In the Adirondack Hub, spending time with family is truly worthwhile. With a variety of family-friendly activities available, including outdoor adventures, local museums, and historic sites, there's something for everyone. Our beaches are perfect for swimming and water-based activities. Camping is a classic way to enjoy the outdoors and bond as a family. Don't forget the joy of roasting marshmallows over a campfire! In the Adirondack Hub, you'll discover countless opportunities for an unforgettable vacation focused on fun and creating lasting memories.
Learn more at AdirondackHub.com.
wild-caught fresh scallop special from Mint in Glens Falls.
EDVARD MUNCH
TREMBLING EARTH
“…promises to be the most complete and revelatory display of his work ever to cross the Atlantic.”
– The Boston Globe
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Edvard Munch: Trembling Earth is co-organized by the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts; the Museum Barberini, Potsdam, Germany; and Munchmuseet, Oslo, Norway. Generous funding for presentation at the Clark and Munchmuseet is provided by the Asbjorn Lunde Foundation, Inc. Trembling Earth is made possible by Diane and Andreas Halvorsen. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities
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From The Editors
BEYOND THE BESTIES
If you picked up the last two issues of CAPITAL REGION LIVING, you saw the results of our annual region-wide survey, the Besties. While Bestie season is officially over, at press time, the CRL team was still riding the high of BestieFest, the awards ceremony that honors all of the year’s local winners. Our 2023 event was unquestionably the best one yet, as it was a true celebration of the local businesses and individuals that make this region what it is. Turn to page 28 to see photos from the beautiful evening!
But while we were busy compiling Besties winners and finalists, a pile of stories from our region’s top writers was forming on our desks. And now that the Besties are behind us, we decided to put the best of them all in one issue—the issue you’re holding right now. Check out our features on Glens Falls’ burgeoning foodie scene (p. 14), the Capital Region photographers who have taken eaglewatching to a whole new level (p. 18), and the top Adirondack lakes to visit this summer or fall (p. 22). It turns out that Upstate New York is full of Bestie-worthy stories year round, and it’s our pleasure to share them with you.
Thanks to everyone who made BestieFest a success, and for those who continue to support CRL in every season.
—The Editors
The CRL team at BestieFest 2023
NEW NOW AND
Summer is heating up in the Capital Region with new restaurants, top-of-the-line skincare treatments and the promise of our very own future NBA star.
DRAFT KING
Amsterdam’s Andre Jackson, Jr. is no stranger to being in the news, having just helped lead The UConn Huskies basketball team to a national championship. But the 21-year-old made headlines of a different kind after he decided to stay in the NBA draft rather than return to college. At press time—mere hours before the draft kicked off—we were on the edges of our seats to see which team would draft him. But we do know that the hard-working Jackson popped up at workouts with the Suns, Grizzlies and Lakers. “He’s been on a plane to a different state each day,” confirms his mom, Tricia Altieri. “So off court, he’s been constantly in the air, and on the court…” Yup, they say he can fly
NEW NOW AND
LASER FOCUS
Just in in time for bikini and tank top season, Saratoga’s Skin By ASK skincare spa has launched a powerful new laser hair removal treatment: Lutronic’s Clarity II. “It’s the best of the best,” says Owner/Aesthetician Andrew Stephen Kelly. “It is the only laser for hair removal on the market with a 1ms pulse width, which means we can target even the finest of hair. Our laser also has a cryogenic spray that is expertly timed to cool the skin pre- and post-treatment, making it painless.” Early clients are raving that fewer treatments are needed, and the results last longer. With no post-treatment downtime required, what are you waiting for?
HARD TO BEET
Schenectady resident Chelsea Heilmann is getting ready to open the establishment Capital Regionites didn’t know we needed. This July, the owner of Take Two Café will unveil her second venture: Unbeetable, a vegan arcade located on Clinton Street in the Electric City. “There’ll be a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails, because it’s family friendly,” Heilmann says. “It’s going to be 100 percent vegan elevated bar food.” Think “crab” rangoons, spinach and jalapeño dip, and vegan mac and cheese poppers with a side of Pacman, pinball and ping pong. Game on.
CAT CALLING
Nothing beats the relaxing, cozy feeling of a day in a café. But to Rachel Anne, founder of Rotterdam’s new Pretty Paw Lounge Cat Cafe, that experience can be leveled up with the help of some feline friends. Her new business, which at press time was set to open mid-July, offers patrons the opportunity to snack on some freshly baked goods and meet the establishment’s cats and kittens that are guaranteed to melt hearts. The best part? The cats are adoptable through local nonprofit Kitten Angels, so you may just be going home with a little more than a caffeine buzz.
PIG OUT
Ballston Spa just raised the roof on its food and drink scene. Literally. And it’s all thanks to The Speckled Pig, which finished building its rooftop dining area— complete with tables, couches and shade-giving umbrellas—just in time for summer. “We have a ton of new beers up there, in addition to seltzer slushies,” says Co-owner Larry Hyde. Indeed, guests can wash down their pizza with a homemade hard root beer, a Head in the Clouds sour, or one of four rotating seltzer slushie flavors. “Swing by any time,” Larry continues. “It’s always hopping!”
JEFF NADLER
EAGLE EYE
HOW A COVID-BORN GROUP OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS IS HELPING MONITOR THE BALD EAGLES THAT CALL PEEBLES ISLAND HOME.
BY JEFF DINGLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
CURT MORGAN AND JEFF NADLER
Forget about driving up to the Adirondacks to catch a glimpse of America’s majestic national bird. Heck, you don’t even have to leave the Capital Region. Sandwiched between the urban sprawl of Waterford, Cohoes and Troy is a little bald eagle hotspot called Peebles Island. Barely 10 miles from downtown Albany, this 190-acre state park—located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers—is home to a pair of nesting bald eagles that have caught the attention of a local group of wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts.
“I’ve always been interested in nature and I’ve been taking photos of wildlife for a long time,” says Curt Morgan, founder of the group. The network of mostly local birders and nature enthusiasts share their images, videos and photography tips on a Facebook page called Peebles Eagles, which has also been a catalyst for a number of spontaneous gatherings such as bird walks, wildlife and photography information sessions, and even rare bird trips. Morgan, a biology major who worked as a minister in the Capital Region for 30 years, started the group in July 2020, but has always had a passion for observing these feathered, flying friends. “People don’t know that these amazing raptors are in the Capital Region,” he says. “And I wanted to share this awesome site with them.”
Morgan discovered the little secret in the spring of 2020 when he joined a bevy of wildlife photographers that had converged on Peebles Island to film bald eaglet fledglings. Bald eagles mate for life, and the stretch of the Mohawk River from Vischer Ferry down to where it meets the Hudson at Peebles Island is rich with fish—the bald eagle’s main food source— making it an ideal nesting spot. “Within five miles of that island there are probably four or five eagle nests,” Morgan says. “Back in 2020, we were there for several weeks photographing and filming this event. When the others finally left, I said to them, ‘Let me open a Facebook page, and it’ll give us an opportunity to post shots and maintain our friendship.’”
And that’s exactly what happened. Flash forward three years and Peebles Eagles has more than 2,600 members who’ve already shared some 70,000 photos. And it’s not just raptors—the page includes other birds and wildlife from the region and beyond. “I always tell people, ‘If you can’t make it to Peebles Island, post your wildlife wherever you’re located,’” Morgan says. “The group really blossomed during Covid lockdown because people were gathering outside and looking to maintain some kind of connection to community. It’s not people holding onto trade secrets. It’s photographers serving and helping people appreciate wildlife and grow their photography skills.”
That open-minded attitude has attracted birders and nature enthusiasts from all over the Capital Region, the United States, Canada and more than 10 other countries. One of those members is renowned Ballston Spa–based nature photographer Jeff Nadler, whose avian images and written articles have appeared in Cornell’s Living Bird magazine, Bird Watcher’s Digest, Adirondack Life, and even National Geographic Complete Birds of North America “It’s a pretty good group who all socialize together,” says Nadler, who joined last year. Because of Peebles Eagles, he’s already seen some cool stuff, too. “The week after Christmas, I’d heard [in the Facebook group] that people were seeing 30 to 40 bald eagles instead of the usual six or eight,” he says. “So I drove down and was just in awe; from the Route 9 Bridge to Cohoes itself there were 40 eagles. And that lasted only a week!” (Fun fact: Large congregations of raptors can occur in the wintertime because eagles from farther north will fly south to find open water; in these summer months, eagle offspring are readying to leave the nest.)
Another important member of the group is Peter Nye, the New York conservationist largely responsible for the raptor’s resurgence in the northeastern United States. The bald eagle has been the national bird since 1782 (before the Constitution was written and a year before the nation won independence), but in the mid-20th century, the insecticide DDT nearly wiped out the species. With a team of experts, Nye flew in eaglets from Alaska to sites outside of Albany, where they set up mock nests to feed and rear those young birds before releasing them into the wild. Their winged descendants spread throughout the northeast and became an incredible conservation comeback story.
“We’ve had bald eagle territories in New York State that have been active for well over 75 years now,” says Nye, who used to run New York’s Endangered Species Program. Throughout his career, Nye visited bald eagles throughout the state and banded every baby bird of prey he could—“Well over 1,000 chicks,” he says. Peebles Eagles members have taken over some of Nye’s work with their own volunteer efforts. “They’ve been very helpful in carrying on the monitoring of a whole bunch of eagle nests,” says Nye. “Citizen scientists can be very important.”
Curt Morgan
(eagles ) CURT MORGAN
In fact, over the last two-plus years, Peebles Eagles members have voluntarily monitored nests in the region for the Department of Environmental Conservation, reported different banded eagles passing through the area to US Fish and Wildlife (which helps tell the history of each eagle that has been fitted with an individual band), and orchestrated letterwriting campaigns to discourage further development of known eagle habitats. “The caveat,” Nye says about utilizing citizen scientists, “is to remember that species protection above all is most necessary. Don’t disturb your subject.”
That’s a tenet Morgan has been sure to cultivate among his eaglers on Peebles Island and the surrounding area. “There is a rule of thumb: Maintain at least 300 feet from an eagle,” Morgan says. “When you’re out looking for bald eagles you see all kinds of great sites and wildlife. Just about any day, I can go out and find a number of bald eagles.” And it’s the work of conservationists such as Nye and invested citizens like the members of Peebles Eagles that will ensure those eagles stick around for many years to come.
FOR GLENS FALLS
CAPITAL REGION FOODIES, TAKE NOTE: GLENS FALLS IS GOING THROUGH A CULINARY AWAKENING.
BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX
For most of its history, Glens Falls’ claim to fame was its role in the American Revolution and the mighty waterfalldriven power dam facility that gave the town its name.
My, how times have changed—these days, the Warren County town is becoming known for its peerless food scene. Whether you’re craving sophisticated fine dining, whiz-bang inventiveness, trendy hotspots or authentic farm-to-table fare, you’ll find it in Glens Falls. Insider tip: Make a reservation in advance, or you might be disappointed this busy season.
Park & Elm: Innovation, Surprising Flavors and Cocktails Galore
Park & Elm is a new, multi-concept eatery that successfully fuses fine dining, gourmet food shopping and premium deli life in one rigorously curated, chicly adorned place. In many ways, Park & Elm is one part next evolution of Doc’s, a restaurant the team ran in The Park Theater until recently, and one part next evolution of fine dining made convenient. (That’s where the breakfast menu and superlative deli come in). “The core of what made us successful at Doc’s has been kept intact,” says operations manager Ben Miller. “But we’ve expanded our model to accommodate a wider demographic.”
Think gourmet, fast-casual breakfast and lunch at the market, a larger space for fine dining at night, and a booming patio dinner service perfect for warm summer evenings. Accolade-strewn Executive Chef Matthew J. Delos prioritizes working with local farmers like Battenkill Valley Creamery, Sunset Farm and Haux Nest Bread to produce a rotating seasonal menu.
In-the-know locals return for mainstays such as housemade gnocchi cacio e pepe and a delectable seafood risotto. Beverage Director Ethan McKee creates balanced, imaginative seasonal cocktails that pair beautifully with Delos’ Italian-inspired menu, and also offers local craft beer on
tap and an impressive wine list. If you can, grab a table by the large shop windows and peep the bustling street life of Glens Falls. parkandelm.com
Radici Kitchen: Modern Small Plate Comfort
Chef Brian Bowden brings three decades of clout and experience garnered at regional fine dining mainstays such as Saratoga’s 15 Church and Sperry’s to his own project at Radici, plus the personal heart and soul that can be missing from larger corporate collabs.
Alexis Connor, a food influencer who documents her dining adventures in (mostly) Glens Falls and Saratoga on Instagram (@saratogadining), is a regular at the
three-year-old Radici, citing both the vibe and pasta as her prime motivation. “The cozy, intimate setting, great service and homemade pastas keep me coming back,” Connor says. “When I’m not trying the latest special, one of my go-tos is their short rib pappardelle with tender, flavorful short ribs and a mushroom-madeira demi cream.”
The focus at Radici is Old World Italian filtered through a modern, worldly small plates lens. (Think toasted bao buns with prosciutto San Danielle, fig mostarda, burrata and aged balsamic, and a braised rabbit risotto dish with morel mushrooms, fava beans and garlicky breadcrumbs.)
Skipping dessert here isn’t on the menu— ricotta donuts with cinnamon sugar and salted caramel, please. radicikitchen.com
Park & Elm; (opposite) Radici Kitchen
Mint: Polished, Post-Mod Fun
The buzzy new Mint may, as it claims on its website, offer “farm-to-table scratch cooking,” but this is no down-home affair.
Launched by retired school teacher Johanna Geldern and daughters Katriel and Cagney Houlihan (of Greenwich’s Sweet Beet Bistro fame), the gorgeous décor—green leather banquets, lush floral arrangements, gilded mirrors and gleaming subway tile bar backsplashes— and colorful, architectural food and cocktail presentations exude Williamsburg, Brooklyn-chic.
But their hearts, as Geldern makes clear, are in the food, from sourcing to execution.
“Our vision is to connect our beautiful northeast city with sustainable family farmers,” she says. “If we work together, we can heal our broken food system and create a healthier, sustainable and more delicious future for all of us. Our menu reflects these ideals. We call it a ‘Contemporary Balanced New American’ menu.”
Newly mint-ed Executive Chef Tyler Courtney sharpened his knife skills on the West Coast in LA and San Diego, and prioritizes working with local, sustainably minded farmers such as Kilcoyne Farm, Grazin’ Acres and The Mushroom Shop.
Mint snagged attention initially for its superlative fare and incredible atmosphere, but it’s earned longtime love with competitive specials and prices that keep everyone coming back for more. Taco Tuesday ($5 tacos and $8 margaritas), dollar oyster Wednesdays, and pizza and pint nights on Thursdays (buy a pizza and get a pint free) make “dropping in” a thing of the past. Make a res, and make like the regulars by ordering the popular Kilcoyne Farm 10-ounce strip steak—served with chimichurri sauce—and a pot d’ crème dessert. mint518.com
Craft on 9: Cozy, Upscale Hop Vibes
Great food is often associated with hefty wine lists. But at Craft on 9, while wine and fantastic cocktails are on the menu, so is a rotating list of killer craft beer, with an emphasis on local.
Executive Chef/owner Rob Murphy set
Mint
Craft on 9
out to create the type of place he and his friends felt was missing. The ambiance is mellow but warm—think exposed brick walls, warm wooden floors and tables, soft lighting and plenty of seats. The food is elevated comfort—think pork and egg croquettes and hand-cut frites topped with shaved parmesan and served with a chipotle aioli dipping sauce.
“Our ramen dish is the most popular,” says Craft on 9 Co-owner (and the chef’s mother) Maria Murphy. “The layers of flavor in the base broth take days to create, and the toppings—pork belly, pork shoulder, pickled jalapeno, mushroom, soft boiled egg, nori and scallions—keep people coming back.” crafton9.com
Farmacy Restobar: Charming Experimentation
Farmacy’s HQ is a 1900s family feedstore, and the charming, funky vibe translates to its dishes and carefully curated cocktails.
Connor says that Farmacy is her No. 1 Glens Falls watering hole thanks to its “phenomenal food, exceptional service and great vibes.”
For the full effect, she likes to grab a seat at the chef’s counter and eat whatever chef/owner A.J. Richards deigns to serve her. While the rotating chef’s menu changes constantly, menu stars such as the “Charred” beef tartare, fried cheese curds and the vegan mushroom loaf clue you into what’s in store.
“Farmacy also has an incredible selection of wine, craft beers and cocktails,” Connor says. “One of my favorite drinks is the Camp Counselor with baconinfused whiskey, maple syrup and fresh smoke.” farmacygf.com
Other Can’t-Miss Hot Spots
We would be remiss to not mention a dozen other places, but ink and paper prices demand restraint. At the risk of leaving out a few worthy destinations, here is our all-too-brief sipping and dining nirvana cheat sheet: Downtown City Tavern for boozy milkshakes and burgers; Morgan and Co. for intimate, gourmet date nights (NY strip steak and Vocal cabernet); Flight Wine Bar & Restaurant for killer international pairings (hit the Italian regional pasta tour); Alif Cafe for authentic chicken tikka and mango lassis; Mikado for sushi that will make your Manhattan friends jealous; and Laurella’s Restaurant for balanced indulgence (get the beet salad and the hot meatball sandwich, then wash it down with a good Chianti).
Hungry? See you in Glens Falls!
Farmacy
SUMMER ADIRONDACKS IN THE
SUMMER ADIRONDACKS
HIKING, FISHING, BOATING, TO BE SURE. BUT ALSO BROWSING, LOUNGING AND SNACKING.
BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX
Lake views from a Lodge at Schroon Lake chalet
It’s wouldn't be a Capital Region summer without some quality time spent in the Adirondacks, and this year offers up some fun new hotspots. Whether you want to tackle a few high peaks, shop ‘til you drop in the cutest small towns this side of the Mississippi, or just chill by one of the many lakes with some great sips and snacks, we’ve got you covered.
SCHROON LAKE:
Recreational Bliss Schroon Lake—idyllic, tranquil, scenic—is an underappreciated reality set deep within the Adirondack mountains. Unlike Saranac Lake and Lake Placid (which you'll read about in a moment), Schroon doesn’t have a sexy backstory. Founded after the American Revolution around 1800, it has always managed to draw in-the-know visitors to its glittering lakes and fantastic hiking trails.
Stay at the newly minted Lodge at Schroon Lake, with 116 places to stay, from the five simple, rustic glamping sites (guests have access to a fully stocked bathhouse with a kitchen, communal lounging space, showers and bathrooms) and cabins (which range in size and are suitable for between one and four guests), to classic suites, rooms and vast, two-floor, two-bedroom, two-bathroom chalets.
The Lodge opened mid-June after an extensive renovation of the 36-acre former Word of Life bible camp, with an upgraded campus of amenities. Visitors have access to mini golf, an oversized chess board (each piece is roughly 36 inches high), pickleball, basketball, volleyball and a playground. Families with kids will appreciate the Cub's Den, where families can hang for an evening of supervised arts and crafts, games and movie nights. The Game Room, with pool tables, foosball and shuffleboard is also a fantastic amenity for
Saranac Lake
Front desk at Lodge at Schroon Lake
Lodge at Schroon Lake lobby
families with kids of all ages.
There is a 53,000-gallon indoor pool, hot tub and saunas, but probably the best draw is the Lodge’s dock with a boat slip available for overnight guests with boats. (Pontoon, kayak and paddle board rentals are also available.) Schroon Lake is a fisherman's paradise, with abundant stocks of smallmouth and largemouth bass in the summer, along with northern pike, landlocked salmon and lake trout.
Schroon Lake’s 34,488-acre Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area is well worth exploring, with 15 miles of hiking plus ponds and streams for fishing. The popular Hoffman Notch Trail extends 7.4 miles, and while it’s long, the terrain is rated easy to moderate. It's a beautiful slice of backcountry.
Culture vultures will want to check out the Seagle Festival’s plays and catch a flick at the charming mid-century Strand Theater. Dine at the historic restaurant at the Lodge, The Brown Swan, or the more casual Bevy—which offers easy, snackable fare and great drinks. Or head off property to the popular Paradox Brewery, which serves up imaginative beers.
SARANAC LAKE:
Nurture Your Inner Artiste
In many ways, Saranac Lake offers all of the attractions of its glitzier Adirondack siblings (yep, we’re looking at you, Lake Placid), with less hustle and bustle. Come here if you’re ready to slow your roll.
Stay at Hotel Saranac, which embodies the town’s past and present. Built in 1927 as the first fireproof hotel north of Albany, the hotel was designed to be—and quickly became—an icon of the town, a draw for visitors and a hub for the community. Today, after a five-year, top-to-bottom renovation, it offers both modern comforts and the charm of the Gilded Age—with original details in the arcade-style entry hall, Great Hall Bar and Grand Ballroom.
The amenities—deluxe massages at the Ampersand Salon & Spa, build-your-own s'mores at the Campfire Adirondack Grill & Bar, and cocktails at the Great Hall—mean you don't ever have to leave the resort. But while you don’t have to leave, you really
should. If you want to hit the trails, Baker Mountain offers a moderate 1.8-mile hike from trailhead to summit, located just steps off of Broadway in town and boasting spectacular views of Saranac Lake, Lake Flower and the High Peaks. If you’re ready for a more serious challenge, tackle one (or more) of the six Adirondack peaks surrounding the lake.
There's also an array of problematically adorable (and bargain-priced) goodies in stores all centered in the small, walkable downtown. There are books (Book Nook), organic goodies (Nori’s Village Market), artwork (the Adirondack Artists Guild) and clothes (The Village Mercantile).
And don’t leave town without grabbing breakfast or lunch at the Blue Moon Cafe (breakfast is served all day, except the French toast and pancakes). And for a rollicking dinner, round of pool or darts, rootsy live music and locally brewed beer, head over to Bitters & Bones.
LAKE PLACID:
For the Sporting Spirit
Lake Placid is arguably the most well-known town in the Adirondacks, largely for hosting the Olympic games twice (1932 and 1980), but also for the serene majesty of its setting and the almost painfully quaint browsing, sipping and eating opportunities in the alpine village.
Being a more touristy town means Lake Placid has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to options for places to stay—you can’t go wrong with the High Peaks Resort, Mirror Lake Inn or the newly renovated Grand Adirondack Hotel (formerly North Woods). The main High Peaks Resort has a waterfront location right on Main Street and serves as the resort’s hallmark location. The amenities are modern and luxe but down home and family friendly: Expect a welcome glass of Champagne, an Aveda Concept Salon and Spa, a fully equipped fitness center, the relaxed Dancing Bears restaurant, a seasonal patio for clinks and drinks, two indoor pools, two outdoor pools and free use of kayaks on the lake. You can even bring Fido (for an extra fee).
Mirror Lake Inn also has an elaborate spa including an indoor pool, plus an outdoor
pool for these steamy summer days. Foodies head there for The View, the area’s only AAA Four Diamond–rated restaurant. Down Main Street from High Peaks, the Grand Adirondack Hotel boasts the rooftop Cloudsplitter Bar that’s perfect for summer cocktails.
When it’s time to head into town, your first stop should be the Lake Placid Olympic Center and Museum, which turns the sometimes-humdrum recitation of sports stats into a living, breathing, exciting and interactive history and sports experience. Next, you could hit Mirror Lake Beach on foot for some sunbathing, or take a short drive over to High Falls Gorge, an easy hiking trail set on 22 acres, with several paved and flat trails with stunning views of waterfalls. This is a great option for families or those who aren’t in the mood for extreme physical exertion. If you want to work harder for your views, head over to the Algonquin Trail to hike Wright Peak and/or Algonquin Peak..
Now, time to browse and graze on Main Street. Explore one of the best indie bookstores in New York, Bookstore Plus; support local craftspeople at Adirondack Decorative Arts & Crafts; shop the best in outdoor-chic gear, Ruthie’s Run; or sample Beef Jerky Experience’s 100+ varieties of jerky, plus hot sauce, spice rub and peanuts. When it’s time to refuel, hit up Salt of the Earth, a small bistro run by women, with homey dinners that taste like a love letter to the region.
Whatever you’re craving, the ADKs have it. So what’s your summer 2023 vibe?
Mirror Lake Inn
There’s an old saying in baseball: “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.” For example, a batter hits a routine grounder to the second baseman, but the ball takes a bad hop over his head and the winning run scores. It doesn’t mean the batter doesn’t have skill—it just means he caught a lucky break. The same can be said about photography. While trying not to break my neck while crossing a stream on a walk in the woods, I looked down and found this little guy. I pointed my camera at him, and, magically, a ripple appeared just as I took the shot. (And I didn’t fall in the stream!) Usually when I take photos, I either create moments or watch and wait for moments to happen. This time, the moment just… happened. The moral? Always have your camera ready—a good shot may find you.
—Francesco
D’Amico | f-d-photography.com
TSay Cheese! CRL BestieFest
JUNE 13 | HANGAR 743
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO, TR LAZ AND MUSIC MAN ENTERTAINMENT
his past June, CRL Bestie season culminated in a celebration of this year’s winners at what was widely considered the best BestieFest yet. Part of what made it so special was the unique venue—we held it at The Hangar at 743, an event space right next to the Albany Airport runway. That, and the fact that so many local Bestie winners contributed to make the evening magical. CRL would like to thank Music Man Entertainment, Curamia Tequila, CDPHP, Freixenet, Adirondack Balloon Co., News10 ABC’s John Gray, Awards by Walsh, West Ave Pizza, Old Daley Custom Catering, Sake, Swifty’s, Coccadots, Yanni’s Too, Brown’s Brewing Co., Hannaford, Bella Napoli, Illusive, Cardona’s and Good Karma Studio, which provided gravity-defying entertainment overlooking the Albany airfield.
Up Next: 11 Ways to Have Fun in the Capital Region Sun
BY NATALIE ST. DENIS
July 22
NipperFest Music & Arts Festival
Music Haven in Schenectady’s Central Park
NipperFest makes its return to Music Haven this summer for the second year. Charttopping artists Jocelyn & Chris headline the two-stage, one-day event. Additionally, the festival highlights local up-and-coming talent including bands such as Hold On Honeys, Camtron5000, Precious Metals, Brule County Bad Boys, The Sugar Hold, E-Block, Carolyn Shapiro, Jimi W, Margo Macero, ShortWave RadioBand and Lucas Garrett. Attendees can also expect many family-friendly activities, including a play area for the little ones and an Art Pavilion, which will feature local artists and vendors. nippertown.com
July 27-29
Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
Round up your music-junkie friends and head to the Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival for three days of live music from more than two dozen artists. Headlined by Oteil & Friends, the event’s 47th year offers a relaxing, spacious experience
on the fairground, with food and craft vendors aplenty. Attendees can choose to pitch a tent or pull-up in their RV to camp overnight with the purchase of a campsite. ryebreadfest.com
July 28
Water Lantern Festival
Empire State Plaza
Witness the beauty of floating laterns at the Water Lantern Festival, which promises to be a peaceful and memorable evening. After fueling up at the food trucks and getting pumped up by live music, it’ll be time to let your creative juices flow as you design your lantern—before letting it sail and unite with the others to create a magical glow on the water that you won’t want to miss. All of the
eco-friendly lanterns (made from rice paper and reusable LED candles) are retrieved by festival staff, who also clean up non-festival litter for a guilt-free and moving night. waterlanternfestival.com
August 5
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ in Concert
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Harry Potter world come to life with the help of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Patrick Doyle’s award-winning score will be played live while the film projects in high-definition on a 40-foot viewing screen. spac.org
Rye Bread Music & Arts Festival
Water Lantern Festival
August 8-13
Schoharie County Sunshine Fair
Cobleskill Agricultural Society
With fair season upon us, make sure to add the annual Sunshine Fair to your list. This family favorite will be in town for only six days, each one offering a packed schedule of entertainment—everything from watching a master chainsaw sculptor and dog demonstrations to a flying trapeze act, pig races and an ugliest cake contest.. Grab a season pass before the first day of the fair to ensure you don’t miss a second of the fun. sunshinefair.org
August 26
Art Omi: Music in the Barn
Art Omi
Stroll through and admire the art scattered throughout sculpture and architecture park Art Omi before making your way to the studio barns for an informal musical performance of experimental music from 5-7pm. The featured performers come from various traditions and genres and will share the new music they have created during their time at the 2023 Art Omi music residency. artomi.org
September 1
Guns N’ Roses North American Tour
Saratoga
Performing Arts Center
World-renowned hard rockers Guns N’ Roses make a stop at SPAC this summer on the band’s North American 2023 tour with special guest Dirty Honey. (Full band lineup: Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer and Melissa
Reese.) VIP Club and Terrace Club access are available for purchase. Grab a ticket before they’re gone. spac.org
September 2-3
Capital District Scottish Games
Altamont
Fairgrounds
Immerse yourself in traditional Scottish culture at the Capital District Scottish Games, where competitions range from hammer throw to caber toss. Gear up, too, for Highland dancing, which dates back to the 11th century. More than 100 Scottish Clans and Societies will be at the event to educate attendees on the history of Scotland and help you trace your family roots. The two-day event also features free activities for little ones, bands and other entertainment, as well as various food and import vendors. Pre-register for competitions online ahead of time, or purchase a ticket to watch all the action. On-site camping is available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. scotgames.com
BY CHANTAL MULLENS | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19
It’s time to get serious about your health and health routines, Aries—setting yourself up for success calls for setting goals and seeing them through. Make sure, however, to add elements of fun so sticking to the plans will be enticing and easy. This is also a time to reevaluate what fun means to you. Testdriving new hobbies and passions may lead to some pretty amazing things long-term. On the flipside, interest in once-familiar and comfortable pastimes may be waning. This is all a part of the shift taking place that’s making room for potential future versions of yourself to emerge.
TAURUS APRIL 20 - MAY 20
Hey, Taurus, that side hustle you’ve been working on may have more potential than you previously thought. Now may be the time to organize and plan it out as something with substance and see where that takes you. You may also find yourself open to more experimentation than you’re normally comfortable with. Use this playful curiosity to your advantage, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Feeling disconnected from yourself and your home life is just an indication, and most definitely an invitation, to free-fall
a little and surrender the need to control everything. Trust more, think less.
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20
The feeling of “two steps forward one step back” may be your running theme these days, Gemini. While it might not be your favorite energy to work with, understand that times of reflection and sacred pause are necessary in order to understand our next best move forward. It’s also a good time to take stock and inventory of your social circles. Who do you know, and how can they help get you to where you want to be? Engage in conversations, share ideas and connect with others to bring in clarity and opportunity. Two heads are always better than one, and no one knows that better than you.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22
We are deep into future planning, dear Cancer, and it seems like we’re hitting all the items on the checklist. From travel
and financial planning to career plans and home life, there is no stone left unturned by you. There is a sense of things coming together and falling into place that has you feeling satisfied on some levels but not quite complete as you know there is more to the
big picture that hasn’t come into focus just yet. The space left for potential is enormous and the energy is wonderfully malleable. Clarity will come, but for now enjoy the fruits of your labor and know there is still so much yet for you to harvest.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 22
What does it all mean, Leo? Who are we in the grand scheme of things? Where do we stand, and where is it that we’re going? Questioning is seeking, seeking is understanding, and right now you’re looking both within and outside of yourself for answers to shed light on some pretty heavy topics. This current quest may lead you to the discovery of a whole new version of yourself. If you’re feeling the urge to make radical changes, it may be the perfect time to do just that. When the caterpillar finally emerges from its cocoon, it is transformed and more beautiful than when it entered; if that’s not a Leo vibe then I don’t know what is. Use this time and opportunity to shape the next, most beautiful version of yourself.
VIRGO AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
You’re tapping deeper into your personal power with a capital P, my Virgo loves, and it’s encouraging you to step
into stronger and more secure versions of yourself. The work you’ve dedicated to yourself this past year is finally unfolding nicely like a highly anticipated gift, and it feels like the wait is over.
Blessings from the Universe often come with gentle (and not-so-gentle) reminders of how far we’ve come in the form of triggers to see if we’re truly ready to step up and receive. Any pushback you experience now is just testing your dedication to your growth. Move forward with confidence.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22
You are the embodiment of balance and harmony in relationships and relating, dearest Libra, and this time frame is going to show you just how important it is to bring out your natural gifts in these areas. It’s time for you to prioritize and discern who and what deserves your energy as the heavens are providing the perfect setting for cleaning house and home. Trust your intuition here (and everywhere) as you navigate through the reasons behind and seasons of your personal relationships. What is meant to stay will be clear as long as you are honest with yourself. “Losing” people is not as important as being true to your own heart.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21
You’re starting to understand that what you do on a daily basis is more important than the constant focus on longterm goals. It’s from our consistent habits and practices that our futures are shaped; you can’t skip steps and expect lasting results. The devil is
in the details, and you of all the signs know this to be true.
Don’t be afraid (reluctant) to utilize/ask for help from others as you make the proper adjustments to ensure your future plans go off without a hitch. Accepting assistance is not the same as giving up control. Lead from the front as you work with others to optimize best results.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 -DECEMBER 21
Expect a boost of motivation to get to work and show up as the boss you really are, Sagittarius. There will be some fire energy around marrying what you love to do with what you need to do, and it will be just the thing you’ve been waiting for to get going!
This is a great time to reevaluate your beliefs around certain themes, such as what you really need and/or want out of life. Have things shifted for you? If so, take a look at what no longer resonates with you and let it go. Release, renew, recharge.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19
The home life is calling you, Capricorn, and the need to feel comfortable and safe is becoming a top priority. Letting go of old programming is paramount to moving forward with creating the comfort you desire. This can show up in the forms of old traumas, betrayals and beliefs in the paradigms built around them. What good has it done to carry this baggage this far? What if you just set it all down and walked away from past pains? What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best that could happen? Try it and see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised with how easy it all can be.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
Sometimes resetting our relationships brings all the clarity we need. Whether this means a total release or a less invasive recalibration, take stock of how your personal ties are/have been affecting you for better or worse and make adjustments accordingly. If this sounds very matter-of-fact, it’s because that’s how you best approach the most important tasks. It’s a gift you possess, and this is the perfect opportunity to put it to use. Cutting cords that no longer serve your higher purpose will free you up to pursue the things, people and places you’ve been desiring most. Go for the gold here and live your best life!
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
For everyone else, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but for you, lovely Pisces, the scenic route brings the most beautiful experience. And that’s the point of the trip, isn’t it? You should know by now that the rules don’t really apply to you, and marching to the beat of your own harmonica is how life is best lived for a fish out of water. This is an abundant time for you, but be careful not to follow the steps as laid out by the “real world,” as only your own heart knows the way to your treasure. It’s also a great time to reflect on your health journey and make any adjustments you feel necessary to thrive at the highest levels.
Chantal Mullens is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader and life coach living in Germany with her two young children and two cats. She has many Capital Region clients; find her full list of services on her website: akashiccystalhealing.com
Welcome to your summertime tarotscope! Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and abundance, has moved into Taurus (ruler of love and money) for a year, so expect great blessings. Venus, the planet of love, will be in Cancer, so expect new relationships or healing in old ones. Here’s how each astrological sign may be affected:
Aries: 7 of Swords
March 21-April 22
For those who feel they deserve an apology, you may be receiving one. Other Aries will be the ones apologizing. It’s OK to be cautious, but be open to trusting new people.
Taurus: The Empress
April 23-May 20
Use your power to help others achieve their dreams. You may receive rewards for all of the help you have given to those in need. Maternal energy is all around you; share that energy with others.
Gemini: 2 of Pentacles
May 21-June 20
Decisions, decisions! Many changes are taking place to assist with a family situation or challenging career. Don’t fear making decisions—your first thought is always correct. If you don’t like the result, change your mind.
Cancer: 8 of Wands
June 21-July 22
Life may feel like it is moving in fast forward, so take plenty of retreat time. Communicate well to those who are affected by changes you are making. Great passion is available, if you’re open to it.
Leo: Tower
July 23-August 22
It’s time to leave the fast-paced world for a bit—slow down to smell the roses. A sudden or unexpected major life change may be in the works. Don’t fear it; embrace it. This change will bring peace!
Virgo: 5 of Pentacles
August 23-September 22
Walk away from some challenging times, or toxic people or places. This chaos may have negatively impacted your finances temporarily. For many, there has been a deep emotional loss; take time to heal. Expect great abundance, and have strong faith.
Libra: Knight of Pentacles
September 23-October 23
You may have an offer from a young male that will bring good news, or an important contract may be finalized. This will improve
your financial situation. Stay grounded and ready to start something new. Strive for balance.
Scorpio: Ace of Cups
October 24-November 22
Expect warm and happy new beginnings, including perhaps a new addition to your family. Some will experience a new love affair or take one to the next level. Your creativity at this time will be very strong.
Sagittarius: 6 of Wands
November 23-December 22
You will be recognized for your work accomplishments or home projects. Feel proud of the hard work you’ve put into certain ventures that needed your input; positive results will pay off.
Capricorn: Queen of Cups
December 23-January 21
This energy will bring out maternal love and creativity. A female figure will nurture you and help you navigate a challenge. Some Capricorns will find out they are expecting a new arrival!
Aquarius: 3 of Cups
January 22-February 18
This is a social time with friends and family, including weddings—either your own or someone else’s. Party invitations and celebrations will be plentiful. Create more play than work for a change!
Pisces: Knight of Cups
February 19-March 20
Romantically, this may be a great season— some will even receive an engagement or commitment. Compliments will be received or given when you least expect them. Expect a nice financial surprise!
Sandy Menzer has professionally practiced her intuitive abilities for 25 years. She teaches and provides personal and group spiritual direction messages and readings by appointment. For further information, she can be reached at sanshaun@yahoo.com
hint: think of the title of this puzzle literally when solving the starred clues.
ACROSS
1. China’s fifth most common surname
5. Now and ___
9. Cuisine
13. Car
14. Exploratory Mars vehicle
16. Tons
17. “Shoot!”
18. Japanese genre
19. Peru’s capital
20. Sacred objects
22. Small couch
24. *Install or establish
25. “Ex’s & ___” (Elle King song)
27. *Home of the Nittany Lion, familiarly
28. Name for a clinic and a condiment
29 Three-letter store headquartered in Washington
31. Parking professional
34. “Castle” chess piece
36. Hurt
40. Keen
41. Lessen
42. American
43. Alexander Hamilton’s bills
44. Goddess of marriage
45. Spitting mammal
46. What you’re wearing, slangily
47. Follow
49. Most common Indian surname in the US
53. Lamb’s mom
54. “___ we there yet?”
57. Perturbs
61. Beginning 63. Dalai ___
64. Empty
66. “___ boy!”
67. Let off
68. Playground feature 69. Ending for K or Xtra
70. *Alabama or Montana, in an election year
71. Longtime local radio personality Chartock
72. *Type of cancer that affects 13 out of 100 American men
DOWN
1. Desert plants
2. One of the Great Lakes
3. –
4. “Negative”
5. Of poor quality
6. Term of endearment
7. Opposite of good, in religion
8. Pixar clownfish
9 Test answer you have a 50% chance of getting right
10. Spock, for one
11. Times New ___
12. –
15. Engine action
21. Castle fortification
23. Prefix for center and logue
26. Frozen, dairy-free
28. Pills, for short
29. Turn
30. ___ out a living
31. Large tub
32. Washington or Central, in Albany
33. ___-Manuel Miranda
35. Sculling necessity
36. Sledding locale
37 Law prohibiting discrimination based on disability, for short
38. CD-___
“He taught me nothing except for my worth.” “I didn’t think he was smart—I just thought he had the hots for me.”
39. Alternative to APA and Chicago
41. Tuna type
45. In ___ of
46. Southernmost state (abbr.)
48. Roused
49. Whiter, as skin
50. “You’d better bring your ___”
51. Shy
52. –
54. “When you wish upon ___”
55. Fashionably nostalgic
56. –
58. 2 Broke Girls channel
59. Jazz great Fitzgerald
60. Travel by wind
62. Pack down
65. Confidentiality contract, for short
“You’ve gotta chug water if you want to survive.” “I bit a dog once.”
Life&Leisure
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.5oz chocolate liquor
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Summer Day Trips
BEAT THE HEAT (AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE) BY
TAKING ONE OF THESE NEW YORK STATE GETAWAYS.
ADIRONDACK HUB
Escape the city and embark on a rejuvenating day trip to the breathtaking Adirondack Hub. Explore family-friendly beaches, hikes surrounded by nature, and beautiful paddles all throughout the region. Engage in thrilling outdoor fun in Minerva, the natural history of Newcomb, the sweet serenity of North Hudson, or unwind on the water in Schroon Lake. Find plenty of outdoor experiences for the whole family, unique to the Adirondacks! With something for all ages, this quick getaway promises unforgettable moments and memories amidst nature’s splendor. Unleash your adventurous spirit and discover the Adirondacks today! And to help you plan: Check out the Adirondack Hub online for everything from directions to fees and trail info. Planning a trip has never been so easy. adirondackhub.com
HOWE CAVERNS
Visit Howe Caverns, the largest show cave of living limestone in the northeast, and the second-most visited natural attraction in New York State. Located in picturesque Schoharie County, the property boasts spectacular views of the beautiful Helderberg Plateau. Conveniently located off Interstate 88, Howe Caverns is approximately 45 minutes west of Albany. A popular family destination for more than 90 years, the estate features a 21-room motel, café and gift shop, along with a sweets shop offering special homemade fudge and cave-aged cheese. All-ages cave tours are offered daily from July 1 to Labor Day and include a mile-and-aquarter walk and a quarter-mile boat ride on the cave’s underground lake 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave 518.296.8900; howecaverns.com
before you go...
REACHING THE OTHER SHORE
BY JOHN GRAY
Jessica Pearson graduated from college and attended a party in her parents’ backyard shortly after the ceremony. A few friends stopped by with their families for what was a cozy gathering filled with hot dogs, lemonade and laughter.
Sitting on her bed later that night, she opened her cards, most of them filled with cash. Noticeably absent was a gift from her parents, but Jessica wasn’t surprised. After all, they paid for a big chunk of her education, and she told them that was gift enough. She piled the bills neatly into a small stack on her dresser.
A week later, Jessica’s father asked her to meet him on the shore of the lake not far from their home. It was a spot Jessica knew well because, being on the swim team in school, it was here she practiced and built up her endurance.
The lake was two and a half miles across from shore to shore, with a bright orange buoy popping out of the water one mile from where Jessica began her swim. When she trained, she would swim the mile out to the buoy, touch it and turn around, returning to where she started. It was a two-mile swim and by the time she climbed out of the water she was always exhausted. The teenager dreamed of swimming across the entire lake someday, but she feared she couldn’t make it the full two and a half miles.
The day she met her father at the shore, he had a small boat waiting. She assumed they were going for a ride, but Dad said no. He then explained that he wanted to slowly glide the boat next to her and talk as she swam. Jessica thought it was an odd request, but she loved her father and told him sure.
As she swam across the lake, talking to her dad, he kept assuring her that when they reached the buoy, he would tell her it
was time to turn around.
Chatting with her father, Jessica lost track of the time and eventually said, “How far are we? We should have reached the buoy by now.”
She was shocked when her father replied, “Oh, you passed the buoy a quarter mile back.”
Jessica stopped, and said in panicked voice, “But I only swim two miles. What am I supposed to do now?”
Her father replied, “Simple. You keep going. Swim for the other shore.”
He then explained that it was the same exact distance if she turned around and went back, so she might as well keep going.
Jessica asked, “What if I can’t make it?”
He smiled and replied, “What do you think the boat is for?”
Jessica put her head down and swam with all her heart, eventually reaching the
other shore—pride beaming from her face.
After climbing into the boat, they started back and her father said, “Did you really think I wouldn’t give you a graduation gift? This was it.”
Seeing Jessica was confused, he said, “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams.”
He squeezed her hand, adding, “Have faith. Always go for the other shore.”
With tears in her eyes, Jessica asked, “And what if I can’t make it?”
Her father hugged her, answering, “You have your mom and I, and your siblings. We are the rescue boat, and we are always by your side, just like today.”
When Jessica got home, she saw the stack of money still waiting on the dresser. She smiled, knowing her best graduation gift was found at the center of a chilly lake, her father’s voice encouraging her to reach the other shore.
