Happy 5th Anniversary
to That Little Place on Main!

For five years now, Tara, Gary, Marshall and Taylar, have created “that little place” where local folks and visitors alike enjoy breakfast, lunch, pies, and so much more. When you walk in the door, you’re welcomed into the heart of their family-run diner where they provide the best food, made from the best ingredients in the area. You’ll hear the sizzling on the grill, smell the coffee brewing, and while you listen to the old time music, you’ll be in the middle of an experience they’ve created to make you feel right at home. You know that when you walk in the door, you’re in the right place at the right time.

That Little Place on Main 5th Year Anniversary | Mohawk Valley Today
Tara and Gary

This year marks their fifth anniversary at That Little Place on Main and they have so much to celebrate.

With Marshall at his side, Gary has perfected the process of letting the flavor of the food he prepares really come through. He wants the locally sourced ingredients he uses to speak for themselves. From the moment produce and ingredients are sourced, special attention is given to freshness for optimum flavor.

Not only are the meals delicious, the service is friendly and warm.

Notes on tables in the booths left by customers share the many thanks and and great times had by all. After five years, Gary’s favorite thing about the diner is “the community that is created here, the stories told over the counter, and the people…the people.”

That Little Place on Main 5th Year Anniversary | Mohawk Valley Today

Five years is a milestone of success for any business, and That Little Place on Main has achieved this with plenty of momentum. Their focus on home-cooked meals, served in a friendly atmosphere, has proved to be a winning formula for Tara, Gary, Marshall and Talyar, as well as anyone who walks in the door. 

Be sure to stop by That Little Place on Main and congratulate Gary and Tara, and Taylar and Marshall, too, on their fifth year of serving Little Falls.

Always ask about the day’s specials as you are sure to be in for a treat. Check out the pies on the counter and grab the carrot cake when you can. Their cinnamon swirl pancakes are always a hit.

John and Emily at That Little Place on Main
John Krasinski and Emily Blunt at That Little Place on Main for breakfast!

Visit Maple Weekend Sugar House

It was our first visit to a Sugar House, and to be honest, we didn’t know what to expect.  One thing for sure, a lot of time, energy and effort goes into making one of the most wonderfully natural food products available.

Maple Weekends Mud Road Sugar House

This past weekend, we met the folks at Mud Road Sugar House in Ephratah, NY, who have been making maple syrup for over 30 years. This family business has grown and improved over the years with upgrades to the process including more efficient evaporators, reverse osmosis systems, improved filtering equipment, and more efficient sap collection and storage.

The traditional image of collecting sap from maple trees uses metal buckets that hang on the sides of the trees. Stepping back in time, wagons pulled by horses used to transport the sap to the sugar house. Once there, boiling off the water in the sap was an around the clock operation in order to produce the syrup. 

Modern improvements today offer the ability to collect larger quantities of sap, faster boiling times, and increased production. Mud Road Sugar House has been through the evolution of maple syrup production and continues to improve their processes. Their focus is on quality syrup, available in a variety of grades, yielding an exceptional maple syrup and maple syrup products. 

Maple Weekends Mud Road Sugar House

We really enjoyed the tour of the sugar house, listened intently as the process was explained and we sampled freshly produced maple syrup on pancakes, as well as specialty products like maple mustard, and maple syrup that has been stored in oak whiskey barrels for a wonderfully unique flavor.

Visiting an operating sugar house during New York State’s Annual Maple Weekend is just another reason why we love living in the Mohawk Valley. We recommend going out to see the process for yourself during the upcoming Maple Weekend. We think you will enjoy visiting any one of these wonderful locations while they’re producing the local maple syrup we all love.

Here are the maple producers participating in NYS Maple Weekend in the Mohawk Valley:

Mud Road Sugar House

Frasier’s Sugar Shack,

Brower Road Sugar House,

Millers Mills Maple,

Buck Hill Maple Farm,

Two Saps Syrup and

Maple Hill Farm

Be sure to visit a Maple Weekend Sugar House events happening at locations throughout the Mohawk Valley during NYS Maple Weekends!

You may also like Is it too soon to make Maple Syrup?, and How to identify maple trees to make your own maple syrup.

Mohawk Valley History and Tourism

Explore Mohawk Valley History through its museums and historical societies.

A wonderfully busy week in Little Falls

This past Friday, we found ourselves having a busy day–which was great!

Little Falls Historical Society Museum Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Little Falls Historical Society Museum

At the Little Falls Historical Society Museum, we met with folks to talk about their website at littlefallshistoricalsociety.org. This busy group of local historians are truly a joy to work with.

This photo offers a sneak peak of the the museum’s new 2019 exhibit on the Prohibition Era.

Rusty Nail Grill and BBQ Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Rusty Nail Grill & BBQ

Our next stop was the Rusty Nail Grill & BBQ just 5 minutes up SR 169 outside of Little Falls. It was such a nice visit and we were happy to see all of the work they’ve done on the dining areas to make folks feel right at home.

Ruggiero's Trattoria Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Ruggiero’s Trattoria

In preparation for Restaurant Week in Little Falls, we were happy to stop by Ruggiero’s Trattoria and welcome them to Mohawk Valley Today. We’re so looking forward to the city-wide event and all of the great food being offered by local restaurants.

Joyfuls Vintage Designs Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Joyfuls Vintage Designs

While driving down Main Street we passed Joyfuls Vintage Designs and wound up circling around to find a parking spot so we could stop in. Inside is a wonderful selection of shabby chic designs creatively done by Joy. We had a great time and were so glad we stopped by.

Meeples Mug House Sprinkles | Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Meeples Mug House

There’s been a lot of talk about Meeples Mug House in Little Falls for the past few weeks. We were delighted to stop by and meet Matt who was hard at work getting ready for their opening day. We love their idea of bringing friends and community together while having fun playing games, drinking coffee, and having a bite to eat.


Thanks so much for a great week! We love when folks let us know what businesses we need to go to and meet, so if your favorite locally owned business needs to be on Mohawk Valley Today, let us know!

Our week in Little Falls and Herkimer

This past week we started getting out and about in Little Falls, NY, going to Il Caffé on Main Street, where we had something warm to drink along with other folks enjoying the sunny day.

Renewed and Rescued Herkimer NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Renewed and Rescued

We were so glad to have met the owner of Renewed and Rescued at 142 N. Main Street in Herkimer, located in what was a department store. We got to look around in all of the wonderful spaces featuring small furniture, home decor, Prima transfers, Dixie Belle paint, vintage glass, collectibles, and so much more. We were happy to take photos and to find something for our own home.

Wakefield Furniture Herkimer NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Wakefield Furniture

Our next stop was Wakefield Furniture where we were greeted warmly as they were getting ready for their Grand Opening. Wakefield Furniture is also located in a renovated department store right next store at 138 North Main Street. We love that Wakefield Furniture is locally owned and offers free delivery to many locations throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church LIttle Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

We headed back to Little Falls where we met with Adam at Emmanuel Episcopal Church to find out more about the church and the many services it offers the local community. Everyone was so gracious and we loved learning so much about the church, ongoing renovations at the Rectory, and the church’s history in Little Falls.

That Little Place on Main LIttle Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today-3

That Little Place on Main

While driving through Little Falls on the way to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, we were thrilled to see That Little Place on Main’s sandwich board announcing Friday night baked or fried haddock dinners were being served.


All of this to say, we ended our day with a delicious Haddock Dinner where lots of folks had the same idea. We were quite content to be in the midst of this diner’s happy atmosphere and finished the day with Carrot Cake to take home. (We were admittedly full from the delicious dinner, but couldn’t pass up Gary’s Carrot Cake!)

Early March upcoming events on Mohawk Valley Today

March in the Mohawk Valley is starting off with some great events that will get you out and about!

4th Annual Student/Teacher Art Show at
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts

The 4th Annual Student/Teacher Art Show at Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is ongoing through March 8th. This Art Show features art work from both students and teachers and is organized by art educators in Herkimer County schools. Stop by while you can to see the artwork by teachers and students throughout Herkimer County.

MVCA Art Show | Mohawk Valley Today-1

14th Annual Nellis Tavern Antique Show & Sale

On Saturday, March 2 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, be sure to stop by the The 14th Annual Antique Show & Sale presented by the Palatine Settlement Society at the Arkell Museum. All proceeds go to the restoration and continued preservation of the 1747 Nellis Tavern and School House #8 of St. Johnsville, NY.

Herkimer County Relay For Life Team Meetings

On Tuesday, March 5th, is the first of several Herkimer County Relay For Life Team Meetings in preparation for the Herkimer County Relay For Life Event coming in June to Little Falls. Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Open Mic Night at Highwheeler Coffee

Highwheeler Coffee’s Open Mic Night on March 5 starting at 6:30. This is a fun event where local musicians share their talents with the Mohawk Valley community. Stop by, enjoy the music, and encourage those stepping up to the mic as they share their love for music.

If you know of a Mohawk Valley event that we need to include? Let us know!

Visits with locally owned businesses in Canajoharie, and more

Getting out and about in the Mohawk Valley is something we love to do. Visiting the locally owned businesses, meeting new people, and enjoying all the Mohawk Valley has to offer. We appreciate all the small businesses that add to the unique charm and personality of each town and village.

This week we began at Olivia’s Happy Tails in Herkimer NY. Our Jack Russell, Jack, always enjoys visiting Olivia’s for his “Spa” day.

Everyone at Olivia’s Happy Tails just loves caring for and looking after all the pets they see. Jack is well cared for and loved by the staff.  Our thanks to Colleen and her team for all they do! Jack really does appreciate you, too!

Next we headed to make some stops in Canajoharie, NY. Made a slight detour on the way and stoped at Highwheeler Coffee in Fort Plain, NY. We just love visiting Highwheeler Coffee and especially like to sit at the counter and watch “the magic happen” as the staff prepare the wonderfully varied, and delicious coffees. After enjoying a latte, Chai, and the Creamy Onion and Potato Panchetta, we thanked Becca for creating a peaceful setting to enjoy a few quiet moments and good conversation!

We continued along State Route 5S to Canajoharie.

As we came into town we visited with Picture Perfect Art Gallery and Framing.

This shop highlights local artists, and provides framing services to frame “just about anything.” The walls and display cabinets are full of beautiful artworks from Mohawk Valley artists. We met with one of the owners and we will soon have their listing up on Mohawk Valley Today.

Our last stop was to Lee’s Shops at Wagner Square on Church Street in Canajoharie.

When we walked in the door we felt the magic of Christmas! There is so much to see, experience, and find at Lee’s Shops. We soon realized we “needed” some Christmas decorations and found just what we were looking for! Having said that, this is a great place for grandparents of young children to come and explore. There are plenty of options available to share with grandchildren. We had a great time wandering through the shops and speaking with the owner Janet. Always a pleasure. You won’t leave empty handed!

Looking forward to our next venture in the Mohawk Valley and getting together with the Canal Side Inn, The Inn and Stone Mill, and the Cafe at Stone Mill very soon!

Picture Perfect Art Gallery and Framing | Canajoharie, NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Places to go and people to see in the Mohawk Valley

Think Local Little Falls and Main Street First

This past week we attended the Think Local Little Falls and Main Street First meetings which included meeting visitors from the Friends of St. Johnsville. Both meetings were great with an emphasis on the year’s upcoming activities and events. Think Local Little Falls has lots planned for February’s Third Thursday, so be sure to check out the events page.

While in Little Falls…

We also visited That Little Place on Main where folks were enjoying lunches and we were savoring the sausage soup that really hit the spot. While at Rochette in the 410 Collective we checked out new items and displays while Huckleberry Letterpress was busy making pencils.

Little Falls Historical Society Museum

We also spent some time at the Little Falls Historical Society Museum where members were busy working on new exhibits, archiving and so much more. Together, we added new events and news items to their website. A lot is planned for the upcoming season including new exhibits and an expanded Sports Wing. We’re really looking forward to the museum’s opening in May.

In Fort Plain…

On Valentines Day, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner complete with a delicious dessert at The Table at Fort Plain. We really enjoyed the evening and seeing everyone at The Table.

Yesterday, we stopped in at Highwheeler Coffee for a couple of Chai Lattes and enjoyed chatting with folks on our way to Amsterdam.

New additions to Mohawk Valley Today

On Mohawk Valley Today, we’ve added a number of new events as well as full-page listings for Preserve Our Past and the Little Falls Public Library. If you’d like to see a Mohawk Valley locally owned business or event on our site, let us know!

A visit to West Main Street in Little Falls, NY

Out and about in the Mohawk Valley: A visit to West Main Street in Little Falls, NY

With the holidays fast approaching we had several errands to run and gifts to get for friends and family. Like most busy folks, we wanted to consolidate and try to accomplish several things in one stop. A visit to West Main Street in Little Falls, NY was just what we needed.

Our first stop was to Fall Hill Bead and Gem.

This truly is a special gem here in the Mohawk Valley. Fall Hill Bead and Gem is packed with specially crafted jewelry along with many gems and stones for your own creations. With that, wander in and explore all the wonders they have inside. Kim and Adam not only helped us re-size a ring, they also showed us some of their newest items.

Next, we visited with Terry and Andy at Paca Gardens.

Our goal was to take some photos to list Paca Gardens in Mohawk Valley Today. Terry showed us some of the lovely Alpaca Sweaters, jackets, scarfs and more – inviting us to “touch everything.”  New to knowing anything about Alpaca, Terry showed us some pictures her Alpacas, and taught us about the unique qualities and benefits and Alpaca products. With all of the beautiful Alpaca items they carry, we found some great gifts for family members. Their stock of products are just beautiful, soft and oh so tempting! 

An introduction to Tang Soo Do of Central New York.

While at Paca Gardens, Andy introduced us to his friend,Mike Molinaro, of Tang Soo Do of Central New York. Master Michael A. Molinaro is founder, owner, and chief instructor of Tang Soo Do of Central New York. Mike invited us to his training studio to learn more about the classes offered and take some pics to add to Mohawk Valley Today!

Time for Lunch – That Little Place On Main

After all this activity, we needed to refuel. We already love going to That Little Place On Main. As always, Tara and Gary provided the perfect meal along with some great conversation. We wish we could have stayed longer! If you stop by That Little Place on Main, be sure to ask about their delicious pies.

Mohawk Valley Today Out and About

September has been a busy month at Mohawk Valley Today!

We’ve been out and about every week this past month. We started with Tony Crossfit PSE on Main Street in Little Falls just prior to his Grand Opening. After taking photos, we got to hear what is being offered at Crossfit PSE. With a number of membership options available, there’s sure to be something for everyone, no matter the skill level.

The Pleasant Lake Inn, Stratford, NY

After we met with Tony, we took a bit of a drive to see the folks at the Pleasant Lake Inn. While we were there, we treated ourselves to a great meal as we chatted with the manager, Gail. The Pleasant Lake Inn has a special place in our hearts as Jim’s parents owned it back in the 70s. Whenever we go there, it feels like another home.

So much is going on in Little Falls!

Bonita’s Sandwich Chef came highly recommended and is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Needless to say, we were very happy to meet Bonita and the team at Sandwich Chef. Take some time to enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and delicious food served with a warm smile.

Brainstorming with the Little Falls Not for Profit Coalition

On Sep 11th, we met with the Little Falls Not For Profit Coalition. We joined their meeting to brainstorm ideas for an online presence for event and volunteer management. Thanks so much to Judy Wolf for inviting us, as well as the folks from Little Falls Rotary, Women Christian Association, Preserve Our Past, and the Little Falls Micro Fund. We really enjoyed getting to know everyone and learning how the coalition serves Little Falls.

Our next culinary stop was the Happy Waffle on Main Street Little Falls. This is such a delightful place with a positive, upbeat vibe – and the food is great! We really enjoyed learning about Happy Waffle, all of their events, and all that they offer the community.

Discover the history of Little Falls

We initially met Pat and Jeff of the Little Falls Historical Society Museum at a Main Street Little Falls meeting. This museum is a true treasure in Little Falls with informative, educational and interactive exhibits about the rich history of Little Falls, it’s residents, and the surrounding area.

Pohlig’s on Main Street has a rich history of its own serving the Little Falls community since 1888. We stopped in and met Bob at Pohlig’s where he shared with us all the home improvement products and services offered. With over 60 years of experience Pohlig’s can help you with whatever your home improvement needs from paint, wallpaper, flooring, vinyl carpeting, and window treatments.

One-stop Wellness Shop

Our most recent addition to Mohawk Valley Today is the Fitness Farmacy located at 441 West Main Street in Little Falls above the Ace Hardware store. Owners Krista and Sean showed us around their beautiful facility with over 8,000 square feet of space for fitness training, classes and events. Fitness Pharmacy offers classes for kids and adults, along with Nutrition and Therapeutic Massage services.

Many thanks to everyone we met with. We appreciate your time and enthusiasm for what we’re doing together!