# Capital Region Living Magazine > The Heart of the Empire State ## Posts - [Your Wellbeing, Handled](https://crlmag.com/your-wellbeing-handled/): The Spinney at Van Dyke 6 Parker Mathusa Pl., Delmar 518.689.0162; thespinneyatvandyke.com Leaving your house does not mean you have to leave your privacy behind. The Spinney at Van Dyke offers a new approach to living for the “55 and better” community, allowing residents to move away from the burdens of owning their home while allowing a sense of privacy in a community setting. Each cottage at The Spinney features private entryways, back and front porches, as well as direct access, attached garages. The Spinney lifestyle is the smoothest transition from owning a home to downsizing and renting. Schedule a visit today […] - [Home & Garden: April Showers Bring...Home Improvement Projects](https://crlmag.com/home-garden-improvement-projects/): J. Hunziker Paving, LLC 25 Corellis Dr., Rensselaer 518.858.7917; jhunzikerpavingllc.com When it comes to driveway paving, work only with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. Avoid the frustration and disappointment of dealing with unprofessional driveway paving contractors by doing business with J. Hunziker Paving, LLC, instead. Owner Jason Hunziker has 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the surrounding areas, and he is committed to providing his customers with the best possible workmanship and service. When you need top-quality driveway paving for your home […] - [Because Your Pet Deserves It](https://crlmag.com/because-your-pet-deserves-it/): Chow Bella 50 West Ave., Saratoga Springs 518.516.1006; chowbella.store Does your four-legged friend need a more active social life? Sign him or her up for a membership at Chow Bella, Saratoga’s only doggy social club. The West Avenue location features an indoor dog park, “pet spa” dog-washing station and store, which carries everything from dog food and leashes to puppy parkas. There’s even a small cafe for two-legged guests! Pet Spas & Suites 1 Cerone Commercial Dr., Albany 518.783.5506; petspasandsuites.com Pet Spas & Suites has been proudly serving the Capital Region for 30 years. Its commitment to providing quality pet care […] - [Before You Go: 'Chasing Stephen King'](https://crlmag.com/chasing-stephen-king-john-gray/): Chasing the King - [Before You Go: 'Party Time'](https://crlmag.com/party-time-john-gray/): It has been said that guests, like fish, stink after three days. - [Everything You Need to Know About Ornamental Grasses](https://crlmag.com/know-ornamental-grasses/): Ornamental grasses star in the fall garden - [How to Tackle Late-summer Planting in Your Capital Region Garden](https://crlmag.com/late-summer-planting-capital-region/): Late summer planting - [Before You Go: 'Dear Jenny at 18'](https://crlmag.com/dear-jenny-john-gray/): Dear Jenny at 18 - [The Grateful Traveler: Visiting Northern Maine and the Historic Asticou Inn](https://crlmag.com/visiting-northern-maine-grateful-traveler/): Acadia National Park is a National Park located in northern Maine. It reserves much of Mount Desert Island and smaller islands off the New England Atlantic coast. - [10 Ways to Let Go of Your Inner Control Freak](https://crlmag.com/let-go-control-freak/): The surest way to make ourselves crazy is to get involved in other people s business, and the quickest way to become sane and happy is to tend to our own affairs. - Melody Beattie, best-selling author - [CRL Recipes Series: Vegan Carrot Ginger Puree](https://crlmag.com/recipes-vegan-carrot-ginger-puree/): This is a very simple vegan recipe, perfect for an occasion where you might need to accommodate vegan guests, but still impress those with more traditional eating habits - [Tricks for Planting Knockout, Ever-Blooming Perennials](https://crlmag.com/planting-ever-blooming-perennials/): Most gardeners are pleased with their spring and early summer gardens as there are plenty of blooms to delight the eye. The problem starts in August when summer heat takes its toll and the lack of later blooming perennials becomes all too noticeable. Yawn. - [Before You Go: 'Summer Fun'](https://crlmag.com/summer-fun-john-gray/): There s a difference between a kayak and a canoe. I learned this the hard way several years ago at a nearby lake. My lesson came with a bath and a bow, but we ll get to that part of the story in a moment. - [CRL Recipes Series: Stuffed Flank Steak Roulade with Polenta and Peas](https://crlmag.com/recipes-stuffed-flank-steak-roulade/): Stuffed Flank Steak Roulade with Polenta and Peas - [Before You Go: 'Putting Facebook Under the Microscope'](https://crlmag.com/facebook-under-microscope-john-gray/): Let's start with a warning. You are never going to read a book called How Facebook Saved My Marriage. - [Besties 2012: All the People & Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2012/): Best Of People, Places & More Part Three - [Besties 2012: All the People & Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/people-places-besties-2012/): Best Of People, Places & More - [CRL Recipes Series: Risotto's Tuscan Swordfish](https://crlmag.com/recipes-tuscan-swordfish/): Tuscan Swordfish - [April 2012: Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/wellness-section-april-2012/): The great thing about getting older is that you don t have to lose all the other ages you ve been. Madeline L Engle - [Learn All the Basics to Renovating Your Capital Region Garden](https://crlmag.com/renovating-capital-region-garden/): Homeowners consider garden renovation for many reasons; perhaps a change is needed due to diminishing sunlight or maybe the garden has just gotten out of control. - [Before You Go: 'The Best Advice You'll Ever Get'](https://crlmag.com/best-advice-john-gray/): If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims, of course. - [CRL Recipes Series: Braised Pork Shank and Pickled Vegetables](https://crlmag.com/braised-pork-shank-pickled-vegetables-recipes/): Braised Pork Shank & Pickled Vegetables - [5 Ways to Achieve Relationship Closure](https://crlmag.com/achieve-relationship-closure/): The beginning and the end reach out their hands to each other - Chinese Proverb - [CRL Recipes Series: Ragu Bolognese](https://crlmag.com/recipes-ragu-bolognese/): Ragu Bolognese This dish is named after the rich cookery style of Bologna, Italy. Bolognese refers to dishes served with a thick, full-bodied meat and vegetable sauce enhanced with wine and cream. Alla Bolognese designates a pasta sauced in this manner. This has proven to be one of our most popular dishes since we reforged our Italian roots. - [Before You Go: 'Galway Shawl'](https://crlmag.com/galway-shawl-john-gray/): The first time he saw her she was but a reflection in a mirror. The bar was packed, yet Collin had somehow managed to push his way through the sea of people to reach the jukebox. - [Besties 2012: How to Overcome Cabin Fever in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/besties-cabin-fever-capital-region-2012/): This is the time of year when we tend to begin suffering from that dreaded cabin fever syndrome. The cold may have kept you inside by the fire up until now, but there are a bunch of great outdoor festivals and other ideas that will have you reaching for your hat and gloves. Have fun! - [The Grateful Traveler: Step Back in Time at Blantyre](https://crlmag.com/back-time-blantyre-grateful-traveler/): It is a treasure located within an hour s drive of the Capital Region, making it the perfect spot to steal away to this winter. - [8 Healthy Patterns to Adopt for 2012](https://crlmag.com/healthy-patterns-adopt-2012/): Everyone wants to lead a healthier life that incorporates eating better and getting more exercise - [CRL Recipes Series: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Home-style BBQ Pulled Pork](https://crlmag.com/recipes-dinosaur-bar-b-que-pulled-pork/): Courtesy of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Home-style pulled bar-b-que pork - [Before You Go: 'All About John Gray'](https://crlmag.com/all-about-john-gray/): All about John So this month, let s pretend you and I are standing at the bus stop and you decide to kill some time by asking a question or two that you ve always wondered about me. I can't promise my answers will dazzle or enlighten, but they will be honest. - [CRL Recipes Series: French Buche de Noel (Yule Log)](https://crlmag.com/yule-log-recipe-november-december-2011/): French Buche de Noel (Yule Log) - [CRL Recipes Series: Roasting Your Best Thanksgiving Turkey Ever](https://crlmag.com/roasting-thanksgiving-turkey-recipes/): Pick your best turkey this Thanksgiving - [Before You Go: 'Holiday Flood'](https://crlmag.com/holiday-flood-john-gray/): Back in summer of 2011, Sarah was 10 years old and living in a place called Prattsville. If you look up the word 'country' in the dictionary you d find a picture of it there with land as open as its people, a place where small town folks weren t always rich in money, but in the ways that mattered. - [CRL Recipes Series: Brussels Sprouts, Three Ways](https://crlmag.com/brussels-sprouts-recipes/): Not everyone loves brussels sprouts; in fact, they are kind of disrespected when they re sitting on the Thanksgiving table. These cute little miniature cabbages are a cultivar of the same species that includes cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, lake and kohlrabi. - [October 2011: Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/wellness-section-october-2011/): Many people get nervous or self-conscious on occasion.But Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is more than just shyness or occasional nerves. - [Before You Go: 'Halloween'](https://crlmag.com/halloween-john-gray/): Halloween Admit it. Christmas is great, the 4th of July is a blast, but for downright devilish fun, Halloween is the best. From decorating the house to haunted hayrides and free candy to that convenient excuse to dress up like someone wild and blame it on the holiday. - [Everything You Need to Know About Fall Gardening](https://crlmag.com/know-fall-gardening/): Don t hang up your garden gloves and call it a season just yet! Great things are still taking place in your garden this month. - [CRL Recipes Series: Corn and Zucchini Pancakes With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce](https://crlmag.com/corn-zucchini-pancakes-recipes/): Corn & Zucchini Pancakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Courtesy of A Taste Of Europe Chef Jeannette Balins - [Before You Go: 'The Streak'](https://crlmag.com/streak-john-gray/): Kelsey Draves is excited because tonight she's packing her jammies and heading to a friend's house for a sleepover. - [September 2011: Fitness Section](https://crlmag.com/fitness-section-september-2011/): Are you undermining your fitness? - [CRL Recipes Series: Creo Caterers' Sesame Taco Shells](https://crlmag.com/recipes-sesame-taco-shells/): Courtesy of Creo Catering Chef Brian Bowden - [Before You Go: 'My Dog Max'](https://crlmag.com/my-dog-max-john-gray/): My dog Max - [Tips for Keeping Your Landscape Lush in August](https://crlmag.com/keeping-landscape-lush-august/): Tips on keeping your landscape lush in August - [Wild Parsnip: The Devil Along the Roadside](https://crlmag.com/wild-parsnip-devil-roadside/): As I drive to and from work these past few weeks, I have noticed the growth of Wild Parsnip - [CRL Recipes Series: Watermelon Gazpacho](https://crlmag.com/recipes-watermelon-gazpacho/): Courtesy of Mountain View Brasserie Chef Max Suhner - [Before You Go: '5 Movies to Enjoy All Summer Long'](https://crlmag.com/movies-summer-john-gray/): Summer Lovin - [5 Ways to Go Through Life Without Regrets](https://crlmag.com/life-without-regrets/): Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets Arthur Miller, American Playwright - [Before You Go: 'Autocorrecting Life'](https://crlmag.com/autocorrecting-life-john-gray/): Recently, a friend of mine who is struggling with her weight wrote something on Facebook about how fat she was feeling... - [How to Plant a Shady Woodland Wildflower Garden](https://crlmag.com/gardening-june-2011/): A shady woodland wildflower garden - [CRL Recipes Series: Yanni's Too's Soft Shell Crab Provencal](https://crlmag.com/recipes-soft-shell-crab-provencal/): Soft Shell Crab Provencal - [Mesclun, Moles and Deer-proof Shrubs for Shady Spots](https://crlmag.com/mesclun-moles-deer-proof-shrubs/): Mesclun, moles and deer-proof shrubs for shady spots - [Besties 2011: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/food-drink-besties-2011/): Best Of Food & Drink - [Body Language 101: How to Make All the Right Moves](https://crlmag.com/body-language-right-moves/): The eyes are the window to the soul - English Proverb - [CRL Recipes Series: Al-Baraki's Falafel](https://crlmag.com/recipes-al-baraki-falafel/): Falafel - [Before You Go: 'The Best of 2011'](https://crlmag.com/last-page-april-2011/): Best Of 2011 - [10 Ways to Plant an Easy Vegetable Garden](https://crlmag.com/ways-plant-vegetable-garden/): Top 10 ways to start an easy vegetable garden - [Before You Go: 'That's Entertainment'](https://crlmag.com/thats-entertainment-john-gray/): There s a cowboy in Saratoga County with a big heart, well-stocked bar and a secret. In his basement lies the most elaborate karaoke setup this side of Memphis. - [Reinvestigating Troy's Hudson River Scandal of the 1850s](https://crlmag.com/troy-hudson-river-scandal/): A 21st-century writer finds clues on Troy s historic Second Street - [February 2011: Fitness Section](https://crlmag.com/fitness-section-february-2011/): Want to lose weight? - [CRL Recipes Series: Vegetarian Black Bean Chili](https://crlmag.com/crl-recipe-vegetarian-black-bean-chili/): Ingredients 2 lbs black turtle beans, dry 2 large onions 10 cloves of garlic 2 cups diced carrot 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 bay leaves 3 tbsp oregano leaf 1 tbsp thyme leaf 1/2 cup good quality chili powder 2 tbsp cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 2 cup crushed canned tomatoes 2 cups corn 2 cups eggplant diced 2 cups green pepper diced 2 cups fresh zucchini diced Shredded cheddar or jack cheese for serving   Directions: Soak beans covered in cold water for at least 2 hours (better yet over night). In a […] - [January 2011: How to Treat Depression](https://crlmag.com/treating-depression-january-2011/): There is a great deal of confusion surrounding depression, namely understanding the symptoms, what causes it and how can we best treat it. - [Restaurant Review: Garden Bistro 24](https://crlmag.com/restaurant-review-garden-bistro-24/): Getting more than what you paid for: Scoring an upscale meal on a chain restaurant budget - [Cheap Eats: CRL Staff Picks](https://crlmag.com/cheap-eats-staff-picks/): Our staff and freelancers had to chime in here s what they recommend ... - [12 Spots Around the Capital Region to Get Cheap Eats](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-cheap-eats/): When you eat out as often as I do, and are not independently wealthy, you learn to search out the good deals, the lesser known, the independently-owned, the consistently delicious. And if you re really generous, you share those great finds with others. - [Besties 2011: Winter Weekend Getaways](https://crlmag.com/besties-winter-weekend-getaways-2011/): The sunrises are magical, the food is fantastic and the ability to unwind is unparalleled. - [Before You Go: 'Healthy, Wealthy & Wise'](https://crlmag.com/healthy-wealthy-wise-john-gray/): As we kick off a new, and hopefully better year than the last, I sit in the half light of my study in front of a dusty computer wondering what these past 48 years have taught me. - [January 2011: Healthy, Wealthy, Wise Section](https://crlmag.com/healthy-wealthy-wise-section-january-2011/): Fitness - New science may help the number one most common New Year's Resolution of losing weight - [January 2011: How to Fix Your Sleep Habits](https://crlmag.com/fix-sleep-habits-january-2011/): A good night's sleep - [Healthy, Wealthy, Wise: How to Improve Your Spirituality](https://crlmag.com/healthy-wealthy-wise-improve-spirituality/): I believe that we all have the power to create our own destiny by improving our spiritual self! How do you do this? - [Healthy, Wealthy, Wise: Why You Should Be Giving Back](https://crlmag.com/healthy-wealthy-wise-giving-back/): Legal - Giving back has never been more important - [CRL Recipes Series: Garden Bistro's Pumpkin Bisque](https://crlmag.com/recipes-pumpkin-bisque/): Pumpkin Bisque with candied pecans and sage brown butter - [Before You Go: 'Holiday Miracle'](https://crlmag.com/holiday-miracle-john-gray/): Not exactly in the holiday spirit? I know how you feel. It's tough sometimes to jumpstart your heart and thaw the ice that seeps into our lives like water on cracked pavement. - [CRL Recipes Series: Butternut Squash Risotto with Peppered Duck Breast](https://crlmag.com/recipes-risotto-duck-breast/): Butternut Squash Risotto, Peppered Duck Breast with Blackberry BBQ & Jasmine Rice, Brown Sugar and Caramel Stuffed Macintosh Apple with Filo Crisp - [How to Enjoy Peace, Love and Joy During the Holiday Season](https://crlmag.com/peace-love-joy-holiday-season/): There is something magical about the holidays. The excitement in children's eyes, combined with beautiful lights, festive music and glorious food make this time of year very special. - [6 Traits of the Eternal Optimist](https://crlmag.com/traits-eternal-optimist/): Would you like to live a longer and healthier life? How about excelling at work and making more money? And what about experiencing great relationships with friends and family? In order to achieve these, you will have to first work on one crucial thing: building your optimism or zest for life! Thousands of studies have been done about what causes anxiety and depression, but very few about what creates optimism and happiness. More recently, researchers have taken a greater interest in understanding the benefits of optimism on our mind and body. What they have learned is that optimistic people decrease […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Sausage and Grapes](https://crlmag.com/recipes-sausage-grapes/): Sausage and Grapes - [Before You Go: The Ins and Out of Working Out](https://crlmag.com/working-out-before-you-go/): Question - How does a grown man fall off the treadmill at a crowded gym? - [Dating 101: 8 Ways to Open Your Life Up to Love Again](https://crlmag.com/dating-open-your-life-up-love/): Although dating can be fun and exciting, it can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have been out of the dating scene for many years. - [7 Summer Cocktail Recipes From Your Favorite Local Restaurants](https://crlmag.com/summer-cocktail-recipes-restaurants/): "Frozen Blue Hawaiian" - [Secret Garden Tour in Schenectady's Stockade Reveals Treasures](https://crlmag.com/secret-garden-tour-stockade/): While the lush gardens behind many of the homes in Schenectady's historic Stockade are certainly a well kept-secret, Rob Gavel, a member of the Stockade Association's Garden Group Committee, is hoping to blow their cover by hosting their biannual Secret Garden Tour at the end of June. - [CRL Recipes Series: West Coast Halibut with Soy Ginger Butter](https://crlmag.com/recipes-west-coast-halibut/): West Coast Halibut with a soy ginger butter - [Before You Go: 'Summer Lovin''](https://crlmag.com/summer-lovin-john-gray/): Is there anything worse than a blind date? Not really. - [Before You Go: 'Yard Fun'](https://crlmag.com/yard-fun-john-gray/): It's time to get outside and get busy in the yard, and that worries me. Yard work and I go together like ice cream and gravy. Every year, without fail, something goes wrong in the yard that leads to sleepless nights, physical pain and endless trips to the hardware store. - [CRL Recipes Series: Barnsider's Crab Cakes](https://crlmag.com/recipes-crab-cakes/): Crab cakes. Courtesy of Barnsider Restaurant Chef Christopher Gallup . - [October 2012: Best of the Capital Region, Part 2](https://crlmag.com/best-of-capital-region-part-2-october-2012/): PLACES B&B/Inn (Tie for first) Mirror Lake Inn, 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid Union Gables B&B, 55 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Whether you want to stay local or head a little farther up north, Union Gables and Mirror Lake Inn each offer you superior accommodations in two different environments. Conveniently located just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown Saratoga Springs, Union Gables is a century-old Queen Anne style residence with a gorgeous wrap-around porch beckoning you to sit in one of their rockers and relax, taking in the charm of the quaint city. If you […] - [Besties 2010: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2010/): Food and Drink Appetizers Aperitivo Bistro, 416 State Street, Schenectady Aperitivo Bistro continues its climb in our yearly poll from winning best new restaurant two years ago to claiming the top spot in appetizers and Schenectady County restaurants, Finalist for Bistro category and tapas/small plate this year. With a large variety of smaller dishes that are made for sharing, restaurateur Angelo Mazzone opened the bistro two years ago last November, and since then, patrons have relished a fresh menu in a classy and cool atmosphere. Angelo’s 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, One Crossgates Mall Road, […] - [8 Great Ways to Provide Yourself With Better Self-Care](https://crlmag.com/provide-greater-self-care/): Today, many people describe their lives as "overbooked, overworked and overwhelmed." It has become more important than ever before to learn tools for self-care. - [Controlling Critters, Insects and Other Backyard Garden Pests](https://crlmag.com/controlling-garden-pests/): Every gardener has problems dealing with pests in one form or another. There are deer, chipmunks, rabbits, woodchucks and voles that can all create havoc in the garden. - [CRL Recipes Series: Herb-roasted Spring Lamb with Roasted Root Vegetables](https://crlmag.com/recipes-herb-roasted-spring-lamb/): Herb Roasted Spring Lamb with Farmers Market Roasted Root Vegetables - [Tips for Packing a Healthier Lunch Box for Your Children](https://crlmag.com/tips-packing-healthier-lunch-box/): Packing a healthy lunch for your children is a great way to get them the nutrients they need to power through the school day. - [CRL Recipes Series: Albany Country Club's S'mores Chocolate Mousse](https://crlmag.com/recipes-albany-smores-chocolate-mousse/): S'mores Chocolate Mousse - [8 Mantras to Free Yourself From Love Addiction](https://crlmag.com/mantras-love-addiction/): Love addiction - "For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo." - Shakespeare - [CRL Recipe Series: Culinary Institute of America's Dark Chocolate Truffles](https://crlmag.com/culinary-institute-america-dark-chocolate-truffles/): Dark Chocolate Truffles - the perfect gift for romance! - [Before You Go: 'Home Improvement'](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-john-gray/): Home improvement - I wouldn't have made a very good caveman. Back then if there was a problem, like say a leaky cave or a hole in the wall caused by a hungry T-Rex, you couldn't just dial up the local repair guy and have him buzz over in his Flintstone's-mobile to fix it. - [Before You Go: 'New Year's Resolutions'](https://crlmag.com/new-years-resolutions-john-gray/): I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I mean, if you really want to make a change you don't need a date on a calendar to do it. - [Winter Getaways 2010: The Inn at Weathersfield](https://crlmag.com/inn-weathersfield-winter-getaways-2010/): Rustic luxury and culinary magic The Inn at Weathersfield - [CRL Recipes Series: Freehold House Truffle Cake with Raspberry Coulis](https://crlmag.com/truffle-cake-raspberry-coulis/): Freehold House Truffle Cake with Raspberry Coulis - [Looking Forward to Fall Mums Season](https://crlmag.com/fall-mums-season/): As soon as the first few cool nights arrive in late August, thoughts of fall mums come to mind. Big pots of colorful mums for the front steps, more for the back porch, and of course, some to fill in the few bare spots in the garden. - [CRL Recipes Series: Fig, Gorgonzola, Prosciutto and Fontina Pizza](https://crlmag.com/pizza-fig-gorgonzola-prosciutto-fontina/): Fig Jam Wine Pizza - [CRL Recipes Series: Cherry Bread Pudding and Mint Cocoa](https://crlmag.com/recipe-cherry-bread-pudding-mint-cocoa/): It's true - the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. - [CRL Recipes Series: 3 Delicious Apple Pie Recipes](https://crlmag.com/apple-pie-recipes/): Just like there are many opinions about the best chili ingredients, the best apples to use for apple pie is also a matter of personal opinion. No particular variety truly qualifies as the best pie apple but here are a few suggestions for pie success. - [CRL Recipes Series: Caribbean Shrimp and Avocado With Black Bean Salsa](https://crlmag.com/caribbean-shrimp-avocado-recipes/): Caribbean Shrimp and Avocado with black bean salsa - [Two Day-Trips for Local Adventurers](https://crlmag.com/day-trips-local-adventurers/): Howe Caverns 255 Discovery Dr., Howes Cave 518.296.8900; howecaverns.com Howe Caverns nabbed an impressive Bestie for Seasonal Event after hosting its first ever totally immersive haunted cave tour. The experience turned its beautiful show cave into The Underworld at Howe Caverns last fall, leading up to Halloween. Only the bravest entered a world of creatures, monsters, and demons 156 feet below the Earth’s surface. The Underworld at Howe Caverns exceeded expectations in its first year, with sold out evenings and rave reviews. Now, the caverns’ award-winning creative production team is already hard at work on the 2021 Underworld, which will […] - [Besties 2016: All the People and Places Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2016/): *Bold denotes winner *Italics denotes Runner-up People EVENING ANCHOR (Tie) Lydia Kulbida and John Gray www.news10.com Two experienced newscasters from WTEN tied in our readers’ poll—Lydia Kulbida and John Gray. Both have been honored with broadcasting awards. Our readers appreciate them on-air as anchors and for their work on stories impacting and involving the Capital Region. Both are dedicated volunteers with area community organizations. Lydia is described as a working mom, grad school student, dancer and foodie, in addition to her news roles. John is celebrating 25 years of television and is a columnist in area publications also, chosen by our […] - [Before You Go: 'Meeting Famous People'](https://crlmag.com/meeting-famous-people-john-gray/): Celebs - [Learn About the History of Gardening](https://crlmag.com/learn-history-gardening/): Off the beaten path: Great book gifts for gardeners - [How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Capital Region Garden](https://crlmag.com/climate-change-capital-region-garden/): Gardeners need to be climate smart - [Before You Go: 'Monsters Are Real'](https://crlmag.com/monsters-are-real-before-you-go/): The Woods - [Before You Go: John Gray on 'Food & Friends'](https://crlmag.com/food-and-friends-john-gray/): Ingredients: Add heaping cup of friends to food - [3 Principles to Follow for Maintaining Healthy Knees](https://crlmag.com/maintaining-healthy-knees/): Knee pain? Consider whole body - [Before You Go: 'The Joy of Staying Alive'](https://crlmag.com/joy-staying-alive-john-gray/): A check up on being health-wise - [Before You Go: Reminiscing About the Best Day Trips](https://crlmag.com/best-day-trips-john-gray/): Day Tripping - [9 Easy Steps to Keep Your Capital Region Vegetable Garden Growing](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-vegetable-garden-growing/): Minimizing vegetable diseases in the home garden - [Besties 2015: All of the People and Places Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2015/): People & Places - [Before You Go: 'A Night at the Movies'](https://crlmag.com/night-movies-john-gray/): At the movies - [Drumsticks and Dreams Take Diamond Rio Drummer and Troy Native Far](https://crlmag.com/diamond-rio-drummer-troy-native/): Although leaving home is hard for anyone to do, leaving at a young age to follow your dreams, in some cases, is essential to succeed. - [Before You Go: 'How to Have the Best Social Media Page'](https://crlmag.com/best-social-media-page-john-gray/): Social Media 101 - [Besties 2015: All of the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2015/): Here are the winners for Best Food & Drink in the Capital Region... - [Before You Go: 'Exploring the Origins of Valentine's Day'](https://crlmag.com/origins-valentines-day-john-gray/): Heart to heart - [Before You Go: '10 Ways to Be a Happier You'](https://crlmag.com/ways-happier-you-john-gray/): New Year, New You - [How to Start Your Garden From the Seeds Up](https://crlmag.com/start-garden-seeds-up/): Let me plant a seed - [CRL Recipes Series: 4 Delicious Winter Cocktails](https://crlmag.com/winter-cocktails-recipes/): warm up with both - [Before You Go: 'Samuel's Snowglobe'](https://crlmag.com/samuels-snowglobe-john-gray/): Piper and Samuel - [Before You Go: 'A Halloween Scare'](https://crlmag.com/halloween-scare-john-gray/): On a dare - [August 2014: New Businesses in Town Section](https://crlmag.com/new-businesses-town/): Truly Rhe One Broadway, Troy 273.1540; www.trulyrhe.com Truly Rhe: The place to go for extraordinary plus size fashion. Tell me if this sounds like you: You would love to score an armload of amazing new plus-size clothing that fits you, all without breaking the bank or battling mall parking. Truly Rhe has you covered. We all know fashion is not a size – it’s an attitude. We also know that the plus-size fashion industry has struggled to offer fashion-forward clothing – until now! Truly Rhe now offers an array of fun and fabulous plus-size clothing, available in sizes 1X, 2X, […] - [August 2014: Fitness Section](https://crlmag.com/fitness-section-august-2014/): Coming inside to exercise...Accessories to make the transition more enjoyable! - [August 2014: Bridal Section](https://crlmag.com/bridal-section-august-2014/): 90 State Events 90 State Street, Albany 512.3231; www.90StateEvents.com Dazzle your wedding guests at 90 State Events, located in the heart of downtown Albany. 90 State Events features enchanting architecture and award-winning service at a convenient downtown Albany venue. Built in the early 1900s as a National Savings Bank, the site retains much of its historic character with the original marble and bank vault.  For your next wedding or event, enjoy the incredible backdrop that Albany provides, along with 14,000 square feet of event space which accommodates over 400 guests, and is lavishly adorned with premium wedding amenities including: • […] - [5 Tips You Can Anonymously Provide Your Boss](https://crlmag.com/tips-anonymously-give-boss/): Tips for the Boss - [Superior Business Products, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/superior-business-products-inc/): At Superior Business Products, we don’t just offer thousands of office products at competitive prices, we offer solutions. When your company orders office products, business furniture, cleaning and breakroom supplies, even snacks and beverages; you may be choosing low price over great service or personal attention over competitive costs. When you order from Superior Business Products, you don’t have to make that choice. Not only do we have the buying power of the largest national office chains, but we combine it with the best possible prices and unmatched local customer service. That’s why so many companies continue to order once […] - [McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C.](https://crlmag.com/mcnamee-lochner-titus-williams-p-c/): McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Albany. We are dedicated to providing our clients with effective planning and creative solutions regarding the legal issues that arise in the course of their affairs. Our clients include individuals, families, closely–held businesses, banking institutions, not-for-profits, governmental entities and national companies. We provide legal counsel for transactional, compliance, planning and litigation matters with concentrations in many areas of law including: Corporate & Taxation, Employment & Labor, Matrimonial & Family Law, Trusts, Estates & Elder Law, Real Estate, Construction, Banking, Environmental, Litigation and Dispute Resolution. All of our […] - [Maaco Collision Centers Auto Body Repair Shop & Car Painting](https://crlmag.com/maaco-collision-centers-auto-body-repair-shop-car-painting/): Maaco Collision Centers in Schenectady and Albany are locally owned and operated by Mike and Tom Ryan. Maaco is the collision center that you should choose for your auto body repair and car painting. We do it all, and just as importantly, we give you more value than any other body shop can. By bringing your car to Maaco, North America’s Bodyshop, you benefit from our experience, buying power, management systems and continual technical training. Area residents rely on our locally owned store for every kind of collision, bodywork and painting repair. We tailor every customer’s auto repair investment to […] - [Kiskis Tire & Autocar](https://crlmag.com/kiskis-tire-autocar/): Kiskis Tire & Autocare is a family owned and operated business located at 978 Albany- Shaker Road in Latham. Kiskis Tire was founded in 1958 and services cars, vans, light trucks, heavy trucks, lawn & garden, tractors and forklifts, to name a few. We carry numerous brands of tires such as Hankook, Michelin, Nokian, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, Sumitomo and the list goes on. Kiskis Tire & Autocare is also a full-service repair facility. We offer tune-ups, NYS Inspection, oil changes, air conditioning, check engine light diagnostics, drivability issues, brakes, alignments, no starts, suspension and steering parts and more. At Kiskis Tire we can handle […] - [The John R. Zongrone Agency](https://crlmag.com/the-john-r-zongrone-agency/): The John R. Zongrone Agency is a full-service independent agency offering both personal and commercial products to meet your needs. We have been family-owned and operated for over 50 years. Our experienced, dedicated staff is always available to provide you with friendly, personal service. We pride ourselves in providing a high level of customer service with honesty and integrity. The Zongrone Agency employs a caring, trained staff with a combined total of over 200 years of insurance experience. The Agency’s philosophy is guided by the principles that customer satisfaction is our most important objective. As an independent agency, we work […] - [The Hoosick Street Wine Cellar](https://crlmag.com/the-hoosick-street-wine-cellar/): The Hoosick Street Wine Cellar has been proudly serving the Capital District for 11 years. Locally owned and operated, we have grown from a small wine and spirits shop to one offering one of the more impressive wine selections in the area. While any store can boast how vast a selection they offer, none can claim to be as customer friendly as we can. Our customers are the most loyal in the area; a testament to our top-notch service. We are also proud to offer our services nationwide with our new online business – wespeakwine.com. From our website, our customers […] - [Guilderland Animal Hospital](https://crlmag.com/guilderland-animal-hospital/): Guilderland Animal Hospital has been providing veterinary services for the Capital District since 1955. Originally a mixed animal practice, GAH is now a full-service companion animal hospital and has been an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association since 1973.  AAHA triennial evaluation includes over 800 standards of practice to ensure up-to-date quality and technology.  As one of the only 3,000 accredited hospitals in North America, GAH has made a commitment to provide and maintain the highest standard of companion animal veterinary care. Services provided include wellness and preventative care.  Surgical services include routine as well as soft tissue, […] - [Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/gallagher-benefit-services-inc/): Gallagher Benefit Services is proud to serve as Upstate New York’s premier employee benefits consulting firm, and we understand the challenges finance and human resource professionals face today in regards to their benefits programs. Chances are you and your staff spend a considerable amount of time on employee benefit questions and issues. As health and welfare costs continue to rise, you will face even tougher challenges that could affect your company’s ability to hire and retain staff. The pressure to maintain high-quality benefits, while increasing your bottom line, will continue to intensify. You need a partner equipped to solve today’s […] - [Fusco Personnel, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/fusco-personnel-inc/): Fusco Personnel, Inc. is a New York State Certified Women Business Enterprise, established in 1994. We are a full-service recruiting firm, specializing in executive searches, mid-level recruits, as well as temporary and temp-to-hire staffing.  The industries we specialize in are information technology, finance, sales, human resources, accounting, engineering, bio-tech, administrative/clerical and medical/clinical personnel. We employ approximately 250 contract employees. We pride ourselves on the quality personnel we provide to our clients and our exceptional customer service.  Along with our supply of qualified candidates, our superior in-house client support staff assists in our client requests. Each of our seasoned staff members […] - [The Davey Tree Expert Company](https://crlmag.com/the-davey-tree-expert-company/): The Davey Tree Expert Company provides tree and lawn care services throughout the United States and Canada. Davey Tree’s Capital District office has been in operation since the early 1920s and covers a 50- mile radius of Albany. Davey’s services include: tree & shrub pruning & removal, planting, fertilization, and insect & disease management, lawn fertilization, weed & insect control and seeding. Backed by a dedicated team of scientists at The Davey Institute in Kent, Ohio, our ISA Certified Arborists and Plant Healthcare Technicians have access to all of the latest findings in tree, shrub care and lawn care. Before […] - [Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing and Heating Contractors, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/crisafulli-bros-plumbing-and-heating-contractors-inc/): Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing and Heating Contractors, Inc. is a third-generation, locally owned and operated, NYS Certified Women Business Enterprise.  One of the Top 10 Mechanical Contractors in the Capital District for six of the past eight years and voted Best Plumbing Company in the Times Union Readers Poll each year since 2007; we look forward to showing you how we earned these recognitions! Our most recognizable division is the Service Department, providing plumbing, heating and air conditioning service and maintenance to residential and commercial clients.  Common calls include repairing kitchen faucets, running toilets, plugged drains and repairing and servicing heating […] - [Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc (CHMS)](https://crlmag.com/capitol-hill-management-services-inc-chms/): Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc. (CHMS), founded in 1981, has established itself as the preeminent association management firm in the country. Now led by John A. Graziano, Jr., it is a highly successful and nationally respected firm with an established record of success serving almost 50 national, statewide and regional organizations. With over 30 years of experience in association management, CHMS truly understands the challenges of running a not for profit organization. With unique insights into both the challenges and opportunities associations and not for profits face, we have developed an extraordinary level of support and assistance to help organizations […] - [Bovenzi Architects](https://crlmag.com/bovenziarchitects/): Many people approach building projects with a keen sense of the limits: limits on space, budget or schedule. For an architect, the challenge is to value those limits while transcending them—to create a practical space of striking beauty. Bovenzi Architects is a design firm specializing in residential and commercial architecture, planning and interiors and has been taking on that challenge for the last 22 years. Placing the highest priority on responsible design and client satisfaction, Bovenzi Architects take the most complex requirements imposed by client, property characteristics, zoning and code ordinances as inspiration for inventive and successful solutions.  Bovenzi Architects […] - [Troy Management Group, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/troy-management-group-inc/): Company Background – Troy Management Group, Inc. was founded in 1994 by Michael Hart. Their company provides construction management and general contracting services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Their philosophy is to provide their clients a thorough understanding of all the aspects of a construction project and the tools to make informed decisions in order to deliver an end result which meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. Project Approach – At Troy Management Group, Inc. they feel good communication is paramount to the proper execution of a building project. Prior to preparation of the project scope and budget […] - [Capital Region Living Magazine](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living-magazine/): Capital Region Living magazine published its first magazine in the summer of 2003 and has continued to publish the widely read and loved monthly magazine ever since! With monthly columns by News 10 and Fox23 News Anchor John Gray, fitness expert Judy Torel and many others, we provide a growing number of readers each month with places to go, activities to enjoy and story lines to inspire. We are proud of our comprehensive calendar of events, which we know is kept for three to four weeks in our loyal readers’ homes. The monthly recipe from the best chefs and restaurants […] - [Coldwell Banker](https://crlmag.com/coldwell-banker/): Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Making a positive difference in people’s lives by improving the real estate experience. Offices conveniently located throughout the Capital District, Northern Region & Central New York. Training & Technology to ensure success for our Sales Associates & their Clients. Dedicated to ensuring your success in a Real Estate Career, call or email us to get started today ColdwellBankerPrime.com. We are your Trusted Real Estate Advisors. For Jim Long, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties has been marked by hard work, a thirst for learning, and a passion for staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing real estate […] - [Albany Executive Association: AXA](https://crlmag.com/axa/): AXA Albany Executive Association TAKING THE LEAD TOGETHER... The Albany Executives Association (AXA) is the premiere business and professional networking organization in the Capital District that offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, referrals. The organization is structured as one company per profession, working together to build businesses through word-of-mouth marketing. - [Before You Go: 'Track Tips'](https://crlmag.com/track-tips-john-gray/): I feel it is my obligation to impart some wisdom on the do s and don ts of the track. - [4 Simple Tips for Drying Your Hydrangeas  ](https://crlmag.com/simple-tips-drying-hydrangeas/): One of the pleasures of gardening is growing lovely flowers - [July 2014: Best Doctors Section](https://crlmag.com/best-doctors-july-2014/): Gallup® has audited and certified Best Doctors, Inc.’s database of physicians, and its companion The Best Doctors in America® List, as using the highest industry standards survey methodology and processes. These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors in America® 2015-2016 database, which includes over 40,000 U.S. doctors in more than 40 medical specialties and 400 subspecialties. The Best Doctors in America database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc. For more information, visit www.bestdoctors.com or contact Best Doctors by telephone at 800-675-1199 or by e-mail at research@bestdoctors.com. Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the […] - [Before You Go: 'Getting Old'](https://crlmag.com/last-page-19/): It's funny how we never see ourselves as we truly are - [8 Summer Recipes That'll Make Your Al Fresco Dinner Table Shine](https://crlmag.com/summer-recipes-al-fresco-dinner/): Bright ideas for al fresco entertaining - [Before You Go: 'Paying My Respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum'](https://crlmag.com/september-11-memorial-john-gray/): I covered the terrorist attacks on 9-11 from ground zero - [Before You Go: 'Cup of Joe'](https://crlmag.com/cup-joe-john-gray/): Chances are you started your day with a nice, hot cup of coffee - [Painting an American Life: Barbara Ernst Prey](https://crlmag.com/barbara-ernst-prey-painting/): Appointed by the President of the United States to the National Council on the Arts - [What You Need to Know About the Berkshire Botanical Gardens](https://crlmag.com/berkshire-botanical-gardens/): Picture a sea of Spanish bluebells, a purple carpet of crocuses, a bed of red poppies - [Healthy Grilling Ideas for Your Capital Region Summer](https://crlmag.com/good-for-you-grilling-ideas/): Celebrate grilling season with heart-healthy tofu skewers - [Besties 2014: All the People and Places Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2014-part-2/): CULTURE Best County Fair (Tie) Saratoga County Fair, 162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa This grand annual event is held on 30 acres of fenced property, tucked in the back of the Village of Ballston Spa. Live entertainment and music draw some fair-goers back for multiple visits over the course of fair week. Animals, exhibit judging, rides, and games delight people of all ages. This year’s fair will span the week of July 22-27. Columbia County Fair, 32 Church Street, Chatham The smell of deep fried… everything, the sound of children laughing, and the colors of the midway.  There’s nothing quite […] - [Besties 2014: All of the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2014/): PEOPLE Best Afternoon Anchor Subrina Dhammi, News Channel 13 Well-spoken, smart, attractive and pleasant.  These are just a few of the characteristics of Subrina Dhamm, who fills the anchor chair with grace and ease.  She started her career with NewsChannel 13 nine years ago, just two weeks after graduating from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.  She was the first Berkshire County Bureau Chief, responsible for covering news in Berkshire County, MA and Bennington County, VT.  Within a year, she moved over to the main station in Albany, where you can catch her at 6am and Noon. Best […] - [Before You Go: 'Tending the Garden'](https://crlmag.com/tending-garden-john-gray/): As the grass grows and the birds build their nests - [Forest Bathing: An All-natural Treatment for Body and Mind](https://crlmag.com/wellness-9/): Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Lao Tzu - [Before You Go: 'Tips for Tax Season'](https://crlmag.com/tips-tax-season-john-gray/): A wise man once said golf is a lot like taxes. - [CRL Recipes Series: Bacon, Blue Cheese and Dijon Mussels](https://crlmag.com/recipes-bacon-blue-cheese-dijon-mussels/): Bacon, blue cheese and dijon mussels Ingredients 1T. of extra virgin olive oil 2oz. of white wine ¼ cup of chopped cooked bacon 1/3 cup of julienne shallots 1T. of chopped garlic ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese ½ cup of Dijon mustard 1 qt. of Prince Edward Island mussels ¼ stick of butter 1oz. of chopped parsley Salt and Pepper to taste Directions Place medium-sized sauté pan on burner and use medium high heat. When hot, cover the bottom of the pan with oil.  Add shallots, garlic, and bacon. Cook until shallots and garlic start to brown or caramelize. […] - [Besties 2014: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2014/): Appetizer The Standard Restaurant & Lounge 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany Think chic Hollywood glamour. That’s the feeling evoked by The Standard, where you can choose from a vast selection of appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail Martini, Lobster Bisque and Coconut Shrimp Lollipops. For the second year in a row, The Standard is your favorite place to grab an appetizer or small plate… or two or three to share. Cella Bistro 2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady Aperitivo Bistro, 426 State Street, Schenectady Apple Pie Lakeside Farms 336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake One bite will take you right back into your grandmother’s kitchen.  […] - [Before You Go: 'White Horse'](https://crlmag.com/white-horse-john-gray/): He was on a tour in Iraq when his Humvee drove over an IED, killing two soldiers and leaving Carson with a badly reconstructed face. - [8 Tips for Surviving the Valentine's Day Blues](https://crlmag.com/surviving-valentines-day-blues/): 8 tips for surviving the Valentine s Day blues - [CRL Recipes Series: Canali's Italian & American Restaurant's 'Trotolle a la Canali'](https://crlmag.com/recipes-canali-italian-american-restaurant/): Trotolle a la Canali - [Before You Go: 'Missing Pieces'](https://crlmag.com/missing-pieces-john-gray/): There is beauty in this world. I hope you see it. - [CRL Recipes Series: Scarboroughs Restaurant's Mac n' Cheese](https://crlmag.com/recipes-scarboroughs-mac-n-cheese/): Mac n cheese - [Before You Go: 'Enjoying Las Vegas'](https://crlmag.com/enjoying-las-vegas-john-gray/): Vegas - [How to Create a Captivating Winter Landscape in Your Garden](https://crlmag.com/create-winter-landscape-garden/): Here are some ideas for creating a captivating winter landscape. - [Before You Go: 'The Radio'](https://crlmag.com/radio-john-gray/): It's October and you've come here looking for a ghost story haven't you? - [The Grateful Traveler: 2013 Fall Getaways](https://crlmag.com/fall-getaways-2013-grateful-traveler/): Breathtaking city views from Brooklyn and magnificent ocean views of The Waters Edge Villas by the Sea in Westbrook, CT. - [CRL Recipes Series: Pork Belly, Walnut Butter Cake and Pumpkin Pie](https://crlmag.com/recipes-pork-belly-pumpkin-pie/): Award-winning Apple Walnut Butter Cake - [Before You Go: 'Back to School'](https://crlmag.com/back-school-john-gray/): This is the month when we send our munchkins, big and small, back to school - [Learning About the Advantages of a 'Xeriscape' Garden](https://crlmag.com/advantages-xeriscape-garden/): August is the month for lounging by the pool, sipping lemonade and enjoying vacations. - [August 2013: Best Doctors Listings, Part 2](https://crlmag.com/best-doctors-august-2013-part-2/): Gallup® has audited and certified Best Doctors, Inc.’s database of physicians, and its companion The Best Doctors in America® List, as using the highest industry standards survey methodology and processes. These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors in America® 2013 database, which includes more than 45,000 U.S. doctors in over 40 medical specialties and 400 subspecialties. The Best Doctors in America® database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc.  For more information, visit www.bestdoctors.com or contact Best Doctors by telephone at 800-675-1199 or by e-mail at  research@bestdoctors.com.  Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the […] - [August 2013: Best Doctors Listings, Part 1](https://crlmag.com/best-doctors-listings-august-2013-part-1/): Gallup® has audited and certified Best Doctors, Inc.’s database of physicians, and its companion The Best Doctors in America® List, as using the highest industry standards survey methodology and processes. These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors in America® 2013 database, which includes more than 45,000 U.S. doctors in over 40 medical specialties and 400 subspecialties. The Best Doctors in America® database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc.  For more information, visit www.bestdoctors.com or contact Best Doctors by telephone at 800-675-1199 or by e-mail at  research@bestdoctors.com.  Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Flying Chicken Potato Salad](https://crlmag.com/flying-chicken-potato-salad/): Heavenly Hydration - Coconut Water and Sweet Potato Salad from The Flying Chicken - [Before You Go: 'Life's a Gamble'](https://crlmag.com/lifes-gamble-john-gray/): I thought it might be fun to give you a beginner s guide to what scientists might classify in Latin as "Slotus Patronus", or patron of the slots. - [How to Plant Roses in Your Capital Region Garden](https://crlmag.com/plant-roses-capital-region-garden/): Got roses? - [CRL Recipes Series: Sensational Sangria](https://crlmag.com/sensational-sangria-recipes/): Franco Espanolas Red Sangria Ingredients: 1 bottle Franco Espanolas ROYAL RED red wine. 1 peach 1 apple 1 pear 1 orange 2 lemons 1 cup of Brandy -optional- 4 tbsp. sugar Soda water Ice Prep: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and reserve. Dice all fruit (peach, apple, pear, orange and lemon) and reserve in a bowl. Dissolve the 4 tbsp of sugar in warm water and reserve. (Sugar syrup) Directions: Pour the bottle of Franco Espanolas wine in a large bowl/jug and add the juice of 1 lemon. Mix well. Add the diced fruit and sugar syrup, mixing well […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Belgian Beer and Onion Stew](https://crlmag.com/recipes-belgian-beer-onion-stew/): Flemish Carbonade A Belgian beer and onion stew - [Dazzling New Flowering Shrubs You Should Be Planting in Your Capital Region Garden](https://crlmag.com/flowering-shrubs-capital-region-garden/): Lilacs have to be one of the most beloved spring flowering shrubs - [Before You Go: 'Best of 2013'](https://crlmag.com/best-2013-john-gray/): Another year and another chance for you folks to click the "like" button on the stuff you adore in our beautiful Capital Region - [Besties 2013: All the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2013/): Best of the Capital Region People & Places - [Besties 2013: All the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2013-part-1/): Best of the Capital Region People & Places - [15 Ways to Build a Roadmap to Bliss](https://crlmag.com/build-roadmap-bliss/): Roadmap to bliss - [Before You Go: 'Something to Chew On'](https://crlmag.com/something-chew-on-john-gray/): Something to chew on - [Besties 2013: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2013/): Whether you are looking for a happy hour spot complete with wine and candy... - [Before You Go: 'Arts and Entertainment'](https://crlmag.com/arts-entertainment-john-gray/): I've always been impressed with anyone who can pick up an instrument and make magic. - [6 Steps Towards Greater Resilience](https://crlmag.com/steps-greater-resilience/): Coping with tragedy - [Before You Go: 'The Letter'](https://crlmag.com/letter-john-gray/): The Letter - [Besties 2013: Capital Region Masters of the Art of Lunch](https://crlmag.com/besties-lunch-capital-region-2013/): Whether you work to eat, eat to work or just enjoy lunch out (as you should) you will enjoy our list of favorite places to lunch . - [2013 Bridal Guide: Safeguard Your Capital Region Wedding Day](https://crlmag.com/bridal-guide-2013-safeguard-wedding/): How to protect the wedding of your dreams - [Get to Know Chef Charles Jones of The Ice Man](https://crlmag.com/chef-charles-jones-ice-man/): Until you meet Chef Charles Jones, owner of The Ice Man, a Hudson Falls-based custom ice sculpture studio ... - [Before You Go: 'Chy and Carson'](https://crlmag.com/chy-carson-john-gray/): I've read a half-dozen studies and surveys and they all agree that roughly 1 in 6 children is bullied at school. - [Before You Go: 'Deck of Cards'](https://crlmag.com/deck-cards-john-gray/): Deck of cards - [CRL Recipes Series: Fillet of Red Snapper Alla Mediterraneo](https://crlmag.com/fillet-red-snapper-recipes/): Fillete di Dentice Rosso Alla Mediterraneo - [The Grateful Traveler: Driving the California Coast](https://crlmag.com/driving-california-coast-grateful-traveler/): If you want to see the most beautiful areas representing the real and unpretentious towns and enjoy California culture you would not miss the central coast either. - [Nick-of-Time Tips to Make Your Home Holiday-Ready](https://crlmag.com/tips-make-home-holiday-ready/): Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn't have to be time consuming or costly. - [CRL Recipes Series: Holiday Cookies, Treats and More](https://crlmag.com/holiday-cookies-treats-recipes/): A checklist of pantry must-haves - [Paula Deen Shares Tips for Staying on Track With Diabetes](https://crlmag.com/paula-deen-tips-diabetes/): "I've realized that diabetes management doesn't have to get in the way of enjoying life, even in the summer," said Paula. - [CRL Recipes Series: Pizza, Four Ways](https://crlmag.com/pizza-four-ways-recipes/): October is National Pizza Month - [Tips for Cleaning Up Your Garden in the Fall](https://crlmag.com/tips-cleaning-garden-fall/): Good night Irene! - [Before You Go: 'The Job Search'](https://crlmag.com/job-search-before-you-go/): May is here and as much as April is the official start of spring, I feel that after the winter we endured, spring really hasn’t been “springing” until now. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a break from my usual silliness and spend some time talking about jobs and hiring. This is a perfect time of the year for companies to post positions and, conversely, the ideal time for job seekers to hit the pavement and find new employment. I want to chat about the mistakes job seekers make and also talk to companies, big and small, and […] - [April 2018: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-april-2018/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets as ordered by the physician are also […] - [April 2018: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-april-2018/): Flowers By Pesha 177 River Street, Troy 518.272.1980; FlowersByPesha.com Flowers By Pesha offers a gorgeous selection of custom bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, wedding ceremony flowers and centerpieces to fit any budget. Whether your wedding is a spring, summer, fall or winter event, simple or elaborate, we can provide bright, beautiful flowers to make your day UNFORGETTABLE! With over 30 years of floral design experience, FBP is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements while developing long-term relationships with all our valued customers and the community. All our designs are tailor-made to suit your individual specifications, working closely with […] - [How to Upgrade Your Patio, Deck or Backyard Area](https://crlmag.com/upgrade-patio-deck-backyard/): Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm. Get the most from this space with a bit of pre-season planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot for you, family and friends to enjoy whenever the weather allows. First, sketch out the space and measure the dimensions of all furnishings you are considering, making sure they will fit. Allow extra space for people to pull chairs in and out from the table […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Rhubarb](https://crlmag.com/recipes-ways-enjoy-rhubarb/): French Toast with Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce TIP: For a brighter color sauce, add one or two drops red food color, if desired. Ingredients SAUCE 1 cup finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries FRENCH TOAST 3/4 cup Land O’ Lakes® Half & Half 3 large Land O’ Lakes® Eggs, slightly beaten 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 20 (1/2-inch) slices French bread 1/2 cup orange marmalade 3 tablespoons Land O’ Lakes® Butter, softened Directions • Combine rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar and water in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Cool slightly. Stir strawberries into warm rhubarb mixture; set aside. • Combine half & half, eggs, 1 […] - [Before You Go: 'Pepper, the Watch and the Coin'](https://crlmag.com/pepper-watch-coin-john-gray/): It was the oldest and ugliest house on Maple Street with a beautiful view of a meadow that came alive with sunflowers each summer. The old woman who lived there had gone to a nursing home three years prior so the dilapidated structure fell into even more disrepair. When the woman died, her estate with a portly lawyer named Theodore Grimsby took ownership of the property and it was placed on auction. A young couple, just two years married, got it dirt cheap with the intention of tearing down the house and building new. The very day they closed on […] - [March 2018: Home & Garden Section](https://crlmag.com/home-garden-section-march-2018/): Randall Implements Co. Inc 2991 NY-5S, Fultonville 518.853.4500, randallimpls.com Randall Implements is a Premier Kubota Dealer, and was the 2016 recipient of the Fulton-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Business of the Year award. Randall Implements Co., Inc. is located on State Highway 5S in the village of Fultonville, approximately 35 miles west of Albany. Founded in 1966 by Robert Freeman, Randall Implements has grown from a small single-line dealer to one of the area’s largest and most trusted full service multi-line provider including Ferris, Husqvarna, Case IH, Claas, and Landpride dealerships. Technicians are certified and trained in the newest technologies […] - [Besties 2018: All the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-and-places-2018/): Winner Finalist Local People and Media Afternoon Anchor Kelly Lynch wnyt.com Kelly has won over our Capital Region Living Magazine readers many times over the past years. Perhaps, the area’s busiest woman, mom, radio personality and TV anchor. Can you think of any others? We are always happy to see Kelly win year after year. She has signed off as noontime anchor, but we’ll look for her on new projects. Evening Anchor John Gray news10.com Biased—we plead guilty. The multi-talented John Gray leads our very own columnist team with his wit and heart. So rarely does the written word translate […] - [Before You Go: 'I See Cool People'](https://crlmag.com/see-cool-people-john-gray/): I once thought Mike Tyson was going to punch me in the face. Since this month’s issue is about “people and places” I thought you’d get a kick out of some of the famous people I’ve encountered over the years in my TV job; so back to Tyson. Back in the 80’s Mike Tyson was the heavyweight champ of the world but to us in the Albany area he was just that tough kid who fought out of the gym in Catskill. Tyson hung out in Albany before he was famous so sightings of him around town were common. One […] - [February 2018: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-february-2018/): McGinnis Women’s Medical Care Mary Joyce McGinnis, MD, FACOG 24 Computer Drive West, Albany 518.689.7548;  mcginniswomensmedicalcare.com If you’re a woman diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you have specialists to watch over your platelets, lymph nodes, and CT scans. It is unlikely that you have anyone to answer questions about the impact of your illness on you as a woman. Who will address questions like: • Will a blood thinner give me terrible periods? • Can the medications I need cause birth defects? • Will I be able to enjoy and give sexual pleasure? • Can hot flashes be […] - [Cover Companions 2018: The Adventures of Amber and Chloe the Wonder Dog](https://crlmag.com/cover-companions-amber-chloe-2018/): A photograph said it all to Amber Neidrauer. That Facebook message from a nephew led Amber and her family on an unexpected journey of twists and turns, heartaches and joys. And it opened a much needed new chapter in the life of Chloe the Wonder Dog. Today’s tail-wagging wiggly dog always ready to give kisses and hugs was not always “Chloe” and in her past life the “wonder” nickname would have meant wondering if she would make it. Her life began in North Carolina. Her dad was chained in a backyard; mom was struggling to care for a litter of […] - [Capital Region Eagle Watch: Our Biggest, Baldest Residents](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-eagle-watch/): The magnificence and raw power of the Bald Eagle inspires awe. This raptor lives in a world of superlatives: a striking white head, bright yellow beak, huge 7.5-foot wingspan, and a hefty brown body of up to 14 pounds. The Bald Eagle is appropriately a potent national symbol of strength and is among the 25 largest birds in the world. If that doesn’t impress, the fact that Bald Eagles build the world’s largest bird’s nest—weighing up to 5,000 pounds—just might. Bald Eagles pair for life, remaining on or returning to their same nesting grounds for up to three decades, each […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Two Delectable Valentine's Day Cakes](https://crlmag.com/recipes-valentines-day-cakes/): “The most romantic ingredients to bake with must start with the classics, like chocolate and strawberries! That’s why my recipe for Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cake is a perfect choice to feed the one(s) you love. Serve slices with a glass of champagne for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat. Another romantic ingredient is passion fruit. I love making passion fruit curd instead of lemon curd to fill my Coconut Passion cake–it has three layers of coconut cake filled with passion fruit and mascarpone cream frosted with a fluffy coconut meringue buttercream. (I like to use Goya’s Fruta: frozen passion fruit puree, […] - [Before You Go: 'Frank and Walt'](https://crlmag.com/frank-walt-john-gray/): For a man who didn’t like dogs, it made no sense that Frank lived so close to the animal shelter. On a clear night when the wind was still you could hear the animals barking from their kennels clean through his double-pane windows. Sometimes he’d sit on his porch and nurse a Sam Adams beer watching the fools come and go from the shelter. They’d walk in empty handed and leave a short time later with some scraggly fur ball under their arm. “Idiots,” he thought. “Nothing but an eating, pooping and barking machine; that’s what dogs were.” He didn’t […] - [January 2018: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-january-2018/): CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces, Inc. 15 Drywall Lane, Voorheesville 518. 595.3215; crgaslogs.com CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces Inc. is an industry leader in the home improvement business, dedicated to providing outstanding workmanship, high-quality service, and competitive prices. Our long-term success is the result of a sustained effort to: build strong relationships with our community through service; present comprehensive product information to our customers; offer quality products at fair prices; and provide excellent customer service. CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces, Inc. knows it must “be in shape” to compete. CR has grown in both strong and weak economies. We can […] - [January 2018: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-january-2018/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations, Saratoga County homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets as ordered by the physician […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Reinventing the Hotel Edison](https://crlmag.com/hotel-edison-grateful-traveler/): The Hotel Edison certainly has a magnificent history and, like its namesake, a true piece of an American entrepreneurial dream with the added benefit of NYC allure. Hotel Edison has reigned from the neighborhood since the 1930s, and that neighborhood just happens to be Time Square! Walk the neon square, then simply turn the corner and you are home while you stay in this effervescent Big Apple. The fabled history In the early 1930s, this Hotel Edison created the remarkable design very grandly aided in New York City’s Art Deco era along with its neighbor, the Radio City Music Hall. […] - [Before You Go: 'Abundance'](https://crlmag.com/abundance-before-you-go/): I just turned 55 and there’s still a lot I don’t know. I don’t know why 24-hour convenience stores have locks on the door. I don’t know why we use the phrase “found alone.” If you’re found, I’m pretty sure you’re not alone—right? And I don’t know why when a clown dies all the other clowns come to the funeral separately; I mean, shouldn’t they all get out of one vehicle? These are the questions that keep me up at night. That said, there are a couple certainties that I have picked up along the way. For example, if you […] - [December 2017: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-december-2017/): The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club 924 Main Street, Clifton Park 518.877.4979; vanpattengolf.com​   The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club, located in beautiful southern Saratoga County in the hamlet of Jonesville, has breathtaking views from the highest point in Clifton Park. Our Grand Clubhouse is the perfect venue for an intimate gathering of 25 guests or a fabulous wedding for 200 guests. Let our professional catering team guide you through the planning process for this memorable day. Our caring staff will help you relax and enjoy your day with the highest level of service that will certainly meet […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 10 Holiday Recipes to Share With Your Family and Friends](https://crlmag.com/recipes-holiday-share-family-friends/): A holiday season filled with gatherings calls for simple recipes that make baking for family and friends easy and enjoyable. Traditions are often enjoyed more around the holidays and some classic flavors are must-haves for seasonal parties and dinners. Individually portioned desserts are ideal for entertaining, and these smooth, creamy cheesecakes with vivid holiday color are a perfect single serving that is sure to brighten any dessert table. Or put a festive twist on apple pie with a cinnamon roll-inspired crust. Each of these desserts features quick and easy preparation, and the delicious flavors from the great folks at Lucky […] - [November 2017: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-november-2017/): Advanced Audiology Services 27 Lower Hudson Avenue, Green Island 518.270.5802; advancedaudiologysvcs.net It can be quite daunting, not to mention frustrating, to try to make a decision about which hearing aid to buy. This is where the services of the audiologist can be instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. The audiologist’s role in selection is to guide and advise the consumer regarding options such as style and level of technology. One should wind up with “the best hearing aid for me.” Carrying many brands does not necessarily translate into an advantage to the consumer. More useful information might be the answer […] - [Holiday Tips for Using Leftover Wine](https://crlmag.com/holiday-tips-leftover-wine/): Whether it’s a semi-full bottle of crisp white or a half-empty bottle of leftover red, there are creative ways to make the most of unused wine after all the holiday parties come to an end. The World Wine Guys and Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits offer these ideas to help you put your leftover wine to good use this holiday season: Make red wine vinegar Impress your guests by adding homemade red wine vinegar to your next dish. Add one part raw vinegar to two parts leftover red wine; then store your mixture in a dark, cool place. Monitor periodically […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 6 Ways to Crush Thanksgiving Dinner](https://crlmag.com/recipes-crush-thanksgiving-dinner/): Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose-intolerant or gluten-free, there is a dish for you.Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends and while it’s comforting to be surrounded by loved ones and enjoy a great meal together, this can complicate the cook’s planned dishes. Unfortunately, dietary restrictions can make it difficult for hosts to create something delicious for everyone, and have other guests feel satisfied with their dinner. Thanksgiving has always been a holiday that follows a preset menu. In most households, you can find the roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and stuffing on […] - [The Grateful Traveler: River Cruising Around Europe](https://crlmag.com/river-cruising-europe-grateful-traveler/): I have been lucky to be on several river cruises in the past. Each time, I come away feeling that their popularity truly has revolutionized traveling. You can certainly fly to any city in the world and find your way around (with research and acquired knowledge). You fly into a city, get transportation to your hotel, find some great places to eat and explore and enjoy. On a river cruise, you are picked up at your airport and brought to your ship; you select which excursions you want to explore from a pretty inclusive list, then transported in luxury to […] - [November 2017: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-november-2017/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets as ordered by the physician are also […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Experiencing Fall Foliage at Its Best](https://crlmag.com/fall-foliage-grateful-traveler/): Experience fall foliage from great heights. Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain – Fall foliage from a distance is something. Get a glimpse of a lifetime at Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, where you can take a soaring gondola sky ride absorbing all the beautiful colors from above the ground. Hunter Mountain Zipline Adventure – Fasten on a Hunter Mountain Zipline Adventure Tour helmet and whiz through the forest covering heights of 600 feet. Take the Hunter Mountain Skyride where you can see the northern Catskills outfitted in their autumn colors. This is the six-passenger Kaatskill Flyer detachable chairlift. An 11-minute […] - [October 2017: Capital Region Chef Profiles Section](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-chef-profiles-october-2017/): Elliott Vogel Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady 518.687.3561; olddaley.com How well can you handle stress? How do you do it? Stress is a mental and physical handicap for most people regardless of their profession. Harnessing this common disposition in a positive manner is essential for any notable short-or long-term success. Growing up and training in faced-paced, high-stress kitchen environments has helped me focus on what stresses are most important. Every stress is unique to the moment and inevitable in the day-to-day operations as a chef. Finding new ways to teach myself how to plan for the arrival of […] - [Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Tea](https://crlmag.com/everything-wanted-know-tea/): It doesn’t matter your ethnic background or your taste cravings, tea is one of those rare if not singular beverages that is probably a part of your lifecycle. Tea can warm you, energize you, calm you and serve as a cultural bridge to any nation you enter. Tea principles are defined by the country you live in, the way you make and serve your tea and the aesthetics surrounding tea drinking. The production, growing and brewing of teas all vary. Tea is both a cultural divide and a cultural coming together of all people of the world. Now, tea is […] - [October 2017: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-october-2017/): Redbud Development 2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 518.691.0428; redbuddevelopment.com Redbud Development, Inc., is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, we help clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle. Custom designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just samplings of features we can utilize to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime, whether that is entertaining friends, exercising, or just getting closer to nature. Call […] - [Turkish Home Cooking for the American Table](https://crlmag.com/turkish-home-cooking-american-table/): Joy E. Stocke has been traveling to and writing about Turkey and the eastern Aegean since 1982. Her quest to discover the roots of Western religion has brought her to all of Turkey’s borders. Joy Stocke and Angie Brenner first met on the balcony of a guesthouse in a small resort town on the Mediterranean coast; they discovered a shared love of history, literature, and local food traditions. The two new friends set off on a cultural adventure tour of Turkey that spanned ten years. Returning home to their respective American kitchens, they couldn’t help but call upon the flavors […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Experiencing Vermont](https://crlmag.com/vermont-grateful-traveler/): Deerfield Valley The valley is made up of charming southern Vermont towns with great shopping, local artisans and galleries—the perfect place to stay and explore. For the foodie in all of us, Vermont is home to an amazing amount of farm-to-table businesses, and Deerfield stands out among them. There are three of the most picturesque lakes with mountains as backdrops. The mountains that surround Deerfield Valley are great to explore. The scenic roads for bicyclists and motorists make trips memorable along the way and are excellent for motorcycle devotees. Wilmington Located in Windham County, Wilmington is on scenic Route 100 […] - [August 2017: Bridal Section](https://crlmag.com/bridal-section-august-2017/): The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.785.1857; TheCenturyHouse.com  Plan your dream wedding at The Century House! With the perfect balance of traditional elegance and modern rustic charm, we’ll provide an unforgettable backdrop for you. Whether you are having a grand affair for 300 or an intimate celebration for 100, our ballrooms are easily transformed to fulfill your dreams. Our garden tent is amid our half-mile nature trail and is ideal for outdoor ceremonies or casual celebrations. Our unique menus are sure to tempt any palate, and our acclaimed staff will manage every detail of your day to ensure […] - [August 2017: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-august-2017/): McGinnis Women’s Medical Care Mary Joyce McGinnis, MD, FACOG 24 Computer Drive West, Albany 518.689.7548; mcginniswomensmedicalcare.com If you’re a woman diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you have specialists to watch over your platelets, lymph nodes, and CT scans. It is unlikely that you have anyone to answer questions about the impact of your illness on you as a woman. Who will address questions like: – Will a blood thinner give me terrible periods? – Can the medications I need cause birth defects? – Will I be able to enjoy and give sexual pleasure? – Can hot flashes be […] - [4 Delicious Lake Fish Recipes](https://crlmag.com/lake-fish-recipes/): Lake fish, what do you do with those fish once you catch them? Certainly seasonality, sport preferences and the areas that you fish in dictate what to do with the fish you catch but you just may want to enjoy them for dinner. Here are some awesome ideas from Lake Fish – Modern Cooking with Fresh Fish by Keane Amdahl, a social media specialist, food writer, and blogger. Northern Pike Nuggets with Tartar Sauce Ingredients Serves 2–4 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup beer (or water) 1 […] - [August 2017: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-august-2017/): Advanced Audiology Services 27 Lower Hudson Avenue, Green Island 270.5802; advancedaudiologyservices.net It can be quite daunting, not to mention frustrating, trying to make a decision about which hearing aid to buy. This is where the services of the audiologist can be instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. The audiologist’s role in selection is to guide and advise the consumer regarding options such as style and level of technology. One should wind up with “the best hearing aid for me.” Carrying many brands does not necessarily translate into an advantage to the consumer. More useful information might be the answer to […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Transported to Lake Como's Grand Tremezzo](https://crlmag.com/lake-como-grateful-traveler/): “When you get to dock at The Grand Tremezzo, you will see someone tall and handsome waiting for you. Tell him I love him.” That was the request made to me by a hotel manager in the resort town of Bellagio, across the lake from the Grand Tremezzo in Lago di Como. His beloved son is a suite butler who was being sent to meet me at the dock outside The Grand Tremezzo. I arrived a day earlier prior to my scheduled press trip to get acquainted with the towns and the environment of Lake Como and met this delightful […] - [The Capital Region's Presidential Connections](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-presidential-connections/): New York State is home to numerous connections to our nation’s presidents; and the Capital Region is no exception. If you are looking to partake in a handful of adventures this summer that are fun, close to home and even a little educational, prep the family for day trips to some of the best presidential historic sites in the region. Tripping to Lindenwald If you head south a half hour to Kinderhook, you’ll find the National Historic Site of Martin Van Buren, our country’s 8th president, which includes his estate, Lindenwald, along with 12.8 acres of the original 225-acre farm. […] - [4 Summer Recipes for Patio Entertaining Perfection](https://crlmag.com/summer-recipes-patio-entertaining/): Chilled Cranberry Soup Courtesy of Executive Chef Philip Flath, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club Ingredients 1 tbl. + 1/2 cup for frying olive oil 3 cups (Reserve 1/2 cup for Garnish) cranberries, fresh 8 oz. Spanish onions, julienne 3 tbl. ginger, fresh, minced 4 cloves garlic, fresh, minced 2 oranges, tested and juiced 1 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tsp. nutmeg, fresh grated 2 tsp. Italian parsley, chopped 1 tsp. + 4 leaves for garnish basil, chiffonade 1 cup + 4 tsp. for garnish greek yogurt 3 tbl. walnuts, candied, rough chop 1 tsp. […] - [How to Rid Your Garden of Unwanted Pests and Mosquitoes](https://crlmag.com/rid-garden-pests-mosquitoes/): A garden filled with flowers, birds, bees and butterflies is a sight to behold. These winged beauties add color, sound and motion to our gardens. Plus, they help maximize a garden’s productivity by pollinating plants and managing plant-damaging pests. But what about those unwanted visitors to the garden? The aphids, mites and cabbage worms that feed upon our plants or the mosquitoes that feed upon us. There are ways to have a beautiful garden and at the same time enjoy the outdoors when we work with nature to manage our landscape. Add a birdbath, a few birdhouses and plants for […] - [June 2017: Boomer Living Section](https://crlmag.com/boomer-living-section-june-2017/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets, as ordered by the physician, are also […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 5 Can't-Miss Summer Salads](https://crlmag.com/recipes-summer-salads/): Refreshing Fruit Salad (packed with power foods) Ingredients 2 cups baby spinach leaves 3 cups escarole 1 cup arugula dried cranberries for sprinkling sunflower seeds for sprinkling 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced 1/3 cup feta or blue cheese For the dressing 2 tablespoons flavorless oil 1 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 3 mint leaves torn into small pieces Freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions • In a large bowl combine all of the salad ingredients. • […] - [May 2017: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-may-2017/): East Greenbush Window Coverings 601 New Loudon Road, Suite 4, Latham 477.9025; EastGreenbushWindowCoverings.com Have you visited the East Greenbush Window Coverings showroom in Latham to see what are the latest and greatest in window treatments? Our contemporary showroom displays the newest shades, blinds, decorative hardware and drapery treatments. This includes motorization that can be done from your smartphone and tablet to control your window shades from anywhere, whether you are home or vacationing. We have energy-efficient gorgeous shades that make a subtle statement by treating the light that enters your home. Our designers are ready to work with you to […] - [May 2017: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-may-2017/): VENT Fitness Studio 307 Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.ventfitnessstudio.com VENT Fitness Studio is a new boutique fitness concept located in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs. VENT Fitness Studio offers members an intense group training experience designed to shatter your expectations and redefine your confidence. Harnessing the science of high-intensity intervals, rapid-fire strength training, and the total-body benefits of MMA-inspired training, the studio features a LIVE DJ and moves to its own undeniably inspiring playlist, guaranteed to push you through every mental and physical boundary. At VENT Fitness Studio you will push together, burn together, train together and reinVENT together. Visit […] - [Spring Getaways 2017: Twin Farms](https://crlmag.com/twin-farms-spring-get-away/): Being lucky enough to travel and stay in some pretty remarkable properties through the world, I have truly loved many. Rarely do I feel like I just don’t want to leave even though I have enjoyed them. This was a different stay and I truly did not want to head home. Nestled about 15 minutes from Woodstock, Vermont, in the town of Barnard, Twin Farms could be driven by endlessly without realizing that behind the electronic gates lies a property that will radically alter your images of what a great inn is all about. Set amidst 300 wooden acres and […] - [Tips for Summertime Self-Care and Shoe Selection](https://crlmag.com/indulge-pamper-and-enjoy/): When warmer weather approaches, we make plans to get our bodies bathing suit-ready. But aren’t we forgetting something in these physically fit efforts? Look down. Yes, your feet need your attention, too, whether you’re ready to slip into flip flops, move your exercising to outdoors, or just put one foot in front of the other in a healthy way. The National Institutes of Health observes that all those years of wear and tear on our feet, poorly trimmed toenails, wearing shoes that don’t fit, poor circulation and disease can create problems. Keeping your feet happy not only enables you to […] - [Before You Go: 'Massage, Anyone?'](https://crlmag.com/massage-anyone-before-you-go/): Years ago, I was getting a massage and made small talk with the therapist. I asked where she was from and where else she worked. She called me a stalker and told me to mind my own business. Just kidding. She told me she learned massage therapy out west and spent the last 10 years at an exclusive resort in Colorado. Being a nosy journalist, I asked her if anyone famous ever came in and she looked around as if someone might be listening and then whispered, “Kevin Costner.” I was thinking exactly what you’re thinking so I asked the […] - [May 2017: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-may-2017/): The Furniture House 1254 Highway 9P, Saratoga Springs 1060 Route 9, Queensbury thefurniturehouseny.com The Furniture House has two great locations to serve you: our flagship store at 1254 Highway 9P on Saratoga Lake, and now at Sutton’s Marketplace, 1060 Route 9, Queensbury. As we get older, our family structure changes. We downsize our homes. We want comfort and convenience in a tiny package. We look for other ways to be space efficient. The Furniture House specializes in American-made, hard to find pieces to fill these needs. We have Murphy beds, coffee tables that turn to dining tables, lift recliners, Krypton […] - [May 2017: Bridal Section](https://crlmag.com/bridal-section-may-2017/): The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham 785.1857; TheCenturyHouse.com  Plan your dream wedding at The Century House! With the perfect balance of traditional elegance and modern rustic charm, we’ll provide an unforgettable backdrop for you. Whether you are having a grand affair for 300 or an intimate celebration for 100, our ballrooms are easily transformed to fulfill your dreams. Our garden tent is amid our half-mile nature trail and is ideal for outdoor ceremonies or casual celebrations. Our unique menus are sure to tempt any palate and our acclaimed staff will manage every detail of your day to ensure that […] - [Besties 2017: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2017/): Bold-Denotes Winner Italics-Denotes Runner-up FOOD & DRINK APPETIZER The Shop 135 Fourth Street, Troy theshoptroy.com If you haven’t tried The Shop yet, you need to. Creative is what I think of when I think of their food, their cocktails and the ambiance. Just going there is an experience!  Built inside a 100-year-old hardware store, you feel like you stepped back into time. The Shop features an awesome selection of appetizers along with signature cocktails and craft beer. The location is perfect for strolling in the hottest city for bar hopping, and The Shop is a place that you will not […] - [March 2017: Home & Garden Section](https://crlmag.com/home-garden-section-march-2017/): Redbud Development 2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 691.0428; redbuddevelopment.com Redbud Development. Inc., is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, we help clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle. Custom designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just a sampling of features we can utilize to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime, whether that is entertaining friends, exercising, or just getting closer to […] - [Before You Go: 'Spring Getaway'](https://crlmag.com/spring-getaway-before-you-go/): When I was 11 years old, the number one song on the radio was “Please come to Boston” by David Loggins. The catchy tune opens with the line “Please come to Boston for the springtime.” Since this month’s magazine features “spring getaways” you’ll understand why that particular song has been bouncing around my brain. That’s because when it comes to spring trips, my favorite, by far, was a weekend that started in Boston. And when I tell you where I went from there, all in the span of 24 hours, you’ll think I’m fibbing but the truth is these fabulous […] - [Besties 2017: All the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/bestie-people-places-2017/): LOCAL PEOPLE & MEDIA Bold-Denotes Winner Italics-Denotes Runner-up Afternoon Anchor Kelly Lynch Kelly Lynch anchors NewsChannel 13 Live at Noon as well as co-hosting the “Chuck and Kelly” show each morning on NewsRadio 810. Kelly grew up in the Capital Region and has played a successful part in local media for a number of years now. Congrats to one of the hardest working media women, juggling a media career on two broadcasting vehicles and a wonderful family to boot. Evening Anchor John Gray Each year John Gray seems to capture the “Bestie” for Broadcasting as Evening Anchor but each and […] - [The Grateful Traveler: A Sweet Way to Enjoy Vermont](https://crlmag.com/sweet-vermont-grateful-traveler/): Maple Open House Weekend will take place on March 25 and March 26, all-day each day. What a sweet way to spend a weekend in neighboring Vermont. At the weekend-long event throughout the state, you can tour sugar houses big and small. Learn how the syrup is gathered, boiled down and made into fabulous syrup and treats, the modernization of sugaring as well as its more traditional and historic roots. One maple house opening to delight of visitors is the Sugar Shack located in Arlington, Vermont on Historic Route 7A—aptly named Sugar Shack Lane in those parts of Vermont. Available […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 5 Scrumptious Slow Cooker Recipes](https://crlmag.com/slow-cooker-recipes/): Slow cooker tomato parmesan soup Ingredients 2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes 1 10-oz. (can) tomato sauce or 1 ½ cup of your own homemade sauce ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped 3 tsp. minced garlic 1 tbsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1 medium white onion, diced 1 cup heavy cream or half and half (to lesson some of the calories) 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese Make a roux 3 tablespoons butter ¼ cup flour 1 cup heavy cream or half & half Directions • Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and next 7 ingredients (through broth) […] - [January 2017: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-january-2017/): Redbud Development 2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 691.0428 www.redbuddevelopment.com​ Redbud Development Inc. is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, we help clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle. Custom designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just a sampling of features we can utilize to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime, whether that is entertaining friends, exercising, or just getting closer to […] - [January 2017: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-advertising-section-12/): Advanced Audiology Services 27 Lower Hudson Avenue, Green Island 270.5802; www.advancedaudiologysvcs.net It can be quite daunting, not to mention frustrating, trying to make a decision about which hearing aid to buy. This is where the services of the audiologist can be instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. The audiologist’s role in selection is to guide and advise the consumer regarding options such as style and level of technology. One should wind up with “the best hearing aid for me.” Carrying many brands does not necessarily translate into an advantage to the consumer. More useful information might be the answer to […] - [December 2016: Bridal Section](https://crlmag.com/bridal-section-december-2016/): The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham 785.1857; www.TheCenturyHouse.com ​ Plan your dream wedding at The Century House! With the perfect balance of traditional elegance and modern rustic charm, we’ll provide an unforgettable backdrop for you. Whether a grand affair for 300 or an intimate celebration for 100, our ballrooms are easily transformed to fulfill your dreams. Our garden tent sits amid our half-mile nature trail and is ideal for outdoor ceremonies or casual celebrations. Our unique menus are sure to tempt any palate, and our acclaimed staff will manage every detail of your day to ensure that your […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Nantucket's 'On island' off season](https://crlmag.com/nantucket-on-island-off-season/): Nantucket is the convergence of sky, sea and land. The Nantucket Inn is the convergence of family, fun and casual sophistication. You can get there from here I am puzzled by the answers I have been given to my nearly constant question about traveling to Nantucket from the Capital Region. Have you been? I ask. I would say seven out of ten people I query say no. Yes, this is quite an unscientific poll yet it is a qualified one, as I only ask the folks who I know love to travel. If you are one of the individuals answering […] - [November 2016: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-november-2016/): Capital District Wellness Management Services 1375 Washington Avenue, Suite G102, Albany 489.2628; www.weightlossalbanyNY.com Miraculous LED technology offers save and effective weight loss alternative How can you lose 2 inches or more of real body fat in one hour? Capital District Wellness Management Services offers fat loss alternatives that allow you to target resistant areas with specific wave-lengths of red light (belly, arms, thighs, chin, back). There are no side effects whatsoever! No Pain. No Downtime. Results are immediate. A total fat loss of 2 inches or more is typical in one session. Photonica is the only FDA-cleared LED device for […] - [4 Hot Beverages to Warm You Up This Winter](https://crlmag.com/hot-beverages-warm-winter/): Warm drinks by a cozy fire or simply sitting with great friends and family sipping and chatting. What could be better? Rum Toddy Ingredients 1 cup hot tea preferably not flavored (English Breakfast) 1 cinnamon stick large wedge of lemon honey to taste good shot of a dark rum   Hot Ruby Quick & Easy Mulled Wine Ingredients Equal parts Hot Ruby cranberry cider and your favorite red wine *Orange peel strips or cinnamon sticks for garnish (garnish is optional) Directions • Mix Hot Ruby and wine in microwave-proof bowl or pitcher; heat in microwave until warm and pour into […] - [Holiday Plants You Can Enjoy Long Past the Season](https://crlmag.com/holiday-plants-enjoy-past-season/): The holidays will soon be here and the stores will be flush with decorations galore including holiday plants. For many of us, the holidays would not be the same without the traditional plants of the season such as amaryllis, Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus and, of course, the queen herself, the poinsettia. Poinsettias Years ago, poinsettias could only be found at florist shops but eventually nurseries and garden centers began to sell these beauties as hybridizers launched in many new color choices. Growers also could offer other styles of plants, such as hanging baskets and tree forms. The newer generations of […] - [Before You Go: 'November Chill'](https://crlmag.com/november-chill-john-gray/): “It’s November—let go of your leaves,” the woman said. The man sitting right next to her in the coffee shop looked up from his laptop, trying to figure out who she was talking to. She smiled. “I’m sorry, were you talking to me?” he said. “Yes,” she replied. “I said it’s November—let go of your leaves. Don’t you know they should be gone by now? That’s October’s business.” The man was convinced the woman was losing her mind so he said, “Listen. I’m kind of in the middle of something here so if you don’t mind.” The woman replied, “Not […] - [November 2016: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-november-2016/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations www.homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets, as ordered by the physician, are also […] - [2016 Albany Executives: Learning, Sharing and More](https://crlmag.com/albany-executives-learning-sharing-2016/): The membership of the Albany Executives Association is made up of a collection of self-employed people, businesses or corporations and even a nonprofit, representing diverse industries. Representatives or alternates from these member businesses participate each week to exchange leads and give presentations about their businesses. Each presentation/craft talk includes a section that explains more about what type of leads the business is specifically looking for. When leads are given, they are swiftly followed up with thank you recognition. About AXA AXA is a 58-year-old area organization with the purpose of sharing business opportunities and networking to develop each member’s business. […] - [Before You Go: 'The Ghost of Isabella'](https://crlmag.com/ghost-isabella-john-gray/): “You guys wanna hear a ghost story?” Those seven words is how it started. Becky Walsh, Jamie Myers and Mercedes Alverez were having a slumber party the night of October 28 in the small town of Kinderhook. The three ninth graders had just finished off the pizza and were tired of talking about boys when Mercedes asked that innocent question. “Sure,” Jamie responded so Mercedes told them the tale that her grandmother once shared about “The Ghost of Isabella.” Kinderhook was an old farm town where the homes are spread far and wide. Back in the 1800s there was one […] - [October 2016: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-october-2016/): Sevenzocks 1277 US Route 9W, Selkirk Just 2 miles south of Jericho Drive In 635.4111 Sevenzocks has been family owned and operated for over 15 years, offering a wide range of homeowner and commercial services. We specialize in design landscaping, hardscapes, nursery and garden supply as well as tree removal, tree pruning and stump grinding. Fall season has arrived and our nursery is fully stocked with mums, corn stalks, hay bales, pumpkins and gourds. We are getting ready to start our fall clean ups. Please call 635.4111 to schedule your free estimate. The Furniture House 1254 Highway 9P in Saratoga […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Two Recipes From 'L.A.'s Legendary Restaurants'](https://crlmag.com/recipes-la-legendary-restaurants/): Lentil Soup with Roasted Pork – Pig ‘n Whistle Serves 8 This hearty broth was the Pig ‘n Whistle’s signature soup, selling for just five cents a bowl. Lentils were inexpensive, and the pork added a lot of flavor without the high cost. 8 strips Applewood-smoked bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 large onion, chopped 4 medium carrots, thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tbsp. tomato paste 2 cups lentils, picked over and rinsed ¾ tsp. dried thyme 46 oz. chicken stock or broth 2 cups water 1 ½ tbsp. red wine vinegar Salt Freshly ground black pepper In […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 4 Fantastic Fall Dishes](https://crlmag.com/recipes-fall-dishes/): Local FarmOn! Foundation Greek Salad Courtesy of Jason Saunders, Executive Chef Prime at Saratoga National, Saratoga, NY www.golfsaratoga.com/dine Ingredients 2 medium-sized vine-ripened beef steak tomatoes 1/2 c. peeled and sliced cucumbers 1/4 c. red onion 2 oz. MapleBrook farm feta 2 Tbls. fresh picked oregano 1 oz. red wine vinegar 1/2 c. sliced old world farm green bell pepper 1 Tbls. fresh lemon juice 1/4 c. kalamata olives salt and pepper to taste dash of olive oil Pumpkin Mole  Courtesy of Rob Handel, Executive Chef Heather Ridge Farm/Bees Knees Café, Preston Hollow, NY heather-ridge-farm.com/bees-knees-cafe Ingredients 2 oz. dried ancho chilis […] - [Before You Go: 'Food and Friends'](https://crlmag.com/food-friends-john-gray/): September is here which means there’s a hint of chill in the air and desire to bring some warmth to the kitchen. The best way to do that is by opening your favorite ten dollar bottle of wine and turning on the stove. What? Are you telling me you can’t cook? Baloney. No I’m not saying you should eat baloney; I’m saying anyone can cook if they try. My mom used to say, “If you can read you can cook.” The part she left out was the word “well.” Cooking well is usually reserved to those who enjoy standing over […] - [Getting Familiar With Ironweed—the Plant, Not the Movie](https://crlmag.com/ironweed-plant-not-movie/): As gardeners, we are always looking ahead and planning for the future, perhaps with less maintenance in mind or the possibility of the limitation of resources. One very real consideration is water availability and quality. There are already summer watering restrictions in many communities. A bottle of water is as common as a bottle of soda. Sometime in the not too distant future, water may be scarce. Perhaps that day is on our doorstep now so the prudent gardener is making new plant decisions accordingly. Looking to native plants is a good place to start. Ironweed is a native prairie […] - [5 Skincare Must-Haves for the Fall](https://crlmag.com/skincare-must-have-fall/): As fall approaches, the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier and the temperature cools considerably. The change in temperature can affect our skin and moisturizing is the best deterrent to keep healthy, glowing skin. Here are some of the products that I found to tone and combat any dry skin areas, minus the preservative paraben.  Many of the items can be found in your own kitchen! If you have sensitive skin, consult with your doctor or other qualified health care professional before using any product discussed within this article. 1. RAD American Beauty Cream Youth Preserving Cream: RAD is a […] - [September 2016: Bridal Section](https://crlmag.com/bridal-section-september-2016/): AAA Travel Agency Various locations 426.1000; AAA.com\Travel Vacations are about relaxing. Let AAA Travel Agency take the stress out of planning them. Our personalized service will help you relax before your trip even starts. Enjoy the convenience of having an entire trip researched and planned for you. AAA can arrange complete packages including car rentals, airport shuttles, park and fly reservations, rail tickets, cruises, flights, hotels and excursions. Unique relationships with the world’s most trusted travel providers enable AAA to deliver exclusive travel options. AAA Travel offers exciting itineraries and member perks not found anywhere else. Visit us in Albany, […] - [September 2016: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-september-2016/): Vent Fitness various locations; www.ventfitness.com Ask A Trainer:Women and Weight Lifting The secret to getting toned is lifting heavy. This is where you achieve extreme results. Lifting weights utilizes more muscles then running on a treadmill, which also burns more calories and fat. A VENT Fitness Personal Trainer will create a workout using weights, movement and exercise tailored to hit the weight loss and fitness goals you are seeking. Advanced Audiology Services 27 Lower Hudson Avenue, Green Island 270.5802; www.advancedaudiologysvcs.net It can be quite daunting, not to mention frustrating, trying to make a decision about which hearing aid to buy.  […] - [How to Get More Restful Sleep and Have Better Mornings](https://crlmag.com/restful-sleep-better-mornings/): When we wake up in the morning, we are supposed to feel refreshed and ready to meet the day ahead of us with energy and enthusiasm. If this sounds more like a fairy tale than reality to you, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with some form of sleep disorder. The boogieman has long since been replaced by the alarm clock as our main source of dread. The thought of having to drag ourselves out of bed and shuffle around in a half-waking state like an extra from Night of the Living Dead can make mornings seem like some […] - [How to Keep Your Pets Safe From Ticks](https://crlmag.com/keep-pets-safe-ticks/): Ava is ticked off and that’s a good thing. It’s especially welcome news when you’re a border collie who lives in a woodsy area by a lake. We make a habit of checking for ticks in the fur (not a small task since they are about the size of a sesame seed); she’s had her preventive medication and we’ve taken procedures recommended by her veterinarian. Her test came up negative. Awareness is a critical element when dealing with health care, so we consulted the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) and other resources and asked Michael Casler, DVM, of Guilderland Animal […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Soave's a Sensational Way to Spice Up Your Summer](https://crlmag.com/soave-summer-grateful-traveler/): This August when heading to your favorite summer picnic spot or just enjoying family and friends at home, try an old favorite wine from the past: Soave. I spoke with Franco Pedroni, the US Brand Ambassador for Rocca Sveva, about Rocca Sveva Wines and Soave in particular. In Italy, Soave has always remained a popular wine but here in the states, it slid in popularity after the seventies. Let’s face reality. Many excellent whites are made in Italy. Soave, a nice white, has, however, been an unfair victim of being too well known years back. The market was flooded with […] - [Gardening Tips for the Height of the Summer Season](https://crlmag.com/gardening-tips-height-summer-season/): August is the height of summer and the heat makes working outside a challenge, so plan to work early in the morning or early evening. Remember to hydrate yourself as well as the plants. Here are some suggestions for what to do in the garden and landscape at this time of year. • While many veggies are ripening, some have completed their cycle, leaving open space in the garden, so plant a second crop of a vegetable that likes cooler weather to grow and ripen such as spinach, leafy greens, beets or peas. • Tips for keeping plants cool and […] - [August 2016: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-august-2016/): Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC 7 Wells Street, 3rd Floor, Saratoga Springs 583.4019; www.yarinsky.com Look more Youthful and Feel Your Best! As an expert in Cosmetic Medicine with over 27 years of experience, my goal is to rejuvenate, restore and maintain your youthful appearance.  My office provides many non-invasive treatments to reverse and help prevent the signs of aging.  We correct facial skin droopiness, jowls, deep pores, fine wrinkle lines, environmental damage and age spots.  Using non-surgical treatments (and for those who desire it, in-office cosmetic surgery) we can ‘turn back the clock’. You can look […] - [August 2016: Education Section](https://crlmag.com/education-section-august-2016/): Paul Smith’s College Paul Smith’s NY 888.873.6570; www.paulsmiths.edu When it comes to cookie-cutter colleges, Paul Smith’s is anything but. In fact, it’s the only 4-year college inside the world-famous Adirondacks. At PSC, it’s about the experience. Students develop hands-on skills in 20+ majors, such as culinary arts, forestry, environmental science, business, surveying, hospitality, outdoor recreation, and more. It’s an unusual academic approach, and it works:  90 percent of graduates are employed or in grad school within six months. Living and learning at PSC requires a special kind of student—someone who values the abundance of our natural landscape and embraces a spirit […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Enjoying an American River Cruise](https://crlmag.com/american-river-cruise-grateful-traveler/): Take an Un-Cruise voyage By The Grateful Traveler, Vikki Moran Un-Cruise Adventures boast small ships, BIG experiences and, I would add, laid-back adventure and charm. Intuitively, Dan Blanchard, owner and CEO, knew how to create hands-on explorations in some of the most inspiring places in the Americas. Utilizing small ships to offer the adventure/experience has been his life’s dream. Now celebrating 20 years of small ship cruise adventures in 2016, Un-Cruise Adventures operates from offices at historic Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, Washington, and Juneau, Alaska, taking guests into areas inaccessible to large ships and providing excursions that are exclusive, unconventional, […] - [What You Need to Do to Have a Spring Garden Bursting With Color](https://crlmag.com/spring-garden-color/): It may be the height of summer but fall bulb catalogs have been filling my mailbox lately, so it is time to take a look at them and craft a plan for some spring magic in the garden. When living in the Albany area, it almost seems disrespectful not to grow tulips but many local areas have heavy deer pressure so it is best not to plant tulips or “deer candy” as they are often called. There are many other spring bulb choices that do not appeal to Bambi but do offer early nectar choices for bees and other pollinators […] - [Match Necklace Trends to Your Everyday Style](https://crlmag.com/match-necklace-trends-to-your-everyday-style/): Hello, CRL readers. I am pleased to be the fashion and new style writer for Capital Region Living magazine. By day, I am an Information Technology Project Manager. I am married to my wonderful and supportive husband Joe. Technology can be fun, more or less, but fashion has always been an interest of mine, probably dating back to my old high school days when the preppy look was in. I scour web sites, style magazines and YouTube videos to follow the latest trends and like you, enjoy watching the Oscars, Grammys and other award shows to determine the “in” look […] - [Before You Go: 'River Dance'](https://crlmag.com/river-dance-john-gray/): A few years back, I foolishly agreed to take part in a celebrity game show fundraiser. Let me tell you, it’s much harder answering questions in front of a “live” studio audience than it is sitting in pajamas on your couch eating Doritos and watching TV. About halfway through this disaster, I was asked the name of the famous ship that an explorer once took up the Hudson River. As the clock counted down 3, 2, 1, I panicked and blurted out the only name I could think of, “Titanic!!!!” To this day there is at least one person there […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 3 Amazing Marshmallow-centric Recipes](https://crlmag.com/recipes-amazing-marshmallow/): Sure s’mores are great and probably one of the most iconic summer evening treats but our friends at Dandies Marshmallows prompted by a CRL magazine suggestion to them came up with some scrumptious other adult way to use the marshmallows. You will be singing campfire songs in no time! Blackberry Cream Soda Ingredients 1 shot of Blackberry Simple Syrup 1 shot of gin Topochico or soda water 1 big dollop of Marshmallow Fluff Instructions • Fill a glass with ice. • Pour in 1 shot of blackberry simple syrup and shot of gin, stir. • Fill the rest of the […] - [How to Move Forward Following a Cancer Diagnosis](https://crlmag.com/move-forward-cancer-diagnosis/): At age 30, Joslyn was diagnosed with having cysts in her breasts and began getting regular mammograms. In 2013, for whatever reason, she did not go. In 2014, early summer, when the weather is great and all appears new and fresh in the world, her own world came crashing down. Over a happy Memorial Day weekend, a letter showed up regarding the mammography results. She was instructed to consult a surgeon. After a biopsy and a 3D mammography at Albany Medical Center, the wheels of her new normal started turning. Surgeries, chemo, support groups and endless tests. Did I mention, […] - [Touring Saratoga's Secret Gardens](https://crlmag.com/saratoga-secret-gardens/): Each year, after the secret garden tour in Saratoga, the volunteer planners from Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) ask one question: “How are we going to put together an equally fantastic collection of gardens next year?” But it’s never a problem, thanks to the numerous and creative gardeners in Saratoga, comment Charlotte Gilet, incoming president, and Barbara Lombardo, garden committee co-chair. That’s clear from the plans for the 22nd annual tour, scheduled for Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 11am to 5pm. It’s a special opportunity to explore and learn about those private gardens you’ve seen from the street, discover […] - [A New Perspective on Your Capital Region Rose Garden](https://crlmag.com/new-perspective-capital-region-rose-garden/): Each year as I watch winter fade from the landscape, I feel a twinge of worry about the survival of some of my favorite garden plants. Rightly so this year, as there was little snow cover and a lack of moisture overall. Although I choose zone-hardy plants, I still worry as experience has taught me that Mother Nature always holds the trump card. Roses are a prime example of plants that make my worry list. I have given up growing hybrid teas but not wanting to have a garden without roses, I did some research in trying to solve the […] - [Before You Go: 'Abigail and Alison'](https://crlmag.com/abigail-alison-john-gray/): Abigail and Alison stood on the terrace of the nicest country club in town toasting each other on the last five years and how far they had come in their careers. They had met when they were both recent college graduates and joined the same company in virtually the same position at the same time. They were very different, though, and it went beyond Abigail’s auburn hair and torn jeans style versus Alison’s red hair and designer dresses. The two had very different attitudes when they started their careers and while one was rewarded, the other struggled. This is their […] - [Besties 2016: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2016/): Food & Drink Blue-Denotes Winner Black-Denotes Runner-up APPETIZER Angelo’s 677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany www.677prime.com 677 Prime has received our readers’ Bestie for appetizer, as well as decadent dessert. You have a wonderful selection to start off your evening—lobster dumplings, steak tartare made tableside, surf and turf tempura roll, Kobe hotrock and more. Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake www.lake-ridge.com The Standard 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany www.standardalbany.com APPLE PIE Smiths’ Orchard Bake Shop 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa www.smithspieshop.com Two thousand bushels of apples. That’s how many apples go from the Smith orchard and into its bake shop’s pies. […] - [DIY: How to Make a Moss-lined Hanging Flower Basket](https://crlmag.com/moss-lined-hanging-flower-basket/): Long before plastic, the main option open to gardeners who wanted to make a hanging garden was to create a moss-lined wire nest to plant summer flowering plants. This technique to contain soil and moisture was a favorite of the Victorians who wanted to bring new dimensions to gardening. Using moss as a liner is certainly more work than planting up a plastic pot, but oh, how different the end result! It is also a good recycling technique as the wire basket can last through many seasons and the moss is easy to renew. Moss baskets are not typically found […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Exploring the New Ivy Hotel in Baltimore](https://crlmag.com/ivy-hotel-baltimore-grateful-traveler/): Baltimore is one of the great American cities to visit or to have a well-earned romantic get-away. There is Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, historic seaport, tourist attraction, and landmark of the city. It is an ideal example to all American cities of how to fashion a picture-perfect waterfront. The museums are classic, strolling to the many statues throughout the city is relaxing, and the nightlife is all you would want. The food is remarkable as well. Baltimore is much more than just filled with crab cakes and crab, although that is all most visitors seem to crave. Elegant and casual in […] - [Before You Go: 'Stop Wine-ing'](https://crlmag.com/stop-wine-john-gray/): Once upon a time when I was young and foolish, someone gave me a $100 gift card to a fancy restaurant in the Capital Region. I was on a first date with someone new and wanted to impress her so we went to a very nice place where I attempted my best James Bond impersonation. The waiter handed me a wine list that was about the size of the King James Bible so I had no clue which bottle to order. My date seemed equally clueless so I snapped the menu closed and said, “Tell so and so (I knew […] - [Sawyer Fredericks: Capital Region Musician's Star on the Rise](https://crlmag.com/sawyer-fredericks-capital-region-star/): Starting an interview from finish to start is unusual but in this case it will shed light on the very talented artist Sawyer Fredericks. It was less than a year ago that Sawyer won Season 8 of the national television hit, The Voice. Much has changed for Sawyer including a maturing of his voice with subtle and even more amazing qualities. I personally noticed a more mature look, adding to the face that many would best describe as downright pretty. His confidence is growing and his art is taking center stage (pardon the pun). Strolling away after a warm thank […] - [Advice: Have a Plan in Place for Your Spring Garden](https://crlmag.com/plan-place-spring-garden/): Spring means many things to people but for gardeners it is a time of pure joy to be outside and in the garden again. Spring can also be the marriage of agony and ecstasy—there are so many tasks to do, it is hard to decide where and when to start. The savvy gardener will want to craft a plan and so here are some guidelines for you to organize and take on the April gardening chores: • Watch the weather and plan tasks accordingly, leaving lawn and soil work until the ground is dry and not spongy to walk on. […] - [CRL Recipes Series: 5 Sensational Strawberry-centric Recipes](https://crlmag.com/sensational-strawberry-recipes/): Simple strawberry sauce - [The Grateful Traveler: What's New On and Off Broadway](https://crlmag.com/sneak-peek/): With NYC and Broadway just a mere few hours by train or bus and an even faster drive for us here in the Capital Region, we have put together some very notable changes to the magical scene played out on the streets of Manhattan. With wonderful restaurants and even some bargains for eating (if you know where to look out of the theatre district), you could easily come in and out of NYC just for the sole purpose of seeing a show. If not, stay a weekend and see the show, dine, shop and stay at a trendy hotel. The […] - [Before You Go: 'The Unlikely Valentine'](https://crlmag.com/unlikely-valentine-john-gray/): It was his mom’s favorite candy dish that started this. Peter was screwing around with a football in the house when it got away from him, hit the dish and shattered it. He didn’t have time to come clean. She’d heard it from the other room and pounced. “How many times, Peter? NOT in the house.” The 13-year-old could only hang his head and await the sentence. His mother was an expert at doling out the harshest punishments—raking dog poop, cleaning out gutters. It had snowed all night, a rare Valentine’s week storm, so he wasn’t surprised when she said, […] - [Before You Go: 'Going Green'](https://crlmag.com/going-green-before-you-go/): March is here, which means it’s a good month if you like the color green or happen to be Irish. Although let’s be honest, even those who aren’t Irish seem to enjoy putting on orange hair and dancing the jig on the 17th. I know it’s all in good fun but for people who grew up in a true Irish household you can’t help but roll your eyes. Let me explain. I was raised in Troy’s south end which in the 60s was a true melting pot. My neighbors were Italian, Polish, Jewish and lots and lots of Irish. Last […] - [Is Maple Syrup the Next Super Food?](https://crlmag.com/maple-syrup-super-food/): Well, the New York State Maple thinks so. Pure maple syrup is a natural and nutritious sweetener and is a smart choice as a topping or as a flavorful ingredient in baking and cooking. Maple syrup is 100 percent natural and unrefined, retaining the inherent nutritional value of the sap obtained from the maple tree. This will be an early and great production year! Maple syrup is an important nutrient source and a very good source of vitamins and minerals. Native North Americans were the first to recognize pure maple syrup as a source of nutrition and energy. Researchers have […] - [Living With Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome](https://crlmag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-syndrome/): Note: Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders is one of particular interest to us as parents and caregivers with the age of our readers ranging from of 35-60. We have asked Peter Mansbach, PhD, and President of the Circadian Sleep Disorders Network, about his personal experience with Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder. “One of the observations I hear from many of our members is that when they were young, they could manage an early schedule, though they were tired a lot of the time. As they got older, they could no longer manage. That happened to me also, in my late thirties. It’s […] - [October 2019: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-october-2019/): PATRIOT CONSTRUCTION OF UPSTATE NY, INC. 4789 Jersey Hill Road, Amsterdam 518.882.9185; patriotconstructionny.com Patriot Construction of Upstate New York, Inc. is proud to serve the Capital Region. They believe that “Loyalty is Quality.” Their goal is to not only help you design and build your dream home but to make the process easy and enjoyable for you. A full-service design/build company with a wide range of experience, they can help you with all phases of new home construction and remodeling, including architecture, design, and building your home and yard. Patriot’s excellent reputation and long list of satisfied clients attest to […] - [Delicious Seasonal Dishes Starring Local Ingredients](https://crlmag.com/seasonal-dishes-local-ingredients/): Peppers, tomatoes, melons, herbs – our varied climate here in the Capital Region has an almost embarrassment of riches when it comes to stocking our kitchens with the best in local produce. But even farmers market die‐hards sometimes have a hankering to step away from the kitchen. Luckily, many top chefs at hot spots around the area are designing seasonal menus and dishes around this yummy upstate harvest. Tomatoes to the core Brendan Dillon opened Hamlet & Ghost in Saratoga Springs (24 Caroline Street; hamletandghost.com) in February of 2016 as a cocktail bar that served an upscale bar menu of […] - [The Grateful Traveler: The Green Mountain State Awaits](https://crlmag.com/green-mountain-state-grateful-traveler/): Vermont’s food and harvest are on display and waiting to be enjoyed by visitors while the autumn arts and crafts scene within stands above any others our area. There are also festivals celebrating fall like nowhere else, packed with New England and Vermont food favorites (mostly hearty comfort food) Yum. Weekend roads to Vermont are often crowded with leaf peepers from all over, but lucky neighbors that we are, we can go mid-week in realative peace to enjoy the majestic color as it lights up county skylines. Weekends spent in a Vermont B&B can provide you endless enjoyment on all […] - [Tips and Tricks for Catching the 'Big One'](https://crlmag.com/tips-catching-big-one/): It’s that time of year again, when anglers from all over the Capital Region have a chance to put their “tackle to the test” in the King George Fishing Derby on beautiful Lake George. The fifth annual derby, boasting a generous $15,000 in prizes, will take place September 13 – 15 and offer first, second and third place prizes for the largest lake trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon. The proceeds for this event will go to the Lake George S.A.V.E. (“Stop Aquatic inVasives from Entering”) Partnership, which has done tremendous work in combating invasive aquatic species that […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Finding Faith This Fall](https://crlmag.com/finding-faith-fall-spiritual-grounding/): As we unwind from this beautiful summer, we watch the leaves turn vivacious colors as Mother Nature creates her masterpiece. Just like the tree that changes its leaves into beautiful red‐orange and yellow hues, we too are working through many intense developments. Births, aging, deaths, new relationships, old relationships, moving to a new home, relocating, or going to college or back to school, are all impactful life transitions. With change, however, often comes discomfort, a sense of unsettlement, or even an ache. This is temporary of course, but still difficult. Embracing these progressions is the best way to work through […] - [Before You Go: 'Rocco and Rosie'](https://crlmag.com/rocco-rosie-john-gray/): It was September and all the children who scattered away into the wind like so many beautiful leaves only 10 weeks earlier when summer break began, slowly returned to the nest. The teachers had their lesson plans ready, and the kids (most of them anyway!) were all sporting pretty new outfits their parents or grandparents had purchased for them so they’d make a good first impression. When you’re 9 years old, those first impressions with a new teacher and new classmates are so important. The fourth grade class found their seats, and their teacher wanted to try something new this […] - [August 2019: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-august-2019/): THE VISTA AT VAN PATTEN GOLF CLUB 924 Main Street, Clifton Park 518.877.4979; vanpattengolf.com The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club, located in beautiful southern Saratoga County in the hamlet of Jonesville, has breathtaking views from the highest point in Clifton Park. Our Grand Clubhouse is the perfect venue for either an intimate gathering of 25 guests or a fabulous wedding for 200. Let our professional catering team guide you through the planning process for this memorable day. The caring staff will help you relax and enjoy your special day with the highest level of service that will certainly meet […] - [August 2019: Women's Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-wellness-section-august-2019/): LEAD CONSULTING AND COACHING LLC 60 Adams Place, Delmar aleaderinyou.com Do you find yourself putting the needs of your spouse, children, family, and work before your own? What if you could take better care of yourself? As a Life Coach, I work with women who want to change patterns that are no longer serving them. Together we create a plan that offers greater freedom, happiness, and fulfillment in life. When we say “yes” to ourselves, we can be of greater service to others. Register for upcoming Vision Workshops on September 17 or October 15, held at the Pioneer Bank in […] - [3 Capital Region Fashionistas With Hot Looks for the Saratoga Season](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-fashionistas-looks/): The Saratoga Race Course summer meet at Saratoga is in full swing, and the town is jam‐packed with fashion moments you won’t find anywhere else. Hoping to join in the fun? For some fashion inspiration for a day at the races, we went straight to the pros. After all, no one knows race‐track style like Capital Region die‐hards. Featuring Pantone’s color of the year, a stunning coral that seamlessly transitions into fall, here are must‐have looks, from three local fashionistas with horse racing on the brain. Effie Vasilakos is the owner of Effie’s Boutique and the stylist of her track‐ready […] - [Thrills, Dips and Trips: The Glitz and Glamour of New York's Long-gone Luna Park](https://crlmag.com/new-york-luna-park/): For families all across the country, summer means the thrills, dips, trips, and fried food glory of an amusement park or county fair. Nostalgic for last century’s “fun fairs,” we dug into some bygone scenes of Luna Park, a long-dismantled amusement park that once sat atop the cliffs of the Mohawk in Rexford. The park was opened in 1906 and attracted Schenectadians who arrived via the newly built trolley-line. In its heyday, Luna Park (which was also known over its short lifetime as Rexford Park, The Colonnade and Dolles Park) entertained more than 10,000 daily visitors. Thrill-seekers braved the park’s […] - [The Life and Heart of David Gray](https://crlmag.com/life-heart-david-gray/): David Gray, a lifetime resident of East Greenbush, NY, had always lived a healthy life. He worked for Owens Corning for 37 years, and with his wife of more than 40 years, raised their two children and enjoyed their two grandchildren. He was (and continues to be) an avid camper, fisherman and hunter, as well as a tireless hobbyist – his impressive activities list includes everything from raising bees and harvesting honey and maple syrup, to canning homemade jams, and sauces and even making beer, wine, balsamic vinegar, horseradish, and lip balm. In 2010, Gray’s life changed forever. He was […] - [July 2019: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-july-2019/): NINA SHER, SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Hunt Real Estate ERA 1365 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands 518.368.5578 You’ve lived in your home for more than 20 years. The kids are gone, but their stuff is still in your basement. The song Should I Stay or Should I Go? is on repeat in your head. If you’re tired of paralyzing indecision, it may be time to speak with a professional real estate agent. I created the Smart Downsizing Guide to help my clients bring clarity around aging-in-place or possibly moving to a happier, healthier, or more affordable environment. Schedule a one-hour appointment […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Letting Go, All Summer Long](https://crlmag.com/letting-go-summer-spiritual-grounding/): Parties and play dates, picnics, camping, county fairs, vacations—summer in the northeast is brimming with every kind of energy. Not wanting to miss out on anything, it’s impossible to not find our August calendars full of fun and excitement. Why do we do that? We pack our calendars so full that we barely have time to think. Have you ever come back from a weekend away or vacation, thinking you need another vacation to recuperate from the one you just had? We want to have fun, of course, and make memories with our friends and family. And for most of […] - [Before You Go: 'Everything I Know About Dogs'](https://crlmag.com/everything-about-dogs-john-gray/): Being on TV for 30 years, people tend to know who you are. And if you follow me on Facebook you probably also know I love dogs. I certainly have enough of them; four by my last count. I’ve written two books about them, “God Needed a Puppy” and “Keller’s Heart” and donated more than $25,000 to animal shelters from the proceeds. But that’s not what I want to talk about today. Instead, I’d rather address the number one question I get from people when they bump into me at the supermarket. People assume I must be a good dog […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Journeying Along the Rivers of Germany](https://crlmag.com/rivers-germany-grateful-traveler/): Like turning the pages of a storybook with castles, forests, imaginary dragons, and of course the occasional damsel in distress, a river cruise through Germany sends your senses soaring. In my experience, the Moselle, Rhine, and Main rivers are the most consistently picturesque to enjoy via cruising. My traveling companion/husband and I recently sailed on the Emerald Waterways ship Destiny for the aptly named Legends of the Moselle, Rhine, and Main itinerary. A wonderfully modern 3–year–old ship, Destiny appeals to passengers’ present‐day creature comforts while sailing through scenery that dazzles with history. We embarked in Bernkastel, Germany, which itself dates […] - [A Prehistoric Adventure at Lake George's Dino Roar Valley](https://crlmag.com/lake-george-dino-roar-valley/): One of my greatest pleasures of summer is bringing the littles on new adventures. Past favorites have included local hikes, visits to museums, and playgrounds. Our latest? Bringing all of my boys’ favorite things together during a visit to the brand‐new Dino Roar Valley. Our day began with a 45‐minute trip north on the Northway. After a fun pit stop at the new Adirondack Welcome Center, where the boys got out some extra energy on the zip‐line and playground, we got back in the car for the last 10 minutes, getting off at exit 21 and heading south on route […] - [Glassblowing for All Ages](https://crlmag.com/glassblowing-all-ages/): Before last week, almost two decades had passed since I last touched a blowpipe. I had long forgotten the weight of the ancient tool in my hand and the heft of the glass at the end. Full disclosure: I spent three of my four college years blowing glass as part of my Fine Arts degree before leaving my once‐treasured craft behind for a “real job.” So with a wave of nostalgia and excitement, I eagerly wound my way to the Howe Caverns property for my session at the new Howe Glassworks Studio. Glassblowing combines design, color, and physicality in a […] - [July 2019: Day Trips Section](https://crlmag.com/day-trips-section-july-2019/): Clark Art Institute 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 413.458.2303; clarkart.edu Throughout his long career, Pierre‐Auguste Renoir (French, 1841–1919) continually turned to the human figure for artistic inspiration. The body – particularly the nude – was the defining subject of Renoir’s practice, from his days as a student copying the old masters in the Musée du Louvre to the early twentieth century, when his revolutionary style of painting inspired the masters of modernism. In recognition of the centenary of Renoir’s death, the Clark Art Institute presents Renoir: The Body, The Senses. This exhibition is the first major exploration of Renoir’s unceasing […] - [July 2019: Women Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/women-owned-businesses-july-2019/): LEAD Consulting and Coaching, LLC 60 Adams Place, Delmar aleaderinyou.com Owner: Dr. Diane Albano Tell us about your business in your own words. Women are caretakers and multi-taskers, all while leading a successful career. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to postpone your goals. “It’s Your Turn” is the line in the sand when you are an empty-nester, retired, long for meaningful relationships, or simply ask yourself, “what’s next?” Since 2009, I’ve helped women and small groups live a life they love. What was the catalyst to start your own business?  As a single mom, I juggled my responsibilities by working […] - [Dining on the 'Wild' Side](https://crlmag.com/dining-wild-side/): There is nothing more rewarding to me than being able to harvest and cook fresh fish from local waters. As a full-time chef, I take advantage of being able to tap into my “culinary tackle box,” which is filled with recipes and techniques I have collected over the years. As a passionate fisherman, I have experimented with a variety of species commonly caught in our area. The key to fish cookery is starting with an exceptional product. This process starts immediately upon harvesting the fish, which is why my fish (especially during the warmer months) typically go from the hook […] - [Before You Go: 'Rosa and Polly'](https://crlmag.com/rose-polly-john-gray/): Rosa Ramirez sat patiently in the lobby of a high-rise building with a yellow legal pad on her lap and a pen in her hand. Her appointment that everyone told her was impossible to get was at 10am, and at exactly the appointed hour an executive assistant to the company CEO came to collect her and bring her to the penthouse. Forty seconds after the elevator doors closed, they opened again, and Rosa was led to a large conference room with chilled bottled water and fresh flowers waiting. She didn’t have time to sit before Polly Pendergast, one of the […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Looking Forward to July](https://crlmag.com/looking-forward-july-spiritual-grounding/): Summer has finally arrived, and here in the northeast, the magic of the season is upon us. There are so many exciting and wonderful things to do: mountain hikes, days at the lake, street fairs, car shows, charity events, and of course, let’s not forget the track. This July is just as exciting in the astral sky, with a solar eclipse and new moon in Cancer on July 2, a lunar eclipse on the full moon in Capricorn July 16, and then to end the month, we have another new moon on the 31st (often known as a black moon). […] - [July 2019: Boomer Living Section](https://crlmag.com/boomer-living-section-july-2019/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his or her own needs and activity level. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets as ordered by the physician […] - [6 Sensational Summer Salads](https://crlmag.com/sensational-summer-salads/): Ric Orlando’s Vietnamese salad – New World Bistro & Bar Here is my signature Vietnamese salad. I have always loved the mix of raw veggies, sprouts, and herbs in a good Vietnamese salad. I have made it with so many ingredients; green mango and papaya, bitter lettuces, shaved wax and green beans, snow peas,  long beans, shaved melon … and they are all great, but they have limited seasons. I wanted this to be a year-round dish on my menu, so I worked it to the existing set up of cabbage, carrots, daikon, cukes, scallions, sprouts, herbs, peanuts and just […] - [A Handcrafted Adirondack Icon: Jim Thomson of Adirondack Jim's Rustic Signs](https://crlmag.com/adirondack-jim-rustic-signs/): The Adirondack Park was established in 1892. It is comprised of six million acres and includes both public and private land. Those of us who live in upstate New York understand full well just how blessed we are having the Adirondacks as our own personal backyard. All that the Adirondacks offers; hiking, camping, kayaking, sailing, etc., suggests a longing for a simpler time that many people, even city slickers crave. The Adirondack region attracts 7-10 million people every year. We know we have arrived at the Adirondack Park region when we see those distinctive brown and yellow signs. They have […] - [May 2019: Locally Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/locally-owned-businesses-may-2019/): The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop 3143 US Highway 9, suite 8, Valatie 518.758.6755; crosseyedowl.com Owner: Patti Varga Describe your business with a brief history: The Cross-Eyed Owl has been a ‘go-to’ gift shop in Columbia County for the past 25 years.  We hand select each greeting card, gift item, and home décor piece to have something for everyone.  Customers always tell us, ‘There’s no way you can’t find a gift for someone here.”  The shop is displayed by theme, so it makes it so easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. What advantages does your business have being […] - [Before You Go: 'In Praise of Our Nurses'](https://crlmag.com/praise-nurses-john-gray/): There’s an amusing story about a coroner who is called into work late one night because police found a body on the side of the road with no identification. The doctor does a thorough examination and announces to everyone in the room, “I don’t know who this woman is, but I know what she did for a living. She’s definitely a nurse.” Astonished at this pronouncement the sheriff asks, “How could you possibly know that?” The coroner says, “Easy. Her bladder is full, her stomach is empty, the soles on her shoes are worn out, and part of her backside […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Manifesting Your Wishes and Dreams](https://crlmag.com/wishes-dreams-spiritual-grounding/): Can you believe we are already embarking upon the second half of 2019? Time flies when we’re having fun and working hard! The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, is June 21st this year! Many ask, “What does that mean?” According to AskAngels, “The solstice is a natural way to reconnect with life’s divine plan and to feel a deep connection to all of life and the natural world. Reflecting on your journey is a wonderful way to celebrate the solstice… honor and celebrate your unique journey and the inherent cycles within walking a spiritual path and living […] - [Fishing Throughout the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/fishing-capital-region/): Two of my favorite things in life join forces during June, July, and August; fishing and the Capital Region. There are a staggering number of action-packed angling opportunities right here in our area. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by an endless number of rivers, lakes, ponds, and creeks most of which are teeming with a variety of freshwater fish species. During this “warm water” period these systems become plentiful with forage, vegetation, oxygen and of course hungry fish awaiting their next meal! Fish generally feed very aggressively during summer months to keep up with their rapidly increasing metabolism, […] - [4 Things You Should Know About Melanoma](https://crlmag.com/things-know-about-melanoma/): As days get longer and warmer, people are flocking outdoors for recreation, yard work, and gardening. The sun’s rays feel great, but leaving your skin unprotected could lead to an unwelcome diagnosis. Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more skin cancers are diagnosed in the US each year than all other cancers combined. About one percent of skin cancers will be melanoma, the most serious form. Melanoma is far less common, but this year an estimated 5,150 New Yorkers will learn they have the disease. Before you head outdoors, here are […] - [May 2019: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-may-2019/): The Furniture House 1254 Highway 9P, Saratoga Springs; 518.587.9865 1060 Route 9, Queensbury; 518.798.0133 thefurniturehouseny.com Whether building a new home, down-sizing or just updating your current home, The Furniture House is the place to come for your home furnishing needs. Our design staff will help make YOUR dreams a reality; YOUR personality shine through. We offer quality, unique pieces at a value you didn’t realize you can afford. Small rooms? No problem. Unique needs? No problem. From basic home pieces to murphy beds, custom pieces, adjustable coffee tables, jewelry mirrors, conversation sofas and more. Come see what all the buzz […] - [May 2019: Women's Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-wellness-section-may-2019/): RAD Soap Company 1475 Western Avenue, Albany }646.595.0600; radsoap.com Welcome to the world of RAD! I’m Sue Kerber and this is my story. It all began in a small kitchen where I discovered hemp seed oil as a natural remedy for my son’s eczema. It was in those early stages where I recognized the power of the hemp plant and my mission to create all natural products was born. My mission has always been to offer you the very best products possible and  RADCBD is no exception. This groundbreaking line of products has multiple benefits ranging from relieving stress to […] - [Besties 2019: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2019/): • Bold: Denotes Winner • Italics: Denotes Runner-up FOOD & DRINK Appetizer 677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany Start a meal at 677 Prime with scrumptious bites like shishito peppers with pepperoni and feta, tableside prepared steak tartare or a luxurious seafood tower, and you are in for a meal to remember. Remember their signature seven-hour cherry pepper pulled pork and you will be in heaven! The Cuckoo’s Nest 234 Western Avenue, Albany New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany Apple Pie Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa Capital Region Living readers know apple pie, and they […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Backyard Living](https://crlmag.com/grateful-traveler-backyard-living/): The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 and has established itself as the leading gardening charity, with the aim of inspiring passion and excellence in the science, art, and practice of horticulture. The world-famous RHS Lindley Library holds unique collections of early printed books on gardening, botanical art, and photographs. We at Capital Region Living Magazine cannot think of a better source for your gardening needs. Home gardening is never as mundane as bedding plants, hanging lovely baskets from the porch or even tomatoes waiting to ripen on the vine; but rather a passion for many. It is a […] - [April 2019: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-april-2019/): Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.608.1252; amazinglyageless.com Dr. Giugliano completed medical school with the desire to preserve health. After 20 years of practicing OBGYN, her focus is on looking and feeling AGELESS. Who doesn’t want to look and feel their best? Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa is a full-service med spa specializing in non-invasive treatments including Vaginal Rejuvenation for urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Microneedling, PRP, Body Contouring, Botox/Fillers, and Age-Defying Facials. Dr. Giugliano and her professional staff are excited to offer you cutting edge services to enhance your health and preserve your “ageless” look. […] - [April 2019: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-april-2019/): The Sentinel of Amsterdam 10 Market Street, Amsterdam 518.896.0010; sentinelalf.com The Sentinel was created with a vision centered on providing individualized care in a home-like setting for seniors. Family owned and operated; The Sentinel brings decades of experience in the provision of quality care to its residents. Our philosophy focuses on taking a positive approach to senior living, and our goals are to building an active and full life in a person’s retirement years. We take great pride in our dedicated, caring and professional staff. Each staff member is carefully chosen for their courtesy and commitment to our residents. The […] - [How to Build Your Capital Region She Shed](https://crlmag.com/shedding-light-she-shed/): It’s a fun phrase, and to be honest I see it ridiculed here and there,” said Erika Kotite, author of She Sheds Style, the 2018 follow-up to her 2017 book She Sheds: A Room of Your Own. “But it is actually just an easy way of labeling something that is really bigger than its name implies.” Kotite—who also runs SheShedLiving.com as a gathering space for like-minded women, and sells a line of paints called She Shades—discovered she sheds herself only a few years ago when book publishers, The Quarto Group, asked her to research the subject. She had been a […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Sophisticated Elegance at the Adelphi in Saratoga](https://crlmag.com/adelphi-saratoga-grateful-traveler/): As the Adelphi Hotel’s motto states, “Embrace the Extraordinary,” the renovations are indeed extraordinary. The grand boutique hotel of years past is brilliant in its present state and is once again the beautiful face of Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Adelphi has proven that it is destined to persevere. With the many renovation efforts and total transformations over its decades of graceful existence, the history is just too deep and treasured to not live on. The Victorian-style Adelphi Hotel opened in 1877, from more humble beginnings during a burgeoning American economy and when travel to Saratoga Springs from New […] - [Get Your Family 'Hooked' on Spring Fishing](https://crlmag.com/family-hooked-spring-fishing/): When spring arrives in the Capital Region, my mind begins to race, as I look forward to the endless angling opportunities that will be available come ice-out. Now is the time to put away the ice fishing gear and get ready for another season of open-water fishing. Every angler looks forward to those first few days of warm weather reassuring us that winter is finally over. One can’t help but to get excited about the possibilities that lie ahead such as the rising of an early morning trout, or the slow sinking of a bobber as a hungry crappie inhales […] - [5 Hacks for Greener, Happier Living](https://crlmag.com/hacks-greener-happier-living/): Whether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset. According to findings from a scientific study and survey commissioned by Tetra Pak, adopting simple renewable lifestyle habits can help people go from feeling glum to good. According to the survey, a majority of people (70 percent) feel happier when they make choices that help preserve natural resources. This study comes on the heels of the world’s first social experiment […] - [Spring Getaways 2019: Visit High Falls Gorge, Howe Caverns and More](https://crlmag.com/spring-getaways-2019/): High Falls Gorge 4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington 518.946.2278; highfallsgorge.com If you are planning a trip to the Adirondacks this spring, be sure to set aside time to experience the mighty High Falls Gorge waterfalls when they are at their peak! Just a short drive from Lake Placid, NY and one mile from Whiteface Ski Resort, High Falls Gorge makes a memorable half day trip. Our ½ mile walk along the gorge is the perfect family adventure taking you along the impressive AuSable River to view four remarkable waterfalls: Rainbow Falls, Climax Falls, Mini Falls, and the Main Falls. Due […] - [5 Things to Know About Getting a Brighter Smile](https://crlmag.com/things-know-brighter-smile/): Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. Are you thinking about teeth whitening? Get the facts first. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process. […] - [April 2019: Home & Garden Section](https://crlmag.com/home-garden-section-april-2019/): Schenectady Floor Covering 1910 Maxon Road Ext., Schenectady 518.372.5664; schenectadyfloorcovering.com In business for over 50 years, Schenectady Floor Covering has built its business on its reputation for customer service. Our 9,000-square-foot showroom has all the brands you know and trust with all the latest styles, colors and designs. We specialize not only in carpet but also hardwood, ceramic tile, area rugs, laminate, and vinyl flooring. We are the Capital District’s premier Karastan dealer. As part of America’s leading flooring retail group, we can provide customers with low prices on many flooring options backed by the most solid warranties in the […] - [April 2019: Women's Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-wellness-section-april-2019/): Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.608.1252; amazinglyageless.com Dr. Giugliano completed medical school with the desire to preserve health. After 20 years of practicing OBGYN, her focus is on looking and feeling AGELESS. Who doesn’t want to look and feel their best? Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa is a full-service med spa specializing in non-invasive treatments including Vaginal Rejuvenation for urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Microneedling, PRP, Body Contouring, Botox/Fillers, and Age-Defying Facials. Dr. Giugliano and her professional staff are excited to offer you cutting edge services to enhance your health and preserve your “ageless” look. […] - [Spiritual Groundings: A Time for Letting Go and New Beginnings](https://crlmag.com/spring-letting-go-spiritual-groundings/): As the days get longer and the air gets warmer, most of us start thinking about our annual ritual of spring cleaning. We get our mops and brooms and begin the process of clearing out the accumulation of dust and other things that have built up over the winter months. Why do we do this? Mostly, because it gives us a sense of accomplishment, but it also makes us feel good. But did you ever stop and wonder why? Why does it make us feel good? When we clean our home and rid ourselves of things we no longer use, […] - [Before You Go: 'Spring Cleaning'](https://crlmag.com/spring-cleaning-john-gray/): Growing up in South Troy my friends and I loved the month of April and the arrival of Spring. It wasn’t just the change in weather and seeing the bitter cold wave goodbye for another eight months; it was also the free trash. What am I talking about? Well, let me explain it to you. Back in the 1970’s Troy had a policy that every April you could do your spring cleaning around the house and put what you didn’t want out in front on the curb. And I’m talking anything. If you put it out, a big city garbage […] - [Abby Tegnelia Named CEO Of 'Capital Region Living,' 'Saratoga Living'](https://crlmag.com/abby-tegnelia-ceo-capital-region-living-saratoga-living/): Saratoga Living’s Group Publisher, Abby Tegnelia, is being promoted to Chief Executive Officer, announced Empire Media Network today (March 9). In this role, industry veteran Tegnelia will manage the publishing, financial and editorial components of Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living magazines. She will work closely with Saratoga’s best journalists and top-tier ad team, and continue leading the publishing company’s expansion into events and custom publishing for city nonprofits. A veteran of both local and national magazine leadership, Tegnelia has run the financial and publishing side of Saratoga Living for a year and has a long history of being at […] - [Besties 2019: All the People & Places Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2019/): Bold – Winner Italic – Finalists Culture Art Gallery Clark Art Institute 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA Nestled within the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, The Clark’s rich collection includes period decorative arts of furniture, silver, and china as well as masterworks from Renoir, Turner, Dürer, and more. The short trip from the Capital Region and the rotation of exhibitions will keep you visiting again and again. Opalka Gallery, The Sage Colleges 140 New Scotland Avenue, Albany Pause Gallery 501 Broadway, Troy County Fair Columbia County Fair 182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham Demolition derbies, farm exhibitions, music, a midway, rides and, […] - [7 Simple Home Renovations](https://crlmag.com/simple-home-renovations/): Even if you have no immediate plans for leaving your home, it’s a good idea to approach renovations with resale value in mind. Upgrades that are likely to appeal to future buyers protect your investment while also improving your enjoyment of the home. One key to a successful renovation is figuring out how to personalize the space without making it so customized that it’s not attractive to other potential owners. For example, eliminating a bedroom to create a giant walk-in closet may help achieve your dreams, but losing that bedroom can be a major hit to your home’s value. A […] - [Before You Go: 'Three Wishes'](https://crlmag.com/three-wishes-before-you-go/): There once were three brothers who shared everything, even the womb. Born triplets they all walked and talked at the same time, were ‘straight A’ students in school, all played varsity basketball, and all attended the same college after graduation. It was there, for the first time, they parted ways with one studying finance, one science, and one social work. After college one went to work on Wall Street, one took a job in a lab mapping DNA, and the third managed a food pantry. On their 40th birthday, the three realized they hadn’t seen each other in a while, […] - [January 2019: Women Owned Businesses](https://crlmag.com/women-owned-businesses-january-2019/): Blue Iris Photography 872 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa 518.320.4862; blueirisphotos.com Owner: Linda Peluso Wilson Describe your business. Blue Iris Photography is a full service, boutique studio, set on three landscaped acres. We specialize in newborns, baby’s first year and families. Our new studio has 16-foot ceilings, many windows for natural light, an old fashioned window seat and a 27-foot wall of closets and built-ins for all of our vintage props and boutique clothing/accessories. How long have you been in the industry and what prompted you to start your own business? Photography has been a lifelong love of mine. I got […] - [Cover Companions 2019: Say Hello to DOCCS the Cat](https://crlmag.com/cover-companion-doccs-2019/): Christina Calabrese stepped out of the Ulster Correctional Facility on a bitter snowy day in January two years ago. As an attorney, she had taken a deposition there. Ahead of her was the 80-mile trip back home to the Capital District. She had only driven a few yards when something caught her eye. What was that flash of black and white? Something tiny moving in the adjoining wood lot. Was that furry something out in the woods prepared for this cold weather? She had to check it out so, in business suit, she climbed over a stone wall and into […] - [Bringing Italy Home to Our Capital Region Kitchens](https://crlmag.com/italy-capital-region-kitchens/): For Mary Ann Esposito, life has always focused on food. The eldest daughter of an Italian American family, Esposito grew up in Western New York learning the rich tradition and skills of cooking authentic southern Italian cuisine. Her mother and Neapolitan grandmother ran a boarding house where the family also lived, and the kitchen seemed to remain at the center of all aspects of their bustling life, business and family alike. And whether she knew it or not at the time, Esposito’s life was heading down a path steeped in her heritage. “Subconsciously, these women really influenced me with their […] - [Integrative Medicine: Complementary Therapies for Healthcare](https://crlmag.com/integrative-medicine-complementary-therapies/): “It’s just not running smoothly,” you tell your mechanic about your car’s performance and its bumpy start-and-stop ride. “Well, I can do this, and I can do that,” the mechanic replies, “but when did you last….” Yup, you haven’t driven mindfully, added quality oil or given it the other care that an owner of such a big purchase should be committed to doing on a regular basis. Let’s move from the body shop to your body. What are your roles in your own health care, both when you are ill and when you’re feeling well? What are the roles of […] - [January 2019: Pets Section](https://crlmag.com/pets-section-january-2019/): The Animal Hospital 2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands 518.456.0852; theanimalhospital.com We at The Animal Hospital have dedicated our lives and this practice to our patients. Our serene veterinary office is a warm and inviting practice for you and your companion. By choice we remain a small hospital allowing all of our staff to know you and your pet, giving whatever time is necessary to meet your needs. Every patient benefits from our commitment to be at the forefront in veterinary medicine. We do our best to reassure them with a gentle voice and soft touch. Our philosophy is to treat […] - [January 2019: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-january-2019/): The Sentinel of Amsterdam 10 Market Street, Amsterdam 518.896.0010; sentinelalf.com The Sentinel was created with a vision centered on providing individualized care in a home-like setting for seniors. Family owned and operated, The Sentinel brings decades of experience in the provision of quality care to its residents. Our philosophy focuses on taking a positive approach to senior living and our goals are to building an active and full life in a persons retirement years. We take great pride in our dedicated, caring and professional staff. Each staff member is carefully chosen for their courtesy and commitment to our residents. The […] - [January 2019: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-january-2019/): The Furniture House 1254 Highway 9P, Saratoga Springs 1060 Route 9, Queensbury thefurniturehouseny.com Whether building a new home, down-sizing or just updating your current home, The Furniture House is the place to come for your home furnishing needs. Our design staff will help make YOUR dreams a reality, YOUR personality shine through. We offer quality, unique pieces at a value you didn’t realize you could afford. Small rooms? No problem. Unique needs? No problem. From basic home pieces to murphy beds, custom pieces, adjustable coffee tables, jewelry mirrors, conversation sofas and more. Come see what all the buzz is about. […] - [Spiritual Groundings: Find Your Passion, Find Your Bliss](https://crlmag.com/passion-bliss-spiritual-groundings/): We have had a month to work on our resolutions and the intentions that we set on the New Year. Hopefully, we are holding to these intentions and are starting to see how they benefit us. For some, these intentions may have been working on health or diets, but this is also a time to look toward your true passions, and believing in yourself. The last Full Moon of 2018 provided a time for reflection on our intentions and progress towards those goals. Astrologically, The Full Moon was in Cancer, which is about passion but also fertility. This influences creativity, […] - [Before You Go: 'Keller's Heart'](https://crlmag.com/kellers-heart-john-gray/): He should have died if we’re being honest about things. Most full-bred dogs that are born severely disabled are often put down as some misguided act of mercy. That’s the polite way they describe it, “put down.” As if you picked something up in a store, didn’t like the price tag on the bottom and just put it back down on the shelf and walk away. But Keller lived, only to be abandoned on the street, like a chewing gum wrapper, one cold spring day. I suppose the owner assumed nature or a four-wheel drive truck would do what they […] - [December 2018: Locally Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/locally-owned-businesses-december-2018/): The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park 518.674.3040; thetownetavern.com Owner: Larry Dickinson Describe your business with a brief history. The Towne Tavern is a warm, inviting, family-friendly restaurant with a focus on great food. We have been open since 2005, after a major renovation to the building, which was originally a blacksmith shop in the 1800s, and then a number of other establishments over the years. Almost everything here is made from scratch with our own recipes, and we take pride in the fact that we smoke or roast our own meats and make our dressings and BBQ sauces […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Winter Escapes](https://crlmag.com/winter-escapes/): Mt. Washington, NH Anything that your heart desires for winter activities and in a winter getaway, in general, can be found in Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. The tune, “walking in a winter wonderland” will linger in your mind while you are enjoying everything that cold temps have to offer. Activities Are you ready to conquer the challenging winter climb of Mt. Washington? This peak is legendary in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. There are gifted and fit guides who can lead you to make the journey. You can experience their state of the art and famous mountaintop weather station. At 6,288 […] - [December 2018: Romantic Getaways Section](https://crlmag.com/romantic-getaways-section-december-2018/): Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa  220 North Road, Milton  845.795.1310; buttermilkfallsinn.com  Buttermilk Falls invites you to our 75 acre Hudson River estate with river views, luxury lodgings, a world-class spa, Henry’s at the Farm Restaurant and Millstone Farm & Animal Sanctuary. Our mid-week winter welcome Package includes: LUXURIOUS ROOM & FIREPLACE – A working fireplace warms each of our Inn’s guest rooms. SPA POOL, SAUNA, STEAM ROOM – Enjoy them all! You may expand your stay with our eco-friendly spa’s treatments menu. COUNTRY BREAKFAST – Farm-fresh breakfast in our sunny dining room. Produce, eggs and honey are sourced from our […] - [An Affluent Life Is a Whole Life](https://crlmag.com/affluent-life-whole-life/): It is a life wholeness and use of our full potential. Affluence is complete alertness and command over one’s destiny. There is a natural tendency and capacity to create an affluent life in all of us. With this stated, a conversation with authoress Carol Tuttle brought some marvelous insights. 2019 can bring a further collapse of culture throughout the world, but it can also bring the most significant opportunities to build an affluent life, instructs Carol Tuttle. A good foundation for building affluence can always come out of times like these. Climates will continue as a “bigger” experience, meaning that […] - [The Grateful Traveler: 10 of My Favorite Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia](https://crlmag.com/savannah-georgia-grateful-traveler/): Retail therapy “The talented community of artists at SCAD is an ever-changing, collaborative force of creative individuals who have showcased fine art in the most exclusive galleries, adorned celebrities with jewelry on the red carpets, featured handbags and accessories in premier fashion magazines, and produced home goods that are featured all around the world. shopSCAD is a one-stop resource for these works created and designed by Savannah College of Art and Design students, alumni and faculty.” SCAD’s unique retail gallery in Savannah is great for window shopping too! Such a feast for the senses. Peeking into historical homes Savannah’s historic […] - [Before You Go: 'A Script for Life'](https://crlmag.com/script-life-john-gray/): About twenty years ago someone asked me to give a commencement address at a high school graduation. About a week before the graduation I wrote out a speech that would take about fifteen minutes to deliver. I’d been to enough of these ceremonies to know nobody wanted to suffer through anything longer than that. I hit on the usual stuff that graduation speakers are expected to say and tried to make it uplifting. You know the whole, “you are the future” stuff that Whitney Houston liked to sing about. When the day arrived, I went to the Empire State Plaza […] - [10 Yummy Holiday Mocktails and Cocktails](https://crlmag.com/holiday-mocktails-cocktails-2018/): Apple Crisp Courtesy of Yankee Distillery Ingredients ¼ ounce caramel syrup 2 ounces fresh sweet apple cider 2 ounces Yankee Distillers Bourbon Whiskey Directions • Rim a rocks glass with cinnamon and sugar and fill 2⁄3 with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine syrup, cider and bourbon. Shake to combine and strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a dehydrated apple slice and cinnamon stick.   Cordwood Courtesy of Yankee Distillery Ingredients ½ lemon, juiced ¾ ounce brown sugar syrup (see below) 2 ounces Yankee Distillers Rye Whiskey Directions • For the spiced brown sugar syrup, mix equal parts water and […] - [Elevate Your Homemade Holiday Gift-making Game](https://crlmag.com/homemade-holiday-gift-making/): How many people on your list is it difficult to buy for? How many times have you looked at your purchases and thought that they aren’t representative of the person you intend them for? Homemade gifts can be the answer – you can personalize them for each of your loved ones, add a certain fragrance they are fond of, use their favorite color, or appeal to their specific sweet tooth. Try a few of these ideas and then experiment with the packaging to elevate your homemade offerings into gifts that will add sparkle to your loved ones’ season. Gifts to […] - [Keying In on the Capital Region's Curling Scene](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-curling-scene/): Curling – you’ve seen it on TV and during the Olympics, that eccentric sport played on the ice with the sweeping and the shouting. Maybe you tuned in for a game, learning the scoring and strategies, becoming more and more mesmerized by the nuances and physics of a sport unlike any other. Curling takes elements from shuffleboard, darts, luge, and kitchen floor cleaning, and delivers a bizarre and singular sport. For those who’d like to try curling for themselves, there are five dedicated clubs in New York State, and two of them are right here in the Capital Region within […] - [Before You Go: 'Angel's 20 Favors'](https://crlmag.com/angels-20-favors-john-gray/): Her name was Angie, but everyone called her Angel. It wasn’t just because she was a sweet 12-year-old girl, you could blame her older sister for the nickname. When Angie was born her sister Allison, who was only three at the time, couldn’t pronounce her name, so it kept coming out “Angel.” After that, it just stuck. Who knew what an Angel she would turn out to be for an entire community. It was a bitterly cold December morning when the sixth-grade teacher noticed Angel staring out the window. She was sad but hadn’t told a soul why. The class […] - [November 2018: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-november-2018/): McGinnis Women’s Medical Care, PC 24 Computer Drive West, Albany 518.689.7548; mcginniswomensmedicalcare.com Our Providers: Mary Joyce McGinnis, MD FACOG Jennifer Iovinelli, FNP Barbara Hill, FNP McGinnis Women’s Medical Care is now accepting new patients. We are a personalized, private practice that treats each individual as such. Some of what we offer: • Birth control options • Breast exams/Mammogram • Bone density/osteoporosis/treatments • Cystocele/rectocele • Gardasil vaccine • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) • Medical Marijuana certification • Menopause • Pap Smears • Persistent vaginal infections • Pregnancy • Sexuality at all stages of life • Sexually transmitted infections • Urinary leakage […] - [Holidays Shine Bright in Area Parades, Strolls and Activities](https://crlmag.com/holidays-parades-strolls-activities/): The greater Capital Region knows how to ring in the holidays. Over the decades, Schenectady, Hudson, Saratoga Springs, Troy, and Lake Placid have created special events that have been musts on the holiday activities lists for generations of area residents and visitors. This year, enjoy a repeat visit or experience the magic for the first time. To ensure you don’t miss anything, check out the schedules of events in advance for each holiday venue. Schenectady Annual Holiday Parade November 17; 5pm dailygazette.com/holiday-parade When the Annual Holiday Parade steps off this year, marchers and watchers will be enjoying a 50-year tradition […] - [10 Easy Steps to Cooking Great Holiday Meals](https://crlmag.com/steps-cooking-holiday-meals/): Let’s get the mindset change out of the way first. Your meal does NOT have to be perfect! Holiday perfection comes in family and friends sharing a meal and enjoying being together. Gratitude and joy is the goal, and perfect food won’t get you there. Now on to ten ideas to make your life easier so you can get back to enjoying your loved ones sooner. 1. Just like in business, you can outsource or in some cases upsource (depending on your cooking skill) parts or all of your holiday meal. Many local, and frankly, wonderful Capital Region restaurants and […] - [A Host's Step-by-Step Guide to Holiday Gatherings](https://crlmag.com/host-guide-holiday-gatherings/): Gearing up for a big crowd at your holiday festivities can provide moments of excitement, stress, fun and plenty of other emotions as the big dinner draws near. This year, avoid any nagging feelings of doubt with this step-by-step guide to prepare for large gatherings. Plan in advance. Even if you’re typically the last-minute type, the hectic holiday season is no time to wait until a few days ahead of the celebration to throw meals and more together. Instead, be sure to put together a guest list and send invites at least a few weeks out. Take inventory of supplies […] - [How to Get Your Vehicle and Home Ready for the Winter](https://crlmag.com/vehicle-home-ready-winter/): Living in the Capital Region, we know all too well that winter can wreak havoc on our cars and homes and that once the snow starts flying, we could be in for a long run. Make sure that you are ready for anything Old Man Winter throws at you this season by following these tips. For your car Check and change wiper blades Fill your washer fluid tank Check your tire treads, pressure and mount winter tires Have brakes checked Check your battery – consult your owners’ manual for the “How To” for your vehicle Change your oil to the […] - [Living With Parkinson's Disease](https://crlmag.com/living-parkinsons-disease/): His brother was catching up to him and then taking the lead in their regular runs. That just hadn’t been the experience on their enjoyable time exercising together. His gait also seemed off-kilter – one of his feet would slap the ground. Fatigue? Aging? Arthritis? Over-exertion? Something else? Something as simple as buttoning a shirt became a problem – not a simple matter at all. For another Capital Region resident, getting around was increasingly problematic, and she avoided social gatherings or leaving the house at all, if possible. Another hoped for understanding: A person off-balance and slurring words may well […] - [Before You Go: 'Jessie's Thanksgiving'](https://crlmag.com/jessies-thanksgiving-john-gray/): November was tough for Jessie as far as months go. She was normally a very happy person, but everyone who came into “The Empty Plate Diner” where she waitressed noticed a change in her once the leaves turned. Some wondered if it had something to do with her upbringing and the holidays. I guess you could say they were right on both counts. Jessie wasn’t born here; she emerged late one morning from the doors of a Greyhound bus carrying everything she owned in two plastic Walmart bags. Lucky for her there was a “help wanted” sign hanging in the […] - [October 2018: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-october-2018/): Safe Care Mobility Services 456 North Pearl Street, Albany 518.462.5923; safecaremobility.com Safe Care Mobility was founded on the idea that compassion is key. We provide the best possible medical transportation and ambulette service that we can. We use modern vehicles, maintained by in-house mechanics and our drivers are trained professionals. That means we take every possible step to make your ride comfortable, safe, and on time—with a smile! Safe Care Mobility Services is located in Albany and serves the greater Capital Region. Call us today and find out how we can help. Attentive Care of Albany 5 Computer Drive West, […] - [A Moroccan Cooking Lesson With Tara Kitchen's Aneesa Waheed](https://crlmag.com/moroccan-cooking-tara-kitchen/): From the moment you enter either of the Tara Kitchen locations, you know you are in for a treat of a dining experience. You are welcomed, visually, by the pops of color and thoughtful appointment of each restaurant. Graphic displays of Moroccan textiles, bottles of wine, plants, ingredients and the owners brand of pantry and bath products add artistic interest to the unique spaces. Intoxicating smells come from the open kitchens, and of course, when your meal is served, your taste buds will delight in the layers of flavors and textures. Like everything at Tara Kitchen, you are enjoying the […] - [Capital Region Counties' Tourism](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-counties-tourism/): This year’s fall getaways highlight some of our local counties. Upstate New York certainly leads the country, in our humble opinion, in chuck full entertainment and sites to behold when Fall reigns supreme. You really never have to leave your county or surrounding counties to experience the best that our Northeast Fall has to offer. You just may be shocked that all this glory is in your backyard. Bravo Capital Region counties. Fulton County 44lakes.com Fulton County, where the Adirondack Park meets the Mohawk Valley, offers an active getaway or an ideal locale for relaxing. October is a great time […] - [Exploring the Local Ballroom Dancing Scene](https://crlmag.com/local-ballroom-dancing-scene/): One day in late August, Louise Giuliano received a phone call from the president of the United States Imperial Society Teachers of Dance, informing her that the national organization’s first chapter would be located in the Capital Region. The Albany/Upstate NY USISTD Chapter No. 1 was organized by the Albany Dancesport Club, which Giuliano started five years ago to support the area’s competitive ballroom dancers. She said the USISTD—a nonprofit organization which trains dance teachers and judges and offers proficiency exams for dancers—actually approached her to form its first chapter because it knew there would be strong local support. And […] - [Physical Therapy: Treating Injury and Illness](https://crlmag.com/physical-therapy-injury-illness/): If we leave a car garaged and silent for weeks at a time, we can expect that it won’t be starting right up, if at all. After all, the car and its parts need movement. So do we. When we experience injury or health problems, it’s likely that our bodies, which at their optimum operate like well-oiled machines, will need some help to help us function. “Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of life, your ability to earn a living, and your independence,” the American Physical Therapy Association observes. “Physical therapists are movement experts who treat people of all […] - [Before You Go: 'The Boy Who Believed in Ghosts'](https://crlmag.com/boy-believed-ghosts-john-gray/): The scar was faded, so it surprised him when I asked how he got it? It stretched across his forehead like a cat had deliberately marked him. He rubbed it and said, “Caught it on a nail when I was a kid.” Something told me he was lying. I’d known Jonah for a couple years, but it wasn’t until we went out for beers one rainy October night and I asked about it again that he decided to trust me with the truth. He told me I’d probably laugh; then the room went hush as if the mahogany bar itself […] - [October 2018: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-october-2018/): Schenectady Floor Covering 1910 Maxon Road Ext., Schenectady 518.372.5664; schenectadyfloorcovering.com In business for over 50 years, Schenectady Floor Covering has built its business on its reputation for customer service. Our 9,000-square-foot showroom has all the brands you know and trust with all the latest styles, colors and designs. We specialize not only in carpet but also hardwood, ceramic tile, area rugs, laminate, and vinyl flooring. We are the Capital District’s premier Karastan dealer. Schenectady Floor Covering is a proud member of Flooring America. As part of America’s leading flooring retail group, this 500-store nationwide buying power guarantees you low prices […] - [Seasonal Home Projects](https://crlmag.com/seasonal-home-projects/): More efficient, tightly built homes than those constructed in previous generations are generally well-regarded, for the most part with good reason. However, when you consider people spend 90 percent of their time indoors on average, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), such airtight environments raise some concerns. All that efficiency cuts down on airflow, effectively trapping allergens and toxins inside. According to estimates from the EPA, the air inside the average home may be as much as five times more polluted than the air outdoors, even in a bustling city. “We know instinctively that spending so many hours in […] - [Getting the Most Out of Your Lake George Life](https://crlmag.com/lake-george-life/): The excitement of battling a bruiser bass or the exhilaration of a leaping salmon on your rod is something everyone should experience. Enthusiasts often travel hundreds and thousands of miles to far-off places, saving vacation time for a year to do what Capital Region anglers can do within an hour. Lake George in September offers these thrills, and two special events (The King George Fishing Derby and The Lake George In-Water Boat Show) are aligning and will keep you inspired well into the autumn. Lake George has a teeming population of both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The transition to lower […] - [Before You Go: '5 Ways to Make This New (School) Year Better'](https://crlmag.com/make-school-year-better-john-gray/): Since It’s September and all the little munchkins are heading back to school, I thought I’d start this month’s column with two jokes. First – why did the music teacher always keep a ladder around? Answer: to reach the high notes. Too corny? OK, how about this one. Why do teachers need to be given credit? Answer: because we don’t pay them enough. Oh, so I’m not Jerry Seinfeld, I just thought I’d break the ice before we get serious. I don’t care what the calendar says “September” is the start of a new year. I know it doesn’t come in with fireworks and […] - [August 2018: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-august-2018/): Flowers By Pesha 501 Broadway, Troy 518.272.1980; FlowersByPesha.com Flowers By Pesha offers a gorgeous selection of custom bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, wedding ceremony flowers and centerpieces to fit any budget. Whether your wedding is a spring, summer, fall or winter event, simple or elaborate, we can provide bright, beautiful flowers to make your day UNFORGETTABLE! With over 30 years of floral design experience, FBP is committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements while developing long-term relationships with all our valued customers and the community. All our designs are tailor-made to suit your individual specifications, working closely with our […] - [August 2018: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-august-2018/): McGinnis Women’s Medical Care, PC 24 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 518.689.7548; mcginniswomensmedicalcare.com Our Providers: Mary Joyce McGinnis, MD FACOG Jennifer Iovinelli, FNP; Barbara Hill, FNP McGinnis Women’s Medical Care, is now accepting new patients. We are a personalized, private practice that treats each individual as such. Some of what we offer: • Birth control options • Breast exams/Mammogram • Bone density/osteoporosis/treatments • Cystocele/rectocele • Gardasil Vaccine • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) • Medical Marijuana certification • Menopause • Pap Smears • Persistent vaginal infections • Pregnancy • Sexuality at all stages of life • Sexually transmitted infections • Urinary […] - [Exploring the Utica Zoo](https://crlmag.com/exploring-utica-zoo/): Who doesn’t love a good zoo? As a mom of three small boys, I am constantly having the talk about what can be a good pet and what really should be left outside in the wild of our backyard. That’s why having the Utica Zoo to fuel their sense of wonder and educate their wild side just an hour and fifteen minutes away is so great. Getting there Depending on where you are coming from in the Capital Region, you can expect the trip to take anywhere from an hour to two hours or so. The stretch of the Thruway, west […] - [Viva XXXII Tequila Offers Up Some 'Healthy' Cocktail Recipes](https://crlmag.com/viva-xxxii-tequila-recipes/): Here some great tasting, budget friendly tequilas to keep on your radar. The distinct agave-based liquor can err on the side of pricey; however, Viva XXXII Tequila offers tequila lovers the best and affordable tequila you can find. Whether you’re a margarita addict, tequila sunrise-lover, or prefer it straight or on the rocks, VIVA XXXII Tequila will be sure to satisfy your taste buds and your wallet. Bonus: each of the bottles is so beautiful, it makes for a great gift that you won’t have to bother wrapping or looks great on any bar! Charity: Viva XXXII donates 10% of their net […] - [July 2018: Back to School Section](https://crlmag.com/back-to-school-section-july-2018/): KJ’s Gymnastics 3143 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.2554; kjsgymnastics.com Looking for a fun, safe and enjoyable hobby for your children? Bring them to KJ’s Gymnastics, where they’ll have fun, make new friends and learn new skills! We’re dedicated to developing what we call the “ABCs” of your child’s athletic and mental ability. Through the sport of gymnastics, we teach agility and awareness, balance and brain development and coordination to build your child’s confidence in a fun, safe environment. KJ’s Gymnastics offers a broad variety of fun activities and gymnastics classes for all ages. From preschool and adolescents to high school and […] - [July 2018: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-july-2018/): The Furniture House 1254 Highway 9P, Saratoga Springs 1060 Route 9, Queensbury thefurniturehouseny.com The Furniture House has two great locations to serve you: our flagship store at 1254 Highway 9P on Saratoga Lake, 1060 Route 9, Queensbury. As we get older, our family structure changes. We downsize our homes. We want comfort and convenience in a tiny package. We look for other ways to be space efficient. The Furniture House specializes in American-made, hard to find pieces to fill these needs. We have Murphy beds, coffee tables that turn to dining tables, lift recliners, Krypton fabrics and multi-purpose home furnishings […] - [CRL Recipes Series: Spinach Salad, Watermelon Gazpacho and Two Kinds of Lemonade](https://crlmag.com/recipes-salad-gazpacho-lemonade/): Powerful spinach salad loaded with healthy berries Ingredients 10 cups spinach 1/2 cup fresh blackberries 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup fresh strawberries 1/4 cup sliced red onion 1 apple, chopped 1 cup pecans (candied taste best) 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled) Homemade poppy and pumpkin seed dressing: 5.3-oz. container of berry yogurt 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2-3 tablespoons milk 2-3 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (unsalted) Directions • Wisk together everything but the poppy seeds • Stir in seeds at the very end • Refrigerate before […] - [Navigating an Unexpected Journey: Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness](https://crlmag.com/cleft-craniofacial-awareness/): It’s a challenging image to consider: A young family discovering that their new addition will be born with a health problem. They stay positive, in the back of their minds knowing there will be much more to come once their little one arrives. Unlike the original plans, it won’t be the usual challenges of parenthood. There will be more. There will be surgeries, extra hospital time, potentially time off from work. It’s a challenging image, indeed, but it is one that families right here in the Capital Region are facing after finding out there little one will be born with […] - [June 2018: Boomer Living Section](https://crlmag.com/boomer-living-section-june-2018/): The Home of the Good Shepherd Various locations homeofthegoodshepherd.com The Home of the Good Shepherd assisted living facility offers residents superior, professional care in a warm home-like environment. Our size allows us to treat each resident as an individual, meeting his/her own needs and activity. With our licensure, we can provide a continuum of care while residents age in place with either our Enhanced or Memory Care services. Every resident has a personal care plan and individualized service plan. Delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Therapeutic diets as ordered by the physician are also […] - [Before You Go: 'The Barn'](https://crlmag.com/the-barn/): While driving through the country, I came upon a barn. It was very old and falling down and looked sad to me. I frowned as I looked at it thinking, “Poor, poor barn.” Just as I turned to go, the barn spoke, “Don’t do that. Don’t look at me with such disappointing eyes. You know nothing about me, silly man.” I looked around, certain someone was hiding in the shadows and playing a joke but there was no one there—just the shambles of the weathered barn. I can’t tell you why but I smiled in that instant and decided to […] - [May 2018: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-section-may-2018/): Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. Various locations hewitts.com Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. is a local company specializing in lawn and garden-related products, service and information. With 50 years in the business and eight stores located in the 518 area code, we are the fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country—and here’s why: • Largest selection of hardy shrubs and trees • Hewitt’s Country Estate lawn food and grass seed • Largest selection of perennial and annual flowers and vegetable plants • Extensive selection of fruit trees, blueberries, raspberries and more • Plant food, mulch, soil and garden accessories • […] - [May 2018: Women's Health Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-health-section-may-2018/): McGinnis Women’s Medical Care Mary Joyce McGinnis, MD, FACOG 24 Computer Drive West, Albany 518.689.7548; mcginniswomensmedicalcare.com If you’re a woman diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you have specialists to watch over your platelets, lymph nodes, and CT scans. It is unlikely that you have anyone to answer questions about the impact of your illness on you as a woman. Who will address questions like: • Will a blood thinner give me terrible periods? • Can the medications I need cause birth defects? • Will I be able to enjoy and give sexual pleasure? • Can hot flashes be […] - [Before You Go: 'Drakes' Window' ](https://crlmag.com/drakes-window-john-gray/): His real name was Oscar, named after the poet Oscar Wilde, but everyone at school called him “Drakes.” It wasn’t a compliment. At twelve, Oscar developed a bad case of acne so his face got bumpy. One of the bullies on the school bus said those bumps reminded him of a Drakes coffee cake and the nickname stuck. The bullying started in middle school, kids making fun of his weight, face, the way he talked. His parents intervened but that just made things worse because the other kids added the word “snitch” to his resume. “Just hang in there,” his […] - [Besties 2018: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2018/): FOOD & DRINK Bold-Winner • Italics- Finalists APPETIZERS Aperitivo Bistro 426 State Street, Schenectady Sausage sliders with house-made sausage, smoked mozzarella and sautéed peppers and onions or perhaps you’d like ricotta meatballs or seasoned kettle chips with creamy parmigiano dressing. Those are just some of the intriguing appetizers that make Aperitivo Bistro number one for our readers and their taste buds in this category. New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany The Shop 135 Fourth Street, Troy APPLE PIE  Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa People don’t just say “I’ll bring an apple pie.” They specify […] - [Before You Go: 'From Dream to Reality'](https://crlmag.com/from-dream-reality-before-you-go/): I don’t dream a lot, but when I do, my dreams are usually silly, insignificant and forgotten before I even wake up. But in October of 2018, I had a very specific and vivid dream I’ll never forget. Instead of being the protagonist in the dream, I was the observer. I couldn’t tell if the person I was watching was male or female, young or old. The only thing I can tell you was that he (or she) was in a church at night. There wasn’t a mass or service happening up on the altar; it was just people milling […] - [Behind the Lens: Wintertime in Thacher Park](https://crlmag.com/thacher-park-wintertime/): Sometimes, you go out to take a particular photograph, only to find another great one awaits. For some time, I have been captivated by the transition between night and day. No other time of day allows an observer—a photographer—to see a single place in so many different and fascinating states of lighting. The colors that occur at dawn and dusk are without rival, more vibrant and varied than any other time of day. Shadows are cast across landscapes in ways that add texture and contrast to them that isn’t normally there. That, and there’s the fascination with the rising and […] - [The Berkshires' Best Restaurants, Hotels and Activities](https://crlmag.com/berkshires-restaurants-hotels-activities/): Throughout this year, Capital Region Living has focused in on cities throughout the Capital Region—Troy, Schenectady and Glens Falls, to name a few—celebrating the best of what each has had to offer. In our final installment of the year, we’re setting our sights southeast to the multi-city Berkshires region. At the end of the day, “Massachusetts” might be hard to spell, but it sure is enjoyable to visit. (Note: Be sure to check on the most up-to-date pandemic-related rules and travel restrictions before booking your trip to The Berkshires!) STAY The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA Go retro at The […] - [Up Your Capital Region Holiday Gift-Giving Game](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-holiday-gift-giving/): The best part of the holidays is the buildup: Christmas music on the radio, holiday lights strung on homes and businesses, the first snowfall…it’s all so exciting. One of the clearest signs that the holiday season is upon us is the arrival of holiday markets, where local artisans set up shop, selling everything from wreaths and baked goods to gifts for everyone on your list. Despite the pandemic, in-person holiday markets are back in the Capital Region, giving you a chance to get out of your house for some socially distanced, mask-wearing, holiday shopping fun. Rotterdam Christmas Market For one […] - [‘Capital Region Living,’ ‘Saratoga Living’ to Host 2020 ‘Capital Region Gives Back’ Event on December 10](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living-saratoga-living-host-gives-back-2020/): A little under a year ago, the combined staffs of Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living converged on Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs for the first annual “Gives Back” event, which raised thousands of dollars for 10 local nonprofits and charitable organizations and saw their 10 honorees get the star treatment they deserved onstage, in front of hundreds of guests. With the region still feeling the widespread effects of the pandemic, local nonprofits and charitable organizations are hurting and need your generosity even more than they did last year. And while we’ll certainly be honoring top givers in Saratoga once again, we’ve expanded our horizons this […] - [9 Ways to Refresh Your Mind, Body & Soul](https://crlmag.com/refresh-mind-body-soul/): MIND “Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.” –Jeffrey Eugenides, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Stress Fracture is a Smash Hit Is stress weighing you down? Do you ever just want to let it all out? Thanks to Stress Fracture, a Capital Region–based mobile stress relief room, now you can. It all started when Jacky Vimislik, now a Rensselaer resident, was living in Binghamton and working in a lab. She and her coworkers were doing a laboratory cleanout day, getting rid of old glassware and anything that was lying around unused, and Vimislik had her eye on a […] - [Fall Getaways: Leaf-peeping, Pumpkins and Hot Cider Await in the Empire State](https://crlmag.com/empire-state-fall-getaways-2020/): Summer isn’t officially over yet—well, at least, not for another couple of weeks. But we can still look ahead to the wonderfully crisp fall season, and the multitude of sensational seasonal getaways that are available for the taking. The ones we’ve chosen don’t even leave the great State of New York, so no need to worry about interstate travel restrictions. Simply grab your keys, open your Google Maps app and get gone. Hudson Valley Boscobel House and Gardens 1601 Route 9D, Garrison Take a day trip to this early 19th-century, neoclassical mansion tucked away in the heart of the Hudson […] - [How the COVID-19 Crisis Has Transformed Dental Visits](https://crlmag.com/covid-19-transformed-dental-visits/): Remember when your dentist’s office would call you before an appointment, reminding you to arrive on a predetermined date and time with your insurance card in hand? On that date, you would’ve taken a seat in the busy waiting room next to other patients. Now because of the COVID-19 crisis, that process is no more. So, what are dental appointments like nowadays? Luckily, dental professionals who work in offices or clinics are trained in infection-control protocols (such as sterilizing equipment, sanitizing surfaces and changing disposable items) anyway, so they were a step ahead of the game when COVID hit. Of […] - [Urgent Care Takeover: Capital Region Edition](https://crlmag.com/urgent-care-capital-region/): Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: There really does seem to be a new urgent care center popping up on every corner around the Capital Region these days. Nationwide, from 2013 to 2019, the number of urgent care facilities has increased by nearly 50 percent to 9,000-plus, according to the Urgent Care Association. And many of these new centers are right here in our community. Offering services and access beyond those of a typical primary care doctor’s office—including extended hours and weekend/holiday availability—urgent cares are satisfying the need for affordable, flexible and convenient healthcare. This uptick in non-ER options couldn’t have […] - [Before You Go: 'The Lone Flower'](https://crlmag.com/lone-flower-before-you-go/): Lincoln Jeffreys may have been only 7, but he was tall enough to look out of the second-story window of his brownstone to the sidewalk below. It ran north to south on Broadway, in a small town like thousands of other small towns in America. To the left and right of his building, respectively, there was a bakery and a small hardware store that sold pretty much everything. He loved the scent of fresh baked bread—and of course, if his mom or dad needed a screwdriver, all they’d need to do is walk 10 feet to the hardware store. Now, […] - [Bike Mania Comes to the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/bike-mania-capital-region/): Even though the COVID-19 crisis has taken a heavy toll on most businesses—everything from mom-and-pop shops to national brands like Starbucks—not every industry has suffered during lockdown. Bicycle manufacturers and retailers are having a record year, as people have taken to the streets, paths and trails at a time when there is little else to do. This past March, children’s bike sales in the US were up 56 percent year over year, and adult leisure bike sales were up a whopping 121 percent, according to market research company NPD Group. Now, many major bike manufacturers are completely sold out of […] - [August 2020: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-2020/): Garden Time Various Locations gardentimeinc.com Garden Time offers a wide selection of sheds, gazebos and outdoor furniture, as well as excellent customer service and a superior shopping experience to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful lawn and garden. Whether you are in the market for a blooming plant for your porch, a screened-in gazebo for your backyard, fertilizer for your lawn or a storage solution for a little extra space, Garden Time invites you to shop its extensive online selection to explore what sets it apart from the rest. Call one of Garden Time’s three locations in […] - [August 2020: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-august-2020/): Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery 713 Troy Schenectady Rd. #308, Latham 518.786.1700; capekplasticsurgery.com Always be ready for life’s biggest moments. Dr. Capek and her team of licensed professionals will have you looking and feeling your best with a full range of cosmetic surgery and med spa services. Plan ahead and get that natural-looking surgical transformation. Even last-minute skincare appointments can make a big difference. Together with Dr. Capek, create an individualized plan for you to achieve your aesthetic goals, which will have you glowing with confidence. From Signature HydraFacial and LASER packages to injectable treatments and CoolSculpting, the Capek team […] - [Besties 2020: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-food-drink-2020/): Note from the editors: A big congratulations from the CRL team to every single Bestie winner! At press time, the Capital Region’s phase three of reopening was in full swing, and restaurants had just started to reintroduce inside dining. We hope that by the time you read this, we’ll be even further along with the reopening process, and you’ll be able to celebrate the best that every restaurant has to offer, inside and out. Let’s eat! Bold = Winner • Italic = Finalist APPETIZER New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 When it comes to apps, veggies […] - [Takeout Takeover: How the COVID Era Forced Classic Takeout to Up Its Game](https://crlmag.com/takeout-covid-era-game/): When Capital Region Living readers voted Canali’s Restaurant in Rotterdam the best takeout in the area at the end of 2019, no one had any idea just how crucial takeout would soon become for the food industry as a whole. As restaurants were forced to close their doors to in-house dining due to the COVID-19 crisis, many had to scramble to put together online ordering systems from scratch and figure out how to facilitate new curbside pickup options. But did COVID-19 simply accelerate an already existing trend? “It seems to be even before COVID that it’s been growing in our […] - [All the Podcasts, Shows, Books and Movies You Should Be Getting Familiar With This Summer](https://crlmag.com/podcasts-shows-books-movies-summer/): Podcasts Local: The Historians Amsterdam native Bob Cudmore hosts this weekly podcast exploring the rich history of the Mohawk Valley. Cudmore interviews notable Mohawk Valley residents about our region’s fascinating past, covering everything from architecture to industries and celebrities. Be prepared to gain a new appreciation for our neck of the woods. Listen on either bobcudmore.com or Apple Podcasts Topical: Horse Racing Happy Hour You don’t have to wait until 5 o’clock to enjoy this happy hour. Every Thursday, grab your favorite drink and tune in to the Horse Racing Happy Hour podcast, on which hosts Megan, Mike and Louis […] - [7 Must-Visit Ice Cream Shops From Loudonville to Queensbury](https://crlmag.com/ice-cream-shops-loudonville-queensbury/): Curry Freeze Rotterdam Curry Freeze has been serving up sweet treats in Rotterdam for more than 50 years. Besides its homemade ice cream flavors, which include French Roast Coffee and Rocky Mountain Raspberry, Curry Freeze also makes its own Italian ices and fan-favorite sherbets. The Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Daughters’ has been Saratoga’s go-to spot for ice cream since the ’60s. Along with its famous soft and hard ice cream (plus loads of toppings, including its signature Oreo and sprinkle “zebra” mix), the shop also carries Italian ices, slushies, popsicles, shakes, specialty sundaes and a full food menu, […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Staycation, All You Ever Wanted...](https://crlmag.com/staycation-grateful-traveler/): Seals & Crofts’ 1972 hit song “Summer Breeze”—deftly covered in 2015 by Capital Region rock star (and The Voice winner) Sawyer Fredericks, with help from hitmaker Pharrell Williams—is my summer relaxation/let-loose song. For many of us, the itch for a change of scenery has these go-to songs playing on a loop in our brains. And while many of us will likely be staying put this summer due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, there’s nothing more enjoyable and authentically liberating than a well-thought-out staycation. If ever there was a time to embrace the Capital Region and its environs, it would be this […] - [Before You Go: 'Chasing Sunsets'](https://crlmag.com/chasing-sunsets-before-you-go/): When you visit Cape Cod, there are just two things you need to know after crossing the Bourne Bridge and heading east on Route 6: when the tide goes out and when the sun sets. The answer unlocks this hidden treasure: walking along the bay, just as the sun slips silently into the distant ocean. If you’ve never walked along the bay on Cape Cod when the tide is out, I can only describe it as a painting come to life—one that you don’t just look at but inhabit. On the ocean side of the Cape, like most ocean beaches, […] - [July 2020: 50+ Living Section](https://crlmag.com/50-living-section-july-2020/): Daughters of Sarah Senior Community 180 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany 518.456.7831; daughtersofsarah.org The mission of Daughters of Sarah is to enhance the quality of life, assure the safety and dignity and foster the independence of those served by the senior community’s facilities and programs. One such facility is the award-winning Massry Residence, the premier independent living option in the Capital City. Massry Residence apartments are private, spacious and airy, and include a number of amenities, such as onsite wellness activities and delicious kosher dining. From the Massry Residence, it’s also an easy transition to Daughters of Sarah’s Nursing Center, which […] - [COVID Hasn't Stopped Bethlehem High's Class of 2020 From Helping People in Need](https://crlmag.com/covid-bethlehem-high-class-2020/): For me, the spring semester of my senior year of high school was one of the best times of my life. I’d already been accepted to college, my parents had given me more freedom to hang out with friends, and I had the whole summer ahead of me before I began the next chapter. Obviously, things are a lot different for the class of 2020. Schools in New York and across the country have been closed for the remainder of the year, effectively canceling most seniors’ milestones. Students aren’t supposed to be seeing friends, and it’s unclear how long social […] - [June 2020: Locally Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/locally-owned-businesses-june-2020/): Colonie Animal Hospital 1946 Central Ave., Albany 518.456.1613; colonieanimalhospital.com Owners: Dr. Calla Kinne, Dr. Yossi Koren-Roth Give a brief history of your business and describe the services you provide. Our hospital was founded in the 1940s, so we have served generations of families and pets in the Capital Region. Our hospital provides care for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets and a variety of warm-blooded pocket pets. What makes your business stand out? We love our ties to the community we practice in. Our aim is to provide quality preventive care medicine with a personal touch. We are one of the few […] - [7 Local CSAs Where You Can Get Farm-Fresh Food](https://crlmag.com/local-csa-farm-fresh-food/): Dreading trips to the grocery store these days? Minimize your time in crowded aisles and support local farmers by signing up for a Capital Region CSA. CSAs—short for Community Supported Agriculture—allow consumers to purchase a weekly, monthly or yearly share of produce from local farmers, conveniently available for contactless pickup or delivery. Interested? Sign up for one of these local CSAs this summer. Denison Farm Schaghticoke denisonfarm.com The Denison family has operated its Schaghticoke farm, where it has tilled 25 acres of United States Department of Agriculture-certified organic vegetables, herbs and fruit, for more than a decade. Choose from vegetable, […] - [Glens Falls' Top Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More](https://crlmag.com/glens-falls-restaurants-bars-hotels/): Throughout this year, Capital Region Living magazine will be focusing in on different cities in and around the Capital Region. We’ll take you on a tour of the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town—as well as introduce you to some of the city’s most memorable residents. This month, we’re taking a closer look at the Empire City, Glens Falls (plus a few hotspots in nearby Queensbury). Note: Some of the restaurants, hotels and venues listed below remain closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Use this as a guide for when they reopen. STAY The Queensbury Hotel Just steps […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Touring Our New Reality](https://crlmag.com/traveler-touring-new-reality/): Even as our quarantine restrictions begin to lift, the COVID-19 pandemic has left travel at a precipice. For the foreseeable future, the world in which we travel will be smaller, both in area and scope. So navigating this new reality will demand patience and planning. As a travel writer, I have found that one of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the cultivation of calm. No doubt as most of my fellow travelers know, pre-COVID-19 travel often found us in a rush—whether it be to drop off our pets at daycare before a day trip, or the car […] - [How to Protect Your Skin During Quarantine](https://crlmag.com/protect-skin-quarantine/): Even as services begin to open up here in the Capital Region, there’s no getting around the fact that we’ve never spent as much time at home as we do now. From sleep issues affecting collagen growth to dehydration and dullness, being stuck indoors is wreaking havoc on the health of our skin. The good news? There’s a lot you can do about it. The main shelter-in-place skin issues stem from the collective sleep troubles people are facing thanks to rising stress levels and too much screen time. “It’s when we sleep that our skin regenerates and repairs itself by […] - [Before You Go: 'A Year to Remember'](https://crlmag.com/year-remember-before-you-go/): Luciana Jones arrived early at the posh restaurant in Saratoga Springs for her dinner reservation on a warm June evening in 2045. It was one of those places where they didn’t put prices on the menu, which meant you only went there on special occasions, which this most certainly was. Her husband, Thomas, had to work late, so he took his own car to meet his beautiful wife for dinner. Luciana gave the hostess, a pretty young woman of college age, her name, and she smiled and said, “Oh yes, the wedding anniversary dinner, right this way. We have something […] - [June, a Time for Reinvention](https://crlmag.com/june-time-reinvention/): There is no getting around the fact that our lives have been disrupted over the past few months by the COVID-19 crisis, and we have had to find new, creative ways to live them “normally.” Astrologically, since Saturn was in retrograde last month, we were all taught that we are stronger than we realized, and as much as we are creatures of habit, we can adapt. We may not like change, but it’s inevitable. It’s now June, the official beginning of summer, and this will definitely be one where we’ll need to “think outside the box” to find new ways […] - [Get a Good Night’s Sleep, Even During a Global Pandemic](https://crlmag.com/sleep-during-global-pandemic/): Sufficient sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle—especially during the COVID-19 crisis, during which we’ve all been under a lot of pressure. Lack of sleep is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of US adults suffers from insufficient sleep, which is defined as less than seven hours daily. And when we consistently lack a good night’s sleep, our cognitive functions are affected, often compromising our performance and safety. Luckily, you can take control of your sleep […] - [Tips and Tricks for Painting Your Home During Quarantine](https://crlmag.com/tips-painting-home-quarantine/): Chances are, you’re spending way more time in your home during the COVID-19 crisis than ever before. And, chances are, you’ve noticed some things about it that you don’t love. Is the baseboard paint chipping? Are you feeling trapped inside four boring white walls? Do your kitchen cabinets need an upgrade? All these problems can be fixed with a fresh coat of paint, and painting is something you—yes, you—can do all on your own. “Painting is one of the most economical home improvement projects that can dramatically change the overall appearance and feel of a home,” says Jennifer Duttine, a […] - [June 2020: Home Improvement](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-june-2020/): Ghent Wood Products 1262 Route 66, Ghent 518.828.5684; ghentwoodproducts.com Summer is here and it’s time to dive into those home improvement projects that you’ve been waiting all winter to complete. Whether you are looking to improve your flowerbeds with fresh mulch or build a new stone wall, Ghent Wood Products is happy to help and give you helpful tips about its products. When it comes to your home and projects such as putting down new flooring, re-siding your house or any number of other specialty projects, Ghent Wood Products has quite the assortment of wood species that are sure to […] - [We Have Some Important News To Share With You, Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/important-news-capital-region/): Our entire staff hopes that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy and doing as well as can be expected during these unprecedented and troubling times. And we wanted to sincerely thank you for your continued support for our small, community-focused media group. We have had some major changes happen at our company in the past few months, and we wanted to share them all with you. Back in January, Saratoga Living, which has published in Saratoga County and the surrounding region for more than 20 years, officially merged and combined teams with Latham-based Capital Region Living, a monthly […] - [How the Capital Region Has Come Through for Its Own During COVID](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-come-through-covid/): The Food Well before the COVID-19 crisis shut down New York State, isolating us in our homes and closing our schools indefinitely, a group of Albany restaurant professionals was hard at work planning for the disaster that was about to unfold in the Capital Region. Calling itself Feed Albany and launching on March 16, the collective was cofounded by Dominick Purnomo with the mission to do just what its name implied. Since mid-March, Feed Albany has been cooking and delivering meals to groups of at-risk and in-need individuals throughout the Capital Region nearly every day. In the week leading up […] - [Albany's Best Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More](https://crlmag.com/albany-restaurants-bars-hotels/): Throughout this year, Capital Region Living magazine will be focusing in on different cities in and around the Capital Region. We’ll take you on a tour of some of the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town, whether they’re open for business during COVID-19 or not—as well as introduce you to some of the city’s most memorable residents. This month, we’re taking a closer look at Albany—the Capital City. STAY Morgan State House Inn Located in a 19th-century, New York City-style brownstone overlooking Washington Park, the Morgan State House Inn offers intimate and elegant accommodations for Capital City visitors. This […] - [Turn Your Outdoor Space Into a Social Distancing Sanctuary](https://crlmag.com/outdoor-space-social-distancing/): Picture this: It’s June 2020, the weather outside is beautiful, and you still have to practice social distancing, because the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. You’ve been cooped up in your home for three long months, and your only escape is your own backyard. Now, if this actually ends up happening—at press time, there was no way of knowing just how long we’d be on lockdown—it makes sense that you’d want your backyard to be a relaxing, cozy area with as many conveniences of indoor living as possible. In short, you’d want your own, personal social distancing sanctuary. In […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Teach Your Children About the World, One Recipe at a Time](https://crlmag.com/teach-children-world-grateful-traveler/): In her entertaining memoir, Save Me the Plums, Ruth Reichl—revered chef, food writer, critic and final editor of Gourmet magazine—recalls that while accompanying her father to bookstores, she would leaf through vintage copies of Gourmet. She found tales of food in faraway places within its pages—and her interest was piqued. She credits this as her entrée to the food writing world. I’m not suggesting that every child who is excited by the contents of a culinary magazine—or might help his or her parent out in the kitchen—will grow up to be a famous food editor. But an interest in food […] - [How to Avoid Aches and Pains While Working Remotely](https://crlmag.com/avoid-aches-pains-working-remotely/): Working from home has become the new norm, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Global Workplace Analytics, more than half of US employees (i.e. 75 million workers) may be working remotely before the crisis is over. While working in pajamas may be a small perk, the departure from your ergonomic office workstation to your relaxed, DIY home office desk could have a negative impact on your posture and overall health. Below are a few tips to maximize your new workspace to minimize your body’s aches and pains. (1) Maintain Healthy Posture There’s an old rule of thumb that suggests […] - [Resist The Darkness and Step Into The Light](https://crlmag.com/resist-darkness-step-light/): Our world and economy have been shaken due to the COVID-19 pandemic—as have our foundation and feeling of security. This means that as a community, we’re all in need of transformation and change to rebuild our broken lives. We’ve been encouraged to take care of ourselves, our planet, loved ones and fellow human beings, so that we can gracefully age until it’s our time to leave the Earth in our physical form. With so many out there suffering, these challenging times can bring out both the best and worst in people. The worst is the chronic fear, anxiety and anger, as well as […] - [April 2020: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-april-2020/): Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery 713 Troy Schenectady Rd. #308, Latham 518.786.1700; capekplasticsurgery.com Always be ready for life’s big moments. Dr. Capek and her team of licensed professionals will have you looking and feeling your best with a full range of cosmetic surgery and med spa services. Plan ahead and get that natural-looking surgical transformation. Even last-minute skincare appointments can make a big difference. Together with Dr. Capek, create an individualized plan for you to achieve your aesthetic goals which will have you glowing with confidence. From Signature HydraFacial and LASER packages to injectable treatments and CoolSculpting, the Capek team has you covered from […] - [April 2020: 50+ Living Section](https://crlmag.com/50-living-april-2020/): Daughter of Sarah Senior Community 180 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany 518.456.7831; daughtersofsarah.org The mission of Daughters of Sarah is to enhance the quality of life, assure the safety and dignity and foster the independence of those served by the senior community’s facilities and programs. One such facility is the award-winning Massry Residence, the premier independent living option in the Capital City. Massry Residence apartments are private, spacious and airy, and include a number of amenities, such as onsite wellness activities and delicious Kosher dining. From the Massry Residence, it’s also an easy transition to Daughters of Sarah’s Nursing Center, which […] - [May 2020 Crossword Puzzle Answers: 'Rescue Me'](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answers-may-2020/): ACROSS 1. PRE 4. ASH 7. FUSS 11. RED 12. DOO 13. OSHA 14. ODIN 16. OUTBREAK 18. DOTED 20. PHO 21. RYE 22. DID 24. EAT 26. OAR 29. MIRA 31. AFRO 35. FRED 37. RED 38. BRED 39. FIDO 40. EDEN 42. ADE 43. ETC 45. DAB 47. TRI 50. ATT 52. PLACE 56. REDCROSS 59. TURN 60. IDEA 61. RAM 62. RED 63. PSST 64. YRS 65. ADS DOWN 1. PROD 2. REDO 3. EDIT 4. ADO 5. SOUP 6. HOTHEADED 7. FOR 8. USER 9. SHAY 10. SAKE 15. NED 17. BOA 19. DIM 23. DIRECTORY […] - [We Asked Albany's City Gardener: Will The Tulips Still Bloom?](https://crlmag.com/albany-city-gardener-tulips/): This spring is shaping up to be a doozy for Capital Region residents—and the world at large. With offices, schools and businesses closed, and major, long-scheduled events (see: Coachella and the Kentucky Derby) either cancelled or postponed, this season certainly isn’t providing warm weather wishers with much by way of joy and excitement. Popping up amid all the doom and gloom? Tulips. At press time, the highly anticipated 72nd Annual Albany Tulip Festival in Washington Park was still on for May 9 and 10, so Capital Region Living caught up with one of the people most instrumental in making the […] - [Olana and Yaddo Are Spring Day Trips That Are All About the Nature](https://crlmag.com/olana-yaddo-day-trips/): If you believe nature is a form of artistry, it shouldn’t surprise you that two of the most beautiful places to enjoy Mother Nature’s handiwork in and around the Capital Region are closely tied to the world of art. Just outside of Hudson is the Olana State Historic Site, the home and creation of renowned landscape artist Frederic Church. An hour and change north, in Saratoga Springs, lies the Yaddo estate, an artists’ retreat with ten acres of gardens open to the public. Both are National Historic Landmarks dating back to the 1800s, and neither have lost their allure or […] - [The Secrets of The Wave Hill Public Garden](https://crlmag.com/wave-hill-public-garden/): Thomas Christopher was a student at the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden when he first discovered Wave Hill in the Bronx. Once a private estate that hosted the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain, it had since been turned into a heavenly public garden. He recalls his amazement the first time he walked through its gate, hidden in a crowded residential neighborhood, and found himself in the middle of 28 acres of lush gardens with sweeping views of the Hudson River on one side and the striking Palisades on the other “It is really […] - [Hudson's Best Restaurant, Bars, Hotels and More](https://crlmag.com/hudson-restaurants-bars-hotels/): Throughout this year, Capital Region Living magazine will be focusing in on different cities in and around the Capital Region. We’ll take you on a tour of all the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town—as well as introduce you to some of the city’s most memorable residents. This month, we’re taking a closer look at The Friendly City, Hudson, NY. STAY Wm. Farmer And Sons Wm. Farmer and Sons is basically its own tiny city within the City of Hudson, sporting a restaurant with full dinner menu that sides on the inventive (see: Snail Lasagna) and bar, which includes […] - [5 Herbs to Add to Your Beauty Arsenal](https://crlmag.com/herbs-add-beauty-arsenal/): Can you imagine having beautiful skin at a reasonable cost without the added toxic chemicals and unnecessary preservatives? This is all possible with an easy DIY windowsill garden, a project you can embark on even during these days of social distancing. Herbs have been used for centuries to treat skin problems and improve appearance, dating back to the times of Cleopatra, who was known for her exquisite beauty. In more modern times, major skincare brands have long toted the amazing benefits of these plant extracts, but investing in some often comes with a hefty price tag and nonbeneficial ingredients. So […] - [Get ‘Hooked’ on Fishing the Hudson](https://crlmag.com/hooked-fishing-hudson/): Here’s a little riddle for you: What’s massive, teeming with life, largely overlooked and flows right through the heart of the Capital Region…oh, and has been a world-class fishing destination for decades? That would be the one and only Hudson River and all of its tributaries. This 315-mile river that’s so historically significant to our region is also a freshwater fishing wonderland, rich with opportunities for anglers of all kinds. From spring’s migratory striped bass fishing to fall’s smallmouth bass bonanza, there’s always something willing to “stretch your line” when you’re fishing the Hudson. Nothing attracts anglers from all over […] - [The Power of Unconditional Love](https://crlmag.com/power-unconditional-love/): This month, I put great thought into what to write about in this issue of Capital Region Living. I asked my spirit guides, mentors and angels, all of whom help me write these articles, to provide me with the right topic to help us all grow spiritually. Two days after my request to the Divine and my spirit guides, I received an answer in the form of an email shared with me from a good friend of mine, who has been a wonderful, wise mentor in my life. Along with it, she sent me a picture of her brother who, […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Exploring the Neighboring Don CeSar and Salvador Dalí Museum](https://crlmag.com/don-cesar-salvador-dali-museum-grateful-traveler/): A vacation on the West Coast of Florida is a fabulous way to unwind and enjoy some of the best views of the tranquil Gulf of Mexico along the Atlantic coastline. And when home base is The Don CeSar, a luxury hotel in St. Pete Beach, with the magical Salvador Dalí Museum a mere 20-minute drive away in nearby St. Petersburg, it’s truly a gift from the tourism gods. The Don CeSar Incredibly, modern travelers might not have had the chance to stay at the Don CeSar had it not been for a group of concerned residents, who took it […] - [Before You Go: 'A Different Kind of Love Story'](https://crlmag.com/love-story-covid-john-gray/): If you’re reading this story while the COVID-19 pandemic is still going on, you’re no doubt sitting at home self-quarantining or social distancing. If you’re in the Capital Region, you’re probably sitting at just above sea level, having no trouble breathing or keeping warm. But usually in April, hundreds of people are 7400 miles away in a makeshift camp nestled in the mountains of Nepal, wondering if they’re about to achieve their lifelong dreams or instead lose their lives trying. I’m talking about Base Camp Everest, the place where hikers gather each April to plot their path to the top […] - [April 2020 Crossword Puzzle Answers: 'Flower Power'](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answers-april-2020/): Across 1. Org. that oversees tobacco sales 4. Thing to bring to the grocery store 7. Impale 11. Prefix meaning sun 12. Body spray brand 13. Scrabble piece 14. To a great degree 17. Willis-Ekbom Disease, for short 18. Mined material 19. Synonym for interval or failure 22. Soils 26. Fall Out Boy’s genre 27. Late 29. Sleep, but not at night 30. 1/1000 of a bil. 31. Yahtzee piece 32. Airport officers, for short 33. Prefix meaning one 34. Loses one’s fur 36. ___ Rover 37. Alarm clock on a farm 39. Home 41. Belonging to you and me […] - [March 2020: Home & Garden Section](https://crlmag.com/home-garden-section-march-2020/): Marcella’s Appliance Center 560 Broadway, Schenectady 15 Park Ave., Clifton Park 518.381.1957, 518.952.7700 marcellasappliance.com Marcella’s Appliance Center is a family-owned appliance store with showrooms in Schenectady and Clifton Park. Since 1957 they have served customers throughout the Capital Region with the area’s best selection of appliances at the best prices, top-notch customer service, and a dedicated service and repair team. Their knowledge of the appliances they sell sets them apart from the competition. Visit the large showrooms for a wealth of ideas. Their knowledgeable staff will help you select the kitchen or laundry appliances of your dreams. With more than 30,000 […] - [Besties 2020: All the People and Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2020/): *Bold = Winner* *Italics = Finalist* CULTURE ART GALLERY Albany Institute of History & Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany Founded in 1791, this museum is one of the oldest in the US, and it’s our region’s storehouse for 35,000 objects, from paintings and sculpture to clothing and furniture. The elegant gallery of Hudson River School paintings is a favorite with visitors. Regional artists are showcased, too. Albany Center Gallery 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CMOST (Children’s Museum of Science & Technology) 250 Jordan Road, Troy Live snakes, rabbits, owls and […] - [The Capital Region's Malls Are Surviving—and Thriving](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-malls/): Wherever it is you might live in America, the doom and gloom surrounding the once-glamorous shopping mall is almost unavoidable. While malls were all the rage after World War II, when many Americans were moving from cities to the suburbs—and reached an apex in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s—several decades later, they appear to be on their way out. But the national trend doesn’t seem to apply to us here in the Capital Region. Exhibit A: Albany’s Crossgates Mall, which has been in reinvention mode in recent years. “The concept of ‘mall’ is actually undergoing a healthy natural selection […] - [Before You Go: 'Finnegan's Goat'](https://crlmag.com/finnegans-goat-john-gray/): It was the occasion of James Patrick Ryan’s 16th birthday party, and his immediate family had all stopped by to celebrate and help him blow out the candles. The presents from his relatives, per his request, were all gift cards to the places he liked to shop. Every birthday card he received had a gift card stuffed inside, and then James’ grandfather handed him a card. When he tore into the envelope and opened the Hallmark card inside it, there was nothing there, save for six words written on the card: “A walk and wisdom, love Grandpa.” After the dishes […] - [March 2020 Crossword Puzzle Answers: 'Shop Therapy'](https://crlmag.com/playshop-therapy/): Across 1. Snake’s tooth 5. Bellybutton find 9. Rose’s fiancé in Titanic 12. ___ vera 13. 1926 Langston Hughes poem 14. “Cheerleader” singer 15. Cloud of tiny water droplets 16. Put on Facebook Marketplace, say 17. Hamilton’s ___-Manuel Miranda 18. Face-tattooed singer roaming the halls of Crossgates Mall? 21. Gleam 23. Smooth out wrinkles 24. Unagi 25. Within 30. What you might be if you subsist solely on food from Colonie Center? 35. Came to the same conclusion 36. Not new 37. Classic rug shape 40. High-end coolers 42. Type of unexplainable activity going on at Clifton Park Center? 47. […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Back to the Future in the Catskill Mountains](https://crlmag.com/catskill-mountains-grateful-traveler/): Few vacation destinations in America rivaled the Catskills at the height of the 1950s and 1960s. Families, escaping the heat and drudgery of the surrounding towns and cities, found sanctuary in the mountain bungalow-style family camps. At the same time, over-the-top, all-inclusive resorts such as the Concord Resort Hotel and Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel peppered the landscape. Families arrived with cars packed full of everything they’d need for an extended mountain reprieve. As guests to the Catskills’ camp scene became more affluent, the elegant resorts also rose to prominence. One of the better movies to highlight that era was 1987’s […] - [March 2020: Pets Section](https://crlmag.com/pets-section-march-2020/): The Animal Hospital 2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands 518.456.0852; theanimalhospital.com The staff at The Animal Hospital have dedicated their lives and this practice to their patients. The serene veterinary office is warm and inviting for you and your companion. By choice, it has remained a small hospital, allowing all of the staff to know you and your pet, giving whatever time is necessary to meet your needs. Every patient benefits from the staff’s commitment to being at the forefront in veterinary medicine. The Animal Hospital’s philosophy is to treat each patient as it would its own family members. Pet Spas […] - [Subrina Dhammi and Her Husband Show the Capital Region How It's Done](https://crlmag.com/subrina-dhammi-capital-region/): This is a happy story. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been one of those people who, when I meet someone wonderful—you know, kind, attractive, witty, smart—I want the person they chose to love to be worthy, on the same level, as my friend. So I’m glad to report that such is the case in the decade-long union of NewsChannel 13 morning anchor (and new buddy) Subrina Dhammi, and her environmental and civil engineer husband, Ryan Jendrasiak. To spend time with them, as I’ve had occasion to do a couple of times recently, is to see a functioning […] - [3 Ridiculously Romantic Upstate Wedding Proposals](https://crlmag.com/romantic-upstate-wedding-proposals/): 1 Couple: Vivian Lee and Alex Kutikov Ages: 32 and 38 Location: Congress Park, Saratoga Springs Date: January 29, 2019 He Said: “I had a whole elaborate plan to propose in New York City a few weeks later. That afternoon, I looked out my office window and saw the snow falling. Something about that day just felt right.” She Said: “I was very surprised! It wasn’t your typical engagement setting; it was a Tuesday night. We got all bundled up and went for a casual walk around town in one of the biggest snowstorms of the year! It was so […] - [Troy's Best Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More](https://crlmag.com/troy-best-restaurants-bars-hotels/): Throughout this year, Capital Region Living will be focusing in on different cities in the Capital Region. We’ll take you on a tour of all the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town—as well as introduce you to some of the city’s most memorable residents. This month, we’re taking a closer look at Troy, NY—the Collar City. STAY Courtyard By Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront The ultra-modern Courtyard by Marriott Albany’s Troy/Waterfront location (est. 2018) has all the accommodations and amenities you’d expect of a big-box hotel, plus an unbeatable location: It’s a short walk from the high-end food court/incubator that […] - [January 2020: Women-Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/women-owned-businesses-january-2020/): Meier Law Firm, PLLC 10 Utica Avenue, Latham 518.313.7809 themeierlawfirm.com Owner: Christina W. Meier, Esq. Describe your business: Counsel without judgment in the areas of elder law, estate planning and administration, guardianships and business law. Why did you get into this business? I enjoy helping people in need. What’s the most rewarding part of owning Meier Law Firm? I help people solve problems. Whether it’s assisting clients plan for their own incapacity and/or death; or the incapacity or death of a loved one; or helping clients who are in crisis; or who are grieving the loss of a loved one, I am able […] - [The Grateful Traveler: The Rebirth Of Troy's Eastside Inn Bed & Breakfast](https://crlmag.com/troy-eastside-inn-bed-breakfast-grateful-traveler/): Queen Anne-style Victorian homes are the picture of elegance and epitomize the grandeur of the Victorian Era. They were built during the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain as a tribute to the English elegance of the homes built during the reign of Queen Anne. The architectural design quickly became one of the most popular choices of the emerging “well-to-do” classes in America. Many classic examples of this style sit regally within the Capital Region. While the Eastside Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast at 460 Pawling Avenue in Troy is now a stunning example of this period’s architecture, that wasn’t […] - [Before You Go: 'The Little Things'](https://crlmag.com/little-things-john-gray/): Skip Miller was the longtime maintenance man at the local church. That’s how he got his teenage daughter Jennifer a part-time job answering phones in its rectory. She was a pretty young lady, with no shortage of boys vying for her attention. Most days on the job, she found herself telling callers the weekend mass schedule or taking messages for the pastor. But today was different. It was the first week of the month, which meant a parade of widows would be coming in with their checkbooks to arrange special masses for the people they’d loved and lost. To have […] - [Capital Region Cryotherapy: Feel The Brrr, Feel The Love](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-cryotherapy/): Every Valentine’s Day, we exchange cards, gifts, candy and flowers with our loved ones. It’s an exciting time of year to celebrate love—not only with your sweetheart, but also yourself. A dear friend of mine once told me, “We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves.” This is so true, and something most of us put aside in our busy, day-to-day lives. Taking this into consideration and realizing how beneficial it is, I recently treated myself to some self-love and visited Cryo Stay Young in Latham. What a wonderful treat it was! From its whole […] - [7 Diets That Will Keep You Healthy and Happy This Year](https://crlmag.com/diets-healthy-happy-year/): Thinking about starting a new diet in 2020, but not sure which one’s right for you? As a registered dietitian, I have clients with many different types of health conditions, who want to change their diet for a range of personal reasons or beliefs. In my experience, I’ve found that diets are different for everyone; it largely depends on where the patient is in his or her life. Which diet is right for you? 1. Lifestyle Diets If you want to feel better, reduce inflammation and change your overall outlook on life, these diets could work for you: Vegetarian Diet […] - [Positive Energy Abounds in This New Decade](https://crlmag.com/positive-energy-abounds-in-this-new-decade/): By now, you’ve probably seen dozens of headlines about the new decade, and everything it’ll be bringing with it. No doubt you’ve read stories about setting goals for the year(s) ahead—how to get the most out of life, improve your finances and even the astrological significance of it all. Everything I’ve read has offered sage advice, but I’ve also noticed a subtle shift in leading with a positive thought pattern instead of a negative one. The theory of positivism, which was initially defined in 1842, has taken a drastic turn from its original meaning and has become a grassroots movement […] - [Are You Ready for an Ice Fishing Adventure?](https://crlmag.com/ice-fishing-adventure/): With the warmer-than-usual weather patterns we’ve been experiencing this season, ice fishing anglers have had limited options for venturing out on the hard water. Most larger bodies of water have yet to see any ice, and most anglers have been forced to fish smaller lakes or ponds that still have ice left over from the first cold spell of the year. That said, we’re all anxiously awaiting more cold! The excitement is palpable among anglers looking to access the area’s top winter hot spots for ice fishing such as Lake George and Saratoga Lake. It’s something we look forward to […] - [Extreme Makeover: Furniture Edition](https://crlmag.com/extreme-makeover-furniture/): The first thing I remember painting was a still life of a vase of daisies when I was six years old. Even back then, I got a thrill out of painting and the sense of fulfillment it provided. Even though I’ve been making art my entire life, the power of paint still amazes me. You can also get the thrill and sense of accomplishment out of painting. Begin by just looking around at the items in your home. Take that heirloom piece you’ve owned for years that’s lost its luster and fall back in love with it. Why buy new […] - [January 2020: Home Improvement Section](https://crlmag.com/home-improvement-january-2020/): Schenectady Floor Covering 1910 Maxon Rd. Extension, Schenectady 518.372.5664 schenectadyfloorcovering.com In business for more than 50 years, Schenectady Floor Covering has built its business on its reputation for top-of-the-line customer service. Its sweeping 9000-square-foot showroom has all the brands you know and trust with all the latest styles, colors and designs. Stop in to take a look and work with one of the company’s highest level sales professionals who will find you exactly what you need. Did you know that Schenectady Floor Covering specializes not only in carpeting, but also hardwood, ceramic tile, area rugs, laminate and vinyl flooring and […] - [January 2020: 50+ Living Section](https://crlmag.com/50-living-section-january-2020/): Helping Hands@Home, LLC Main Square, 316 Delaware Ave., Delmar 518.380.9788 helpinghandscapitaldistrict.com The highly trusted Helping Hands@Home is a locally owned and operated non-medical home care provider that’s been helping people, especially seniors, live more independent lives since 2010. Helping Hands provides its expert home care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including most holidays. The experienced caregivers assist with daily living activities such as dressing, medication reminders and meal preparation. They also help with light housekeeping, shopping and errands, while simultaneously offering companionship. Helping Hands caregivers are trained to understand the nuances of senior care and are insured […] - [February 2020 Crossword Puzzle Answers: 'Love, Love, Love'](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answers-february-2020/): ACROSS 1. ACLS 5. SOD 8. MOB 11. LOOT 12. TWO 13. ALI 14. ALLYOUNEEDIS 17. URL 18. LPN 19. CAVE 20. SMILES 22. ATOMIC 24. ASEA 25. ASH 26. SAT 27. BEATLES 31. SRI 34. ERA 35. PAST 39. TINGLE 41. APACHE 43. ANNA 44. TBA 45. CAN 46. ISALLYOUNEED 50. NET 51. CIG 52. DOPE 53. SSE 54. DNA 55. ANTS DOWN 1. ALARMS 2. COLLIE 3. LOL 4. STYLE 5. STUN 6. OWN 7. DOE 8. MADAMS 9. OLIVIA 10. BISECT 15. OPS 16. ECO 17. USA 21. LAB 22. ASL 23. THE 25. ATA 28. EEL […] - [January 2020 Crossword Puzzle Answers: 'Happy Birthday To Us'](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answers-january-2020/): ACROSS 1. HARK 5. PAID 9. OPA 12. EBON 13. ORCA 14. MAP 15. SEVENTEEN 17. NIP 18. STEED 19. NAILS 21. LAP 23. MON 24. ESC 27. SEVENTEEN 32. HURL 34. SIT 35. SAGE 36. SEVENTEEN 39. ROW 40. GEO 41. ROO 43. CANOE 46. UNCLE 50. ALA 51. SEVENTEEN 55. RAS 56. OVER 57. ARID 58. TSA 59. NETS 60. PASS DOWN 1. HESS 2. ABET 3. ROVE 4. KNEEL 5. POT 6. ARE 7. ICE 8. DANNON 9. OMNI 10. PAIL 11. APPS 16. NDAS 20. ANTS 22. PESTO 23. METER 24. EHS 25. SUE 26. CRV […] - [Schenectady's Best Restaurants, Bars, Hotels and More](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-best-restaurants-bars-hotels/): Throughout this year, we’ll be focusing in on a different city in the Capital Region in each new issue. We’ll take you on a tour of all the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town—as well as introduce you to some of each city’s most memorable residents.This month, we’re taking a closer look at Schenectady. STAY For a luxury room on the scenic Mohawk River, your best bet is The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino & Resort, where after a fun night of gambling, you can enjoy your morning cup of joe on a wrap‐around balcony. For spectacular downtown […] - [17 Winter Road Trips in the Capital Region and Beyond](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-winter-road-trips/): 1. Killington, VT 2 Hours 15 Minutes from Albany Killington, VT, is certainly a no‐brainer for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, and it’s also a hot spot for cold winter lovers of all types. Dogsledding, tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and fat biking all await in the Central Vermont town. 2. Lake Placid, NY 2 Hours 15 Minutes from Albany Forty years ago this February, Lake Placid played host to the triumph of the US men’s ice hockey team over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Travel back to that historic day by way of the “Miracle on Ice” exhibit […] - [December 2019: Locally Owned Businesses Section](https://crlmag.com/locally-owned-business-section-december-2019/): EAST GREENBUSH WINDOW COVERINGS 601 NEW LOUDON ROAD, SUITE 4, LATHAM 518.477.9025 EASTGREENBUSHWINDOWCOVERINGS.COM Owners: Lynn and John Corrigan Describe your business. East Greenbush Window Coverings specializes in hard and soft window treatments after evolving from an interior design business that was founded in 1987. Our Loudonville showroom has product displays that allow the customer to see and operate our products—people are welcome to stop in or make an appointment. How did you get the idea for the business? John and I were looking for a new opportunity after selling our previous business. Because of John’s strong business background and my […] - [The Grateful Traveler: My Favorite Hotels in America](https://crlmag.com/favorite-hotels-america-grateful-traveler/): With winter school breaks fast approaching, many Capital Region families are preparing for a bit of wintertime fun in the sun with a quick escape to warmer climates. Albany International Airport will soon be welcoming in droves of travelers in shorts and sandals, their recently shed winter coats and scarfs in tow, anxiously awaiting their turn to fly southeast or west. According to online tour booker TrekkSoft, 95 percent of travelers want to keep themselves and their families entertained and happy while vacationing in 2020, with 85 percent wishing to get the best deals for the most value. Their final […] - [Shedding Light on the Future of Window Treatments](https://crlmag.com/future-window-treatments/): Window treatments are an essential part of domestic life, whether they’re blocking the early morning sun from your bedroom window, providing you with much‐needed privacy or reducing energy loss from your home. There’s quite a long history attached to them: Curtains and window treatments originated as a temperature‐control technique, with the earliest curtains made from animal hides and hung in doorways on hooks. As textile innovations have progressed, the category of window treatments has expanded to include blinds, shades, shutters and other designs to control light and temperature in your house. While window treatments are essentially about form, function and […] - [Expert Tips, Tricks and Recipes for Clean Eating in the New Year](https://crlmag.com/tips-tricks-recipes-clean-eating/): The new year is all about resolutions and new beginnings. The year 2020 is an exciting time here in the Capital Region: Everywhere you look, people are making healthier choices and eating cleaner. And that is not an accident: Research shows that eating a clean, healthy diet prevents chronic and autoimmune diseases, saves money and decreases stress and inflammation. Clean eating has also been proven to help people safely lose weight and keep it off forever. Eating clean is about changing your lifestyle from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to eating real, whole foods.  Changing how you eat and feed […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Looking Ahead to the New Year](https://crlmag.com/new-year-spiritual-grounding-2019/): It’s not only a new year, but also a new decade, and with it being a 4 Year, numerically, and Jupiter being in Capricorn for the entire year, it’s truly going to be a year of taking care of yourself and those you care about. Both Jupiter’s placement and it being a 4 Year requires us to be more conservative in how we approach life. It also gives us the added opportunity of creating new plans and ideas and making positive changes. This may be the year that we actually stick to our New Year’s resolutions and make great strides […] - [Making Pillows From T-shirts? Sign Me Up!](https://crlmag.com/making-pillows-t-shirts/): The new year is finally here—and with it comes love, peace and happiness. For many of us, 2020 means new beginnings: preparing ourselves and our wardrobe for a fresh new start. Do you have less than dazzling jewelry, a collection of scarves you don’t wear anymore or a worn‐out, favorite T‐shirt that you just can’t seem to part ways? Why not take these settled‐in items and turn them into something fresh, fab and fun?  T-Shirts, Take Two  I can almost guarantee that you have one of those T‐shirts—the one that makes your heart melt every time you see it in […] - [Before You Go: 'The Mixing Bowl'](https://crlmag.com/mixing-bowl-john-gray/): Fluffy white snowflakes drifted through the sky above Times Square and by the Marriot Marquis hotel. Amelia Andrews was watching them slowly float by the window of her suite when the alarm on her phone went off, telling her it was time to go downstairs to the ballroom and receive her award.  As she punched the buttons on the elevator and the doors closed behind her, a familiar melody was coming from the speaker above her head, the kind of Muzak they play at the dentist’s office. Amelia recognized it right away and smiled, trying to remember the name of […] - [December 2019: Weddings Section](https://crlmag.com/weddings-section-december-2019/): THE TERRACE AT WATERS EDGE 2 Freemans Bridge Road, Glenville 518.370.5300 thewatersedgelighthouse.com The Terrace at Waters Edge banquet facility is an elegant waterfront venue located adjacent to the award-winning Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant on the banks of the Mohawk River. Allow them to assist in creating an unforgettable day with personalized attention to detail, fine food and impeccable service—all in a beautifully appointed setting. The Terrace, overlooking the scenic Mohawk River, offers seating for 200 guests, a dance floor, a custom-designed mahogany bar, and an extensive menu. A new 105-room Hilton Homewood Suites is adjacent to this property for your […] - [Collecting and Showing Off Your Festive Finds](https://crlmag.com/collecting-showing-festive-finds/): Collecting, preserving, and displaying ornaments has always been a part of my Christmas tradition. One of my favorite parts of the holiday is unboxing my collection. I revisit each ornament and recall how it came into my life. Some of the most treasured are the ones my mother hand made when she was first married more than 43 years ago. Most in my collection tell a tale or at least part of my story – like the first ornament I bought on my own (a brassy, flat cluster of grapes, bought from The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art that I […] - [6 Festive Cocktails and Mocktails to Spice Up Your Holiday Fun](https://crlmag.com/cocktails-mocktails-holiday/): Whether you are inviting carolers in to warm up or friends are helping to trim the tree, a delicious and jubilant libation is in order. When entertaining, make sure to offer a fortified beverage as well as something without spirits to make sure everyone’s included in the fun – today’s mocktails are as beautiful and tasty as their boozy counterparts. Try one, two or all of these fun concoctions to keep the spirit of the season alive from now until the final “salute!” to 2019! Cocktails Holiday Sparkler Ingredients 1 ounce pomegranate juice 1 ounce cranberry juice Dry Prosecco Sugared […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Christmas at The Biltmore](https://crlmag.com/christmas-biltmore-grateful-traveler/): For many years, The Biltmore in Ashville, N.C. has been known for its breathtaking holiday décor and dazzling lights that illuminate the remarkable estate commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt. Making the journey there for its annual Christmas celebration is always a feast for the senses and a leap into the holiday spirit. This season, there’s even more than ever before, thanks to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. This exhibit is an immersive experience that celebrates the BBC’s hit television series and the recent feature film. The Vanderbilt home was the completed dream of the 25‐year‐old Vanderbilt. Built in the late 1880s […] - [Before You Go: 'A Christmas Wish'](https://crlmag.com/christmas-wish-john-gray/): Finley was tall for his age and, much to his mother’s chagrin, grew out of his clothes faster than the other children in the fourth grade. It was a chilly December afternoon, and his mom tapped her foot impatiently at the bottom of the stairs as he searched for a sweater that fit. Normally he wouldn’t be excited to stand in the cold and watch the holiday parade roll down Broadway, but this year Finley had a mission. He planned to position himself at the corner by the old hardware store, where there’s a slight bend to the road, and […] - [November 2019: Women's Wellness Section](https://crlmag.com/womens-wellness-section-november-2019/): AMAZINGLY AGELESS MEDI-SPA 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.608.1252; amazinglyageless.com Who doesn’t want to look and feel their best? Radiant, glowing skin is in season, so take a break from the hustle of the holidays and let us help you Get Your Glow on! Replenish your skin with HydraFacial; highlight your best features with cheek and lip fillers. Clear acne and revitalize dull skin with microneedling. Say “Bye Bye” to wrinkles with Botox. Unwind and pamper yourself with one of our customized facials. We have something for everyone! Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa is a full-service med spa specializing in non-invasive treatments. […] - [Ready, Set, Celebrate: Creating the Perfect Holiday Table Setting](https://crlmag.com/holiday-table-setting/): The holiday season is brimming with entertaining opportunities, from Thanksgiving feasting and binge‐worthy cookie exchanges to a decadent New Year’s Day brunch. Amid all of the hoopla, exactly one thing prevents a well‐intentioned party from descending into creative chaos – a well‐designed table-scapes. The right setting not only showcases all of the scrumptious eats you’ve lovingly slaved over, but serves as the focal point for the warm, inviting atmosphere that fosters the rich holiday memories every family cherishes. With Thanksgiving right around the corner to kick off this decade’s last parade of parties, we sat down with David Michael Schmidt […] - [Mouthwatering Holiday Traditions From Around the World](https://crlmag.com/holiday-traditions-world/): In this month of togetherness, where we count our blessings and find ourselves unified in our search for the perfect turkey or craving moms chestnut stuffing, we see the core of what brings us together and it involves our stomachs. Everyone has family traditions for the winter holidays. These may include an evening in a house of worship, or perhaps ancient prayers uttered from memory above a flickering candle. It may include a house filled with raucous cousins from the far‐reaching branches of the family tree or a quiet dinner with your closest friends. Whatever your family’s holiday tradition, most […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Beauty in the Simple Life of the Cotswolds](https://crlmag.com/cotswolds-grateful-traveler/): Travel to Great Britain should be much more than a sightseeing trip to London. While the Tower of London, Harrods, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace are all beautiful to experience, going out to the Cotswold cannot be missed. I would add that away from the summer tourist months and before the holiday season is prime. On this, my second journey to the Cotswold (we in the Capital Region would term it a region), it was an extraordinary treat to stay at Lygon Arms (lygonarmshotel.co.uk), in the town of Broadway. The hotel has been graced and indeed stamped by many of […] - [Spiritual Grounding: How to Embrace the Present Moment](https://crlmag.com/embrace-present-moment-spiritual-grounding/): Fall is officially in full swing with the bustle of the holidays fast approaching. November is such a magical month of transformation as we start to bring out the holiday finery for our homes and ourselves. We decorate and make lists, plan parties and shopping excursions, book family getaways, and anticipate watching our favorite holiday movies (mine is A Christmas Story). Through all of this preparation, there is a feeling of expectation. Expectation is a funny thing. It can make us happy or sad, either excited by the possibility of what will come – or completely overwhelmed by everything yet […] - [Prepping Your Skin for the Fall and Winter Months](https://crlmag.com/skin-fall-winter-months/): My love of beauty products goes back a long way. And no time of year allows that obsession to shine quite like November, when we brace for those first plummeting temps that can seriously impact the overall state of your skin health. As the days start to get shorter and the brisk weather approaches, you might notice more dryness and tightness of the skin, increased acne, noticeable fine lines, and even eczema and psoriasis flare‐ups. Luckily, with a few seasonal switch‐ups, your beauty arsenal can help combat the cold. Olive + M’s body oil boasts a very faint, fresh citrus […] - [October 2019: Senior Living Section](https://crlmag.com/senior-living-section-october-2019/): NINA SHER, SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Hunt Real Estate ERA 1365 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands 518.368.5578 Are you thinking about downsizing? One of the worst things people can do is wait too long to make that decision. Nina had been contemplating a move for more than a year, but when she and her husband received his Parkinson’s diagnosis, they were forced to make a decision. They sold their home and are in the process of moving to a townhouse. That’s the right decision for them, but what about you? Nina created the SMART DOWNSIZING GUIDE to help others gain clarity […] - [Before You Go: 'Just Enough'](https://crlmag.com/just-enough-john-gray/): Margaret Houlihan hadn’t bought herself a new dress in years. A homemaker with health issues that kept her from working, she raised the kids while her husband worked at the nearby factory and brought home just enough for them to get by. Like with so many middle‐class families, all it took was one unexpected expense to put them behind the eight ball and find themselves, as the saying goes, “stealing from Peter to pay Paul.” Most days, thankfully, they did have just enough. As Thanksgiving approached, Margaret found herself in good spirits because they were caught up on bills, and […] - [Cover Companions 2019: A Special Bond Between Two Unlikely Pals](https://crlmag.com/cover-companions-2019/): Indy and Luna It was the 11th hour for Indy when Capital Region resident Sharon O’Connor got the call on the fateful day that started a new chapter for both pup and dog mom. Indy, a four-year-old tan and white Pitbull mix, had gotten herself into a jam. A fourth dog had been introduced into her established household and, as they say, the fur flew. Indy jumped into the fray, and when the dogs were untangled, Indy, now deemed an “agressive dog” was put up for adoption through Second Chance Rescue. As time slipped away, no one came forward to […] - [The Grateful Traveler: Merging History and Luxury at the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa](https://crlmag.com/equinox-golf-resort-spa-grateful-traveler/): When driving to Vermont from the Capital Region this time of year, we’re most often on the hunt for yummy maple products, stellar leaf peeping, or some major fall finds at those famous outlets. But when was the last time it was history you craved? There is never a trip, whether long or short, into Vermont when I fail to learn something interesting about our Northeast neighbor. If only walls could talk The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester is more than 200 years old and has many unique structures with six distinct architectural styles and histories. In 1769, […] - [October 2019: Fall Getaways Section](https://crlmag.com/fall-getaways-october-2019/): Berkshire Museum 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 413.443.7171; berkshiremuseum.org Just a short drive from Albany in Pittsfield, Mass., Berkshire Museum combines art, science, and history to create thought-provoking experiences for the whole family. This regional favorite offers weekly activities, hands-on exhibitions, independent film screenings, and more. For a complete schedule of events, please visit berkshiremuseum.org. This fall, help to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage with She Shapes History, a new exhibition that spotlights exceptional women, their work, and how their accomplishments changed United States history. Enjoy fine art, examine historical objects, and discover untold stories to learn how societal […] - [Before You Go: 'Is Anyone There?'](https://crlmag.com/is-anyone-there-john-gray/): Raylan moved into his one‐bedroom apartment assuming it would be empty. Instead, he found boxes in the closet taped shut and marked, “please donate.” He pried one open and found clothes that someone had left behind. Raylan had noticed a church around the corner when he parked his car, so he took the boxes over first thing in the morning to donate. When he got to the church, he gave a tug on the big wooden doors, but they were locked tight. A voice in the shadows said, “They don’t open until 10, but you can leave the boxes at […] - [Spiritual Grounding: Finding Fall Balance](https://crlmag.com/fall-balance-spiritual-grounding/): September ended with a Full Moon in Libra, which is about finding balance in our lives as well as socializing and all things we find beautiful. This is quite fitting as, to my mind, October is the most beautiful month of the year in upstate New York. The leaves are nearing peak, the days are getting shorter, there is a chill to the morning air, and pumpkins dot the landscape at farm stands and on front porches. Our weekends are filling up with harvest and Halloween happenings, including hay rides, apple picking and haunted houses. Even for those who don’t […] - [Bargain Grocery Eyeing River Street Location in Downtown Troy](https://crlmag.com/bargain-grocery-eyeing-river-street-troy/): Help could be on the way for many of Troy’s neediest residents. Real estate developer First Columbia is proposing that a 20,000-square-foot Bargain Grocery—a nonprofit-funded supermarket that serves low-income residents in urban “food deserts“—should open on River Street in Troy. (It’s still awaiting approval from the city.) If the plans go through, Bargain Grocery would be Downtown Troy’s largest, most centrally-located grocery store and would serve healthy food to customers in an area plagued by food accessibility issues (the surrounding neighborhood has a 43 percent poverty rate). So what exactly is Bargain Grocery? It’s a low-cost supermarket concept dreamed up […] - [From the Pages of 'Manchester Life' Magazine: Let's Go Shopping!](https://crlmag.com/from-the-pages-of-manchester-life-magazine-lets-go-shopping/): Manchester is a wonderful place to own a home. It’s also a great place to shop! In the middle of a gorgeous mountain valley, country roads surrounded by beautiful houses carve a winding and poetic path towards a vibrant town center. Inside of each house, the décor, furniture, and fabrics tell an equally compelling visual story. Manchester is well-known for the discerning aesthetic sensibilities of its residents. The streets are lined with enticing shops and boutiques, which are replete with stylish clothing and domestic products. Have the pressures of modern life prevented you from bringing your dream home and wardrobe […] - [Duanesburg Cyclist Emma White Wins Bronze Medal at Tokyo Olympics](https://crlmag.com/duanesburg-cyclist-emma-white-bronze-medal-tokyo/): It might not have gotten a prime-time TV spot at the 2021 Olympic Games, but early on Tuesday morning, all Capital Region eyes were on the women’s track cycling team pursuit matchup between Team USA and Canada for the bronze medal. That’s because cycling for the US was Duanesburg native and Union College graduate Emma White, who helped her team of four, the reigning world champions in the event, clinch the bronze. “We came here to get more than the bronze, being the defending world champions,” White told USA Cycling. “The rides today were absolutely phenomenal. We’re really proud of […] - [Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Launches School Supplies Drive](https://crlmag.com/mechanicville-area-community-services-center-school-supplies-drive-2021/): One Capital Region nonprofit wants to make sure students from all school districts are ready for the upcoming school year. The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC) is accepting donations of school supplies for the 2021-22 school year. The supplies will benefit children from several local school districts; and the items in the highest demand are plastic folders (red, blue, green, yellow, black, purple, orange), book bags, binders (1″, 2” and 3”), notebooks (1-, 3- and 5-subject), Fiskar’s scissors, pencils, pens, hard plastic pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, crayons, markers, expo markers and colored pencils, and glue sticks. That said, MACSC […] - [Averill Park High School Grad Predicted Milwaukee Bucks Championship in 2018 Yearbook Quote](https://crlmag.com/averill-park-grad-predicted-milwaukee-bucks-championship/): One Averill Park High School graduate should be placing more futures bets in Las Vegas. Jack Paris, who was a senior in 2018, made this bold prediction in his high school yearbook: “Milwaukee Bucks 2021 NBA Champions.” Earlier this week, the Bucks became just that, winning their first National Basketball Association championship in 50 years, besting the Phoenix Suns in a six-game series. The team’s young phenom, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was named Finals MVP (he had previously won back-to-back league MVP awards in 2019 and 2020). Called it Back in 2018 @Bucks pic.twitter.com/Mev6uBJ5zh — Jack Paris (@Jparis36) July 21, 2021 Paris, […] - [Bolton Landing Brewing Company Selling 'Help Wanted' Beer to Find Workers](https://crlmag.com/bolton-landing-brewing-help-wanted-beer/): Bolton Landing Brewing Company has been having trouble hiring talent. So it decided to turn one of its beers into an quaffable job advertisement. Enter “Help Wanted,” a New England IPA, made with amarillo, strata and centennial hops, which the brewer released earlier this month. On the back of each red, white and blue can, it reads: “Fan of our beers, like this juicy New England-style IPA? Got some free time on your hands? It sounds like you should try enjoying these great beers as a member of the Bolton Landing Brewing family!” The brewery’s message adds: “Like most businesses […] - [Uncommon Grounds to Open Fourth Location at Stuyvesant Plaza](https://crlmag.com/uncommon-grounds-stuyvesant-plaza/): Saratoga Springs–based bagel chain Uncommon Grounds just got a little bit more common—at least within the Capital Region. On Tuesday, Albany’s Stuyvesant Plaza announced that the cafe would open a location at the shopping center later this year, taking over the 2,800-square-foot space formerly occupied by Bruegger’s Bagels. First opened on Broadway in Downtown Saratoga in 1992, Uncommon Grounds has become known throughout the region for its doughy bagels, house-made coffee and daily soups. In ’97, it expanded to Western Avenue in Albany and in 2017, to Clifton Country Road in Clifton Park. The Stuyvesant Plaza location will be the […] - [Ted's Fish Fry's Western Avenue Location in Albany to Begin Serving Beer and Wine](https://crlmag.com/teds-fish-fry-western-avenue-albany-beer-wine/): Good news: Your next meal at Ted’s Fish Fry could be accompanied by an alcoholic beverage. The popular Capital Region franchise, which has a flagship location in Watervliet, two locations in Troy, two in Albany, one in Latham and one in Clifton Park, will begin serving beer and wine at its Western Avenue restaurant in Albany. The restaurant has not yet disclosed when exactly this will happen, but it made the announcement on its social media earlier today as “coming soon.” “It is something we have been planning on since the purchase of our Western Ave location back in 2019,” […] - [Summer Calendar: Dinosaurs, Ballet and the Cold War Kids](https://crlmag.com/summer-calendar-ballet-cold-war-kids/): Now that the pandemic’s basically become an after-thought, we decided to reinstate the Calendar section in our magazine, to act as an additional source of great goings-on throughout the Capital Region (for everything else, check out or upload your own event to our brand-new Events page). Here are some must-see events coming up in the next few months. July 18 Chicago Saratoga Performing Arts Center SPAC sure has a star-studded Live Nation lineup for its comeback season (see: Daryl Hall & John Oates, Alanis Morissette and the Jonas Brothers). But it’s hard to outshine Chicago, one of the longest-running, best-selling […] - [US Record–Holding Hammer Thrower Rudy Winkler, an Averill Park Grad, Is Gearing Up for the Olympic Games](https://crlmag.com/olympics-hammer-thrower-averill-park-rudy-winkler/): When Rudy Winkler was in 4th grade, he signed up for the Averill Park Road Runners, a Rensselear County track-and-field club team for children ages 7–14. “I started out doing the two-mile and and the high jump and shot put,” Winkler says. “You had to do a running event and a field event, but eventually I ended up just doing shot put and they let me skip the running. I was a bigger kid, and the whole purpose of me starting it was to lose a little weight, but then I ended up not running anyway. It was kind of […] - [Before You Go: Bear Necessities](https://crlmag.com/bear-necessities-before-you-go/): Once there was a guy hiking through the woods. Up ahead on the trail, he saw a big bear hanging out, eating a raw fish that it had just pulled out of the stream. The hiker, having read every article on what to do if confronted by a wild animal in the woods, immediately pulled off his backpack and rifled through it for his homemade bear protection kit. He produced two metal pots, a loud air horn and a can of bear spray. While the bear appeared to be minding its own business, the hiker could tell that this was […] - [Recipe: Old Daley Custom Catering's Fresh Pea Soup](https://crlmag.com/old-daley-custom-catering-pea-soup/): Pea soup has been warming sippers’ and spooners’ souls since the 19th century, and Old Daley Custom Catering is well aware, featuring the glorious green dish (chilled during the summer months) at everything from bridal showers to bar mitzvahs. Want to know how to make it in the comfort of your own Capital Region kitchen? Find out from the pea soup experts. Old Daley Custom Catering’s Fresh Pea Soup Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter 2 cups chopped leeks (white and light green parts) 1 cup chopped yellow onion 5 cups frozen baby peas 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 cup […] - [New and Now: Capital Region Goes Hollywood, Caterpillar Takeover and Uber Shortage](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-hollywood-caterpillar-uber/): In our latest edition of New and Now, Capital Region Living is again looking at the biggest (and weirdest) headlines to hit the region during the post-pandemic era. Feast your eyes on our latest stab below. The Very Hungry Caterpillars It’s poetic, almost, that just a month after beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle, best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, passed away, the northeast—New York, Carle’s birth state, included—would see a severe outbreak of gypsy moth caterpillars. Though darker and fuzzier than Carle’s famous green-and-red bug, these gypsy moth larvae are just as hungry, wreaking havoc on plants […] - [Hudson Valley Retreat: Exploring the Wonders of Columbia County](https://crlmag.com/hudson-valley-retreat-columbia-county/): If you’ve been following me in your hypothetical camper on my quest to visit every county in New York State this year, you might be wondering how the heck I have all of this free time. And you would be right if you guessed it was COVID-related: From Thailand to Egypt and beyond, I specialize in making exotic corners of the world accessible to the average traveler but was temporarily grounded by the pandemic. That’s when I headed back to my roots in Upstate New York, and local travel quickly consumed me. When New York’s COVID restrictions were lifted in […] - [Psychic Medium Tracy Fluty Encourages Us to Pamper Our Souls in This Post-Pandemic Summer](https://crlmag.com/psychic-medium-tracy-fluty/): As the Capital Region ushers in what’s going to be a fun-filled summer for the history books, there’s no question that most are also dealing with at least some lingering COVID-induced trauma. And that’s why nationally acclaimed psychic medium Tracy Fluty urges people to make some time amid the post-pandemic hoopla for some TLC for the soul. “Many of us have had a lot of time to think about our lives during this time of lockdown,” says the Latham-based Fluty. “We have reflected on people in our lives and those that have passed on, on politics, on if we even […] - [How to Beat (Home) Office Burnout](https://crlmag.com/beat-home-office-burnout/): If you’ve been working throughout COVID, you’ll know that it hasn’t been an easy road. Months of isolation and for many, remote work, led to longer hours in the home office and eventually, all the symptoms of burnout. (Zoom fatigue, anyone?) Maybe you’ve reached your breaking point. Dr. Manuel Astruc, a Saratoga Springs–based psychiatrist, feels your pain. In 2008, he reached a danger level of burnout working at his private practice. “I made a decision that something had to change,” he says. The catalyst was the death of his twin sister. “I was looking at a picture of her, and […] - [How Schenectady's Lisa DeLugo Has Turned Running Into a Tool for Empowerment](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-lisa-delugo-running-empowerment/): When Schenectady resident Lisa DeLugo was in high school, she joined the jogging club. “I tried it for a day,” she says. “I came home, and I had these big freaking blisters and was like, ‘Hell, no—I am not doing this again.’” But the allure of running, of achieving that elusive runner’s high, never really left her. “To me, it was the ultimate challenge,” she says. “Like, if I could do that, then I could do anything.” Fast forward a couple of decades and DeLugo, having just gotten divorced, decided to revisit running. But this time, she didn’t quit after […] - [Everything You Need to Know About Adult-Use Cannabis in New York State](https://crlmag.com/adult-use-cannabis-new-york/): Nope, that’s definitely not a skunk you’re smelling in Cousin Jimmy’s backyard. At the end of March, Governor Andrew Cuomo made New York one of 19 states to legalize adult-use cannabis (a.k.a. recreational marijuana). As of that day, anyone 21 years or older now can legally possess up to three ounces of pot and 24 grams of concentrates, and eventually, New Yorkers will be able to store up to five pounds (!) of marijuana in their home. The passage of the law will not only spell an economic windfall for the State and its localities—it’s projected to rein in $350 […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Cohoes](https://crlmag.com/cohoes-one-wonderful-weekend/): Holy, summer! The next time you feel like peeling yourself off your patio furniture or taking a break from taking poolside selfies, hit up some of the wonderful Capital Region towns we’ve been covering over the past year. That’s right—New York State has lifted all its COVID-era restrictions, so it’s get-off-the-couch time. In need of a kick-off point? Look no further than Cohoes, a.k.a. The Spindle City. Friday Cue BTO’s “Takin’ Care of Business,” ’cause you just worked like a dog for the entire week, and you deserve some delicious grub in your belly and a little something-something (i.e. a […] - [Day Tripping Is Back!](https://crlmag.com/day-tripping-is-back/): Now that COVID’s over, it’s time to get back to traveling…anywhere and everywhere! So hit the road (or tracks) and get back to day tripping this comeback summer. Amtrak Various destinations 800.872.7245; amtrak.com Riding Amtrak brings you an entire region’s worth of day trips! Travel through New York in comfort, not traffic. Enjoy miles of legroom and extra-wide seats while you explore New York and the region on Amtrak. Ride the Empire Service train to New York City to catch a Broadway show, walk the High Line’s elevated urban oasis or stroll through Central Park. Or head east from the […] - [51 Hottest Ways to Reclaim Summer](https://crlmag.com/hottest-ways-reclaim-summer/): The Capital Region’s comeback summer is officially here. No more masks, social distancing or limited capacity anything. So you sort of have the right to go a little crazy. From Lake George to the mighty Catskills, Upstate New Yorkers are ready to get back out there and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Let’s get started. NO BOAT? NO PROBLEM! Looking for a wet and wild weekend, but don’t own a boat? Ride the waves on the “Queen of American Lakes,” gorgeous Lake George, where you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks and canoes from Lake George Kayak Company […] - [Wellness for the Win](https://crlmag.com/wellness-advertising-section-2021/): After the pandemic, wellness is on everyone’s mind, and these two local businesses are helping Capital Region residents live their best lives. Find out more below. Albany Dental Care, PC 2 Kross Keys Drive, Albany; 518.482.0881; albanysedationdentist.com Albany Dental Care’s Dr. Harvey Winter is well known as a leading sedation dentist in New York’s Capital Region. Sedation dentistry, which is perfect for patients who have anxiety about going to the dentist, allows patients to relax in the office while receiving dental care. Albany Dental Care offers a variety of treatments, including cosmetic dentistry (bleaching, bonding and veneers) and general dentistry […] - [Troy's Hudson Candy Factory Adding Live Music to Its Bag of Tricks](https://crlmag.com/troy-hudson-candy-factory-music-venue/): Troy’s burgeoning music scene is about to add another live music venue to its roster. Joining Collar City performance spaces like the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Hangar on the Hudson will be the three-month-old events space, Hudson Candy Factory, which up until this month has been exclusively hosting weddings, birthdays and graduation parties. Beginning on July 23, the space will kick off its run as a live venue with a burlesque show, featuring burlesque artists Harley Foxx, Pearl Buttons, Tachy Cardia and Noelle Reign; and on July 30, will host local powerhouse rocker Girl Blue and her band (you […] - [Woodstock '99 Documentary Set to Air on HBO Max](https://crlmag.com/woodstock-99-documentary-hbo-max/): If you were one of the music fans who paid $150 and made the approximately hour-and-forty-minute drive from Albany to Rome in July of 1999 for the second reboot of the Woodstock festival, you might have just spent the last 22 years trying to forget that Woodstock ’99 ever happened. Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but HBO Max is about to bring it back, front and center.  On July 23, the paid streaming service will release Woodstock ’99: Peace, Love, and Rage, a film documenting all of the music and mayhem that took place […] - [Mobile Stress Relief Room Stress Fracture is Tackling the Corporate Training World](https://crlmag.com/stress-fracture-corporate-training/): You may remember reading about Capital Region–based mobile stress relief room Stress Fracture in the September/October 2020 issue of Capital Region Living. Back then, Stress Fracture, which was founded by Jacky Vimislik the previous year, was mostly about smashing glass to relieve stress and pent-up frustration. “It was more along the lines of a mobile rage room,” Vimislik says about her business’ early days. “I quickly noticed after only a few events that the process of breaking glass had a more meaningful impact on my clients than I ever imagined.” That breakthrough (pun intended) led her straight into a partnership with Neuro-linguistics […] - [Stephen King's 'Firestarter' Is Getting a Reboot—But Will It Feature Albany Airport?](https://crlmag.com/stephen-king-firestarter-reboot-albany/): If you happened to pick up a copy of Stephen King’s horror classic Firestarter in 1980 and lived in the Capital Region at the time, you would’ve been excited to learn that a portion of the book’s first 30 pages involves lead characters Andy McGee and his daughter, Charlie—a young girl who has the ability to start raging conflagrations by simply thinking about them—getting driven from New York City to the Albany County Airport. After a series of gripping scenes take place there (we won’t ruin it), the two literally descend onto the Northway. (It turns out that Andy and […] - [Josh Rawitch Named President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum](https://crlmag.com/josh-rawitch-president-national-baseball-hall-fame/): The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has finally found its new president—and it had to go all the way out to the Grand Canyon State to find him. Josh Rawitch, who has served for nearly a decade as the senior vice president of content and communications for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and previously spent more than 12 years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, will assume the role of president on September 9, just a day after the Hall’s 2020-21 induction ceremony. Former Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson, who stepped in on an interim basis this past May, […] - [Troy's Trap Sole Kitchen Is a Sneakerhead's Paradise (Exclusive)](https://crlmag.com/troy-trap-sole-kitchen/): Everybody has a friend that seemingly has a different pair of Nikes for every occasion. There’s the birthday party pair, the barbecue pair and the out-on-a-Friday-night pair. Yes, we all have a sneakerhead in our midst and we all stand in awe of their stunning collection of kicks that would make Imelda Marcos jealous. And now, Capital Region sneakerheads have a place to call their own. Enter Trap Sole Kitchen, which has just opened on 4th Street in Downtown Troy, and specializes in rare and premium sneakers and streetwear that you can’t find at traditional retailers. In other words, the […] - [NewsChannel 13's Subrina Dhammi Becoming Evening Anchor](https://crlmag.com/newschannel-13-subrina-dhammi-evening-anchor/): One of the area’s most popular news anchors is switching from the breakfast to the dinnertime crowd. Subrina Dhammi, who has served as one of WNYT NewsChannel 13’s Morning Show co-anchors for nearly a decade, will now be co-anchoring the evening hour broadcasts. Beginning on June 23, Dhammi will join Jerry Gretzinger on Live at 4 and Mark Mulholland on Live at 6, a position most recently held by veteran news anchor and reporter Benita Zahn, who left the station after more than 40 years to become a full-time health coach. “I can’t say enough about the Morning Team we have […] - [Glens Falls Symphony Brings Back 'Classical Ewe' With Grammy-Winning Cellist](https://crlmag.com/glens-falls-symphony-classical-ewe-grammy-cellist/): We guess ewe have to see it to believe it. On June 26, the Glens Falls Symphony returns with its popular Classical Ewe event, which features a concert at the scenic Dancing Ewe Farm in Granville. For the event’s second installment, members of the Glens Falls Symphony will join cellist Mike Block, member of the Grammy-winning Silk Road Ensemble led by Yo-Yo Ma, and composer and prolific musician Hanneke Cassel. The evening will also feature a three-course meal made with locally grown and raised foods prepared in traditional Italian and modern creative styles, accompanied by an aperitif, dining and dessert […] - [2021 Summer Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/summer-product-guide-2021/): Check out Capital Region Living‘s 2021 Summer Product Guide, which features a number of fun products that fit any lifestyle. Now, get out there and crush the summer! Bluegrass Hive & Honey – Gentlemen! You can feel and look your best too with this new and natural men’s grooming brand! Made from locally-sourced Bluegrass beeswax, this men’s beauty brand is giving men the ability to have the best beards yet. They have personally handcraft their premium beard oils, beard balms and beard waxes and methodically select ingredients to create products that help hydrate, strengthen, condition and protect your beard and […] - [Troy's Plumb Oyster Bar to Host Chef in Residence Series](https://crlmag.com/troy-plumb-oyster-bar-chef-residence-series/): Call in a restaurant-within-a-restaurant, Collar City–style. Downtown Troy’s Plumb Oyster Bar will be hosting a new “Chef in Residence” series, giving local chefs an opportunity to showcase unique concepts in an established environment. The popular powerhouse duo, Chef Alexander Goldman (Five Senses Private Catering) and Quang Tran (Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro), will showcase dishes from their pop-up restaurant concept, Clermont, starting on June 17 and running through mid-September (for that stretch, Quang’s Bistro will be closed). During the pandemic, Plumb owner Heidi Knoblauch made the tough call of closing her restaurant down temporarily, though she did consult and collaborate with a […] - [A Closer Look at Troy's Transformation During the Filming of HBO's 'Gilded Age'](https://crlmag.com/troy-transformation-hbo-gilded-age/): If you’ve been to Downtown Troy over the past few weeks, you’ve likely noticed its incredible transformation. There’s dirt on the stretch of streets surrounding Monument Square and many of the shops have been re-skinned to appear as though they were shoe stores and pharmacies and the like stripped from late-19th-century America. That’s because film crews from the HBO series The Gilded Age have been hard at work there since late last month, filming portions of the new Julian Fellowes–created series, which will star silver screen bigwigs like Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) and Carrie Coon (The Leftovers). If […] - [Weddings: Planning the Perfect Upstate New York Wedding](https://crlmag.com/weddings-planning-the-perfect-upstate-new-york-wedding/): Old Daley on Crooked Lake 2339 NY-43, Averill Park (518) 674-3131 Old Daley Custom Catering (518) 235-2656 olddaley.com Congratulations on your engagement! Old Daley’s goal is to exceed your expectations while creating an unforgettable experience that you, your family and your friends will always remember. Celebrating your wedding at Old Daley on Crooked Lake will lead you to the magical, memorable and well managed day that you’ve always envisioned. Going with Old Daley Custom Catering, as well, will ensure a seamless and memorable event at a location of your choosing. Both sister companies have won “Best Of” accolades for more […] - [Home Improvement: It's Time to Make Your House a Home](https://crlmag.com/time-make-house-home-improvement-2021/): Salisbury Pro Sealers 195 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-9772; salisburyprosealersny.com Perhaps your lawnmower’s engine failed? Or you’re ready to toss out a broken generator? Salisbury Pro Sealers provides all types of small engine repairs in Albany and the surrounding areas, so rely on its team of specialists to diagnose your engine’s problem and fix it fast. Save money by having a professional get it to run like new again! Salisbury also specializes in sealcoating for all sized jobs. Sealcoating is applied to asphalt to protect it against quick deterioration and cracks from environmental elements such as sunlight, gasoline and moisture. […] - [New and Now: The 518 Foodie World's Four Hottest Happenings](https://crlmag.com/new-now-518-foodie-world/): For our latest New and Now feature, we look at this foursome of foodie happenings in the Capital Region. For real, who didn’t see the gorgeous photos of the reimagined Troy Beer Garden on social media? Not only has the former Wolff’s Biergarten location been transformed from a foosball and fútbol bar into a succulents-strewn oasis, but it’s also taken its food menu (which previously consisted of peanuts and, well, more peanuts) plant-based, serving up small plates like General Tso’s Cauliflower and Oyster Mushroom Calamari. Capital Region restaurants got some good news when New York State repealed the COVID-era mandates […] - [Besties 2021: Averill Park's Kay's Pizza Is Worth the Wait](https://crlmag.com/averill-park-kays-pizza-besties-2021/): If there’s one thing Capital Region residents look forward to each spring, it’s when their favorite ice cream shop opens for the season. Sure, the frozen stuff’s fantastic—a vanilla-chocolate twist with rainbow sprinkles? Yes, please!—but part of the allure of going out for a cone in the summer is that you can’t during the winter months. And as a certain slice of foodie fandom will tell you, that business model also happens to work for Averill Park pizza joint and perennial Bestie winner Kay’s Pizza. Open from early April to mid-October, Kay’s—which this year nabbed a first-place Bestie for Pizza, […] - [Besties 2021: Yanni's Too Rules This Year's Awards](https://crlmag.com/yannis-too-rules-awards-besties-2021/): It’s a feat in and of itself to go home with one, or maybe even two Besties. Most local restaurants would be proud to nab a W in the Best-kept Secret, Reader’s Choice Appetizer or Best Chili category. But Yanni’s Too in Coeyman’s Landing isn’t your typical Capital Region restaurant: It won in all three categories, plus eight more. Yanni’s Too gets its name from owner and chef Marc Yanni, who, naturally, scooped up the Bestie for Best Chef. The family-run Yanni’s—it came in second in the Family-owned Restaurant category—is its second Capital Region restaurant (hence the punny “Too”). Located […] - [Besties 2021: Troy's Bella Napoli Is Family Business at Its Finest](https://crlmag.com/troy-bella-napoli-besties-2021/): Imagine this: The delicious aroma of Italian baked goods—fresh oven-baked Italian bread, cookies and cannoli—wafting backward through time and doing a pirouette into some happy person’s nostrils, circa 1957. That’s when John V. Mainella, who grew up near Naples, Italy, first opened Bella Napoli on River Street in Troy. Early recipes also included pizza dough and submarine rolls, which Mainella’s wife, Phyllis, helped bake and sell out of the family shop. A year after opening, John’s brother, Michael, joined the ranks of the family business, too. Bella Napoli’s legend—and influence—only grew from there. In ’82, John’s eldest son, Dominic, opened […] - [Besties 2021: Readers' Choice Awards](https://crlmag.com/readers-choice-awards-besties-2021/): Want to know what dishes reigned supreme in this year’s Bestie Awards? Check out our Readers’ Choice Awards winners below. Appetizer Yanni’s Too – Calamari 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 • yannisrestaurants.com Entrée Verdile’s – Chicken Parmigiana 572 2nd Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 • verdile.com Dessert TORO Cantina – Dessert Nachos 111 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 949-2211 • torocantina.com Drink Chez Mike – Blood Orange Margarita 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 • chezmikerestaurant.com - [Besties 2021: Bestie-winning Restaurants by County](https://crlmag.com/besties-restaurants-county-2021/): Want to know what all the Bestie-winning restaurants are in the various Capital Region counties? We’ve put them all in one handy-dandy place for you. Check them out below. ALBANY COUNTY 677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com COLUMBIA COUNTY La Bella’s Restaurant, Bar & Pizzeria 2967 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-6611 labellavalatie.com FULTON/MONTGOMERY COUNTY Raindancer Restaurant 4582 State Highway 30, Amsterdam (518) 842-2606 raindancerrestaurant.com GREENE COUNTY Reds Restaurant 12005 Route 9W, West Coxsackie (518) 731-8151 redsrestaurant.com RENSSELAER COUNTY Verdile’s Restaurant 572 2nd Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com SARATOGA COUNTY Prime at Saratoga National 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs […] - [A Tipple Grows in Brooklyn: King's County's Best Wineries, Distilleries and Meaderies](https://crlmag.com/brooklyn-best-wineries-distilleries-meaderies/): Say “I’m from New York” to someone in the Capital Region, and he or she will likely wonder which part of the Empire State you hail from. But say the same to anyone else in the world, and he or she will immediately assume you grew up in one of the five boroughs of New York City. OK, so at least we know the difference between upstate and downstate—i.e. upstaters do a little less creative cursing at our fellow motorists and pedestrians—but when has that ever stopped us from Amtrak-ing it down to the Big Apple to reap its many […] - [Alexis Diner: Winner, Winner Fried Chicken & Waffles Dinner](https://crlmag.com/alexis-diner-chicken-waffles/): If reading this issue is making you hungry, why not retire to your kitchen and make yourself a snack? Or you could just wait until dinnertime and fry up this delicious Chicken & Waffles recipe from Bestie-winning Diner, Alexis Diner in Troy. We like Plan B. Alexis Diner’s Chicken & Waffles 8 boneless chicken thighs 2 cups buttermilk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Vegetable oil for frying Instructions: Soak chicken in buttermilk and refrigerate for 24 hours. Before frying, let the chicken sit out for an hour […] - [Lose the Dreaded ‘COVID 19’ (and Keep It Off)](https://crlmag.com/lose-dreaded-covid-19-keep-it-off/): The pandemic has wreaked havoc on countless aspects of our lives—including our waistlines. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 61 percent of US adults admitted to gaining undesired weight—some as much as 29 pounds!—during COVID. And it makes total sense: We were all under a lot of stress, often drinking excessively and definitely making fewer veggie runs to the supermarket. Plus, with many of us working from home and the fridge just steps away from our desks…well, you get the picture. So let’s say you’ve put on the “COVID 19.” How do you lose it […] - [Before You Go: 'The Old Swing'](https://crlmag.com/old-swing-before-you-go/): Like many people on the other side of a difficult and expensive divorce, the man I’m going to tell you about was struggling. About 15 years ago, in trying to right the ship of his life, he went through the couch cushions and fished out all the change that dropped out of his guests deep pockets over the years. Coupled with the savings he kept thanks to a frugal lifestyle, it was just enough money to purchase a small home in the countryside. To the untrained eye, the dwelling may have appeared somewhat beneath him with its cracked driveway, untamed […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Glenville](https://crlmag.com/glenville-one-wonderful-weekend/): The world may have gotten a look—albeit a rather dreary one—at Schenectady, when the noir-y film, The Place Beyond the Pines, was set there in 2012. What viewers outside of the Capital Region missed out on, though, was the place beyond the place beyond the pines: Glenville, where a lot of the movie was actually filmed. The Schenectady suburb might not have gotten name-checked in the blockbuster crime drama, but it’s certainly a hidden gem of a place to spend a wonderful weekend. (Head there soon, lest Hollywood comes knocking.) FRIDAY While the town of Glenville encompasses 50 square miles […] - [Besties 2021: All the Food & Drink Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/food-drink-besties-2021/): Welcome to the second, arguably more delicious half of the Besties, featuring all of the top restaurants, dishes, chefs and more from the 2021 Besties Food & Drink categories, all of which our readership voted on. APPETIZERS Innovo Kitchen 1214 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466 innovokitchen.com Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com BAGELS Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com West End Bagels 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 952-4762 westendbagels.com Bagel Tyme 389 Fairview Avenue, Hudson […] - [How Ted's Fish Fry Has Kept Reeling in Fans (and Besties!) for Decades](https://crlmag.com/teds-fish-fry-besties-2021/): Attention would-be beach bums: You don’t have to drive all the way to Cape Cod or fly, face-shielded, down to Florida to enjoy the world’s greatest fried seafood, right? Maybe best of all, too, is that it doesn’t have to come with a schmear of sunscreen or side of sand. Your port of call? Ted’s Fish Fry. Ted’s was the brainchild of late and titular fry-preneur Ted Deeb, the son of Lebanese immigrants, who opened the restaurant’s first location in Watervliet in 1949. (His fried food empire has since expanded to include two locations in Troy, two in Albany, and […] - [Couple Behind Smoothie Shoppe, Detox Box Launches Apple Cider Vinegar Line](https://crlmag.com/couple-smoothie-shoppe-detox-box-apple-cider-vinegar/): In November 2019, Amsterdam-based husband-and-wife duo, Rich and Laura Holoday, who own the Smoothie Shoppe, launched a new business to make their delicious, fresh smoothies even more accessible to customers. The business was Detox Box Delivered, through which the couple has been sending ready-to-blend smoothies to homes all over the Northeast. The fact that COVID-19 hit just months after the launch, causing all manner of food delivery services to explode in popularity, gave the business an added boost. Now, with COVID pretty much in the rearview mirror, the Holodays have once again expanded their healthy empire, this time, with an […] - [Bennington Hosting 'Garlic Town, USA' Event This Labor Day Weekend](https://crlmag.com/bennington-garlic-town-usa-labor-day/): It might be a good time stock up on the Binaca before Labor Day weekend. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Garlic and Herb Festival in Downtown Bennington, VT, on Saturday, September 4, with organizers transforming the town into “Garlic Town, USA.” For the uninitiated, pre-pandemic, the Garlic Fest saw crowds of more than 16,000 attend the garlic-themed event, and it welcomed in some 200 garlic-themed vendors. Last year’s Garlic Fest, which was its 25th-anniversary celebration, was scaled back dramatically due to the pandemic and Vermont’s restrictions on festivals. Rebranded “Garlic Town, USA,” the event […] - [Exhibit Featuring Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Ceiling Coming to the Albany Capital Center](https://crlmag.com/michelangelo-sistine-chapel-ceiling-albany/): No need to spend $1,700 on airfare and travel 13 hours by plane to visit the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The Albany Capital Center (ACC) will have the world-famous fresco on display at the ACC this summer from July 29–August 23—or rather, a licensed version of it—when they host the exhibit, Michelangelo – A Different View. Michelangelo spent four years on scaffolding under the 70-foot-high vaulted ceiling of the chapel painting his interpretation of the history of creation. Basically, what a ticket-holder is seeing is a high-resolution image of the fresco, licensed from the Vatican, that has been transferred […] - [Filming on HBO Series 'Gilded Age' to Commence Next Week in Troy](https://crlmag.com/filming-hbo-series-gilded-age-troy/): Troy’s time machine is set for 1882—and all arrows point to it taking off next week. According to the Albany Times Union, as well as sources close to Capital Region Living, filming on the brand-new HBO series, The Gilded Age, will begin next Thursday, May 27, and stretch through June 10. For months, HBO production crews have been hiring local extras for the series and adding period décor on the facades of downtown businesses, including the Capital Region Arts Center, the former Illium Cafe and a run of others in the Monument Square area. Yet more preparations are being made […] - [Ballston Spa's National Bottle Museum Hosting Its Annual Antique Bottle Show and Sale](https://crlmag.com/ballston-spa-national-bottle-museum-show-sale/): OK, so you’ve been hitting the bottle a little too hard during COVID. (Haven’t we all.) Why not turn over a new leaf and spend a morning perusing some priceless empties? Ballston Spa‘s National Bottle Museum is sponsoring its 41st Annual Antique Bottle Show & Sale at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds from 9am–2:30pm on Sunday, June 6. It’s not just any old event, though. The Antique Bottle Show & Sale is the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser and is attended by dealers and collectors from across the US. All types of bottles and related items will be available for purchase (or […] - [Great Escape Retires the Giant Wheel Ride After 30-Plus Years](https://crlmag.com/great-escape-retires-giant-wheel/): Awkward hand-holding and make-out sessions are going to be taking a dip this summer in Lake George. In a tweet late last month, venerable amusement park, The Great Escape, confirmed that its 90-foot Ferris wheel, better known as the Giant Wheel, had been taken out of service after 32 years. “After a very long run, providing countless memories at The Great Escape, the Giant Wheel has been retired,” tweeted the park’s handle at a concerned citizen. “We greatly value the history and tradition of this original ride, but it had reached the end of its cherished and useful lifecycle.” The […] - ['Split the Bill NY' Coming to Albany on May 18](https://crlmag.com/split-the-bill-ny-albany/): If you missed out on Split the Bill NY’s stop in Saratoga Springs back in February, now’s your chance to cash in—literally—on another Capital Region city’s program. Split the Bill, whose purpose is to give the restaurant industry a much-needed, post-COVID boost, encourages New Yorkers to dine in or order takeout from participating restaurants on a particular day by offering to split the cost of their bill (up to $30). The program has already visited the Spa City, in addition to several towns on Long Island and downstate. Split the Bill will swing through Albany this Tuesday, May 18. To […] - [Albany's Cardona's Market Acquires Roma Foods](https://crlmag.com/albany-cardonas-market-acquires-roma-foods/): Cardona’s Market, a family-owned Italian specialty market and caterer for more than 75 years, today announced the acquisition of Roma Foods Importing Company. Roma Foods’ Latham and Saratoga Springs markets are set to begin operating under the Cardona’s banner in June. Cardona’s Market, which was founded by Augusto Cardona in October 1945, will continue to operate its original flagship market on Delaware Avenue in Albany. Cardona’s recently welcomed its third generation of family owners to carry on its tradition as a regional destination for fine Italian imports and traditional cooking. The new ownership team includes Anthony Cardona, August Cardona, Robert […] - [Albany Symphony Announces Lineup for 2021 American Music Festival](https://crlmag.com/albany-symphony-2021-american-music-festival/): Thanks to New York State’s dialing back of some of the longest-standing COVID capacity restrictions, the arts are starting to make a major comeback in the Capital Region. And one of the first major events on the calendar comes from the now two-time Grammy-winning Albany Symphony. The symphony orchestra, under the baton of Music Director David Alan Miller, will be launching its 2021 American Music Festival, which returns following its cancellation last year due to COVID. The festival starts on Thursday, June 10, and runs through Sunday, June 13, with performances taking place at the Palace Theatre in Albany, with […] - [Jeff Idelson Returns to National Baseball Hall of Fame as Interim President](https://crlmag.com/jeff-idelson-returns-baseball-hall-of-fame/): A familiar face is returning to the top position at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown—for now, temporarily. Less than two years after retiring from his position as president in June of 2019, Jeff Idelson will this year be returning as its interim president. On April 16, most recent president Tim Mead announced that he would be leaving the organization by mid-May. Idelson makes a logical interim choice, given that, besides already serving as its president, he began working at the Hall in 1994 as director of public relations and promotion, before being promoted to vice president of […] - [Troy Music Shop Love of Fuzz Moving Into Historic Rodino's Building in August](https://crlmag.com/troy-love-of-fuzz-rodinos-august/): It’s no big secret that Troy has one of the most eclectic music scenes in the Capital Region. For starters, veteran David Bowie and current The Cure axe-man Reeves Gabrels calls the Collar City home. So do buzzing local artists like Girl Blue, Julia Alsarraf, The Sea The Sea and Zan and the Winter Folk. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall hosts a steady stream of national talent, and local collectives, like Organ Colossal—cofounded by local musicians Sophia Subbayya Vastek and Sam Torres (who, full disclosure, plays bass in my band)—host multi-genre events around town regularly. (Hopefully, those will return post-COVID.) […] - [Adirondack Theatre Festival to Stage Songbook Production of Late Fountains of Wayne Member Adam Schlesinger](https://crlmag.com/adirondack-theatre-festival-adam-schlesinger/): If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember when ’90s alt-rock band Fountains of Wayne first burst onto the scene with their eponymous debut album and singles “Radiation Vibe” and “Sink to the Bottom.” Though they only scratched the surface of fame at first, the band quickly acquired a cult following, producing a string of critically acclaimed albums. And in 2003, the band even scored a hit single with “Stacy’s Mom,” which went gold. Sadly, bassist and cofounding member of the band, Adam Schlesinger, succumbed to COVID-19 on April 1, at just the age of 52. Since his death, there’s […] - [Former David Bowie Guitarist Lives in Troy and Gets Custom Work Done at Collar City Guitars](https://crlmag.com/david-bowie-guitarist-troy-collar-city-guitars/): If you count yourself among David Bowie’s most faithful fans, you might want to go guitar shopping in Troy. Reeves Gabrels, who played lead guitar for the Thin White Duke from 1987 to 1999, and is an active member of The Cure, actually lives in Troy and gets custom work done at Collar City Guitars. Gabrels, who is known for his improv-heavy virtuosity and playing futuristic-looking guitars like the Parker Fly, recently posted to Facebook that “I decided to put a fretless neck on one of my signature guitar bodies equipped with a Sustainiac—creating a fretless version of my Reverend […] - [2021 Product Guide: 12 Mother's Day Must-Haves](https://crlmag.com/product-guide-mothers-day-2021/): Sure, you could just buy your mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day. Or you could do a little bit of research and celebrate your mom in a whole new way. Not interested in wasting too much time before the big day? Capital Region Living has a bunch of mom-friendly ideas below. ZV Botanicals – There’s nothing like a good, holistic-minded gift for mom on Mother’s Day. And ZV Botanicals is the right place to start. The company is devoted to creating organically grown fusions of Ayurvedic herbs, full-spectrum Hemp extract and signature essential oil blends, helping heal […] - [2021 Eco-Friendly Product Guide: All the Top Items You Need to Buy Right Now](https://crlmag.com/eco-friendly-product-guide-2021/): With health on the top of everybody’s mind in 2021—you know, because of the pandemic—now’s a better time than any to become more environmentally conscious and live a healthier life. Start things off on the right foot by grabbing some of these eco-friendly products, perfect for turning over a new leaf. Swaggr – If you can believe it, the material used to make these super comfy socks is 91 percent composed from recycled plastic bottles! Treat your feet—and clean up the world in the process. Broken Top Candle Company – Candles, lotions, diffusers and soaps, oh my! Broken Top Candle […] - ['Capital Region Gives Back' Vet Kristen Garzone Launches Foundation in Advance of Annual Run to Believe](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-run-believe/): If you attended the 2020 Capital Region Gives Back event, co-sponsored by Capital Region Living and Saratoga Living magazines, you’ll surely remember honoree Kristen Garzone. One of 10 Capital Region superstars, Garzone represented Every Mother Counts (EMC), a national organization founded by supermodel/entrepreneur Christy Turlington Burns, whose mission is to secure all mothers quality, respectful and equitable maternity care. Garzone has been a loyal ambassador to the nonprofit ever since dealing with Postpartum Depression (PPD) and losing a close friend to suicide because of it. In 2018, she launched her virtual Run to Believe to honor her friend’s memory and […] - [Park Theater to Host Rochmon Record Club's 'Hotel California' Listening Party](https://crlmag.com/park-theater-hotel-california/): At least at this Hotel California listening party, you’ll definitely need to check in, but you might never want to leave. Chuck Vosganian, president of the popular Rochmon Record Club, will be hosting an in-depth presentation on the Eagles’ legendary 1976 album on Thursday, April 29 at 6:30pm, live at The Park Theater in Glens Falls. For those of you who’ve never listened to PYX 106 (of which we will guess there are few), Hotel California is both the Eagles’ best-known and -selling album of all time, and marks the first one to feature guitar god Joe Walsh. With the […] - [The Desmond Hotel Reopens as Crowne Plaza Albany After Major Renovation](https://crlmag.com/desmond-hotel-reopens-crowne-plaza-albany/): One of Albany’s best-known names in hospitality just got a major facelift—and a new name. The Desmond Hotel, now known as the Crowne Plaza Albany, has reopened following a full renovation. The family-owned and -operated hotel, which has sat just minutes from Albany International Airport since 1974, has undergone a complete transformation. Design updates have been made to its 323 room and suite options, with spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios and ADA accessible rooms. The property now houses Crowne Plaza Workspace, the hospitality brand’s design-forward flexible work and meeting spaces, as well as nearly 25,000 square […] - [HBO Seeking Extras for Filming of New Series ‘The Gilded Age’ in Troy](https://crlmag.com/hbo-filming-the-gilded-age-troy/): If you missed the casting call for the second season of the hit series Succession, which filmed scenes in Lake George, Lake Placid and Albany in 2019, don’t worry: You have another chance to make your HBO acting debut. The network is looking for Troy, Albany and Schenectady area locals to portray 17th century upper, middle and working class pedestrians in its upcoming show The Gilded Age, which will be filming in Troy this May and June. A period drama, The Gilded Age takes place in the 1880s and follows Marian Brook, the daughter of a Union general, as she […] - [2021 Spring Product Guide: All the Top Items You Will Need This Spring](https://crlmag.com/spring-gift-guide-2021/): With the weather warming and T-shirts and shorts starting to make a cameo in the Capital Region again, locals have their sights set on spring. Check out all of these great spring products (and where to buy them!) in Capital Region Living‘s exclusive 2021 spring product guide. PeachSkinSheets PeachSkinSheets are affordable luxury. They help warm sleepers stay cool and cool sleepers stay cozy. They also help with night sweats by keeping skin drier and wicking away moisture, instead of absorbing it like cotton. All PeachSkinSheets are hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. MinkeeBlue We have all been there: Struggling to maneuver two, three […] - [Troy's DeFazio's Pizzeria to Open Second Location in Albany](https://crlmag.com/defazios-pizzeria-albany-location/): Not to be captain obvious here, but pizza sales have been through the roof since COVID hit in March 2020. And on the heels of that trend, one of Troy‘s oldest, most beloved pizzerias has decided to expand—again. Collar City staple DeFazio’s Pizzeria will be opening a second location in a space adjacent to Albany Distilling Co.‘s ADCo Bar & Bottle Shop at 75 Livingston Ave. in Albany. The Albany Times Union is reporting that the new pizzeria could be opening as early as May, but that might be wishful thinking, given that its pizza oven won’t even be on […] - [Before You Go: 'Willie & G.'](https://crlmag.com/willie-g-john-gray/): Fifty-something-year-old Giovanni heard his wife’s voice before even trying to open his eyes. They’d been closed for so long that the light from the hospital room stabbed them like a knife when he was finally able to coax them apart. After a hug from his wife and daughter and an encouraging word from the doctor, Giovanni looked around the room and asked, “Where is she?” The other people in the room looked confused, so he added, “The nurse with the green eyes—the superhero.” Nobody had an answer for Giovanni; maybe this was the talk of a man who was still dreaming […] - [Demystifying the World of Telehealth](https://crlmag.com/demystifying-world-telehealth/): Not all byproducts of the pandemic have been bad. Case in point: the proliferation of “telehealth,” or the ability for patients to see healthcare professionals from the comfort of their own homes via safe, secure, HIPAA-compliant systems, not unlike Zoom—or simply, via their smartphone. What used to be a long, drawn-out headache of a process for patients, which included appointment cards and waiting rooms, has quickly become the height of convenience. And April Arnold, a licensed psychotherapist, has been enjoying it for quite awhile: It was part of her practice long before COVID hit in 2020. Most importantly, telehealth has […] - [Take a Weekend Jaunt to Long Island's Suffolk County and the North Fork Wine Region](https://crlmag.com/long-island-suffolk-county-north-fork/): For years, I associated Long Island with a select few destinations known as playgrounds for the well-known and well-to-do: The Hamptons, Montauk, Fire Island. While I was fascinated by the idea of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, I never did quite make the trip down south from the Capital Region. Thankfully, it turned out that my first foray into Suffolk County—while crossing off another one of New York’s 62 counties, all of which I’ve resolved to travel to this year—was much more my (and hopefully, your!) speed. Enter: the North Fork. Travelers driving (or Amtrak-ing it) down from […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Delmar](https://crlmag.com/one-wonderful-weekend-in-delmar/): While the COVID-19 vaccination rate may be on the up and up, at press time, the virus is still a risk. So, while some maybe starting to hop on planes, a Capital Region “staycation” let’s us all celebrate our closer-to-home hot spots. Need some Upstate New York travel inspiration? Check out our One Wonderful Weekend series, in which we highlight the best-of-the-best food, drinks and activities in the area’s most happening small towns. Our latest stop? Delmar! If you aren’t yet ready to start planning a cross-country trip to the sunny beaches of Del Mar, CA, set your sights on […] - [So Doggone Cute: Georgie Gets His Big Break in 'Capital Region Living'](https://crlmag.com/georgie-capital-region-living/): Georgie, a soon-to-be-local pup, won a photography session with Blue Iris Photography in Capital Region Living’s February silent auction. As you can see above, he was born to be in the spotlight. Get to know him a little better below. Name: Georgie Breed: Labrador retriever, pit bull and shar-pei mix Age: 2½ years old Owner: Patrick MacWilliams Hometown: Leeds, MA, but moving to Saratoga Springs this spring Likes: Meeting other people and dogs, walking around Saratoga, and hiking and swimming in Lake George (which he was named after) Dislikes: When Patrick works late Favorite Toy: It’s not really a “toy,” […] - [New and Now: Kristen Wiig and Guy Fieri Make Star Appearances in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/kristen-wiig-guy-fieri-capital-region/): In our latest New and Now feature, we round up all the ways that the Capital Region is getting cooler, whether it be the opening of a new business or the release of a new film with local ties. Laughs On-Demand Saratogian/Hollywood director Josh Greenbaum has released his first big-budget film, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, to a video-on-demand platform near you. Co-written by and starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo, who also gifted the world with the Oscar-nominated Bridesmaids, the film follows bosom buddies Barb and Star as they leave the comfort of their Midwestern homes […] - [Morning Masters: Getting Friendly With Bestie-winning Brian Cody and Chrissy Cavotta of WGNA](https://crlmag.com/besties-brian-cody-chrissy-cavotta-wgna/): When you listen to them on the radio, Brian Cody and Chrissy Cavotta, cohosts of WGNA’s Brian & Chrissy in the Morning, seem like people you’d like to be friends with. And when you meet them in person? Let’s just say that after less than two hours together, the three of us already had an inside joke. Brian, who was born and raised in Albany, knew he wanted to be in radio early on and got his degree from the Capital City’s New School Center for Media. He worked at a small radio station for a few months before being […] - [Besties 2021: All the People & Places Category Winners](https://crlmag.com/besties-people-places-2021/): Welcome to the first half of the 2021 Besties awards! Below, you’ll find all of the winners in the People & Places categories. This year, we’re also switching things up a bit: You’ll find features on some of the winners, spotlighting the reasons why they got the most votes. CULTURE ART GALLERY The Clark 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA (413) 458-2303 clarkart.edu The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls (518) 792-1761 hydecollection.org Art Omi 1505 County Route 22, Ghent (518) 392-4747 artomi.org CHILDREN’S MUSEUM miSci 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady (518) 382-7890 misci.org The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 […] - [2021 Craft Beer Issue: The Craft Beer Revolution's Capital Region Roots](https://crlmag.com/craft-beer-revolution-capital-region/): We’re not trying to go all Economics 101 on you, but as an industry grows, certain companies begin to stand out as owning the largest market share until only a few control almost the entire industry. The process is called consolidation, and it’s very much how the beer industry has worked throughout the years. In 2009, the top five companies, including big dogs Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors, controlled a combined 88 percent of the beer market. But then something incredible happened. Over the next decade, instead of increasing their shares of the market, those beer-hemoths actually lost market share, dropping […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Ballston Spa](https://crlmag.com/ballston-spa-one-wonderful-weekend/): During this winter of our temporary discontent—i.e. COVID—it’s going to be that much more important for all of us to find fun activities within a snowball’s throw of our Capital Region abodes. So Capital Region Living would like to step in and do some activity planning for you. Enter our newest series, One Wonderful Weekend, in which we’ll be taking you on a whirlwind tour of some of the Capital Region’s best towns, cities and villages. Our first stop? The Village of Ballston Spa. Thirty or forty years ago, Ballston Spa was just another little-village-on-the-verge outside of Saratoga Springs. Nowadays, […] - [Nearly 200 Local Students Submit 'Art From the Heart' for Essential Workers](https://crlmag.com/art-from-heart-essential-workers/): We’ve been thanking essential workers for nearly a year now, but that doesn’t mean they deserve our praise any less. So Capital Region Living and Saratoga Living called in some friends to help us show our gratitude. We collected nearly 200 pieces of handmade artwork from Capital Region kids, thanking doctors, nurses, farmers, mailmen and more for the amazing work they’ve been doing during the pandemic. Click here to scroll through the gallery  to see all the Art from the Heart submissions, and scroll down to meet the sponsors who made this initiative possible! (Drawings L to R: Dillon, 1st Grade, […] - ['Hamilton' and Its Capital Region Connections](https://crlmag.com/hamilton-capital-region-connections/): Equal parts Schoolhouse Rock!, high school social studies class and rap battle, hit musical Hamilton first wowed audiences on the off-Broadway circuit in New York City in 2015. Soon after, it became a smash on the real-deal Holyfield, going on to rack up 11 Tony awards. Unless you landed a golden ticket and Amtrak-ed it down to the Big Apple during its initial run, you likely didn’t get your dose of Hamilton-mania until August 2019, when the show’s touring company touched down at Proctors in Schenectady. It was well worth the wait. For the Broadway agnostic, Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel […] - [2021 Craft Beer Issue: Albany and Saratoga Bar Pint Sized Is Killing It During COVID](https://crlmag.com/albany-saratoga-pint-sized-covid/): It’s no big secret that Capital Region bars and restaurants have had an unbelievably tough 11 months. But one local business, Pint Sized, has deftly navigated the choppy waters of the pandemic, as its owner, August Rosa (pictured at left), has calmly steered the ship. In 2014, Rosa, a College of Saint Rose graduate, first opened Brew, a retail beer and coffee shop in Albany. On the heels of its success, he opened a second location in Saratoga Springs three years later—this one with an on-premises bar—and rebranded the business Pint Sized. By 2018, Rosa moved the Albany location into […] - [2021 Craft Beer Issue: Your Capital Region Craft Beer Companion](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-craft-beer-companion/): Capital Region Living has put together a comprehensive guide to all of the Capital Region’s many craft breweries, from Queensbury to Catskill. Find every area craft brewery, its address and website below. Good drinking! A Argyle Brewing Company 1 Main St., Greenwich argylebrewing.com     Artisanal Brew Works 615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs artisanalbrewworks.com   B Back Barn Brewing Company 7082 Western Tpke., Delanson backbarnbrewing.com   The Beer Diviner 243 Bly Hollow Rd., Cherry Plain thebeerdiviner.com   Bloodville Brewery Queensbury facebook.com/bloodvillebrewery   Bound by Fate Brewing 31 Ferry St., Schuylerville boundbyfatebrewing.com   Brown’s Brewing Company 417 River St., Troy 50 […] - [2021 Craft Beer Issue: Meet Boston Beer Co.'s Matt Perazzelli, The Beer Sommelier](https://crlmag.com/boston-beer-matt-perazzelli-sommelier/): Albany native Matt Perazzelli is one of just 139 advanced cicerones in the world. So how does the cousin to the wine sommelier compare? We asked the Boston Beer Company product educator to explain. What is the Cicerone Certification Program all about? There are several components to the whole cicerone program: There’s keeping and serving beer, there’s beer styles, there’s beer flavor and evaluation, there’s beer ingredients and brewing, and then the last one is pairing beer with food. Beer is a fantastic counterpart to food and depending on what you like to eat, I can find a beer—I can […] - [2021 Craft Beer Issue: Can You Tell the Difference Between an Ale and Lager?](https://crlmag.com/craft-beer-difference-ale-lager/): Ales • Yeast gathers toward the top of the tank during fermentation • Ages for just a few weeks around 40–55 degrees Fahrenheit • Aromatic and sometimes fruity Popular types: • India Pale Ale • Pale Ale • Stout • Porter • Sour • Wheat Beer • Gose Lagers • Yeast gathers toward the bottom of the tank during fermentation • Ages for months around 32–45 degrees Fahrenheit • Crisp, clean and refreshing Popular types: • Pilsner • Helles • Kölsch • Bock Hybrid/Mixed Not every beer fits nicely into these two categories; many craft brews are ale/lager mixes, or […] - [My New Year's Resolution: Visit All 62 New York Counties in 365 Days](https://crlmag.com/new-years-resolution-new-york-counties/): I’m sure I wasn’t the only Upstate New Yorker happy to toast the end of 2020. Most of us were aware, though, that once the clock ticked past midnight, it wouldn’t necessarily be a magical “fresh start” or end to our troubles. January, which has already slipped us by, is traditionally the busiest month of the year for travel bookings, because folks start focusing on their resolutions and prioritizing their biggest goals, and that often translates to travel. But I know of very few people who have begun booking European adventures or Caribbean cruises; there are just too many question […] - [New & Now: 10 Bold New Capital Region Businesses](https://crlmag.com/new-capital-region-businesses/): Jacob Alejandro 274 River St, Troy This past December, Capital Region coffee lovers got an early Christmas present when married couple Jake and Alejandro Griffin-Diaz officially opened their coffee shop, Jacob Alejandro, in Downtown Troy. But Jacob Alejandro isn’t just your run-of-the-percolator coffee shop: The owners’ specialize in “specialty coffee,” a term used to describe cups of joe that are made using the best beans and brewing technology to bring out never-before-tasted flavor notes. There’s an educational element to specialty coffee, too—baristas need to be taught how to use special equipment and about the origins of the coffee they’re making. […] - [Before You Go: 'A Glorious Year'](https://crlmag.com/glorious-year-before-you-go/): I think it’s safe to say that if a store sold years for a set price, each of us would be standing in line at the customer service counter, asking for a refund on 2020. It ended up being the year that wasn’t. So much that was planned by all of us evaporated in the face of an invisible virus. I was supposed to see Michael Bublé in concert at the Times Union Center in March—it was postponed. I was excited to have second-row seats for Dear Evan Hansen at Proctors in June—that got pushed to at least a year […] - [Wedding Wonders for Your Special Day](https://crlmag.com/wedding-wonders-special-day/): Frank Gallo & Son Florist 1601 State St., Schenectady 518.463.3377 Frankgallo.com Flowers on your wedding day should be as special as the day itself—that’s why Frank Gallo & Son Florist uses only the highest quality flowers in all its arrangements. Whether you’re planning a traditional or special, themed wedding, Frank Gallo & Son’s 100-plus years of expertise are just what you need to make your day extraordinary and beautiful! Frank Gallo & Son’s attention to detail and superb designs have landed it gigs providing flowers for the Super Bowl, the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics and the White House. One free […] - [The Capital Region Loves Local](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-loves-local/): Fortune Realty Group, LLC. 641 Grooms Rd., Suite 233 Clifton Park; 518.858.2627 Jennifer@fortunerealtygroup.com Owner: Jennifer Fortune, licensed real estate broker How have you pivoted your business during the COVID-19 pandemic? FaceTime and Zoom have allowed us to have much-needed face-to-face interaction with our clients from the safety of their own homes or businesses. Another useful tool we’ve been using is Matterport, which provides an amazing virtual tour of the properties we have listed. This allows potential buyers to click a link and take a tour of the entire house in 3-D right from their computer, and even measures rooms to […] - [Crush Your Capital Region Home Improvement Game](https://crlmag.com/crush-your-home-improvement-game/): Ghent Wood Products 1262 Route 66, Ghent 518.828.5684 ghentwoodproducts.com The team at Ghent Wood Products is excited to help customers kick-start the New Year with fresh and exciting projects, from live-edge slab tables, kitchen countertops and unique fireplace mantles to fun home improvement projects like new hardwood flooring and siding for your house. If you love where you live, why not work on your dream home and put your signature touches on it in the new year? The Ghent Wood team bids adieu to 2020 and welcomes 2021 with open arms and excitement for incredible projects that it looks forward […] - [How to Beat the COVID Winter Blues in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/covid-winter-blues-capital-region/): If you’ve found it easier to get lost in an endless sea of blue these days, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted this past July by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 50 percent of US adults said that their mental health had been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those numbers will continue to rise, especially during this second wave and until enough people have been vaccinated to bring back some semblance of normalcy. To help lighten your mental load this winter, Capital Region Living got in touch with Dr. Alex Marsal, PhD, a longtime Troy-area psychologist, […] - [Tips to Treat Your Skin During This Long, Masked, Upstate Winter](https://crlmag.com/tips-treat-skin-upstate-winter/): What can people do at home this winter to combat dry, flaky or dull skin? Just as the first flakes of snow arrive each winter, so too does dry, flaky skin on our face. As we move indoors to drier heat, our skin loses moisture, leaving us with flaky, dry, irritated skin. Important steps to healing dry skin include: • Gently cleansing it with a hydrating face wash such as ZO hydrating cleanser. • Applying hydrating products to the skin, such as PCA hyaluronic boosting serum, followed by a thick, hydrating moisturizer such as the ZO Renewal Crème or Skinceuticals […] - [Valentine's Day Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/valentines-day-gift-guide/): Fall in Love With These New Red Wands! Introducing the LIMITED EDITION Red Wand 10-Pack! No more wine headaches! The Wand™ 10-Pack is our by-the-glass purifier for the age-old and widespread problem of wine allergies. Each box contains 10 red colored Wands with twist-off charms including hearts, lucky clovers, diamonds and wine drops.  With our charms, you will never lose track of your glass again and can celebrate that special occasion with red Wands! drinkpurewine.com/collections/all/products/the-wand-10-pack-red City Bonfire + S’mores Kit If you are looking for a great portable heat source but would like to avoid smoke and ashes, look no further than […] - [2020 Capital Region Gives Back Event Raises More Than $15K for Local Nonprofits and Charities](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-2020-raises-15k/): Oh, what a night—even during a pandemic. In a first for both magazines, Empire Media Network’s Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living teamed up to host the second annual Capital Region Gives Back event, honoring 10 local heroes, representing 10 charities/nonprofits. The honorees included: Patti Veitch (Gateway House of Peace), Denise Dubois (American Cancer Society of the Capital Region), Rachel Hye Youn Rupright (Capital Roots), Kristen Garzone (Every Mother Counts), Dominick Purnomo (Feed Albany), Heather Straughter (Jake’s Help From Heaven), Ramón Domínguez (New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America), Martel Catalano (Beyond My Battle), Lawrence Edelson (Opera Saratoga) and Allison Meyers (Saratoga Regional YMCA). The event was a first of its kind for the brands as well, with a hybrid virtual-live format, featuring COVID-safe, […] - [2020 Capital Region Gives Back](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-2020/): For the first time in our magazine’s 17-year history, Capital Region Living is honoring the five people in the local nonprofit and charity orbit that we feel are at the apex of the giving game. (Five others are being honored on the Saratoga Living side to make it an even 10.) There’s no doubt that if there ever was a perfect time to honor the region’s top givers, it would be right now, at the end of this year, when there was so much need. These five individuals couldn’t be giving at a more crucial moment in time. The pandemic has tried and failed […] - [5 Capital Region Chefs Dream Up the Ultimate, Intimate Holiday Meal](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-chefs-holiday-meal/): Chances are, your festive, holiday traditions have been affected by the pandemic. Maybe you’re staying in the Capital Region instead of jogging through Albany Airport on the way to your gate—and eventually, home for the holidays. Or maybe your gift exchanges will be spent here as usual, but in the company of a smaller-than-usual group of masked, socially distanced friends and family. Whatever the case is, it’s possible that, for the first year ever in your life, the responsibility of doing the holiday cooking has fallen onto your shoulders. This year has been hard enough: The last thing you want […] - [Great Expectations: Your Guide Towards a Powerful 2021](https://crlmag.com/great-expectations-guide-powerful-2021/): Using a blend of practicality and spirituality, Rachelle Booth guides the soul-inspired to raise their personal vibrations, embody their highest truths and deepest desires, and step into their most prosperous lives. She lives in Wilton with her husband and three children. Find her at rachelletrahan.com. How can we stay balanced, spiritually, this holiday season? A feeling of groundlessness can hit us during the holiday season, if we spend too much time in our heads and not in our bodies. The business of the holiday season can overwhelm us and bring about anxiety and exhaustion. Conversely, groundedness comes from feeling a […] - [The Wanderland Files: Holiday Fun in The Finger Lakes](https://crlmag.com/holiday-fun-finger-lakes/): Latham native Alexandra Baackes is a world-renowned travel influencer, who has a loyal following on both her travel blog, Alex In Wanderland (alexinwanderland.com), and her Instagram, @alexinwanderland, which boasts nearly 80K followers. She’s now offering Capital Region Living readers top destinations within driving distance of her old stomping grounds. Note: Before traveling to the region or booking entertainment there, be sure to check the latest COVID-19 rules, regulations and restrictions. It’s been quite a year. Very few of even the most hardened local wanderlusters ventured outside of the Capital Region this past summer, with nearby states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut […] - [Schenectady's Newest Perch: The Nest](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-the-nest/): Until scientists can successfully invent magazine pages that are taste-able, you’ll just have to trust Capital Region Living (if you haven’t been yourself, of course) that the food at Albany restaurants The Cuckoo’s Nest and Crave—both owned by dynamic wife-and-husband team Kaytrin Della Sala and Chef Devin Ziemann—is a one-way ticket to Flavortown. The former’s take on fried chicken, for instance, gives OG Southern food spots like Hattie’s a run for their clucking money. Now, the couple has added a third arrow to their culinary quiver: Schenectady’s The Nest. An offshoot of The Cuckoo’s Nest, the new restaurant wasn’t originally […] - [12 Upstate Oktoberfests to Cheers to This Fall](https://crlmag.com/12-upstate-oktoberfests/): September 10 Wolf Hollow Brewing Oktoberfest Kick off the Oktoberfest season with Wolf Hollow, which on September 10 will host its annual Oktoberfest—featuring food trucks, games, music and cold pints of the brewery’s Fall Tree Oktboberfest beer—from noon to 9pm. Limited edition half-liter WHBC mugs will be on sale while supplies last. wolfhollowbrewing.com September 17 SingleCut Oktoberfest Join SingleCut North & Side Stage Tap Room for its annual Bavarian bash on September 17. Stop by the Clifton Park brewery from 1 to 6pm for a sandwich from the Two For The Road food truck, barbecue from Tikkun BBQ, and plenty […] - [How Eben Bayer Harnessed the Power of Mushrooms to Change the World](https://crlmag.com/the-mushroom-man-eben-bayer-ecovative/): The story of how Eben Bayer created a brand-new field of science, built two companies that are at the forefront of bioengineering technology, and forced the packaging, beauty, fashion and food industries to rethink the way things have always been done—all in just 15 years’ time—begins on a farm. “I was literally born on the floor of a farmhouse,” says Bayer, a native Vermonter. “I cut my teeth raising pigs, chickens and cows and making maple syrup on a real working farm.” One of his chores was to load waste wood chips into a wood gas generator, a job made […] - [Falling Away From the Old Self](https://crlmag.com/falling-away-from-the-old-self/): Change is inevitable, and autumn knows this all too well. Have you been feeling a bit shaken and stirred as summer transitions into fall? August, which this year had a strong Uranian influence, brought a particularly intense month full of bumps and new developments. But heck, we’ve been no strangers to personal and collective change since 2020, and we’re not done yet. This electrifying energy will continue to work with us intimately through the beginning of 2023. The shift that Uranus brings can be felt in numerous ways, but ultimately serves our highest paths.  The revolutionary Uranus will be retrograde […] - [The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow](https://crlmag.com/sleepy-hollow-rockefeller-estate/): The name “Sleepy Hollow” conjures up images of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, but while the iconic author Washington Irving does happen to be buried in the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, there is so much more to see and do in this beautiful corner of the Hudson Valley. While living and working in the area for many years, it was too easy to ignore some of the attractions right under my nose (or at least around the corner). But a visit to the stunning Rockefeller estate Kykuit  made me realize just what I had been missing, and I was off to […] - [Where to Find and Photograph the Perfect Sunflower in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/perfect-sunflower-capital-region/): One of the greatest joys of summer is watching the sunflowers bloom. For the full effect, visit a sunflower field in early or mid-August, like I did last year. I was thrilled when I discovered the perfect local farm for the task, the Golden Acres Charolais Farm that’s owned by the Boone Family in Westerlo, which is just 30 minutes from Albany. They are one of the sweetest families, sharing the beauty of their farm with people like us at no cost.  Flowers have always had a special place in my heart when it comes to photography. The texture, beauty, […] - [Before You Go: The Tale of Marty Magoo](https://crlmag.com/the-tale-of-marty-magoo/): This is the story of a boy named Marty Magoo. While some contest its veracity, I swear his story’s all true. Summer camp at lake ‘Shake-a-Leg’ arrived with the usual glee. Yellow busses with children all anxious to see, who they might be living with at these castles on the sea.  Sixty boys and girls, fresh as the dew, and one thin mint known as Marty Magoo. Soaking wet, he tipped the scale at barely 82. The counselors named the cabins after the states, and Marty’s was Oklahoma, the boy could hardly wait. Gents in one cabin, ladies in the […] - [Recipe: Curamia Tequila's Champagne Paloma](https://crlmag.com/recipe-curamia-tequila-champagne-paloma/): Ingredients: 1.5 oz. Curamia Tequila Blanco 0.5 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice 4 oz. Champagne Tajin, for rim Directions: • Rim your Champagne glass with Tajin and set aside. • Combine everything but Champagne in a shaker and shake lightly to incorporate. • Strain into Champagne glass and top with Champagne.               - [Columbia County's Mini Motocross Star](https://crlmag.com/sebastian-witherell-motocross/): Motocross racers are tough. They zigzag through rivers of dirt, fly over bumps and soar into the air. Mud and rain? No problem. Meet Sebastian Witherell, a.k.a. Sea Bass. He’s been riding off-road motorcycles since he was 4. Now, at the ripe old age of 9, the Columbia County kid is winning big time at local tracks and is a serious contender at national amateur races. Everyone knows Sea Bass. And they are watching him. Motoplayground, the magazine of amateur motocross, deemed him a “top 100” young rider. In 2019, he took first place in his class at the 50th […] - [The Long Island Medium Returns to Albany](https://crlmag.com/the-long-island-medium-returns-to-albany/): The Long Island Medium is back, Capital Region! Theresa Caputo, the country’s most famous medium, is bringing her brand of healing-through-spirit to the Palace Theatre Saturday, September 10, to help a post-pandemic generation that’s still healing (in some cases reeling) from being sick, experiencing mental health struggles from lockdown, and yes, losing a loved one. She promises a unique experience (“I never have any idea what’s going to happen!”) and an electric energy in the room to rival all of the excitement of this upcoming summer. “People lost faith in general during the pandemic,” says Caputo, who, in addition to her […] - [Hudson's Park Theater to Present Ruvan Wijesooriya Exhibition This Weekend](https://crlmag.com/ruvan-wijesooriya-exhibition/): This weekend, NYC-based photographer Ruvan Wijesooriya’s work will be on display in Light and Life: Moments in Time and Space, an exhibition that has been described as a multimedia presentation of projection and a manifold series of thematically distinct imagery, at The Park Theater in Hudson. Wijesooriya, a Minnesota native, is known for his documentary approach to photography that explores a universal and nostalgic visual language of the world. He specializes in landscapes, portraits, aerial perspective, and nature photography, which takes center stage in Light and Life. “It presents nature as how it made me feel,” Wijesooriya says about his photos […] - [The Capital Region's Hottest Early-summer Happenings](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-happenings-early-summer/): Proctors’ Gamble This August 12-14, Proctors will debut a brand new event: Fandom Fest, which celebrates fan culture of all sorts. In addition to an e-sports tournament, arcade, cosplay contest and board games, the weekend will feature celebrities including Amber Benson (who plays Tara Maclay in Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Keith David (The Thing, Armageddon, The Chronicles of Riddick), and Rodger Bumpass (who portrays Squidward Tentacles in SpongeBob SquarePants). And, oh yeah—Proctors also announced the shows in its 2022-23 season. Coming soon to Schenectady: Hairspray, Tootsie, Jagged Little Pill, and yes, Hamilton. A WHOLE BARRELL OF FAMILY FUN What could […] - [The Schenectady Story](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-comeback-revival/): On a recent late spring evening—a Tuesday, mind you—Downtown Schenectady was humming: Trivia was in full swing on the patio of Katie O’Byrnes, a steady stream of theater-goers filed into Proctors for opening night of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, and the tables were full at The Nest, one of the Capital Region’s trendiest new restaurants. The recently opened and much-talked-about Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience exhibit at the Schenectady Armory was closed for the day, but would reopen the following morning to swarms of art lovers. Just outside of downtown, at the state-of-the-art Mohawk Harbor compound, a pair […] - [How to Channel the Season's Energetic Imprint for a Sizzling Hot Summer](https://crlmag.com/channel-seasons-energetic-imprint-summer/): In the heat of summer would you rather…. • Have a light salad or a heavy, oily meal? • Sit inside by yourself or socialize with friends? • Get out of work early to enjoy the light of day, or stay at work longer?  Your answers may be fairly predictable given the specific energetic imprints of summer. She has qualities, psychological needs and motivations. If you know what they are and attune to them, you can be in more harmony and rhythm in your own personal life. Astrological Summer, or Summer Solstice (June 22), is the longest and brightest day […] - [How to Turn a Disobedient Puppy Into Your Dream Dog](https://crlmag.com/great-off-leash-dog-training-tips/): There are tons of questions that every proud new owner of an adorable puppy asks—and every trainer has different answers. I’ve developed my own method for creating a unique and unbreakable bond between dog and dog owner, so let’s get started. First up?  Skip immediate training in lieu of some good old-fashioned play time. Here’s why.  What’s the first thing I should do when I get a new puppy? When bringing a new puppy into your home, get to know her before jumping into commands. Simply play and travel to new surroundings, as this is a great way to learn […] - [Summer 2022 Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/summer-2022-gift-guide/): Flora + Bast A wellness company that was founded on the belief that natural products designed, preserved and delivered properly outperform any synthetic product. Rather than design products the conventional way they are changing the way health is achieved, delivering medical-grade results through simple and bioactive formulas. Flora + Bast sees the incredible importance of cannabidiol (CBD) is so big in beauty and how it can benefit your skin and mood. Mozy The jacket for your legs. Mozy is the perfect weatherproof layer for your legs that moves with you as you hop up to cheer at your kid’s game, hang out […] - [Behind the Lens: The Couple on Cloud Nine](https://crlmag.com/couple-on-cloud-nine/): The Adirondack region is a wonderful area for shooting wedding photography. The mountains, lakes, fields and quaint towns all provide beautiful locations for photos, which is a huge reason why many of my couples choose to celebrate their wedding day here. As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to step out of the ordinary to create something unique. This photo was taken during a summer engagement session on the top of Whiteface Mountain. Although this is a stunning location on its own, I always want to provide my couples with something special. You can create an image like this […] - [Best of the Besties: Scenes from BestieFest 2022](https://crlmag.com/best-of-the-besties-scenes-from-bestiefest-2022/): While we held a smaller, COVID-safe BestieFest last year, it didn’t feel like our annual celebration dinner and awards ceremony was really back until this year, when 2022 Bestie winners showed up in droves to eat, drink and be honored. Held once again at Century House, which served a delicious dinner of mac n’ cheese, tacos and more from food stations stationed around the Latham venue’s main ballroom, BestieFest also featured complimentary cocktails by Curamia Tequila, tasty confections by Bella Napoli and Coccadotts, and a raffle prize by Breathe Massage Therapy. Throughout the first hour of the evening, guests helped […] - [Before you go: Big Tipper, Bigger Secret](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-big-tipper-bigger-secret/): Seeing as we are celebrating the best places in the Capital Region for food and drink, I thought it time to share with you a deep dark secret regarding the food industry and me: I’m a big tipper. Not because I’m rich or even because I’m generous; I do it because I owe a great debt to the restaurant industry that I will never quite repay. It started while I was in college at SUNY Oswego. Being from a family of modest means, I’d be the financier of my own destiny. Once Dorothy here enrolled at Oz (my nickname for the […] - [Happy Father's Day](https://crlmag.com/happy-fathers-day/): Heirloom Give Dad a Video Book filled with your very favorite memories! Heirloom allows you to create custom video books. It is fast, easy, and oh-so-beautiful that you will want to make more for different occasions. To get started you select videos directly on sendheirloom.com! Once completed, Heirloom will ship your video book directly to the recipient. Each book comes fully charged and videos play automatically when the cover is opened. Safe Sleeve We’re on a mission to protect smartphone users from harmful EMF radiation without compromising style or convenience. SafeSleeve has carved a niche in the global mobile phone […] - [Recipe: Chez Mike Chef Mike Cohen's Short Ribs](https://crlmag.com/recipe-chez-mike-short-ribs/): Ingredients: 4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in and cross-cut) Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Vegetable oil 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup dark beer, such as Guinness ½ cup honey 1 48-ounce can low-sodium beef broth ½ cup jarred tomato sauce, or 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 2 sprigs fresh rosemary Directions: • Season the short ribs with salt and pepper liberally and on both sides. Heat just enough oil in a skillet to coat the bottom of […] - [Summer for the Soul](https://crlmag.com/summer-for-the-soul/): Where are you feeling the need to transform old energies that are no longer serving you? Are you feeling a calling to change careers? To connect more deeply to your body’s innate wisdom, or enhance your relationships? Or maybe you want to be more disciplined in your approach to exercise?  Whatever it may be for you, the month of May will be the time to get it rolling! Eclipse season has a way of creating immense change, whether we like it or not. Eclipses pack a powerful punch because they condense a life lesson (which might otherwise take a lifetime […] - [Why the Sale of Dogs in Pet Stores Must be Banned](https://crlmag.com/dogs-pet-stores-banned/): Ten years ago, we made a 10-hour drive that was full of anticipation. It was our first chance to help puppy mill dogs directly. We drove across New York State and then to the town of Alida in western Ohio to meet a very special person who rescues dogs from about-to-be-destroyed puppy mills. We arrived to absolute horror: 20 dogs crammed into carriers, left there for who knows how many hours. A few had had their bones broken or joints dislocated in order to make them fit into carriers that were too small. They were covered in feces and urine, […] - [The Ultimate Southwestern Vermont Road Trip](https://crlmag.com/southwestern-vermont-road-trip/): For a wonderful summertime day trip, weekend getaway or impromptu vacation, it’s hard to beat Southwestern Vermont, where I’m a full-time member of the creative community. From the Capital Region, it’s such an easy trip across the border to see our picturesque rolling hills, phenomenal cultural attractions, and delightful shops and restaurants.  To start your breathtaking drive, take New York Route 7 northeast from Troy. As you cross over the Vermont border, take in the awe-inspiring mountain views on all sides. First stop: North Bennington. Pop into The Roasted Bean Espresso Bar on Prospect Street for a revitalizing beverage and […] - [Besties 2022: Food & Drink](https://crlmag.com/besties-2022-food-drink/): Red – denotes winner  APPETIZERS  Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com Lanie’s Cafe 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com Druthers Brewing Company (tie) Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com Daley’s on Yates (tie) 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com  BAGELS  Uncommon Grounds Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com West End Bagels 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 952-4762 westendbagels.com Manhattan Bistro and Bagel 123 Saratoga Road, Glenville (518) 399-3887 manhattanbistroandbagel.com  BAKERY  Bella Napoli 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com Villa Italia Bakery 226 Broadway, […] - [Besties 2022: 8 Sweet Treats CRL Readers Can't Resist](https://crlmag.com/8-local-desserts-besties/): BEST CUPCAKES Coccadotts Cake Shop 1179 Central Avenue, Albany coccadotts.com Coccadotts in Albany has you covered for custom-designed cakes. (Need a diminutive confection for a little one’s first birthday? They have it. A cake in the shape of a Gucci bag for a graduation? No problem.) But we’re here to discuss the sinfully snackable versions that nabbed the cake shop a Bestie. Opened in 2007 by Rachel and Luke Dott, Coccadotts is perhaps most visited for its plethora of artfully decorated gourmet cupcakes (which come topped with everything from Sponegbob Squarepants to succulents). For those craving the classics, chocolate, vanilla […] - [New & Now: All-day Breakfast, Our (Still) Growing Beer Scene and Locals on TV](https://crlmag.com/new-now-all-day-breakfast-our-still-growing-beer-scene-and-locals-on-tv/): Pet Help This April, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society received two big-time donations: One was from NEWS10 ABC anchor and CRL columnist John Gray, his wife, and his blind/deaf dog Keller, who together raised nearly $30,000 for MHHS—in just one week. Then, later that month, Ed and Lisa Mitzen’s Business for Good Foundation gave the society its largest single donation in its 135-year history: $1 million. The organization’s animal care center in Menands will henceforth be known as the Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center. TV Phone Home Yes, we all know by now that HBO’s The Gilded Age filmed in […] - [2022 Mother's Day Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/2022-mothers-day-gift-guide/): GrandPad A super gift for a super mom – The GrandPad tablet is a smart, simple, and secure way to stay connected this Mother’s Day, and every day thereafter. Easy & effortless the essential apps and services on the GrandPad eliminate the clutter, distractions and complications of other devices, allowing seniors to instantly connect with loved ones.   Gemnote Gemnote is the easiest way to create and send premium custom products. Customers choose from unique gift ideas or have items hand selected for a gift box for their audience. Whichever way they choose, the outcome will leave a lasting impression and […] - [What Betty White—And Her Character on 'The Golden Girls'—Can Teach us About Estate Planning](https://crlmag.com/betty-white-estate-planning/): This past New Year’s Eve, while the world welcomed in a new year, it also lost one of its most beloved TV icons.  Betty White, entertainment royalty, passed away just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday. With a career that spanned eight (that’s correct, eight!) decades across television and film, White was a comedic trailblazer who kept her proverbial comedy “fastball” well into her nineties. Off-screen she was just as tireless as an advocate for animal welfare and racial justice.   When celebrities pass away, there is typically a wave of information about their net worth and their estates.  […] - [Before You Go: When the Worst Thing is the Best Thing](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-worst-thing-best-thing/): Whenever Jeremy Conroy needed to think, he’d walk in the park. There was a pond, a small amphitheater where they held concerts in the summer, and benches on which to sit and watch the pigeons. Mostly it was quiet, perfect for the 13-year-old to work. Jeremy’s teacher said the local magazine had just published its Best Of edition, where readers voted on their favorite places to shop, eat and be entertained. Inspired, the teacher decided to make that the eighth grade class’ weekend homework assignment: The students would have to come up with a list of their own favorite things. Jeremy immediately thought […] - [Recipe: Prociutto-wrapped Shrimp from Yanni's Too](https://crlmag.com/recipe-shrimp-yannis-too/): Ingredients: Jumbo peeled & deveined shrimp Prosciutto di Parma, thinly sliced Fresh baby spinach Fresh chopped garlic Lemon juice Pecorino Romano cheese, thinly sliced Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Red pepper flakes (optional) Directions: • Toss your shrimp in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Wrap a slice of your Prosciutto around your seasoned shrimp. We use four jumbo shrimp for an appetizer, but make as many as your heart tells you is right! Get your sauté pan hot with a little olive oil and sear your wrapped shrimp on both sides until the Prosciutto is […] - [CRL's Travel Columnist Says Goodbye After One Last Trip, to Hunter Mountain](https://crlmag.com/travel-columnist-goodbye-hunter-mountain/): My years as a professional travel blogger and women’s retreat company founder have brought me around the world—but my time here at Capital Region Living got me to explore my own backyard. For that, I’m forever grateful. While my year and change as a regular columnist here is coming to a close, I know that from time to time I’ll return, as I do to all of my favorite destinations. For now, I’m ending on a high note—literally—with a story about my recent trip to Greene County’s Hunter Mountain in the Great Northern Catskills. Growing up in Albany, I had […] - [Behind the Lens: Greatest of Ease](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-greatest-of-ease/): https://crlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BEST-OF-SEAL-1.jpg’s work snapping the athletes at Good Karma Studio, Bestie winner for Best Yoga Studio and Best Kids Birthday Venue, helped her snag a Bestie for Best Photographer. So we asked her to submit her favorite shot, and tell us how it was captured. alyssumphoto.mypixieset.com Photographing the talented women from Albany’s Good Karma Studio is always an adventure. I’ve photographed the aerialists five times, and each time I’ve learned something new about shooting action photography. This image was taken during the studio’s student showcase at Putnam Place in Downtown Saratoga. We planned a practice shoot during their recital a few […] - [7 Shows Coming to Proctors in 2022](https://crlmag.com/7-shows-proctors-2022/): Last month, Proctors theater in Schenectady welcomed back Broadway shows, which had been put on hold for nearly two years due to the pandemic. But if you missed RENT, Waitress or The Prom this winter, don’t despair: There’s plenty more where that came from. Tonight, Dear Evan Hansen, winner of six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will take the stage for the first of eight shows between Tuesday and Sunday. Called “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post, the show has struck a chord with audiences everywhere. In other words, if you can scoop […] - [2022: Spring Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/2022-spring-product-guide/): Check out all of these great products (and where to buy them!) in Capital Region Living‘s exclusive 2022 spring product guide.   True Primal Healthy dining can always be on the menu with a little help from True Primal. True Primal makes deliciously healthy soups that are free from preservatives and artificial flavors. They are gluten-free and paleo-friendly with real, high-quality ingredients. They even make sure all their meat is sourced ethically – all cows are free-range and grass-fed and chickens are pasture-raised. So enjoy it at home or on the go!   Whiskee Straw Just whisk, mix and sip! […] - [Becoming Your Best(ie) Self](https://crlmag.com/becoming-your-bestie-self/): After a long road through the pandemic, many of us are ready to take our lives to the next level. And we’re in luck, because spring is the season to do it. How do we ignite the energy to get fired up? Inspiration comes when we turn our attention to our heroes and heroines: Simone Biles, Tom Brady and the other greats of the world. We love them for their fiery, enthusiastic and enterprising natures; they inspire us to set bold goals, and to actualize our highest potentials. The attraction, though, lies at the heart of our own light. We […] - [New And Now: Spring Into the Thick of Things With Three Capital Region Happenings](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-spring/): Stadium Seating Albany’s newly named MVP Arena has a new MVP of its own. After a soft launch in mid-January, Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar, located inside the Capital Region’s largest indoor arena, celebrated its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Tuesday, February 8. The two-story sports bar is open for lunch Monday−Friday and dinner Monday−Saturday, as well as for any MVP Arena events and private events, including those on Sundays. As for the food, Chef Jennifer Hewes, formerly of Madison Ave hotspot The Point, has pulled out all the classic sports bar stops: burgers, apps, sandwiches, mac and cheese […] - [Steve Caporizzo: The Capital Region's Weather Man](https://crlmag.com/steve-caporizzo-the-weather-man/): NEWS10 ABC Meteorologist Steve Caporizzo got his big break in 1980 when he was a sophomore in college…though “big” is a strong word. “I wanted to do weather professionally—not just on the college radio station,” says the Lyndon State grad. “A small radio station in Brattleboro, VT—WTSA—decided to take a chance on me.” The station paid Caporizzo just $2 per day, but the job kickstarted a four-decade career in meteorology, which brought him to Bangor, ME; Springfield, MA; and finally Channel 10 in Albany, where he’s now worked for 33 years. While his job has remained the same for 40-plus […] - [NEWS10 ABC Rules the 2022 Besties](https://crlmag.com/news10-abc-2022-besties/): Best Morning Team Christina Arangio, Ryan Peterson, Jill Szwed and Stephanie Rivas Since Bestie voting took place, popular (and Bestie-winning!) midday reporter Stephanie Rivas has come aboard NEWS10 ABC’s morning team, joining journalism heavyweights Christina Arangio and Ryan Peterson and meteorologist Jill Szwed in waking up the Capital Region. And, by the sounds of it, Rivas is in for a treat. “We once had a toilet flush live on the air,” says Peterson. “The meteorologist at the time went into the bathroom with his mic.” Szwed jumps in: “It was not me; it was not me!”  Another time, the station […] - [Besties 2022: People & Places](https://crlmag.com/besties-2022-people-places/): Red – denotes winner   CULTURE   ART GALLERY Albany Center Gallery (tie) 488 Broadway, Albany (518 462-4775 albanycentergallery.org The Clark (tie) 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA (413) 458-2303 clarkart.edu Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478 albanyinstitute.org Collar Works 621 River Street, Troy (518) 285-0765 collarworks.org CHILDREN’S MUSEUM miSci 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady (518) 382-7890 misci.org The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (Temporarily closed) cmssny.org Children’s Museum of Science + Technology (CMOST) 250 Jordan Road, Troy (518) 235-2120 cmost.org CONCERT VENUE SPAC 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9330 spac.org Palace Theatre 19 […] - [Get Your Skin Date Night–Ready](https://crlmag.com/skin-date-night/): I have always enjoyed the extra planning and prepping that goes into a special night out.  Whether it’s a black tie affair or a more casual first date, glowing and radiant skin is always a top priority. Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on internally, so treating it truly goes beyond what we use topically and extends to the foods we eat and the lifestyle we live. The days leading up to your big night are just as important as your day-of routine.  My top lifestyle tips for glowing skin include getting plenty of rest and eating whole, […] - [Make Niagara Falls Your Next Couples Vacation](https://crlmag.com/niagara-falls-romantic-getaway/): It’s been called the Honeymoon Capital of the World—and no, I’m not talking French Polynesia or The Maldives. I’ve got my eye on a storied getaway right in our own backyard.  Niagara Falls, which straddles the border between Niagara County in New York and the Canadian province of Ontario, has a long, romance-drenched history that’s fun to soak in before trekking there yourself. For starters, in 1801, future US Vice President Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia and her new husband, the future governor of South Carolina, traveled to Niagara Falls from Albany via packhorse, with several servants.  Today getting to the […] - [How to Make Chef Freddie Dumlao's Romantic Red Beet Farroto](https://crlmag.com/chef-freddie-dumlao-red-beet-farroto/): Having trouble getting a dinner reservation for Valentine’s Day? Treat your special someone to a home-cooked meal instead! Here’s the recipe for The Greens at Copake Country Club’s Red Beet Farroto with Truffle Mascarpone Cream, courtesy of Chef Freddie Dumlao. Ingredients: For the beets 2 medium-large red beets Juice of 1 lemon 1 cup salt 2 quarts water For the farro 2 cups farro 3 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, sliced 2 cups red wine (use a wine you’d drink!) 2 1/2 cups cold water 1 cup parmesan Salt and pepper to taste For the truffle mascarpone cream 2 […] - [Photographer Tony Colasurdo on Shooting The Egg in Winter](https://crlmag.com/photographer-tony-colasurdo-the-egg/): One thing I love about Albany is its architecture, the crown jewel of which is The Egg. I’ve photographed this Capital City oddity countless times, but before this shot, never under a blanket of fresh snow. After the first snowfall of the year one winter, I drove down to the Empire State Plaza, which was nothing short of a winter wonderland. There’s no right or wrong way to photograph a building as unique as The Egg, but I chose this composition because of the layers of chains and cement blocks—larger in the foreground and getting smaller as you get closer […] - [What Your Natal Venus Sign Means for Your Love Life](https://crlmag.com/natal-venus-sign-love-life/): Do you know what you’re looking for in your love life? Venus’ Retrograde in Capricorn, which comes to an end January 29, is shining a light and refining matters of love for all of us. So now is a great time to take a look at what you truly seek. Whether you are currently dating or partnered, Venus transits are prime times for evaluating matters of love, relationships, value and worth. Her evolutionary intent is for each of you to form bonds and relationships with people who help develop certain aspects of your personality. So this retrograde movement of hers […] - [Five Ways to Boost Your Dating Mindset](https://crlmag.com/boost-your-dating-mindset/): Many of us have spent the last year and a half reflecting on so many aspects of our lives: Who am I? What am I meant to do? What do I want in a long-term relationship? Even though we vowed to never take anything for granted again, it’s turned out that it’s incredibly easy to get pulled back into some of our pre-COVID ruts. If dating is one of those ruts for you, here are a few ways to up your dating game by changing your outlook on dating.  1. Stop treating dating like work. The longer you’re on the […] - [How Dating Apps and the Pandemic Changed the Way Singles Look for Love in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/dating-apps-pandemic-look-for-love-capital-region/): On a gorgeous spring day last May, the Capital Region dating world felt a monumental shift. After more than a year spent locked up in their homes, and after almost a decade spent swiping on superficial Tinder profiles, 60 singles converged—in person—on Wolf Hollow Brewing in Schenectady for the first face-to-face gathering of Capital Heart Connection, a social club founded to help Upstate New Yorkers meet their person IRL. And these days, that’s rare. When talking about dating in the 21st century, dating apps are where the conversation starts—and, for many, ends. Swiping on apps such as Tinder, Bumble and […] - [New And Now: 6 Hot Capital Region Happenings](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-6-capital-region-happenings/): Skaters Gonna Skate Nothing says Upstate New York—or wonderfully cheesy winter rom com!—like an outdoor ice skating rink. And now, as of December 10, Schenectady has one of its own. The new rink, located next to Druthers at Mohawk Harbor, was created by Discover Schenectady in partnership with other local organizations and offers skate rentals, entertainment, a heated hospitality tent and themed kiosks. It’ll be open Mondays-Thursdays from 3-9pm, Fridays from 3-10pm, Saturdays from 10am-10pm and Sundays from 10am-8pm through the end of February.  Hometown Hero When you tune into the 2022 Recording Academy Grammy Awards on Monday, January 31, […] - [50 First Date Ideas for Capital Region Couples-to-be](https://crlmag.com/50-first-date-ideas-for-capital-region-couples-to-be/): That old adage is true: You get only one chance to make a first impression. So we’ve put together the ultimate list of Capital Region first date ideas that will leave your brand-new love interest wanting to come back to see what you’ve got up your sleeve for date No. 2! 1 Museum mode The Albany area has some world-class museums that are worth spending an afternoon checking out. One of the best is The New York State Museum on the south side of the Empire State Plaza. Pro tip: Don’t miss the stunning antique carousel on the fourth floor. nysm.nysed.gov 2 […] - [Lake Placid: Where Winter Works](https://crlmag.com/lake-placid-where-winter-works/): Typically, a town with “lake” in its name makes a great summer-season destination. And Lake Placid is no exception. But winter—winter is when the village, home of only the most famous US sports moment of all time, really comes alive. While the 1980 winter Olympics may have been what put Lake Placid on the map (if you don’t know what we’re talking about, Google “Miracle on Ice” immediately), the village of just over 2,000 people has taken the fame it garnered more than 40 years ago and run with it. In a typical year, visitors can get the full Olympic […] - [How to Turn Your Fur Baby Into a Social Media Star](https://crlmag.com/fur-baby-social-media-star/): You love your dog so much that you just want to share him or her with the world, right? There’s nothing wrong with that. But if there comes a point in your social media life when the majority of the content you’re sharing is pics of your pup, it might be time to reevaluate. Because that, my friends, is the telltale sign that it’s time to take the next step in your dog-dad or dog-mom journey: creating a social media account for your furry friend. Many pet owners start an Instagram account, TikTok page, YouTube channel or other social media […] - [Before You Go: Finding Love](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-finding-love/): Her name was Francella, and she looked every bit as Italian as that moniker suggested, with tan skin, thick, dark hair and deep, brown eyes. Despite that, everyone called her Frenchie, a nickname she picked up in the fourth grade when she memorized the message written on the tablet the Statue of Liberty held and recited it flawlessly, in French, for all her classmates to hear. A social worker by day, she spent three nights a week as the maître d’ at a posh restaurant downtown; extra money to make ends meet. Tuesday nights were slow at the restaurant, so […] - [3rd Annual Capital Region Gives Back Event Raises More Than $17,000 For Charity](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-charity/): Oh, what a night. On December 9, Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living teamed up with 10 local do-gooders to raise money for 10 nonprofits at the 3rd annual Capital Region Gives Back event. And raising money has never been more fun. As guests arrived at Putnam Place, they were treated to a complimentary glass of Prosecco donated by DeCrescente Distributing. They helped themselves to a sprawling buffet of fare from Panza’s, Spring Street Deli, Swifty’s and Sweet Mimi’s; sampled cocktails made with a Keurig Drinkworks machine and cocktail pods, donated by Saratoga Eagle and Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor; and bid in a silent auction. […] - [Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill Now Open in Green Island](https://crlmag.com/sea-smoke-waterfront-grill-open/): The restaurant empire of Capital Region culinary powerhouse Jaime Ortiz just got a little bit bigger. Last week, the celebrated chef opened Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill on Starbuck Island. The restaurant, which joins Albany’s 677 Prime and Toro Cantina and Troy’s Prime Burger and Shakehouse on the list of Ortiz’s impressive foodie establishments, features a Mediterranean-inspired, seafood-focused menu that, as Capital Regionites have come to expect from Ortiz, sounds ah-mazing. We’ll start with the appetizers, because, well, that’s what you start with. Highlighting the shareables menu is a quartet of dips and spreads (herbed labneh, beet hummus, traditional hummus and […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Schuylerville](https://crlmag.com/one-wonderful-weekend-in-schuylerville/): Need some fresh air before the holiday chaos? The next time you drive into the Spa City, just shoot right the heck out the other side along Route 29 into the quaint, pastoral lands known to some as Old Saratoga, and to everybody else, Schuylerville. Now, put the pedal to the metal. Your next wonderful weekend away awaits. Friday Since this is a late fall/early winter weekend getaway, we’d suggest a soft landing at the Dovegate Inn (dovegateinn.com), which is located right on Schuylerville’s main drag, Broad Street. No need for dinner plans, because the inn has its own in-house […] - [6 Can't-Miss Holiday Traditions in and Around Albany](https://crlmag.com/holidays-traditions-albany/): Yes, this is a travel column—and that’s why I’ve taken you all over New York State this past year, on a pandemic-safe adventure to as many of its 62 counties as possible. But there’s nothing like going home for the holidays, and for me, that’s Albany County. I’ve spent many Christmases abroad, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be, this year or any, for that matter, than curled up in front of the fireplace at my childhood home in Menands. While I’m sure some of you are probably itching to fly off to a warm, exotic place and put the winter […] - [CRL's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/crls-2021-holiday-gift-guide/): Christmas Days xmasdays.com 6279 VT Route 7A; Arlington, VT • 802.362.2516 Christmas Days is your go-to shop for all your holiday decorating needs. Make this Christmas a special one with this decorative Santa who’ll bring joy to your cozy home all season long. $185 Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop crosseyedowl.com 3143 U.S. 9, #8, Valatie • 518.758.6755 Give the gift of cozy feet with these hand-stitched Mukluk Slippers that are double-layered for extra warmth. $18 Fortuna’s Sausage fortunasausage.com 723 Stannards Road • Sandgate, VT 802.375.0200 Fortuna’s Sausage & Italian Market has been making the best all-natural salami for more than […] - [Location, Location, Location: How the Capital Region Became Hollywood’s Go-to Filming Hub of the Pandemic Era](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-hollywood-filming-hub-pandemic/): Had you been an out-of-towner visiting Downtown Troy this past May or June, you would’ve been met with quite the visual conundrum. The asphalt roads that normally branch off from the city’s triangular Monument Square were covered with a sizable layer of brownie-mix-colored dirt. The surrounding businesses—even vacant storefronts—looked odd as well, their façades featuring whimsically painted signage, their windows displaying sundries not normally sold there. Local jeweler Annick Designs, for instance, had been transformed into “Erlich,” a “seedsman and florist”; and the empty space at 9 Broadway and 2nd Street, most recently the pandemic-shuttered Illium Cafe & Bistro, had […] - [How Photographer Ryan Grennan Landed a Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Shot](https://crlmag.com/photographer-ryan-grennan-wildlife/): Living in the Capital Region affords us many opportunities to connect with nature. The Hudson Valley, Catskills and Adirondacks are all just a short drive away, but sometimes it’s the places even closer to home where we are able to find the most magic. Reichards Lake, a small lake in Rensselaer County, is that place for me. One such occasion came in December 2017, when a flock of snow geese made a surprise visit during their annual migration south. On the evening of their arrival, my wife noticed a large number of geese flying in strange formations and landing on the […] - [The Sea The Sea Takes Home Album of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards](https://crlmag.com/the-sea-the-sea-capital-region-thomas-edison-music-awards/): This past summer and fall, we experienced the reawakening of the Capital Region’s music scene. From Live Nation shows such as Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes and The Jonas Brothers at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, to the kickoff of the Grammy-winning Albany Symphony’s 2021-22 season and the debut of Empire Live, the Capital City’s newest music venue, live music was in full swing. That comeback spirit—and the resilience of the local music community during COVID—was celebrated at this year’s Thomas Edison Music Awards (a.k.a. “The Eddies”). Hosted by Schenectady’s DJ Ketchup, the third annual event took place in front […] - [Allie B's Cozy Kitchen's Candied Yams](https://crlmag.com/allie-bs-cozy-kitchen-candied-yams/): Ingredients: 3 lbs yams ½ tbsp nutmeg 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup sugar 5 tbsp vanilla 2 sticks butter (unsalted or margarine, at room temperature) Directions: •Clean each yam and peel completely.Rinse after peeling and then chop into cubes or 1/2-inch-thick slices. Pour into a deep 8×8” baking dish, and pour vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar and one stick of butter on top of yams. Using your hands, mix together thoroughly so that the seasonings are spread evenly throughout. •Bake covered with foil at 375 degrees for 90 minutes or until all yams are tender. Upon removal from the oven, immediately […] - [How to Age Gracefully Into a New Year](https://crlmag.com/age-gracefully-new-year/): Instead of thinking of “anti-aging” or “reversing the signs of aging,” getting into the mindset of aging gracefully into the new year should be everyone’s 2022 resolution. Yes, the holidays are a special time when we get to connect with family and friends, but hosting parties and traveling can also be stressful. All of that takes a toll on skin and overall health, so it’s important to change your mindset before the chaos begins. During the cold-weather months, our skin is exposed to harsher temperatures and artificial indoor heat, which dries out the skin, so increasing your water and moisture […] - [How to Honor Loved Ones Who Have Crossed Over This Holiday Season](https://crlmag.com/honor-loved-ones-holiday-season/): Death has shown me how precious and divine time is. For more than 20 years now, I have shared this with my clients as a professional intuitive medium, using my spiritual gift to connect those who are here with their loved ones who have crossed over by conveying messages. It’s an ability that began for me at an early age and became only stronger as I got older. The holidays are an especially poignant time during the grieving process. As the days inch us closer to festive events, some of you will struggle with finding joy in the absence of […] - [Shenendehowa Grad Ian Anderson Helps Atlanta Braves Clinch Second World Series Title](https://crlmag.com/ian-anderson-atlanta-braves-world-series/): Last night, Atlanta wasn’t the only city cheering the Braves on to their second-ever World Series title. About 1,000 miles to the northeast, a contingent of fans from New York’s Capital Region was also rooting for the team, or, more specifically, for one of the team’s pitchers. Rexford native Ian Anderson graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 2016, the same year he was drafted third overall in the Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves. He made his Major League debut in 2020, and was a key member of the team’s bullpen this year, keeping the Los Angeles Dodgers […] - [Vermont-based Crêperie The Skinny Pancake to Open Location in Albany](https://crlmag.com/creperie-the-skinny-pancake-albany/): For more than a decade, Vermonters have been indulging in some of the best paper-thin sweet and savory stuffed crêpes the northeast has to offer. The Skinny Pancake, the restaurant that produces said crêpes, got its start in Burlington and has since expanded to eight locations across The Green Mountain State. This November, the crêperie will open up number nine—its first outside of Vermont—right here in Albany. “For years now we’ve been looking at the Capital Region—Troy and Albany mostly,” says The Skinny Pancake’s Michael Cyr. “Albany has a lot going for it—a growing community, a population center proximate to […] - [Chevy Chase to Host Live Q&A and 'Christmas Vacation' Screening at the Palace Theatre](https://crlmag.com/chevy-chase-christmas-vacation-palace-theatre/): After the year we just had, everybody needs a little vacation. And Capital Region audiences will soon have just that when Saturday Night Live legend Chevy Chase swings through Albany’s Palace Theatre to host a live Q&A and screening of his holiday classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Audiences will first get to screen the 1989 movie, which stars Chase, reprising his role as Clark Griswold, from National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) and National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), acting opposite comedy heavyweights such as Beverly D’Angelo (Ellen Griswold) and Randy Quaid (Cousin Eddie). The film tells the tale of the Griswold’s family […] - [UAlbany Men's Basketball Head Coach Dwayne Killings on His Winning Philosophy](https://crlmag.com/dwayne-killings-ualbany-mens-basketball-head-coach/): UAlbany men’s basketball fans could use a mulligan after the 2020-21 season. The pandemic had a lot to do with that; a surge in COVID cases within the university’s walls last winter sent the entire campus into periodic pause mode and then full lockdown. And the university’s sports programs, which require a rhythm, a steady diet of practice and coaching, and most importantly, fan participation to succeed, suffered. The men’s basketball team played a pandemic-shortened season to empty arenas, and in the end, the Great Danes finished a disappointing 7-9—6-6 in America East Conference play—their third straight losing season. All […] - [Scottish Fashion Retailer the ScotlandShop Chooses Albany for Its First US Store](https://crlmag.com/scottish-fashion-scotlandshop-albany/): Anyone who has ever visited Edinburgh, Scotland, will know that the city perfectly straddles the line between bustling metropolis and small town. As Scotland’s capital city, it’s certainly a major business center and political hub, with a foreboding castle overlooking it, just to drive home the point. But unlike some nearby cities’ people (cough, cough…the Big Apple), Edinburgh’s are über-friendly. That, and the pubs are open late and the food scene is outstanding, a true melting pot of the best of what the UK has to offer. Until recently, Capital Region residents could only experience the gem of the Scottish […] - [Hattie's Restaurant to Open Fourth Location in Downtown Albany](https://crlmag.com/hatties-restaurant-fourth-location-albany/): Get ready for some breaking news from the Capital Region’s fried chicken scene: Hattie’s Restaurant, Saratoga’s longtime comfort food HQ, will be opening a new location in the former Lombardo’s Restaurant on Madison Avenue in Downtown Albany. The news comes three months after Ed Mitzen, CEO of Saratoga-based advertising and marketing agency Fingerpaint, and his wife, Lisa, launched Business for Good (BFG), a foundation that buys for-profit businesses, gives all employees full benefits and competitive salaries, and donates all profits to charity. With the launch of BFG in July, the Mitzens also announced the purchase of Hattie’s, which currently has […] - ['Capital Region Living' Celebrates 2021 Bestie Winners at 5th Annual BestieFest](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living-5th-annual-bestiefest/): Having been around for more than 15 years, Capital Region Living‘s Besties is the area’s longest running “best of” survey. It wasn’t until a few years ago that we sweetened the deal for winners of the coveted awards—not only would they get listed in the magazine, but they would also be invited to attend a dinner and awards ceremony exclusively for winners of first, second or third place. That was the birth of BestieFest, a tradition the CRL team looks forward to every year. After having to cancel last year’s BestieFest due to COVID-19, we were thrilled to welcome back […] - [Saratoga's Tatu Tacos & Tequila to Open Second Location in Troy](https://crlmag.com/tatu-tacos-tequila-second-location-troy/): When Tatu Tacos & Tequila opened on Maple Avenue in Downtown Saratoga back in 2019, it was an instant hit. The restaurant, which is co-owned by Jennyfur Spaulding and Chef Kareem NeJame, serves—you guessed it—tacos, but with a Yucatecan flair. Dishes include the ever-popular Carnitas Al Pastor Tacos (achiote- and sour orange–marinated slow roasted pork stuffed in a tortilla), Kibito (Japanese fried meatballs), and plenty of plant-based options, such as the Vegetarian Chile Rellenos (a giant poblano stuffed with veggies and rice). Sound delicious to you? You’re certainly not alone. Tatu has become so popular that its owners are in […] - [Times Union Center Will Have a New Name Soon](https://crlmag.com/times-union-center-new-name/): For the past 14 years, locals have known the sports arena and entertainment center in Downtown Albany as the Times Union Center (or the “TU,” for short). But today, the Times Union newspaper company declined to renew its naming rights agreement with the center’s owner, Albany County, so it’ll be under a new name soon. According to the Times Union, the reason the newspaper’s publisher, George Hearst III, gave for declining to renew the agreement was to focus on bolstering its newsroom, digital subscriptions and recent expansion into the Hudson Valley. “We’re in the midst of an evolution at the […] - [The Albany Symphony's David Alan Miller Celebrating 30th Season With Orchestra](https://crlmag.com/albany-symphony-david-alan-miller-30th-season/): The 91-year-old Albany Symphony has a lot to be happy about this season. Besides landing its second Grammy Award earlier this year, the symphony orchestra, which will be taking the stage this October for the first time since 2020, will also be celebrating Music Director David Alan Miller’s 30th anniversary with the orchestra. Miller and the symphony will return to the Palace Theatre stage on Saturday, October 9, at 7:30pm. The program features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”; Jean Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen Suite; and Coincident Dances by modern composer Jessie Montgomery. “We are so thrilled to gather again, and to be […] - [Troy, Saratoga Crack Top 10 for Most Coffee-Obsessed in New York](https://crlmag.com/troy-saratoga-coffee-obsessed-new-york/): If you’re the type of person that needs a strong cup of coffee to make it through the morning—and several more mugs to survive the workday—you’ll know that there isn’t a paucity of joe-slingers in the Capital Region to feed your caffeine addiction. And in a recent study done by Zoma Sleep, a Phoenix, AZ-based sleep products company, a number of local cities found their way into the Top 10 and 20 for most coffee-obsessed in New York State. It’s worth getting this out of the way up top: New York ranks 17th overall in the nation in terms of […] - [Pint Sized Opening Third Location in Troy That Will Double as a Music Venue](https://crlmag.com/pint-sized-troy-music-venue/): Three’s officially a crowd. Capital Region craft beer shop Pint Sized, which already has popular locations in Albany and Saratoga Springs, will be opening a third location in Troy in mid-November or early December—with a twist. The Collar City spot will double as a music venue. The Troy location marks Pint Sized’s largest project to date, and will take over two empty storefronts in Downtown Troy, 275 and 277 River Street in Downtown Troy (the former of which was the long-shuttered but much-beloved bagel shop, Psychedelicatessen). “I’ve been looking at Troy since as early as 2017, when I was scouting […] - [2021 Fall Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/2021-fall-product-guide/): SideTrak: SideTrak is the ultimate work-from-home solution. Improve your productivity while working from your couch, office or dining table with a portable monitor for your laptop. Instantly double your laptop screen workspace with this game-changing new portable monitor technology. Proud Pour: Nothing tastes better than a cold glass of white wine on a warm summer night with your friends, especially when the wine is eco-friendly. Proud Pours tasty wines and cider support 22 environmental nonprofits protecting bees, soil, wild oysters, sea turtles and coral reefs. The wines are always high quality and sustainably grown, and Proud Pours’ drinks are a […] - [Albany's Good Karma Studio to Celebrate 10 Years With Carnival September 25](https://crlmag.com/good-karma-studio-carnival/): What do you do to celebrate a decade of being the Capital Region’s only certified circus arts studio? Host a carnival, of course! That’s exactly what Good Karma Studio owner Jessica Lubin is doing on Saturday, September 25. “We’ll be transforming our parking lot into a carnival,” Lubin says, “with a bounce house, carnival games and food, aerial arts performers, fire spinning, discounted merchandise and class packages, as well as supporting our fellow local small businesses who will be showcasing their products and sharing their expertise.” Such businesses include Meaty Max Vegan Meats, La Om Jewelry, Paint Cohoes, Indie Vibez […] - [2021 Capital Region Gives Back: Taylor Nichols, Suicide Survivor, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-taylor-nichols-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. The night before you graduate from college is often one fraught with emotional ambiguity. For Taylor Nichols, that’s the night he tried to take his own life. Unbeknownst to his parents, Nichols had failed out, so he wouldn’t be walking with the rest of his class. Thankfully, that night, Nichols lived, as only one of every 25 people who attempt […] - [2021 Capital Region Gives Back: Ron Gardner, Member of the Board of Directors, Hamilton Hill Arts Center](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-ron-gardner-hamilton-hill-arts-center/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. Ron Gardner had spent more than 30 years in business consulting and 15 years living in Schenectady, before he was approached by Mayor Gary McCarthy about filling the role of the city’s director of diversity and affirmative action in 2017. “I was shocked,” says Gardner, “because I wasn’t looking for anything. I was perfectly content with my business.” A dialogue […] - [2021 Capital Region Gives Back: Rainbow Doemel, Associate Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern New York](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-rainbow-doemel-arthritis-foundation/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. Rainbow Doemel’s journey to the Arthritis Foundation (AF) started with the most unlikely patient: her daughter Kolby, who was only 18 months old at the time. When the toddler presented with swollen fingers, Doemel and her husband became concerned, assuming that their active little one had injured herself around the house while unsteadily learning to scurry around. But the hand […] - [2021 Capital Region Gives Back: Christina Arangio, Parent Advocate, Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-christina-arangio-down-syndrome-aim-high-resource-center/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. When NEWS10 ABC morning/noon anchor Christina Arangio became pregnant with her son, Luke, she had no idea that he would open her eyes to a whole world—one that she’d become an advocate for in record time. “He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome before he was born,” she says. “We had the tests done, and then I got the call in […] - [2021 Capital Region Gives Back: William Trigg, CEO, Make-A-Wish Northeast NY](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-william-trigg-make-a-wish/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. Childhood diseases certainly didn’t disappear during the pandemic, and William Trigg’s drive to make sure that making sick kids’ dreams come true didn’t either—despite the obstacles. The CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York explains that yes, during the pandemic travel wishes were temporarily forced to a halt (up to 60 percent of local Wish Kids choose a trip […] - [How to Frost the Perfect Halloween Cookie](https://crlmag.com/frost-halloween-cookie/): Hosting a Halloween soirée and don’t know what to serve? Going to a costume party and blanking on what to bring? Whatever your dilemma may be on October 31, cookies are a sweet and satisfying solution. Capital Region Living has included our favorite sugar cookie recipe to get you started—then Kelly Hellwig of Saratoga Springs–based custom cookie company, Cookie-tastic (@cookie_tastic), offers tips for how to perfectly, “royally” frost it. Since you’ll likely be licking both bowls, be sure to wear an apron over that Catwoman costume. (Don’t worry—we won’t judge.) CRL’s Favorite Sugar Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup butter 2 cups […] - [Capital Region U: How Our Local Colleges and Universities Are Killing the Higher Ed Game](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-u-how-our-local-colleges-and-universities-are-killing-the-higher-ed-game/): When you think of the stereotypical “college town”—a city or community crawling with college students—you probably envision a big city like Boston, which is home to several large universities including Harvard, Tufts, Boston College and Boston University. The last place you’d probably think of is Troy, NY. But, oh, how we’d beg to differ. The Collar City, population 50,000, boasts three colleges—Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Russell Sage College and Hudson Valley Community College—whose collective student bodies account for a whopping 44 percent of its overall residential population, per the Albany Business Review. Boston, which boasts a population of 650,000, has […] - [One Wonderful Weekend in Chatham](https://crlmag.com/chatham-wonderful-weekend/): Searching for a late-summer or early fall jaunt? Look no further than Chatham, NY—not to be confused with the same-named town on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod—a Lilliputian Columbia County wonderland that boasts nothing but Brobdingnagian fun. Friday The fact that Chatham’s just a 30-minute drive from Albany leads us to believe that you could easily jump in your car and make a day out of a trip down there. But since you’re a smarty pants and booked a cozy room at the Inn at Silver Maple Farm (silvermaplefarm.com) ahead of time, there will be no need for a […] - [New and Now: What's Going on in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/new-now-whats-going-capital-region/): Highway to Hunger So you’re over the iffy gas station sushi and Roy Rogers burgers you’ve been taking down for decades on the New York Thruway? Thanks to a $300 million renovation project on 27 of the roadway’s rest stops, baller mealtime options like Shake Shack and Popeyes will take the place of the tired tried-and-trues. Though the restaurant’s locations throughout the state are yet to be determined, we’d like to put in the first vote for Shake Shacks at the Guilderland Travel Plaza, New Baltimore Service Area and Pattersonville Travel Plaza. Because we deserve it! Uncommon Abounds Popular Capital […] - [How One Photographer Helped a Capital Region Breast Cancer Survivor Celebrate Life](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-breast-cancer-survivor-celebrate-life/): As a photographer in the Capital Region, I get to shoot some of the most amazing people, and I’ve learned that shooting portraits that have special meaning to the subject always makes for a better experience. When Kendra, the subject of this portrait, asked me to take some photos to celebrate her surviving her battle with breast cancer, I was really inspired. I knew that picking the right scene and time of day would make all the difference for the final image. First, we found a nice field in Albany. Right as the sun started to set, I took out […] - [All the Top Fall Festivals, Concerts and Shows Across the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/calendar-festivals-concerts-shows/): We put together all the top festivals, concerts and shows across the Capital Region in this handy events calendar. Consider yourself set through mid-October! September 11 Troy on Tap Craft Beer Festival Russell Sage Athletic Field Sip suds from more than 65 breweries, including Druthers Brewing, Northway Brewing and Frog Alley Brewing, at the seventh annual Troy on Tap Craft Beer Festival. For $45, you’ll get three hours of sampling (2pm–5pm), plus a souvenir sampling glass. americaontap.com September 11 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival Jennings Landing Though the lineup hadn’t been announced at press time, there’s no doubt Albany’s Riverfront Jazz […] - [Glamping in Tompkins County to See If Ithaca Is Truly 'Gorges'](https://crlmag.com/glamping-tompkins-county-ithaca/): It doesn’t matter how many years it’s been since you waited for a school bus or crossed a campus—fall will forever remain the season of “back to school.” (Sounds like a great trip theme, muses this travel writer!) New York State is home to so many storied academic institutions, a number of which are concentrated right here in the Capital Region. Yet tucked away in tiny Tompkins County—another one of the 62 counties in New York that I’ve set out to visit this year—is the prestigious Ivy League’s Cornell University. While I loved attending the Pratt Institute, a small fine […] - [11 Home Improvement Companies Ready to Help Make Your House a Home This Fall](https://crlmag.com/11-home-improvement-companies/): Wolberg Lighting Design & Electrical Supply Multiple locations wolbergelectric.com Are you looking to renovate this fall? Remember to include a lighting layout plan to take your renovation to the next level. A good lighting plan integrates comfort, control and energy efficiency to create a healthy and safe home environment. Begin by assessing the activities that take place in each room; most rooms are in need of layered lighting to address different needs. Talk to the lighting experts at the Albany, Schenectady or Saratoga lighting showrooms for the best guidance in lighting terminology, types of lighting and choosing the right LED […] - [Everything You Need to Know About Preventing Your Dog From Getting Ticks](https://crlmag.com/preventing-dogs-getting-ticks/): Dr. Lexi Becker, DVM, has been the head veterinarian at the 2021 Bestie–winning Animal Hospital in Slingerlands since 2014, when she took over the practice from her father, who first opened it in 1974. Capital Region Living asked Dr. Becker for some advice on how to keep our dogs safe from ticks. Seasons of the Tick Typically, fall and spring are when you see the most ticks. They mostly thrive in damp and cool weather, and like taller grasses or shrubs. Ticks can’t jump, so they have to get themselves into a position where they can grab on if an […] - [Transition Time: How to Say Goodbye to Summer and Welcome in the Fall](https://crlmag.com/goodbye-summer-welcome-fall/): The Sun and her energies have a big impact on our lives. She is our center after all, our guiding light and source of vitality and life force energy. Since she also connects us to our own central Sun and center, it’s no wonder we feel her gravitational force so impactfully.    The Sun travels through all 12 zodiac signs throughout the year, each with its own distinct energetic signature. How we experience her and our own selves will be partially influenced by whatever zodiac sign she is in. If we attune to the Sun as she cycles through the […] - [4 Super Fun Getaways to Take This Fall](https://crlmag.com/super-fun-getaways-fall/): Berkshire Museum 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 413.443.7171; berkshiremuseum.org Explore the stories, ideas and experiences that have shaped your world at the Berkshire Museum! A series of all-new exhibitions that just debuted on the museum’s fully-renovated second floor promise to take you on an eye-opening journey around the world and through time. Check out The Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan Through the Lens of Mead Eagle Photography, Objects and Their Stories and Muh-he-con-ne-ok: The People of the Waters That Are Never Still, on display now through January 9, 2022. The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls 518.792.1761; hydecollection.org […] - [5 Top Wedding Vendors in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/top-wedding-vendors-capital-region/): Andrew T. Frank DMD, PC 1816 Western Avenue, Albany 518.456.3551; albanysmiles.com Dr. Andrew T. Frank maintains a very friendly and caring boutique dental practice that always provides the highest quality of dentistry—and is completely available for pre-wedding needs. Although he continues to practice general dentistry, his passions have led him to more complex and rewarding cosmetic and reconstructive cases. Changing people’s lives through dentistry with a complete smile makeover “never gets old,” according to Dr. Frank, who has worked with many brides and grooms before their big day. “Today, we have the ability to accomplish so much more than we had […] - [Capital Region Medical Profiles](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-medical-profiles/): Capital Region Living identified all of the top healthcare providers in the Capital Region across multiple specialties. Check out our comprehensive list below: Gregory Dodd, DDS, FAGD Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry ›› Cosmetic and Family Dentistry ‹‹ Almost 50 years ago, a small dental office opened to serve the residents of Saratoga Springs. Today, that one office has expanded to seven locations across the North Country and Capital Region, all dedicated to providing quality dental care. Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry has been built on a history of exceptional dentistry and a commitment to optimizing each patient’s individual dental experience. The owner […] - [Trader Joe's Opening Halfmoon Location on September 8](https://crlmag.com/trader-joes-opening-halfmoon/): Shoppers at Trader Joe’s are almost cultish in their loyalty to the national chain. And right now, Capital Region fans of the grocery store and its branded products have just a single location to worship at, one in Colonie that opened to much fanfare in 2012. That is, until September 8. That’s when Capital Regionites will get their second Trader’s Joe location in Halfmoon. The new store—located at 3 Halfmoon Crossing, just east of the Halfmoon/Clifton Park border—will mark the first Trader Joe’s in Saratoga County. “We’ve been interested in opening a store in the Saratoga County area for a […] - [Troy's Plumb Oyster Bar Reopens Following 10-Month Closure](https://crlmag.com/troy-plumb-oyster-bar-reopens/): Collar City gourmands have another reason to polish that silverware and get out on the town again. Plumb Oyster Bar, the five-year-old upscale eatery located in Downtown Troy, has reopened following a 10-month closure due to the pandemic. The grand reopening was celebrated on August 26 with a ribbon cutting that was attended by owner and local entrepreneur Heidi Knoblauch, her staff of four (down from 18), the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the Rensselaer County Legislature, City of Troy, Troy Downtown BID, Redburn Development, Mathes Public Affairs, Clermont and Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Sixty-five guests were […] - [Catching Up With Rudy Winkler, Recent Olympian and Averill Park Grad](https://crlmag.com/tokyo-olympian-averill-park-rudy-winkler/): Averill Park High School graduate Rudy Winkler, who holds the US hammer throwing record, headed into this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo ranked sixth internationally. In other words, he was a force to be reckoned with on arguably the most competitive world stage for an athlete of his kind. But for every powerhouse who trained tirelessly and beat the odds to win a medal in Tokyo, there were dozens more who did the same and came up short. Though Winkler disappointingly fell into the latter group, his experience at the Olympics wasn’t all for naught. For one, Winkler wound up […] - [Empire Live, Formerly Upstate Concert Hall, Opens in Albany on Thursday](https://crlmag.com/albany-empire-live-opens/): Last fall, Clifton Park’s Upstate Concert Hall announced that it was planning a move to the former Capital Repertory Theatre on North Pearl Street in Albany. Nearly a year later, the venue, newly minted Empire Live, will host its first show, featuring indie rock band the Cold War Kids, on Thursday, August 26. “Our lease was up in December 2020, and the offer came up to go into this great building that allows us to have two clubs,” says Empire Live owner Ted Etoll of Empire Live and lower-level event space Empire Underground, which will open in several weeks. “So […] - [Actor George Takei to Appear at Ticonderoga's 'Star Trek' Original Series Set Tour](https://crlmag.com/george-takei-ticonderoga-star-trek-tour/): Welcome to the Capital Region, Mr. Sulu. (Well, at least close enough!) Ticonderoga’s Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, a museum that pays meticulous tribute to the groundbreaking sci-fi show, will be hosting a three-day event, September 24–26, featuring appearances by Star Trek actor George Takei on all three days. Takei, who played Mr. Sulu in the original series, as well as its various big-screen features—and has appeared on countless TV shows, including The Simpsons, Heroes and Futurama—will be available each day for a number of related events (admission tickets cost $60 for adults and $25 for children 5-13). Fans […] - [HGTV's New 'Cheap Old Houses' Series Focuses In on Capital Region Homes](https://crlmag.com/hgtv-cheap-old-houses-upstate-new-york/): That old fixer-upper down the street with the “for sale” sign out front could be starring in a new HGTV show soon. Earlier this month, the cable network aired the first episode of Cheap Old Houses, a show that started out as a popular Instagram page and now shines a light on affordable, older homes, some of which are in the Capital Region. “We started Cheap Old Houses on Instagram, and it ignited a movement,” says Ethan. “Our site features the best historic properties on the market right now and that means we have to go find the best places […] - [The Calendar: What to Do This Winter](https://crlmag.com/the-calendar-what-to-do-this-winter/): January 25 Dancing with the Stars: Live! Proctors Cha cha your way to a fun Thursday night when the cast of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) hits Proctors for a thrilling evening of dance. A range of ticket packages includes photo ops, souvenirs and even a Mirrorball Trivia Showdown with members of the touring DWTS […] - [How to Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa](https://crlmag.com/turn-bathroom-into-spa/): When we’re in the thick of a crushing upstate winter, it’s easy to daydream about having a spa day without having to leave home. After all, what could be better than steamy treatments to unwind before being engulfed in a warm robe or towel? This is no longer a trick question: Spa-worthy bathrooms are the […] - [THC Trailblazers: Behind the Scenes of the Capital Region's Cannabis Craze](https://crlmag.com/thc-trailblazers-cannabis-craze/): While New York State legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, it would be a long way out before Capital Regionites could visit a dispensary in their own community. For many connoisseurs, buying legal cannabis meant traveling out of state to Massachusetts, or making a stop while down in New York City. One savvy business owner, however, […] - [Before You Go: Perfect for Each Other ](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-perfect-for-each-other/): The mall closed at 9pm sharp. As she locked the store’s front door, Summer was excited because tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and this was her last night working at Macy’s. They hired extra staff every December, and Summer grabbed two shifts per week, hoping to make enough money to buy an important gift. You see, […] - [CRL's Holiday 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/holiday-2023-tarotscope/): As we prepare for winter, many seek hibernation and reflection, plus a review of the past year and a plan for the year ahead! Is that in the cards for you? We’ll see—the second half of our solar eclipse, an event that promotes great transformation and change, occurs October 28. Here is how each astrological […] - [SOLD! Like Father, Like Daughter](https://crlmag.com/sold-like-father-like-daughter/): Talk about being sold on a career path. Just last year, Lyla Stebbins of Delmar was your fairly typical teenager, going to school and soccer practice—and thinking about a business degree down the road. Flash-forward a year and a half, and the 15-year-old is garnering a lot of attention in the nonprofit auctioneering world. And […] - [Behind the Scenes at Winter Fashion Show Shred the Runway](https://crlmag.com/winter-fashion-show-shred-the-runway/): In a dazzling display of fashion and community spirit, Mell Meus, a trailblazing figure in the Upstate New York fashion and production realm, orchestrated his seventh runway event: Shred The Runway, a fundraiser for The Shred Foundation, a cause dedicated to breaking barriers for BIPOC kids and teenagers in winter sports. On Thursday, November 9, […] - [CRL's Holiday Season Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/holiday-season-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 To say you will be ending the year with a bang is an understatement of epic proportions, my Aries loves. Your subconscious thoughts and energies are going to be getting the green light after a long time period of “wait and see.” This is going to play nicely with […] - [New & Now: Holiday 2023](https://crlmag.com/holiday-happenings-2023/): Ice, Ice Baby After struggling to keep last year’s ice castles from melting during an unusually warm start to winter, Lake George has a brand-new cold-weather activity coming our way—in fact, it’s doubling up. The first experience actually comes to us from the creative forces behind the ice castles. Opening Friday, November 24 and located […] - [2023 Holiday Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/23090-2/): Mini Tiffany Kids Throne Chair thronekingdom.com Spoil your child with this gorgeous, best-selling “Mini Tiffany” throne chair. This mini throne brings pizzazz to many occasions such as children’s birthday parties, baby showers, and much more! PaddleSmash paddlesmash.com Get the game that has gone viral on TikTok! The perfect mix of Pickleball & Spikeball. Play anywhere, […] - [All Aboard Upstate New York's Holiday Season Train Obsession](https://crlmag.com/upstate-new-york-holiday-train-obsession/): One of my most memorable Christmas gifts was the American Flyer electric train that I got when I was 10 or 12 years old. It had a modern (by 1960 standards) diesel locomotive with a “real” horn, and all sorts of miniature accoutrements. I played with that set, expanding it and learning skills such as […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Johan Matthews, Board President, Community Fathers](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-johan-matthews-board-president-community-fathers/): Since moving to Schenectady at the age of 15, Johan Matthews has made a name for himself as a community leader: He founded Mutual Design, a company that designs strategies for shared social change; and sits on the boards of a handful of organizations including the Schenectady Foundation and Boys Day Out Youth Enrichment Services. […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Rayn Boncie, Founder and CEO, Things of My Very Own](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-rayn-boncie-founder-and-ceo-things-of-my-very-own/): Rayn Boncie was an impressionable 14-year-old when she was placed in foster care, a kind child who noticed when a new girl placed in the same home arrived with welts on her skin because her clothes were so tight. Boncie vowed then and there that someday she would help foster children get the basic necessities […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Lisa Audi, Founder, Bring on the Spectrum](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-lisa-audi-founder-bring-on-the-spectrum/): It was December 31, 2019, when Lisa Audi learned that Latham’s Ring Around the Spectrum, a sensory gym designed for children with autism, was closing. “I laughed, because we had been in the space that day,” she says. “Because where else would a single parent of a deaf, hard-of-hearing, autistic kid spend New Year’s Eve?” […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Ray Gawlak, Event Partner, Capital Region Giving Tree](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-ray-gawlak-event-partner-capital-region-giving-tree/): Events are cancelled for far less, but when a major storm hit the day of Ray Gawlak’s annual WishFest music festival, he wouldn’t hear of it. There was simply too much at stake. The money being raised that day would benefit a whopping seven charities (by way of Capital Region Giving Tree)—each chosen by a […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Takara Wiles, Fundraising Partner, NYOH Community Cancer Foundation](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-takara-wiles-fundraising-partner-nyoh-community-cancer-foundation/): Takara Wiles has long recognized the pressing need to engage younger generations in the world of philanthropy—after too many times finding herself “the youngest in the room” during charity networking events. In 2009, she founded a fabulous fashion-meets-compassion event called Rock Your Style ®, which sets 20 movers and shakers from the Capital Region in […] - [How Four Friends Raised $150,000 for Breast Cancer Survivors](https://crlmag.com/four-friends-breast-cancer/): Kristy Scalise of Albany was 28 years old and 21 weeks pregnant with her second child when she found a lump on one of her breasts. “I immediately went to the doctor,” she says. “Three days later, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.” She went through four rounds of chemo and a partial […] - [CRL's October 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/october-2023-tarotscope/): It’s harvest time! So let’s reap reward from the spiritual seeds that we have planted. With the fall season upon us, it’s also the time to observe nature and its beauty. The following is your Tarotscope for each astrological sign: Aries: 4 of Wands March 21-April 22 A celebration is on its way. You’re about to […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Holiday 2023](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-holiday-2023/): ACROSS 1. SMS 4. IMAM 8. PSST 12. IHOP 13. NOLA 14. REARS 16. GIVINGOUT 18. EATER 19. ONETO 20. MIC 22. MESS 23. RED 24. RAD 27. NAGS 29. GIVINGNOTICE 34. SCAR 37. ONO 38. DROOL 39. LAVA 40. WORMS 43. ETAL 44. ALICE 46. TEA 47. SALE 48. GIVINGTHANKS 52. ODOR 53. TKO […] - [Before You Go: Life on the Farm](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-life-on-farm/): Ronald Thorn lived on a farm. While it was normal to him, it was strange to his eighth-grade classmates, whose parents had regular jobs like plumber, cop or nurse. Sometimes the kids would tease Ronald about milking the cows or baling the hay, but he just smiled and bragged about all the free eggs and […] - [Unwind and Align at The Stretch Zone](https://crlmag.com/unwind-align-stretch-zone/): It’s no secret that years of hunching over a computer screen or slouching on a sofa while glued to the TV yield an array of aches and pains. Throw in “text neck,” and it’s no wonder that parents these days are begging their kids to go into chiropathy. But a new company in town offers […] - [CRL's October 2023 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crls-october-2023-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 How are you adjusting to the new levels (re: demands) of balance since the north and south nodes shifted into your areas of self and relationships with others, dear Aries? Stepping into the latest and greatest version of yourself is requiring you to release and walk away from those […] - [A Weekend in New York's Wine Country](https://crlmag.com/weekend-new-york-wine-country/): When we hear “wine country,” California springs to mind for most of us. But New York—and especially the wine-soaked Finger Lakes region—is nipping at California’s heels.  For decades, few were aware that some of the most captivating cool-climate wines in the world were emerging from 144 wineries surrounding some of the deepest freshwater lakes in […] - [A Look Back at the Last 20 Years of 'Capital Region Living'](https://crlmag.com/look-back-20-years-capital-region-living/): Welcome to our celebration of 20 years serving the Capital Region! If you missed it, flip back to our masthead, where we all dug through our scrapbooks (remember those?) to find photos of ourselves from two decades ago. While one of us was right here, on the CRL staff, the rest of us were scattered […] - [New and Now: Autumn 2023](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-autumn-2023/): Scratch That Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen is having a banner year. First, the Broadalbin hotspot moved out of Higher Ground Distilling Co. into its own brick-and-mortar location, and then it snagged No. 1 restaurant honors for Fulton County in the Bestie awards in this very magazine. And now it has a video shoot under its belt, […] - [11 Can’t-Miss Events Coming to the Capital Region This Fall](https://crlmag.com/11-cant-miss-capital-region-events-fall/): September 9 Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival Jennings Landing Relax along the Hudson River at Jennings Landing while listening to the talented live acts of the 21st annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival. The all-day event will also feature food and drink vendors, the presentation of the Henry Johnson Award at noon, and a fireworks display to […] - [Recipe: How to Make 3 Curamia Tequila Cocktails](https://crlmag.com/3-curamia-cocktails/): Jalisco Brew: 2 oz Curamia Tequila .5 oz chocolate liquor .25 oz cream 3 oz cold brew .5 oz habenero simple syrup Garnish: dried habanero/flat foam    Margarita Picante: 2 oz Curamia Tequila 1 oz lime juice .5 oz chili-infused Aperol .5 oz agave Top off with Topo Chico Garnish: lime/pink salt Curamia Booster: 2 […] - [Behind the Lens: The Ripple Effect](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-the-ripple-effect/): There’s an old saying in baseball: “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.” For example, a batter hits a routine grounder to the second baseman, but the ball takes a bad hop over his head and the winning run scores. It doesn’t mean the batter doesn’t have skill—it just means he caught a lucky […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Fall 2023](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-fall-2023/): ACROSS 1. MICE 5. TERM 9. CRASH 14. ACHE 15. AREA 16. ROUTE 17. HAIRSPRAY 19. LOTUS 20. INNIE 21. SLOP 22. TONS 23. ELM 25. ALB 27. LIONELMESSI 34. MED 37. AWOL 38. KEMPT 39. HIVE 40. IMO 41. ROOS 42. ONEAL 44. NATE 46. SGT 47. FINDINGNEMO 50. HUE 51. OLD 53. WIDE […] - [CRL's August 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/august-2023-tarotscope/): Welcome to your summertime tarotscope! Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and abundance, has moved into Taurus (ruler of love and money) for a year, so expect great blessings. Venus, the planet of love, will be in Cancer, so expect new relationships or healing in old ones. Here’s how each astrological sign may be affected: […] - [Before You Go: Reaching the Other Shore](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-reaching-other-shore/): Jessica Pearson graduated from college and attended a party in her parents’ backyard shortly after the ceremony. A few friends stopped by with their families for what was a cozy gathering filled with hot dogs, lemonade and laughter. Sitting on her bed later that night, she opened her cards, most of them filled with cash. […] - [CRL's July 2023 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/july-2023-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 It’s time to get serious about your health and health routines, Aries—setting yourself up for success calls for setting goals and seeing them through. Make sure, however, to add elements of fun so sticking to the plans will be enticing and easy. This is also a time to reevaluate […] - [11 Ways to Have Fun in the Capital Region Sun](https://crlmag.com/11-ways-to-have-fun-in-the-capital-region-sun/): July 22 NipperFest Music & Arts Festival Music Haven in Schenectady’s Central Park NipperFest makes its return to Music Haven this summer for the second year. Chart-topping artists Jocelyn & Chris headline the two-stage, one-day event. Additionally, the festival highlights local up-and-coming talent including bands such as Hold On Honeys, Camtron5000, Precious Metals, Brule County […] - [Hungry for Glens Falls](https://crlmag.com/hungry-for-glens-falls/): For most of its history, Glens Falls’ claim to fame was its role in the American Revolution and the mighty waterfall-driven power dam facility that gave the town its name. My, how times have changed—these days, the Warren County town is becoming known for its peerless food scene. Whether you’re craving sophisticated fine dining, whiz-bang […] - [New and Now: Summer is Heating up](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-summer-heating-up/): DRAFT KING Amsterdam’s Andre Jackson, Jr. is no stranger to being in the news, having just helped lead The UConn Huskies basketball team to a national championship. But the 21-year-old made headlines of a different kind after he decided to stay in the NBA draft rather than return to college. At press time—mere hours before […] - [Scenes From BestieFest 2023](https://crlmag.com/scenes-from-bestiefest-2023/): This past June, CRL Bestie season culminated in a celebration of this year’s winners at what was widely considered the best BestieFest yet. Part of what made it so special was the unique venue—we held it at The Hangar at 743, an event space right next to the Albany Airport runway. That, and the fact […] - [3 Adirondack Towns to Check Out This Summer](https://crlmag.com/adirondack-resorts-towns-summer/): It’s wouldn’t be a Capital Region summer without some quality time spent in the Adirondacks, and this year offers up some fun new hotspots. Whether you want to tackle a few high peaks, shop ‘til you drop in the cutest small towns this side of the Mississippi, or just chill by one of the many […] - [The Eagles of Peebles](https://crlmag.com/eagles-peebles-island/): Forget about driving up to the Adirondacks to catch a glimpse of America’s majestic national bird. Heck, you don’t even have to leave the Capital Region. Sandwiched between the urban sprawl of Waterford, Cohoes and Troy is a little bald eagle hotspot called Peebles Island. Barely 10 miles from downtown Albany, this 190-acre state park—located […] - [2023 Summer Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/2023-summer-product-guide/): Soda Bossa Treat your taste buds to Soda Bossa and experience the Brazilian spark guilt-free! Soda Bossa is only 35 calories and has a low amount of real cane sugar and sodium compared to other sodas. Choose from mouthwatering flavors including: Dragon Fruit Pitaya, Premium Guarana (Brazilian berry), Citrus or choose a variety pack with […] - [9 Ways to Kick Off Summer in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/9-ways-kick-off-summer-capital-region/): May 27-28 Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival Columbia County Fairgrounds What better way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than with two days of supporting local businesses by eating and drinking? Featuring wineries, distilleries, cideries and craft breweries from the Hudson Valley and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Region, as well as locally made cheese, olives, jams, maple […] - [Brown’s Brewing’s Big Birthday](https://crlmag.com/browns-brewings-big-birthday/): Being first isn’t always best. Except, of course, in the case of Brown’s Brewing Co. This year’s Bestie-winning brewery happens to be celebrating a whopping 30 years in business, having opened in an era when breweries weren’t yet scattered throughout the Capital Region (and world), and Troy hadn’t yet made its big comeback. “I often […] - [CRL's Summer 2023 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/summer-2023-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 From rethinking friendships and career goals to falling more in love with your own environment, as well as reevaluating and rediscovering your own personal values, core beliefs and truths—these next two months are going to be jam-packed with reflection, renewal and reconnection. Remember that your inner world always reflects […] - [Besties 2023: Food & Drink](https://crlmag.com/besties-2023-food-drink/): *BOLD(in color) denotes winner* APPETIZER Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com Illusive Restaurant & Bar 3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602 illusives.com BAGELS Uncommon Grounds Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com Pearl’s Bagels and Bakery 16 Picotte Drive, […] - [Before You Go: A Tale of Two Limos](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-two-limos/): In November of 1859, Charles Dickens published A Tale of Two Cities; roughly 150 years later, I offer the short story A Tale of Two Limos. What you’re about to read is 100 percent true. The names of the people involved have not been changed to protect the stupid, which is myself. It was January of 1995 and […] - [Albany Distilling Co.'s Smash Hit](https://crlmag.com/albany-distilling-smash-hit/): Ingredients: 2oz ALB Vodka 1oz strawberry puree ½ oz simple syrup Splash of lemon juice Mint leaves Seltzer 1 strawberry Directions: • Shake first four ingredients on ice with mint leaves. • Pour into a Collins glass and top with seltzer. • Garnish with strawberry and mint leaf.       - [Recipe: Cardona's Market's Meatballs](https://crlmag.com/recipe-cardonas-market-meatballs/): Ingredients: 2 lbs beef, pork, veal mix 2 large eggs ½ lb plain bread crumbs 1 1/4 cups cold water 3 Tbsp and 2 tsp parsley 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp and 1 tsp granulated garlic 1 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp and 1 tsp salt Directions: • Mix all ingredients together until combined. • Form mixture […] - [CRL's Summer 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/summer-2023-tarotscope/): This beautiful spring and early summer is a time of rebirth and new beginnings! The first half of the solar eclipse that took place on April 21 in Taurus (ruled by Venus, the planet of love and life’s finer things) is bringing in many new blessings and opportunities. Here’s how each astrological sign may be affected. Capricorn: King of Cups […] - [Behind the Lens: Dive Into Summer](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-dive-into-summer/): Nothing says summer to me more than the words “road trip!” The long ones are the best, but I also love the day trips, or even the afternoon trips. You know—putter around in the garden for a bit, get some errands done, or (dare I say it!) go to work before heading out for a […] - [New and Now: Summer Lovin'](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-summer-lovin/): Cheese, Please Columbia County’s Bimi’s Cheese Shop has long been a must-visit for cheese fanatics, but now the big cheese of Chatham has gotten even cheesier—in the best way. While you’ve been able to stock up on gouda, gruyere and gorgonzola since 2014, the owners of the shop have a new venture on deck. At […] - [Recipe: Cassoulet, S’il Vous Plaît](https://crlmag.com/recipe-cassoulet-sil-vous-plait/): Throwing a dinner party? This savory show-stopper—the recipe serves 10—will make your evening one to remember.   Breaking Down the Ducks Ingredients: 5 Whole ducks, portioned Directions: • Trim the legs for confit. • Keep the bones for brown duck stock. • Set aside the breasts for searing. • Pull off the chunky fat for […] - [Before You Go: Suddenly Sixty](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-suddenly-sixty/): Somewhere between trips to Hoffman’s Playland, bus rides to school, college, love, loss, licorice snaps, marriage, divorce, marriage again, kids and colonoscopies; I turned 60. Yeah, I can’t believe it either.  It seems like only last week I was rummaging through the weeds in South Troy looking for discarded RC Cola bottles to wash in […] - [Recipe: Iron & Grass Mixes up a #Yuzusreadyforspring Cocktail](https://crlmag.com/cocktail-recipe-iron-and-grass/): Ingredients: 2oz Stubbornly Different gin 1oz House-made blood orange shrub .5oz Lemon .5oz Simple syrup  Fever Tree Sparkling Lime & Yuzu soda Directions: • Shake gin, shrub, lemon and simple syrup with ice. • Pour into a tall glass and top with sparkling soda.     - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Spring 2023](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-spring-2023/): ACROSS 1. BUZZ 5. HEM 8. WOODY 13. OREO 14. NALA 15. CURIO 16. KILO 17. THEN 18. STARK 19. END 20. SHAGGY 22. FLEE 23. HEATH 25. YOSHI 27. REAM 30. LOTTOS 34. BODY 37. REAL 40. ASIDE 41. EPI 42. BESTIES 44. LIP 45. DISCO 47. HEAR 48. PENT 49. SECANT 51. RAPT […] - [New & Now: Spring Has Sprung](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-spring-has-sprung/): Scandal and Intrigue Albany was abuzz with celeb-spotting during the summer of 2021, when A-listers Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux filmed HBO’s White House Plumbers near the State Capitol—turning back the town’s clock via vintage cars and extras wearing retro ‘70s attire. And now Capital Regionites can at last tune in to see the final […] - [Morgan Campbell Takes Pictures With Friends](https://crlmag.com/morgan-campbell-pictures-with-friends/): When it comes to photography, Morgan Campbell’s favorite thing to shoot is the first thing she learned to shoot. “My mom was a professional photographer in Alabama,” she says. “So when I was in high school, she would have me assist her at weddings and I started doing every single wedding with her. I’ve been […] - [Besties 2023: People & Places](https://crlmag.com/22-list-berita-judi-online-paling-laris-dibaca-isinya-akurat/): *All Bold Denotes Winner* CULTURE ART GALLERY Clark Art Institute (tie) 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA (413) 458-2303 clarkart.edu The Hyde Collection (tie) 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls (518) 792-1761 hydecollection.org Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478 albanyinstitute.org CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga […] - [2023 Spring Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/2023-spring-product-guide/): Sidney Byron’s Mahjong Bag Set This travel set is the perfect gift for the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day or to show your BFF you appreciate them. Get together with your gal pals to play this leisurely game of skill and luck while taking the time to truly appreciate one another, because […] - [CRL’s Spring 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/spring-2023-tarotscope/): The Planets for March and April seem to be in a forgiving mood. With no retrogrades in sight for a few months, we have an opportunity to make significant changes in our lives, manifest anything we desire, and grow exponentially. The following are tarot messages for the collective Capital Region regarding how we will prosper […] - [CRL's Spring 2023 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/spring-2023-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 You are feeling good, looking good and living good, Aries. Your love of self, others and money is on the rise and it’s safe to feel into all of it. Potential contracts, agreements and life seem to be moving at a quick pace, but it’s OK because you can […] - [Up Next: 10 Capital Region Happenings](https://crlmag.com/10-capital-region-happenings/): March 18 & 19 Adirondack Sports Summer Expo Saratoga City Center The largest outdoor sports, health and fitness expo in the northeast returns to the Saratoga City Center, where 10,000 attendees will be able to visit 200 exhibitors in the industry. In addition to shopping, the two-day festival will feature training runs, disc golf, ergometer […] - [Behind the Lens: First Seed](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-first-seed/): We love to photograph the things we do, the foods we eat, the places we go, the people we’re with. If it’s a good photograph, it will tell a story and evoke emotion. Sometimes it might be only you who understands, but that’s OK. I told this “story” by bringing my seed packets and planter […] - [6 College Towns to Visit This Winter](https://crlmag.com/college-towns-visit/): University towns are known for having vibrant, diverse communities, and because of their student populations, they’re also places where you can always find lots of sports games, great food and plenty of live, local music—a great base for a weekend away but by no means all that these gorgeous weekend hotspots have to offer. And […] - [Cocktail Recipe: The Greens at Copake Country Club's Apple Cider Sangria](https://crlmag.com/cocktail-recipe-the-greens-at-copake-country-clubs-apple-cider-sangria/): Ingredients: 1 oz Paul Masson apple brandy 1 oz  Belvedere pear ginger vodka 2 oz Pinot grigio 2 oz Apple cider A few slices of an Empire apple for garnish Directions: • Fill glass with ice. • Pour all ingredients in glass except for the apple garnish and stir. • Top the glass with the apple […] - [Recipe: Tatu Tacos & Tequila's Sikil P'aak](https://crlmag.com/recipe-tatu-tacos-tequila-sikil-paak/): Yields eight servings Ingredients: 1 lb pepitas, toasted 1 lb plum tomatoes, quartered and seeded 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2 habanero peppers, stemmed and seeded ¼ cup canola oil, plus 2 tbsp for sautée ½ cup naranja agria or bitter orange (may be substituted with 2 parts lime juice, 1 part orange juice, […] - [Behind the Lens: Up In The Air](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-up-in-the-air/): Besides seeking interesting subjects, we photographers are always looking for great light, complementary backgrounds and interesting angles. While walking through Saratoga Spa State Park early this winter, I came upon this cluster of trees. After taking several regular old evergreen shots, I turned my camera up and found the shot! So next time you’re out […] - [Make It Yours: 5 Couples on Their One-of-a-Kind Capital Region Weddings](https://crlmag.com/5-couples-capital-region-weddings/): Sabrina and Sam Touhey September 10 Old Daley on Crooked Lake, Averill Park Photography by Hitlin Photography Inc. Upstate New York is quite a ways away from Hawaii, but that didn’t stop Sabrina and Sam Touhey from hosting their wedding on island time. “Sam and I love traveling,” Sabrina says. “It was always a plan […] - [CRL's Winter 2023 Tarotscope](https://crlmag.com/crl-winter-2023-tarotscope/): After plowing through the chaotic holiday time, it’s normal to hope that a quieter few months lie ahead—and this winter, we get just that. The planet of Mercury, which rules communication, will be retrograde until January 18, slowing things down during the month of January. Plus, the full moon in Cancer on January 6 will […] - [Before You Go: Free the Lobsters](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-free-the-lobsters/): A heavy, wet snow fell outside of Marsha’s second-floor window, clinging to the branches of a blue spruce pine like a child holding tightly to his parent’s hand. No matter the setting on her thermostat or how unmercifully cold the temperature outside, Marsha always cracked the kitchen window to offset the heat that rose from […] - [CRL's Winter 2023 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/winter-2023-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 What a time to be alive, Aries! The beginning of 2023 is very auspicious for you as your career plans and financial standing take a bold and grounded shift to highlight your hard work and effort with much-deserved rewards. It’s a great time to re-evaluate your social and networking […] - [Why Warrensburg is More Than a Wintertime Pitstop](https://crlmag.com/warrensburg-more-than-a-pitstop/): When you’re en route this month to Gore Mountain, Potsdam, Canton or Clarkson to watch the best college athletes from around the globe compete in the World University Games, you’ll undoubtedly pass through Warrensburg. While you could certainly blink and miss the small town located right off exit 23 of the Northway, consider this your […] - [World University Games Coming to Lake Placid January 12-22](https://crlmag.com/world-university-games/): If you haven’t heard of the FISU World University Games, you’re not alone. “In the United States, the brand that we mostly recognize for collegiate sports is the NCAA,” says Jon Lundin, head of communications for the 2023 Lake Placid Games. “In Europe or in Asia, there isn’t an NCAA, so really the highest level […] - [New & Now: 5 Things to Know in the New Year](https://crlmag.com/new-now-5-things-to-know-in-the-new-year/): Rock on After releasing three albums over the course of the pandemic, rocker and veteran to the Capital Region music scene Christopher Peifer is planning a 2023 tour with a band to play music from all three projects. If you don’t (yet!) know his music, this snuggle season is the perfect time to press play […] - [What to Do in the Capital Region This Winter](https://crlmag.com/winter-calendar-2023/): January 22 NEW YORK BRIDAL/ WEDDING EXPO Brides-to-be dream about their wedding day and the perfect ceremony, but it can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where Albany’s Bridal and Wedding Expo comes in! From 1pm to 5pm on January 22, the Albany Capital Center will host a wide variety of […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Winter 2023](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-winter-2023/): ACROSS 1. ABLE 5. WACO 9. COME 13. ROOM 14. ALAN 15. AVON 16. AW(FULTON)E 18. PEND 19. BLT 20. SET 21. SHIRTS 23. SUR 24. ABOUT 26. DIGS 29. MO(DELMAR)CH 34. INRE 35. APES 36. ALOHA 37. GTO 38. OTT 39. TIN 41. DIN 42. GROAN 44. IRON 46. PELE 47. SOM(BERNE)WS 49. HOES […] - [Recipe: All About That Bass](https://crlmag.com/recipe-all-about-that-bass/): For the creamy fregola: Ingredients: ½ cup dried fregola 2 cups water 1 cup heavy cream 1 tbsp grated pecorino romano Kosher salt Black pepper Directions: • Bring water to a boil in a medium tail pot. • Add the dried fregola and cook until al dente (approximately seven minutes). • Remove from the heat […] - [Get Tickets: 4th Annual Capital Region Gives Back](https://crlmag.com/get-tickets-4th-annual-capital-region-gives-back/): Capital Region Gives Back is back! Here’s how it works: 1. Read up on the 10 impressive honorees (five from Saratoga and five from the greater Capital Region) and the important charities they’re representing below. 2. Decide on one charity you’d like to support. (We know, it’s hard!) 3. Choose that charity when buying tickets. 4. Fifty […] - [Before You Go: Christmas Train](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-christmas-train/): You could set your watch by the little boy with red hair, freckles and the faded blue cap. Every Saturday, Billy and his grandpa waited for the toy store to open, with Billy making a beeline for the Thomas the Train display. It was six feet by four, with a hundred cars. Billy, only 7 […] - [How The Costumer in Schenectady Is Costuming Christmas](https://crlmag.com/the-costumer-schenectady-costuming-christmas/): Santa Clauses flood our malls, parades and chimneys every December, but where are all these jolly Saint Nicks storing their bright red suits for the rest of the year? From decked-out, professional mall Santas to low-budget, slightly tipsy, pub crawl Santas (and everything in between), if you see a Kris Kringle this holiday season, odds […] - [Meet Lori Friday of the Band Super 400](https://crlmag.com/lori-friday-super-400/): This holiday season, discover the joy of music with Nippertown’s Sly Fox, who sits down with Super 400’s Lori Friday before the band’s December 17 show at Saratoga’s Putnam Place. Sly Fox: What first got you into music? Lori Friday:  My dad was a real big fan of ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll: Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, […] - [Rediscovering Holiday Magic](https://crlmag.com/rediscovering-holiday-magic/): Why were the holidays magical when you were a child? Probably largely because there were so many adults doing the work to make it magical. But why else? Did the magic come from the joyful anticipation of the little things? Christmas lights? Candle-lit Menorahs? Celebrating with family and friends? How can you re-engage with the […] - [We Planned Your Post-holiday New York State Getaway](https://crlmag.com/post-holiday-new-york-state-getaway/): After the chaos of the holidays comes to a close, you deserve a recharge. And what better way than holing up in one of our state’s gorgeous inns? Experts say that short weekend escapes are important for our emotional and mental health, so no excuses—sit down to book that getaway right now. And since planning […] - [What Will Your Star-studded Gifts Be in 2023?](https://crlmag.com/what-will-your-star-studded-gifts-be-in-2023/): Jupiter is the Santa Claus of the zodiac and he wants you to have it all. He’s the bringer of gifts, rewards, abundance, luck, opportunity, faith, growth and expansion. During this holiday season, we can’t help but be inspired by his deep belly laugh, optimism and generosity of spirit.  Jupiter, who begins a new 12-year […] - [New and Now: 6 Happenings You Need to Know About](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-6-happenings/): (Hall)mark Your Calendar This holiday season, the Capital Region will get a brief moment in the spotlight—the Hallmark movie spotlight, that is. This past February, film crews converged on Troy’s DeFazio’s Pizzeria to shoot scenes for A Holiday Spectacular, a feel-good Christmas flick that follows a young woman who steals off to New York City […] - [Frog Alley Brewing Hosts Runway of Terror Fashion Show](https://crlmag.com/frog-alley-brewing-runway-of-terror-fashion-show/): It was 10am when workers started trickling into Frog Alley Brewing Co. in Schenectady, for the of Runway of Terror, an annual Halloween fashion show that brings together the best talent in the 518. With more than 50 models and seven designers, the production was immense, and the venue was just big enough to fit […] - [Frozen in Time: Eight Photographers Capture the Beauty of Upstate New York in the Winter](https://crlmag.com/photographers-beauty-upstate-new-york-winter/): Photographer: Samantha Decker Location: Glens Falls “I love Capital Region in winter because the snow dazzles. Whether it’s covering the mountains or the trees in town, there’s always something to catch your eye and make a great photograph.” Photographer: Brian Wolfe Location: Newburgh “Newburgh has one of the widest main streets in the state. It’s a […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Shaun Evans, Senior Vice President of Education for Ainsley’s Angels](https://crlmag.com/shaun-evans-ainsleys-angels/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. When Shaun Evans found out that his son, Shamus, had Cerebral Palsy, he took the […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Mike McNary, Board Member of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America's Albany Chapter](https://crlmag.com/mike-mcnary-huntingtons-disease-society-of-america-albany-chapter/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. In 1996, Mike and Teresa McNary, a young and healthy couple with two children, got […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Anna Kuwabara, Executive Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra](https://crlmag.com/anna-kuwabara-albany-symphony-orchestra/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. For the everyday Capital Regionite, COVID seems like a nightmare that has come and mostly […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Starletta Smith, Executive Director of YWCA of the Greater Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/starletta-smith-ywca-of-the-greater-capital-region/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. Starletta Smith brings a level of empathy and compassion to her role as executive director […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Jeff Yule, Executive Director of Building on Love](https://crlmag.com/jeff-yule-building-on-love/): This story is part of a larger feature on 10 do-gooders from Saratoga and the rest of the Capital Region. To meet the other nine honorees and purchase tickets for annual fundraising event, visit our Capital Region Gives Back event page. Jeff Yule’s first experience in the world of helping families care for sick kids was […] - [Photographer Michelle Johnston Captures Fall's Foliage in All its Colorful Glory](https://crlmag.com/photographer-michelle-johnston-captures-falls-foliage-in-all-its-colorful-glory/): I work at John Boyd Thacher State Park, which is alive with great photo opportunities. I will go there in any weather to get a good shot! I love arriving at sunrise. This photo was taken on an especially magical morning, right as the sun was appearing in all of its pink glory. I walked […] - [Before You Go: Tristan’s Perfect Fall](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-tristans-perfect-fall/): Because Saratoga’s Congress Park is prettier than a postcard, on the first Saturday of each month, 7-year-old Tristan would grasp his mother’s hand with his right, a picnic basket with his left, and the two would set out on an adventure. It was fall and the large maple trees were showing off with brightly colored […] - [The Capital Region’s Got Talent: 5 Local Stars Who Made it to the Prime Time Big Leagues](https://crlmag.com/the-capital-regions-got-talent-5-local-stars-who-made-it-to-the-prime-time-big-leagues/): In 2015, the Capital Region was living through a period of Sawyer-mania. Long-haired, home-schooled Fultonville farm boy Sawyer Fredericks had, against all odds, won NBC’s The Voice, making the 16-year-old the show’s youngest male winner at the time. The following year, magician Steven Brundage, who got his start performing card tricks on the streets of […] - [How Two New Jersey Residents Turned a Burden Lake Fixer Upper Into Their Dream Home](https://crlmag.com/how-two-new-jersey-residents-turned-a-burden-lake-fixer-upper-into-their-dream-home/): Never underestimate the power of a mindless Internet search to change your life—or your location. Interior design enthusiast Austin Nelson learned that recently. The recruiting operations executive lives with his partner, Chris Woodyard, in Hoboken, NJ, but has lately been spending more and more time here in the Capital Region. Early last year, bored and […] - [How to Ace a College Application](https://crlmag.com/how-to-ace-a-college-application/): There’s a great deal of misinformation regarding exactly what’s important—and what’s not—when it comes time for high school students to apply to college. The following is a definitive list, in order of importance, of what you already know colleges consider when making admissions decisions—but with the most up-to-date insider info you need to know this […] - [The Cove at Sylvan Beach Makes Lake Life Easy](https://crlmag.com/the-cove-at-sylvan-beach/): Growing up, my family vacations were camping on the islands of Lake George. For me, it was the best week of the year, full of boating, swimming and s’more-making. For my parents, it was more than a little work: the boat always broke, the cooler always needed more ice and it always—always—rained.        […] - [Fall 2022 Product Guide](https://crlmag.com/fall-2022-product-guide/):   CatLadyBox Exclusive subscription box for cat ladies everywhere. From chic clothing to adorable glassware, you can represent your modern style and taste while showing off your cat pride. You’re not crazy, just crazy about cats! Choose from the 1, 3, or 6-month plan and receive your purr-fect box right at your doorstep. CatLadyBox also […] - [Adirondack Nationals Car Show Sweeps Through Lake George](https://crlmag.com/adirondack-nationals-car-show/): It was a hot, sunny day as we turned off I-87 North at exit 22. We turned right onto Main Street and were immediately met by bumper-to-bumper traffic. But it was Adirondack Nationals Car Show day, so we expected as much. The annual Lake George car show has been going on since the first gathering […] - [Former Saratoga Restaurant Tatu Tacos & Tequila Takes Troy by Storm](https://crlmag.com/tatu-tacos-tequila-troy/): When my boyfriend, Connor, and I arrived at the new Tatu Tacos & Tequila, the Saratoga restaurant that closed in December and reopened in Troy in July (an official ribbon cutting for the new space was held September 8), we were greeted by Jennyfur Spaulding, who co-owns the restaurant with Chef Kareem Nejame. With a […] - [New and Now: 7 Fall Capital Region Happenings](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-7-capital-region-happenings/): Taco the Town This summer, owner Dave Swift of the uber-popular Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub announced he was wading into Mexican fare with his impending opening of FoCo Taco. The new to-go taco joint is taking over the I Love Pizza building—across the street from his Delmar location—at the town’s Four Corners intersection (hence the […] - [CRL’s July/August 2025 Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/crls-july-august-2025-horoscopes/): Leo July 23–August 22 It’s giving major release, Leo. With Venus retrograding in your sign, it’s not about the glam and the glitter right now—it’s about going deep. This is the season to strip back the shine and ask: what’s underneath? Who are you without the performance, the validation, the crowd? It’s a sacred reset. […] - ['Capital Region Living' and 'Saratoga Living' Debut New Websites at Putnam Place Pizza Party](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living-and-saratoga-living-debut-new-websites-at-putnam-place-pizza-party/): Sure, no one’s hosted a website launch party since the early 2000s, but the Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living teams will take any excuse to throw a party! That’s why, on Tuesday, we rallied our friends, family members, advertisers, and supporters for a hangout to celebrate the relaunch of saratogaliving.com and crlmag.com as well […] - [Scenes From the 2025 BestieFest](https://crlmag.com/scenes-from-the-2025-bestie-fest/): Photography by T.R. Laz On Tuesday, June 10, the Capital Region Living team was joined by more than 300 members of the local community at The Hangar at 743 to celebrate this year’s Besties, the 518’s longest running “best of” awards. After plenty of delicious food, drinks, and desserts provided by local vendors, the program, […] - [Elizabeth Kiss Readies to Become Union College's First Female President](https://crlmag.com/elizabeth-kiss-readies-to-become-union-colleges-first-female-president/): Union College’s vision statement, which calls for “developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage,” is a source of inspiration for Elizabeth Kiss, who on July 1 will become the first female president in the school’s 230-year history. “Those are more than just words,” says Kiss. “They are something the college has brought […] - [Where to Get Food Late in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/where-to-get-food-late-in-the-capital-region/): We’ve all been there—you’re taking your first breath of fresh air as you step out of a packed bar, and suddenly there’s a rumbling in your stomach you can’t ignore. You’re hungry. Where is one to turn at the odd hours of the night, when the thought of cooking at home (or settling for Taco […] - [The 2025 Bestie Awards: Food & Drink](https://crlmag.com/the-besties-2025-awards-food-drink/): Welcome back, besties! Our second and final Besties issue of the year is here, and this time we’re bringing you a comprehensive guide to the best of the Capital Region’s bar and restaurant scene. How did we come up with this list, you ask? We didn’t; you did! The Bestie Awards are the area’s longest […] - [5 Local Food & Beverage Brands That Made it Big](https://crlmag.com/5-local-food-beverage-brands-that-made-it-big/): 1. Hot Crispy Oil Capital Region native John Trimble says he started Hot Crispy Oil in an effort to not lose his mind. After his father passed away, Trimble moved back to the 518 to help his mother and manage the family restaurant, La Serre, in Albany. Then, COVID-19 hit, the restaurant closed, and he […] - [Meet Clifton Park’s Very Own ‘Top Chef’](https://crlmag.com/clifton-park-katianna-hong-top-chef/): Katianna Hong remembers watching the newly emerging Food Network from her childhood home in Clifton Park, long before celebrity chefs would become household names and competition shows would capture the nation’s attention. The idea that she might one day be in such a competition was not even a whisper—yet. Back then, she was just a […] - [The Unlikely Rise of Voorheesville's Restaurant Scene](https://crlmag.com/the-unlikely-rise-of-voorheesvilles-restaurant-scene/): What makes a town great to live in? For many, it’s a balance of accessibility, nature, convenience, and community. Voorheesville, a community located 25 minutes west of Albany, is hitting that sweet spot—and people are taking notice. “It started several years ago with new homes being built and growth in the community,” says Todd Curley, […] - [Recipe: Elsasser's Beim 111's Mushroom Spätzle](https://crlmag.com/recipe-elsassers-beim-111s-mushroom-spatzle/): Photography by Konrad Odhiambo Spätzle is an egg noodle pasta that’s served as a side dish, most notably in Alsace, Germany as well as Switzerland and Hungary. At Elsasser’s, we use it as a “bed” for our entrees. This recipe supplies roughly six servings. Why roughly? Because it’s up to you what you flavor your […] - [John Gray: The Secret of Life](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-the-secret-of-life/): Annie Flanagan sat alone on a loveseat in her grandparents’ den. She was at their house to celebrate her 18th birthday, and it being late in the day, the alcohol was starting to affect the crowd. Her cousins and uncles were getting loud and silly, as people often do, and Annie needed a slight reprieve.  […] - [12 Under 12: Landon Poucher](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-landon-poucher/): Age: 12     Hometown: Copake      School: Taconic Hills Central SchoolCommunity Involvement:  Ronald McDonald House Charities, Roe Jan Food Pantry, Copake Park Commission With a roster of philanthropic efforts longer than most, 12-year-old Landon Poucher is dedicated to making a difference in his community. His story began in the NICU as a preemie, […] - [How to Do Summer in New York City Right](https://crlmag.com/how-to-do-summer-in-new-york-city-right/): When I lived in New York City in the early aughts, summer was one of my favorite times to hang around the cityand explore. Now, as an Upstater (who also loves the summers up here in the Capital Region), I still like to hit my old stomping grounds during the warm weather months for a […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Summer 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-summer-2025/): ACROSS 1. MOPED6. KID9. ATOM13. SOCHI14. BONO15. DUDE16. GOT(HAM)CITY18. OBOE19. NIC20. ELF22. ART23. CABANA27. RELIC29. AROSE30. TEN32. EMO33. ROOK34. PAX35. RAGNAR38. AMT39. PA(JAM)AS41. COO42. TALLOW44. MOW45. PERT46. ESS47. SSE48. PORTO49. GUILT51. COSTAR52. PNG54. TOE55. AOL56. RAIL58. SANDWICHED64. ISNT65. EDYS66. SPACE67. MAGE68. RYE69. HURON DOWN 1. MSG2. OOO3. PCT4. EHH5. DIANNE6. KID7. INTERN8. DOYLE9. ADO10. TU(BACON)CERT11. […] - [Events Calendar: 10 Ways To Dive Straight Into Summer](https://crlmag.com/events-calendar-10-ways-to-dive-straight-into-summer/): Troy Riverfest May 18 Downtown Troy A celebration of art, music, crafts, and culture is returning to River Street in downtown Troy. Going on from 11am–5pm on May 18, the annual Troy Riverfest regularly welcomes thousands of guests of all ages to explore all that the Collar City has to offer. Come for the 100-plus […] - [CRL's May/June 2025 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crls-may-june-2025-horoscope/): Illustrations By Robert Risko Gemini May 21–June 20 The blessings just keep coming for you, sweet Gemini, and this time it’s raining abundance all over! Jupiter, the great benefic planet, moves into your financial space, bringing expansion to all things involved in safety, stability, and material wealth. The adage “too much of a good thing” […] - [John Gray: The Broken Road](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-the-broken-road/): For more than 50 years, people have enjoyed The Price Is Right on television. One of the games the contestants play is called Plinko, where they drop a small, round disc into a kind of maze and, as it pinballs its way down, you have no clue where it will land. In fact, the more […] - [The Pretty Paw Lounge Is More Than a Cat Cafe](https://crlmag.com/pretty-paw-lounge-cat-cafe/): Every time Rachel Anne visited a cat cafe in a new state, she said the same thing: “I’m going to open one of these.” As a model who traveled across the country regularly, she made a point to visit a cat cafe in each state she went to. And as a cat lover, she made […] - [Hudson Home Is Upstate New York's Interior Design HQ](https://crlmag.com/hudson-home-is-upstate-new-yorks-interior-design-hq/): Photography by François Gagne Occasionally, one particular store comes to embody the place in which it is set. Hudson Home, fittingly named for its home of Hudson, NY, does so with particular grace and aplomb.  At first glance, Hudson Home looks like a curated collection of beautiful home furnishings and décor. And it is. But […] - [New York Celebrates: 200 Years on the Erie Canal](https://crlmag.com/new-york-celebrates-200-years-on-the-erie-canal/): Nine years ago, my husband and I set off on a long bike ride across New York State.   We started in Buffalo and headed east to Albany, cycling for much of the way on the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, which parallels both active and historic sections of the waterway that helped build the United […] - [Recipe: Cranberry Bog's Chicken Frangelico](https://crlmag.com/recipe-cranberry-bog-chicken-frangelico/): Photography by AM Knizek Photo Wolf Road bar and restaurant Cranberry Bog closed down in 2001 after 24 years in business. Now, all that’s left of the popular hangout are drunken memories—and this recipe, saved all these years by regular customer and CRL COO Tina Galante. “I simply needed the recipe because it was so […] - [Berne-Knox-Westerlo Basketball Player Making National Headlines](https://crlmag.com/berne-knox-westerlo-basketball-dayne-coates/): A 17-year-old at Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School (BKWHS) is proving that sometimes, our perceived weaknesses can actually be our biggest strengths. Dayne Coates was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome—a neurological disorder characterized by sudden and repetitive movements or vocalizations called “tics”—at 3 years old. Now a junior point guard, the basketball player has struggled with extreme frustration […] - [8 Capital Region Classes You Need to Try](https://crlmag.com/classes-you-need-to-try/): 1. Glassblowing: Prism Glassworks Location: Troy pgwgallery.com After a safety instruction and short demo, try your hand at making a marble, pendant, paperweight, shot glass, or ornament. Good to know: On the last Friday of each month, stop by for Prism Glassworks Studio Night, which brings together artists of all skill levels. 2. Embroidery: Arts […] - [CRL's Spring 2025 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crls-spring-2025-horoscope/): Illustrations By Robert Risko In 1987, legendary actor Jack Nicholson spent time in the Capital Region while filming Ironweed, the movie he starred in with Meryl Streep based on Albany native William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name. While in town, he fell in love with Perecca’s bread, and has since had friends […] - [12 Under 12: Ryhan Hotaling](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-ryhan-hotaling/): Age: 12     Hometown: Delmar     Schools: Saint Gregory’s School Community involvement: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region Sure, you can donate to a charity at any time, but sometimes people need a reason to actually do it. Ryhan Hotaling is that reason. Last August, in honor of the summer Olympics and […] - [Philadelphia: The Ultimate American Road Trip Destination](https://crlmag.com/philadelphia-the-ultimate-american-road-trip-destination/): In a morning’s drive from Saratoga Springs, you can find yourself in the city where our nation was born. If that isn’t enough of a draw for you, Philadelphia also has some of the country’s best art and food.  Here’s how to dig into Philly’s history, culture, and cuisine in a weekend.  History For history […] - [Events Calendar: 10 Ways to Ring in Spring in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/events-calendar-10-ways-to-ring-in-spring-in-the-capital-region/): March 28-30 The Great Upstate Boat Show Afrim’s Sports, Queensbury The largest boat sales show between New York City and Montreal is heading back to Queensbury for the 17th year in a row. The Great Upstate Boat Show is a boating enthusiast tradition that displays more than 175 boats from 60-plus boat brands and 20 […] - [The 2025 Bestie Awards: People & Places](https://crlmag.com/the-2025-bestie-awards-people-places/): The Besties are back, and for those of you who haven’t been following along with the Capital Region’s longest running “best of” survey for the last 20-plus years, let us fill you in on how it works. Bestie voting opens on crlmag.com every November, and runs through the end of the year. Thousands of Capital […] - [Hawks Hill Is a Different Kind of Farm](https://crlmag.com/hawks-hill-a-different-kind-of-farm/): Tucked away on Cooksboro Road, about 20 minutes outside of downtown Troy, stands Hawks Hill, a third-generation farm on a sprawling 90-acre property. From the outside, Hawks Hill looks like a traditional, historic upstate New York farm. But step inside the imposing barn, and you’ll find a haven dedicated to the Japanese martial art Aikido […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Spring 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-spring-2025/): ACROSS 1. CROC 5. BANS 9. MAGS 13. AIRY 14. UHOH 15. FLUTE 17. SPAC 18. CAPITALREP 20. TELL 21. ERR 22. UPH 23. IEP 26. TADA 29. PROCTORS 34. PALACE 38. RAH 39. CLIPS 41. DECOR 42. OLAF 44. ELLIS 46. CORI 47. SPREE 49. EAGLE 51. REC 52. THEEGG 54. THELINDA 56. SOOT […] - [Recipe: Park & Elm’s Bolognese Sauce](https://crlmag.com/recipe-park-and-elm-bolognese/): Chef Matt Delos’ Bolognese Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1 lb pork butt, cubed (roughly 2 in) 1 lb ground veal 1 cup carrot, small diced 1 cup onion, small diced ½ cup celery, small diced ¼ cup garlic, fine diced ¼ cup olive oil 1 cup dry red wine 1 cup fresh […] - [John Gray: The Kitchen Table](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-the-kitchen-table/): It was at a bend in the road that a small sign reading “Estate Sale Today” jutted out from the snow. Emma and Levi were six months married and about to buy a home. Aside from appliances, houses usually come empty, so the newlyweds would need to fill it. Levi immediately put the directional on […] - [Lake George: Frozen in Time](https://crlmag.com/lake-george-frozen-in-time/): While most find the Upstate winters a good reason to move away, photographer Carl Heilman II moved here precisely because of them. “There are more opportunities for unique situations in the winter,” he says of the vistas he captures. “Fall colors are always spectacular, but with winter, the formations you can get with ice, icicles […] - [The 6 Best Sledding Hills in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/6-best-sledding-hills-capital-region/): 1. Longkill Park Corner of Longkill Road and Parkside Trail, Ballston Lake the vibe: Wide hill leading down to a field why it’s the best: You can see the entire field from the hilltop, so your little ones will never be out of sight. pro tip: Parking can be limited by the field, but there’s […] - [Dining Out: Schenectady's Ember & Cork](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-ember-cork/): What would it take to get you to move from the sandy beaches of a Caribbean paradise to snowy, slushy upstate New York? For chef Marc Alvarez, it was the chance to create an all-new restaurant from scratch.  The Riverdale native had been living with his wife, Natalie, and two daughters in Anguilla, a tiny […] - [12 Under 12: Henry and Olivia Fichtman](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-henry-and-olivia-fichtman/):   Ages: 12 and 8    Hometown: Clifton Park     Schools: Christian Brothers Academy and Karigon Elementary School Community involvement: Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med Twelve-year-old Henry Fichtman inherited the tradition of picking out and donating gifts to kids spending Christmas at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at […] - [CRL’s Winter 2025 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crls-winter-2025-horoscope/): Aries March 21–April 19 The new year is bringing so much depth to your world, sweet Aries. The quest to find and really understand yourself begins by digging deeper into your inner psyche and foundational beliefs. You can expect to feel really empowered and confident while at the same time experiencing minor identity conflicts. This […] - [The Wire Event Center is the Industrial Wedding Venue the Capital Region Needed](https://crlmag.com/wire-event-center/):   When we think about the 518, we often conjure up images of the beating, urban (or at least suburban) heart of the Capital Region. But drive 30 minutes south from Albany as the Hudson River rolls, and you might be surprised to relish in views you mistakenly believed only belonged further downstate.  Tucked away […] - [On the Road: The City of Festivals](https://crlmag.com/on-the-road-the-city-of-festivals/): Everyone always says they love living in the Capital Region because of its proximity to bigger metropolises—New York City, Boston…you know the spiel. But how often are we locals really capitalizing on the main thoroughfares that cross through Albany? In this series, we’ll explore what to do in the cities we claim to love to […] - [10 Concerts, Carnivals and Cups Coming This Winter](https://crlmag.com/10-concerts-carnivals-and-cups-coming-this-winter/): January 22 Dancing With the Stars Live Proctors Coming straight from Hollywood, America’s favorite dance show will take the stage at Proctors one night only. Dancing With the Stars Live will feature all the glitz, glam and fan-favorite dancers you know from TV. Hosted by viral American gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, the show features special guest […] - [Crossword Puzzle Answer Key: Winter 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-puzzle-answer-key-winter-2025/): ACROSS 1. GFS 4. SLIM 8. CLAM 12. SCRAM 14. TONE 15. HARE 16. TOADS 17. OAKLEAVES 19.END 20. ARMS 21. GRASS 22. WESTELM 25. PGA 26. AVE 27. IPA 29. DACA 33. WASTE 36. FRAT 37. ELON 38. REO 39. SKIAREA 42. ALT 43. ARID 45. RATE 46. JONAS 48. POLO 49. ATE 50. […] - [6 Food and Drink Flights to Try in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/food-drink-flights-capital-region/): Being an adventurous eater and drinker has its pros and cons. Pro: You have a ton of options to choose from when you go out to dinner. Con: You actually have to choose one.  Not so, say these six Capital Region restaurants that have co-opted the idea of flights—small servings of several types of a […] - [Recipe: Coray Kitchen's Potato Gratin](https://crlmag.com/recipe-coray-kitchen-potato-gratin/): Chef Javier Villatoro’s Potato Gratin Serves 8-10 Ingredients 5 lbs russet potatoes 3 cups heavy cream 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 cup shallots, diced ¼ lb unsalted butter 2 1/2 cups gruyère (or parmesan) cheese 1 oz salt pinch of black pepper Instructions Prep 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Peel and slice […] - [Before You Go: Holiday Magic](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-holiday-magic/): Need a refill, hon?” Gulliver Gantry was staring into his empty cup, oblivious to the waitress waiting patiently with coffee pot in hand. A lifelong bachelor, Gulliver was usually more gregarious, but on holidays like this one, Christmas Eve, he was a darker shade of melancholy. His only solace: being among people and enjoying a […] - [The Capital Region's Intuitive Community Ushers in a New Era of Collaboration](https://crlmag.com/intuitive-community-collaboration/): The veil between worlds might be thinner than we think. The cardinal perched outside our window when our grieving hearts feel tender, the shiny penny heads-side up, the faint smell of a handed-down family recipe when your kitchen table is empty? We might chalk these little moments up to coincidence or longing, but psychic mediums […] - [Capital Region Living's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-livings-2024-holiday-gift-guide/): Azul Pottery Ash Mug $16.99 Lakeside Farms Handmade in Cotopaxi, CO, Azul Pottery’s mugs come in different colors and designs, and with a matching spoon! Both are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Cozy Cardigan $89 Truly Rhe Troy’s Truly Rhe knows the first rule of winter in upstate New York: Layers are your friend. This cardigan is […] - [CRL's 2024 Holiday Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/holiday-2024-horoscopes/): Aries March 21–April 19 If you’ve felt like you’ve been kept on a short leash lately, get ready to trade that for the rush of freedom as another Retrograde season comes to a close. Your subconscious self has been very busy processing lessons, life choices and long-term goals, and it’s now time to put those […] - [Calendar: Let the Good Times Stroll](https://crlmag.com/calendar-let-the-good-times-stroll/): December 8 Troy Victorian Stroll Downtown Troy Completing the one-two punch of iconic holiday events in Troy is the annual Victorian Stroll, which, for more than 30 years, has been transforming the Collar City into a scene from a bygone era. Don your top hat or bonnet and take to the streets for an afternoon […] - [Stuyvesant Plaza Glows Up](https://crlmag.com/stuyvesant-plaza-glows-up/): Rachel Ferluge sees Stuyvesant Plaza as more than a shopping center.  She sees it as a place where friends can dine, shop and do other fun things—take a yoga class, paint some pottery, attend a book signing—and families can create magical memories, all year long.  “We want to be a community gathering space,” says Ferluge, […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Tatiana Benack, Founder and Executive Director, Noteworthy Resources](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-tatiana-benack-founder-and-executive-director-noteworthy-resources/): As refugees from Kosovo, Tatiana Benack’s parents carried with them a lot of trauma from their home country. “This was many years ago, but they still had that mentality of living in survival mode,” says Benack. “I was the first person in my immediate my family to say, ‘Let’s break this intergenerational cycle and ask […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Tracy Muscatello, Founder, HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-tracy-muscatello-founder-heartsherd-animal-sanctuary/): Fourteen years ago, Tracy Muscatello was on the verge of giving up rescuing animals. “Having all this land, people would call me to take in more animals,” she says of her 21-acre property in Buskirk. “I was doing it out-of-pocket, and my accountant was like, ‘This is noble, but you’re going to go bankrupt.’” The […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Bhawin Suchak, Co-founder and Co-executive Director, Youth FX](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-bhawin-suchak-co-founder-and-co-executive-director-youth-fx/): Following several years of pandemic isolation, Hudson Valley Community College student Kercel Montes was struggling to break out of his shell. After completing his junior year at Albany High, he got accepted into a summer program at Youth FX, a nonprofit that focuses on giving underserved, diverse and minority youth in the Capital Region not […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Kelly Sauders, Board Member, Sidewalk Warriors](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-kelly-sauders-board-member-sidewalk-warriors/): The first time Kelly Sauders donated to Sidewalk Warriors, she and her daughter Madeline dropped off steaming, home-baked ziti at the nonprofit’s distribution center in Troy. They returned the following week with canned and boxed goods, and stayed to volunteer for a few hours.  “Over the years, I’ve given a lot of time and money […] - [Capital Region Gives Back: Diane Eber, Executive Director, The Egg](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-gives-back-diane-eber-executive-director-the-egg/): Diane Eber has always been a music nerd. “I was raised by two musician parents in Rochester,” says Eber, who grew up playing clarinet, piano, drums, saxophone and guitar. “Then I got to college and was like, I don’t want to practice—I just want to hang out with musicians.” Shortly after, Eber started booking her […] - [Before You Go: Shooting Your Shot](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-shooting-your-shot/): When we are little, people encourage us to dream. Whether we want to play center field for the New York Yankees or be a princess in a castle surrounded by dragons, the sky is the limit. Then we grow up. Fantasies are replaced by necessities and paying the rent takes precedence over flights of fancy. […] - [June Farms Owner Matt Baumgartner Just Published a Children's Book With His Mom](https://crlmag.com/june-farms-owner-matt-baumgartner-just-published-a-childrens-book-with-his-mom/): Ever wonder what farm life looks like through the eyes of the animals? The Bear at June Farms, a children’s book inspired by West Sand Lake’s beautiful June Farms, tells the heartwarming tale of Bear, a curious puppy, as he adventures through the farm learning lessons about friendship and teamwork. The story was written by […] - [Katie O'Malley Maloney: How to Pick a Wedding Venue](https://crlmag.com/katie-omalley-maloney-how-to-pick-a-wedding-venue/): If you’re one of those people who has been dreaming about your wedding since you were little, you probably have a pretty good idea of what type of venue you want. Did 8-year-old you envision a rustic barn wedding in the countryside? A sleek, modern venue in a vibrant downtown? A classic ballroom with crystal […] - [Meet Eva, Cohoes Music Hall's Friendly Ghost](https://crlmag.com/eva-cohoes-music-hall-friendly-ghost/): Every performer is moved by the Muses—the eternal spirits of inspiration. However, at the Cohoes Music Hall, it’s not just the spirit of creativity that charges the energy inside the historic venue’s storied walls. The spirit of Eva Tanguay, who first graced the Hall’s stage in 1890, is alive and well.  Known as the girl […] - [Greenwich, NY's Rural Renaissance](https://crlmag.com/greenwich-ny-rural-renaissance/): Anyone who has ever engaged in a creative act knows it requires the ability to place oneself in two realities: in the realm of what is and the realm of imagination for all that can be. Driving the streets of Greenwich (that’s “green-witch,” NY, not “gren-itch,” CT) with my guide, Bethany Parks, who has devoted […] - [Recipe: Bimi's Canteen's Lemon Ricotta Pancakes](https://crlmag.com/recipe-bimis-canteen-pancakes/): Chef Isabella Waldorf’s Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Makes 6-8 pancakes Ingredients: 1 tsp poppy seeds 1 1/3 cup of flour 1 tbsp of baking powder 3 tbsp of sugar 1/4 tsp of salt 1 cup of ricotta cheese 1 cup of milk 2 eggs (separated) 1 tsp of vanilla Zest and juice of one lemon Instructions: […] - [Ready, Set, Stowe!](https://crlmag.com/ready-set-stowe/): When most of us think of Stowe, VT, we picture alpine adventures. (The town is nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountain State’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, after all.) But increasingly, Stowe is attracting visitors for reasons beyond shooshing down powdery slopes: namely, for its world-class resorts, craft food and drinks, foliage-drenched nature walks […] - [RPI Turns 200](https://crlmag.com/the-big-200/): When wealthy landowner Stephen Van Rensselaer founded Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1824, he envisioned a new kind of education.  At that time, the college experience was passive; the typical college student attended lectures and took exams. Van Rensselaer wanted students to be active. He wanted them to participate in lectures, engage with the material, experiment […] - [CRL's Fall 2024 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/fall-2024-horoscope/): Aries  March 21 – April 19 We are deep into Retrograde season and it’s most definitely giving the message of slowing down and evaluating our recent choices and upcoming decisions and plans—most notably in the areas of long-term goals, close relationships and our daily habits. You are also being urged to bring some of those […] - [Your Capital Region Fall Bucket List](https://crlmag.com/your-capital-region-fall-bucket-list/): September 5-November 3 Autumn Glow Lantern Festival Historic Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction Get ready to be enchanted at the Autumn Glow Lantern Festival. This family-friendly nighttime event will wow visitors with a dazzling display of more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns, each crafted to capture the season’s essence. Visitors can soak in the otherworldly atmosphere […] - [Rosebud Forever: Jimmy Fallon Says Goodbye to Saint Rose](https://crlmag.com/jimmy-fallon-goodbye-saint-rose/): When my last word is “Rosebud,” I hope people will understand the meaning. I went to The College of Saint Rose in 1992 as a computer science major and received an honorary degree for communications in 2009. I had some of the greatest years of my life at that school. It could not have been […] - [The End of the Saint Rose Era](https://crlmag.com/saint-rose-end-era/): In 2014, incoming freshman Morgan Farnan arrived at The College of Saint Rose’s campus in Albany’s historic Pine Hills neighborhood—not far from her hometown of Burnt Hills—for a preseason welcome for recruits to the nationally ranked women’s soccer program. “The whole team immediately welcomed me,” recalls Farnan. “I was hugged by my head coach and […] - [Remember When: 12 College Memories From Saint Rose Alumni](https://crlmag.com/remember-when-12-college-memories-from-saint-rose-alumni/): Mia Scirocco • Class of 1991 This picture (above) is truly a reflection of the strong friendships I made while attending The College of Saint Rose. We are all still close friends to this day. I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend Saint Rose and meet some of the greatest […] - [Before You Go: The Power of Believing](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-power-of-believing/): Henry Hollingsworth was grounded again, locked in his bedroom. It was summer and he should have been out chasing girls and sunsets, but the 15-year-old skipped his summer school classes three days in a row, so now he was a prisoner in his own home.  His window looked down on a small pond where every […] - [Art Corner: Visionary Carmen Cicero](https://crlmag.com/art-corner-visionary-carmen-cicero/): In a real New York City moment in a fifth-floor walkup loft on the Bowery, artist Carmen Cicero and I find ourselves enveloped in the warm light of his studio, where vibrant canvases tell tales of tragedy and triumph. A long life punctuated by vibrant colors and dramatic turns, the 97-year-old Cicero’s journey is as […] - [Recipe: Mexican Connection's Blackberry Margarita](https://crlmag.com/mexican-connection-blackberry-margarita/): Ingredients: 1.5 oz blanco tequila 1 oz orange liqueur 1 oz lime juice Splash of simple syrup ½ oz pureed fresh blackberries Lime wedges for rim and garnish, if desired Salt or sugar for rim, if desired Ice Instructions: • For a yummy rim (optional), squeeze a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, […] - [Capital Region Business Directory](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-business-directory-crl/): Welcome to Capital Region Living‘s Capital Region Business Directory. Find all of your favorite local businesses in one easy place. Arts & Entertainment Caffè Lena 47 Phila St. Saratoga Springs 518-583-0022 caffelena.org Bakeries Coccadotts Cake Shop 1179 Central Ave Albany 518-438-4937 coccadotts.com Barbershops/Hair Salons Saving Face 68 West Avenue Saratoga Springs 518-450-1217 savingfacebarbershop.com Boats/Marinas Point […] - [Natalie Moore Named Editor of Empire Media Network](https://crlmag.com/natalie-moore-named-editor-of-empire-media-network/): Empire Media Network (EMN), the parent company of Saratoga Living, Capital Region Living, and Saratoga’s Best, announced this week that Director of Content https://crlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/make-it-nice-9781982168322_hr.jpeg would assume the role of editor of the three storied publications. In this position, she will work closely with Saratoga Living Sales Director Annette Quarrier and Capital Region Living Publisher Teresa Frazer as well as EMN Chief Operations […] - [Heavenly Spirits at The Hereafter](https://crlmag.com/heavenly-spirits-at-the-hereafter/): Will we all go on to enjoy the heavenly Hereafter and its celestial delights? Well, if you’re anywhere near Hudson, you can savor afterlife-worthy libations as a mortal firmly planted on Earth. Partners Jeremy Dubroff and Isi Laborde have opened up a conceptual cocktail emporium at 721 Columbia Street in Hudson that feels firmly rooted […] - [CRL's July 2024 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/july-2024-horoscope/): Aries  March 21 – April 19   When our grip on reality becomes a little loose, leaning into daily routines and habits can help to bring a sense of balance back to our lives. Remember this as you grow through the transits that are meant to shake your foundation a bit. How do you know […] - [New and Now: July 2024](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-july-2024/): Sip Back and Enjoy This August, Hudson is bringing home a brand-new taste of the Finger Lakes. Scheduled for a late-summer grand opening, Warren Street’s Neverstill Wines tasting room will offer wine experiences around its inaugural releases: a lovely Riesling and a crisp Chenin Blanc that’s perfect for summer afternoon sipping. (A cab franc and […] - [Flying High at The Hangar at 743](https://crlmag.com/flying-high-hangar-743/): David Prescott has always loved planes—so much so that he not only became a pilot, but when he started his own electronics company, he eventually moved his corporate headquarters to an office at the airport. And when he sold his company, Integra Optics, Inc, in June 2019, he wasted no time setting up a life […] - [Calendar: 10 Ways to Soak in the Capital Region Summer](https://crlmag.com/calendar-10-ways-to-soak-in-the-capital-region-summer/): July 12–August 18 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical The Rep What’s more beautiful than a five-week run of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical? Get to The Rep in Albany to see the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical about the life of one of the most successful songwriters of the latter half of the 20th century. […] - [Before You Go: Fiona's Flowers](https://crlmag.com/fionas-flowers/): Fiona Featherstone lived in a house that was well-known by all. It sat high atop a hill, like a bird on a branch, perched where everyone could see it. What drew your attention was not the architecture, but the perennial flowers that sprang up around it, from the first signs of spring to the last […] - [Recipe: Hibiscus Pomtini](https://crlmag.com/hibiscus-pomtini/): Hibiscus Pomtini Ingredients: 1.5 oz Conniption gin 1 oz Monin hibiscus syrup 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice .25 oz pomegranate juice 1 egg white (pasteurized) Instructions: • Dry shake all ingredients • Add ice and shake again • Strain into a cold coupe glass • Top with your choice of garnish.  - [Scenes from Bestie Fest 2024](https://crlmag.com/scenes-from-bestie-fest-2024/): All we can say is “WOW.” Presented by Geek Support, our 2024 Bestie Fest, an annual party at which we honored the winners of this year’s Capital Region Living Bestie awards, was the biggest and best one yet. On June 11, the CRL team welcomed more than 300 guests—all of whom were Bestie winners and […] - [CRL's Summer 2024 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crl-summer-2024-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 Are we tired of evaluating and reviewing our relationships yet, my fellow Aries? Too bad—there is still more work to be done in these areas, and it’s time to really dig into communicating what our needs are. If you never speak up, how can anyone know what you’re feeling? […] - [Fenimore Asset Management Celebrates 50 Years, New Albany Office](https://crlmag.com/fenimore-asset-management-celebrates-50-years-new-albany-office/): The world of investing has certainly changed a lot in the last half-century. But for Fenimore Asset Management, the core principles upon which the Cobleskill-based investment firm was founded 50 years ago are what have allowed the family business to prosper well into the 21st century. In 1974, Tom Putnam founded Fenimore Asset Management after […] - [New and Now: Summer 2024](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-summer-2024/): Plaza Promotion Albany’s Stuyvesant Plaza has been busy, welcoming two big names early this summer (plus its new Lawn with free Wi-Fi for all!). Simone’s Kitchen—known for its “mezza bowls” and other tasty Mediterranean fare—is known around the Capital Region because of its Schenectady hotspot and Coxsackie location that owners Shan Kaurejo and Bashir Chedrawee […] - [What's the Tea on Whistling Kettle?](https://crlmag.com/whats-the-tea-whistling-kettle/): Have you ever wished you had an instruction manual for how to achieve your dream? Well, when self-proclaimed “tea people” Meahgan and Kevin Borowsky were thinking about opening their own tea shop, they found just that. While they were living in Manhattan in the early 2000s, the young couple heard about a class at the […] - [Besties 2024: Food & Drink](https://crlmag.com/besties-2024-food-drink/): APPETIZER Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com West Avenue Pizzeria 99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.886.3788 westavenuepizzeria.com Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany 518.472.0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.475.1111 swiftyspub.com BAGELS Uncommon Grounds Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com Pearl’s Bagels & Bakery 16 Picotte Drive, Albany pearlsalbany.com West End Bagels 5 Southside Drive, […] - [Recipe: Stacy's Scratch Kitchen's Cremini Mushroom Stroganoff](https://crlmag.com/recipe-stacys-scratch-kitchens-cremini-mushroom-stroganoff/): Cremini Mushroom Stroganoff With Filet Tips Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter 2 garlic cloves 2 shallots 1 cup sherry 3 cups cremini mushrooms 1 Tbsp beef base 1 pint heavy cream 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp roux (corn starch & water) 12 oz tenderloin of beef tips/chunks 1 lb egg pappardelle Instructions: •In a […] - [Before You Go: Secret Ingredient](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-secret-ingredient/): Kenny Hickenbottom was a nice little boy who came from a strange world, at least in the eyes of his classmates. His family owned the town pet store and while selling goldfish and dog food was perfectly normal, it was the spiders, snakes and lizards that Kenny took care of after school that made him […] - [7 Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss](https://crlmag.com/7-spring-events-you-wont-want-to-miss/): April 10 Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo MVP Arena On April 10, head to MVP Arena to witness Corteo, the Cirque du Soleil show that’s been described as a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. In this first-of-its kind show, the stage is central in the […] - [CRL's Spring 2024 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/spring-2024-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 All’s fair in love and war, and right now that’s the spectrum you may be swinging on, my Aries friends. Emotions could be running high, leaving you exhausted—but you still come back swinging to tell another tale like the warrior you are. Focus on yourself during this time and […] - [New and Now: Spring 2024](https://crlmag.com/new-and-now-spring-2024/): Finger Lickin’ Business for Good, a foundation that, among other philanthropic endeavors, donates profits from restaurants it owns to Capital Region charities, has brought Saratoga’s famous fried chicken south to Albany. At press time, Hattie’s Albany was set to open March 14 in what used to be Lombardo’s Restaurant. While Hattie Moseley Austin’s famous Louisiana […] - [Besties 2024: People & Places](https://crlmag.com/2024-besties-people-places/): CULTURE ART GALLERY Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478 albanyinstitute.org Albany Center Gallery 488 Broadway, Albany (518) 462-4775 albanycentergallery.org The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy (518) 273-0552 artscenteronline.org CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5540 cmssny.org miSci […] - [Choices Hair Studio Dominates the 2024 Beauty Besties](https://crlmag.com/choices-hair-studio-dominates-the-2024-beauty-besties/): Watching Choices Hair Studio stylists Tammie Martin, Mellyia Maicus and Leeanne Shade interact, it’s easy to see why the three hair dressers swept the Beauty Professional category of this year’s Bestie Awards: They’re besties themselves. “All of us have friendships with each other outside of the salon,” says Choices manager Martin of the 22 women […] - [Recipe: BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls](https://crlmag.com/recipe-bbq-chicken-eggrolls/): BBQ Chicken Egg Rolls Makes 25 egg rolls Ingredients: 1 package egg roll wrappers (Nasoya available at most grocery stores) 1/2 red onion, diced 8 oz cream cheese 2 cups cheddar cheese 2 cups BBQ Sauce 4 cups diced smoked chicken, or cooked chicken if smoking not an option Instructions: • Start by dicing red […] - [4 Local Ways to Boost Your Health and Wellness](https://crlmag.com/boost-health-wellness/): Beauty, From the Inside Out At Hebe Medical Spa—which has locations in Fish Kill and Latham with a Saratoga spa on the way—overall wellness takes center stage. The story of Hebe Medical Spa began at 5 o’clock in the morning. “I met my business partner at the gym,” says Hebe CEO Irina Damyanidu of Dr. Zainab […] - [Before You Go: Hidden Beauty](https://crlmag.com/before-you-go-hidden-beauty/): With winter upon us, it’s understandable to want to stay curled up on the couch in an oversized sweater—smartphone in hand, scrolling away. Unfortunately, that’s not always good for the soul.  Spend enough time on social media and you’ll undoubtedly start to feel like you aren’t skinny enough, rich enough, popular enough or taking the […] - [5 Hot Reads to Get You Through Freezin' Season](https://crlmag.com/5-hot-reads-freezin-season/): Double the Fun Just in time for the big announcement that the Belmont’s Triple Crown race is headed to Saratoga, two horse racing books created by Saratogians scooped up awards on the national stage. Upset, The Original Dark Horse and Jim Dandy, A Dark Horse on a Dark Day both won WINNIE Awards (Upset won […] - [Behind the Lens: Frozen in Time](https://crlmag.com/behind-the-lens-frozen-in-time/): Looking out my kitchen window after a late winter ice storm, I knew there would be a lot of great photos to be had. I suited up, grabbed my camera, and headed out. I quickly realized my driveway was a sheet of ice and there was no way I would be driving off to take […] - [The Capital Region Says "I Do!"](https://crlmag.com/weddings-capital-region/): Inn Style Historic charm meets modern amenities at The Inn at Saratoga. In a city known for historic buildings that have been painstakingly preserved to maintain the charm of a bygone era, one structure stands out from the rest. The Inn at Saratoga has been hosting visitors to Saratoga for more than 180 years, making […] - [The Delaware is Serving up Local Fare With Global Flair in Albany](https://crlmag.com/the-delaware-albany/): Internationally inspired but locally sourced, elevated but exuberantly decadent fare is on the menu at The Delaware in Albany, the newest hotspot by the team behind the Old Daley brand of restaurants and catering. The restaurant, located at 300 Delaware Avenue, opened for business on Friday, November 17, after almost a year of thoughtful development.  […] - [CRL's Winter 2024 Horoscope](https://crlmag.com/crls-winter-2024-horoscope/): Aries March 21 – April 19 Happy year of Aries! This year will finally bring what you’ve been waiting for and so deserve—the shift from hard lessons to easy living. Money matters are going to vastly improve and your reputation will reflect your newfound success status. The hard work and dedication you’ve put in over […] - [Power Player: Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs](https://crlmag.com/power-player-albany-mayor-dorcey-applyrs/): Photography by Megan Mumford Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs wants to turn the city’s lights back on.  The day after her inauguration, at which she became Albany’s first Black mayor, Applyrs signed an executive order creating an advisory council on nightlife. The goal: to revive the city as a place that brings people together. “We are a historic city in need of a new vision, a new vibe, a new path forward,” Applyrs says.  The action provided a glimpse into Applyrs priorities.  She’s focused on improving public safety and bringing economic prosperity to a city still recovering from the pandemic, but […] - [CRL IRL: Another Day, Another Story About Pat Fleming](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-another-day-another-story-about-pat-fleming/): These days, it feels like every other post you see on social media is from a business instead of a person. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become some of the best ways for companies large and small to spread the word about their offerings, and many of them are doing so in creative ways. One type of business that you don’t typically see come across your feed, though? Diners. But one Capital Regionite has set out to change that. “A lot of diners aren’t on social media,” says Troy native Pat Fleming, who’s become local-famous for his “another day, another […] - [Lake George, Like a Local](https://crlmag.com/lake-george-like-a-local/): I moved up to Lake George almost nine years ago, and the wonder and beauty of this area still haven’t worn off. Every season has some kind of special charm to offer—but none are as precious to me as the quiet time before the peak summer season. If I were you, this is how I’d spend a spring day on the shores of the Queen of American Lakes before the post-Memorial Day crowds descend. 9am: Coffee & Croissants, With a View Start your day with a shoreline stroll that kicks off at Million Dollar Beach and loops up the sidewalk through […] - [Empire Media Network Announces Promotion of Tina Galante, Natalie Moore](https://crlmag.com/empire-media-network-announces-promotion-of-tina-galante-natalie-moore/): SARATOGA SPRINGS (April 2, 2026) – Empire Media Network (EMN), the parent company behind Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living, has announced the promotion of two senior staff members, marking the beginning of the next chapter of the 518’s premiere lifestyle media brands. Tina Galante has been named EMN President, and Natalie Moore, Vice President. Since joining Capital Region Living in 2016, Tina Galante has served on the operations side of the business, first as Operations Manager and most recently as Chief Operations Officer. When Capital Region Living was acquired by EMN in 2019, she took on the operational duties of Saratoga Living, helping guide […] - [What’s New: Spring 2026](https://crlmag.com/whats-new-spring-2026/): Albany in Bloom Spring was in the air this past January when Bloom Boutique Bar & Eatery opened its doors on New Scotland Avenue in Albany. The new joint is a floral-accented, Pinterest-perfect oasis serving up an eclectic menu of shareables, greens, handhelds, and mains (espresso-rubbed salmon, anyone?), plus specialty cocktails, NA drinks, beer, and wine. And weekend brunch brings its own flowery flair: Try the crab Rangoon dip, bananas foster pancakes, and ahi tuna nachos. East Greenbush’s Grand Reveal With a name like Grand Margaritas, people are bound to expect a spectacle—and that’s exactly what they get at East […] - [CRL IRL: This Bra Expert Calls the 518 Home](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-this-bra-expert-calls-the-518-home/): At next week’s Overdress to Impress event, the glamour won’t just be on the surface—it’ll be built from the inside out. While guests will arrive in bold, over-the-top looks, Jené Luciani Sena will be there doing something unexpected: fitting bras over outfits and helping change the way women feel in their own skin. A longtime fashion journalist, former regular on the Today show, and author of The Bra Book, Jené has spent years translating an industry into something women can both understand and benefit from. A Hudson native now based in Rotterdam, she has evolved her work from style advice into something deeper: advocacy, education, and connection. […] - [CRL IRL: The Shero Fund Enters the Chat](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-the-shero-fund-enters-the-chat/): On February 4, Troy’s Revolution Hall was filled with a sea of pink and red as female business leaders from around the 518 gathered for the local chapter of the Women Presidents Organization’s annual fundraiser. The nature of the event—a Galentine’s Day party with a keynote speaker—spoke to the essence of the women in attendance. They know how to close a business deal, and they’re going to have fun doing it. Read more on CRL IRL! - [Is June Farms Heaven on Earth?](https://crlmag.com/is-june-farms-heaven-on-earth/): When I catch up with June Farms owner Matt Baumgartner, he’s on his yearly escape from the frigid upstate New York winter, taking calls from his Miami condo. My first question to him is one that he frequently throws out to guests on his recently launched podcast, Farm Therapy with Matt Baumgartner: On a scale of one to 10, how happy are you right now? “Because I’m in Miami and I’ve been getting some sun…,” the New Hartford native says, “like, a five.” It’s the kind of candid answer—unvarnished, a bit risky—that’s part of the Matt Baumgartner package. It’s indicative […] - [The 2026 Bestie Awards: Shopping](https://crlmag.com/the-2026-bestie-awards-shopping/): Welcome back to the Besties, 518ers. If you’re new here, welcome. In this post, we’re sharing the results from our annual online best-of-everything survey, in which Capital Region customers voted for their all-time favorites in a slew of categories spanning from People & Places to Food & Drink. In this post: the Shopping categories! Meet the rest of the winners of our People & Places categories here, and stay tuned for our Besties Food & Drink issue, out in May! ANTIQUE STORE  Stone Soup Antiques Gallery2144 Doubleday Avenue, NY-50, Ballston Spa518.885.5232stonesoupantiquesgallery.com Waverly Square Antiques19 Low Street, Ballston Spa518.309.3566waverlysquareantiques.com Black Widow […] - [The 2026 Bestie Awards: Services](https://crlmag.com/the2026-bestie-awards-services/): Welcome back to the Besties, 518ers. If you’re new here, welcome. In this post, we’re sharing the results from our annual online best-of-everything survey, in which Capital Region customers voted for their all-time favorites in a slew of categories spanning from People & Places to Food & Drink. In this post: the Service categories! Meet the rest of the winners of our People & Places categories here, and stay tuned for our Besties Food & Drink issue, out in May! The Animal Hospital2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands518.456.0852theanimalhospital.com Miller Animal Hospital380 North Greenbush Road, Troy518.283.1166millerah.com Delmar Animal Hospital910 Delaware Avenue, Delmar518.439.9361delmaranimalhospital.com […] - [The 2026 Bestie Awards: Culture](https://crlmag.com/the-2026-bestie-awards-culture/): Welcome back to the Besties, 518ers. If you’re new here, welcome. In this post, we’re sharing the results from our annual online best-of-everything survey, in which Capital Region customers voted for their all-time favorites in a slew of categories spanning from People & Places to Food & Drink. In this post: the Culture categories! Meet the rest of the winners of our People & Places categories here, and stay tuned for our Besties Food & Drink issue, out in May! ART MUSEUM Albany Institute of History & Art125 Washington Avenue, Albany518.463.4478albanyinstitute.org The Clark225 South Street, Williamstown, MA413.458.2303clarkart.edu The Hyde Collection161 […] - [The Best(ie) Events of Spring](https://crlmag.com/the-bestie-events-of-spring/): MARCH 18–20 Spring Renewal Wellness Retreat June Farms Karli Famelette and Kara Morelli lead June Farms’ first-ever wellness retreat, a three-day experience with delicious meals, country air, and a series of wellness activities and classes—think gentle yoga, candle-making, breathwork, and more. junefarms.com MARCH 20 Kokedama Workshop Faddegon’s Nursery Learn to create a Kokedama, a pot-less Japanese moss ball out of which plants grow, at this workshop hosted by Faddegon’s Nursery. Tickets include all materials, including a four-inch house plant, moss, string, and soil. faddegons.com MARCH 21 S.O.L.I.D. Step Team Showcase Siena University MAC Siena University’s Stepping On Line In Definition […] - [The 2026 Bestie Awards: Local People & Media](https://crlmag.com/the-2026-bestie-awards-local-people-media/): Welcome back to the Besties, 518ers. If you’re new here, welcome. In this post, we’re sharing the results from our annual online best-of-everything survey, in which Capital Region customers voted for their all-time favorites in a slew of categories spanning from People & Places to Food & Drink. In this post: the People and Media categories! Meet the rest of the winners of our People & Places categories here, and stay tuned for our Besties Food & Drink issue, out in May! ARTIST iCandy Designs Face Paintingicandydesignsfacepainting.com Daniel Fairley@poemdexter on Instagram Premo DesignsSchenectady518.952.1328facepaint518.com AUTHOR John Grayjohngraywriter.com Patricia Crandallpatriciacrandall.com Liza Frenettelizafrenette.com […] - [The 2026 Bestie Awards: Places](https://crlmag.com/the-2026-bestie-awards-places/): Welcome back to the Besties, 518ers. If you’re new here, welcome. In this post, we’re sharing the results from our annual online best-of-everything survey, in which Capital Region customers voted for their all-time favorites in a slew of categories spanning from People & Places to Food & Drink. In this post: the Places categories! Meet the rest of the winners of our People & Places categories here, and stay tuned for our Besties Food & Drink issue, out in May! ASSISTED LIVING/NURSING HOME  The EddyMultiple Locationseddyseniorliving.com Teresian House200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany518.456.2000teresianhouse.org The Loudonville Assisted Living Residence298 Albany Shaker Road, […] - [Signs of the Times: CRL’s Spring 2026 Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/signs-of-the-times-crls-spring-2026-horoscopes/): Illustrations by Robert Risko Aries March 21–April 19 This season feels like a personal rebirth, Aries, as the focus shifts fully onto you. Your energy is returning, your confidence is rising, and there’s a renewed sense of clarity around who you are and where you’re headed. You may feel more motivated to take initiative, start something new, or finally act on ideas you’ve been holding close. At the same time, there’s a reminder to pace yourself. True power comes from intention, not urgency. Honor your instincts and trust that the steps you take now are setting the tone for the […] - [Crossword Answers: Spring 2026](https://crlmag.com/crossword-answers-spring-2026/): Answers: Across 1. HOLA5. SEA8. FANS12. IONIC13. ECHO15. ORAL16. FLYTHECOOP18. UCLA19. SEX20. OAT21. RAINHAT23. POT24. ISLET25. CABO28. ONE29. PAID32. ALOT33. JUS34. BSIDES36. MOST37. ORTHO39. NEAR40. INSECT42. AAA43. PART44. GYRO45. SLY46. ELSA47. YODEL49. RAN51. ENABLED54. AOL55. IPA58. NOVA59. FARMHOUSES62. ODOR63. TNUT64. USMAP65. SEWN66. SMS67. DAYS Down 1. HOLE2. ONYX3. LIT4. ACHOO5. SECT6. ECO7. AHORSE8.FOUNTAINPEN9. ARCH10. NALA11. SLAT12. IFS14. OPAL17. EAT22. IEPS23. POTTERYBARN24. INSTALL25. CAMI26. ALONG27. BOSSY28. OUR30. IDEAL31. DEARS33. JOT34. BOA35. SRTA38. HAY41. COOL45. SEDANS48. DEFT49. ROH50. ALOUD51. ENOS52. NODE53. AVOW54. AMTS55. ISMY56. PEAS57. ASP60. RUM61. USA - [Essay: Flying Into the Sun](https://crlmag.com/essay-flying-into-the-sun/): There’s a story in Greek mythology. It tells of an inventor named Deadelus and his son named Icarus, who are imprisoned on a tower on the island of Crete by the ruthless King Minos. Seeking adventure and wishing to explore the world, Icarus begged his father to devise some way of escape. Daedelus responded by inventing two pairs of wings made from wax and feathers that would allow them to fly out of their window and onto the open sea, warning Icarus not to fly too close to the Sun for the heat would melt his wings. They set off, […] - [CRL IRL: Olympics Withdrawal? Lake Placid Can Help](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-olympics-withdrawal-lake-placid-can-help/): Somehow, 17 days are never quite enough when it comes to the Olympic Games. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become so much more interested in sports, and my appreciation for watching the Olympics every two years has evolved into an especially meaningful experience. From the electricity I feel being amongst super fans and their friends and family, to the strong community vibes I feel as we all cheer on the wins or nurse the disappointments that come with each loss or missed goal, there’s nothing quite like people coming together for sports, and ultimately, for each other. Especially during the […] - [The Mulberry Bush](https://crlmag.com/the-mulberry-bush/): Nathan Fletcher’s wake was an embarrassment. Just one person showed up: a middle-aged man dressed head-to-toe in white. He was the nurse who’d taken care of Mr. Fletcher at the senior home. He knew the old man never married or had children, so he came to make certain someone was witness to his passing. After an hour of sitting alone, the nurse collected his coat to leave. That’s when he saw him. A well-dressed man in his 30s had entered the room. He took off his hat as a sign of respect and approached the casket. The nurse didn’t want […] - [CRL IRL: No Mailbox Is Safe](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-no-mailbox-is-safe/): Two big storms ago (or maybe it was three?), my mailbox got a love tap from a passing plow. It wasn’t knocked over, but the door is now hanging on by a single hinge. When I went to Home Depot to get a new one, an employee told me, “it’s been a great winter to be a mailbox salesman.” Indeed, everywhere I go, I see mailboxes decimated by this season’s unusually active fleet of snowplows. Is this just a fact of life in upstate New York? Is there anything homeowners can do to keep their mailboxes safe from the threat […] - [CRL IRL: Yemeni Coffee Comes to Latham](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-yemeni-coffee-comes-to-latham/): Until a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t know Yemeni coffee was a thing. (Heck, pretty much everything I knew about Yemen I learned from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) Now, thanks to two new shops in Latham, I’m sold: All coffee shops should be Yemeni coffee shops. Read more on CRL IRL. - [Mirbeau Inn & Spa Is Coming to Beacon](https://crlmag.com/mirbeau-inn-spa-coming-to-beacon/): If you’ve been looking for an excuse to make a weekend trip to Beacon, this is it. This spring, the Dutchess County city—beloved for its thriving art scene, ample recreational opportunities, and must-try bars and restaurants—will welcome a state-of-the-art inn and spa. And you might recognize the name behind it.  While Mirbeau Companies celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, the name Mirbeau really came onto Capital Regionites’ radar in 2017, when Spa Mirbeau opened in Crossgates Mall. While the Albany day spa has quickly become a wellness destination for spa-lovers from around the 518, it’s Mirbeau’s other locations—resorts in Skaneateles, […] - [CRL IRL: Guptill's at 75](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-guptills-at-75/): Capital Region Living intern Bevin Dean met her boyfriend at Skidmore. But had she been born in, say, 1933 instead of 2003, Skidmore would have been an all-girls school, and she would’ve had to go further afield in search of love. Back then, there’s a pretty good chance she would’ve wound up at Guptill’s. Opened on Valentine’s Day 1951, Guptill’s Roller Skating Arena in Cohoes has been a Capital Region institution for 75 years, not just for its Guinness Book of World Records–sized skating rink, but for its arcade, ice cream stand, and outsized role in setting up dozens—hundreds?—of Capital Region […] - [5 Ways to Get Your Glow On in the 518](https://crlmag.com/5-ways-to-get-your-glow-on-in-the-518/): Winter has a way of catching up with us—the duller skin, the slower recovery, the sense that our bodies have been running on reserve. That’s usually when self-care shifts from something we treat ourselves to, to something we genuinely need. Local med spa technologies have quietly stepped in to help, not with grand promises or overnight transformations, but with steady, science-backed ways to recover, restore, and feel a little more at home in your own skin. From red-light panels to fractional lasers, salt-infused rooms to radio-frequency contouring, each of these treatments offers its own path toward feeling better than you […] - [CRL IRL: Scenes From the Schenectady Soup Stroll](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-scenes-from-the-schenectady-soup-stroll/): We sent photographer Dakota Gilbert to the streets of the Electric City to document the servers and slurp-ers of Saturday’s 10th annual soup spectacular. See the gallery on CRL IRL. - [Every Month is Heart Month](https://crlmag.com/every-month-is-heart-month/): Photography by Joe Putrock Ask Amy Young, executive director of the American Heart Association (AHA) in the Capital Region and Upper Hudson Valley, what drives the organization forward, and she doesn’t hesitate.  “We are the nation’s oldest volunteer-led organization,” she says. “We’ve funded more than $6.1 billion in research since 1949, and our volunteers have made that possible.” It’s a staggering figure, but so is the need: Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of Americans, and stroke follows close behind at No. 5. Through it all, volunteers remain the steady engine behind AHA’s mission. Young notes that involvement can […] - [CRL IRL: On the Scene at Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-on-the-scene-at-albany-wine-dine-for-the-arts/): When I walked into Day 2 of the three-day Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts on Friday, I didn’t know what to expect. When I walked out—after the evening’s Grand Tastings & Seminars and one-night-only Slider Slam—my perception of New York’s Capital City had shifted. Read more on CRL IRL. - [Signs of the Times: CRL’s Winter 2026 Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/signs-of-the-times-crls-winter-2026-horoscopes/): Illustrations by Robert Risko Aquarius January 20–February 18 This season asks you to slow down, rest deeply, and reconnect with your inner world. You’re moving through a period of release and reflection, where the unseen becomes just as important as the visible. Old chapters are closing, and you may feel called to retreat, recharge, or let go of emotional or mental clutter. Trust the quiet. It’s preparing you for the rebirth that will come next. Your soul is whispering truths you’ve been too busy to hear. Make space to listen. Pisces February 19–March 20 Your world is opening up in […] - [Mazzone Hospitality: More Than a Wedding Caterer](https://crlmag.com/mazzone-hospitality-more-than-a-wedding-caterer/): Photography by Chrysa Leigh For more than four decades, Mazzone Hospitality has been the name behind many of the Capital Region’s most memorable celebrations. Known for exceptional food, thoughtful service, and seamless execution, the company has become the trusted catering partner for wedding venues across the area. “Our approach is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and genuine hospitality,” says Justine Ochal, vice president of sales and client relations. “When we partner with a venue, we’re not just providing food—we’re helping shape the entire guest experience. Our teams handle the details so our venue partners and clients can feel fully supported from […] - [Scenes From CRL's Health & Wellness Issue Release Party](https://crlmag.com/scenes-from-crls-health-wellness-issue-release-party/): Photography by Zack Skowronek Last Thursday, Capital Region Living hosted its first-ever issue release party to celebrate the release of its first-ever Health & Wellness Issue. Held at Frog Alley Brewing in partnership with Best Fitness, the event brought together the Top 10 Trainers of the 518 that were featured in the latest edition (including cover subject Tommie Burch, who could be seen hanging from the Good Karma Entertainment lyra hoop photo op in any number of poses throughout the evening) as well as more members of the Capital Region’s wellness community. Upon arrival, every guest received a ticket for a complimentary CRL Sunrise (an NA […] - [6 Recently Opened Businesses From Every Corner of the 518](https://crlmag.com/6-recently-opened-businesses-from-every-corner-of-the-518/): Greene County Haymarket Catskills 363 NY-296, Hensonville Housed in an 1875 church in the Catskills, Haymarket (pictured at top), which opened in September, is a café and market serving seasonal breakfast and lunch, a carefully curated menu of coffee and tea, and thoughtfully selected pantry items like cheese, honey, and peanut butter to enjoy at home. Haymarket’s owners make as much of their food in-house as they can and support local producers whenever possible.  Albany County x Ready to Wear 664 Loudon Road, Latham With online shopping becoming the new norm, the element of discovery once present in shopping for […] - [Power Player: Benita Zahn 2.0](https://crlmag.com/power-player-benita-zahn-2-0/): Photography by Konrad Odhiambo When celebrated Capital Region news anchor Benita Zahn switched careers nearly five years ago, she was surprised by how easily she made the change. “I joke with my clients that it’s a lot like my old life,” Zahn says about moving from broadcast journalism to working as a health and wellness coach for Capital Cardiology in Albany. “I ask a lot of questions, I write a report…I just don’t have to wear as much makeup.”  After four decades at NewsChannel 13, Zahn jokes that she’s now the best-dressed health and wellness coach on the East Coast. […] - [CRL IRL: Slidin' Dirty Mounts a Massive Comeback](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-slidin-dirty-mounts-a-massive-comeback/): When Slidin’ Dirty reopened its doors in December—this time inside the Hedley building on River Street in Troy—it wasn’t framed as a revival tour or a nostalgia play. Owner Tim Taney never left room for that interpretation. From the moment he closed his original First Street location (which at the time was operating under the name Twisted Fiddler), he insisted that his exit was only temporary. “We always intended on coming back,” Taney says, without flourish. “When we closed, we even called it a ‘farewell for now.’” Read more on CRL IRL. - [The Egg Reopens Following $19.5 Million Renovation](https://crlmag.com/the-egg-reopens-following-19-5-million-renovation/): Crack an egg and what’s left behind? In the case of The Egg (capital ‘T’ capital ‘E’), a community. In the culinary world, eggs are a binding ingredient—essential, unassuming, foundational. The same, it turns out, is true of Albany’s performing arts center, which, for the last six months, has been cracked open as part of a $19.5 million renovation. When the venue reopened its doors on Thursday for a ribbon-cutting and reception, the Capital Region showed up in full force to welcome back a place that has become part of the fabric of the Capital City—both its community and its […] - [The Top 10 Trainers of the 518 ](https://crlmag.com/the-top-10-trainers-of-the-518/): Photography by  Zack Skowronek Tommie Burch Gym: Best Fitness, Studio 4 Hot Yoga Known for: Her authentic social media presence (@balancebytommie) and community involvement Go-to post-workout snack: Protein shake from Bowled Least favorite exercise: Assault bike What’s something you’ve learned since becoming a trainer? “How much of an impact people moving can have on their mental, physical, and social well-being. I’ve seen it time and time again where people find a community in their gyms. Having that strong community can change people’s lives, and a gym is a great place to find that.” Adam Badger Gym: Badger Strength Known for: […] - [Saucy Suraci's Healthy(ish) Dream Meal](https://crlmag.com/saucy-suracis-healthyish-dream-meal/): Photography and story by Kristen Suraci Welcome to the very first edition of Saucy Says—a quick bite of flavor, fun, and all things delicious. A new year always brings that fresh-start energy, and instead of strict resolutions, I’m leaning into choices that make me feel good from the inside out. This month is all about lighter, brighter bites: a vibrant mocktail, a fresh appetizer, a nourishing entrée, and a sweet little dessert to wrap it up. Think of it as your tasty guide to easing into the new year with balance, intention, and a signature splash of Saucy flair. Beverage: […] - [12 Health & Wellness Events to Attend This Winter](https://crlmag.com/12-health-wellness-events-to-attend-this-winter/): March 7–8: NY Women’s Expo Albany Marriott The Capital District’s signature girls’ day out returns this March as the NY Women’s Expo marks its 15th anniversary with a blowout weekend at the Albany Marriott. Across March 7–8, more than 150 exhibitors, including many from the health and wellness space, will take over the hotel’s ballroom corridors with the kind of energy that blurs the line between shopping event and annual reunion—where discovery is part of the fun and indulgence is encouraged. Expect free samples, exclusive giveaways, and demonstrations. Save the date; this milestone event promises to be the organizers’ most […] - [Crossword Answers: Winter 2026](https://crlmag.com/crossword-answers-winter-2025/): Answers: Across 1. ADDLE6. ABUTS11. CAB14. PERIL15. EERIE16. PRESSCONFERENCE19. RENO20. AWE21. PIT22. SCUFFS24. SELFIE28. HSA29. YAM32. ELSA33. MARA35. LIMU38. YAS39. RNA41. CRABDIP43. BYE44. EAR45. ETTU46. ITTY48. ASKS50. LSD52. OWN53. MASONS56. REPAIR59. NOG60. TEA61. NGOS63. SQUATTERSRIGHTS68. PASTA69. AISLE70. TEE71. ATBAT72. TOYED Down 1. APS2. DECAF3. DROWSY4. LINE5. ELF6. AERIE7. BEETLE8. URN9. TIC10. SEE11. CPR12. ARES13. BENCHMARKS17. SOUSA18. EPS23. FARCE25. FLYBYNIGHT26. ISAY27. EASE30. ALBUS31. MID34. ART36. MII37. UPTOP39. REAM40. NASA42. ATL47. TWANG49. SONATA51. DRESSY54. NOTAT55. SGT57. EARLE58. ROTE60. TRIO62. SSE63. SPA64. QAT65. USB66. EAT67. IED - [DJ Pauly D Returns to Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady](https://crlmag.com/dj-pauly-d-returns-to-rivers-casino-resort-schenectady/): DJ Pauly D will return to Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady on Friday, April 3, following two previously sold-out appearances at the venue’s Event Center.  Local DJs Nick Papa Giorgio and DJ RVMBA will each have separate sets on the stage once the night begins at 7pm. Pauly D, born Paul DelVecchio in Providence, Rhode Island, first gained national attention as a cast member on MTV’s Jersey Shore, which premiered in 2009. While the show introduced him to a wide audience, his career as a DJ predates television.  He began DJing at 16 and has since built a touring schedule […] - [Long Live the Crandell Theatre](https://crlmag.com/long-live-the-crandell-theatre/): If you grew up in or around Chatham, you likely have fond memories of the Crandell Theatre. With its iconic marquee, thick curtains, and vintage soda machine that shot out water and syrup separately, the Crandell has been captivating movie-goers of all ages for the last century. And now, with a new executive director, a multi-million-dollar makeover, and a centennial celebration on the horizon, the Jewel of Main Street is poised to delight moviegoers—and arts patrons—for the next 100 years. Designed in the Spanish Renaissance style by Glens Falls architect Louis L. Wetmore, the Crandell Theatre was the brainchild of Chatham […] - [CRL IRL: The Making of a Music Scene](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-the-making-of-a-music-scene/): A few years ago, in the dark of Parish Public House’s stage room—a space that cycled through names and eras before settling on Ophelia’s—a musician on stage wished Greg Bell a happy birthday. The crowd answered with cheers, a few heads turning toward the back. One voice, loose with alcohol and confidence, called out, “Who the hell is Greg Bell?” Greg Bell was the promoter of that night’s show—the name that secured the venue and brought the band in to play—and has been the promoter of hundreds (thousands?) of Capital Region shows over the last 30-plus years. At such a […] - [Eighty-Eight Dogs](https://crlmag.com/eighty-eight-dogs/): Joshua was nearly 12 and didn’t believe in Santa, but that didn’t mean the holidays weren’t a big deal. I mean, who doesn’t like presents? That Christmas, though, this sweet boy would go on to teach an entire town the true spirit of giving. Joshua’s mom worked part time at the animal shelter, and Joshua liked to tag along on Saturdays, helping fill the water dishes. After his chores, he’d walk by the long line of cages and count the puppies and dogs who needed adoption. The number fluctuated, but a few days before Christmas, it was 88. Joshua liked […] - [Travel: Road to Joy](https://crlmag.com/travel-road-to-joy/): There’s nothing like being home for the holidays—but there’s certainly something to be said about getting away in the days leading up to the holidays. Whether you’re desperately searching for your inner holly-jolly or you’re already decked out in head-to-toe tinsel and chugging a peppermint latte 24/7, there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a yuletide visit to one of these quintessential New England towns. Woodstock, Vermont Woodstock is worth a visit any time of the year, but the holidays are when the town truly shines (literally).  Don’t Miss: Wassail Weekend, held December 12–14 this […] - [Signs of the Times: CRL’s Holiday 2025 Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/signs-of-the-times-crls-holiday-2025-horoscopes/): Illustrations By Robert Risko Did you know that both New York State Senators are Sagittariuses? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will celebrate his 75th birthday on November 23, and Kirsten Gillibrand will turn 59 a couple of weeks later on December 9. Sagittarius November 22–December 21 It’s your season, Sagittarius, and you’re shining bright. This is a time of expansion, connection, and dreaming big. Your social life may be buzzing with opportunities to connect with new people and communities that align with your vision for the future. You’re being encouraged to think about the bigger picture and how your dreams […] - [CRL IRL: All Aboard the RMS Titanic](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-all-aboard-the-rms-titanic/): Stepping through the heavy wooden doors of Armory Studios NY felt like crossing a threshold—leaving one world behind for another. They don’t build places like this anymore. The Armory’s Art Deco bones echo a time of American optimism—less chrome than the Empire State or Chrysler buildings, but unmistakable in its craftsmanship, from the brown-brick archways to its soaring scale. The RMS Titanic belonged to that same era of ambition. She was built as a monument to progress—to man’s confidence in steel, engineering, and the promises printed in glossy brochures. Her creators imagined themselves beyond the reach of storms, sea gods, […] - [Recipe: Justin Burke's Citrus Bakewell](https://crlmag.com/recipe-justin-burkes-citrus-bakewell/): Photography by Brian Samuels On December 4 from 6-9pm, WAMC’s Sarah LaDuke will be joined at SPAC by baker, LGBTQ+ activist, and TV personality Justin Burke for the latest event in the CulinaryArts@SPAC series: Potluck Desserts to Share with Pride. The evening will feature Champagne and cocktails, pastries by local chefs, and slab pies from Burke’s new cookbook, Potluck Desserts. Try your hand at this recipe from the cookbook, and get your tickets to Burke’s event before they’re gone.  Citrus Bakewell Serves 9-16 INGREDIENTS   for the crust 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon kosher salt […] - [CRL IRL: Jenny Marie Is Building a Bigger Room](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-jenny-marie-is-building-a-bigger-room/): Spend five minutes talking with Jenny Marie Dahnke, aka Mama Jean, and you start to understand why she’s become a quiet force inside the 518’s music scene. She’s a singer, yes—but also a producer, an event coordinator, and, increasingly, the person other artists point to when they’re looking for a foothold. Her year has been stacked with national competitions, cross-country performances, and new collaborations, but the through line is the same: She never moves forward alone. Read more on CRL IRL. - [CRL IRL: This Traveling Mailbox Will Send Your Letter Directly to Santa](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-this-traveling-mailbox-will-send-your-letter-directly-to-santa/): A good gym carries a sense of motivational energy, but what I spotted in the lobby of Best Fitness in Schenectady’s Crosstown Plaza Wednesday morning was far more festive. A few trainers in elf hats holding candy canes were gathered near the front desk, where a mailbox had materialized. I’m not talking about the kind that fills up with bills and junk flyers. I’m talking about a giant, red mailbox that only accepts letters destined for one place: the North Pole. Read more on CRL IRL. - [The Capital Region Gets Lit](https://crlmag.com/the-capital-region-gets-lit/): 1. Santa’s Playland Christmas Lights Quick Response, Round LakeNovember 15–January 4 What started with a few string lights and decorations 25 years ago has now become a Capital Region holiday staple. On Wednesdays–Sundays from 5–11pm during the holiday season, local restoration company Quick Response transforms its Route 9 property into a free, drive-through winter wonderland complete with gingerbread men, busy elves, a candy factory, and Santa’s sleigh. If staying cozy and warm is your vibe, you’re in luck: You don’t even need to leave your car. Just tune in to 88.5 FM as you cruise through, and you might even […] - [Schenectady County Holiday Parade Returns Saturday](https://crlmag.com/schenectady-county-holiday-parade-returns-saturday/): There’s a particular kind of glow that settles over downtown Schenectady when the County Holiday Parade comes to town. By mid-afternoon, State Street starts to feel like a gathering place. Kids in puffy coats clutch hot cocoa, parents scout out the perfect viewing spot, and shop windows throw back their own shine as the city gears up for its brightest tradition of the year. The 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade—the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast—steps off at 5pm on Saturday, November 22, filling downtown with more than 100 groups. Expect marching bands, dancers, towering floats, community organizations, and […] - [CRL IRL: Inside 'June Farms' Series Premiere Party](https://crlmag.com/crl-irl-inside-june-farms-series-premiere-party/): What could go wrong? That’s what I asked myself as I drove on five-year-old tires that barely passed inspection down pitch-black backroads on my way to West Sand Lake. I swear I’ve seen low-budget horror movies that have started in similar fashion, but when I arrived at June Farms’ warmly illuminated Pony Barn, all my fears subsided. Why was I at June Farms, an agritourism mecca with a penchant for throwing some of the upper Hudson Valley’s most beautiful weddings, in what seemed like the dead of night—6pm on a Friday night in November—in the first place? For the red-carpet […] - [12 Under 12: Stella Burwell ](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-stella-burwell/): Age: 9     Hometown: Cohoes      School: Harmony Hill elementary SchoolCommunity Involvement: Real Kids Wear Pink You’ve heard of Real Men Wear Pink, the American Cancer Society’s annual initiative that encourages men to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and patient support. But have you heard of Real Kids Wear Pink? Cohoes resident Stella Burwell certainly has. Stella has been involved in Real Kids Wear Pink, an annual fundraising effort and event, for four years—since she was 5. But this year, the three-sport athlete has really stepped up to raise more money for the cause, rallying […] - [Proctors Collaborative Names Marisa Flynn to Lead Programming, Marketing](https://crlmag.com/proctors-collaborative-names-marisa-flynn-to-lead-programming-marketing/): Proctors Collaborative has long been the cultural heartbeat of the local scene—its stage lights, classrooms, and community programs pulsing across the Capital Region. Now, the organization turns a new page with the appointment of Marisa Flynn as vice president of programming, marketing, and communications. Flynn steps into the role with nearly 20 years of experience shaping audiences and experiences in live entertainment. Her résumé spans arenas, performing arts centers, and brand strategy at the national level. Most recently, she served as vice president of business development for the Oak View Group, where she helped build partnerships and elevate guest experiences […] - [The Capital Region's Case For Community](https://crlmag.com/the-capital-regions-case-for-community/): Photography by Megan Mumford When Eleina Hinch was still in her teens, she built a YouTube beauty channel with 25,000 subscribers. But something was missing. Despite her big following and growing renown as an influencer, she often felt lonely. Things worsened during the pandemic, when her father and grandfather both died, and her mother underwent treatment for cancer. Her closest friends lived back in the Philippines, where she was born.  “That was probably the lowest time in my life,” says Hinch, who’s now 26. “I could only FaceTime my friends—they were in a different country. It’s not like they could […] - [The Capital Region’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide](https://crlmag.com/the-capital-regions-2025-holiday-gift-guide/): Smith & Gil Beanies Union Hall Supply Co. These cozy beanies are made for winter adventures. Choose the design that best fits the winter warrior in your life—playful skiers, cozy cabins, or retro snowflakes. $26  |  unionhallsupplyco.com Crystal Soy Candle Stone Corner Minerals Handmade with natural amethyst and cleansing clary sage, this Crystal Soy Candle is the perfect gift for peace and destressing. $20  |  stonecornerminerals.com Decorative Gourds Lakeside Farms Handcrafted in Carlisle, PA, a gourd from Meadowbrook Gourds is the whimsical piece of home décor your loved ones didn’t know they needed $50-$65  |  lakesidefarmscidermill.com Assorted Holiday Paintings The […] - [Crossword Answers: Holiday 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-answers-holiday-2025/): Answers: ACROSS1. FAST5. LILLY10. FLOP14. LUTE15. ARISE16. RAVE17. EDEN18. COLDS19. AMEN20. SIA21. ETNA22. LIENS23. HOLIDAYCAROL27. NUT28. LAP29. LOW32. LAST35. EFRON38. PALE39. URIE40. RAH41. ADDS42. GOAL43. LAMAS45. NYET46. EDM47. MAC48. LAD50. DECKTHEHALLS56. HAVEN59. HOES60. AIL61. ICON62. BCORP64. ANNE65. NETS66. MORSE67. ICEE68. TREE69. INNER70. DENT DOWN1. FLESH2. AUDIO3. STEAL4. TEN5. LACTATE6. IRONY7. LILAC8. LSD9. YES10. FRAIL11. LAME12. OVEN13. PENS21. EDU22. LOP24. INTEL25. ALOHA26. RAN29. LADY30. OLDE31. WEST32. LUGE33. AROD34. SIAM36. FRACK37. RAM38. PANDA43. LAC44. SLEEPER47. MEN49. AHS50. DENSE51. THORN52. HORSE53. LANCE54. LINEN55. SLEET56. HINT57. ACER58. VOTE62. BMI63. CON64.AID - [12 Under 12: Greyson James Angley ](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-greyson-james-angley/): Age: 8Hometown: ColonieSchool: Shaker Road Elementary SchoolCommunity Involvement: Colonie Little League Challenger program It can be easy to take for granted our physical and mental capabilities—to forget that the things that come so easily to some don’t for others. But even at 8 years old, Greyson Angley isn’t the kind of person who forgets. When he heard about Colonie Little League’s Challenger Program, he knew he had to be a part of it. The program, which takes place every year from May to June, is designed for kids ages 5 and up who aren’t able to participate in other divisions […] - [Hillary Gaeta, Co-Executive Director of Operations, Soul Fire Farm](https://crlmag.com/hillary-gaeta-co-executive-director-of-operations-soul-fire-farm/): Photography by Megan Mumford This story is part of our annual Capital Region Gives Back initiative that honors 10 locals who are making our community a better place. Read up on all of the 2025 honorees and join us on December 2 for the 7th annual Capital Region Gives Back event at Putnam Place. Hillary Gaeta’s path to Grafton’s Soul Fire Farm began when her family moved from the Dominican Republic, where she grew up climbing trees to snack on mangoes and cherries, to Queens, NY, where her family relied on programs like SNAP, the US Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental […] - [Francesca LoPorto-Brandow, Founder, Flutter Club](https://crlmag.com/francesca-loporto-brandow-founder-the-flutter-club/): Photography by Megan Mumford This story is part of our annual Capital Region Gives Back initiative that honors 10 locals who are making our community a better place. Read up on all of the 2025 honorees and join us on December 2 for the 7th annual Capital Region Gives Back event at Putnam Place. When Francesca LoPorto-Brandow’s father was battling cancer, her family put nearly 16,000 miles on their car driving to and from treatment.  “During that time, I couldn’t help but think, what do people do when they don’t have someone to drive them?” she says. “Do they give […] - [Paul Collins-Hackett, President, Tru Heart, Inc.](https://crlmag.com/paul-collins-hackett-president-tru-heart-inc/): Photography by Megan Mumford This story is part of our annual Capital Region Gives Back initiative that honors 10 locals who are making our community a better place. Read up on all of the 2025 honorees and join us on December 2 for the 7th annual Capital Region Gives Back event at Putnam Place. It’s impossible to talk about Paul Collins-Hackett’s involvement in one nonprofit without talking about all the other organizations he’s played a role in shaping. By day, he’s the executive director of The RED Bookshelf, an organization with the simple mission to inspire children to read. By […] - [Diane Conroy-LaCivita, Executive Director, Colonie Senior Service Centers](https://crlmag.com/diane-conroy-lacivita-executive-director-colonie-senior-service-centers/): Photography by Megan Mumford This story is part of our annual Capital Region Gives Back initiative that honors 10 locals who are making our community a better place. Read up on all of the 2025 honorees and join us on December 2 for the 7th annual Capital Region Gives Back event at Putnam Place. It’s no secret that the US is in a housing crisis. A severe shortage of homes has made the cost of living skyrocket, and Americans of all ages are feeling the strain. But the lack of affordable housing is hitting seniors especially hard. “We absolutely, positively […] - [Tom Stebbins, Supporter, South End Children’s Café](https://crlmag.com/tom-stebbins-supporter-south-end-childrens-cafe/): Photography by Megan Mumford This story is part of our annual Capital Region Gives Back initiative that honors 10 locals who are making our community a better place. Read up on all of the 2025 honorees and join us on December 2 for the 7th annual Capital Region Gives Back event at Putnam Place. Lots of people work side jobs. Most side jobs, however, don’t involve raising millions of dollars for charity—sometimes in a single night. One of the country’s foremost benefit auctioneers, Delmar resident Tom Stebbins specializes in the fine art of the paddle raise. He travels the country […] - [5 Local Businesses Helping Fight Hunger This Month](https://crlmag.com/5-local-businesses-helping-fight-hunger-this-month/): In the face of federal cuts to America’s food stamp program, local businesses are stepping up to help our community’s most needy residents. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the status of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was unclear heading into November. Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a “food emergency” in New York, releasing $65 million in state funds to help food banks brace for the influx of families who may find their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards empty in the coming weeks. Ultimately, funding for the program wasn’t fully suspended, but more than 42 million Americans have […] - [Michael Hallisey Joins Team Behind 'Capital Region Living' and 'Saratoga Living'](https://crlmag.com/michael-hallisey-joins-team-behind-capital-region-living-and-saratoga-living/): Photography by Zack Skowronek Empire Media Network (EMN), the locally owned parent company behind Capital Region Living and Saratoga Living, is expanding. Last week, the company doubled down on its commitment to covering stories from Columbia County to Warren County by hiring Michael Hallisey, a longtime journalist based in Delmar, as the publications’ associate editor. Hallisey comes to EMN after a decade spent as Managing Editor of Spotlight Newspapers, where his reporting and editorial leadership earned multiple New York Press Association awards including three first-place honors for arts and entertainment coverage. “Arts and entertainment coverage is where the community’s spirit […] - [Gallery: Trick or Treat at The Palace](https://crlmag.com/gallery-trick-or-treat-at-the-palace/): The Palace Theatre opened its doors to ghosts, goblins, and giggling trick-or-treaters on October 31 for its 4th annual Trick or Treat at the Palace—a Halloween tradition that has quickly become one of downtown Albany’s most spirited community events. Sean Allen, the theater’s director of marketing, said the event first took shape in the wake of the pandemic as a safe place for families to celebrate the holiday. “We started it just post-reopening from COVID because a lot of the families in the area had mentioned to us that they didn’t know where they could trick or treat afterwards,” Allen […] - [Remembering Bernie Harney, the Albany River Rats’ No. 1 Fan](https://crlmag.com/remembering-bernie-harney-the-albany-river-rats-no-1-fan/): Nostalgia has kept the legacy of the bygone Albany River Rats alive on online marketplaces and chat rooms, but for a time, no one waved the hometown hockey team’s flag higher—or with more heart—than Bernard Harney. He was a lifelong hockey fan with a loud mouth who’d perfected the art of heckling. He liked to tell the story of how the team’s marketing head caught him one game night sitting in his usual spot—behind the visitor’s penalty box. “Hey, 22,” Bernie would bellow at the opposing player just sent to the box. “Your teammates hate you!” The River Rats were […] - [T.G. Clancy’s Tavern & Fare's Pizza Bianca di Liz](https://crlmag.com/t-g-clancys-tavern-fares-pizza-bianca-di-liz/): Serves: However many people you want it to INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS 1. Take dough out of fridge and bring to room temperature (30-60 minutes). 2. While you’re waiting for the dough to warm up, cook bacon until crispy and crumble. 3. Preheat oven to 500-525 degrees. 4. Lightly dust your pizza peel or pan with cornmeal. 5. On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a large, flat circle. 6. Top the dough with stracciatella, mozzarella, and bacon. 7. Bake until cheese is bubbly and crust is extra crispy. 8. Season arugula with olive oil. 9. When pizza is done […] - [Something 'Wicked' This Way Comes](https://crlmag.com/something-wicked-this-way-comes/): Wicked returns to the Proctors stage tonight to start a nearly two-week run at the storied Schenectady theater, unspooling the fantastical Wizard of Oz lore that now has fans enamored with the OG villain herself, the Wicked Witch of the West. The award-winning musical flies into the Electric City at a time when the Wicked story has never been more popular. Next month, Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year’s blockbuster movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will hit theaters. But for now, the show that inspired it is coming right to our own backyard. In the musical, […] - [Rock, Current, Banks](https://crlmag.com/rock-current-banks/): It was a long-standing joke that their high school swim team was the only one in the state that required a lifeguard on duty. They were that bad, coming in last at the state competition every year. A few weeks after the season ended, and another coach quit in disgrace, the boys were summoned to the parking lot. There, leaning against the yellow bus, was old man Finnegan. After 37 years as the school’s head custodian, Brian Finnegan retired to his rocking chair, spending much of his free time fishing in the river that cut like a snake through the […] - ['June Farms' TV Show to Debut on Prime Video November 17](https://crlmag.com/june-farms-tv-show-to-air-on-prime-video-november-17/): This just in: West Sand Lake’s June Farms, a gentleman’s farm and wedding venue known for its highly Instagrammable Highland cattle and quaint hillside hobbit house, will be the subject of a new eight-episode, unscripted TV show centered around the venue’s wedding operations. At the center of the show is June Farms owner Matt Baumgartner, a restaurateur-turned farmer who opened June Farms in 2017. (He’s the guy behind the now-closed Bombers Burrito Bar, Olde English Pub, and the Wolff’s Biergarten locations.) He also recently published a children’s book. “I was living in New York City and going down three or […] - [Jeff Buell’s Next Frontier](https://crlmag.com/jeff-buells-next-frontier/): Photography by Dori Fitzpatrick Jeff Buell is one of the Capital Region’s leading real estate developers—and an avid cyclist.   When he bikes through Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, he sees the many projects he’s had a hand in—the numerous old buildings that have been rehabbed and turned into apartments, offices, and retail space. “It’s a nice, 50-mile ride, and I go past significant, impactful projects in each one of the downtowns,” says Buell, a charismatic 44-year-old with a passion for urban living. “It makes me smile.”  His rides also remind him of projects that never came to fruition, like his […] - [Voting Now Open for the 2026 Bestie Awards](https://crlmag.com/voting-now-open-for-the-2026-bestie-awards/): It’s hard to believe it, but it’s almost Besties season again! The Capital Region’s longest running “best of” awards are back, and we need you to help determine which local people and businesses topped the upstate New York charts in 2025. Voting is now open for more than 200 categories spanning People & Places (think: best home builder, concert venue, boutique, and morning news team) and Food & Drink (everything from best new restaurant to best hot dog). Cast your vote in at least 20 categories (one ballot per email will be accepted), and be entered to win a $50 […] - [6 Ways to Watch Pro Sports in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/6-ways-to-watch-pro-sports-in-the-capital-region/): BASEBALL 1. Tri-City Valleycats Home stadium: Joseph L. Bruno Stadium (Troy)Season: May to August/September Founded in 2002 as part of the New York-Penn League, the Tri-City ValleyCats are now in the Frontier League—the longest operating independent baseball league in the country, which feeds the most players annually to MLB than any other independent league. Since the team’s founding, 117 former ValleyCats have reached the MLB. One notable ValleyCats alum? Longtime Houston Astros second-baseman Jose Altuve. Local fans love ValleyCats games not only for the high-level baseball, but also for the regular fireworks shows and theme nights. tcvalleycats.com FOOTBALL 2. Albany […] - [The Table Tennis Club That's Taking Over Albany](https://crlmag.com/the-table-tennis-club-thats-taking-over-albany/): Photography by Dakota Gilbert Sure, the 518 is home to traditional American sports of all sorts: baseball, football…You name it. But there’s so much more to explore when you look beyond the basketball court. This story is part of a larger section featuring Capital Regionites who are channeling their athletic energy into the more niche sports of table tennis, roller derby, and cricket. In Asia, table tennis is a serious sport, with youth programs, professional leagues, and tables available in public parks and community centers. China has named table tennis the country’s national sport, and a Chinese table tennis player […] - [How the Sport of Cricket Made its Way Upstate](https://crlmag.com/how-the-sport-of-cricket-made-its-way-upstate/): Photography by Dakota Gilbert Sure, the 518 is home to traditional American sports of all sorts: baseball, football…You name it. But there’s so much more to explore when you look beyond the basketball court. This story is part of a larger section featuring Capital Regionites who are channeling their athletic energy into the more niche sports of table tennis, roller derby, and cricket. When it comes to watching sports in the Capital Region, the first thing that comes to mind might be attending a football game at MVP Arena or baseball game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. If it were […] - [Albany All Stars Roller Derby Is for Everyone](https://crlmag.com/albany-all-stars-roller-derby-is-for-everyone/): Photography by Dakota Gilbert Sure, the 518 is home to traditional American sports of all sorts: baseball, football…You name it. But there’s so much more to explore when you look beyond the basketball court. This story is part of a larger section featuring Capital Regionites who are channeling their athletic energy into the more niche sports of table tennis, roller derby, and cricket. When people think of roller derby, they often think of performances in which elbows are thrown and skaters are slammed over the rails. Sure, it’s a full-contact sport—but Lindsay Boris, skater and Public Relations Committee Chairperson for […] - [Go Bills! A Guide to Visiting Buffalo During Football Season](https://crlmag.com/go-bills-a-guide-to-visiting-buffalo-during-football-season/): Buffalo, NY is well worth a trip any time of year—the second-largest city in New York boasts a sprawling waterfront, charming architecture, and an impressive art scene. Not to mention, it’s the birthplace of the world-famous Buffalo wing. But let’s get real, people: If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo, you might as well time it around one of the Buffalo Bills home games. Whether you’re a born-and-raised member of the Bills Mafia, are harboring a not-so-secret crush on QB Josh Allen, or have always dreamed of smashing a folding table with your body, football season is the time to […] - [Flag Football Arrives in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/flag-football-arrives-in-the-capital-region/): Until two years ago, Jaya Stewart had never played a school sport.  Now she’s a championship-winning athlete.  The Albany High senior is a member of the school’s varsity girls’ flag football team, which won the Section II Class A championship last spring against Shenendehowa High School. Like most members of the squad, Stewart was new to the game, though she had played football recreationally with her brother.  “I just wanted to try something new,” says Stewart, who’s a running back on offense and a safety and corner on defense. “I love the people I met. It just makes me want […] - [A New Chapter for Union College Ice Hockey](https://crlmag.com/a-new-chapter-for-union-college-ice-hockey/): Photography by Megan Mumford When Union College President Elizabeth Kiss called the new M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor a “game changer” at the venue’s ribbon cutting this past August, she was speaking metaphorically. Yes, the location of the College’s men’s and women’s home ice hockey games will literally be changing, but what Kiss was referring to is the transformational effect the state-of-the-art arena will have not only on Union athletics, but the city of Schenectady as a whole. An idea that’s been five years in the making, the M&T Bank Center is the most recent project in development titan […] - [Signs of the Times: CRL’s Fall 2025 Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/signs-of-the-times-crls-fall-2025-horoscopes/): Above: Actor Ryan Gosling, a Scorpio, turns 45 on November 12. While it’s been more than a decade since the Hollywood heartthrob touched down in the Electric City, locals still remember him for his role in 2012’s The Place Beyond the Pines, which was set and filmed in Schenectady. Illustrations by Robert Risko Libra September 23–October 22 You’re being asked to return to yourself, Libra. The busy pace of life is slowing just enough for you to hear the whispers of your own inner wisdom. You may feel the urge to retreat, simplify, and be more intentional with your energy. Let […] - [These Suburban Council Alums are Killing It in the Pros](https://crlmag.com/these-suburban-council-alums-are-killing-it-in-the-pros/): In April 2024, history was made when, for the first time ever, the NCAA women’s basketball championship game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes drew more viewers than the following night’s men’s championship game. The occurrence was credited to what media outlets called the “Caitlin Clark Effect”—millions of viewers tuned in to see if generational talent Caitlin Clark, who’d recently blown up on social media, could win her team its first NCAA title.  While the hype surrounding Clark was certainly warranted—despite not winning the championship game, she was picked first in the WNBA draft a week later—her […] - [Liberty Ridge Farm Unveils 10-Acre Sesame Street Corn Maze](https://crlmag.com/liberty-ridge-farm-unveils-10-acre-sesame-street-corn-maze/): Sesame Street has been a beloved staple in childhoods across generations, and now the kids’ show is coming to life at Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke. In time for its fall festival, Liberty Ridge has transformed its 10-acre corn maze into a Sesame Street fan’s paradise, featuring the iconic logo and perhaps the biggest real-life rendition of Elmo you’ve ever seen, alongside pumpkins, leaves, and bats. The extraordinary feat is part of Sesame Street’s Road Trip Across America campaign, which invites local farms, fairs, baseball games, and family destinations across the country to celebrate the television series in their own […] - [Q&A: Hudson-based Contemporary Artist Deb Lawrence](https://crlmag.com/hudson-based-contemporary-artist-deb-lawrence/): Born in Ann Arbor, MI, Deb Lawrence has been an artist since the beginning. As a child, she painted with oil paints, built pots on a potter’s wheel, etched on metal with acid, silk screened, carved linoleum blocks, learned to weave on large looms, and even tried her hand at marble sculpting. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University, she was mentored in studio art by Gerald Vandevier, professor emeritus at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She went on to exhibit her work throughout the US, including at […] - [Beloved Schenectady Pizzeria Fireside to Reopen in 2026](https://crlmag.com/beloved-schenectady-pizzeria-fireside-to-reopen-in-2026/): Call your friends from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, because The Fireside is so back, baby. After sitting dormant for nearly 15 years, the 1631 Eastern Parkway building in Schenectady that was home to the beloved pizzeria is being restored by none other than local restaurateur Tommy Nicchi, who also owns The Broken Inn in Niskayuna, The Comedy Works in Saratoga, The Horses Lounge in Schenectady, and The Parlor at Schenectady Municipal Golf Course. “I want to bring the feel back,” Nicchi said in a Facebook post. “I don’t like new. I like renew. We’re going to be able to […] - [Curious Table Is a Dinner Party for Your Mind](https://crlmag.com/curious-table-is-a-dinner-party-for-your-mind/): What is the antidote to a rushed world driven by shortened attention spans and constant consumption? In Albany, at least, it might be Curious Table, a new concept from Phat Chiem, publisher of The 518 newsletter, and Kyle Elysse Posson, founder of marketing agency Lost and Profound and co-founder of Undrunk Club. The idea struck Chiem when he began to see a pattern in The 518’s readership: “Every time we post about an interesting talk by an expert, it gets loads of clicks—especially if it’s being held in a bar or restaurant,” he says. This data, combined with inspiration from […] - [Future First + Adams Owners to Host Troy Restaurant Pop-up This Weekend](https://crlmag.com/future-first-adams-owners-to-host-troy-restaurant-pop-up-this-weekend/): What happens when an acclaimed chef and wine connoisseur come together to create their own restaurant? Troy will soon find out, as Jake Robins and Paula Patterson are gearing up to launch First + Adams, a cozy spot with locally-sourced foods, natural wines, and hospitality at its core. Robins and Patterson met in 2023, when Robins, who is originally from the Bronx and has worked in the restaurant industry for 14 years, joined Donna’s in Troy as executive chef. The intimate Italian restaurant is owned by Clark House Hospitality, of which Patterson, a Saint Rose alum who has worked in […] - [Crossword Answers: Fall 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-answers-fall-2025/): Answers below for July/August 2025 CRL Crossword: ACROSS 1. SHOW5. SEAM9. TITO10. IKEA11. ITIN12. NERD13. SHEN16. STAGS18. ABBA22. WALK23. OWL24. MAAM25. AIL26. KINDEST30. SLY31. GROUND33. HAZELS35. MOS36. ACA37. FLAMBE40. POPFLY44. OUT45. SEDATES49. LAA50. AGOG52. ORR53. CURL54. MENU55. HUMOR57. REAL58. STAB60. WORE62. TAIL63. EMUS64. OGLE65. LENT DOWN 1. STINK2. HIT3. OTIS4. WONTON5. SINGLE6. EKES7. AER8. MADAM13. SWAG14. HAIR15. ELLO17. AWD19. BASE20. BALL21. AMYS26. KNOBS27. IDSEE28. SHAPE29. TACOS32. UMM34. ZAP37. FOAM38. LUGE39. ATON41. FLUE42. LARA43. YALL46. DOUBLE47. ARM48. TROWEL51. GUSTO53. CREST55. HAIL56. ROME59. TAG61. RUN - [6 Things You Didn’t Know About the Empire State Plaza (and the Concourse Beneath It)](https://crlmag.com/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-empire-state-plaza-and-the-concourse-beneath-it/): Every day, from 6am-11pm, an underground corridor thrives beneath New York’s Capital City. For its size and depth, the area is shrouded in mystery—can the public go? What is there to do? Why should anyone check it out? Yep, we’re talking about the Concourse: an expansive underground network connecting the buildings of the Empire State Plaza. It’s so much more than a way for state workers to get from Point A to Point B, though. Whether you’ve never explored the Concourse or are just hearing about it for the first time, let us enlighten you on six things you might […] - [Mell T. Meus is Changing the Fashion Game](https://crlmag.com/mell-t-meus-is-changing-the-fashion-game/): Photo by Mark Davis Paris. Milan. New York. London…Albany? If Mell T. Meus has anything to do with it (and, as it happens, he most certainly does), the Capital Region may just become the next fashion capital of the world. A Hudson native with a creative streak, Meus found his way into the world of fashion, oddly enough, through real estate. “I got into real estate and had to figure out a way to separate myself and market myself in an industry that was very diluted with lenders,” he says. “So, I started doing photo shoots and different wonky things […] - [Recipe: Canvas, Corks & Forks' Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese](https://crlmag.com/recipe-canvas-corks-forks-detroit-style-pizza/): Serves 4-6 Ingredients 16 oz elbow noodles ¼ cup butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup milk Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 cups shredded cheese, plus more to top Toppings of your choosing Instructions 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Add salt and pepper, and slowly add milk, stirring well after each addition. 3. Cook and stir until bubbly. 4. Stir in cheese—a small amount at a time—until fully melted. Use whatever type […] - [5 Musical Acts That'll Make You Want to Listen Local](https://crlmag.com/5-musical-acts-thatll-make-you-want-to-listen-local/): Photography by Megan Mumford Sure, some of the Capital Region’s largest live music venues bring in the biggest stars of today to play sold-out shows to cheering crowds. But did you know that upstate New York is home to an impressive community of musicians that are making and performing world-class music every day of the week? You’ve heard of shopping local…This summer, we challenge you to support the Capital Region’s vibrant music scene by listening local. Here are five favorite acts to get you started. Artist/Band: Buggy Jive Member(s):  Bryan ThomasGenre: “If Prince and Joni Mitchell had a baby.”Home Base: […] - [Right at Home: 6 Residential Art Spaces in the Capital Region](https://crlmag.com/right-at-home-6-residential-art-spaces-in-the-capital-region/): 1. Troy Listening Room Troy @troylisteningroom on Instagram Housed in a converted church hall that’s also home to founders Sam Torres and Sophia Vastek (and their three cats), the Listening Room (featured above) offers one of the most intentional live music experiences in the Capital Region. Good to know: Unlike most other DIY music venues, the Listening Room takes sound quality seriously and even uses the same kind of speakers as The Egg. 2. Kiddie Pool Albany kiddiepool.org Curated by recent LA transplant (and my wife) Karley Sullivan, Kiddie Pool hosts intimate, thoughtful gatherings for contemporary artists and emerging writers […] - [Power Player: Kayla Carlsen](https://crlmag.com/power-player-kayla-carlsen/): Photography by Konrad Odhiambo Kayla Carlsen wasn’t planning on leaving New York City. After working her way up from an administrative role at Christie’s to senior vice president and head of the American Art department at Sotheby’s, the Greene County native felt like she had made it in the art world.  Still, she always said she might consider a move Upstate—if the right opportunity came along. So when her parents passed along an inside tip about an executive director position opening at the Albany Institute of History and Art last year, Carlsen looked into it. “It was a very ‘seize […] - [John Gray: A Partridge in a Pear Tree](https://crlmag.com/john-gray-a-partridge-in-a-pear-tree/): On Friday nights in 1970, a 10-year-old John Gray would put on his Scooby-Doo pajamas, curl up on the couch, and watch ABC. And why wouldn’t he, given the network’s killer line-up of The Brady Bunch, Nanny and the Professor and The Partridge Family? All hit shows. How could that little boy imagine that, 45 years later, he’d meet one of the stars from one of those shows and spend the day with him handing out sandwiches to the needy? Since we are celebrating culture and the arts in this issue, I thought I’d share the true story of how […] - [Recipe: Tamarind & Grapefruit Poprocket](https://crlmag.com/recipe-tamarind-grapefruit-poprocket/): Ingredients 2 oz Curamia Tequila Blanco 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice ½ oz tamarind syrup ½ oz agave syrup or simple syrup Crushed ice Optional: dash of Tajín or chili powder Optional: tamarind, citrus popsicle, or grapefruit slice Instructions 1. In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, tamarind syrup, and agave. Shake briefly with ice. 2. Pour over a glass packed with crushed ice. 3. Sprinkle a tiny bit of Tajín or chili powder on top. 4. Garnish with a tamarind, citrus popsicle, or grapefruit slice and enjoy. - [Albany Pro Musica is Making Music With Meaning](https://crlmag.com/albany-pro-musica-is-making-music-with-meaning/): For some, dedicating one’s life to one’s art is a choice deliberately made when the proverbial path of life meets its fork in the road. For the rarer few, the opposite occurs: it’s as if the artform does the choosing, and, in return, the soul surrenders.  Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, who serves as the artistic and executive director of Albany Pro Musica as well as the choir’s conductor, is one of those few.  “I often feel like music chose me,” says Flores-Caraballo. A minister’s son, he grew up immersed in the music of the church. By age 10, he had […] - [12 Under 12: Emily K.](https://crlmag.com/12-under-12-emily-k/): Age: 11     Hometown: North Greenbush, NY      School: North Colonie Central School DistrictCommunity Involvement:  E&D Best Stuffies, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Capital Cup for Kids, and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life She’s an entrepreneur. She’s a CEO. She’s a community advocate. She’s also 11. Meet Emily K., a 5th grader whose extensive resume of good deeds includes running her own business, E&D Best Stuffies. Created by Emily and her younger brother David (who took a step back from the business recently to focus on his sports schedule), E&D Best Stuffies is a mobile stuffed animal […] - [On the Road: We’re Shipping Up to Boston](https://crlmag.com/on-the-road-were-shipping-up-to-boston/): Boston is justly famous for its role in shaping history (shoutout to the American Revolution) and culture (see: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Bishop, etc). And hey, the clam chowder, baked beans, and cream pie have legions of fans across the world. But Boston’s music scene is woefully unsung, making it great for visitors who want to see some of the best live music at the coolest venues in the country without waiting in grimly long lines. Boston boasts more than 70 live music venues, with more than 1,000 concerts planned every year, from tentpole acts at TD […] - [Crossword: July/August 2025](https://crlmag.com/crossword-crl-july-august-2025/): Answers below for July/August 2025 CRL Crossword: ACROSS1. ICE4. PCS7. APP10. BLT13. CYA14. ALI15. CEO16. LOO17. ONI18. DANCEAROUND21. NIKE23. PGA24. TWEED25. SCULPTINGGEL29. TOON30. NOR31. AHH34. ATHOS37. NAS38. MOA39. PAINTINGTHETOWN44. ERR45. TSO46. POKED47. STE48. ESF49. SAID51. DRAWINGCARDS56. STEAM59. VER60. YURT61. PLAYITBYEAR65. MOO66. ADS67. NRA68. RIO69. ONO78. CRY71. EYE72. SNO73. REP DOWN1. ICONS2. CYNIC3. HAIKU4. PAD5. CLAPTO6. SINGIN7. ACE8. PEA9. PORTER10. BLUE11. LONE12. TODD19. CAN20. OWL22. ELTON26. POST27. GNAT28. GOSH31. AMOK32. HOWE33. HAND34. APES35. TART36. HIRE37. NGO40. ITSA41. NSFW42. EPIC43. TODAY48. ERMINE49. SNEERS50. AGRAIN51. DAY52. IVY53. RUMOR54. DRONE55. STOOP56. SPAC57. TLDR58. EASY62. TRY63. BAE64. ROO - [11 Ways to Celebrate Arts & Culture This Summer](https://crlmag.com/11-ways-to-celebrate-arts-culture-this-summer/): July 12–August 23: Powers Park Concert Series Troy Troy’s popular annual concert series, featuring a variety of local talent, returns to Powers Park. Highlights of the 2025 season include a dance party with The Refrigerators, a Grateful Dead tribute by Neon Avenue, and a Rush tribute by Run for Cover. Concerts will take place on Saturdays from 6-8:30pm; admission is free and the shows are family-friendly. Set up with lawn chairs and coolers or enjoy food from local vendors at this weekly event! Powers Park on Facebook July 18–26: 1776: The Musical Home Made Theater If you enjoyed watching the […] ## Pages - [2026 CRL Besties Voting](https://crlmag.com/2026-crl-besties-voting/): Welcome to the Annual Capital Region Living “Bestie” survey! Voting for the 2026 Besties is now closed. See you next year! Every year we look forward to honoring those businesses in the area that are doing an outstanding job. Please keep the answers local. Categories resulting in chain stores/restaurants will not be printed. Only one completed ballot per valid email address will be counted. Results will be published in Spring 2026. Vote in 20 categories or more to be entered in a weekly drawing for $50 gift cards to a variety of Capital Region restaurants! 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( this shows to authors and above ): Authorization header format invalid: API Key may not be set up – check plugin settings THE MAGAZINE - [Health Care](https://crlmag.com/health-care/): HEALTH CARE Chiropractic  |  Dental  |   Insurance  |   Light Therapy Plastic Surgery  |  Primary Care  |  Skilled Nursing CHIROPRACTIC Capital District Family Chiropractic, PLLC. Dr. Rhiannon Clauss, D.C.40 Colvin Ave Suite 100Albany518.599.0067cdfchiro.com DENTAL Smiles for Life Dental Care 170 South BroadwaySaratoga Springs518.886.8610smilesforlifesaratoga.com INSURANCE Saratoga Life (Kandis Paolone) Saratoga Springs518.879.8958saratogalife.org LIGHT THERAPY Poly LED Systems Depot St.North Hudson800.882.4683mypolyled.com PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Lucie Capek, MD 1003 Louden Rd., Suite 101Latham518.765.8405capekplasticsurgery.com PRIMARY CARE Moreau Family Health Center (a Division of Hudson Headwaters Health Network) 1299 Route 9Gansevoort518.761.6961hhhn.org/locations/moreau-family-health SKILLED NURSING Pine Haven Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 201 Main StreetPhilmont518.672.7408pinehavencarecenter.com THE EVENTS [Display Eventbrite Plugin] […] - [Home](https://crlmag.com/home/): HOME Builders  |  Energy Efficiency  |  Home ImprovementLandscaping  |  Interior Designs  |  Realtors  |  Security BUILDERS Capital Construction 81 South StreetBallston Spa518.884.4555 capitalconstructioninc.com ENERGY EFFICIENCY Albany Community Action Partnership 333 Sheridan AvenueAlbany518.463.3175 albanycap.org/menus/energy-services.html HOME IMPROVEMENT Allerdice Building Supply 41 Walworth StreetSaratoga Springs518.584.5533 allerdice.com   LANDSCAPING Bob’s Trees 1227 West Galway RoadGalway518.627.4260bobstrees.com INTERIOR DESIGNERS Leah Margolis Design Saratoga Springs518.813.5523leahmargolisdesign.com REALTORS Fortune Realty Group 641 Grooms Road, Suite 233Clifton Park518.858.2627fortunerealtygroup.com Helen Mastrion, Hunt Real Estate ERA 444 Broadway, Suite 201Saratoga Springs518.281.2324helenmastrion.huntrealestate.com SECURITY Mahoney Alarms 15 Cooper StreetGlens Falls518.793.7788mahoneyalarms.com THE EVENTS [Display Eventbrite Plugin] Admin Notice! ( this shows to authors and above […] - [Contact Us](https://crlmag.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Subscriptions: subscribe@saratogaliving.com Editorial: editorial@saratogaliving.com Advertising:     annette@saratogaliving.com     teresa@crlmag.com     tara@crlmag.com  Operations: tina@saratogaliving.com Mailing Address:Empire Media Network, Inc.8 Butler PlaceSaratoga Springs , NY 12866518.294.4390 - [Search](https://crlmag.com/search/): Search Search - [Crossword Answers](https://crlmag.com/crossword-answers/) - [Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/horoscopes/) - [Horoscopes](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living/horoscopes/): Signs of the Times: CRL’s Spring 2026 Horoscopes Illustrations by Robert Risko Aries March 21–April 19 This season feels like a personal rebirth, Aries, as the focus shifts fully onto you. Your energy is returning, your confidence is rising, and there’s a renewed sense of clarity around who you are and where you’re headed. You may feel more motivated to take initiative, start something new, or finally act on ideas you’ve been holding close. At the same time, there’s a reminder to pace yourself. True power comes from intention, not urgency. Honor your instincts and trust that the steps you […] - [Crossword Answers](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living/crossword-answers/): Crossword Answers: Spring 2026 Answers: Across 1. HOLA5. SEA8. FANS12. IONIC13. ECHO15. ORAL16. FLYTHECOOP18. UCLA19. SEX20. OAT21. RAINHAT23. POT24. ISLET25. CABO28. ONE29. PAID32. ALOT33. JUS34. BSIDES36. MOST37. ORTHO39. NEAR40. INSECT42. AAA43. PART44. GYRO45. SLY46. ELSA47. YODEL49. RAN51. ENABLED54. AOL55. IPA58. NOVA59. FARMHOUSES62. ODOR63. TNUT64. USMAP65. SEWN66. SMS67. DAYS Down 1. HOLE2. ONYX3. LIT4. ACHOO5. SECT6. ECO7. AHORSE8.FOUNTAINPEN9. ARCH10. NALA11. SLAT12. IFS14. OPAL17. EAT22. IEPS23. POTTERYBARN24. INSTALL25. CAMI26. ALONG27. BOSSY28. OUR30. IDEAL31. DEARS33. JOT34. BOA35. SRTA38. HAY41. COOL45. SEDANS48. DEFT49. ROH50. ALOUD51. ENOS52. NODE53. AVOW54. AMTS55. ISMY56. PEAS57. ASP60. RUM61. USA - [Calendar](https://crlmag.com/capital-region-living/calendar/): The Best(ie) Events of Spring MARCH 18–20 Spring Renewal Wellness Retreat June Farms Karli Famelette and Kara Morelli lead June Farms’ first-ever wellness retreat, a three-day experience with delicious meals, country air, and a series of wellness activities and classes—think gentle yoga, candle-making, breathwork, and more. junefarms.com MARCH 20 Kokedama Workshop Faddegon’s Nursery Learn to create a Kokedama, a pot-less Japanese moss ball out of which plants grow, at this workshop hosted by Faddegon’s Nursery. Tickets include all materials, including a four-inch house plant, moss, string, and soil. faddegons.com MARCH 21 S.O.L.I.D. Step Team Showcase Siena University MAC Siena University’s […] - [Capital Region Living](https://crlmag.com/): Besties Annual Capital Region Living “Bestie” Survey CRL Facebook The Magazine - [Search](https://crlmag.com/search-2/): Search Search - [2025 CRL Besties Voting](https://crlmag.com/2025-crl-besties-voting/): Welcome to the Annual Capital Region Living “Bestie” survey! Every year we look forward to honoring those businesses in the area that are doing an outstanding job. Please keep the answers local. Categories resulting in chain stores/restaurants will not be printed. Only one completed ballot per valid email address will be counted. Results will be published in Spring 2025. Vote in 20 categories or more to be entered in a weekly drawing for $50 gift cards to a variety of Capital Region restaurants! Besties Voting for 2025 ended. Please check back soon for results! ## Products - [Ceramic Ornament - Capital Region Strong](https://crlmag.com/product/ceramic-ornament-capital-region-strong/): Display your #CapitalRegionStrong ornament and show your support for community on your Christmas tree! These ceramic ornaments attach securely to the tree to ensure that they’re cat, dog and child-proof. Circle Oval Width, in 2.76 2.29 Height, in 2.76 3.23 .: Front and back .: 0.15″ (4mm) thick high-quality porcelain .: Hanging hole .: Comes with a ribbon for hanging - [Ceramic Ornament - Stronger Together](https://crlmag.com/product/ceramic-ornament-stronger-together/): Show your support for your community during the 2020 pandemic and display this custom ceramic Stronger Together Christmas ornament on your Christmas Tree! These ceramic ornaments attach securely to the tree to ensure that they’re cat, dog and child-proof. .: Front and back .: 0.15″ (4mm) thick high-quality porcelain .: Hanging hole Circle Width, in 2.76 Height, in 2.76 .: Comes with a ribbon for hanging - [Saratoga Living Miracle On Ice Issue](https://crlmag.com/product/saratoga-living-miracle-on-ice-issue/): Grab one of the last Saratoga Living issues featuring the Miracle On Ice! - [Saratoga Living Person Of The Year Issue 2018 Ed Mitzen](https://crlmag.com/product/ed-mitzen-saratoga-living-person-of-the-year-issue-2018/): Grab one of the last Saratoga Living Person Of The Year issues from 2018 featuring Ed Mitzen! - [Todd Pletcher Saratoga Living Issue](https://crlmag.com/product/todd-pletcher-saratoga-living-issue/): Grab one of the last Saratoga Living racing issues from 2019 featuring Todd Pletcher! - [Saratoga Living "I Do" Issue 2019](https://crlmag.com/product/saratoga-living-i-do-issue-2019/): Grab one of the last Saratoga Living "I Do" issues from 2019! - [SIGNED Hardcover Copy of Dorinda Medley's Memoir, 'Make It Nice'](https://crlmag.com/product/dorinda-medley-saratoga-living-issue/): Read all about how the hostess with the mostest "makes it nice" in Dorinda Medley's new memoir. This edition is SIGNED by the former RHONY star herself. - [Saratoga Living Back Issue Big Papi Exclusive](https://crlmag.com/product/big-papi-exclusive-saratoga-living-issue/): Grab one of the last copies of Saratoga Living's Exclusive David "Big Papi" Ortiz issue! - [Saratoga Living Back Issue Dave Matthews](https://crlmag.com/product/dave-matthews-saratoga-living-issue/): Grab one of the last copies of Saratoga Living's issue featuring Dave Matthews! - [Saratoga Living Back Issue Marylou Whitney](https://crlmag.com/product/marylou-whitney-saratoga-living-issue/): Grab one of the last copies of Saratoga Living's person of the century issue featuring  Marylou Whitney! - [Covers Tote Bag](https://crlmag.com/product/saratoga-living-tote-bag/): We’ve got you covered with this large SL tote bag. All over print provides comfort with style on the beach or out in town. Made from reliable materials, lasting for seasons. .: 100% Polyester .: Boxed corners .: Black cotton handles .: Black lining - [Ortiz Brothers Short Sleeve Tee](https://crlmag.com/product/saratoga-living-magazine-short-sleeve-tee/): Saratoga Living Magazine cover unisex jersey tee. Super soft cotton and excellent quality print makes it your go to weekend tee. .: Retail fit .: 100% Soft cotton (fibre content may vary for different colors) .: Light fabric (4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)) .: Tear away label .: Runs true to size - [Congress Park Carousel Mug 11oz](https://crlmag.com/product/saratoga-living-mug-11oz/): This beautiful Saratoga mug is perfect for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. High quality sublimation printing makes it an appreciated gift to every true hot beverage lover. .: White ceramic .: 11 oz (0.33 l) .: Rounded corners .: C-Handle - [#CapitalRegionStrong Magnets](https://crlmag.com/product/capitalregionstrong-magnets/): These strong, fast holding magnets boldly broadcast your message for all to see. #CapitalRegionStrong .: For indoor or outdoor use .: Three sizes to choose from .: Thin (.8 mm) and lightweight .: Black backing - [#CapitalRegionStrong Mug 11oz](https://crlmag.com/product/capitalregionstrong-mug-11oz/): This #CapitalRegionStrong mug is perfect for the coffee or tea fanatic in your life. High quality sublimation printing makes it an appreciated gift to every true hot beverage lover. .: White ceramic .: 11 oz (0.33 l) .: Rounded corners .: C-Handle - [2 Year Print Magazine](https://crlmag.com/product/2-year-subscription/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Get all of the saratoga living magazine issues for the year! No need to go out searching we can ship them right to your doorstep! This is a great last minute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer! Buying a subscription as a gift? Click here for a printable card. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Item Details:  6 issues shipped per year 2 year supply – 12 Total issues[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] - [1 Year Print Magazine](https://crlmag.com/product/1-year-subscription/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Get all of the saratoga living magazine issues for the year! No need to go out searching we can ship them right to your doorstep! Buying a subscription as a gift? Click here for a printable card. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Item Details:  6 issues shipped per year[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/crlmag.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)