Squeezing the last out of summer: Kim D.
Kim D. and her Bomber's birthday margarita
It finally hit us the other day that summer is almost over (yeah, we're trying not to think about it too). So we thought we'd take a week to enjoy a little of the season before it's gone.
For tips on how to wring the best out of the last of summer in the Capital Region, we checked in with a few friends who always seem to be doing interesting stuff. And we figured we'd share their answers.
Today's tips come from fabulous photographer, teacher, decorator and blogger, Kim Dunham.
About Kim:
I currently live in Albany but I grew up in Brunswick and Schenectady. I run a photography club and a book club in the Capital District. I also have a blog where I post about art, photography, fashion, food, and little tidbits about my life.
What should we make sure we squeeze in before the end of the summer?
Before the summer's over, you should definitely check out:
Most of us in the Capital Region are pretty familiar with Jumpin' Jacks, but the place I really love is Cappie's Drive-In in Amsterdam. While JJ offers outdoor seating only, Cappie's has mostly indoor seating. You can also eat at outdoor picnic tables OR in your car. Yep, this is one of the few places that still offers "car-hop" service.
A few more reasons to love Cappie's: 1) their homemade HARD ice cream and fresh baked pies 2) you can order your very own *monogrammed* Cappie's t-shirt, just like the wait staff. I bought one in lime green.
The Pool in Lincoln Park, Delaware Ave. area
This place is a hidden gem - a bunch of Albany residents I've talked to have either never heard about it or have never visited. The pool is beautiful -- big, clean, refreshingly cool, and surrounded by grass. There's more than enough lawn space to lay out your towel or blanket for the afternoon. There are also quite a few trees that offer ample shade if you should feel the need to escape the sun's rays for a while. The building that houses the locker rooms/bathrooms is also surprisingly nice.
Tip: You can't bring any bags beyond the entrance, but lockers are available to rent for $0.25!
Road trip to Cooperstown
You don't have to like baseball to love Cooperstown (I can say this because I don't like baseball and the town is one of my favorite places to visit). The streets are lined with beautiful historic homes, shops, and places to grab a bite to eat. While you're there, I recommend checking out the Fenimore Art Museum. The museum is located in a grand old mansion on Otsego Lake and houses collections of American Folk Art, American Fine Art, Native American Art, and photography. I highly suggest taking in the Walker Evans exhibit that is up right now, which showcases the photographer's work in depression-era America. I saw the exhibit last week and plan to head back again at some point with my photography club.
Also in Cooperstown: The Glimmerglass Opera and the Farmer's Museum, where you can take a ride on the Empire State Carousel.
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Comments
I love Lincoln Pool. Admittedly I haven't been since I've grown up, but I do tend to gaze longingly at it. Perhaps I should throw caution to the wind and just go. Lord knows its been hot enough!
Can anyone confirm the hours of adult swim? I believe it's 5-7, but I could be wrong.
If you're squeamish about public pools, the Normansville Farm area beneath the Delaware Ave bridge is another hidden gem. Take Delaware Avenue westbound toward Delmar, and just before the bridge over the Normanskill, just past the Normansville Veterinary Hospital, take a LEFT. Follow the road down and around until you come to a parking area with a sign indicating you've arrived. If you head straight to the water from the parking lot, you'll come upon the stone ruins of an old building of some sort, and there's a beachy little spot at which to hang. It's quite beautiful there, and the creek is wide, rocky and shallow. Crocks or other creek shoes are recommended, as I've stumbled and stubbed appendages numerous times, but the water is refreshing and the area has an undeniable aesthetic. The last time we went, we got the added bonus of being able to watch some K-9 training.
... said Summer on Aug 18, 2009 at 10:18 AM | link
@Summer- I'm pretty sure 5-7pm is not specifically Adult Swim, but it's mostly adults during those hours anyway. Carry your keys, towel and book in by hand to avoid having to use the lockers.
... said kerosena on Aug 18, 2009 at 11:11 AM | link
For those of us who aren't involved in school, there's over a month left to summer! September usually has decent weather.
... said Ellsass on Aug 18, 2009 at 12:07 PM | link
I LOVE your blog! and actually came upon it by accident! (now isnt that a coincidence). Only wish I could decorate as classy as you do!
... said THe MOther on Aug 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM | link
thank you! enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone!
... said Kim D. on Aug 18, 2009 at 7:43 PM | link
what are the details of this photography club that you run?
... said Patrick on Aug 21, 2009 at 1:19 AM | link
Patrick, you can find more info here. There's an event scheduled for tomorrow, even.
... said B on Aug 21, 2009 at 12:44 PM | link
thanks, B. patrick, if you'd like more info, you can contact me directly: registerkim@gmail.com
... said Kim D. on Aug 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM | link