REGION LIVING
2020 PEOPLE PLACES
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Colonie Center photographed by Francesco D’Amico
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Richard Pérez-Feria
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THEY’RE BACK! THE ‘BESTIES’ ARE HERE AGAIN
Colonie Center won best mall/ shopping center in this year’s Besties; read about all the top Capital Region malls on page 10.
Besties season is back, Capital Region! Our ultimate, annual, comprehensive survey, spanning all 11 counties of the area, saw thousands of Upstate New Yorkers submit ballots between NovemberDecember 2019, writing in their votes for “best of” in categories ranging from pet spa and radio sportscaster to Bloody Mary and Indian cuisine.
In this issue, we reveal the Besties winners for the people and places categories, and the results truly showcase the diversity of venues, services and shops—and the amazing talent—the Capital Region has in its orbit.. Be sure to flip through the Besties section (pages 1237) to meet all the winners and runners up.
But that’s not all, folks. On page 9, we predict the Besties winners of the future; on page 10, we salute Capital Region malls (they’re actually thriving!); and on page 38, we travel back in time to the Catskills’ glory days via the Grateful Traveler’s stay at the Shandaken Inn. And as always, you can find a truly unforgettable story by perennial Bestie winner John Gray on the back page. The best news of all? Another Besties issue is on its way: Be sure to pick up the May issue of CAPITAL REGION LIVING, available on April 30, for the grand reveal of the winners of our food and drink categories. We’re getting hungry (and thirsty) just thinking about it.
—The Editors
Bubbling under...
UP FRONT
Are These Future ‘Bestie’ Winners? (We Think So!)
» NewsChannel 13’s Allison Finch and Adirondack Axe lead the pack. «
We set out to identify some people and places that might make future Bestie winners around the Capital Region. Here’s what we came up with.
NEWSCHANNEL 13’S ALLISON FINCH
Allison Finch began as a part-time weather anchor at NewsChannel 13 in January. At press time, she’s in her last semester at the University at Albany, where she’s studying atmospheric science and mathematics. You can watch
her forecasts on Thursdays at noon and Sunday mornings.
ADIRONDACK AXE
870 U.S. 9, Queensbury
Adirondack Axe opened last December and offers guests the opportunity to (safely) engage in the sport of axe throwing. Book an hour-long open throwing session for 1-4 people or schedule a group session by appointment.
UNION HALL SUPPLY CO.
437 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Union Hall Supply Co., one of Saratoga’s only menswear
shops, opened its doors in summer 2019 and offers a selection of classic but trendy clothing—from brands such as Alchemy Goods, Tailor Vintage and Alternative Tees— that have a “lived in” feel.
HEATHER’S NATURALS
432 Franklin Street, Schenectady
Heather’s Naturals is a dream for beauty and skincare lovers. Its products include a variety of organic cosmetics, as well as CBD-infused items and beauty supplements.
BY MORGAN FECHTER
BRITCHES OF TROY
216 River Street, Troy
Britches of Troy is a new menswear shop that opened in October 2019, offering trendy and affordable apparel for the fashion-conscious man. Customers can book appointments for personalized styling sessions.
NewsChannel 13’s Allison Finch
Union Hall Supply Co.
Britches of Troy
Adirondack Axe
Heather’s Naturals
BACK TO THE MALL
The Capital Region’s malls are surviving—and thriving!
BY NATALIE MOORE
PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANCESCO D’AMICO
Wherever it is you might live in America, the doom and gloom surrounding the onceglamorous shopping mall is almost unavoidable. While malls were all the rage after World War II, when many Americans were moving from cities to the suburbs— and reached an apex in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s—several decades later, they appear to be on their way out.
But the national trend doesn’t seem to apply to us here in the Capital Region. Exhibit A: Albany’s Crossgates Mall, which has been in reinvention mode in recent years. “The concept of ‘mall’ is actually undergoing a healthy natural selection where only the strongest, fittest and most diversified survive,” says Crossgates’ Marketing Director Jennifer Smith. “That’s why Crossgates has continued to be so strong and successful as a thriving shopping, dining and entertainment travel and tourism destination.” Indeed, over the past few years the Capital City mall has opened a string of new attractions—including live music venue Skyloft, the FunnyBone Comedy Club and the world-renowned Spa Mirbeau—rather than closing them.
Another area mall that’s bucking the trend? The 2020 Bestie-winning Colonie Center. It’s doing so by creating lasting relationships with its shoppers, says Marketing and Business Development Manager Marissa McCarren. “Colonie Center isn’t just a place to come and shop,” she says. “It’s a place where you create memories with your friends and family members.” Here are five area malls—including the two listed above— that are finding creative ways to thrive in the era of online shopping.
CROSSGATES MALL
Conveniently located right off of the Northway (it even has its own exit!), Crossgates Mall has certainly increased its offerings to include stores, restaurants and attractions found nowhere else in the Capital Region (see: the Apple Store).
WHAT’S HOT: All In Adventures Escape Room, Dave & Busters, Spa Mirbeau, Lego, Yogibo, Texas De Brazil, Skyloft, Apex Entertainment, FunnyBone Comedy Club
COLONIE CENTER
(from top) Crossgates Mall is home to many stores, restaurants and attractions found nowhere else in the Capital Region; Spa Mirbeau has quickly become a Crossgates hotspot; (opposite) Colonie Center is the Capital Region’s oldest enclosed shopping mall.
Big things are happening at Colonie Center, the Capital Region’s first enclosed shopping mall (it opened in 1966) and winner of the 2020 Bestie Award for best mall or shopping center. It recently welcomed the arcade Pac-Man Zone and has announced plans to open an REI, which would be Upstate New York’s first.
WHAT’S HOT: L.L. Bean, Heroes Hideout, Cheesecake Factory
VIA|PORT ROTTERDAM
When typical mall attractions just weren’t cutting it, VIA|Port Rotterdam changed things up, introducing VIA Aquarium, the Capital Region’s lone aquarium, offering 37 exhibits, including immersive tunnel tanks. Now, the mall is a destination for school field trips and families from all over Upstate New York.
WHAT’S HOT: Via Entertainment, Tribes Hill Heritage Center, Schenectady Theatre For Children
CLIFTON PARK CENTER
A 2019 article in Curbed NY argued that “[the malls] that are thriving are… [offering] a hybrid retail experience, now centered on food rather than fashion.” A local example is Clifton Park Center, which has expanded outward to offer door-todoor shopping and has opened a wide variety of restaurant options.
WHAT’S HOT: Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Buffalo Wild Wings
WILTON MALL
When you think of mall food, you think of greasy food court pizza, Chinese food and huge pretzels. While the Wilton Mall does boast an Auntie Anne’s, it’s also home to greener fare: Healthy Living is a yearround hotspot, while the Saratoga Farmers’ Market makes its winter home there.
WHAT’S HOT: Healthy Living, Bow Tie Cinemas, BJs Wholesale Club, Planet Fitness
Besties CAPITAL REGION LIVING
PEOPLE AND PLACES
CULTURE
ART GALLERY
Albany Institute of History & Art
125 Washington Avenue, Albany
Founded in 1791, this museum is one of the oldest in the US, and it’s our region’s storehouse for 35,000 objects, from paintings and sculpture to clothing and furniture. The elegant gallery of Hudson River School paintings is a favorite with visitors. Regional artists are showcased, too.
Albany Center Gallery
488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany
The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
CMOST (Children’s Museum of Science & Technology)
250 Jordan Road, Troy
Live snakes, rabbits, owls and lizards, anyone? Toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school-age kids have fun in Dino Discovery, play with gravity on the Magnetic Ball Wall and create their own inventions using kid-sized tools in Tinker Space. Shhh! There’s even a Sensory
Science Room, a quiet and calming space.
miSci
(Museum of Innovation & Science)
15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
CONCERT HALL
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
30 Second Street, Troy
Known for its exquisite acoustics, Troy Music Hall presents comedy shows, jazz, folk, classical and soul concerts by top musicians and entertainers from around the globe, plus regional favorites such as Albany Pro Musica and Troy Chromatics.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs
Palace Theatre
19 Clinton Street, Albany
COUNTY FAIR
Altamont Fair
129 Grand Street, Altamont
From toddler to great grandpa, there’s something for everyone at the Altamont fair, scheduled this summer from August 18
- 23. Kids can compete in the Power Wheels Demolition Derby, watch a dog show, or pie-eating contest and take a spin on a Ferris Wheel. Wine tasting? Farmers’ market? Handmade gifts and souvenirs? Sure, it’s got those, too.
Columbia County Fair
182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham Saratoga County Fair
162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa
MOVIE THEATER
Crandell Theatre
48 Main Street, Chatham
Pass the popcorn and break out the Skittles! The Crandell, which has been showing the best of Hollywood since 1926, wins our Bestie once again. Not only is it an architectural gem, but it’s also run by a local nonprofit. The 12th annual Farm Film Fest is scheduled for March 15.
Scotia Cinema
117 Mohawk Street, Scotia
MUSEUM
New York State Museum
222 Madison Avenue, Albany
Turn back the clock and imagine
what Albany was like 400 years ago. A new exhibit about Fort Orange, the settlement that would become New York’s capital, tells the story with artifacts from archaeologists and paintings by Len Tantillo. There’s also a permanent exhibit on the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the top floor of the museum provides a bird’s eye view of the city.
Albany Institute of History & Art
125 Washington Avenue, Albany
The Clark
225 South Street, Williamstown, MA
OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs
How can you not love SPAC? Pick your seat in the open-air amphitheater or on the lawn for the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet or a rockin’ bunch of concerts from Live Nation. After the show, enjoy a cocktail at the Jazz Bar in the Hall of Springs.
Park Playhouse in Washington Park
Madison Avenue at New Scotland Avenue, Albany
Tanglewood
297 West Street, Lenox, MA
SEASONAL EVENT
Albany Pro Musica
30 Second Street, Troy
The world-class chorus, in residence at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, continues its 39th season with three more spring concerts. The Albany Symphony’s American Music Festival, the concert series’ finale, is scheduled for May 30 at Troy’s Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC).
Saratoga Race Course
267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Night Terrors Haunted Farm 4193 Route 7, Schoharie
THEATER
Proctors
432 State Street, Schenectady
Meow! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, a purr-fect musical for theater-goers of all ages, lands in Downtown Schenectady from the end of April to early May for a six-day run. Looking for some retro music? Before Cats, there’s Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Jimmy Buffett’s Escape Margaritaville.
Mac-Haydn Theatre
1925 New York 203, Chatham
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
30 Second Street, Troy
SERVICES
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
The Animal Hospital
2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands
Scaredy cats and jumpy dogs get extra TLC at The Animal Hospital, a perennial favorite of CAPITAL REGION LIVING’S readership. Offering medical, surgical and dental care, the business was started by Dr. Ed Becker in 1974. When he retired, his daughter, veterinarian Lexi Becker, took over the business.
East Greenbush Animal Hospital
2 Springhurst Drive South, East Greenbush
Sand Creek Animal Hospital
130 Wolf Road, Albany
APPLIANCE STORE
Green’s Appliance
1207 Central Avenue, Albany
Family-owned and operated, Green’s is our 2020 winner in the Appliance Store category. Customers love the personal service. When it comes to appliances, furniture and mattresses, Green’s knows its manufacturers—and offers the best to its customers.
Marcella’s Appliance Center
560 Broadway, Schenectady Market 32 Plaza - Shoppers World - 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park
Earl B. Feiden Appliance
785 Route 9, Latham 1775 Route 9, Clifton Park
AUTO SERVICE
Broadway Auto Clinic
3 Wolfert Avenue, Menands
For more than two decades, Richard and Sandra Hameroff’s
Broadway Auto Clinic has been serving the Capital Region by repairing and inspecting foreign and domestic vehicles in its state-of-the-art facility.
Broadway Auto even offers a free maintenance class for women.
Bethlehem Auto Service 62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont Gochee’s Garage Inc. 329 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
BANK
Pioneer Bank
Multiple Locations
Founded in 1889 in Troy, Pioneer Bank now has 22 offices and is the only mutual bank serving the Capital Region. Know a local nonprofit in need of a boost? The bank’s Making Change Committee is comitted to supporting the youth in our community.
Trustco Bank
Multiple Locations
Berkshire Bank
Multiple Locations
CATERER
Mazzone Hospitality
743 Pierce Road, Clifton Park
You dream up the event, and Mazzone makes it happen, from a simple backyard party to an over-the-top wedding at venues such as the Canfield Casino, the Hall of Springs or Key Hall at Proctors. Talk about hospitality!
The Healthy Café Catering Co. 50 Yardboro Avenue, Albany
Nicole’s Special Events & Catering 556 Delaware Avenue, Albany
CHEF
Ian Bower
Lost & Found Bar + Kitchen
942 Broadway, Albany
Here’s a surefire way to get your mouth watering: At Lost & Found Bar + Kitchen, Chef Ian Bower’s reinventing pub food, one dish at a time. With whimsical platings such as gnocchi mac n’ cheese, cauliflower Reuben and octopus
BEST CONCERT HALL
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
corndogs, Bower’s menu has something for everybody.
Ric Orlando
New World Bistro Bar
300 Delaware Avenue, Albany
Jamie Ortiz
677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Tim Talmage
Delmar Chiropractic
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
A two-time Bestie winner, Dr. Tim Talmage has been working with patients since 1999 and says that the most important thing to consider as a chiropractor is what the patient sees as his or her health goals. That sounds like a winning formula to us.
Dr. Lee Masterson
Delmar Chiropractic
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Dr. Timothy Kelly
East Greenbush Chiropractic
569 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
CREDIT UNION
CapCom Federal Credit Union
Multiple Locations
CapCom, the second largest credit union in the Capital Region, offers affordable financial services and friendly, one-on-one support. Because CapCom is locally owned by its members, it’s truly at your service.
SEFCU
Multiple Locations
Sunmark Federal Credit Union
Multiple Locations
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CapCom Federal Credit Union
Multiple Locations
Nope, you’re not seeing double. This year, CapCom won a pair of Bestie categories: Credit Union and Customer Service—the latter of which CapCom excels at, year in and year out. You’ll know you’re receiving the utmost care when you step into any of its Capital Region locations.
Worksite Benefits
3991 Route 2, Cropseyville
Broadway Auto Clinic 3 Wolfert Avenue, Menands
CUTTING EDGE
(ORIGINAL BUSINESS)
Dove + Deer
32 Dove Street, Albany
Ah, the flavors! This neighborhood pub, located in a charming restored brownstone in Albany’s historic Center Square, is attracting attention (and a Bestie!) for its imaginative, vegetarian-friendly menu.
The Tasting Lab
4856 Route 81, Greenville
Native Lakes
14 Harriman Road Extension, Averill Park
DAY SPA
Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Complexions Spa, an annual favorite among our readership, has been “pampering with a purpose” for more than three decades at two Capital Region locations: Albany and Saratoga Springs. Services include everything from massages and facials to nail care, sauna and steam. Prepare to be relaxed!
Kimberley’s A Day Spa
982 New Loudon Road, Latham Spa Mirbeau 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany
DRY CLEANER
Stena Dry Cleaning
451 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
Thank you, Stena, for your über-kind customer service experience, best-in-show laundry services and sew-good (get it?) tailoring. Our readers clearly have a bead on this dry cleaner, as they picked Stena last year as well.
Best Cleaners
Multiple Locations
Silvestri Dry Cleaners
69 Fuller Road, Albany 145 Vly Road, Schenectady
FACIAL
Breathe Massage
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar For four years running, Breathe Massage has been a Bestie winner or finalist. Along with awesome facials, Breathe’s knowledgeable staff does all types of body massages and energy work. Take a break from all your daily stressors in its tranquil space, open seven days a week.
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Kimberley’s A Day Spa
982 New Loudon Road, Latham
FITNESS CENTER
Capital District YMCA
Multiple Locations
One of the region’s top nonprofit organizations—and gyms—the
YMCA strengthens not only bodies, but also communities. With 11 locations throughout the Capital Region, there’s a Capital District YMCA in nearly everyone’s backyard.
Vent Fitness
Multiple Locations
Top Form
Multiple Locations
FLORIST
Ambiance Floral
116 Everett Road, Albany
Owner Michele Peters and her staff have 50 years of design experience, and they know how to “think outside the vase.” Their flowers not only come from local farms, but also from around the world.
Felthousen’s Florist & Greenhouse
1537 Van Antwerp Road, Schenectady 250 Columbia Street, Cohoes
Renaissance Floral Design 1561 Western Avenue, Albany
FURNITURE STORE
Old Brick Furniture
33-37 Warehouse Row, Albany
2910 Campbell Road, Schenectady
Locally owned and family run, Old Brick debuted in 1965 in an old warehouse in Troy. It understands that furniture shopping is among the biggest life events. Need extra help? At the Schenectady store, there’s an in-house design service.
Mooradians Furniture
800 Central Avenue, Albany 1758A Route 9, Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park
Taft Furniture
1960 Central Avenue, Albany 121 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs
HAIR SALON
Choices Hair Studio
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Expertise in coloring and cuts—plus friendly service—are among the reasons why Choices was your No.1 choice this year. Starting small in 1993, Choices has grown to more than 17
stylists, including a curly hair specialist.
Rumors Salon and Spa
626 New Loudon Road, Latham Fusion Salon
18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs
HEALTH CARE/HMO
CDPHP
500 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Albany
Our readers picked CDPHP (again!) this year, because they appreciate CDPHP’s great service and wide selection of providers. CDPHP sponsors the annual Corporate Challenge, an epic 3.5 mile race at the Empire State Plaza that gets participants’ heart rates up in all the right ways.
MVP Health Care
625 State Street, Schenectady
Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
40 Century Hill Drive, Latham
HEATING & COOLING
Crisafulli Brothers
Plumbing & Heating
520 Livingston Avenue, Albany
For more than 80 years, Crisafulli Brothers Plumbing & Heating has been the local expert in the design, installation and servicing of plumbing, sewers, drains, heating and cooling. The family-owned operation, now in its third generation, has 150 employees and a fleet of more than 80 vehicles.
Family Danz Heating & Cooling
404 North Pearl Street, Albany
Long Energy
Various Locations
HOSPITAL
Albany Medical Center
43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany
Albany Med is one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region and the only academic health science center in Northeastern New York. The hospital has 766 beds and 450 affiliated doctors.
St. Peter’s Hospital
315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany
Ellis Hospital
1101 Nott Street, Schenectady
INSURANCE AGENCY
Worksite Benefits (Cropseyville)
3991 Route 2, Cropseyville
This year, Worksite Benefits lands a Bestie for Insurance Agency, plus was a finalist in the Customer Service category. And it’s easy to see why: The company specializes in custom benefit management solutions for companies large and small— and happy customers.
Aurora Inc.
120 Broadway, Albany
John R. Zongrone Insurance Agency Inc. 1566 State Street, Schenectady
LANDSCAPER
Faddegon’s Nursery, Inc. 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Spring is on its way, and our readers clearly have Faddegon’s on their mind—the nursery offers an array of flowers, plants and shrubs for the green-thumbed. Locally owned by the same family since 1920, Faddegon’s will not only deliver, but also plant your plants for you. It has a preferred customer club and holds workshops on all manner of horticultural topics.
Traditional Landscaping & Design 16 Van Rensselaer Road, Albany George’s Market & Nursery 945 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany 240 Wade Road Extension, Latham
LAW FIRM
Meier Law Firm, PLLC 10 Utica Avenue, Latham
Meier Law Firm’s motto is “it’s not just business, it’s personal.” So, it’s no wonder that the firm found its way into the top slot with CAPITAL REGION LIVING readers in 2020. Need counseling on elder law, estate planning and administration and real estate? You know who to get in touch with.
Naviasky Law Firm, PLLC
1802 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady
125 Adams Street, Delmar
Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham Attorneys, LLC
25 Walton Street, Saratoga Springs
MANI/PEDI
Rumors Salon and Spa
626 New Loudon Road, Latham
Look your best with a manicure or pedicure at Rumors, which was founded in 1986 by Marri Aviza and Lisa Norgrove. “We want you to feel royally gorgeous from the inside out,” they say. Sounds good to us.
Rainbow Nails & Spa
1170 Central Avenue, Albany
Deluxe Nails & Spa 241 Route 9W, Glenmont
MARINA
Albany Yacht Club
75 Broadway, Rensselaer
Launched in 1873, the Albany Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the country. Its Hudson River docks offer slips to accommodate boats of all sizes, from 15-foot runabouts to 180foot yachts. Not a boat owner? Learn the (nautical) ropes with a social membership at the club.
Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina
70 Shady Harbor Drive, New Baltimore
Coeymans Landing Marina 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans
MASSAGE
Laberge Massage Therapy
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Lauren Laberge seems to win this Bestie year after year, and readers tell us that she really listens to what her clients want and need. “I believe therapeutic massage is an integral piece of every person’s healthy body maintenance,” Laberge says.
Breathe Massage
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
MEDICAL ESTHETICS
Lucie Capek, MD
Plastic Surgery
Capital Region Health Park
713 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 308, Latham
With 30 years of experience, Dr. Lucie Capek has expertise in areas such as cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts and body for women and men. She also specializes in minimally invasive facial procedures, such as Botox.
Fun fact(s): Dr. Lucie Capek speaks French and Czech, and before she became a doctor, she was a ballerina.
Artistry of Face
475 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
PAVING/SEALCOATING
L. Browe Asphalt Services US 20, Castleton-On-Hudson
L. Browe Asphalt Services has been in business since 1960, and this is its second Bestie win. And L. Browe isn’t just about driveways: It does parking lots, tennis courts and private roads all over the Capital Region.
Gabriel Contractors, Inc. 382 Truax Road, Amsterdam
Luizzi Brothers Sealcoating & Paving 70 Tivoli Street, Albany
PET SPA
Pet Styles
1886 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
Poodles and pugs, terriers and spaniels trot to Pet Styles for their beauty treatments. Owner Sheila J. Kelle also offers day care and a boutique filled with unique items for your fur babies. Woof woof woof! (That means, “we’re No.1” in dog.)
Pet Spas & Suites
1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Albany
Head to Tail 1604 Union Street, Schenectady
PHOTOGRAPHER
Hitlin Photography hitlinphoto.com
Meghan and Keith are back for another Bestie. Whether it’s for the most important day of your life—your wedding, of course— or a family photo shoot, Hitlin Photography is always a winner with customers in the greater Capital Region.
All Occasions Photography alloccasionsphoto.net
Dino Petrocelli Photography dinopetrocelliphoto.com
PILATES STUDIO
Free Movement Pilates
500 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
Yes, Free Movement has won another Bestie. Whether in a private session or a group class, its expert instructors guide clients through all types of exercises. Workshops in breathing, tai chi, yin yoga and, yes, pilates are also scheduled in the studio.
Pilates Principle
578 New Loudon Road, Latham
Albany Pilates Center 3 Vatrano Road, Albany
TREE SERVICE
On A Limb Tree Care onalimbtreecare.com
Got a tree problem? On A Limb Tree Care does removal, pruning, cabling, planting and even cat rescue. (Meow!) It also has a 24/7 emergency line and serves 11 counties. Customers like On A Limb’s quick response and affordable prices.
Mark’s Tree Service 1971 Western Avenue, Albany
Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping
1277 Route 9W, Selkirk
YOGA STUDIO
Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts
747 Madison Avenue, Albany
10 Second Street, Troy
It’s no wonder that Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts, which has
studios in Albany and Troy, is a Bestie machine.
Owners Andrew and Elizabeth Kasius offer classes from beginner to advanced—plus prenatal yoga, meditation and yoga teacher training.
The Hot Yoga Spot
Multiple Locations
Jai Yoga
5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands
SHOPPING
APPLE ORCHARD
Indian Ladder Farms
342 Altamont Road, Altamont
This family-owned farm in Albany County is home to more than 300 acres of land that includes an apple orchard, berry patches, pumpkin fields and an animal pasture. In the fall, you can pick 12 varieties of apples. In the spring, local families are invited to visit its adorable baby animals.
Golden Harvest Farms
3074 US Highway 9, Valatie
Samascott Orchards
5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook
BIKE SHOP
Mad Dog Bicycles
561 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Operating since 2005, Mad Dog is an authorized dealer of Jamis bicycles (road, comfort, hybrid and mountain). Got a vintage Schwinn in your garage? Owner Matt Devlin collects all kinds, including those “banana seat” Stingrays from the ’60s and ’70s.
CK Cycles
1370 Central Avenue, Albany
Steiner’s Sports
Multiple Locations
BOOKSTORE
I Love Books
380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
I Love Books is a wonderland of books, toys, greeting cards, jewelry and quirky items for all ages. The shop will special-
order books for any customer and offers free gift wrapping for regularly priced items.
The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
Northshire Bookstore
424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
4869 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT
BRIDAL SHOP
Angela’s Bridal 501 Broadway, Troy
Attention CAPITAL REGION LIVING readers! Angela’s has big news: The bridal shop has been combined with A Love Story Bridal, which was a Bestie finalist. Janet Cooper, who owns both businesses, put them together in a beautiful new space in Downtown Troy. Janet has more than 22 years of experience in gown design and tailoring and worked as head of wardrobe for the English National Opera in London.
DeAnna’s 3991 Route 43, West Sand Lake
A Love Story 501 Broadway, Troy
CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP
Honest Weight Food Co-op
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany Honest Weight is a Bestie winner again, which is no surprise. Founded in 1976, the co-op is committed to providing affordable, high-quality natural foods and products for healthy living. And it’s all about giving back, too: In 2019, Honest Weight raised $20,000 for Capital Region food pantries.
Fox Creek Farm
182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie Niskayuna Co-op
2227 Nott Street, Niskayuna
CAR DEALER
Keeler Motor Car Company
1111 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Our audience has consistently been driven to Keeler because of
its overall excellence. A Capital District automotive fixture since 1967, Keeler’s known for its skilled professionals and array of services. Keeler’s quiver contains brands such as Honda, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are all available for sale or lease.
Lia Auto Group
Multiple Locations
DePaula Chevrolet
785 Central Avenue, Albany
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Truly Rhe 1 Broadway, Troy
One-of-a-kind clothing items for women are truly Truly Rhe’s specialty. Readers tell us it’s a fun place to shop for jewelry, accessories and gifts, too. Did we mention they like to party? This unique boutique hosts private shopping parties.
Fancy Schmancy
641 New Loudon Road, Latham
Circles
Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Some Old Something New 1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
This Bestie-winning shop started more than 20 years ago with just clothing, eventually expanding to 3000 square feet of retail space that includes jewelry, handbags, collectibles, furniture and home decor. It’s a trip back in time.
Finders Keepers Consignments 1603 Route 9, Clifton Park
The Attic 3027 Main Street, Valatie
FARMERS’ MARKET
Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market Monument Square, Troy (April-October)
The Troy Atrium
49 Fourth Street, Troy (November-March)
In the warmer months, what could be better than a stroll on River Street on market day? Aside from the fresh air, there
are always an abundance of fresh veggies, artisan breads, cheeses and the like at this award-winning farmers’ market. It’s simply the best.
Delmar Farmers’ Market
Bethlehem Central Middle School, 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (May-December)
Schenectady Greenmarket 105 Jay Street - City Hall, Schenectady (May-October) 432 State Street - Proctors, Schenectady (November-April)
GARDEN NURSERY
Faddegon’s Nursery, Inc. 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
It’s all coming up roses for Faddegon’s. Faddegon’s picked up two Besties this year, in the Landscaping and Garden Nursery category. To get in the springtime mood, there’s nothing like a trip to Faddegon’s, where you can immerse yourself in the sight and smell of hundreds of flowers.
Hewitt’s Garden Centers Multiple Locations
Samascott ‘s Garden Market 65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook
GIFT SHOP
The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop 3143 US Highway 9, Valatie Relax and take your time browsing among the many treasures at the Cross Eyed Owl. Whether it’s unique gifts, home decor pieces, cards or seasonal items, you’ll have a shopping experience like no other at the Cross Eyed Owl.
Wit’s End
Parkwood Plaza 1762 Route 9, Clifton Park
Pearl Grant Richmans
Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
HARDWARE STORE
Robinson’s Hardware 1874 Western Avenue, Guilderland
1900 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
It’s time for some spring
cleaning! Robinson’s has Benjamin Moore paints for your indoor projects and Husqvarna outdoor power tools to get your yard in shape. Need a new grill? Robinson’s carries the Big Green Egg, Traeger and Weber models.
Phillips Hardware
Multiple Locations
Mario’s Home Center 1057 Kinderhook Street, Valatie
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Honest Weight Food Co-op
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany
Honest Weight is a double winner in 2020, taking home the community co-op award and the health food store award. Honest Weight, just off of Interstate 90, is a 30,000-square-foot health food heaven. Honestly!
Four Seasons Natural Foods
120 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
Green Grocer Natural Foods
1505 Route 9, Clifton Park
Joyelles Jewelers
JEWELER
Joyelles Jewelers
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Conveniently located in Main Square Shopping Center, Joyelles has a large inventory of wedding and engagement rings, gold and silver earrings and diamond bracelets. It does jewelry repair and cleaning, too: A Bestiewinning combination.
Northeastern Fine Jewelry
Multiple Locations
Harold Finkle Your Jeweler 1585 Central Avenue, Albany
LIQUOR/WINE
Empire Wine & Liquor
1440 Central Avenue, Albany
Empire Wine & Liquor has a huge selection, helpful staff and great prices. And before you head to the store, research your favorite brand with the “Ask Adam” feature on the shop’s website.
Exit 9 Wine & Liquor
9 Halfmoon Crossing Boulevard, Halfmoon
All Star Wine & Spirits 579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
MENSWEAR SHOP
Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel Wolf Road Shoppers Park 5 Metro Park Road, Albany
The premier provider of upscale men’s fashion in the Capital Region, you can trust Mark Thomas, to dress you right. The shop was founded in 2004 by Mark Goldfarb and Tom Fagan, who together have more than 45 years of experience in men’s wear. It’s now owned by Fagan’s son Kerry.
MUSIC STORE
Parkway Music Store
1777 Route 9, Clifton Park
Established in 1994, Parkway is a locally owned musical instrument shop, specializing in electric/ acoustic guitars, basses, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, pro audio and drums (you can also take lessons and get repairs done
there). The 13,000-square-foot showroom features all the gear up close, and customers can test out hardware in try-out rooms.
John Keal Music Company, Inc.
819 Livingston Avenue, Albany 1758 Parkwood Plaza Route 9, Clifton Park Blue Sky Studios 118 Adams Street, Delmar
OPTICAL CENTER
Buenau’s Opticians, Inc.
228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Buenau’s Opticians is a locally owned and operated business that’s offered quality service since 1915. It carries a large selection of eyewear and specializes in hard-to-fit patients.
DiNapoli Opticians
Multiple Locations
Hughes Opticians
411 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
SHOPPING MALL/CENTER
Colonie Center
131 Colonie Center, Albany
And the Bestie goes to…Colonie Center. People have been shopping here since 1966, when it was the first enclosed shopping mall in the Capital Region.
Macy’s, L.L. Bean, Whole Foods, Five Guys and Moe’s Southwest Grill are just a few attractions that make this mall rule the roost.
Crossgates Mall
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany Stuyvesant Plaza
1475 Western Avenue, Albany
SPORTING GOODS STORE
Steiner’s Sports
Multiple Locations
Steiner’s is your specialist for ski equipment, bikes and kayaks. The independently owned company has been serving Greene, Columbia and Albany counties for more than three decades.
Sievert’s Sporting Goods
4804 State Highway 30, Amsterdam
Alpin Haus
Multiple Locations
SUPERMARKET
Hannaford
Multiple Locations
Bestie winner Hannaford is named for Arthur Hannaford, who opened a produce market in 1883 in Portland, ME. In 1987, the chain expanded into New York State, and in 2016, it became part of Ahold Delhaize, which is based in the Netherlands. So, it’s not a stretch to call it an internationally flavored market.
Price Chopper/Market 32
Multiple Locations
Honest Weight Food Co-op
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany
TIRE STORE
Adirondack Tire & Service
Multiple Locations
Adirondack Tire & Service is a locally owned, family-run business, which has been serving the Capital Region and Rutland, VT for more than 40 years, with certified trained technicians
providing inspections, oil changes, brake and exhaust work, tune-ups and scheduled maintenance for area car owners.
Warren Tire Service Centers
Multiple Locations
Grand Premier Tires and Custom Wheels 591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush 3361 South Thompson Street, Schenectady
TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA Hudson Valley
Multiple Locations
Our readers once again awarded a Bestie to AAA Hudson Valley, where all of their travel needs are covered. AAA was founded in 1902, and the nonprofit is the nation’s leading provider of roadside assistance.
Blue Skies Travel LLC 15 Troy Road, East Greenbush Yankee Trails 569 3rd Avenue Extension, Rensselaer
PEOPLE AND MEDIA
AFTERNOON ANCHOR
Benita Zahn
Benita Zahn’s not only a NewsChannel 13 afternoon anchor, but she’s also the health reporter, producing and hosting Health Beat, a digital health interview program. Benita won a 2019 New York Emmy Award and was named one of the 100 Women of the Century by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber. She covered the inauguration of former President Barack Obama, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina and the Unabomber trial.
EVENING ANCHOR
John Gray
Celebrating his 25th year on television, John has covered the 9/11 terror attacks, the Pope’s
visit to America and many presidential campaigns. He’s won many awards for his work on Channel 10, including a recent New York Emmy Award. John’s also an award-winning writer, with a popular monthly column that appears on the last page of this magazine.
MORNING ANCHOR
Subrina Dhammi
Subrina Dhammi started working at NewsChannel 13 in 2005, just two weeks after graduating from Syracuse University. She’s covered several presidential visits and also had a small role in the movie The Place Beyond the Pines, shot in Schenectady. She and her husband were also recently featured on the February cover of CAPITAL REGION LIVING’s “Love” issue.
MORNING TEAM
NewsChannel 13 Team
This year’s Bestie award in the Morning Team category goes to the Morning Anchor Bestiewinning Sabrina Dhammi, her co-anchor Asa Stackel and meteorologist Paul Caiano on NewsChannel 13.
METEROLOGIST
Steve Caporizzo
Steve Caporizzo has been chief meteorologist on Channel 10 since 1989. He’s been interested in weather since he was a boy and turned his lifelong hobby into a career. In 1990, he launched Pet Connection, airing stories about local animals, animal rescue services and pets available for adoption (the Pet Connection Facebook page has more than 90,000 likes).
MUSIC RADIO
WGNA
Country station WGNA-FM holds the title of “longest unchanged format” in the Capital Region. It’s been a country music station since its launch in 1973.
NEWS RADIO
WAMC
WAMC snags our Bestie for local, national and world news. The station airs National Public Radio programming as well as its own daily program The Roundtable.
LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Paul Vandenburgh
TALK 1300 show host Paul Vandenburgh, is the longestrunning morning radio show host in the Capital District. Boom!
LOCAL PRINT JOURNALIST
John Gray
When John Gray’s not winning Besties for his evening news anchoring on Channel 10, he’s busy writing. His newspaper columns have earned him Columnist of the Year awards from both the Associated Press and New York News Publishers Association.
SPORTSCASTER
Rodger Wyland
Rodger Wyland joined Albany’s NewsChannel 13 in 1986 as a weekend sports anchor/sports reporter, and is now the station’s sports director, anchoring at 6pm and 11pm. He also hosts Big Board Radio Sports Talk on WTMM 104.5, and is the play-by-play announcer for the University at Albany’s football and basketball programs.
PLACES
ADIRONDACK INN
Mirror Lake Inn
77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
Family owned since 1924, the Mirror Lake Inn is an Adirondack getaway that offers lakefront rooms and mountain scenery at the edge of the historic village of Lake Placid, which this year is celebrating the 40th anniversary
of its hosting the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The Inn is known for its scrumptious spa treatments, including an Adirondack Maple Sugar Body Scrub, and farm-to-table dining.
Friends Lake Inn
963 Friends Lake Road, Chestertown
Garnet Hill Lodge
39 Garnet Hill Road, North River
ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME
The Sentinel of Amsterdam
10 Market Street, Amsterdam
Family owned and operated, The Sentinel offers individualized care in a homey setting. Our readers appreciate the Sentinel’s positive approach to senior living.
Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
201 Main Street, Philmont
Daughters of Sarah Senior Community 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany
B&B (3 HOURS)
Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant
39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT
Each of the 20 rooms in this luxury boutique hotel has a fireplace and antique furnishings. The restaurant, under the direction of executive chef Sigal Rocklin, is known for its award-winning cuisine.
Red Lion Inn
30 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA
Mirror Lake Inn
77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
CAMPGROUND
Rogers Rock Campground
9894 Lake Shore Drive, Hague
On the quieter northern end of Lake George, Rogers Rock is popular with families. The tented set have easy access to swimming, bicycling, fishing, boating and hiking, and the campground’s super close to Fort Ticonderoga.
Besties | People and Places
Schodack Island State Park
1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing
Lake George Escape Campground
175 East Schroon River Road, Lake George
DAY TRIP (3 HOURS)
Lake Placid
Summer in Lake Placid is the time for hiking and lounging at the lake. When the snow flies, there’s outdoor ice skating, skiing and tobogganing. All year round you can visit the sites of the 1980 Winter Olympics—including the rink where the “Miracle On Ice” took place. And did we mention all of the wonderful shopping opportunities and restaurants?
Cooperstown
Lake George
DOG FRIENDLY
Washington Park State Street and Willett Street, Albany
Washington Park’s more than just a green space to walk your dog—which is why it won this year’s Dog Friendly Bestie. It’s a stroll through history. The footbridge over the lake dates back to 1875 and is the oldest remaining original structure, while the lovely lake house was built in 1929.
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)
Mohawk Golf Club
1849 Union Street, Schenectady
Designed by Devereux Emmet and opened in 1898, the Mohawk Golf Club is elegant, indeed. Members can relax on the terrace and bluestone patio that overlooks a lush 18-hole course flanked by oaks and pines.
Wolferts Roost Country Club
120 Van Rensselaer Boulevard, Albany
Troy Country Club
100 Troy Country Club Road, Troy
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)
Saratoga National Golf Club
458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Designed by Roger Rulewich and rated as one of America’s top golf courses by Golf Digest, the award-winning Saratoga National is an upscale experience. Its restaurant, Prime at Saratoga National, is also renowned for its modern American cuisine.
Normanside Country Club
150 Salisbury Road, Delmar
Orchard Creek Golf Club
6700 Dunnsville Road, Altamont
HIKING TRAIL
John Boyd Thacher State Park
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville
Thacher State Park sits on the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world, with panoramic views of the Hudson and Mohawk valleys. There are 13 miles of hiking trails, the most popular of which, Indian Ladder, is open from May 1 to November 15.
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
56 Game Farm Road, Delmar Peebles Island State Park 1 Delaware Avenue, Cohoes
HOTEL
The Desmond
660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
The Desmond’s locally owned and features 323 guest rooms and suites, including rooms with king-size beds and suites with private entrances. Modeled after a colonial village square, the two indoor courtyards are perfect for any gathering with their skylights, fountains and koi pond.
The Adelphi Hotel
365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Century House
997 New Loudon Road, Latham
HUDSON VALLEY INN
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
220 North Road, Milton
When our readers crave a stressrelieving weekend, they head out to the Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, where guests are pampered in a world-class spa with a pool, sauna, steam room and juice bar. Did we mention yoga classes, too? Ohmmm
Mohonk Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
KID’S BIRTHDAY VENUE
The Pottery Place
1475 Western Avenue, Albany
Children and adults can explore their creative side at The Pottery Place, where walk-ins are welcome seven days a week. No experience or tools necessary, and the staff will help you get started and answer all of your questions.
KJ’s Gymnastics
3143 US Highway 9, Valatie ClubLife SportsZone 3143 US Highway 9, Valatie
KIDS CAMP
Camp Lovejoy
3476 Love Joy Road, Altamont Camp Lovejoy is the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady’s summer day camp in the Helderberg Mountains. Kids are never bored, because the camp has a swimming pool, ponds, hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, an arts and crafts building, and an adventure ropes course.
Camp Fowler 152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant YMCA-Camp Chingachgook 1872 Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay
PARK
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville
This year, a trio of Besties are going to Thacher Park. Not only is it scenic and right in our backyard, but there’s also so
much to do there all year round. Park-goers can hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, bird watch and more.
The Crossings of Colonie
580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
Washington Park
State Street and Willett Street, Albany
PICNIC SPOT
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville
For generations, families have been picnicking in Thacher Park, where nine picnic shelters can be reserved for open-air parties.
Saratoga Spa State Park
19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs
Grafton Lakes State Park
254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton
55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
The Spinney Group Multiple Locations
With more than three decades of family ownership, the Spinney Group develops, constructs and manages full-service communities that enable residents to enjoy stress-free lifestyles. That also managed to swipe them this year’s Bestie. Shaker Pointe at Carondelet 1 Bell Tower Drive, Watervliet Beverwyck
40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands
ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN
Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant
500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
A short drive from Downtown Saratoga Springs, Longfellows has a country setting and mountain views. Run, hike or bike on the nearby trail, and then retreat to your room and soak in the Jacuzzi.
The Inn at Erlowest
3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George Mirror Lake Inn
77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
SARATOGA INN/HOTEL
The Inn at Saratoga 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Guests at this Victorian-era boutique hotel enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, gourmet dining and a cozy tavern. Other perks include vintage Roadmaster bicycles for riding around town and passes to Victoria Pool in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The Adelphi Hotel
365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
SKI AREA
Gore Mountain Ski Resort
793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek Gore gets this year’s Bestie for top Ski Area. The Adirondack ski destination has impressive stats: 110 trails, 2537 vertical feet and 14 lifts, including an 8-passenger gondola and 2 high-speed quads.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA
Whiteface Mountain 5021 Route 86, Wilmington
VERMONT INN
The Crafts Inn
10 West Main Street, Wilmington, VT
An architectural treasure near Mount Snow, the Crafts Inn is the place for winter skiers and summer hikers. Yes, there’s a pool and a sauna there, too.
Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant
39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa 3567 Main Street, Manchester Village, VT
WEDDING VENUE
Old Daley on Crooked Lake 2339 New York 43, Averill Park
The historic Crooked Lake House is a lakeside estate featuring the romance and glamour of a bygone era. And with more than four decades in the catering biz, you can count on Old Daley to make your wedding dream come true.
Saratoga National Golf Club
458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Glen Sanders Mansion 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia
Besties 2020: WINNERS’ CIRCLE
booktravel@aaahv.com
We think our members are the best, and we’re delighted to see the feeling is mutual.
You voted CAP COM as BEST CREDIT UNION and for BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. Your recognition means the world to us because providing the financial solutions you need, when you need them, is exactly why we’re here. www.capcomfcu.org
Bank where you matter most.
“Always thinking outside the vase” Ambiance loves flowers and has a passion for what they do! They work with the best suppliers from around the world, as well as local flower farms. Let them design the perfect arrangements for any occasion, including weddings, parties, and any corporate or personal event. Ambiance: creating floral artwork, one blossom at a time.
116 Everett Road • Albany 518.446.9900 • ambianceflorals.com
All of us at Gochee’s Garage would like to thank the readers for voting for them! They have been family owned and operated since 1929, offering comprehensive automotive repairs, maintenance and excellent customer service. There’s no shop you can trust more to treat you right and take great care of your vehicle. They also sell used vehicles and are an Authorized Goodyear tire dealer. Call them today to ask a question or book an appointment for service.
Using hommus as your flatbread base adds a bit of zesty flavor!
Put a Mediterranean (and lighter) spin on pizza night with warm and crispy naan flatbreads topped with hommus and fresh veggies.
Using hommus as your flatbread base adds a bit of zesty flavor, while topping with veggies provides a fresh and healthy crunch.
from your Hannaford Dietitians
Have questions about your health? Our team of registered dietitians offer free nutritional services online and in-store. Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to find out more.
Grilled Naan Flatbreads with Hommus & Veggies
SERVES 4
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. Hannaford Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder
1 Sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
8 Large mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 cup Fresh Express® Baby Spinach
4 Naan flatbreads or pocketless pitas
1 cup Cedar’s® Original Hommus
1/2 cup Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Cabot® Garlic & Herb Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 tsp. McCormick® Oregano
2 Tbsp. Taste of Inspirations® Balsamic Vinegar Glaze
Optional: McCormick® Red Pepper Flakes
Directions:
1. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, onion, bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes or until veggies are soft.
3. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place all four flatbreads on a baking sheet and toast for a couple of minutes until lightly browned. Remove flatbreads from oven.
5. Spread surface of flatbreads with hommus (just like you would sauce for a pizza).
6. Top with veggies and cheeses and sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes.
7. Return flatbreads to oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
8. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Amount per serving: Calories 500; Total Fat 25 g; Saturated Fat 7 g; Sodium 650 mg; Carbohydrate 51 g; Fiber 10 g; Protein 21 g; Calcium 393 mg
To us, these are more than just buzzwords, and “Honest” is more than just our name. We believe in doing right by our community, locally and globally, and we’re lucky to have a community here in the Capital Region that supports us back.
Thank you for voting us this year’s Best Community Co-op and Best Health Food Store!
Few vacation destinations in America rivaled the Catskills at the height of the 1950s and 1960s. Families, escaping the heat and drudgery of the surrounding towns and cities, found sanctuary in the mountain bungalow-style family camps. At the same time, over-the-top, all-inclusive resorts such as the Concord Resort Hotel and Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel peppered the landscape. Families arrived with cars packed full of everything they’d need for an extended mountain reprieve.
» BY VIKKIMORAN , T H E G RATEFULTRAVELER «
The Shandaken Inn
As guests to the Catskills’ camp scene became more affluent, the elegant resorts also rose to prominence. One of the better movies to highlight that era was 1987’s Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze, which takes place at the fictional Catskills-based Kellerman’s Resort in 1963. Although the resort was a figment of the screenwriter’s imagination, in the famous “last dance of the season” scene, we get a little taste of real-life foreshadowing, when we hear resort proprietor Mr. Kellerman lamenting to his band leader that “trips to Europe [are] what the kids want.” Sadly, the majority of the family camp properties soon closed, followed by the resorts a short decade later.
But lately, we’re beginning to see a Catskills renaissance. Artists have always been attracted to the banks of the Esopus Creek—especially Woodstock, NY—and the farm-to-market scene is beckoning culinary giants to the bounty of the area. Agricultural products of all kinds, including heirloom vegetables; locally produced beers, wines and spirits; artisanal cheeses; meat from sustainably raised livestock; and fish caught in the bucolic waterways have proven an irresistible draw to progressive chefs looking for the next “it” place. This trend could propel the Catskills to the popularity of (or even rival) the Berkshires.
I recently found the region’s revival in full swing in Shandaken, NY.
Built in the late 1920s as the clubhouse for the popular Rip Van Winkle Golf Course, the Shandaken Inn has been, in some capacity, welcoming guests to the northern Catskills for nearly a century. Today, after the property underwent an extensive renovation, reimagination and modernization at the end of 2019, the inn’s new owners and talented innkeepers have found a way to seamlessly weave modern amenities with rustic, country hospitality. Bordered by the Esopus and Catskill Mountain range, the inn’s 12 acres of picturesque grounds could’ve easily served as a muse for any of the famed Hudson River School painters. The Esopus is renowned for its world-class fly fishing, but if lures and baits aren’t your thing, it’s equally relaxing just sitting on the banks of the creek and letting your mind wander.
The Shandaken Inn, which sits at 1 Golf Course Road in Shandaken, NY, features 15 wonderfully furnished guest rooms that pay homage to the storied past of the Catskill Mountain region. Vintage photos of the once-great resorts and camps line its walls; books on the topic are ideally situated for you to enjoy; Frette linens and bathrobes beckon you to a great night’s sleep; and 17 onpremise fireplaces set a cozy, romantic scene.
The inn’s lounge is picture-perfect and is right next to the quaint lobby bar, from which you can grab a glass of wine or pint of locally brewed beer. In the morning, a full breakfast of your choice, including homemade pastries and cakes and pipinghot local coffee, is wonderfully prepared and served. Firepits, a large swimming pool and tennis courts are also available on the acreage. Additionally, the inn has a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with Peloton bikes, just feet from your guest room.
Escaping to the spectacular setting of the Catskills is easy— and would be a shame to miss out on, given how close we are to it. If you can dream it—eating in excellent restaurants, shopping, art/antique hunting, skiing and hiking—it’s available to you in the Catskills. Get there fast before the crowds come back!
Back To The Future In The Catskill Mountains
The inn’s new owners and talented innkeepers have found a way to seamlessly weave modern amenities with rustic, country hospitality.
The Animal Hospital
2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands 518.456.0852; theanimalhospital.com
The staff at The Animal Hospital have dedicated their lives and this practice to their patients. The serene veterinary office is warm and inviting for you and your companion. By choice, it has remained a small hospital, allowing all of the staff to know you and your pet, giving whatever time is necessary to meet your needs. Every patient benefits from the staff’s commitment to being at the forefront in veterinary medicine. The Animal Hospital’s philosophy is to treat each patient as it would its own family members.
Pet Spas & Suites
1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Albany 518.783.5506; petspasandsuites.com
Pet Spas & Suites has been proudly serving the Capital Region for 30 years. Its commitment to providing quality pet care and passion for animals drives the dedicated team to assess each pet’s needs and provide him or her with the best experience possible during his or her visit. Pet Spa & Suites sends out a special thank you to their loyal customers for entrusting its furry family members with Grooming, Daycare and Boarding needs since 1990!
Sand Creek Animal Hospital
130 Wolf Road, Albany 518.446.9171; sandcreekanimalhospital.com
Sand Creek Animal Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital with a commitment to providing quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. Its services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets; early detection and treatment of disease as your pet ages; and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during his or her lifetime. Sand Creek is an AAFP cat friendly practice.
Pet Styles
1886 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands 518.439.3670; petstyles.biz
Pet Styles offers a variety of services to keep your beloved pet stylish and healthy, including professional grooming and indoor/outdoor doggie daycare. Plus, you can shop its curated boutique of special items your pooch deserves! While in its care, you can trust that your pet will receive individual attention in a loving and patient manner. Pet Styles strives for excellence, upholding high standards in every aspect of its business.
Colonie
Animal Hospital
1946 Central Avenue, Colonie 518.456.1613; colonieanimalhospital.com
Operating since the 1940s, Colonie Animal Hospital’s AAHA accredited team of doctors, with more than 80 years of combined experience, serves the needs of pets and owners in the Capital Region with pride and personal attention. It offers high quality compassionate care for dogs, cats and small pets such as rabbits, ferrets, rodents and birds. Colonie Animal Hospital’s desire is to offer the best in medical and surgical care, referral services and boarding to the community. It’s conveniently located on Central Avenue in Colonie, near Route 155, allowing easy access from Schenectady, Albany and beyond.
Voted Best Pet Spa
While in our care you can trust that your pet will receive individual attention in a loving and patient manner. We strive for excellence, upholding high standards, in every aspect of our business.
1886 New Scotland Road • Slingerlands 518.439.3670 • petstyles.biz
We are a full service companion animal hospital. It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. Our services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets; early detection and treatment of disease as your pet ages; and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during his or her lifetime. We are an AAFP cat friendly practice.
Events Calendar
» The show must go on! «
ALBANY COUNTY
MARCH 7
Hannaford Kidz Expo
THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA
The 15th annual Kidz Expo is taking over the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The Expo includes everything from theater performances and bounce rides to arts and crafts and mini golf. In all, the Expo will feature more than 100 booths. For more info, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov
MARCH 14
The Mac-n-Cheese Bowl
SIENA COLLEGE
Siena College is hosting its 11th Annual Mac-n-Cheese Bowl, in which 30 local restaurants will serve up their best mac at tasting stations with the hopes of earning the top honors. The event benefits the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. For more info, visit regionalfoodbank.net
THE BERKSHIRES
MARCH 7-28
Saturday Morning Cartoons
THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM
Every Saturday morning in March, the Berkshire Museum is playing Warner Brothers’ classic cartoons for the whole family to enjoy. For more info, visit berkshiremuesum.org
MARCH 8
Bolshoi Ballet: Giselle
THE CLARK INSTITUTE
The Clark Institute is presents a live-recorded performance of worldrenowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s rendition of one of the oldest and greatest works of classical dance, Giselle. For more info, visit clarkart.edu
Junior Untitled 2019, from CATA COARC A.R.T.’s Earth People exhibit.
BY SIMONE TEAGUE AND TRACY MOMROW
COLUMBIA COUNTY
MARCH 12
Earth People Opening Reception
HUDSON HALL
Hudson Hall presents CATA COARC
A.R.T.’s Earth People, an exhibit of paintings by artists with disabilities, in partnership with Community Access to the Arts (CATA) and COARC. The reception is free to the public, and the exhibit will remain on display until April 5. For more info, visit hudsonhall.org
MARCH 15
Farm Film Festival
THE CRANDELL THEATRE
The 12th annual Farm Film Festival at the Crandell Theatre features short films created by both amateur and professional filmmakers, focusing on farms and farming issues, particularly those that are regionally relevant. For more info, visit chathamkeepfarming.org
FULTON COUNTY
MARCH 7-13
1st Annual Fulton County Restaurant Week
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Diners will enjoy special prix fixe menus at restaurants such as 308 Prime, Hotel Broadalbin, Union Hall Inn, Fritz’s Pizza, Vintage Cafe, Partner’s Pub and Lanzi’s on Lake, among others. For more info, visit 44lakes.com
MARCH 22
Fulton-Montgomery County Home Show And Craft Fair
BROADALBIN-PERTH HIGH SCHOOL
The Fulton County Home Show and Craft Fair will feature how-to workshops on tile installation, laminate flooring, pellet and chimney stove cleanings, sheetrock
Events Calendar
CONTINUED
patching, and overhead door installation. Lowes is providing a woodworking class for kids, and the Fulton County Public Health Department will provide free coloring and comic books. For more info, visit byckids.com
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
MARCH 7
Miniature Golf & Family Fun Day AMSTERDAM HIGH SCHOOL
You don’t need any pro lessons for this one. Enjoy this über-fun miniature golf outing that the whole family can take part in. For more info, visit visitmontgomerycountyny.com
MARCH 7
Antique Show At The Arkell
THE ARKELL MUSEUM
The 15th annual Antique Show at the Arkell Museum will feature 25 dealers with quality wares, including furniture, quilts, books, tools, postcards, paintings, toys, china and jewelry. An appraisal booth will also be available—and organizers will be serving a light lunch. For more info, visit arkellmuseum.org
MARCH 14
Amsterdam’s 3rd Annual St. Paddy’s Day Pub Fest VARIOUS LOCATIONS
This citywide event features music, activities, food and drink specials and giveaways. (Be sure to wear green!) Don’t have a DD? No problem. There will be a free shuttle service available throughout the festivities. For more info, visit amsterdamny.gov
OTSEGO COUNTY
MARCH 3
The Harlem Globetrotters HARTWICK COLLEGE
Talk about a slam dunk! The Harlem Globetrotters have a brand-new national tour, complete with all of their best high-flying dunks and hilarious
FREE FAMILY FUN at Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center & Lansing Manor
Wacky & Alternative Home Show
Less Than an Hour From Albany
Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project Visitors Center 1378 State Route 30 North Blenheim NY 12131 1-800-724-0309 • nypa.gov/BGVisitorsCenter
Events Calendar
basketball stunts. They’ll even attempt a record-breaking feat on the night of their appearance. For more info, visit harlemglobetrotters.com
MARCH 14
Shamrock Swing Mother Son Dance
THE FOOTHILLS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The 5th annual Shamrock Swing Mother Son Dance—which sold out last year— will once again be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. Besides cutting a rug, the event features dinner, dancing, raffles and prizes. For more info, visit destinationoneonta.com.
MARCH 20-23
Snommegang Invitational Beer Festival
MULLER PLAZA IN ONEONTA
Visitors can sample more than 100 beers at this year’s Snommegang Invitational Beer Festival, which is being held, rain or shine, at Oneonta’s Muller Plaza. (It’s hosted by Cooperstown’s Brewery Ommegang, if you were wondering about its name.) For more info, visit ommegang.com
SARATOGA COUNTY
MARCH 7
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC’s) Winter Ball 2020: The Future Is Now!
This year’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Junior Committee Winter
Sample more than 100 beers at this year’s Snommegang, March 20-23.
Cray performs at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on March 10.
Ball will teleport you to a futuristic utopia. The event will feature live music by Grand Central Station, catering by Mazzone Hospitality, a futuristic photo booth, an open bar with themed cocktails, raffle prizes and more. For more info, visit spac.org
MARCH 17
St.
Patrick’s
Day Festivities
UNIFIED BEERWORKS IN MALTA
Malta’s Unified Beerworks invites you to join in on the fun at its St. Patrick’s Day party, with live music from bluegrass band The North & South Dakotas, food by Old Thyme BBQ and of course, lots and lots of beer. For more info, visit unified-beerworks.com
RENSSELAER COUNTY
MARCH 10
Robert Cray Band
THE TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL
Five-time Grammy-winning bluesman
Robert Cray brings his expert guitar chops and unmistakable vocals to Troy Music Hall. For more info, visit troymusichall.org
Bella Napoli thanks you for voting them #1! When you walk into Bella Napoli Bakery, you smell the intoxicating aroma of fresh baked pastries, breads and cookies. At lunchtime, add in the fresh aroma of homemade soups and sandwiches that fill the room. A full-service bakery, sandwich shop and coffee café, the wide selection brings you in...while the delicious tastes are what will bring you back.
Robert
Events Calendar
SCHENECTADY COUNTY
MARCH 6
Night Ranger
RIVERS CASINO & RESORT
Hair metal, anyone? The multiplatinumselling band Night Ranger (see: “Sister Christian”) is coming to the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady. For more info, visit riverscasinoandresort.com
SCHOHARIE COUNTY
MARCH 9
Rambles In Schoharie County
THE SHARON SPRINGS FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Catch Author Peter Lindemann presenting his book Rambles in Schoharie County, at The Sharon Springs Free Public Library Community Room. The event is being hosted by the Sharon Springs Society Program. For more info, visit shslib.blogspot.com
MARCH 21-22
Antiques In Schoharie
SCHOHARIE CENTRAL SCHOOL
Schoharie Central School will be a literal treasure trove March 21-22, with 100 antiques dealers participating in this massive show, which is a major fundraiser for the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association’s Railroad Museum. For more info, visit schany.org
MARCH 28-29
Cobleskill Region Home & Garden Show
COBLESKILL RICHMONDVILLE
HIGH SCHOOL
The Cobleskill Region Home & Garden Show, hosted by the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce, will feature more than 50 vendors, as well as giveaways, food trucks and tons of family fun from 11am-4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children. For more info, visit schohariechamber.com
The Great Upstate Boat Show (pictured) features seminars focused on boat maintenance and safety.
WARREN COUNTY
MARCH 27-29
The Great Upstate Boat Show
ADIRONDACK SPORTS COMPLEX
The Great Upstate Boat Show in Queensbury offers customers three days to save, if they’re thinking about buying a boat or trading up to a new model. The show also features three informative seminars focused on boat maintenance and safety, as well as water sports training. For more info, visit thegreatupstateboatshow.com
Play
» SHOP THERAPY «
Across
1. Snake’s tooth
5. Bellybutton find
9. Rose’s fiancé in Titanic
12. ___ vera
13. 1926 Langston Hughes poem
14. “Cheerleader” singer
15. Cloud of tiny water droplets
16. Put on Facebook Marketplace, say
17. Hamilton’s ___-Manuel Miranda
18. Face-tattooed singer roaming the halls of Crossgates Mall?
21. Gleam
23. Smooth out wrinkles
24. Unagi
25. Within
30. What you might be if you subsist solely on food from Colonie Center?
35. Came to the same conclusion
36. Not new
37. Classic rug shape
40. High-end coolers
42. Type of unexplainable activity going on at Clifton Park Center?
47. Pie ___ mode
48. Singer Brickell
49. Young boys
52. Throw softly
53. Pink, in Madrid
54. Immoral
55. Students in their last year of HS
56. Flintstones patriarch
57. Shade of blue
Down
1. Relatives, slangily
2. Muhammad ___
3. Like some sippy cups
4. “___ with it already!”
5. A number of connected things printed consecutively
6. One entry on a 5-Down
7. Mardi Gras HQ
8. Where to use an EZ-Pass
9. 57-Across, for one
10. ___ acid
11. Material woven from flax
19. What bees do
20. “You’re not telling the truth!”
21. Precious stone
22. Actress and singer Michele
26. Neither this ___ that
27. Take legal action
28. Anger
29. “___ miss me?”
31. 2016 Ryan Gosling film ___ Land
BY NATALIE MOORE
32. Magma, at the surface
33. One of the Manning brothers
34. Gives a lift home from a party, for short
37. Types of 21-Down
38. Courage
39. One population whose home is the Middle East
41. DeGeneres of Finding Dory
43. Toy gun brand
44. Smell
45. “___ and shine!”
46. Fermented honey drink
50. Inverse of mult.
51. Cunning Answers on crlmag.com. Search: crossword
Ibefore you go...
FINNEGAN’S GOAT
BY JOHN GRAY
t was the occasion of James Patrick Ryan’s 16th birthday party, and his immediate family had all stopped by to celebrate and help him blow out the candles. The presents from his relatives, per his request, were all gift cards to the places he liked to shop. Every birthday card he received had a gift card stuffed inside, and then James’ grandfather handed him a card. When he tore into the envelope and opened the Hallmark card inside it, there was nothing there, save for six words written on the card: “A walk and wisdom, love Grandpa.”
After the dishes were cleared away and the crowd left, James went out into the backyard to find his grandfather, with an inquisitive look on his face, holding the card in his hand. “I thought I might give you something more valuable than a sweatshirt from Old Navy this year,” his grandfather began. “Let’s walk and I’ll tell you a story that may help you someday.” The two of them slipped away down the path by the river, and the old man told James the story of Finnegan’s goat.
It seemed as though there had once been a town just like the one James lived in, with a boy there just like James—small for his age and prone to being picked on by the other children. His name was Finnegan. The year was 1843, and there were farms as far as the eye could see. One day Finnegan’s mother gave him 20 silver dollars with the instructions to go into town and buy a goat. Finnegan did as he was told, but
along the way, he ran into the Hollister boys: Jimmy, Joey and Jamie. Three brothers separated by just a year in age and the worst bullies in the county. They stopped Finnegan and asked him where he was going, and he told them about his plans to buy the goat. The oldest Hollister winked at his younger brothers and told Finnegan they had a prized goat to sell him, and Finnegan should wait right there. When he returned a few moments later, he had a poster in his hand with the picture of a beautiful goat on it. He said, “The goat is out in the field right now, but this is what he looks like. You give me the $20 and you can pick him up in the morning.” Finnegan hesitated for a moment—but concluded that the goat was perfect and handed the Hollister boys the silver dollars and went home with the picture of the goat to show his mother.
“I thought I might give you something more valuable than a sweatshirt from Old Navy this year. Let’s walk and I’ll tell you a story that may help you someday.”
The next morning when Finnegan returned, Jamie Hollister told him that the goat had died the previous night, and he’d already been buried. And unfortunately, they’d spent the money he’d given them on grain, so it looked as though Finnegan was out of luck. Throughout the story, the three brothers couldn’t contain their laughter, and Finnegan quickly realized he’d been duped. But rather than throw a punch and find himself fighting three against one, he left, going home to think. The next day, Finnegan went into town with the photo
of the goat he thought he was buying that turned out never to have actually existed. He stopped everyone he met and told them he was raffling off the goat, and it was valued at $50. Raffle tickets were just a buck, so someone could win that beautiful goat for only a dollar. Finnegan told everyone he’d draw the winning name on Saturday in the town square at noon. The Hollister boys heard about the raffle and showed up for the drawing to expose Finnegan’s scheme. When they arrived at the town square at noon, they saw Finnegan holding a hat full of raffle tickets, and standing next to, not one, but two lovely goats. Finnegan had a child reach into the hat full of tickets and pick a name and announced that Sarah Foster had won. As Sarah approached, Finnegan addressed the crowd: “I have a confession to make: The goat in this photo died. But you needn’t worry; I sold 500 raffle tickets, so I went and purchased two new goats, one for Sarah and one for me. They both cost $50 each, so I’m keeping $100 for my trouble and donating the remaining $300 to the church.” The townspeople applauded. Finnegan was now a hero. Shortly after the applause died down, the three Hollister boys stormed up to Finnegan and said, “You cheat; that goat in the photo never existed.” Finnegan smiled and replied, “So you’re admitting you lied to me and stole my money?”
The youngest Hollister said, “You bet we did, ’cause you’re stupid.” Just then, Finnegan looked behind the Hollister brothers and said, “Did you hear that sheriff?” Sheriff Satchel Walton and his deputy grabbed the three boys by the shoulders and said, “You bet I did. Boys you’re under arrest for fraud.”
When James’ grandfather was done with the story, he tossed a stone out into the river and said, “So what can we learn from Finnegan’s goat?” The teenager smiled and said, “Don’t buy something unless you see it first. Don’t fight with your fists when you can win using your brain.”
He paused, and his grandfather added, “And don’t forget to always give back.”
As they made their way back to the house, James thought, the old man’s right; that “walk and wisdom” is way better than a sweatshirt.
