Upstate New York organizations that support students and make prom dreams come true to those who may not be able to afford a dress for prom.
Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes Region
Women March in Seneca Falls 2017
A note from Jen: I typically avoid sharing politically related topics here. However, I have written many times about Seneca Falls and its rich history. This is a nonpartisan march and organizers are expecting 100s of women to participate. The historical significance of women convening at the birthplace of the woman’s rights movement to create a…
It’s A Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls NY
It’s a Wonderful Life In Seneca Falls For our family, watching It’s a Wonderful Life every holiday season is a cherished Christmas tradition. The timeless tale of a discouraged George Bailey who, with the help of his guardian angel finally becomes aware of what is truly important in life has touched many, it is easy…
Upstate New York Gift Ideas
A few years ago a friend asked me “What would you put into an Upstate New York State themed gift basket“. They were visiting from out of town and wanted to send a sample of Upstate New York back home to Texas. I have always loved this idea, and with the holidays right around…
20 Fun Things to do in the Finger Lakes this Fall
The Finger Lakes are exceptional year around, But I think the region really shines in the autumn. The fall foliage is some of the most beautiful in the country, and it is hard to resist all the farm stands brimming with the season’s harvest. Whether you want to take part in the harvest at a U-Pick orchard,…
The Perfect Sunday in Sodus Point
Last week we decided to pack up the boat and kids and hit Lake Ontario for the day. It ended up being a perfect day at “The Point”. Have you ever been to Sodus Point? It often feels like this area of Lake Ontario is overshadowed by the Finger Lakes, but it is the perfect destination…
5 Things You Should Do In The Finger Lakes in June
5 Things You Should Do In The Finger Lakes in June Don’t let spring slips by without enjoying these fun springtime activities in the Finger Lakes. Try A New Ice-Cream Flavor June is the perfect time to hit your favorite ice cream shop. Skip vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Locally handcrafted ice cream flavors seem to…
Seneca Knitting Mill, Seneca Falls NY
Future home of the Women’s Hall of Fame, the former Seneca Knitting Mill. While on a visit to Seneca Falls for a youth basketball tournament we found ourselves needing to kill some time. Our game was the last game of the day, and after a full day of games running late, and overtime, our…
No Plans For 2016 Willard Asylum Tour
First, I would like to point out I have no affiliation with the Willard Tour, or it’s organizers, nor am I a spokesperson for the event, but I have been notified by the executive director of the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Child Care Center that there will not be a tour of the former Willard Asylum…
Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast (The Jackson & Perkins Estate) Newark, NY
The town of Newark holds so much history that I find myself constantly returning and researching it. A short drive to many of the Finger Lakes attractions and historical sites, you definitely need to consider visiting. There is so much history in this town that was once the industrial and retail center of the county,…
The Babcock Family: Life on the WWII Homefront in Rochester, NY
While looking for something completely different on the Library of Congress website I happened to run across a collection of photos titled Rochester, New York. The Babcock’s , a typical American war worker’s family. The photos look like they were created to be used as American propaganda during WWII, and offer an interesting look back that…
The Best Upstate New York Apples For Baking
Guys, it is apple season! Ok, I might be rushing it a teensy weensy bit. But I have been getting some early variety apples from a friend, and I am pretty sure I read Starbucks will be selling pumpkin spice lattes soon, so it’s not far! New York grows more apple varieties than any other state,…
New York State Produce Auctions
I love auctions! They are a mix of shopping, social hour, and festive event that I just can not get enough of, and today I am going to let you in one a little secret,New York State Produce Auctions . They are not just for businesses, although most buyers and sellers are, they are open to…
Phelps Sauerkraut Festival
Post Updated 8/1/2017 Nestled in the Finger Lakes region just north of Geneva in Ontario County is the small village of Phelps. First settled in 1793, today Phelps is a charming little community that once was the largest producer of sauerkraut in the world. I can only imagine the olfactory experience Phelps must have been…
Finding Sour cherries in the Finger Lakes Area
Sour or “pie” cherries, are tart in flavor and bright red in color, and as far as I am concerned worth their weight in gold. Sour cherries have an incredibly short season, and it can be hard to get your hands on them. But it is worth the effort of finding some, nothing compares…
Upstate New York Summer Food Bucket List
Summer is a time to relax, enjoy the weather and eat some really good Upstate New York food. To help you really get a taste of summertime in Upstate New York, I have put together my list of Upstate New York Summer Food Bucket List of favorite regional summer foods. Beat the heat with an…
New Store in Palmyra: Farm House Fabulous
I love to share an inside scoop on fabulous local finds, and I am very excited to introduce you to a brand new local store that I know you are going to love! Just opened yesterday, Farm House Fabulous in the village of Palmyra is THE place to buy the beautiful “shabby chic” or “chalk painted”…
Researching Ancestors Who Were Committed to Asylums in New York State
Since sharing the information of the upcoming Willard Tour I have received more than a few emails, I have tried to answer all of them and I have been more than happy to share lodging recommendations, and other basic information, but there is one request that has had me at a loss: “How do I research…
Upcoming Public Tour of Willard Asylum for the Insane
updated 4/22/2016 Willard Asylum for the Insane In a nutshell Willard officially opened in 1869. By 1877 Willard, at 475 acres (1500 patients) was the largest asylum in the United States1 . In 1995 Willard Psychiatric Center closed its doors, but a portion of the campus is a New York State Department of Corrections rehabilitation facility for inmates. Obviously,…
Book Review: A Taste of Upstate New York: The People and the Stories Behind 40 Food Favorites
I remember when I first learned that salt potatoes are a regional dish. I was shocked that the rest of the country is oblivious to what is clearly the best way ever to prepare potatoes. Salt potatoes are so popular in Upstate New York I can not imagine a family picnic, carnival or fireman’s chicken barbecue…
