Squeezing the last out of summer: AOA Jess
Jess looking fabulous at Project Larkway
It finally hit us the other day that summer is almost over. Sad, but true. 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 folks who always seem to be doing interesting stuff.
Today's tips come from one of our very favorite people, and someone who always seems to be trying new things, AOA contributing writer Jess Pasko.
About Jess:
I'm a journalist in Albany, N.Y. I spend a lot of my free time in the summer frolicking at the dog park and sipping mojitos made with homegrown mint. That's, of course, when I'm not working, writing for AOA or scouring farmers' markets.
What should we make sure we squeeze in before the end of the summer?
A picnic and hike at Thacher Park is a must-do. I'll load up on good stuff from Cardona's Market before I go. And then there's berry picking. I have yet to eat really good raspberries this year.
I take a trip across the border to North Adams and head for Mass MOCA every summer/early fall.
The summer events schedule there is always awesome and it's a beautiful drive. There's a "Labyrinth" sing-along next week. If you're up for a more jam-packed day, the Clark isn't too far away and boasts an impressive art collection.
North Adams itself seems to close down pretty early. Finding a spot for dinner in town can be a little difficult unless you're up for fast food or high end. There's fun little 50s style diner called The Moonlight Diner and Grill that I sometimes stop at, but the museum's restaurant is actually pretty good too.
Camping
I think a camping trip is also a Capital Region is another must-do considering we have so many beautiful mountains and lakes within a short drive. I'll probably be booking a spot at North-South Lake in the Catskills for the end of the month. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html. I also recommend Thompson's Lake.
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Comments
One of the wonderful benefits of having an Albany Public Library card is to be able to take advantage of the borrowing priviledge of a FREE ADMISSION pass to the Clark! Call the library and CHECK IT OUT!
FROM:http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/documents/bibliotech/aug08.pdf
Clark Art Institute Passes Available
The Delaware Branch has two passes
for free admission to the Sterling and
Francine Clark Art Institute in
Williamstown Massachusetts available
for borrowing. Each pass allows
admission for two adults. The pass
must be picked up at the Delaware
Branch and cannot be reserved in
advance. The borrowing period is 7
days. The pass is only available to people
with an Albany Public Library card.
Visit www.clarkart.edu for hours and
directions and information on current
and upcoming exhibits, family programs
and other special events
... said The Mother on Aug 20, 2009 at 10:43 AM | link
Hey Jess (and the Aoa gang)!
There used to be a great BBQ place in NA called Hickory Bills, but sadly we found it closed on our last trip out there.
When Nora was going to school in North Adams, we'd often hop into Williamstown for dinner. More choices of restaurants. We had some favorites in NA, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember many...
... said Joe Esposito on Aug 20, 2009 at 11:08 AM | link
I believe other local libraries also have free passes to nearby museums, too! Bethlehem Public Library, for instance.
... said Milo on Aug 20, 2009 at 12:31 PM | link
I love North South Lake! The trails there are spectacular, and it's nice to jump into the lake for a swim after a long hike on a hot day.
... said Summer on Aug 20, 2009 at 12:32 PM | link
Through Sept 7 The Clark has an exhibit on Georgia O'Keefe and Arthur Dove, one of her major influences. O'Keefe spent quite a lot of time in the Lake George region before her days in the Southwest. This show is a must-see!
... said Meg on Aug 20, 2009 at 1:19 PM | link
Hooray for the great outdoors! I've also yet to have phenom raspberries. +/-?
... said Albany Jane on Aug 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM | link
Hey Jess, this isn't stalkerish at all but were you at the Found Film Festival tonight?
... said the fuj. on Aug 20, 2009 at 8:30 PM | link
I will be at the Labyrinth Sing-a-long. And oh will I. I will be the one with my own David Bowie blow-up doll.
... said KatherineSass on Aug 20, 2009 at 10:01 PM | link
Whoa! My doppleganger is an Albany celeb on AOA!
... said Ellie on Aug 21, 2009 at 12:10 AM | link
@the fuj
yes! i was! i brought my mom as a belated birthday celebration. we both loved it.
... said jess on Aug 21, 2009 at 12:32 AM | link
@Ellie, it's true!! When I saw you at the BBQ last week I thought you were Jess (for a moment there).
... said Arielle on Aug 21, 2009 at 8:58 AM | link
I also love N-S Lake. This is why.
... said B on Aug 21, 2009 at 12:43 PM | link