Category Archives: local business

The Lovely Lit Lounge

Posted on October 30, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

While I was at the Halloween Bazaar in Liverpool, NY last Saturday, I wandered across the street to the Liverpool Lit Lounge, a small independent bookstore that just happens to carry my sister Diane E. Young‘s books.  I should not say “just happens;”  Diane and the owners of the store made it happen.  Anyways, I have been wanting to stop in there, and since they sell coffee, it seemed like a good idea to make my way over.

Unfortunate shadow, but we can’t always help these things.

My sister said she has long admired the house the store is in.  The owners purchased it, fixed it up and are living in the upstairs.

I’ll need to get another shot from across the street so you can really appreciate it.

I did not look for a book to purchase, because I had to get back to my sister’s vendor table at the Bazaar, but I did walk around a little.  There are places to, you know, lounge.  If I lived in Liverpool, I would go to the store and write.  Regular blog readers know I do not do enough writing.  I mean to do something about that.

I draw your attention to Wednesday Wine Club.

I chatted up the owners as I bought the coffee, telling them whose sister I was.  Diane will be having a book signing there Nov. 21.  I encourage residents of Liverpool and the surrounding areas to attend.

The coffee was excellent.  The owner asked did I want her to leave room for cream.  I said no, I trusted her that it would be yummy enough without.  She assured me that it would be, and it was.

Liverpool Lit Lounge is located at 514 Oswego St., Liverpool, NY.

 

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Breakfast with the Witches

Posted on October 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

This morning after swimming, a bunch of us went to the Bridge Street Diner in St. Johnsville, NY for breakfast/lunch.  That is, some of us got breakfast and some of us got lunch.  Was it ever busy!  It was OK that we had to wait, though, because it gave us plenty of opportunity to look around at all the Halloween decorations.  They always do such a nice job of decorating that place.

Gotta get me a wreath like that.

Naturally I took some pictures for a blog post.  The only thing I did not get a picture of was the witch that had a pumpkin for a skirt.  You’ll just have to believe me that she was cute.

“I want a pumpkin skirt!” I said.  I may look for a wide orange skirt at the thrift store and try to make myself one.

There were plenty of witches on hand.

Donna was a little creeped out by the skeleton with the big hair.  It made me think of Marie Antoinette.  I fell in love with the pumpkin slippers on the witch on the right.  I wonder if they make them in my size.

He was pickin’ and grinnin’!

When I took this picture, a lady at a nearby table asked if I wanted her to take the picture so I could be in it.  I declined but thought it was very nice of her to offer.  I suppose the decorations will be down soon.  I’ll have to stop in again to see what they do for Thanksgiving.

Bridge Street Diner is located at 10 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY, phone number 315-568-8018.

 

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I Got Another Duck!

Posted on October 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Whatever I did wrong that lost me Classic Editor, I apparently undid it, because Classic Editor is back.  Yay!  And I have a real blog post to make as I stopped for lunch at Boulevard Diner in Whitesboro, NY for lunch this afternoon.  Believe it or not, I was not even thinking about the blog at the time, just my big fat stomach.

It is a long-time staple of the area.

While I waited to be seated, of course I had to try the Lucky Duck claw machine.  I won a duck!  I kept showing it to everybody.  When the person ready to seat me asked if I was alone I said, “Just me and my duck.”

This is not the duck I won.

The duck I won is pink and has hearts on it.  Alas, I neglected to take a picture of it.  Take a picture now, you may suggest.  Well, I tried but the lighting was bad, and I just don’t have the oomph to find a better spot.  Judge me if you are so inclined.  The above duck is one I won when the Elks Breakfast Club met at Boulevard Diner some time ago.  I believe I presented it to my friend Michele for her birthday.

Today I enjoyed a grilled chicken sandwich on homemade Italian toast with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.  I drank hot coffee and cold water.  It was a very pleasant interlude, although I missed the company of my breakfast friends.

Boulevard Diner is located at 24 Roosevelt Dr., Whitesboro, NY, phone number 315-768-3042.

 

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Raising My Spirits

Posted on October 14, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday after I left Fall Fest in Rome, NY I realized I could still stop by the Saturday Tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  I thought it might be a fun end to my Saturday adventuring, and I often discover something new to sip.  Of course I had one of my Adventure Books with me to take tasting notes.

I confided in Dave, who did the pouring, that I was feeling a little emotional after seeing my parents taking their nice walk at Bellamy Harbor Park and being so grateful that they get to grow old together and still love each other so much.  Naturally I can’t help feeling sad that I do not get to grow old with my Steve.  I comfort myself with the phrase, “I just don’t get to, that’s all.”  But Dave’s friendliness soon cheered me up, and I enjoyed sampling his wares.

Friendly guy, different spirits, what’s not to like?

We started with Goodnoff Vodka, which he put over ice and added orange soda.  I said it was tasty, but I am not much of a vodka aficionado.  Next I tried the Good Fucking Pinot Pinot Grigio.  That was very nice indeed.  I AM a Pinot Grigio fan.

Next I tried the Milamore from Argentina, a red.  They let the Malbec grape wither on the vine then ferment it.  This is the only winery doing the style outside of Italy.  I love these notes about the making of the wines, although I daresay I miss a few things when I take my notes.

Next I moved to Holster Bourbon, a 90 proof Kentucky bourbon.  I told Dave I have only lately come to the bourbon party, previously not liking it much but continuing to try different kinds, just in case.  Well, I thought this stuff was amazing.  So smooth!  It was a very nice price too.  Next was Tennessee Legend Distillery Small Batch Dirty Cream.  It, too, was very nice.  It didn’t even taste like booze, really.  I thought it would be great in coffee.

The last thing I tried was Good Fucking Bubbles Extra Dry Prosecco.  I told Dave how I was searching for a new bubbly to love, since my old favorite, Great Western Brut or Extra Dry was no longer being made.  He actually had not opened the Prosecco but opened it just for me, after I told him my bubbly story.  He was justified, too, because I liked it a lot.  I purchased a bottle.  Will it be my new favorite?  I’ll let you know.

Valley Wine and Liquor is located 326 Caroline St., Herkimer, NY.  You can find them on line at shopvalleywine.com.

 

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It’s Fine at 5S Diner!

Posted on September 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

The other day I drove to Fort Plain to have lunch with my swimming friends at the 5S Diner.  I had no idea where it was, but they assured me I would find it if I just drove out Route 5S.  They spend a while explaining it to me, because I am not very bright, and I get lost easily.  Part of the confusion is that you can get to Fort Plain (and several destinations in that direction) on State Route 5.

“I guess you guys do want me to join you for lunch,” I said, “or you would have just said, ‘Oh, never mind, stay home and have a bologna sandwich!'”

I know, some people will tell me to just use my phone.  I save that as a last resort in most cases.  In this case I feared it would not even be available for that, because I tried to call my parents before setting out from Little Falls (where the pool is), and it wouldn’t let me make the call.  The Automated Assistant kept saying the problem was solved, but he was a big fat liar.  I said to heck with it and drove out Route 5S, which I have used to reach Fort Plain on other occasions (I mean “heck” not “check,” computer!  This is what I get for trying to be a little less vulgar!).

I don’t know anything about the junction to Rt. 80.

It was a pretty drive through rural scenes, and the diner was quite easy to find.  I was the first one there, so I sat down and ordered coffee.  And noticed a great cow picture.

“Is that by a local artist?” I asked.  “That is the best cow ever!  It has such an expression!”

I did not mind this cow looking at me while I ate.

My friends soon joined me, and we had a very good meal.  I had a cheeseburger with homemade chips.  I have been craving a cheeseburger!  I enjoyed the drive home, too.

By the way, my phone is fine.  No idea what the problem was.

 

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Tale of My Morning

Posted on September 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I ate the last of my eggs yesterday so thought I would either go out to breakfast or go grocery shopping this morning.  Or maybe go out to breakfast then go grocery shopping; I’ve done that on occasion.  Instead I went out to breakfast then made one stop at that bakery I’ve been talking about.

I finally made it there!

There are not many places to get breakfast on Sunday mornings, but Ann Street Deli is one of them.  That is right near the Fox Tale Artisan Bakery on Canal Place in Little Falls, NY.  I checked their opening times: 7 a.m. for Ann Street, 9 a.m. for Fox Tale.  I figured breakfast shortly after eight would be about right.

Picture taken earlier this year.

Of course I was indecisive about what I wanted for breakfast, even without my Elks breakfast friends to entertain.  I settled on waffles with blueberries and cream.  It sounded easy on my stomach and was quite tasty.  For once I never got a refill on my coffee.

A few doors down at Fox Tale, I studied the display case with care, deciding on six rolls with olives baked in.  I considered getting a cookie or scone for a treat.  Did I deserve a treat?  Ought I to get a treat?  My weight-loss daydreams shimmer in the distance, like a mirage in the desert (Freudian typo: I first put “dessert”).  There was nobody else in the store, so I looked around at other things available.  Some fancy olive oils, soup mixes, ooh, note cards!  I chose a pack of six.  You write your note, then it folds in a fancy way so you don’t need an envelope.  That will be something different to send to friends and family!

I feel I need not have a Wrist to Forehead Sunday today, having enjoyed a good breakfast and lunch (yes, I have eaten one of the rolls already; YUM!), and supported two local businesses.  If I spend the rest of the day on the couch, watching true crime shows on RokuTV and knitting, who could blame me?

 

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A Fancy Stop

Posted on September 10, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

After my lunch at the Java Shop yesterday, I stopped at Dream Boutique & Gifts, which I had not been to since the Shop Crawl last spring (perhaps you read my blog posts about that).  I have been thinking of treating myself to a fancy new outfit, maybe spending more money than I usually do (regular readers know I love the thrift and consignment stores).  This was in the nature of an initial foray, just checking out the territory.

It’s a sweet little shop.

The shop is small but well stocked.  I had a nice chat with the proprietress when looking over the goods.  In addition to clothing she has jewelry, purses, and many gift items.

“I have far too many coffee mugs already,” I remarked.  “So I’ll probably buy that one with all the cats on it.”  However, I refrained from doing so yesterday.  I had sniffed all the fancy soaps when the salt and sugar scrubs caught my eye.  I do love a fancy exfoliant!  I purchased a salt scrub with a margarita scent.  I thought I could use it before going out for margaritas some night.  Actually, I rarely indulge in margaritas, but that is no reason not to use the scrub of that scent.

I was quite pleased with my little self-indulgence.  I may return for more, and I will certainly keep it in mind for Christmas shopping.

Dream Boutique & Gifts is located at 232 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  You can follow her on Facebook, where she often posts videos showing her wares.

 

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Yet Another Stop at the Java Shop

Posted on September 9, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I got a late start this morning but stopped for an early lunch at the Java Shop.  I had thought to make it a late morning snack and get an Everything Bagel with cream cheese but decided to go lighter with a Caesar Wrap Sandwich with grilled chicken.  To drink I had an iced Dalgona with almond milk, which the lady at the counter told me was lighter than whole milk.  Then she told me the sandwich came with either chips or a cookie, and light when out the window. I chose an almond and white chocolate chip cookie.  She put it in a paper bag, so I could save it for later, which I did.

A favorite stop.

While I waited for my drink and food, I worked on a letter to a friend and looked at a screen on the wall that showed ads from local businesses.  Of course Mohawk Valley Girl loves to support local businesses.  I made plans to stop at a couple more between my lunch and my physical therapy appointment that afternoon.

The sandwich was delicious!  I ate both halves.  Normally I like to eat half and take half with me, but since I was on foot and planned additional stops, I thought it would travel better in my stomach than in a to-go container.

I show the flower box outside again, just for the sake of having another picture.

I greatly enjoyed my lunch, and the little frisson of virtue that comes with patronizing a local business.  Also, I did eat the cookie later in the day.  It was yummy.

The Java Shop is located at 404 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.

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Pre-Adventure Post

Posted on September 5, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I would make a quick blog post before setting out on whatever adventures I happen to have today.  I really do not know what I intend to do.  They should put my picture in the dictionary under “indecisive,” although somebody else would have to pick which picture.  I know, nobody uses dictionaries these days, they look it up on their phone.  I actually own a dictionary that was given to me by a friend in the late ’80s (the 1980s!  I am not that old!) (I know somebody made that joke, don’t pretend you didn’t).

One possibility for today.

I threw in a picture, because that was getting kind of bogged down.  I might make my way to Valley Wine and Liquor where Sugar & Milk is doing a pop-up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Of course I will also go inside for the tasting.  There is one from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one from 1 to 4 p.m.  Who, me, get there right around one and attend both tastings? Kim and I used to do that every Saturday, when they almost always had two tastings.  We were their best customers.

Either would be worth a stop.

Basloe Library was where I had thought to stop for their book sale.  Yes, I have far too many books as it is, but I don’t have to keep what I purchase; I can pass them on after I read them.  The more potent argument is that once I start reading a book I cannot put it down and get nothing done for the duration.  It is a dangerous addiction.  However, looking for a picture of Basloe, I found this one which also features the sign for Exiled Games.  I stopped there on the Spring Shop Crawl, and they are very nice.  They have some delightful crocheted animals.  One cannot have too many crocheted animals, can one?

Well I have babbled on for over 300 words and plugged a few local businesses, so I shall call this a blog.  As always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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My First Mexican Burger

Posted on September 2, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

My Elks friends who meet for breakfast every week occasionally go out for lunch.  When my friend Michele messaged me that they were going to the ParkSide Drive-In in St. Johnsville today, I was happy to join them.  Seven of us went in two cars, and it is a nice drive out Route 5 to St. Johnsville.  I took a picture of the sign for blogging purposes.

Note to self: ParkSide is one word.

Some people were ordering from the take-out window, but we went in and ordered at the counter and sat down.  I had no idea what to get, until Jack reminded me the place was known for Mexicans, which is a burger with peppers and onions mixed in and special Mexican sauce.  I had never had one, so I got that.  I asked for sauce on the side, in case it was too hot.  I got coffee to drink, not being one to drink soda.

The other specials did look tempting.

The Mexican was yummy!  And the sauce was not too hot at all.  I did not use it all, but Hitch was happy to take the rest to dip his fries in.  He said he was going to ask for Mexican sauce to dip his fries in from now on.  I said I liked to dip my fries in different things.  Cheryl mentioned enjoying fries in tartar sauce and was surprised to find I liked that too.  She had a hot dog with sauerkraut, mustard, and relish.

After lunch, Cheryl, Michele, and I had ice cream.  Yum!  My weight-loss daydreams recede a little further into the distance, but at least I hadn’t also gotten french fries.

Parkside Drive-In is located at 7485 State Rt. 5, St. Johnsville, NY, phone number 518-568-2802.

 

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