Category Archives: local business

I Raise a Glass of Farewell!

Posted on June 15, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I like to use my blog to highlight businesses and attractions local readers can decide to go to themselves.  Today, however, I am going to talk about a business we can no longer visit, as I bid a sad farewell to a Prospect Falls Winery and wish its owners a happy, enjoyable retirement, which I am sure they richly deserve.

There’s a classy place to put a bottle of wine!

I first went to Prospect Falls Winery in 2016 and thought it was pretty awesome.  I went back numerous times as well as seeing them at events such as the Cheese Festival in Little Falls, NY.  More recently, I found their wine available at the Raindrops on Roses Wine Tasting Room in Herkimer, NY.

I was very sad to hear that Nick and Margaret Keblish were retiring and closing the winery.  Of course I wish them well; I could hardly expect them to continue to make wine till they dropped dead.  I was happy I made one last trip to see them before they closed shop for good.

A present to the winery from another fan.

Of course I tasted wine while I was there, and chatted with the owners and a few others who were there tasting or drinking.  I took my last opportunity to purchase a few bottles.

Isn’t that beautiful?

In addition to wine I purchased two wine glasses and a t-shirt.  Silly me, why am I not wearing the t-shirt today?

May they have a lovely retirement!

And so, farewell, Prospect Falls Winery!

 

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Bad Pictures, Good Eatery

Posted on June 13, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

The other day I checked out the other new restaurant in Herkimer, NY, Paradise Eatery.

Must get a shot of the window without all the reflections!

I had been intrigued for some time by “This must be the place” on the front window.  I heard they had opened and stopped by one afternoon.  At the time I stopped they were only serving smoothies, smoothie bowls, or appetizers.  Appetizers are my favorite, so I looked at them first.  I chose Crab Rangoon.  Ooh, were they good!  They came with soy and boom-boom sauces for dipping.

Oh dear, this isn’t the best picture either.

I could have sat out on the patio but opted for the dining room, which was almost empty at the time.  It was just before the dinner rush.  I appreciate beating the rush.

And this one’s blurry! Damn!

I took a picture of the ceiling on purpose, because it is one of the cool ones you often see around here.  As you see, it is not such a good picture.  I am nobody’s photographer.  However, even with lousy pictures, I can recommend Paradise Eatery.  If the other menu items are as good as the Crab Rangoon, you will be in for a treat!

 

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A Yummy Snack

Posted on June 9, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

The other day I finally made it to Caffe’ Maya in Herkimer, NY.  It was late afternoon and I was feeling peckish, not ready for dinner but in need of a snack.  I happened to walk by Caffe’ Maya and found it open.  Score! I had an antipasto for one, and it was delicious.

I know, I only should have taken a picture from the outside as well.

It looks like a traditional Italian place with lots to look at.

Maybe too busy of a picture?

Of course, seeing all the cans made me want to cook for myself, which I rarely do these days.  Then again, my stuff probably would not turn out as well.

Not such a good shot with the sun coming in the window, alas.

I did not take a close look at everything hanging on the wall.  Perhaps at another visit.  Of course there must be another visit.  I must try other things than the antipasto!

I did not sit on this inviting bench.

The bench was near the door to the ladies’ room.  I guess you could sit there an wait if it was Occupado.  Oh wait, that’s Spanish.  Silly me.

Caffe’ Maya is located at 208 S. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-574-2236.

 

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Stone Soup? Yes, Please!

Posted on June 2, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday I checked out the newest restaurant in Herkimer, NY, Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden.  I had heard from friends that it was a good place to eat, and the outdoor seating area was lovely.  It took me a couple of tries to be hungry at a time they were open, but then I had a great meal!

I especially like the lettering!

I had been watching with interest the work being done on the empty storefront.  As soon as they had a Facebook presence, I followed that.  The name was inspired by the children’s story “Stone Soup.”  The lettering on the sign comes from different locations across the country.

It can seat up to 50 outdoors.

I opted to sit out back, in the beer garden.  I was early, so tables were not filled.  I ordered a smash burger with homemade chips.  I am a sucker for homemade chips!

Where I was sitting.

This would be a great place for a group of friends to meet.  I must gather a group of mine soon!  In the meantime, perhaps I will go there for lunch and get a picture of the indoor seating.  And sample more of the menu, of course.

Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden is located at 148 Main St., Herkimer, NY.  You can check their Facebook page for menu and hours.

 

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I Hop to the Java Shop

Posted on March 12, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to the Java Shop a few times when it was on Main Street in Herkimer, NY and liked it but had not yet visited their new digs on Mohawk Street.  I finally corrected the omission yesterday.

Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

I confess one reason I had not visited yet is that there is only street parking, and I am not good at finding a parking space.  Of course this was the case on Main Street too, but I find parking easier on Main Street than Mohawk.  I guess that’s just me.  Also, the Main Street location was easier walking distance from my house.  I can still walk to Mohawk Street, but it is farther and I have to cross Route 5.  I know, the trials and tribulations of being me.  Some of you are probably playing miniature violins or whistling, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” (you know who you are).

No gumballs in the gumball machine, but I like it.

I ordered an egg sandwich on an English muffin and after some debate decided on regular coffee.  I was going to get fancy and try a latte but decided against it at the last minute.

Plenty of seating.

I sat at a table and started a letter to a friend while I waited for my sandwich.  There is a section with couches, which would be nice to sit at if I was only having coffee.  I wanted to take a picture, but with the sun shining in through the windows, I was afraid it would not come out.

I enjoyed my breakfast very much.  The coffee was delicious, but I must return one day to try one of them there lattes.

The Java Shop by Cucina Berto is located at 402 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-717-7724.  You can find them on Facebook.

 

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I Will Go Back to Back in Time!

Posted on February 18, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I neglected to do a post about the great new antique place I found:  Back in Time Collectibles & Crafts in Richfield Springs, NY.  I found it quite by accident.  I was headed for the library, which of course I drove right past (anybody who knows me is not surprised).  Turning back and finding the library, I saw Back in Time and could not resist checking it out.

One lump or two?

As soon as I walked in the door the collection of tea cups caught my eye.  My sisters, mother, and nieces have had a few fancy tea parties.  It is actually my turn to host one.  I don’t know if I could dare purchase and use such beautiful old cups!

You know I looked at the jewelry!

Vintage jewelry, on the other hand, I rarely hesitate to wear, unless I am going someplace where I may get too rambunctious.  Regular readers know I do not always behave with the proper decorum of a woman my age.

Something for the Disney fans.

Full disclosure:  I am not a Disney addict, have never been to World or Land, and I don’t love Mickey Mouse.  If anybody feels the need to cut my acquaintance because of this, I will understand.  I took the picture, because I like to include pictures I think people will like.  Also, there is a lot going on here:  Hot Wheels and PEZ, for example.

Tins I can get into! Not literally.

I do like tins.  Actually, I have too many tins.  My late husband Steve and I were in the habit of picking them up at rummage sales and such, because we thought we would put Christmas presents in them.  “Put a present in a present,” was Steve’s motto.  It didn’t always work out.  For one reason, we couldn’t always fit a present to a tin.  For another, sometimes the recipient would say, “Oh, here’s your tin back!”

I did not buy any Christmas presents at Back in Time.  For one reason, I was there in January.  When I buy Christmas presents that early, I tend to forget them by December.  I bought a sweet tiny frog for myself.  Steven used to collect frogs.

Back in Time Collectibles & Crafts is located at 112 Main St., Richfield Springs, NY, phone number 315-858-6003.

 

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A Mention of Mohawk Mall on Wrist to Forehead Sunday

Posted on February 17, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I drag my attention away from a City Confidential on Roku TV to make a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  Most of the Mohawk Valley seems to be iced it.  I tried to shovel a layer off the driveway while sleet fell on me, laughing at my efforts.  At least somebody was feeling jolly.  There is no need to dwell on these things.  I wanted to give a quick shout-out to Mohawk Antiques Mall, one of my favorite spots, which I visited a few days previously.

I had not stopped there in a while.  Full disclosure:  I mostly stopped because I was pretty sure they would have a current issue of Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I do not know how much longer I will be writing for them, but I had a nice story in February’s issue about Back In Time: Collectibles Plus Crafts in Richfield Springs, NY (not to self: make a post about them soon!).  After picking up the magazine, I walked over the whole store, hoping something would tempt me to buy.

I’m sure I need a hat like that.

Further disclosure:  I have to watch my money these days, and I have pretty much zero space in my house to put cool things found at antique stores.  I took a picture at a new vendor.  That is, new to me.  I think I mentioned I had not been there in a while.  One great thing about these antique malls:  you can visit again and again and almost always see something new.

Ooh, those are nice!

Another vendor caught my eye, and I thought it was clearly a local artist.  I quickly saw that this was indeed the case.

I LOVE local art!

In fact, I follow Chickadee Hollow Studio on Facebook (I follow lots of local places I haven’t been to yet), so I was delighted to see some of their stuff.  I’m afraid my pictures are a little blurry.  I must go and get better pictures.  And make more space in my house so I can purchase something!

Mohawk Antiques Mall is located at 100 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-219-5044.

 

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I Heard PKs Was a Good Place to Eat

Posted on February 14, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have forgotten to mention a great place to go for breakfast in Herkimer:  PK’s Pub.  Steve and I used to love going to PK’s for dinner — always saving room for dessert! — so I was sure breakfast there would be good.

No, I don’t have booze for breakfast. Usually.

The first couple of times I went I enjoyed my favorite breakfast sandwich, once with just egg and cheese, once with ham egg and cheese.  Then I tried the special of French toast with strawberries and cream cheese.  YUM!  The other day I stopped in hoping that was on the special board and it was. Yay!  I ordered it as soon as I sat down.  I took out my notebook and started a letter to a friend while I waited.

The people at the table next to me were having a lively discussion.  When I became annoyed by the bright sun beaming through the window into my eye (I know, so wrong to complain about the sun!), I moved one seat over, which brought me closer to the discussion.

“I’m not trying to get closer to eavesdrop, ” I felt I needed to reassure them.  “I just want to get in the shade.”

“Anyways, you’re writing,” one of the ladies pointed out.  Then they noticed I was writing in cursive and the discussion switched to how kids aren’t taught that any more and can’t read it.

“So we can write in code,”  I said.  “Anyways, with my handwriting, even some people who can read cursive can’t read it.”

One of the ladies said her handwriting was terrible too, and we all had a laugh about writing in code.  When I left, they said to let them know when my book was published.  I admitted I was only writing a letter (why am I not writing a book?).  They suggested a book comprised of conversations overheard, and I said they may have something there.  At least it would give me a good excuse to go out for meals or drinks more often!

PK’s Pub is located at 221 King St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-3494.

 

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What Kind of a Wednesday?

Posted on February 13, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I waited till quite late in the day on Wednesday to make a blog post and I am wondering if I should go for a Wuss-Out Wednesday, a Way-Back Wednesday, or a Mid-Week Monsters post.  Regular readers (if I still have any) are probably betting on the Mid-Week Monsters.  I do love my creepy crawly friends.

Aren’t they fun?

Here is a multi-purpose picture.  It is Monsters, obviously, and it is Way-back, since it is from October 2016, AND it is a shout-out to a local business, because it was taken at Pumpkin Junction in Sauquoit, NY,one of my favorite places.   I mean Pumpkin Junction, not Sauquoit although I am sure Sauquoit is a perfectly nice locality, although my computer seems to think it is not a word.  However, my quarrels with autocorrect are well known and we will not revisit them at this time (good God, is “autocorrect” usually underlined?  Why do I not remember these things?)

I’m thinking that fellow does more coffee than treats at the So Sweet.

Here is another picture from 2016 from another local business.  The So Sweet Candy Shoppe has moved to Clinton from Utica, but they still offer a delightful variety of treats.  I just don’t imagine the skeleton is there now as their Valentine’s Day decorations are probably up.  Still, I thought he fit in with the post.

I am in general not a fan of multi-tasking, preferring to concentrate on one thing at a time in hopes of doing it right (not always likely when I am involved), but I have included monsters, pictures from the past, shout-outs to two local businesses, and I have even wussed out to a certain extent.  I think this blog post has done more than its fair share of work.  If it has entertained anybody as well, I am more than content with my efforts.]

 

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I Like Art

Posted on January 18, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sometimes I get a little culture.  For example, last Saturday I went to the Renaissance Pub in Little Falls for a Meet the Artist with Frank Wilcox.   The Renaissance periodically hosts local artists in cooperation with Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts.

I am acquainted with Frank from being in a play with him (Strike Story written by Angela Harris), and I have seen his work in several area venues.  Full disclosure:  my original plan was to write about the Renaissance (or the Ren as it is sometimes called) for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I missed the deadline for the February issue, so I will try again for a future issue (unless another writer beats me to it).  In the meantime, I wanted to give the place a shout-out, and give folks a chance to go see some of Frank Wilcox’s paintings.

I can’t quite get a good picture of behind the bar.

Of course I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine.  One must support a venue that promotes local artists.  Unfortunately the kitchen was not open yet, because the food there is very good.

It’s hard to take good pictures of pictures.

I was there early enough that it was not too crowded yet, so I did not have to worry about asking a bunch of strangers if it was OK if they were in the picture.  I did not take too many pictures in any case, because they did not seem to be turning out very well.  Therefore, I encourage all local readers to go to the Ren and take a look for themselves.

Erynn Lowery and Victoria Cheney

I was fortunate enough to get a picture of the proprietress and bartender.  Unfortunately Victoria, the bartender, was moving soon.

You really should go see this one.

I took a picture of my favorite painting.  I was happy to get a chance to tell Frank how much I liked it.  Unfortunately, there are no walls in my house big enough to properly show off a picture that big.  As I type this, I look around at all the nice pictures on my walls now, which include at least a few by local artists.  That was my husband Steven’s talent, hanging pictures and interior decoration.  Still, I could retire a couple of pictures if I acquired any more art.  I certainly hope to attend more Meet the Artists at the Renaissance.

The Renaissance Pub is located at 550 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-556-1006. Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is located at 401-403 Canal Place, Little Falls, phone number 315-823-0808. You can Like them both on Facebook.

 

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