS to stop at Jacko’s Corner Restaurant for a good meal, soda fountain drink, and don’t forget to take some local artwork home as well.

190 Main Street | Salem, New York 12865
Web: jackoscorner.com | IG: @jackoscorner

Have you ever heard a Sasquatch call out in the wild? Well, if you’re curious about how one might sound, you can hear a variety of individuals share out loud what they think one might sound like.

I attended the very first Sasquatch Festival in Whitehall, NY, back in 2016 with my youngest son who at the time was fascinated by the Sasquatch. A friend who lives in Whitehall messaged me about the new “Sasquatch festival” that was being created by their town. Of course we had to go. Now in their sixth year, this has become a much anticipated annual event.

There are vendor tables around the festival set up who have plaster molds of Sasquatch footprints on display, and photos of Sasquatch sightings. You can even photograph yourself behind a giant Sasquatch cutter, and send it to your friends showing them what you’d look like a giant life sized Sasquatch.

The best part of the event in my opinion, is the Sasquatch calling contest that everyone waits for all year long. There’s an adult contest and even one for the kids to sign up and do their own version of a Sasquatch call. I had never imagined what a Sasquatch sounded like, but now I have about dozens of variations in my mind of what one could sound like. It’s really just a community gathering together and having a lot of fun.

If you’re looking for a family friendly event to take the kids to in Washington County, or if you’re a serious Sasquatch hunter yourself, I recommend marking your calendar and heading to Whitehall, NY for the day for their annual Sasquatch Calling Contest & Festival.

Highlights Include: Over 50 Vendors. Over 10 Bigfoot presentations with experts and research, Live Music, Beer Garden, Bounce House and Face Painting for the kids! Bigfoot Calling contest, delicious food, Bigfoot statue Raffle. Fun for all, rain or shine.

Skenesborough and Riverside Parks | 130 Main Street | Whitehall, New York 12887
Web: Sasquatch Calling Festival

Chickens greet you before you can make it to the front door of the Blind Buck Valley Farmstead House, where you are welcomed in by the Parker family. As soon as you drive up the dirt road leading to the 180 acre farm, you’ll see aged red barns and a big white farm home that invites you to stay. The five bedroom farm house is filled with books and games, and play spaces for children. There’s a spacious living room where adults and friends can gather. Unplugged, so you can enjoy all the memorable moments of the time you spend here.

You can also opt to experience Glamping and stay in a teepee on their teepee campsite.

The Blind Buck Valley Farm offers a beautiful and quiet vacation experience for individual families, couples, groups of friends, wedding parties, and even bridal showers. There are goats and donkeys, and ponies and other farm animals on the grounds that kids and adults can interact with while staying on the farm. There’s a pool in the back of the house, open in the warmer season. There’s lots of ground to walk and explore.

There’s a large hill near the house, that tempted the inner child in me to climb up it and roll down it. I resisted during my visit, but the next time I come to this wonderful family friendly farm, I may have to let the kid in me run free.

If you’re looking for a getaway destination that is a hidden gem, less then 45 minutes from Saratoga Springs, NY, I recommend adding the Blind Buck Family Farmstead to your Salem, NY vacation stay list.

116 Riley Hill Road | Salem, New York 12865
Web: bbvfarmstead.com | IG: @blindbuckvalley_farmstead

familyactivities kids upstatenewyork upstateny washingtoncounty

4 Must-Experience Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Activities in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

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

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

Albany County
Located at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar

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

Accessible Features:

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

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

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

Accessible Features:

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

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

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

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

Accessible Features:

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

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

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

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

Accessible Features:

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

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

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

#disability accessible ada hikes trails upstatenewyork upstateny waterfalls wheelchair

CapNY Eats: Independent Korean Restaurant Spotlight

Updated: July 2025

It wasn’t that long ago in the CapNY where you would either have to have a Korean friend or personally know a Korean family to enjoy Korean Food in Upstate NY. ..(no longer)!

They’d invite you over for a sit down style family meal consisting of white rice, kimchi, and all of the other favored Korean dishes that are served in almost every Korean home. The classic bulgogi dish, or a kimbap roll were not always mentioned between friends looking for a place to meet out for lunch, or in the office discussion as a food option for a group order for delivery.

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, raised in a Korean home with a Korean mother making the most delicious Korean food I’ve ever had… and of course no one makes food the way your own mother does. Going to the market place in Seoul as a child, I still remember the smells of the food being made by street cart vendors and the aromas coming from the restaurants as we walked for blocks and blocks shopping while looking for a place for my family to eat dinner at.

I first moved to Upstate NY when I was a teenager, and since then I’ve always longed for this region to embrace and appreciate Korean food. Today, you can easily find about a half dozen Korean food restaurants offering traditional and newer Korean style foods to CapNY.

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

Bringing Korean influence to Albany in 2020, Mincho Ko and her son & co-owner, Justin Ko, opened Son of Egg around the corner from Lark Street. The narrow cafe and wall counter seating reminds me of my visits to K-town in NYC, as we walked to different restaurants and grabbed a quick order of mandoo to eat on the go. Son Of Egg offers one of my favorite Korean foods, a traditional kimbap roll. They offer a more contemporary menu with Korean inspired flavors and ingredients, fused into a street food concept that you can eat in-house or while walking around town. They’ve switched up Korean family meals a bit with their Bulgogi Burger… and the Tornado Potato, which is a deep fried spiral cut potato on a bamboo skewer served with a variety of sauces on the side.

As a small locally owned business that cares about their community and those in it, Son Of Egg created “The Good Egg Initiative”, which allows you to purchase a meal in person or online for a homeless individual in need of a meal. The meal tickets are left in a designated location and made available for the homeless and or those with food insecurities to receive a free meal. At any time during business hours, this individual can discreetly come visit, grab an available meal ticket, and present it to the cashier.

IG: @son_of_egg | web: sonofegg.com

An authentic Hawaiian & Asian eatery in the heart of downtown Troy, the Bespoki Bowl started in the Troy Kitchen in 2016, and opened around the corner on 4th Street in 2017. Paul Park, owner of the Bespoki Bowl, has artful murals covering the walls around the dining room, and asking thoughtful questions such as “how do you feel?”

Making their own kimchi in house, and mixing their bulgogi marinade from scratch, you will absolutely find authentic Korean flavors in the Korean foods served in this neighborhood restaurant. You can order traditional bulgogi & rice here, or get a more modern Bulgogi Taco. The Spam Musubi, spam on rice with teriyaki sauce wrapped in a nori sheet, is one of my favorites here. Whether you grab a bulgogi bowl to go, or sit and enjoy a plate of spicy pork and rice, you’ll experience a taste of Korea each time.

IG: @bespokibowl | web: bespokibowl.com

One of the longest operating Korean restaurants in CapNY, Seoul Korean restaurant offers authentic traditional Korean foods as well as street foods. Opened in 2013 in Latham, was purchased three years ago by Mijung Kim and her husband, both from Seoul. You’ll walk past shelves of Korean pantry items and products as you enter the restaurant leading you into a large dining area, which accommodates bigger parties and families looking to dine out together.

The foods and flavors at this restaurant remind me of downtown Seoul and the many family meals of my childhood in Korea. Their traditional Korean food makes this restaurant appealing to anyone looking to be introduced to authentic Korean foods for the very first time or who is in town looking for a good Korean meal. The extensive dinner menu ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can enjoy unique asian bottled sodas for the kid in all of us, and a variety of Soju, Plum wines and asian beers are available for the adults.

IG: @seoulkorean_restaurant | web: seoulkoreanlathamny.com

Jinah Ahn came onto the downtown Troy food scene in 2016, opening her Korean restaurant with a big vision and a huge love for her community. Sunhee’s is a farmhouse style restaurant with a small shop in the back offering some shelves filled with Korean market items, stationary products, and a small fridge with jars of their homemade kimchi for sale. Wooden farm tables, rustic pitchers & glass vases filled with dried wild flowers welcome you to sit in their dining room. In addition to the Troy location, Sunhee’s operates a small family farm in Cambridge, New York, raising chickens and ducks while cultivating a mix of organically grown Korean and domestic vegetables.

Serving traditional Korean favorites such as Bibimpap and Japchae, Sunhee’s goes above and beyond the delicious Korean cuisine they serve by also offering free English classes for adult immigrants, from beginner to advanced via zoom or in person in downtown Troy. Classes are open to all immigrants, and all are welcome.

IG: @sunhees95ferry | Web: sunhees.com

eats foodie korean koreanfood upstatenewyork upstateny upstatenyfood

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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The Authentic CapNY Guide to Speakeasy Bars

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