When I first moved here and heard about The Great Escape, a Six Flags theme park in Lake George, I was more than excited. Spending some of my childhood in Atlanta, I remember spending the summer riding the Ninja, Acrophobia, Monster Mansion, and the Scream Machine just to name a few . Whitewater, the sister water park next door to Six Flags Over Georgia, and was a separate ticket entirely; so going to both in one day rarely happen. My husband, who is from Ohio, had been spoiled with Cedar Point- one of the best rollercoaster parks in the United States. And although we heard mix reviews about The Great Escape from some of the locals- either being a great park to not worth one's time- we decided to check out the place ourselves.

I'll try to give an honest and unbiased opinion of Six Flags' Great Escape because perhaps our expectations were too high. However, this Six Flags has a lot of pros and cons- more cons then pros- in my opinion. First off, for such a high admission ticket ($49.99 for general admission and $39.99 for those under 48") this does not include parking. Yes, it include almost two parks in one, but still, a bit steep in my opinion. Finding a spot isn't terribly difficult once you pay which is plus side to this, but expect to pay about $13-$25 in cash for parking. Once inside, getting a map is my first suggestion. This park isn't terribly big, but it can be very handy for finding height requirements and reading a quick description. The biggest let down for the rides, however, were a handful were shut down. Mostly all were a terribly long wait, and unlike other theme parks I've been to, there is no wait listed at the entrance of the queue. We waited almost an hour for the Alpine Bobsled. Not to mention it kept breaking down. The park itself also seemed very rundown and out of date. The decorations are old, falling apart, and is in desperate need of a paint job. That could be over looked if were for the fact that there wasn't trash almost everywhere. Even the parking lots were littered with trash even though they provided receptacles. Hopefully we caught it on the janitors an off day. To me, if I'm paying such a high ticket for a theme park, I just expected things to be a bit more organized, cleaned, and rides working.

Now although I've named several things I didn't care for, the cup is not half empty. Although there are not a lot of roller coasters at The Great Escape, there is one worth waiting for and one you should definitely try- The Comet. Rated as one of the top wooden roller coasters in the world, this is not for the faint of heart. Also, if you really hate waiting in line, you can always purchase a Fast Pass. For $25 you can go straight to the head of the line on 5 rides, but you can get an unlimited Fast Pass for $40 for all eleven rides. Although it's a bit more then I would like to spend, it is good for those you are impatient. Then there's the indoor water park The Great Escape Lodge. Only a short walk away, this would be a lovely addition for the end of the day for those coming from out of town and want to have more time riding water slides. Another nice feature, which is quite common at most amusement parks, is that there are plenty of lockers you can rent to place your stuff at The Great Escape. However, if you don't feel like renting one, most of the rides had spots where you can place your belongings- of course the park is not responsible for your things in case they get stolen.

Like I said, there are a lot of pros and cons to our local Six Flags here in the Capital Region. Although I wasn't impressed, there seems to be a diverse group of opinions in the area. I don't know if I would go back anytime soon, but I would like to check out the Lodge sometime in the winter. My opinion is for you to check it out yourself. Who knows, perhaps my expectations are too high. What do you think of the place?

According to the dictionary, a watering hole by definition is a pool where animals drink. Perhaps you have seen pictures or heard of animals in Africa traveling several miles to get to a rare watering hole. Like those zebras and giraffes, here in Saratoga we have something similar- our springs. Tourist near and far travel from all over to experience the health benefits of the seventeen public mineral springs. However, there is one in particular that most of the locals and knowledgeable vacationers flock to that has especially tasty water- the State Seal Spring. Here, you can always find a group of folks filling their jugs and taking home some of the best spring water one can find for no cost. Although it's not a big secret, for me it took almost eight months before I found this well loved watering hole.

Prior to moving to Saratoga Springs, a friend in Georgia informed me that she just loved the spring water. She advised me that instead of buying bottle water or using a water filter, to simply take a clean milk carton or a pitcher to the springs. On our first day here in Saratoga, while waiting for the movers to come, my family decided to take a wintery stroll through downtown. There, we stumbled upon the Harthorn Spring. Remembering what my friend told me, I informed my husband people drank the spring water. However, as we approached it I could tell by the smell I knew I didn't want to try it. Yet, my husband, who is braver then me, took a big sip to only turn around and gag. Needless to say, we just decided that my friend was crazy and to never drink the spring water again.

Several months later, when the snow had melted and the weather was perfect for going for a stroll, I decided to take a walk along the Avenue of Pines located in the Saratoga State Park. It was there I saw a line of people filling up numerous water containers at a spring. Thinking these people were ridiculous, but remembering what my friend had said, I decided to check it out. First thing I did was a sniff test, and to my surprise, it smelled fine. Next I took a reluctant sip. Low and behold it was not only good, but extremely tasty. Turned out my friend wasn't weird, I just went to the wrong spring. Immediately I went home and told my husband that we had been wrong, and there was a more than decent spring that we could get free water from. Since he didn't believe me, later that week I took him out to the Joseph Bruno Pavilion for him to see, or rather taste, for himself. Let's just say, from that point on, I join other locals and curious visitors in filling my pitchers with some of the best free spring water one can find about once a week.

It's pretty safe to say that the State Seal Spring is no tight-lip secret, although it took me several months to find it. Located on the Avenue of the Pines across from the Automobile Museum, you will find a small spring at the Joseph Bruno Pavilion. Turning onto the street that loops around the spring, there's always plenty of parking on the side of the road. There are 6 spouts for the spring water and one spout for the mineral water. The signs on the pavilion ask to only fill up three jugs at a time if others are waiting- although not everyone follows that suggestion- but the rotation of containers moves rather quickly. However, if you're not a patient person, I would suggest going during the week. Weekends can be sort of crowded, although it can be fun talking to others while you wait for your turn.

The State Seal Spring, as much as I don't like comparing myself to a gazelle, is very much like a watering hole. If you ever get the chance, take your water bottle and check it out. It's definitely a wonderful treasure right here in town. And if you ever see a mother chasing her toddler there, it'll probably be just me getting my weekly drinking water supply.

With the conclusion of summer rapidly approaching, my quest to find as many of the fiberglass horses for Horses, Saratoga Style is also coming to an end. Although some are not officially part of the exhibit, so far my good neighbor and I have found quite a few here in Saratoga Springs. On our third outing trying to locate the others, we manage to locate nine more. Here's what we found:

The first two were located at a private residency. The first one, Golden Ticket, is most likely a tribute to Willy Wonka, as the horse looks like a piece of chocolate wrapped in gold tin; if you ever see it in person, look at the ear for a "sweet" detail. The next one looks like yellow marble, but I couldn't find any information on it. Down the road, at The Olde Bryan Inn, we found the third one of the day. With different iconic images of Saratoga, this is another horse by Frankie Flores. Supposedly Snapshot, designed by Terri J. Garofalo was to be located here, but we did not see it. Continuing down the road, we easily found the fourth horse, Giddyup, a marvelous mosaic of glass and mirror pieces. Heading to the other side of downtown, the next one was Remembrance at The Inn at Saratoga. Perhaps this one had a history of being too loved by the locals because this was the only one we saw that had a surveillance sign. Continuing along Route 9, the next place we stop was Saratoga Honda to see History of Horses; this was one of my favorite horses of the day. Driving by, it simply looks like a brown and white horse, but up close there are hidden abstract images of horses throughout history. If you can ever make the time, this is one that has to be seen up close. The next one was a small drive to Longfellows to see Music in Motion. This whimsical horse had sheets of music all over it with its hair made from music instruments strings. The next one was an accidental find on the way back home. Although we weren't able to find any title information on this horse, we were able to see that this one was another Frankie Flores piece. The last horse discovered was on the way home and located on the polo field. Again, this was another Frankie Flores horse.

Although this has been a slow process, finding these horses have made for a fun adventure when there's a need to get out of the house. Of course there is still quite a few, nineteen I believe, but perhaps with some time and luck I'll find some more.

Golden Ticket
Artists: Sarah Sharpe & Amanda Newman
Location: Corner of Greenfield Ave & North Broadway
Sponsor: NBT Bank

Unknown
Artists: Unknown
Location: Corner of Greenfield Ave & Woodlawn Ave

Saratoga Stripes
Artist: Frankie Flores
Location: Olde Bryan Inn, 123 Maple Avenue

Giddyup
Artists: Dana Rudolph & Ronda Jeffer
Location: 92 East Avenue
Sponsors: Sonny & Julie Bonacio/Jim LaVigne & Mary Gavin

Remembrance
Artist: Linda B. Buerkley
Location: The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway
Sponsor: The Inn at Saratoga

The History of Horses
Artist: Robert Ratigan, Jr.
Location: Saratoga Honda at 3402 Rte 9, Saratoga Springs, NY
Sponsor: Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Assoc.

Music in Motion
Artist: Linda Beggars
Location: Longfellows at 500 Union Avenue
Sponsor: Longfellows Restaurant & Hotel

Unknown
Artist: Frankie Flores
Location: Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue

"Polo"
Artist: Frankie Flores
Location: Polo Club, 2 Bloomfield Rd
Sponsor: Saratoga Polo Association

Help a girl out- have you seen any across town that I haven't seen yet? Which one is your favorite so far?

It may be my new favorite restaurant, but then again I'm not sure. After all, I only went three times in one week. No joke! I went once on a date with my husband, then with some friends and their families after they heard how much we enjoyed it, and again when my sister and her fiancée were in town. The place? A small little pub and teahouse located on Beekman Street affectionately known as The Local. With a menu full of options for any appetite and having an inviting atmosphere, it's a watering hole and a family friendly restaurant that won't empty your wallet. If you've never been, you're missing out on one of the best kept secrets hidden in the art district of Saratoga Springs.

The first thing you should know is that this restaurant is extremely easy to find, but for some reason it took me almost eight months to discover it. Located on the corner of Beekman Street and Grand Avenue, parking will probably be your hardest task besides trying to figure out what delicious entrée you will be eating. I say that because it only takes a minute or two finding a spot to park along one of the side streets. Once you're done with that, you have two options on where you can sit: inside the restaurant or outside in the pub garden (wouldn't recommend the later in the winter though). Inside The Local, one of the first things you'll notice is the wood bar that seats over a dozen folks. After that, there's the stone fireplace, mugs hanging above the bar, a chalk beer list also hanging above the bar, booths on the far end of the restaurant, and pub styling tables with leather ottomans on casters in the front. Of course, you also have your standard darts and television as any traditional bar does.

Outside, however, has more of a "beer garden" feel with stone/gravel walkways, modern Adirondack chairs, café style tables, and lights hanging along the fence and in the trees. To me, after a long winter, I can't think of a more relaxing place to have dinner. And then to top things off, The Local also has some great events which are also posted on their Facebook page; and from the looks of it, they have bands that play there on a regular basis making it just another way to enjoy the evening.

Then comes the hardest part of going to The Local: trying to decide what to eat much less what to drink. Having been voted "Best Fish and Chips" and "Best Burger" in town, those two items seem like an obvious choice. But with a menu filled with Irish and English specialties all ranging from $6 to $15, it's hard to decide whether to get poutine fries, Sheppard's pie, a tea sandwich, a salad, or even the steak and chips. Even the kids menu is hard to pass up. The Local also has an unforgettable weekend brunch menu, served from 9:30am to 3:00pm, featuring Irish dishes to traditional pancakes. And by the time you're finish with everything, don't forget their dessert menu; once again it won't disappoint. Afterwards, if you haven't eaten yourself into a coma, you can always walk around Beekman to make yourself feel less guilty for eating all that tasty food.

In addition to the extensive menu, The Local also has an array of fine teas, craft beer, and specialty drinks. And for the record, this isn't another bar where the server doesn't know anything. If you want a suggestion of what might pair well with your meal, they are very quick with suggestions. This is one of those places I almost wished my husband and I fought more so I would have an excuse to escape to have a decent draft beer. On our first visit to The Local, one of my husband's first questions was in regards to their Mug Club. With only 220 spots available and a wait list to boot, our waitress informed us of the many benefits of becoming a member. For starters, every member receives a personal mug which is hung above the bar. When you then order a beer, because it's a 20oz mug, you get four extra ounces of beer for free not to mention the Mug Club specials every Monday and Tuesday. Members also get an invitation for the Annual Mug Club party where they also receive a Mug Club t-shirt. Let me just say, I'm thinking I may need to get on that waitlist.

The Local, which has been honored as one of the "best neighborhood bars," definitely lives up to its reputation as the place where locals go because it's so good. For personal reasons, I love the fact that I can go to a place, not have to drive here and there for parking, get a great meal without breaking the bank, have a decent drink, and bring my family. It was embarrassing to admit that I went so often in one week, but when you find a place you love, it's hard not going back several times. It's hard to believe such a small place could have such a large personality, but that's what makes it unique. No doubt, this is my favorite local restaurant.

Last week I wrote about my fanciful search for all the horses part of the Horses, Saratoga Style exhibit. With a camera in hand, my good friend and I were lucky enough to find quite a few on our last outing. Below are some more pictures of these whimsical horses, but before you scroll down to see them, I like a share just a bit of information and tidbits I discovered along the way.

The first horse, Horse of a Different Color, was once on displayed at SPAC according to older maps. Believing it had been vandalized and gone forever, I gave up on this one after a thorough search of the area on my first trip. It was only when I was running errands on Broadway a few days later that I realized it had a new home. The next one, Babel Horse, is probably one of my favorites. Written all over this horse are different quotes about the noble animal in different languages- quite beautiful honestly. Starry Night, conveniently located at a hotel, is created with mosaics and I can only imagine how tedious it was to create such a detail sculpture. Magic, one that I drive by on a daily basis, was one of my favorite discoveries because I cannot believe I didn't see it before. Upon closer examination, this horse has Pepsi cans all over it. Of course the sun has faded a lot of the colors, but if you notice, you can still see the logo on the saddle and the buttons are the bottom of cans- very interesting. Handi-Cap, as you will see, is also a "mosaic" of beer bottle caps, and Foundation I believe can speak for itself, but still just as beautiful as the others. The last one doesn't have a name or artist and is located in the Wilton Mall. Although this one isn't part of the series, I thought I include it anyway because until I called the mall, I thought this one may have been an older one or one that was perhaps an "extra".

So there you have it- a few more horses seen around town. Hopefully I can get back out there soon and try to find some more. As I said, I hope to find all of them if possible and have made a game out of it. Do you have a new favorite since last week? Come back soon to see which ones I find next.

Horse of a Different Color
Artist: Frankie Flores
Location: Roughly in front of 473 Broadway
Sponsored: The Adirondack Trust Insurance

Babel Horse
Artist: Anne Francey
Location: Allerdice Glass & Mirror, 120 Excelsior Avenue
Sponsored: Allerdice Building Supply, Inc

Starry Night
Artist: Geri Bowden
Location: Courtyard Hotel, 11 Excelsior Ave
Sponsored: Courtyard by Marriott Saratoga Springs

Magic
Artist: Jenny McShan
Location: Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, 297 Broadway
Sponsored: Pepsi Bottling Group

The Handi-Cap
Artist: Ali Herrmann
Location: 95 Washington Street
Sponsored: The MASIE Center/Elliott & Cathy Masie

Foundation
Artist: Kelsey Harro
Location: In front of Spoken Boutique, 27 Church Street
Sponsored: Bast Hatfield, Inc

Location: Wilton Mall, 3065 Route 50

Just a side note: I like to thank my partner in crime, Jennifer Bishop, for helping me with a lot of these photos. To see more of her photos from our trip, check out her Flickr account under ryansgirl0928 or her Red Bubble portfolio under Jennifer Bishop.

Back in 1999, Chicago started an art phenomenon called the Cow Parade. In case you've never heard of it, this was an unique public art event in which numerous fiberglass cows were painted by different artists and displayed around the city. Since then, the cows have traveled all over the world thus inspiring other towns to follow this creative idea with their own interpretation; Saratoga Springs being one of them.

From my understanding, back in 2002 and again in 2007, the Saratoga County Arts Council and the YMCA of Saratoga presented "Horses, Saratoga Style". Of course, it comes as no surprise to many that horses would be the mascot for this artistic occasion, as this town is known for horse racing around the world. With artists from the Capital Region, Western New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts over 34 horses were commissioned to be design and exhibited around town. Finally, once these horses were finished with their own personal parade around Saratoga, they were subsequently auctioned off.

Today, many of the horses can still be seen around town. When I first moved here this past winter, I would like to say that almost all were not on display. However, with summer having more sculpture-friendly weather, I've noticed a lot of them popping up all over town. With a little digging and research, I've found a few maps online from years ago that give a small idea where some might be. Consequently it has become a game, a scavenger hunt if you will, to find all of them before they go back into hibernation for the winter. Over the next few weeks I hope to share some of my findings with you along with their current locations. I hate to say it, but this will be a "giddy-up" good time.

Heavenly Blue
Artist: Hannelore Dean
Location: National Museum of Dance
Sponsored: Ron & Michelle Riggi
Gift to the National Museum of Dance

Ode to The Blue Karner Butterfly
Artist: Brittanie Carlson
Location: National Museum of Dance
Sponsored: Gary & Nancy DiCresce
Gift to the National Museum of Dance

Horse Power II
Artist: George Frayne
Location: Saratoga Automobile Museum
Sponsored: Anthony R. Ianniello, Esq.
Gift to the Saratoga Automobile Museum

Scoops
Location: Stewart's Shop, 210 South Broadway

Equus Dreaming
Artist: Kathleen McGowan
Location: Empire State College, 1 Union Avenue
Sponsored: Empire State College

Which one is your favorite? Got any clues for me to rowdy up some more horses and photos?

Just a side note: I like to thank my partner in crime, Jennifer Bishop, for helping me with a lot of these photos. To see more of her photos, check out her Flickr account under ryansgirl0928 or her Red Bubble portfolio under Jennifer Bishop.

Beer and baseball have always been two things that marry well. So it's no surprise then that the 2nd Annual Capital Region Craft Brewer's Festival, held at the home of the Tri-City ValleyCats stadium, was the perfect backdrop for the event. Although the ValleyCats weren't playing, breweries from all over were pitching their best brews to beer geeks. One of the smaller beer festivals I've attended, it nevertheless exceeded my expectations for a great time. There were loads of conversations with fellow beer lovers, plenty of food, free souvenirs, but most importantly, tent after tent of ice cold kegs. Featuring mostly North-Eastern breweries, this was a type of festival that had a "homier" feel with the purpose of celebrating local craft beer. And although it was well above ninety degrees, nothing cools one down better than a cool glass of ale, even if they were 3oz pours.

The Joe Bruno Stadium, most commonly known as the Joe, is a short ride from Saratoga Springs. Starting at 2:30pm, we arrived at 2:35pm to find that there was a line spilling out of the stadium into the parking lot. To my surprise, the line was incredibly slow and seemed almost endless in the hot summer heat. After ten to fifteen minutes, however, we were in and quickly found some shade. With a brief look at the booklet featuring each brewer, we hastily shoved the pamphlet into our backpack and just started walking. The set up was great as each brewer's tent lined the edges of the stadium pouring some of their greatest brews. If you had any questions, owners, brewers, and reps were there to answer any beer-related subject matter. For my husband and me, we kept finding ourselves separating in order to talk to some of our favorite brewers. While my husband enjoyed hanging around Wandering Star Brewery's tent talking to Chris, I found myself deep in conversation with John, the owner of Adirondack Pub & Brewery. Talking about growing hops, contests, the outdoors, home brewing, and of course beer, I spent a good amount of time sipping on Dirty Blonde Ale picking the brains behind these great beers. Upon leaving, the gentlemen were then kind enough to give me a Bear Naked Ale T-shirt which goes perfectly with my Bear Naked Ale glass I already have at home. But besides talking to brewers and drinking, there was also a lot more going on at the event; a great band was playing, there was a home brewing demonstration, and contests. We also stopped by Hoosick Street Beverage where we picked up a complimentary growler for our next visit there. And since we bought the Grand Slam Package, we also enjoyed the shady VIP area with a free catered lunch. After four hours, while most beer lovers were long gone, my husband and I sadly left with loads of goodies in our hands.

Summer is a great season for a beer-lover due to all the festivals this time of year. However, while some can be a miss, this one was a hit. Tickets were fairly priced and included goodies depending on what package you received; almost all received a free baseball ticket. And although four hours seems like plenty of time to try almost any beer there, I probably spent most of my time talking to other beer geeks. Trying some brews I probably would never had tried before, this festival gives one the opportunity to try something new with no real pressure. As I've posted before, these festivals never fail to be a good time. So in case you missed out, no worries, I'm sure there will be another one here in the near future... After all, Oktoberfest season is coming up here soon.

It's called the great national pastime, and for good reason. Although the origins of the game is still up for debate, it was in 1871 the first professional baseball league was born. By the 1920s, baseball legends like Babe Ruth, truly established the game as an American sport. I like to think at some point in everyone's life, one has played a game of baseball or some version of it. Whether it's a toddler playing t-ball, a company playing softball, or a high school team competing in a baseball championship, it is a fantastic game to play. But as great as it is to play it, nothing feels more American then attending a baseball game.

This past Monday my husband and I decided to go on a double date to the Tri-City ValleyCats baseball game with some good friends. With our son in bed and the babysitter loaded with movies and popcorn, we then drove the thirty to forty minutes to the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium which also happens to be on Hudson Valley Community College campus in Troy. Nicknamed "the Joe," this stadium is one fun and family friendly sport complex. The first thing I notice, before even going to the game, was the free parking. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but I had come prepared with cash to pay five to ten dollars- a typical fee for us when we saw the Jacksonville Suns or the Charleston River Dogs. Once we got our tickets, we were surprise on how much there was to do inside the actually stadium. Besides the standard concession stands, the Joe also had a picnic pavilion, a Tiki Hut, grass seating behind the right field, a play area for children that included a bounce house, and more. One of my favorite spots, even though we had excellent seats, was actually the Top of the Hill Bar and Grill behind the field. Here, it was quiet, had plenty of table seating, and you could see the whole field. Of course we didn't go to just see a stadium; we were there for baseball.

Monday's night game was against Aberdeen Ironbirds. Throughout the entire game, my husband, friends, and I cheered on the ValleyCats like high school cheerleaders. I'm sure people around us thought we had one too many, but we were just purely caught up in the moment. Even though the ValleyCats lost 6-7, it was such a close game and a blast to watch! Even when the teams weren't playing, there were spectator games, air guns shooting t-shirts, free giveaways, and more. We had such an amazing time, we are already planning on returning again with the same couple, and this time with all our children. On top of everything, the night wrapped up with a few fireworks which just made the evening that much more spectacular.

Coming to baseball games, whether it's a minor or major league, is always a great way to spend some time with friends and family. The Joe is a wonderful stadium and the ValleyCats are a great team. Summer is here for a few more months and if you need an idea on how to spend a evening, go see the ValleyCats. You can't beat the ticket prices either. Children under 3 years old, who do not occupy a seat, are free and tickets run from $5-10 in advance or $11-$6 the day of- it's about the same price as a movie ticket. Also, check out their website for when they are doing fireworks and other special promotions- right now they have 2 for Tuesday, Pasta Bar Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, and Footlong Friday. So why not go out this weekend and "root, root root" for the home team. You can't go wrong when you go to a baseball game- it is, after all, the great national pastime.

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Most everyone across the nation dresses up in red, white, and blue to celebrate the nation's birthday. It's a day filled with parades, barbeques, fireworks, and friends. No matter who you are, you can't help but have a sense of pride on this special day. Being that this was my first time celebrating this grand holiday in Saratoga, I honestly didn't know what to expect from the locals. For this "small" town, and I use the word "small" loosely, it felt as if everyone was out this Fourth to celebrate the nation's 235th birthday. Although we heard suggestions to go to Lake George for the day or Albany, we decided what better way to spend this notorious day, then in the town where the Battle of Saratoga was fought- a major turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Our day started out like most where my family and I joined others along Broadway to watch the Fourth of July parade. We arrived early not knowing how many people would be there already, and were surprise to find lots of great spots. We ended up, however, in the shade in front of Uncommon Grounds. There we sipped on some coffee and ate some breakfast pastries while waiting for the parade to begin. Although considerably smaller then ones I've seen in Atlanta or Jacksonville, this one had a great small town feel as parade goers threw candy, stickers, and whatnots from their floats. One of the best aspects of the parade, in my opinion, was when Sloppy Kisses passed by with their procession of adorable dogs dressed in red, white, and blue. It ended shortly after where everyone then proceeded to Congress Park. There, vendors were starting to set up for a day of excitement and contests. Unfortunately we weren't able to stay too long due to my son falling asleep in our wagon. Later that afternoon, with a child much more conscious, we spent the holiday like most Americans, and barbeque with our friends. It was a great afternoon of celebration, laughs, slip-n-slides, and more- more being a food fight with a few leftover cupcakes. And even though it rained, it never stopped the husbands from playing volleyball as there was a torrential down pour. As the evening started to set and the storms started to pass, our plans to return to Congress Park for fireworks looked more and more bleak as our two-year-old started to fall asleep eating his dinner. Leave it to us to be American and never give up, and with our son in bed, we watched the fireworks from our backyard. And as this day wrapped up, I couldn't help but sing to myself one of my favorite songs, Lee Greenwood's God Bless the U.S.A.

All and all, it was a perfect Fourth of July. Next year, hopefully our son will stay more alert during the downtown Saratoga festivities. But as every parent knows, there is no point fighting a sleepy child. I hope those reading this had a wonderful holiday and I like to thank all the soldiers past and present for fighting for our freedom. We wouldn't be here today without y'all! Happy Birthday America!

Forty-eight hours- that's all the time I had to show my mother my new home in all its grandeur. And although it seems like a decent stretch to do this and that, it was a race against time the entire visit. It was an extremely short trip in which she was passing through merely to get her piano; my husband and I have been storing it for her for the past five years. My parent's recently bought a home in Florida that was finally big enough for her to retrieve one of her favorite pieces. Prior to her visit, I asked her multiple times what she wanted to do. She always responded with, "Anything and everything that has to do with Saratoga and the surrounding area." Now, if you've lived here long enough, even a mere six months like me, you know that the list of things to do and see is endless.

The first day was too short. It was my son's birthday so we tried to focus on things he loves to do. We started the day early and drove up Prospect Mountain in Lake George with some family friends. The intention was to have a picnic lunch all together on the peak. Unfortunately we didn't plan for it to be as cold and windy as it was on top of the mountain and ended up retreating to Shepards Park. There, we enjoyed our huge Roma sandwiches as we watched the boats cruise along the water. We then let all the children play on the playground and strolled along the waterfront until they were tired enough for their naps. That evening, which one could say is less "Saratoga," we spent some time, and money, in Wilton Mall playing in the bounce area at the food court and watching Cars 2.

The next day, we got up early again and we decided to do some shopping downtown Saratoga. We walked in and out of stores getting little mementoes for my mom and gifts for my dad. Over and over she would stop and gaze at the buildings and say she was just amazed on what a beautiful town and area this was. Subsequently we stumbled upon Ravenous, where my mother insisted we had to have lunch. Later, with our bellies full, we decided to walk it off in Congress Park. Of course a visit to Congress Park wouldn't be complete without a ride on the carousel. Later that afternoon, after another naptime, we decided to head back up to Lake George for Shoreline's Pizza Cruise. With pizza, entertainment, drinks, and a breathless view all together in one place, it was a nice way to spend our last meal as a family before she left. Of course, even though dessert was provided on the cruise, I informed my mother that she couldn't leave town without trying Stewart's ice cream- which to me is the best ice cream I've ever had and one of my first experiences in this town. And as quickly as she came, she was gone again, back to the Sunny State.

My only frustration with the past two days, however, is the thought of all the things we didn't do. There's Saratoga State Park, Saratoga Historic Park, Circus Café, SPAC, Yaddo Gardens, Beekman Street, the Saratoga Winery, etc... the list can go on and on. Prior to her leaving kept I apologizing on all the things we didn't get a chance to do, but as she pointed out, there wasn't enough time in two days. She did, however, say that she truly understands why I have fallen in love with this town and looks forward to another visit soon.

So I guess if you had forty-eight hours, what would you consider a "must see" or a "must do" in this area? Love to hear your thoughts!

"Who cares how time advances? I'm drinking ale today." ~ Edgar Allen Poe

It was Saturday morning and I felt like a child about to go to Disney. Let me be honest and explain to you that I am a huge beer geek. Therefore as beer geeky as I can be, I knew it was going to be a great day for beer lovers. After all, it was the 2nd Annual Saratoga Brewfest at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa and my husband and I had VIP tickets; a small splurge for our Mother/Father's Day present to each other. We were amped to say the least. We had a babysitter until late that evening, read up on the visiting breweries, and had our pretzel necklaces ready. Yes, it was going to be a great day.

Riding with some of our neighbors deep into the country side of Ballston Spa, we arrived shortly after the doors opened for the VIP session. We were given a nice little goodie bag that included our tasting cup, a koozie (who doesn't like those), a pen, and other whatnots. From that point, time just flew by as we enjoyed ourselves with the catered lunch and all-you-can-drink VIP beers. There were only a few points throughout the day that we actually paid attention to the time: one, being when the general session opened; two, when the Belgian tent opened; three, when Adirondack Brewery opened their special cask; and finally when the event was over. For several hours we were whirled into the madness of trying any sample we had never tried before as well as talking to any brewery representative.

One of the breweries, Wandering Star Craft Brewery, was an exciting find to see there since they had such a difficult time getting their licenses. Chris Post, owner and founder, was beyond amazing. He was generous enough to spend some time talking with us and even gave my husband a few pointers on home brewing. Another great discovery, which almost came too late in the day, was Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout; we were lucky enough to get samples from the last bottle! By the end of the event, we didn't even come close to finishing our 15 samples. Although some pointed out to us that we were participating in "alcohol abuse" by not using all our vouchers, I like to think we truly enjoyed our samples while lounging in the shade of the VIP tent listening to the band play. It was, after all, a wonderful day.

All and all, the day lived up to what we imagine. Yes, there were some things this festival lacked in compared to other festivals, but for the 2nd year... Good job Saratoga Brewfest! I will definitely be there again next year and singing your praises to others. Festivals like these are always a great time and we always leave with a few extra friends. My biggest let down for the day, however, was from Adirondack Brewery with their cask "CocoWhat?". This beer was an amazing five-gallon, once-in-a-lifetime, brew. It's a shame this one doesn't have a permanent place on their tap list to say the least. I can't remember all the details, but it was aged in a rum barrel with vanilla and coconut. Sounds amazing right?

If you didn't get a chance to go, no worries, there's another beer festival around the corner. On July 23rd, the 2nd Annual Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival will be taking place at the Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy. I can guarantee that I'm already planning on attending and you should check back to see how it goes (of course I hope you join me there). However, if you did attend the Saratoga Brewfest, and hopefully you did, what was your favorite moment or sample you tried that day? Love to hear your thoughts! Cheers!

I have to say, spring and summer are my two favorite seasons. Not because of the warm weather, although that factor does help, but mostly because it means so many fruits are readily available. One of my favorite memories while growing up was shrimping in the Lowcountry and then going to the nearby farm to pick some fresh strawberries. To me, nothing says summer better, then eating strawberries fresh from the fields and warm from the sun. It didn't help that strawberry picking was a regular habit in my family growing up as well. My mother was guilty of taking us strawberry picking as children. We would be on our way to who-knows-where and if she saw a sign for strawberry fields, she would easily detour the ten to twenty miles to have us four children pick the dessert we would be eating later.

I don't know why, but it's been easily eight to ten years since I've been out in the fields getting some of my favorite fresh fruit, and between all these rainy days, I couldn't help but think about all the those times back when. To my surprise, I found there are a lot of strawberry farms here in the Capital Region, one farm which I just had to go to- Hand Melon Farm. Located right outside of Schuylerville (pronounced "Sky-ler-ville" according to the locals who corrected me rather quickly), in the town of Greenwich, this "pick your own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and peppers when in season" farm is no more than thirty minutes from our home here in Saratoga Springs. The best part of this Hand Melon Farm is that it was open for strawberry business June 10th and are only two dollars a pound.

Needless to say, you don't have to tell me good news twice and my family was there opening morning along with a dozen other families. It was a beautiful farm, nestled on a back road with mountains in the distance; it is a true picture perfect opportunity for scrapbooks I'll never complete. My husband, who grew up in the farming country of Ohio, had never been strawberry picking and it was humorous watching my son and husband going up and down the rows picking strawberries as fast as they could eat them. We also learned at Hand Melon farm that there are several different types of strawberries. I am no strawberry connoisseur, but found the Annapolis to be more tart and lemon-like while the Jewel was juicy and sweeter.

By the end of our visit we had picked roughly 7.5lbs in under an hour; all of which has now been turned into jam, pastries, and other strawberry goodies. In the end, my family left with a lot of good memories, laughs, but most importantly, a lot of red, delicious strawberries. It was such a good experience, that we are actually going again soon. Like I said, I love strawberry picking and like my mother, I see myself detouring those ten to twenty miles making my kids work for their dessert. Some people hate becoming their parents, but this is one ritual I don't mind taking on.

Tips:
1.) Wear appropriate clothes and footwear. It probably doesn't hurt to wear sunscreen either. Remember, this is a real farm.
2.) If you forget to bring a basket to pick your strawberries, don't worry. They provide flats or quart size containers.
3.) Don't forget to stop at their country store on Route 29 for other goodies. I picked up a strawberry cookbook which came in handy.
4.) Don't forget to take cash. They also accept checks.
5.) Be sure to ask about the different styles of strawberries! The staff there is beyond friendly and helpful pointing out the best spots to pick strawberries!
6.) Hand Melon Farm is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm.
7.) If you have children, bring a camera. You'll get a kick out of taking pictures of your little one covered in strawberry juice.

On August 16, 1977 the King of Rock and Roll left behind millions of fans not willing to say goodbye. He was a legend in the music world and is still revered as one of the most influential musicians in the 20th century. This past weekend, in the quiet town of Lake George, men and women flocked from all over the world to pay tribute to the King. It was a weekend of leather jump suits, blue suede shoes, hound dogs, and love songs. Over four days, the entire town seemed to celebrate the King; from tribute artists on the Minne-Ha-Ha, concerts in the park, vendors selling Elvis memorabilia, or dressing up like the King. The Lake George Elvis Festival was an experience of a life time which my entire family enjoyed and will not forget anytime soon.

On Thursday night it started off as a pretty simple festival with an Opening Night Ceremony at Shepard Park followed by an Interpreting Elvis concert showcasing Dwight Icenhower and Ted Torres. From that point, the "C'mon, Everybody" fun heated up with an Opening Night Party at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery.

Friday, with my husband and little one in tow, we headed out to see the first round of the Elvis Tribute Artist Competition. To be honest, I had no idea how competitive this competition was. There were tribute artists from all over the world; from the United Kingdom to Sanford, Florida. Some played guitars, some did not, but all were dressed head to toe in Elvis gear. It was wonderful watching everybody with their own interpretation. It was a talent show like no other. Later that night, my girlfriend and I headed out for the Tribute to Rock and Roll History concert. Now much of the music was "beyond my years," but it was a blast nevertheless. A couple, who was seated beside us, had traveled all the way from Plattsburgh, NY and explained random music trivia to us throughout the show. The concert itself premiered several artists performing different music icons. My personal favorite was Mark Gagnon as Johnny Cash and Dwight Icenhower as Sir Elton John.

Other artists included Denny Diamond's as Neil Diamond, Jesse Aron as Roy Orbison, Robert Washington as James Brown, and Ted Torres as Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley. After the show, patrons then continued the celebration at Boardwalk Restaurant.

Saturday, with much needed coffee from the night before, we returned to Lake George to continue the festivities. With the day barely started, we lined up with other Elvis fans along State Route 9 to watch the Elvis Classic Car parade. Honestly, I think this was my son's favorite part and besides knowing that they were old cars, it was fun to watch.

Afterwards, we made our way down to Shepard Park to watch more Elvis performers. Next we followed it up with a lunch at Boardwalk Restaurant while being serenaded by another Elvis tribute artist. If that wasn't enough, we then boarded the Minne-Ha-Ha at 1:30 to watch Ted Torres pay homage to the King with the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George in the background. Later that night, after a nap, more coffee, and a friend watching our son, we returned to the Lake George forum for another concert; Evolution: The King's Journey. What an experience! During this show, Ted Torres, Dwight Icenhower, and 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion Bill Cherry, performed song after song of Elvis' most popular hits. Women lined up along the staged as Bill Cherry handed out silk scarves. It was absolutely hilarious and my husband and I enjoyed every minute. Of course one of the best parts of the show was meeting other fans, some of which whom had actually seen the King in concert.

Sunday, the fourth and final day, I'm afraid my family and I were too tired to continue to rock and roll. But they had an Elvis Gospel Music Contest, an Elvis Wedding Ceremony for several couples, the competition finals and awards, and a festival wrap party at Steel Pier. All of which, if I wished I could have gone to, but I don't think there would have been enough coffee in the world. Nevertheless, the Elvis Festival was as entertaining as any festival I've ever been to. I don't believe I've ever been to a concert where I've seen a wider scope of fans; much less fans so willing to share their stories. So basically what I am saying is if I wasn't an Elvis fan before, I sure am now. Many of the songs I heard over the weekend never knew were Elvis hits. And if you missed out, well you always have the Las Vegas show less than two months away. As the King would say, "Viva Las Vegas!"

Just a side note, I like to thank Kelli Fritz for helping me with the photos!

I always find a good deal hard to pass up. I'm very guilty of buying multiple items to save a buck if I can use a coupon. I love a good deal and with the economy the way it is, who doesn't? Last month a friend informed me that the Schenectady Museum offers free admission the first Sunday of every month between 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Being that I've never been there before and the weather wasn't quite agreeable to play outside, I decided to pack up my family and make the thirty to forty-five minute trip south.

The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium was very easy to find and provided free parking. Although small compared to other museums I've been to, I found this one very family friendly and a nice way to spend a few hours. On top of things, a lot of the exhibits were hands on which is wonderful for children. Focusing on all age levels the museum spotlights scientific achievements and discoveries in the Capital Region. All and all it was very intriguing coming from the viewpoint of someone just moving here. One of the most interesting facts I learned on our visit, is the notion that silly putty was discover in Schenectady by GE researcher James Wright in the 1940s. Another hit amongst our friends and family was the exhibit where one would try to move a ball with your brain waves. Some of the other ongoing exhibits in the museum were FETCH!, which is based on a TV show; Wind and Solar Power Interactives, which demonstrates the importance of renewable energy; MRI: Examining the Human, which shows the Capital Regions accomplishments in the health and medical community; and many more exhibits. The museum also has an ongoing calendar of special events and temporary exhibits. As for the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which is an additional cost to the museums admission, I'm afraid my two-year-old was too ornery for us to experience the wonders of space. Hopefully we'll return soon for another visit when he's feeling more up to it.

As I said, if you are scratching your head on what to do this coming Sunday, the Schenectady Museum's Power Hour free admission is a great deal. If you've already have plans though, just know if you want to go another day, admission is very economical with children 4-12 at $5 and adults $7.50. Hours are also
Thursday through Friday from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and Saturday - Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. All and all it was nice to discover what scientific achievements were made here in the Capital Region and I suppose it didn't hurt to spend some educational time with the family.

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May showers bring? Floods? That's what it seems like lately. With all this rain and cloudy weather it's hard to see the bright side of things. However, with sunny days ahead of us and the ground still soft, it seems like a perfect time for gardening. Often, I find myself romanticizing gardening at a Lowes or Wal-Mart while collecting plants, seeds, soil, and planters; all of which I intend to create a little makeshift garden, but tends to be dead by midsummer. Nevertheless, being in a new area that seems a bit more forgiving due to it's not so humid weather, I am more determine than ever to keep my plants alive at least more than a month.

Today, on my way home from running a few errands, I finally decided to stop at this gardening center I've passed numerous times. Tucked alongside Church Street and the train tracks, Sunnyside Gardens is a little Mecca for gardeners, or people who like to pretend to be gardeners like myself. Opened since 1981, this family owned and operated business is far better than any big box store you can think of. When you first arrive, several dozen red wagons sit by the parking lot to be used to carry your plant purchases. With over twenty greenhouses, these come in handy as each one is overflowing with an assortment of annuals, perennials, vegetables, hanging baskets, container gardens, climbers, shrubs, herbs, and houseplants.

If that doesn't seem like enough, they also have tools, supplies, a variety of pots, and garden accessories; not to mention special deals and sales on certain items. In addition, Sunnyside also has special events that they host such as workshops and festivals. One of their events, that I am truly looking forward to, is their Fall Festival which includes a butterfly house, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, an assortment of food goodies, and other activities.

With all this shrubbery information, I found myself giddy by the amount of plants. I walked up and down each aisle as I planned a Better Homes & Gardens yard in my imagination. My husband, knowing better, pointed out that my thumb is in fact not green and suggested that we ask for help. This is where Sunnyside Gardens also outshines the other stores. The staff there is beyond helpful and actually talked my ear off for once. Although we were just looking today and seeing what was available, they informed us that if we needed help designing something, especially a container, they would be more the happy to help us create the perfect pot. They also pointed out they had a website and Facebook page that has helpful tips, information, and the current sales going on.

After what seemed like an hour of wandering in this little oasis, we sadly left empty handed, but our minds filled with ideas on what we could do upon our return. We intend to be back after the holiday and start off small. I have a feeling, however, the next time we go our little red wagon will be filled with this and that all the while we are quoting Monty Python's Holy Grail and the Knights of Ni.

Here's the address if you would like to check the place out:
Sunnyside Gardens
345 Church St
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-8625
(518) 584-1034

Opened from Monday to Saturday 8:30am-6:00pm, and Sunday 8:30am-5:00pm.