Lake George, NY

Living in Upstate, New York there are so many beautiful places that are just a short drive away to see. For me, one of those places is Lake George. Being so close to here makes it one of my favorite places in the whole world. The mountains that line the lake, the crystal water and the steam boats that float along, not to mention the village thats lined with quaint shops and restaurants.

One of the restaurants, Christie’s On The Lake, I hold dear to my heart due to the fact that the building used to be my dad’s summer home and attached was my Grandfather’s restaurant. But the family history isn’t the only reason I love it there so much.

My friends and I love making there drive to go there. We go swimming in the lake, kayaking shop in the village and make some new memories every time we visit.

My most recent trip, we drove up to the top of Prospect Mountain, yes drove, it was too hot of a day to hike. From this view you can see most of the lake and where the steam boats, as well as other boats are docked. A view I highly recommend seeing if one decides to visit.

From there we went down to the village. Before we could do any shopping we stopped at Pizza Jerks and had the best pizza one can find in Lake George. When it was finally time to shop we went in all the usual shops making some spur of the moment purchases, while also stopping along the way to capture the lakes beauty.

After going in every place we could we hopped back into the car and drove down the lake to Bolton Landing, another town along Lake George. This town also holds a cute little village with shops and restaurants to go into.

We struck gold at an antique store finding some Polaroid cameras that were good as new for only $25 (film not included). And after we shopped around for a bit we made a stop at on of my favorite places on the lake: The Sagamore Resort. Even though I have never stayed at this resort I usually will just walk around when I visit Lake George simply because it has one of the best views around. And someday, maybe, it would be my dream wedding spot.

We couldn’t stay long however because a storm was rolling in, but that also meant it was a great photo opportunity so I couldn’t leave without snapping a few pictures.

So, before the storm got too bad we headed home but it was a day well spent, as always when we go. If you live in Upstate and haven’t gone, well, shame on you and fix that. If you aren’t from the area I still say the trip is worth it, because it will be one you never forget.

Saturday mornings mean Farmers’ market

Every Saturday morning in Troy, NY local farmers put up their stands and sell their goods to locals who come out to enjoy some fresh air and fresh goods. Not only can you look around at all the stands but all the local businesses are open as well.

Some of my purchases this week included a fresh pressed lemonade, a delicious seared tuna and avocado salad from The Illium Cafe, a new air plant at The Botanic Studio and a rug for my new apartment at Funcycled.

I love going to the Farmers’ Market because the purchases you make can help give back to your local community and also contribute to the local economy. Even if you don’t make any purchases, it is still a fun time and a chance to see new things and get out of the house. So if you have one by where you live I encourage you to go!

This is Troy.

I write this post from Spillin’ the Beans coffee shop in Troy, NY. This is just one of the many local thriving shops you can find downtown. This week I am on spring break and even though I wish I could be somewhere warm and tropical, it’s good to be home.

Troy is just 13 minutes away from the state capitol of Albany and located on the Hudson River. When you walk around downtown you get the feel of a smaller Brooklyn. With brownstones side by side, cobblestone streets and old architecture, it’s a beautiful place to be apart of.

Downtown Troy is made up of locally owned businesses, restaurants, cafés, bars and breweries. Every season there are events that take place to get people wanting to be apart of. The last Friday of every month is Troy Night Out, where businesses will have special hours and stay open later and have special sales.

In the spring, summer and early fall the riverfront farmers market will take place. There you can find homemade goods, fresh produce and other unique trinkets.

In the summer every Wednesday is Rockin on the River which has live cover bands, food and beer vendors. In the fall there is the Chowder Fest where you can try all kinds of chowder from local restaurants and vote for your favorite.

The first Sunday of every December is the Victorian Stroll (my favorite). Going back to Troy’s victorian age people dress up from that time. Stores have hot drinks out for people and live music and caroling goes on all leading up to the tree lighting in Monument Square.

And no matter what season it is Saturday is small business Saturday when I like to go shopping and support the local businesses rather than go to the mall with chain stores.

Every time I go back home there is a new delicious café or business that has opened that I have to try and it makes me very happy to see that Troy is building and growing as a community.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Monument Square)

Banana and Nutella crêpe at The Whistling Kettle with a pot of tea.

One of my favorite stores in Troy, The Botanic Studio. Here they have everything you need to get stated on building your own terrarium, or just any unique plant in addition to candles and jewelry.

Hot dogs at Famous Lunch in Troy.

Wood fired pizza at Bacchus.

These pictures show just a few of my favorite places to shop and eat at.

If you ever find yourself in the upstate area I highly recommend stopping through and exploring Troy for yourself.