Out and about in the Mohawk Valley - Page 4 of 5

December’s festive holiday events

December 11, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

A number of festive Mohawk Valley events are happening this coming week. Make the time and venture out to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family.

The Ultimate Christmas Show

Beginning on December 12th, the Wilde Rep Theater will present its production of “The Ultimate Christmas Show Abridged“. Located at 12 Genesee Street in New Hartford, this funny and irreverent show is fun for all. Have fun tapping out tunes and singing along with the cast, Jim Drake, Emily Inman and Natalie Nolan. Most of all, this production has a little something for everyone and is sure to have you laughing in spite of yourself.

After that and across the river in Rome, you can visit the Annual Arts Legacy Exhibition on Friday. This exhibit is located at the Reach Center on 205 W. Dominick Street. Enjoy the historic and current works of local artists who have played important roles in shaping the Mohawk Valley arts community. Also, the exhibition is free and open to the public.

Christmas in Little Falls

Treat yourself and loved ones to the 12th Annual Christmas in Little Falls Celebration on Saturday, December 14th. Christmas in Little Falls is a city-wide event set in the beautifully historic downtown. Enjoy many FREE events in a family-friendly environment. There’s certainly plenty of shopping, dining alone with a spectacular indoor farmers’ market and craft fair. Christmas in Little Falls is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

Main Street, Little Falls, NY | Mohawk Valley Today — Christmas in Little Falls, Little Falls, NY

Also visit the historic Stone Mill Inn at Canal Place in Little Falls for their Holiday Open House. First, try some of the complimentary light refreshments. Then visit the inviting accommodations and relaxing light-touch studio. Be sure to check out the specials and free drawing.

Enjoy the Sounds of the Season at the Herkimer Holiday Concert

The String Orchestra of NYC will perform their Holiday Concert on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Robert McLaughlin College Center Sarkus-Busch Theater. This concert is part of the Robert H. Wood Great Artists Series. It is free and open to the public, on behalf of the Herkimer County College Foundation.

Ilion Holiday Hoopla

On Friday, December 13th, gather in the village of Illion for the Annunciation tree lightening at 5:30pm followed by a Winter Wonderland Dance from 6-9pm. Then on Saturday, December 14, the Ilion Holiday Hoopla begins at 9 AM throughout the village. Have fun at the activities, performances, crafts, food, specials, and more.

This is just a taste of the many events happening this holiday season. Be sure to check out the Mohawk Valley Today Events page to find more seasonal events near you.

The Garden Bug Holiday Open House | Amsterdam, NY | Mohawk Valley Today

The Garden Bug’s Holiday Open House kicks off new hours now until Christmas

November 17, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

On November, 8, we visited The Garden Bug in Amsterdam, NY, for their Holiday Open House . The entire shop was beautifully decorated and offered a warm welcome on a chilly evening. As soon as you walk in the door, the wonderful spices draw you in while the staff offer friendly greetings.

The Garden Bug | Amsterdam, NY | Mohawk Valley Today — The main entrance to The Garden Bug in Amsterdam, NY.

The entire shop is ready for visitors and holiday shoppers alike. Each room showcases a wide variety of holiday decoration items, home goods, furniture and warm fuzzy blankets. You’ll also find fresh-baked pies, locally produced NY State Maple syrup, and an assortment of sweet treats that certainly tempt all who pass by.

Be sure to go all the way to the back room where you’ll find a relaxing place to sit and a warm fire in the stove. During the Open House, we enjoyed live holiday music, hot cocoa and cake that truly hit the spot. The folks at the Garden Bug really did help make us feel welcome and at home!

If you missed the Holiday Open House at the Garden Bug – not to worry! The Garden Bug is now open every day until Christmas! Be sure to stop in and see what they have for you this year!

The Garden Bug | Amsterdam, NY | Mohawk Valley Today -1

If you have a special event at your locally owned business in the Mohawk Valley, let us know.

Stuff the Bus Toy Drive at Wakefield Furniture | Herkimer NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Stuff the Bus Toy Drive at Wakefield Furniture in Herkimer

November 13, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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.

Wakefield Furniture | Herkimer, NY | Mohawk Valley Today

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

November 7, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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 | Herkimer Diamonds, Gem, Beads| Little Falls, NY | Mohawk Valley Today

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.

Mohawk Valley Through the Lens Exhibit at Herkimer College | Mohawk Valley Today

This week has been all about the arts

May 11, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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!

Mohawk Valley Through The Lens at the Cogar Gallery, Herkimer College

Oscar Stivala Evolving Exhibit Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts | Mohawk Valley Today

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.

The Table at Fort Plain celebrates seven years in the Mohawk Valley

May 4, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

Recently, we had an opportunity to sit with Chef Aaron and learn more about The Table at Fort Plain and how he got started.

Chef Aaron at The Table at Fort Plain | Mohawk Valley Today

Chef Aaron graduated high school in Fort Plain and went on to study culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, before moving on to restaurant operations at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Whenever Aaron came back to the area, he found himself traveling to either Albany or Utica for dinners. He also visited a lot of the Amish auctions and found great produce. Out of that, he saw an opportunity to create a casual dining experience midway between Albany and Utica. Aaron then went to work creating a destination in the Mohawk Valley.

A dining destination from Albany to Utica and everywhere in between

The Table at Fort Plain offers a menu that draws dinner guests from Albany, Schenectady, Cooperstown, Utica and beyond. Using the best locally sourced ingredients in the Mohawk Valley, The Table has a reputation for a wonderfully varied menu in a casual dining experience.

“We only buy choice meat and have a lot of interesting fish, especially in the summer. People come back to The Table as a destination, which has worked out really well for us.”

“It’s a nice drive for a lot of people it’s just beautiful when you come down. Another thing, is about once or twice a month we’ll get, ‘I’m from Albany and my sister or friend is from Utica and The Table is the perfect location for us to meet,’ which is great.”

Each time we have visited The Table at Fort Plain, our dining experience has exceeded expectations.

The menu is always creative and offers opportunities for us to enjoy produce from throughout the Mohawk Valley. The Table’s staff are friendly, experienced and absolutely excellent at what they do. Each menu item offers a chance to experience the food of the valley in a very comfortable setting. Chef Aaron and his team create a menu and place for you so that you can enjoy your dining experience every time you sit down at The Table. Read more about The Table in The Daily Gazette’s recently published article highlighting this great Mohawk Valley restaurant.

The Table at Fort Plain | Mohawk Valley Today — Sautéed Chicken, parrpadelle pasta with Grilled ramp and Beer Battered Haddock over Pommes Gaufrette

The Table at Fort Plain is open Wednesday through Saturday, 5pm to closing. Chef Aaron is offering a special Mother’s Day dinner and menu, so be sure to call during regular business hours (518) 993-8065 and reserve a table.

Retro Ruby's Photography Herkimer NY | Mohawk Valley Today

From Herkimer to Canajoharie and plenty of places in between

April 14, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

Canal Side Inn Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Mohawk Valley Today places to go

We had a great week beginning with photos at the The Café at Stone Mill and Canal Side Inn both located in Canal Place in Little Falls. Also on our list was taking photos at Retro Ruby’s Photography on N. Main Street in Herkimer. Taking photos here was a ton of fun as there are some really awesome sets and photo props that just made our time there a blast.

Dr. Bob Albrect as the English Professor in A Biologist, English Professor, and Psychologist Walk Into a Bar...

A Biologist, English Professor, & Psychologist Walk Into a Bar…

This One City, One Book event, was one that we didn’t want to miss! We arrived early and enjoyed a very nice meal at Ruggiero’s Trattoria. Once the event started, everyone knew they were in for a treat. Ruggiero’s hosted a great crowd and we were happy to gather with friends while discovering more about the book and each other.

Out and About in St. Johnsville, Canajoharie, & Fort Plain

Starting on Route 5, we headed to St. Johnsville for Parkside Drive Inn. We were so happy about Parkside’s season opening and couldn’t pass up their signature salad. On to Canajoharie, we had an opportunity to talk with Dorine about Picture Perfect Fine Art Gallery and how they do on-site framing at their location on Erie Blvd.

On Canal Street in Fort Plain

Chef Aaron’s garlic and cheddar grits with sautéed mushroom and spinach.
The mushrooms include shiitake, oyster and beech mushrooms, for a delicious vegetarian dish.

In Fort Plain, we stopped in to say “Hi!” to Rebecca at Highwheeler Coffee and were thrilled to be able to chat over the best freshly ground coffee that just hit the spot. While there, we had a chance to talk with Chef Aaron at The Table at Fort Plain. Chef Aaron and his team are already planning for Mother’s Day. Chef Aaron shared with us about how people throughout the Mohawk Valley go to The Table as a destination. Because Fort Plain is midway between Albany and Utica, many travel to The Table at Fort Plain to meet with friends and family while enjoying a delicious meal made from the best locally sourced ingredients.

We’re out and about every week and look forward to meeting you in our travels through the Mohawk Valley.

Cover photo was taken by G. Rogers at Retro Ruby’s Photography in Herkimer, NY.

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

Happy 5th Anniversary
to That Little Place on Main!

March 31, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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.

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.”

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

March 28, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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.

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.

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!

Joyfuls Vintage Designs Little Falls NY | Mohawk Valley Today

A wonderfully busy week in Little Falls

March 17, 2019/in Mohawk Valley News, Out and about in the Mohawk Valley

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

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

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

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

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!