Review of the Canada Drive Safe Car Vent Mount

Short story: I love it. Long story: Read on. Note: This is not a sponsored post! I’ve been seeking some kind of cell phone mount or speaker phone attachment for about a year now. (Yes, it does take me a long time to make my shopping decisions!). I couldn’t find the “perfect” one and the [...]

The Pride of New York Harvest Fest Was Great!

This year’s Pride of New York Harvest Fest, held on November 5-6, 2011, was a terrific experience. I got to meet some amazing Upstate New York entrepreneurs, and I tasted (and purchased) some delightful food and beverages, all locally grown and made. The Harvest Fest uniquely combines “agritourism” and “locavorism,” two hot issues that are [...]

State Fair 2011, Part 2

Continuing my first NY State Fair experience (see Part 1 here), what would a fair be like without a butter sculpture, huh? So here it is, the 43rd annual Butter Sculpture: It was lifesize and was contained inside a large refrigerated room. Every year, there’s a different theme. The theme this year is “Feeding Our [...]

I Went to the New York State Fair!

Can you believe it? I’ve lived in New York all my life, even a few miles away from the fairgrounds, and have never been. Finally, now that I am {unintelligible} years old, I went! It was a very pleasant experience. Here are some the highlights. Hands down, our favorite part of the fair was the [...]

Get the NY State Fair App for iPhone or Android

I have already downloaded this! And it’s terrific! Developed by 9WSYR News of Syracuse, this app is simply amazing. Here are a few screenshots. The app lists every attraction and provides information and a map about it. There’s even a section about Fair News, including notices on freebies and other stuff. Get app from the [...]

The Erie Canal Village, Rome, NY, Part 2

This is part two of a terrific visit. We visited a cheese factory, church, and schoolhouse; enjoyed refreshments at the tavern; and investigated the old modes of transportation. A great time!

The Erie Canal Village, Rome, NY, Part 1

Finally! I’d been wanting to visit this Village again ever since I visited when I was 14 years old. What a wonderful, wonderful place. Step back in time, literally. If it wasn’t for your wristwatch and cellphone, you’d think you were back in 1807.

Oneida Indian Settlement, Nichols Pond, in Smithfield

This is the historic site of the ancient lands of the Oneida Indian tribe of Central New York. It was also the resting place of the mysterious glacial erratic stone, sacred to the Oneidas. The place oozes history, archaeology, and wonder, with a strong mix of nature and spookiness mixed in. This is also the spot where Samuel de Chaplain and his Huron friends attacked the hapless Oneidas, hearing gunshots for the first time.

The Smallest Church in the World, Oneida, NY

This little bitty church– barely enough room to hold three people– hold the claim to fame as the smallest church in the world. It rests on a small pond outside the village of Oneida, NY.

Don’t Close the Herkimer Home!

According to WKTV, New York State lawmakers are considering closing the Herkimer Home– a NYS park and a member of the National Register of Historic Places– permanently. I’ve written extensively about Nicholas Herkimer and the Herkimer Home and his background. I find it unconscionable that the state would permanently close this park. It costs the [...]

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