My Glens Falls: Ray Fisher

This week, we’re excited to chat with Ray Fisher! We first connected with Ray after discovering his Instagram account, where he shares his beautiful photos of Downtown Glens Falls. We were thrilled to learn a bit more about him, including his favorite spot for ice cream, and the one place he’d love to photograph a sunrise from.

Photo courtesy of Ray Fisher.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Ray Fisher, a photographer and dad to 3 amazing little girls and a baby boy.

On Life in Glens Falls

I've lived here most of my life, except when I was very young and a 2 year hiatus in Florida.

I came back to Glens Falls because I've lived here so long that a lot of my friends still live up here, not that I didn't make great friends in Florida (miss you guys). but friends are one of the most important things to me and I've been lucky to have some great ones. 

I stayed in Glens Falls because I fell for my wife (I knew her a long time before that, but we both grew up) and we had our first munchkin. My family is my entire world and everything I do now is to hopefully create things they can be proud of.

We rent a house in the city, just makes more financial sense right now. And honestly, I just love that my neighborhood has a park within walking distance - it really helps keep the kids busy in the summer.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls has to be the aesthetic. I'm a visual person and just the fact that I can walk down the street and see an old Gothic church, walk a few blocks and see some old buildings with old iron fire escapes, old houses with their own personality, go walk around an old cemetery, and then walk around the woods (I know Cole's Woods is technically Queensbury but eh I still walk them).

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Honestly, my perfect day in Glens Falls would probably be waking up super early, going out and getting some nice sunrise shots hopefully from someplace elevated (I've been wanting to get on top of the Traveler's Building forever). Then come home, wake up my kids, go outside and let them play for a while. Then we all go get ice cream at Cooper’s Cave because I am a sucker for mixing all those soft serve flavors. Then take ‘em all to the movies assuming something we want to see is playing. Then after we tuck them in, leave the kids with grandma and go take some night portraits of my wife out and around town. Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good day.

Photo courtesy of Ray Fisher.

On The Past

I have a loooooot of memories of Glens Falls, but one of the best has to be when I was around 11, my mother used to work at East Field when the Lumberjacks still played here. She would bring me to work, so I got to watch the teams warm up, plus I would always walk around under the bleachers looking for foul balls (I found like 30). Then one day just to put the icing on the cake, I won a raffle they had to win a ball autographed by the entire team! I know it wasn't any big team or anything, but it was great. 

As for a favorite store I miss two things - the first is Jolly John’s, my mom used to take me down there to get fried clams like once or twice a month. I walk by the building everyday, and it still brings back memories. The second is the original spot for Dirty John's (New Way Lunch) - not that the new spot isn't great, I still eat there like all the time, it's just nostalgia.

…And on The Future

As for the future, honestly if I could bring one thing to Glens Falls, it would be one giant creative space for every creative mind we have in this area to get together, talk, collaborate, create, and just be around other creatives. All for free (or at least affordable enough for everyone) with spaces and equipment for photographers, videographers, artists, musicians, and any creative project to just be able to come together and work on creating. We are lucky to live in an area with as much artistic support that we have, but there are still some barriers that are difficult for some people to overcome - musicians have a hard time finding a space to practice, high school students can't afford studio space, that kind of thing. I just want to take the starving out of starving artist.

Honestly, this area is just a great place to raise a family - no hurricanes, no tornadoes, lots of snow, beautiful lakes and mountains within driving distance. As a photographer, I am very lucky that I live here, but as a father I feel pretty good about sticking around.

Thanks so much, Ray, and congratulations to you and your family on your new baby boy!

See more of Ray’s work here.

P.S. Check out last week’s My Glens Falls with Sarah Mosher here.

Balance and Beauty

Balance. Work and family. Spouse and children and parents. Time and money. We spend a tremendous amount of time trying to balance them all on the scales of life. Do we ever feel there is a thumb on the scales? A thumb applying pressure that perpetuates imbalance? Maybe it’s the same thumb we use to unlock our phone. Maybe, just maybe, we can’t find our balance because we are so incredibly wired in, so cyber-connected that the scales are always skewed towards some other thing that our devices tell us to go to, be at, take care of (….you are reading this online, aren’t you?).

We do need to spend some of our lives online; our world is simply put together that way. But shouldn’t there be a life balance waiting to be struck between wired and real? To find that balance sometimes we need to truly disconnect. Not think about it, not just want to (but need to keep my phone with me), nor maybe tomorrow I will, nor it-might-be–nice-to-do-but-only–right-after-I-finish-reading-these–next-few-posts. We need to disconnect in order to balance; to truly connect with our world - eye to eye, spoken word to word, breath to breath. To be where things live.

That balance can be struck a step out our door. We live here, in a magical place where we are always five minutes away from deep quiet, from a calming breeze brushing our cheek, from the snap of a twig underfoot. The place where our whispered voice gets a response not from Alexa, but from a cardinal or an owl. Where we can then head indoors and, alone in front of “Christ with Folded Arms”, examine every brushstroke as if standing next to the artist himself and see some minute exquisiteness our screens would hide from us. Connected then to Rembrandt (!), just you and he, in a way that Instagram only pretends we can. Or yes, we can hear Bach as Bach heard it, pouring out from the breath and emotions of a musician in cascades of real humanness, sharing a sublime something drawn from a lifetime of diligence and understanding.

These things are so good, so indispensable to us because they are taken in live and are alive. The woods, the lake, the art and the music grow and change in front of us and we are part of that growing and changing. It is a world in which we have a part to play. Our part is to live in this world; one very real and very present.

So, go ahead, tap ‘shut down’. And go find real. This informative and lovely site will still be here when you come back. But it will be a much better read for you having found your balance.

Having served as the Music Director of the Glens Falls Symphony since 2000, Charles Peltz is a proud resident of our vibrant Glens Falls community.  Dividing his time between Glens Falls and Boston, where he is Director of Wind Ensembles at the New England Conservatory of Music, Maestro Peltz brings to Glens Falls a wealth of musical expertise.

Join The Glens Falls Symphony on May 5 at 4pm for the close of their 2018-19 season with Bernstein's evocative "Chichester Psalms, followed by the season's spectacular Grand Finale, Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 9. More information and tickets here.

The Weekender | April 12 - 14

Hey there! Happy (almost) Friday! What are you all up to this weekend?

It’s supposed to be 70 on Saturday, and a ride in the ol’ Wagoneer is definitely in order (if we can get it to start!). That, and the raking that we never finished up last weekend. Here’s what we’re hoping to get to after we power through that yard work…

Have a great weekend!

Bri and Tom

P.S. In case you missed it, a new date night spot downtown.

My Glens Falls: Sarah Mosher

This week, we’re chatting with Sarah Mosher! If you’ve ever been to Morgan and Company, you’re sure to recognize her smiling face. We were so happy to have the opportunity to get to know her a bit better, including where she grew up, what brought her here, and all of the sweet reasons why she’s so happy to call Glens Falls home now. Fair warning, her answers might just make you fall in love with our city even more…

Sarah Mosher outside Morgan and Company in Glens Falls

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Sarah Mosher, a server at Morgan and Company Restaurant. My husband is Michael, he's a manager at the Queensbury 99 Restaurant. We have three dogs that I'm mildly obsessed with: two pomeranians (JoJo and Nora) and a corgi mix (Sawyer).

I grew up in Hilton, a village outside of Rochester, New York. My sister, Emily lives close in Albany (she also attended SUNY Albany), the rest of my family still resides in western NY.  My father and sisters visit here in the summer, it's always nice showing them what's new and exploring the area with them.

One of my favorite things about my job is chatting with people who are passing through or visiting. I love hearing newcomers rave about how much they enjoy our little city. I also love the familiar faces of the regulars who brighten a shift when they come in. Working outside in the warmer months is wonderful, the view of City Park and the gazebo are a treat. I work with a good crew, that are more friends than just coworkers. Ever since I started working there I felt more connected to the community of Glens Falls, it's a nice feeling.

On Life in Glens Falls

I am a transplant to the city.  After finishing college at SUNY Albany, my roommate and I moved here because we got summer jobs in Lake George. Apartments were hard to come by in LG, so we decided to look in Glens Falls. We thought it would be fun to work the summer then move on to a new adventure. After the summer had ended, I had fallen in love with the area, its hometown feel, and I decided to stay. It was the perfect balance of urban and rural to me - I can walk to shops and restaurants, yet a hike in the mountains surrounded by wilderness is a quick drive away. That was back in 2005 and since then this has been my home.

Admittedly, I had never heard of Glens Falls until moving here, but my mother had. She was a labor and delivery nurse and the first hospital she had worked at, Genessee Hospital in Rochester, had modeled its birthing unit after the Glens Falls Hospital's. I wouldn't be surprised if I were to learn she had snuck away to the hospital during one of my family's visits to ask for a tour of their snuggery and chat with fellow nurses.

Michael and I bought a house on Vanderheyden Street about two years ago. It's around the corner from the house on William Street where he grew up and his mother still resides at. I have a great mother in law, it's nice to live so close to her since most of my family lives hours away. Some of our neighbors have lived here since Michael was a kid, so he already knew them. He even has a memory of trick or treating as a kid at the house we now own, at the time 3 elderly woman lived there and handed out homemade cookies for Halloween treats.   

I am in love with our home. We've been doing projects to put our own stamp on it. It's fun realizing we're both more handy than we thought we were. Michael was delighted to learn he's good at fixing a leaking toilet. We just put in a new window in our upstairs hall so now we're painting a new color. Of course that has now led to new carpet for the stairs. There's always a new project lurking, we really enjoy making our house our home.

I love to garden and our yard was a blank canvas. My favorite thing in summer is tending to my vegetable garden, mowing the lawn, adding new perennials to the landscape.

In the warmer weather I take the dogs for long morning walks through our neighborhood. I know most people by their dogs - there is a Newfoundland named Oliver on Hunter Street that always has a lot to bark about. His owner and I usually exchange pleasantries while shouting over the canine conversation between our pups.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

There's a lot I love about the city of Glens Falls. Early summer Saturday mornings at the farmers market or spending a snowy day stocking up on books to read at Crandall Library. Picking up a Chronicle to read during morning coffee is a weekly habit of mine. I enjoy the festivals - LARAC, Taste of the North Country, and the car show downtown during the Balloon Festival. It's nice when downtown is bustling with a good vibe.  

I appreciate the location of Glens Falls. There's all sorts of opportunities for a good day trip.  Recently we went to MASS MoCA, a fantastically fun art museum in Massachusetts. This past fall, we ventured to the Grafton Peace Pagoda - a beautiful serene structure in the middle of the woods. Both trips took us through country roads with gorgeous views, covered bridges, passing through villages and rolling farmland on the way.

The community garden by Rite Aid always has gorgeous sunflowers that bloom near the end of summer. I drive by it on my way to work and love when the sunflowers have matured to their towering size and glory. It is awesome that the empty lawn was turned into a space with purpose and beauty.

Last summer a drum circle was popping up here and there in City Park. One afternoon they were playing and I had just finished a brunch shift, so I wandered across the street, sat on a bench enjoying the balmy, sunny, summer day, and listening to their music. It's so neat that a bunch of people can gather with no set song and produce such pretty music.

Sarah Mosher

A Perfect GF Day

A perfect Glens Falls day for me would start at Rock Hill Bakehouse (now The Exchange Cafe) for breakfast. They have a great vegan menu. Maybe pop into Rude Betty or Laura's Vintage, two favorite shops of mine. Rude Betty has a lot of quirky things, and Laura's Vintage has a beautiful collection of clothes and jewelry from the past.  

Then I'd probably take the dogs for a stroll through the trails in Crandall Park. If they mind their manners, I'd probably take them for a doggy ice cream at Coopers Cave.

I would wind down the day with inviting my sister and brother in law, Emily and Casey, up from Albany for hibachi at Mikado. Maybe grab a nightcap at Fenimore's Pub at the Queensbury Hotel, it's super cozy (and in good proximity to work and home).

On the Past

I miss the store Poor Richards Antiques. It was always fun to browse and buy. There was an electroshock therapy machine in there that was creepy and intriguing. Someone actually bought it and I wonder why.

The window displays of Downtown Charm, it was a cute shop.

A nice memory was one snowy night when my husband and I went to Fenimore's and ran into the night manager, Frank. My husband knew him from he had worked at The Queensbury years before. Frank ended up giving us a late night tour of the hotel, mostly for me since Michael had worked there. But we walked through the quiet hotel with our wine while Frank told little anecdotes about various spots in the hotel and took us through "behind the scene" spots. I thought the old mail slot that goes through each floor of the hotel ending in the lobby was super cool.  This was years ago, before they had begun to restore the hotel.

…And on the Future

A bookstore would be a nice addition. Maybe a mixture of new and used books. There was Red Fox Books years ago...

My dream would be to have a Wegmans grocery store open up here. Being from western New York, we have a cult like appreciation for Wegmans. Although thinking of grocery stores, I was sorry to see the Cooper Street Price Chopper close - it was super convenient to pop into. A Trader Joes would be a neat replacement in that empty space

Thanks so much, Sarah! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for that book store :)

P.S. Catch last week’s My Glens Falls with Maura Forcier here.

First Look: [farmacy]

We were so happy to see that [farmacy] opened its doors downtown this week! You might recognize those brackets around the name from sister restaurant, [forged] in Hudson Falls. While we’ve not yet made it to [forged], we’ve heard such great things and couldn’t wait to see AJ and Christina Richards’ newest venture.

Located in the Lapham and Parks building on Ridge, the owners are big fans of history and charm, and we love that they took the time to both preserve and restore the character in the space (which was an old feed store!). Double doors open to the alley on the side, where horse drawn wagons used to pull up to load feed, and we’ve got our fingers crossed that the outdoor seating that’s been proposed for the alley will be approved - would be so much fun this summer!

Back inside, the original hardwood floors and tin ceiling have been preserved, and there are thoughtful touches throughout - from the dinner plates found in antique stores, to the vintage inspired lighting, and vignettes with old books and postcards. There are three great spaces to enjoy - the chef’s table/bar up front where you can watch the food being prepared, a second low-key bar in the center, and a cozy space in the back with bench seating.

And the food! We grabbed a few small plates along with drinks at the bar - the shishito peppers are always a win with us (and these are prepared with brown butter and ginger beer aioli!), and since Tom is a big bread guy, we had to go for the house sourdough with pink butter and himalayan salt - so good! The vegetables though (pictured below) are a work of art and might have been the favorite - the cider poached carrots were perfection. We’re excited to head back again soon to check out the rest of the menu!

Until next time, [farmacy]!

P.S. More things to do here.

The Weekender | April 5 - 7

Happy weekend! We can’t thank you all enough for your support and excitement with the launch of the website this week. We’re looking forward to continuing to develop this space and sharing all the good that’s happening in the city and beyond, and we hope you’ll help us spread the word! Exciting things to come.

Our weather app says temps in the sixties (!!!) this weekend and in addition to raking the yard and getting the back porch ready for the season (finally!), here’s what looks good to us:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Check out five shows you don’t want to miss this month here.

Before + After | Inside a Baker's Beautiful Kitchen

If you love a good before and after as much as we do, you won’t want to miss these photos of Sandy Petracca’s dramatic (and gorgeous!) kitchen transformation. Sandy loves to bake and cook, so function was important. Equally significant, though, was creating a space that felt inviting and true to the period in which the home was built, and we happen to think she nailed it!

Read on to see and hear about her journey from this…

to this!

C’mon inside and enjoy…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a mother of two grown children. Baking their birthday cakes through the years, I fell in love with cake decorating. That love of baking transformed into a career. I became the lead decorator for a well known bakery in Cleveland, The White Flower Cake Shop.

I then moved to Glens Falls in 2015 and fell in love with the area. I purchased an old home and threw myself into some serious DIY, transforming it into my own. Missing the creative process of cake decorating, I decided to start my own business. Juggling both was a challenge and thrilling at the same time. Unexpectedly, I found new love and began the journey of a beautiful relationship. Tony and I continued with passion to create our own special place. A home to share new memories, filled with laughter, good friends, good food and of course, good wine. A home to live life sweetly.

When did you buy your home? What attracted you to it and to your neighborhood?

I purchased my home in Glens Falls in 2015. Glens Falls has a downtown that echoes the charm of yesteryear, with beautiful parks and tree lined streets, sidewalks to stroll, and homes with friendly porches adorned with American Flags. It is the quintessential "Home Town USA." Each home seems to have its own unique personality that tells a story. I wanted to be a part of that story. With the help of my patient realtor, we finally found the perfect little gem built in 1939 with character and charm along with layers of wallpaper and old chipping paint. I realized that much of the house was a simple case of updating the interior using good ol' sweat equity. The house had good bones, except the kitchen which needed a major renovation, and the bathrooms which also needed modernizing. My love of baking and cooking made the kitchen renovation a top priority.

What were your goals when designing and decorating your kitchen?

My home was built in 1939 and I felt I had to maintain the integrity of the time period while also improving the layout of the kitchen. I chose to update the kitchen using items that upheld a vintage feel but also offered the convenience of modernizing the space. I love to cook, bake and entertain with family and friends, so it was imperative to create a kitchen that would act as the heart of my home.

Where did you draw your inspiration from?

Inspiration for the renovation came from numerous sources. I scoured design magazines, Pinterest, and other things that happened to catch my eye.

What’s your favorite thing about your kitchen?

I love my "Blue Star" stove!! I wanted one for many years. Some women dream of diamonds, designer clothes and status cars, but I dream of kitchen appliances and paraphernalia relating to all things kitchen, cooking and entertaining.

Anything you’d do differently?

I would not change anything about my kitchen. The renovation was truly a labor of love and I invested a lot of time in planning to assure I had no regrets.

Do you remember the first thing you cooked or baked once the kitchen was complete?

Meatballs with cheesy polenta.

What advice would you give to someone about to dive into a kitchen renovation?

Although I had done my homework and had a clear vision for my kitchen renovation, I would recommend working with a professional kitchen designer. When I found my designer we had an instant connection. I knew instinctively that we were a good match and would be a great team. Joël was instrumental in refining my vision and providing possibilities that I did not realize were conceivable. She was vigilant about my budget and offered creative ides to maintain the look without breaking the bank.

Describe your decor aesthetic in three words.

Only three!!! No fair, you're putting me in a box. I am a true believer in doing what you love when it come to your personal space. Now if I had to choose three words I would say: Functional, Stylish, Homey.

You have such great taste - where are some of your favorite places to shop for home decor? Any favorite local spots that you’d recommend?

Glenwood Manor Antiques & More: I am always on the hunt for unique, one of a kind items to display.

Homegoods, and TJ Maxx: I mean, do you know any woman who doesn't delight in the search of a good buy at a low price?

Online shopping: One Kings Lane, excellent source for curated furniture and decor; Williams Sonoma & Food52: These sites fed my addiction for kitchen paraphernalia.

I do wish our downtown had more boutique shopping for gifts and home decor. That would be amazing.

The item in your kitchen you couldn’t live without?

There are a few, but the one that I love and use everyday is my French Press for coffee. I love the ritual and the aromas of making my morning coffee and holding the warm mug in my hands as I contemplate the new day ahead of me.

A favorite meal in regular rotation?


I would have to say, my meatballs and cheesy polenta. This is Tony's favorite. I honestly think it was my meatballs that sparked his love for me!!

What’s one essential every baker should have in their kitchen?

I would say a KitchenAid Mixer. I LOVE mine. I use it often and have a secret spot to hide it away so it doesn't clutter the counter.

We must know - what’s your favorite dessert?

Surprisingly it is not cake! I do love a good donut. Simple and plain. I don't make them but maybe I should teach myself. I do however make a delicious, perfectly boozy Tiramisu that is often requested by my friends, and I must say it is very good!

—————

Resources

Designer:  Joël Jackoski, Designers Studio, Saratoga

Contractor: Jason Petralia, Building Concepts, Saratoga

Realtor: DeMarsh Real Estate - Karen Levison

Kohler Sink and Faucet: Bath Expressions Showroom at Security Supply

White Subway Tiles: Glens Falls Tile

Blue Star Range & Hood, Bosch Dishwasher: Adirondack Appliance, Saratoga Springs

GE Monogram Refrigerator: Best Kitchen and Appliance Center, South Glens Falls

Cabinet & Ceiling Lighting and Electrical: Hills Electric, Glens Falls

Decorative Lighting: Rejuvenation

Hand block Printed Kitchen Curtains: Saffron Marigold

Cast Iron Cocotte: Staub

Mixer: KitchenAid

Thank you, Sandy! We’ll definitely be knocking on your door again for that Tiramisu recipe! :)

Have a before and after you’d like to share? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Contact us here, or send a note to us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

Recipe Swap | Blueberry Crumb Cake

What’s your favorite brunch staple? Our neighbor (and Bri’s sister!), Erin Vooris, swears by this Blueberry Crumb Cake. And having had it many times, we can attest, this is a winner. With Easter coming up, you might just want to think about adding this to your menu!

Tell us about yourself, Erin!

I am a wife, mama to a sweet and busy 16 month old boy, and a 2nd grade teacher. We’re expecting our second little one, a girl, this July! We’ve lived in Glens Falls for 4 years and love the small town feel and the restaurants and shopping downtown.

The Recipe…

We are big fans of brunch in our family, and this Blueberry Crumb Cake almost always makes an appearance at the table. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for spring. This is a Pioneer Woman recipe (always a hit in our family), and my mom originally shared it with my sister and I years ago. It’s very easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of time or fuss - no matter which one of us makes it, it always turns out perfectly.

Whether brunch is at my house or at my mom’s or sister’s, walking in to the smell of this coffee cake brings back the happiest memories of birthdays, holidays, and time spent with my family and friends.

Since no one describes it better than the Pioneer Woman herself, click here to download and print the recipe!

A few lightning round questions:

A must have item in your kitchen?

The cookbook stand my dad made for me...and my KitchenAid mixer! 

A favorite cookbook?

Any Pioneer Woman cookbook (we love her Pasta Primavera and Sugar Cookies!) and a new favorite, Magnolia Table.

And we must know, where is your favorite local spot to buy or pick blueberries when they’re in season?

Hicks Orchard! My sister and I pick blueberries there every summer (and eat a few apple cider donuts while we’re at it).

Thanks, Erin!

Have a recipe of your own you’d like to share with your neighbors, or a cookbook favorite that’s too good to keep to yourself? We’d love to consider it for a future feature! Send us a note here or email us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

My Glens Falls: Maura Forcier

We’re excited to introduce My Glens Falls, a weekly feature in which we’ll chat with neighbors who live or work in Glens Falls, learn a bit more about them, and hear their city favorites - past, present, and future. This week, we’re kicking things off with one of our go-to gals for fashion, Maura Forcier of MinkyMink! Read on to find out why she’s stayed local, a favorite store from her childhood (anyone else remember going there?!), and her favorite spot for date night.

Maura Forcier

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Maura Eilene Forcier and I own MinkyMink in Downtown Glens Falls. Before I owned my own business, I worked in healthcare marketing. When I'm not at the shop, you'll find me trail running with my dogs (Phoebe + Cody) or adventuring around the Adirondacks with my husband, Mike.

On Life in Glens Falls

I'm a Lake George native, so I grew up in the area. I went to college in Vermont and then lived in Saratoga as well. So, I've managed to stay local. I moved back to Glens Falls from Saratoga in 2015 when my husband and I bought a home. Glens Falls was so much more economical than other places that we looked at and our jobs are both in Glens Falls, so it was a no-brainer for us. You can get so much more bang for your buck when you buy a home in this city. 

My husband and I own a two family home very close to Downtown. It's a white brick house built in 1920 that we absolutely adore. We are slowly renovating it and making it our own. What I love about our neighborhood is that it's close to everything, so I can walk to MinkyMink in literally 5 minutes! Yet somehow, it's still so hard for me to be on time! 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Where do I begin? I love our little city! I spend a lot of time in Cole's Woods where I run a few times a week. It's great for running, walking or mountain biking. In the winter, they light up the trails at night for cross country skiing, which is very cool. If you haven't been there, take advantage of it! 

MinkyMink, Downtown Glens Falls, NY

A Perfect GF Day

I love this question! My perfect day in Glens Falls would have to start with some sort of exercise. Either running in Cole's Woods, a class at Yoga Kayla, Hot Yoga Queensbury or at the YMCA. After breaking a sweat, I would head over to Spektor with some girlfriends and order a cafe au lait and a "Fresh." After breakfast, I'd drive to Crandall Park with husband and let my dogs run around. If I'm at MinkyMink, I usually order a salad from Gourmet Cafe (they know my order by heart) and they will run it down to me if they aren't super busy. I also frequent the Juicin' Jar, where I get a beet juice or a smoothie. If I get some free time, I always like to check out Fountain Square Outfitters to see what new gear they have in store. Love their Darn Tough socks! If it's a treat myself kind of day, I would get a manicure at Nails by Bari. She always does an amazing job! For dinner, my husband and I frequent Raul's...their taro chips are my favorite. For drinks, we would stop by Mean Max for a beer and then head over to Downtown Social so I can get a prosecco. Voila, a perfect Glens Falls Day! 

On the Past

My cousin Mary Kate grew up in Glens Falls, so I would spend a lot of time at her house. We would always ride our bikes to "The Big Party," which used to be in the Quaker Plaza. We would get candy, games, and what ever else we could buy with the little money we had. I remember riding our bikes all around Glens Falls and visiting with family, friends and spending time outside. I'm feeling nostalgic already! 

…and On the Future

It would be so awesome if there was a dog park in Glens Falls. I take my pups to Crandall Park a lot, but it would be so fun if there was a designated space for dogs so they could run around and socialize with each other. 

A lot of my customers comment that there isn't enough parking downtown. If we could build a multi level parking garage, I know it would increase business in Glens Falls. 

The Glens Falls community has been so supportive of MinkyMink and I'm grateful that I am able to live, work and play in this city. I'm excited for all of the new businesses opening up and look forward to the continued growth of Glens Falls.

Thanks, Maura!

Five Shows to See in April

Spring is here at last in Glens Falls which makes me want to put away my crock pot, hang a floral wreath on my front door and meet up with friends in town for dinner and a show!  I am always amazed by the array of entertainment that is right here at our doorstep. Sometimes I need a push off of my comfy couch, but I am always so glad when I am able to see live performances and support the folks that are bringing some great artists and performers to this area! Here are the shows I’m planning on seeing this month:

APRIL 4 • Hayley Reardon • Crandall Library

I am so excited to see this young woman perform!  Her voice is spectacular, her songwriting is inspirational and she is out to make the world a better place. You can go to see her at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA (where Tracy Chapman and Shawn Colvin got their start) this spring or for FREE at the Crandall Library! Find more info on Thursday’s show here.

APRIL 9 • ADIRONDACK VOICES • Christ Church United Methodist

This is Penny Schiek’s finale season after 20 years of conducting this fabulous group of 110 local singers. They will be performing Penny’s favorites from over the years, with a great mix from classical to show tunes. Some of my favorites are: Loch Lomond, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and For Good from Wicked. Get the details here.

April 12 • Girl Blue with Olivia Quillio • The Park Theater

This will be Girl Blue’s second time performing at The Park - last fall she opened for David Wilcox. Arielle O’Keefe (her real name) is such a talented singer/songwriter from Albany - it will be a great show! “Compared often to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Carole King and Jeff Buckley, she is a powerhouse vocalist with the rare ability to write songs that both catch the ear and touch the heart.” -The Park Theater. Grab tickets here!

April 24 - 27 • Menopause The Musical • The Wood Theater

After this cold snowy winter, I need a good laugh! This show will do the trick - I’ve heard it’s hysterical! It will be performed by the official Menopause the Musical group that is touring internationally, so it will be an accomplished cast.  Get your tickets here.

April 26 • Ballet Meets the Beatles @ Alvin Ailey Theater • The Strand Theater

I missed this last year and heard it was fabulous so I am thrilled at the chance to see this unique mash up! A Manhattan based dance troupe will be dancing to Beatles songs by tribute band Across The Pond and a string quartet! Click here for tickets.

Susan Siplon is a singer, actor, artist and arts enthusiast who has been both on the stage and behind the scenes as a producer, festival director and venue manager. Susan recently moved to Glens Falls after living all over the country and in Fiji and New Zealand and has found the arts scene in this area to be one of the most vibrant and easily accessible that she has ever experienced.  

The Weekender | March 29 - 31

Hey there and happy weekend! What’s on the agenda?

Looks like a rainy one, and we’re planning on taking “advantage” of the weather and getting some projects checked off our to-do list around the house. Tom doesn’t know it yet, but there may be some wallpaper in our future... Here’s a look at what else caught our eye for the upcoming weekend:

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom