Blog
A taxidermy wonderland: The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum in Fulton County
Bob Kazmierski said he has always liked museums.
So, in 2001 he bought a dilapidated, former Grand Union supermarket store in this small, Fulton County hamlet with a leaky roof and set out to build a “first-class” museum of his own.
Today, Kazmierski, 83, is proud owner of The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum, a 14,000-square-foot building “dedicated to the preservation of the art, artifacts and memorabilia of the centuries-old sporting traditions of hunting, fishing and all sports afield — and to foster interest of these traditions to future generations.”
Sacandaga Valley Arts Network Presents “Upstate Waters” Juried Art Exhibition
Sacandaga Valley Arts Network
Promoting The Arts Throughout The Sacandaga Region
303 South Main Street, Northville NY, 12134
ATTN: ARTS AND LIFESTYLE EDITORS
June 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sacandaga Valley Arts Network Presents “Upstate Waters” Juried Art Exhibition
The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) is presenting “Upstate Waters,” a juried art show on display this Summer at SVAN’s Northville Public Library Gallery, at 341 South Third Street in Northville. The exhibition will run from June 21st to September 10th, during regular library hours.
The public is invited to an opening reception at the library on Tuesday, June 22nd from 6 to 8 p.m., where awards will be presented for Best In Show and Honorable Mention. Those viewing the exhibit will also be able to vote for a People’s Choice award.
Jurors selecting the works and awards for the exhibit were regional artists Alexandra Higgins and Rhea Haggart Costello. The works featured can also be viewed online at svanarts.org/libraryexhibitions.
“We are excited to present this special show representing our greatest natural resource, in many of its iterations,” says exhibition organizer and SVAN Board Member Janene Bouck.
The theme of the show is a natural fit for the region, according to Bouck, with the arts organization’s geographic footprint centered on the Sacandaga River Valley, its watershed, and lakes. SVAN promotes visual and performing arts in communities extending from Johnstown in Fulton County to Speculator in Hamilton County.
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CONTACT – Dan Mussman
518-857-2967
Governor Cuomo Announces June 26-27 is Free Fishing Weekend in New York State!
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, is a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State, the second of six Free Fishing Days recognized across the state each year.
“As the school year closes out and the summer officially begins, the timing of New York’s upcoming Free Fishing Weekend couldn’t be better,” Governor Cuomo said. “Whether you’re returning to the angling as an expert, introducing a friend or family member, or casting a line for the very first time, Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity to experience firsthand all the benefits of fishing.”
During designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Participating anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Remaining 2021 Free Fishing Days include National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 25) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York is home to some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the nation and anglers from around the world visit our state’s waters every year in search of their next big catch. I encourage all anglers, from first timers to experts, to take advantage of the upcoming free fishing weekend by casting a line in New York’s waters and experiencing the joy that comes with fishing.”
For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. In addition, DEC recently launched an interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on the DECinfo Locator to provide a one-stop shop for information on stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations.
To improve public safety and encourage visitors to State-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation, DEC recently launched the ‘Love Our New York Lands’ campaign. The campaign is responsive to the steady increase in the number of visitors to state lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade prior, as more and more New Yorkers and visitors from other states and countries discovered the natural beauty of New York State. For details and more information, visit the Love Our New York Lands webpage.
Come join us on the new Fulton County 44 Lakes Craft Beverage Trail!
RIBBON CUTTING FOR FULTON COUNTY 44 LAKES CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 19TH, 11:30AM
Broadalbin NY:
The Fulton County 44 Lakes Craft Beverage Trail will be hosting a trail launch on Saturday, June 19th at 11:00, Great Sacandaga Brewing Company, 3647 NY State Highway 30, Broadalbin.
The ribbon cutting, scheduled for 11:30am will celebrate all four inaugural establishments on the trail: Great Sacandaga Brewing Company, Higher Ground Distilling Company (2513 State Highway 30, Mayfield), Stump City Brewing (521 West Fulton St Ext. Gloversville) and Rogers’ Cideryard, (260 County Highway 131, Johnstown).
Enjoy a proudly crafted NYS craft beer, cider, and spirits from our four inaugural taprooms.
All 4 establishments will be open Saturday. However to celebrate, we have combined our pioneers at 2 locations, with live music and food at Great Sacandaga Brewing Company, and Rogers’ Cideryard.
Schedule of Events:
Great Sacandaga Brewery:
Starting at 11am, live music from Aaron Mitler and Steve Hansen
Live Broadcast from DJ Keller, from 102.7WEQX
11:30am – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Food Trucks: Mak’s Food Truck, and signature items in the taproom kitchen
4pm-7pm Jim McCardle
Great Sacandaga Beer, Higher Ground spirits, Stump city beer and Rogers’ Hard Cider all featured and all available to taste!
Schedule for Rogers’ Cideryard:
Music from Jonathan Blake, 1pm-3pm and Anna Wrabel 3pm-5pm.
2pm-4pm- DJ Keller from 102.7 EQX will be traveling to Rogers’ Cideryard, 260 County Highway 131 in Johnstown.
Rogers’ will have wings, fries, and specialty items available at his kitchen, along with The Brass Monkey‘s food truck on site.
All 4 establishments will be open on all weekend, Saturday, Sunday, and all year long!
Our crafters encourage you to drink responsibly! Glove City Taxi is offering Free Rides, available from 11am-5pm.
Sponsored by: Glove City Taxi, Nathan Littauer Hospital, St. Mary’s Healthcare, and Law offices of Michael Viscosi
To ensure a safe day for all, free designated cabs will be available for attendees site to site on the beverage trail. If you live in Fulton County, you will also be able to get picked up by Glove City Taxi and brought back home. This free service is available on Saturday, June 19th. Please call 518-773-7575 and mention the Beverage Trail for the free service. Tip not included.
Glove City Taxi, Uber, and Lyfts are also available anytime in Fulton County.
Thank you to the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville for hosting our guest DJ Keller from WEQX.
Holiday Inn of Johnstown – Gloversville- a place to relax at the end of a busy day by visiting 308 Prime, the hotel’s restaurant & bar. The staff looks forward to welcome Keller on Saturday.
For more information please visit www.44lakes.com, or email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org
Fulton County Restaurant Week: Saturday June 5th-Friday 11th, 2021
#Fultoncountyrestaurantweek Starts this Saturday, June 5th!!- Tax and Gratuity are not included in the special pricing.
- Dates and Times of places vary, not all establishments are open every day. Please call for reservations, some will require and others are highly suggested.
- Please be mindful of current CDC guidelines. Masks may be required to enter, while walking to table or standing.
- Specials are for Dine-in. Please call restaurant to request take-out. Please no substitutions.
- Not valid with other discounts, coupons, or other promotion.
Dueling and Rationing History Programs Offered
Dueling and Rationing History Programs Offered
by Schoharie Crossing and the Fulton County Historical Society
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and the Fulton County Historical Society and Museum have partnered to provide a two-part presentation program series this month. These programs will be offered for free via Zoom and livestreamed on the Fulton County Museum Facebook page.
On Thursday, May 12th at 6:30pm, David Brooks from Schoharie Crossing will be presenting, “DeWitt’s Duel: Political Rivalry at Ten Paces.” The life of DeWitt Clinton is an interesting exploration into the politics of early America and New York State. Recognized now as the Father of the Erie Canal, New York State Governor and former mayor of New York City, Clinton had tended to personal and political rivalries to accomplish legislative goals. Discover some of the intrigue, wrangling, and dirty politics that lead ultimately to DeWitt’s duel on the plains of Weehawken, New Jersey.
Two weeks later, on Thursday, May 26th at 6:30pm, “Service on the Home Front: Rationing During WWII” presented by Samantha Hall-Saladino, Executive Director of the Fulton County Historical Society will explore how the American people felt the effects of World War II long before they fought in it. When America entered the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it became clear that the creation of a nationwide mandatory rationing program would need to be created. Discover the ways Fulton County residents fulfilled this patriotic duty.
These programs will begin at 6:30pm and are offered for free via Zoom or you can watch live on the Fulton County Museum YouTube page: https://tinyurl.com/FultCoHS. Be sure to like the FCM and Schoharie Crossing on Facebook for more great programs.
For information about this program series, please call the FCHS (518) 725-2203, contact SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit the web page: www.fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town- Walk In the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Cell Phone Tour
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town- Walk In the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Cell Phone Tour
Walk In the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton
https://www.ecstantonhometown.org/cellphone-tour.html
Take an afternoon to enjoy beautiful historical downtown Johnstown. Downtown Johnstown marks the birthplace of the Women’s revolution and suffrage movement pioneer- Elizabeth Cady Stanton. It was a beautiful March Spring day, and in honor of Women’s History Month, I thought it would be a great day to check out the cell phone tour. (https://www.ecstantonhometown.org/)
The tour is narrated by Coline Jenkins, who is the Great Great Granddaughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She narrates the story with such dignity and grace, I would sometimes would press a number twice, just so I could hear the story of that spot again.
The tour starts right on the corner of Market and Main Street in Johnstown, and takes you on a mile tour, allowing you to envision the time when she lived here, went to school here, and brought her ideas of Women’s Equality to life. You call the number 518-406-7081, and from there you will take a journey and walk the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
*Roaming charges may apply, and even though this tour is free, your minutes will be used. You can call the number, listen to the history at the site, then hang up and call back for the next stop.
This map is available at https://www.ecstantonhometown.org/cellphone-tour.html
The 10 stops give you plentiful and interesting information. The stops include: where she was born, her fathers law office, her former school (The Johnstown Academy), the old jailhouse (The Tryon County Jailhouse/Fort Johnstown, James Burk’s Inn (meeting place of the Daughters of the American Revolution), Mrs. Henry’s Boarding House (where Elizabeth and Susan B. Anthony both stayed to write volumes of historical literature for the Women’s Suffrage Movement), The Tryon County/Fulton County Courthouse (stay tuned for details on belated 100th Women’s Suffrage Movement Anniversary celebrations). The stops have nice signs and the tour is easy to navigate. My favorite fact was at Stop 7 at the Tryon County/Fulton County Courthouse. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B Anthony held a rally right here in Johnstown to encourage women to vote for the local school board! Could you imagine, to be alive at this time- 2 pioneers encouraging women to vote!)
Look for these signs along the tour. First and Second stop at Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s birthplace- now Berkshire bank, 51 West Main St.
Inside the bank is a beautiful tribute and artifacts from ECS, sponsored by the ESC Hometown Association.
Stop #4- Tryon County Jail, Fort Johnstown
Stop #5, James Burk Inn
Stop #6- Mrs. Henry’s Boarding House
Stop #7- Tyron County/Fulton County Courthouse. Take some time to read the signs and enjoy sights from the oldest working courthouse in America!
Finishing out the tour, you will move on to the Colonial Cemetery, (the grave site of Elizabeth’s grandparents). The last stops are her former church where she was married (The Scotch Presbyterian Church) and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton marker. Make sure you cross the street into the park to see the plaque, and look up to see the beautiful stone work at St. John’s Episcopal church.
Stop #8- Gate to the Colonial Cemetery
Stop #10- The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Marker
After the tour, it was a perfect time to get a beverage at Second Wind Coffee (FB and Instagram @secondwindcoffee) Shaun has tried many times to get me to try something new, but I can’t stray from the medium latte with coconut milk.
The lattes are perfection, and the coffee is great too. Second Wind also has baked goods and sandwiches. Other great meals are around this area as well. Lunch or Dinner, Downtown Johnstown has wonderful choices.
After your meal, check out the local shops. If you decide to have dinner and the stores are closed, please check them out online.
Downtown Johnstown Restaurants: please call for availability and reservations.
Union Hall Inn: 518-762-3210 https://www.facebook.com/Union-Hall-Inn-Restaurant-151512999285/about/?ref=page_internal
LaPalma Mexican Grill- 518-848-3172 https://www.facebook.com/La-Palma-Mexican-Grill-276960433237322
Vintage Café- 518-762-0030 https://www.facebook.com/Vintage-Cafe-161269773998351
Partners Pub- 518-762-2337 https://www.facebook.com/lanzispartnerspub
Pete’s Snack Bar- 518-762-9074
Hot Dog Hut- 518-762-3678 http://www.hotdoghutcafe.com/
Miss Johnstown Diner- 518-762-1994 https://www.facebook.com/Miss-johnstown-diner-169522306437661
Johnstown Peking In- 518-762-2828 http://www.pekingcorp.com/
Second Wind Coffee- https://www.facebook.com/secondwindcoffee
Market Street Pizza- 518-762-8615 https://www.facebook.com/MarketStreetPizzaJohnstown
Vince’s Pizza and Pasta- 518-736-2828 https://www.facebook.com/Vinces-Pizza-Pasta-250497278295017
Hometown Market- 518-848-3343 https://www.facebook.com/Hometown-Market-211320725627786
Plaid Giraffe- 518-762-1970
Stewart’s Shops – gas and quick food/drinks https://www.facebook.com/YourStewarts
Shopping: The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Association has a Women’s consignment shop on Main Street, called the Sunflower Shoppe, located on 26 West Main Street. The goal of the shop is to help women and their career clothing needs. I have gotten beautiful name brand clothes and shoes. The most I have ever spent on a piece (some with tags still on them!) is $5. Last time I went sweaters were $1 and work tops were FIFTY CENTS. The lovely staff are always ready to help with what you need. Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:30am-4pm Saturday: 10am-1pm https://www.facebook.com/ecssunflowershoppe/
Other stores include:
Mysteries on Main Street- 518-736-2665 https://www.facebook.com/MysteriesOnMainStreet
Something Special- 518-762-1268 https://www.facebook.com/Something-Special-Johnstown-NY-344399882399750
McLemon’s Boutique-
https://mclemonsboutique.square.site/
Toying Around- 518-795-9410 https://www.facebook.com/ToyingAroundJohnstownNY
Studio Herbage Florist- 518-762-7755 https://www.facebook.com/studioherbage
Fisherman’s Supply Christian Bookstore-518-762-3548 https://www.facebook.com/FishermensSupplyChristianBookstore
Indoor Farmer’s Marketplace (opening soon)- 518-902-1633 https://www.facebook.com/indoormarketplace
Green Essentials Naturally- 518-239-2020 https://greenessentialsnaturally.com/
Main Motorcar Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram- 518-762-3183 https://www.facebook.com/MainMotorcar
A&E Sportwear- 518-762-1852
La Villa Dogworks- 518-762-2275 https://www.facebook.com/LaVillaDogWorks
The Game Guys- 518-847-5949 https://www.facebook.com/gameguys1
Roth School of Art (call for classes)- 518-762-3130 https://www.facebook.com/Roth-School-of-Art-137709936242866
Please check out Downtown Business & Professional’s Association Facebook page (@DJBPAssociation) for updates. There are many businesses and professionals ready to safely serve you in Johnstown, and all of Fulton County.
For more historical information: Johnstown Historical Society (https://cityofjohnstown.ny.gov/our-history.html). Our Fulton County Historian, is Samantha Hall-Saladino (http://fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/). Johnson Hall Historic Site (https://parks.ny.gov/historicsites/johnsonhall/details.aspx)
Drumm House (https://www.mohawkvalleyhistory.com/destinations/listing/Drumm-House)
Please visit www.44lakes.com for all the dining and shopping options in Fulton County, or find us on Facebook on Visit Fulton County NY Facebook page.
Have fun in Fulton County! -Anne Boles, Tourism Director
Fulton County 2021 Restaurant Week! Save the Date!
The Fulton County Tourism Department Announces Fulton County 2021 Restaurant Week, requesting local restaurants to participate.
GLOVERSVILLE: The Fulton County Tourism Department Announces Fulton County 2021 Restaurant Week, which will begin on Saturday, June 5th, and end Friday June 11th.
The Tourism Department is requesting restaurants to call the Chamber at 518-725-0641, or email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org to participate for this year’s event. There will also be a post on Facebook, and an email sent directly to the restaurants to requesting participation.
Anne Boles, Director of Tourism Development said: “The inaugural Fulton County restaurant week was March 7th-13th 2020, right before COVID-19 hit. Despite the world changing right after restaurant week ended, it was a successful event, and it was decided that this year will be June 5th-11th. We had over 15 restaurants participate last year and hoping this year will be bigger and better. With this years’ restaurant week being in the summer, participants can also use their outdoor space, and offer their specials via takeout. We are also hoping that visitors who are camping or staying at seasonal rentals take advantage of restaurant week.”
The Fulton County Tourism department will be marketing this event with a multi-media plan including print, digital, and social media platforms and 44lakes.com. A Facebook event will be created in for initial promotion; and as restaurants send in response forms and menus, they will be added to the event page. Menu information should be supplied in as soon as possible, to maximize exposure of your participation in this new event.
The menus will be built around offering three-course dinners featuring an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $25.00 not including tax and gratuity. Participants may also offer lunch specials for $15.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Please contact Anne Boles at tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org for details.
Call to Artists!
The Glove Cities A
rts Alliance (GCAA) is pleased to announce its 2021 Art Walk. This exhibition will feature only the works of artists who live or work in New York’s Fulton, Montgomery and neighboring counties. This art walk will encompass a large portion of the downtown area, with 30 businesses participating thus far.
GCAA is a new Arts Council in Gloversville, serving Fulton and Montgomery counties. Our mission is to help sustain the health and vitality of the arts in our local communities and to create an environment where the arts are accessible by all. We at GCAA believe there is a lot of unseen talent in Fulton and Montgomery counties and we want to help share that with the larger community.
Currently, GCAA is working toward hosting an art walk on Main Street in Gloversville on June 5th. Our goal for this event is to fill business store fronts with works by local artists. We feel this will be an excellent way to showcase the vast amounts of talent in our community, as well as enrich the downtown environment. This event will be heavily publicized through social and local media sources. The opening day of the art walk, June 5th, will be a fun day for all. There will be local musicians playing throughout the downtown area, craftivities for children, AND the Wine and Food Festival!
Art in all media and from any artist within the region is welcome. Pieces selected will hang in the business store fronts of downtown Gloversville.
Artwork will be selected by a curatorial committee from GCAA’s board.
Any artist in the Fulton/Montgomery or neighboring counties are welcome to submit work. There is no submission fee. All works must be submitted by April 30th via email to glovecitiesarts@gmail.com
Artists submissions should include:
Up to 5 images (jpeg) of your strongest works. Please title your images as follows: YourInitials_Title.jpeg Public Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony: Saturday, June 5, 2021 Exhibition Closes: August 5, 2021 Removal of Artwork: August 6-9, 2021
Location: Downtown area, Gloversville, NY For more information about this artwalk and call to artists, please contact glovecitiesarts@gmail.com, or visit our pages on Instagram and Facebook.
Upload images as attachments in the email, not in the text body Have your JPG as close to the resolution of 1920 pixels @ 72dpi on the LONGEST side.
Three dimensional work may have two views A brief description of submitted images. Include the following information: Title, year created, medium, dimensions A brief bio telling us about yourself, as well as your contact information
Eligibility:
All works must be original works of the exhibiting artist.
All entries must be of original design and personal execution.
Nudity Policy:
Due to the wide range of ages and cultures of the guests we anticipate at the art walk, we are not able to accept content that includes frontal nudity or is sexual in theme, or violent content. It is the sole discretion of the GCAA to accept or reject submissions that may fall under these guidelines. It’s possible that there will be more artists submitting works than there are window spaces available. We will do our best to be as inclusive as possible.
Selected Works:
Selection notification and exhibition contracts will be sent by email by May 5, 2021. Shortly thereafter, artists will receive explicit instructions regarding artwork drop-off and setup. Artists will be responsible for coordinating with corresponding businesses to display their artwork.
Selected works must be set up in the assigned display by the evening of Wednesday, June 2nd.
Artists MUST make an appointment with the business they are working with to set up installation time.
Works must be delivered. Mailed pieces will not be accepted.
The Glove Cities Arts Alliance asks a 10% commission on all works sold.
All sales are to be made directly through the artist. Businesses are not to make sales on behalf of the artist unless explicitly instructed to do so, by the artist.
Selected artwork must be suitably framed and ready for installation.
Unsold work must be picked up promptly after the show closes on August 5th. Work that is not collected 60 days after the last day of the show will be forfeited to the Glove Cities Arts Alliance. Pickup dates for this exhibition are to be arranged with the specific business that the artist is working with, by the artist.
Important Dates:
Deadline for submission: April 30, 2021
Notification of acceptance: May 5, 2021
Work to be installed at location: June 1-2, 2021
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town- Lapland Lake, Northville and Lanzis on the Lake
This edition features local author, Emily Juniper. You can find her poetry collections (A Strangely Wrapped Gift, Swim, Things I Learned in the Night) and YA novel (Rafa and the Real Boy) on Amazon.com and other online retailers wherever books are sold. Please visit www.emilyjuniperpoetry.com and follow her current works on Instagram, @by.emilyjuniper
Enjoy her perspective and try the day out for yourself!
A Charming Day in Northville: Lapland, Woods Lake, and More.
by Emily Juniper
I have never been cross-country skiing in my life, but when I was asked if I’d like to try it, I couldn’t say no. A trek with friends through the beautiful Adirondacks after months of quarantine and nothing new or stimulating to do sounded like a dream, and in short, it was.
When my partner and I arrived at Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center (www.laplandlake.com) which is just along the border of the Adirondack State Park–we were greeted by friendly employees clad in brightly colored ski gear, and Finnish music blaring from the speakers of the visitor center (I later found out the founder Olavi Hirvonen, a Finnish-American as well as a former Olympian). Current operators Paul and Kathy Zahray continue the Finnish traditions, as they brought Lapland in 2014 and kept everything the same.
Snow fell gently in the surrounding woods, and there was an air of excitement that comes with trying something new that everyone seems to be enjoying. I felt like I had walked out of quarantine and into a Scandinavian storybook.
After we rented our skis and zipped up our boots–the rentals are very affordable as far as winter recreation goes, and the process was quick and efficient (as well as staff are adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, please see their website for updates and safety initiatives)–we shuffled to the trail across the street and I clipped the toe of my boots into the skis. The “push and glide” motion of crossing-country skiing is definitely harder than it looks, but the trails were packed down and groomed with ski lanes. Within minutes, I felt like I had the hang of it (though if I’m being honest, there were a few five-year-olds metaphorically “skiing” circles around me). Lapland has over thirty-eight kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, many of which are one way, which makes the experience less daunting for newcomers like me. Lapland also has ungroomed trails for the more experienced, snowshoeing, and they offer lessons, day passes, and cabin rentals as well.
Trail to Woods Lake
Since we were beginners, our party decided to tackle the three kilometer loop to Woods Lake and back. The trek was beautiful, peaceful, and exactly what I needed to break the monotony of pandemic fatigue. Even though the center itself was bustling with people, we rarely encountered others on the trail. The trail we took went through a forest of pine trees right to a frozen lake, which we were able to traverse on our skis as well. The air was fresh, we were too busy to look at our phones, and we got a pretty good workout while we were at it.
View at Woods Lake
When we finished the loop and found ourselves back at the rental center, we returned our equipment, and although The food truck outside the building looked tempting, we had already made lunch reservations elsewhere.
Upon leaving Lapland, red-cheeked and invigorated, we headed into Northville (http://www.villageofnorthville.com/about-us/attractions/) , a quaint town in Fulton County on the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake. The town is quiet yet inviting, with Cooperstown-esque small town charm. We went to the Northville Five and Dime Store, which is the oldest operating 5 and 10 store in the U.S. still operating today (http://northville5and10.com/). There was an array of old school ten-cent candies for sale, which I have to admit was almost the highlight of the trip (when is the last time you saw Bazooka gum, Charleston Chews, Atomic Hotballs and Razzles all in the same place? I’m thirty-one, and even I couldn’t resist filling up a bag with my favorites).
Delicious homemade fudge and the penny candy at the Northville 5&10
After the 5 &10, we went to The Flower Barn (https://www.flowerbarnandgifts.com ), which is a lovely mom-and-pop shop featuring fresh flower bouquets, jewelry, unique home decor, and treasures made by local artisans.
Inside The Flower Barn, owned and operated by Bob and Sally Peck
Mondays are a bit quieter in the village, but there are many more stops and restaurants to choose from. Before you head on your way back home, take the time to go across the bridge to visit the family owned and operated stores, art galleries, and restaurants. You’ll be glad you did!
Our final destination was lunch, which we had at Lanzi’s on the Lake, a restaurant and marina on the lakefront (http://www.lanzisonthelake.net/ ). The restaurant is a hit with locals (which is usually a good sign), and as we sat and ate we watched snowmobilers come and go across the lake, stopping into Lanzi’s for a drink or some wings. Admittedly, the restaurant did not have many options for vegetarians that day , but they made up for it with the beautiful lake-side view, and cozy interior where we warmed up, had a drink, and enjoyed a socially-distanced meal out.
Inside the Adirondack Room – Lanzi’s on the Lake
Lunch views at Lanzi’s on the Lake
By the time we were heading back home to Albany, I was already asking my partner when she wanted to go back to Lapland to try snowshoeing and take a similar foray around the town. All in all, we experienced everything you could want in a day out–fresh air, exercise, good food, warm company, beautiful views, and a little something to take home to remember it all by. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone looking to get out this winter (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), and it was more than worth the hour drive.
*****
Emily Juniper is an LGBTQ+ writer and author from upstate New York. She is an advocate for animal rights and mental health in teens and young adults, particularly OCD awareness. You can find her poetry collections (A Strangely Wrapped Gift, Swim, Things I Learned in the Night) and YA novel (Rafa and the Real Boy) on Amazon.com and other online retailers wherever books are sold.