Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival 2022
The Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival is now accepting vendor applications for this year’s event on September 10, 2022 in Little Falls, NY.
The Pleasant Lake Inn then and now
Our family truly enjoys living in the Mohawk Valley. This beautiful region is great place to live work and play. We feel very lucky to be able to call this area home!
Traveling throughout the valley and surrounding areas is something we do a lot. We love to see what is over the next rise and discover new and interesting places along the way.
One of our favorite places to go to enjoy some delicious food and create lasting family memories is The Pleasant Lake Inn in Stratford, NY.
The Pleasant Lake Inn’s story
The Pleasant Lake Inn was original built in in the 1930’s just a short distance from Pleasant Lake. The Inn served the local folks who had camps on the lake providing home cooked meals and a small bar to wet your whistle. The location takes advantage of the east-west route of NYS-29A, the proximity to Pleasant Lake, and the attraction of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and snowmobiling in the area.
The Inn had a few rooms upstairs they rented out during the different seasons for local travelers, etc. They did a thriving business during hunting season and then later as snowmobiles grew in popularity. Hunters from far and wide knew of The Pleasant Lake Inn, the great food offered, and excellent hunting available nearby.
These qualities, and the good times enjoyed there is what drew my father to “The Inn.”
Back when I was just a lad, my father traveled upstate to enjoy hunting season and often stayed at the Inn. Traveling with his friends, they’d caravan together as they took the 5-hour journey. He enjoyed his time so much that in 1969 he bought The Pleasant lake Inn as he took his young family upstate.
When I think of where I would call home when I was young, I think of living at the Pleasant Lake Inn. Living there was a unique experience and I have many good memories of being there with family, friends, and growing up there.
It was here that I learned to hunt with my father and learned to cook with my mother. Our cooking, however, was for the large groups of snowmobilers and other groups when they arrived. Not surprisingly, I also learned how to entertain myself living in a neighborhood with few other kids to play with.
Hunting, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, building tree houses, and camping in the woods were typical activities growing up. Winters were always fun! I remember winters with so much snow! I enjoyed learning to ski and helping my parents groom the local snowmobile trails. The trail grooming made it easier for snowmobilers to make their way to The Inn.
As a family business, my brothers and I balanced our fun with helping out where we could. Cleaning the bar and refilling the coolers each morning before the school bus arrived was our morning routine. Winters were cold – so there was plenty of wood to split, stack and carry.
The Pleasant Lake Inn today
These days, the Pleasant Lake Inn is a warm, welcoming place offering great food, good cheer, and friendly staff who make you feel right at home! The location takes advantage of proximity to Pleasant Lake, and the attraction of outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing.
With each visit to the Pleasant Lake Inn we feel welcomed, renewed, and at home. When you visit, be sure to say “Hi!” to Gail and Nate. Over the past few years they have worked hard making many improvements to the building. They offer great food for you to enjoy, and have established a great place to be to make lasting memories with family and friends!
The food is wonderful and everything is an excellent choice. If you enjoy having a burger, than the PLI Burger would be a great place to start!
Snowmobilers are Optimists!
Snowmobilers look forward to lots of snow and getting out on their sleds with family and friends. With this in mind, snowmobile events are a great way to enjoy the beautiful Mohawk Valley!
Check out these local snowmobile events
These clubs and other organizations add to the fun and enjoyment of snowmobiling. In short, they create events and opportunities for all to enjoy in the Mohawk Valley!
Salisbury Ridgerunners
The Salisbury Ridgerunners Poker Run is on Saturday, February 1, 2020 starting at 11:00am. The event begins at the Salisbury Ridgerunners Club House located at 717 Curtiss Rd, Salisbury, NY 13454.
While being a members only event, everyone can join in on the fun by purchasing a “One-Day Membership”. It’s important to note that winning prizes go up to $1,000, so a one-day membership can really be worth it. Learn more at the Salisbury Ridgerunners Poker Run event page. Additionally, you can contact the club via the Salisbury Ridgerunners website .
Nick Stoner Trailers
The Nick Stoner Trailers are putting on Poker Run 2020! This event is on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and open to the public. Registration begins at 9:00am. Participants will start at the The Outlet Restaurant located at 2401 State Highway 10 Caroga Lake, NY 12032. Above all, more information can be found at the Poker Run 2020 event page. You can also contact the club via the Nick Stoner Trailers website.
Do you have a need for speed? Try snow drag racing at Royal Mountain Ski Area!
If you’re looking for something with some energy and acceleration, then try Snow Drag Racing.
Royal Mountain Ski Area is hosting Snow Drag Racing on Saturday, February 1, 2020 & Saturday, March 21, 2020. The races take place at Royal Mountain Ski Area, 3072 Route 10, Johnstown, NY 12095. Registration begins at 4:00pm and open until 6:00pm on race days. In addition, information is available at the Snow Drags events page.
Moonlighters Poker Run
The Moonlighters Poker Run is on Saturday, February 22, 2019. This event benefits the Royal Mountain Moonlighters Snowmobile Club. The Poker Run Starts at the Ephratah Rod and Gun Club, 327 State Hwy 67, Ephrath NY. Registration is at the Ephratah Rod and Gun Club at 9:00am and will take place rain, snow or shine! Find out more at the Moon Lighters Poker Run event page.
Think Snow!
Featured image credit to Cliff Oram Photography 2020 and Mohawk Valley Through the Lens.
Enjoy your time outdoors in the Mohawk Valley!
Faculty Student Art Show
January 4, 2020
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
401 Gallery 401 Canal Place,
Little Falls, NY
The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts Faculty Student Art show’s final day is today, January 4, 2020 at 401 Canal Place Little Falls, NY.
Please join us as we celebrate the accomplished Faculty and Student Art Show artists of the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. The show ends January 4th. Many pieces will be for sale!
MVCA proudly features the creative works of our own students and faculty members. Come meet our artists and learn about their artwork and classroom experiences. Many pieces are still for sale.
Free & Open to the Public the show ends Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 with hours from 2 PM – 4 PM
For questions and more information please call (315) 823-0808.
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes and facilitates the arts for residents of the Mohawk Valley. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life by creating opportunities for learning, personal creativity, and artistic expression. Since 1982, Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts (“MVCA”) has worked to be a leader and advocate for these arts through education and promotion of interest and understanding of the arts, thereby advancing appreciation of the arts.
You can find more events near you at Mohawk Valley Today!
The heart of the Mohawk Valley helps those in need
Travel to any city, town or village throughout the Mohawk Valley and you’ll find communities working hard to bring people together. This month, we’ve come across different ways that communities and businesses alike are doing what they can to really show the heart of the Mohawk Valley.
Little Falls 30 Days of Thoughtfulness
Small business owners throughout the City of Little Falls is in the middle of a month-long effort to collect, and in some cases, match donations to help local not-for-profit organizations as we head into the holiday season.
“Our business partners have each selected a not-for-profit to support. At each business location, canisters for your donations & posters about the organization, will be available throughout November.
We are a small, but generous community. Please help us support those organizations who do so much for this community and others.”
– Think Local Little Falls 30 Days of Thoughtfulness Third Thursday brochure
Businesses throughout Little Falls are collected donations to help pets, the local food pantry, community outreach and so many more.
Download the brochure for a list of participating businesses and who they’re sponsoring.
Dolgeville Flood Victims’ Fund
The not-for-profit, Dolgeville Forward, is doing so much to help the victims of the October 31 – November 1 flood. The catastrophic flooding on North Main Street and along the East Canada Creek caused many to leave their homes and everything they owned because of the rising water. Many homeowners are unable to return to their homes because of safety reasons. The excerpt below is from the Dolgeville Forward Go Fund Me page.
To donate to the Dolgeville Flood Victims Fund, go to the Dolgeville Forward Go Fund Me page.
“Over twenty residences were affected, many of them now uninhabitable; several homes will likely be total losses. Residents in flooded homes lost everything in their cellars and garages and on the first floors of their homes. Many homeowners cannot return to their homes and have had to find alternative living arrangements. Several of those affected are renters and resources available to them are scarce. Now, to make things even worse, weather has turned prematurely cold, it is snowing, and most of the homes are not connected to power, natural gas, or water.
Dolgeville Forward, Inc. has established a Go Fund Me page to process donations, which will be deposited in the Dolgeville Forward 2019 Flood Victims’ Fund account for disbursement to flood victims to assist them in recovery.”
– Dolgeville Forward Go Fund Me page
For more information about the flood recovery efforts, visit the Dolgeville Forward Facebook page.
Stuff the Bus at Wakefield Furniture
Wakefield Furniture is kicked off the Stuff the Bus events on Saturday, November 16, at 138 N. Main Street Herkimer, NY.
This annual toy drive gives all of us an opportunity to donate unwrapped toys that will be distributed by local charities to children throughout the Mohawk Valley.
Do you have a story to share about the great things happening the in the Mohawk Valley? Let us know!
Stuff the Bus Toy Drive at Wakefield Furniture in Herkimer
The 12th Annual Fidelis Care Stuff the Bus Toy Drive is kicking off the events this year on Saturday, November 16, at Wakefield Furniture on 138 North Main Street in Herkimer. This annual toy drive has collected over 100,000 toys over the past 10 years to give to local charities. Each year, the collected toys are then given out to kids throughout the Mohawk Valley by the local charities. This annual toy drive has collected over 100,000 toys over the past 10 years! Each year, the collected toys are given out to children throughout the Mohawk Valley by the local charities.
Wakefield Furniture sponsors Stuff the Bus
During a recent stop at Wakefield Furniture, we were happy to talk with John about the Stuff the Bus drive. He told us that he’d just received the Stuff the Bus toy collection box that they had in front of their counter. John told us how happy he was that they were involved in the drive to collect toys for local children.
Order furniture online, get delivery throughout the Mohawk Valley.
While talking with John, we took a few minutes to find out more about their online ordering and delivery. We were excited to hear about their new online ordering feature on their website. In addition to online ordering, Wakefield Furniture offers free delivery for folks that live within 50 miles of Herkimer.
We’ve ordered from Wakefield a number of times, and have always been happy with the furniture, delivery and service. In addition to online ordering, they have a showroom with a variety of furniture on the floor. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the showroom, ask to see their catalogs and you’ll be sure to find what you need.
If you haven’t been to Wakefield Furniture, stop by with a toy to donate to Stuff the Bus and get to know the folks there.
Herkimer Diamonds are easy to find at Fall Hill Bead and Gem
Recently, I had an opportunity to talk with Kim about their new Herkimer Diamond jewelry. I got to browse the many gems, glass beads, and jewelry. What’s great is that Fall Hill Bead and Gem offers so much to Mohawk Valley residents and visitors alike.
Herkimer diamonds jewelry
Fall Hill Bead and Gem has a truly beautiful selection of Herkimer diamond jewelry. Browse the simple wire wraps, Herkimer diamonds set in sterling silver rings, pendants and earrings. In addition, you’ll find expertly crafted one-of-a-kind designs by Adam. It’s easy to get lost in the faceted Herkimer Diamond jewelry, featuring stones cut from their own stock. Their jewelry is made in house in the jewelry studio.
Fall Hill Bead and Gem opened in 2008. Drawn to the area in search of Herkimer Diamonds, Kim and Adam fell in love with Little Falls, NY, moved to the area from Pittsburgh, and decided to open a shop. In order to ensure the best selection, Kim and Adam travel to the Tucson gem show every year. As a result, they bring back handpicked unique crystal and the most beautiful tumbled precious and semi-precious gemstones available.
Create your own jewelry with the Herkimer Diamond beads drilled in-house in the jewelry studio.
Choose from a variety of loose beads like Czech glass, precious gemstones, bone, wood and other natural materials. Most importantly ask Kim about their bead strands and other jewelry making supplies. In addition, you’ll find hemp, leather, satin, elastic cording, as well as finished chains and chain by the foot. Be sure to visit their website at fallhillbeadandgem.com.
While I have a long list of favorite locally owned shops and restaurants throughout the Mohawk Valley, Fall Hill Bead and Gem on West Main Street in Little Falls, NY, is a frequent stop for me. It’s located right next to That Little Place on Main where we love to get a bite to eat, and across the street from Paca Gardens, where I can get what I need to bundle up for the coming winter.
Image by Mohawk Valley Today September Sampler Tonight in Little Falls
Each third Thursday of the month, Little Falls throws itself a party. Tonight, Little Falls is featuring a September Sampler where ticket holders can sample pasta and desserts for $9. The four different types of pasta are from Ruggiero’s Trattoria with Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo, Ed and Bud’s Mushroom Stew over Pasta, the Italian Feast‘s special Spaghetti Sauce over Penne Pasta, and the Travelodge’s Chicken Riggies.
Not only that, you can also enjoy three desserts from Ed’s Pizza featuring a new and yummy Nutella Pizza, Il Caffé‘s famous Chocolate Chip Cookies , That Little Place on Main‘s wonderful Pumpkin Spice Silvers, along with the Meeples Mug House debut of Butterbeer (non-alcoholic cream soda)!
This week has been all about the arts
What a great week we’ve had appreciating the art and talent throughout the Mohawk Valley.
Mohawk Valley Through The Lens
Mohawk Valley Through The Lens Opening had its opening reception in the Cogar Gallery at Herkimer College. It was wonderful to meet Gabe, Cliff and Todd. All of the artists have a talent for capturing the beauty of the Mohawk Valley in their own unique way, showing us all how fortunate we are to be in this place we call home!
Oscar Stivala’s “Evolving”
In Little Falls, Oscar Stivala’s “Evolving” opened a gallery exhibit at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. As a local artist, he works in a variety of media including acrylics, mixed media, wood, and more. There’s so much that we loved about Stivala’s work including the wonderfully creative use of media and color. What a treat!
Arkell Museum
On Thursday, we visited the Arkell Museum which was a perfect way to slow down on an otherwise busy day. The Arkell Museum‘s galleries are home to a wonderful collection including John Singer Sargent, Windslow Homer, Edward Gay, Edmund Tarbell, and so much more.
Mohawk Valley Farms
