Category Archives: local business

A Honey of a Bakery

Posted on October 23, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl
A good place for treats.

I was delighted when I saw on Facebook this morning that Honey Brook Hobies in Ilion, NY was opening again. I made immediate plans to go get a treat for Steven and me.

I got there shortly after they opened at ten. I took a picture of the front for my blog post before going in. Then as I walked in a a lady outside called after me that I had left my car door open, should she close it for me?

“Oh, my God, I’m so stupid! Thank you!” Sometimes they really shouldn’t let me out of the house.

Yum!

I got us each a chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate covered pretzel rod. I ate my pretzel rod as I drove away, I confess sheepishly.

Love the elephant.

I took a couple more pictures before I left.

Love Always is a good sentiment.

Honey Brook Hobbies is located at 4 East Main St., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-272-6210. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday. They also do special orders.

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Looking for Local Monsters

Posted on October 20, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I promised myself a Monstrous Monday, and now I am sitting at my ailing laptop, typing with ten fingers — an unusual activity these days. I am still getting used to this new WordPress editor, and I must say, I am not a fan. But perhaps I will find things easier with an actual keyboard. We shall see.

Wait: monsters, not murder!

I peeked into our downloads and found this. My husband Steven used to have this movie poster hanging on his wall, so when videos first started to be a thing (that is a thing for us; as always we are slow to get into the new technology), I got him the video of it for Christmas. It has been one of our go to movies ever since. But I stray from my stated theme of the day.

He’s a charming fellow.

Having discovered I no longer know how to download photos from Facebook, I retreated to my Media Library. Here is a ghoul from Pumpkin Junction in Sauquoit. See, I can even plug a local business on Monstrous Monday!

I think these are friends with the other.

Here is another picture. I have visited Pumpkin Junction three times this Halloween season. I do not rule out making it four.

“Let me out!”

Here is a skeleton (or rather parts of one) I purchased on my first visit to the Junction. I immediately put him in my front yard. I did not decorate as thoroughly as I had hoped this year, but one does what one can.

Pumpkin Junction is located at 2118 Graffenburg Rd., Sauquoit, NY. They are open daily till Halloween from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Drive to Dyn’s

Posted on October 7, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

According to the weather reports on the morning news as well as my own observations, today was the pick day of the week to take a scenic ride. I had meant to spend the day cleaning the house but impulsively took a little time out to drive to Dyn’s Cider Mill in Richfield Springs, NY.

It was a lovely drive. I saw a lot of color but, alas, did not pull over and take any pictures. I took several at Dyn’s but could not tell how well they turned out, because the sun was so bright.

An evocative shot, with the door ajar, or do I flatter my photographic abilities?

When I pulled into the parking lot, a couple was enjoying what looked like an iced coffee (in a rare moment of circumspection, I did not ask) on the porch. When I went to take a picture of the front, two ladies were coming out. I waited till they were out of the frame.

A wider view.

I took two shots of the front and cannot decide which I like better, so I include both. Inside I bought Dyn’s Popcorn, which my main reason for going there, and maple syrup from Shaver-Hill Maple Farm in Harpersfield, NY. As a result of listening to too much Roger Miller as a child, I insist on calling it Maple Syrple.

At the counter, I got hot cider and a brownie to bring home for Steven. For myself I hesitated between an carrot cake cupcake or a pineapple bar, ultimately deciding on the latter. Yum!

My view as I ate my treat.

I was going to sit in my car to enjoy my treat, but the other couple was leaving as I came out, so I sat on the porch. I took one more picture before heading out.

Why have I not purchased a pumpkin yet?

I enjoyed the scenery on my ride home, too. I plan to pop a bowl of that popcorn to eat while watching Halloween movies one night soon. For more information on Dyn’s Cider Mill, you can visit their website, http://www.DynsCiderMill.net.

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Fun at the Antiques Mall

Posted on October 4, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I made another visit to Mohawk Antiques Mall today with my sister, Cheryl. We had a wonderful time wandering around looking at things and chatting. I foolishly did not take any pictures. I wonder if I could find any in my Media Library or Tablet, because I do like to use pictures.

I just loves me some rhinestones.

Of course antique, second hand and thrift stores are my favorite places to look for costumes and props. I have no theatrical endeavors pending, unfortunately, but it does not hurt to keep an eye out for future possibilities.

Accessories are always fun, too.

I already have quite a few fancy bags, but there may be room for one more sometime.

I have a few dishes like these.

I love seeing things I remember from my childhood, especially when it is something I remember from Grandma’s house. These everyday items seem very meaningful to me, but I do not want to wax philosophical.

It was a fun visit. Another good thing about antique stores is that merchandise changes often. So I may make another fun visit soon!

Mohawk Antiques Mall is located at 100 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-219-5044. They are open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;, Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesday.

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Another Halloween Decoration Update

Posted on October 1, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I needed something to cheer myself up today.  My first thought was to go to a dollar store and get some cheap Halloween decorations.   Then I thought, don’t be silly!  Go to Pumpkin Junction in Sauquoit and get some good stuff!  For one reason, in addition to being good quality,  it is quite reasonably priced.  Also, I thought it would make a good blog post.

It is a beautiful drive to Pumpkin Junction.  I take Higby Road out of Frankfort to Graffenburg Road.  I saw lots of color in the trees, and a few Halloween decorations in people’s yards.

Just walking around Pumpkin Junction is like exploring a haunted house.  I took a few pictures of some ghouls upstairs.

A couple of charming fellows.

There are also a lot of costumes upstairs.  Do I need something new to wear this year?  Could be.

I may have a hat like that.

I was more interested in taking pictures of the ghouls than the costumes.

Another sweet pumpkin head and friend.

I stopped taking pictures when I went downstairs, because I was busy shopping.  I hope to convince my friend, Kim, to return with me this weekend.  I’ll take more pictures then.  In the meantime,  here are a couple shots of the new decorations I purchased today.

I have always wanted one of those skeletons coming out of the ground!

The skeleton and gravestone are new;  the dead plant is from my container garden.

I’ll try to get one of her lighted up.

We got Witchy at Pumpkin Junction a few years ago,

The other side of the porch.

You can’t quite see the new ghoul hanging on the side of the porch roof.  I suppose I had better go out and get another picture.

Well, that didn’t turn out very well.

At least you can see some nice clouds.  A cloudy night is Halloweeny, I always think.

Pumpkin Junction is located at 2188 Graffenburg Road, Sauquoit,  NY, phone number 315-794-4604.  They are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

 

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Don’t Be Blank! Plug a Local Business!

Posted on September 23, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I guess my brain is still on Planet Arous,  because last night I had a terrible case of Writer’s Blank.  I don’t think I have mentioned this affliction in a while.  I stare at a blank computer screen or page (I tried both yesterday) and feel that my mind is similarly blank.  It is all very well to say, “Just write something, anything!”  Sometimes I can, and sometimes I can, that’s all.

It seems that this morning I can.  Let us not dwell on last night’s failure and complete a late post now.

Perhaps not the best angle, but you get the idea.

One help is that my lovely husband, Steven, brought me a cup of hot coffee.  Aaaaaahhhhh!  I took a picture, because he put it in a local mug.  We have not been to Dyn’s Cider Mill yet this year.  It is a charming place, with yummy cider and delicious donuts.  Additionally, they sell the BEST popcorn.  I wonder if I could persuade Steven to take a drive out there on Saturday.

Another good reason for heading in that direction:  we can go through Richfield Springs and stop at the Community Food Cooperative.  Just to plug another local business, and include another picture.

One of my new favorite places.

 

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Errands and Beer on Non-Sequitur Thursday

Posted on August 21, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I went for a walk with a few stops to make.  I carried my Tablet thinking to take a few pictures to make a blog post.  We’ll see how well I did.

I hoped to get the hanging flowers in the shot.

My first stop was to pay our water bill.  I also took a picture of the memorial to K-9 Ape, who sadly died in the line of duty.

A very sad day in Herkimer history.

From there I walked down Main Street to Renewed and Rescued, a consignment shop which has expanded recently.  I was particularly interested in a vendor shot  occupieed by a friend.

I did not know how to get the picture without my reflection opin the mirror.

I mean to make a longer blog post about the various new vendors.  For today, I merely took some pictures and repaired to the End Zone Pub and Grub for a refreshing beverage.

This is a shot from a previous summer.

After enjoying a draft there, I decided to stop at Pete’s Tavern for one.  He has been doing some renovations and I wanted to check them out.

I did not get to sit at the bar today.

Another view showing the woodwork.

In the second shot, you really cannot see the neon signs.  In the meantime,  this is a few shots sharing with you my Thursday.   We shall see what I decide to share on Friday. As always, I hope you’ll all stay tuned.

It was an enjoyable afternoon.  I would now like to get on with enjoying my evening. I hope to see you all again on Lame Post Friday.

 

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Schulz and Dooley, Can You Help Me Now?

Posted on August 20, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is shaping up to be a bad blogging week.  Never mind why; explanations are so tiresome.  As regular readers know, I like to post every day. So let us get in with the post.

Give a cheer! Have a beer!

This is one of the pictures I took at Showcase Antiques of CNY in Little Falls last Friday.  It has nothing to do with the article I was working on for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  However, Schultz and Dooley, there could be no possible objection.

Pretty impressive pottery, I say.

And here they are in person.  Debbie Guile, one of Showcase’s owners, told me that these steins were originally produced only for merchants.  However, they were so popular, they soon were made for anybody to purchase.

After talking about these, Debbie speculated that I would soon be ready for a beer.  You bet I was!  Perhaps I should go on a brewery tour at Saranac.  I went on it years and years ago, when it was known as the Utica Club Brewery.  But as Shakespeare said, what’s in a name?

Home of many interesting antiques.

Here is an outside view of Showcase Antiques of CNY.  Lots of fun stuff!

So I give another shout-out to a local business.  And I mention beer.  Not bad for a Wuss-out Wednesday,  I say.

 

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Back to Zeina’s!

Posted on August 13, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to lunch today at Zeina’s Cafe in Utica.  Regular readers may remember that I went there on Saturday to participate in their fundraiser for the Lebanon Red Cross, in support of relief for that horrible blast.  I LOVE Middle Eastern food, so I decided to treat myself to a little more.

Yum!

Utica is challenging these days, due to all the construction.  I got lost both coming and going.  Full disclosure: I may not have gotten lost on the way there if I had not tried to be on the right side of the street to park.  Quite unexpectedly,  I succeeded.

Again I say, yum!

I ordered a falafel gyro and unsweetened tea.  I was surprised at the size of the sandwich.  I was even more surprised by my ability to eat the whole thing! Usually I bring half my lunch home, but this was so good, I just kept eating.

There was a lot more on the menu I’d like to try.  I brought home a take out menu, so I can plan ahead.  They also offer catering, so I could have some wonderful food at my next gathering.

Zeina’s is located at  607 Varick St., Utica, NY, phone number 315-738-0279.  They are open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday,  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

 

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Past Places, Future Plans

Posted on August 7, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about another Throwback Thursday Post (even though I am posting large enough that my timestamp probably says Friday)?  Last week was a Theatre Throwback, so let me search my Media Library for something different.

Cool place to eat and shop.

Here is a picture from August of 2019.  Was it really a whole year ago I went to the Main Street Ristorante in Newport, NY?  Time for another trip there, I think.

Regular readers know I love all things cheesy!

Another local business I need to get back to: Original Herkimer Cheese in Ilion, NY,  home of Chudder:  tastes like cheese, spreads like butter!  I Like them on Facebook, so I am always seeing their specials.  They currently offer curbside pick-up, so what’s not to like?

Regular readers also know I love wine.

Here’s another great place I’d love to revisit: Prospect Falls Winery.   I’ll have to check if they’re open for tastings again.  Then again, if they are at least open to sell, I can remember a couple of their wines I really like.  Don’t worry: I’ll imbibe responsibly.

Beer is good too.

Here is a place I went to once and would like to revisit: Ommengang Brewery in Cooperstown, NY.  Steven and I went there once and tasted beer but did not take the tour.

There are all kinds of places I need to go to again.  As they slowly reopen, with proper distancing restrictions,  perhaps I shall.

 

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