August 12, 2022 – Dairy Queen – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Dairy Queen in Ghent, New York. Dairy Queen is an international franchise that serves items, including: ice cream, burgers, and shakes. The Dairy Queen in Ghent also had a drive through.

We had a tasty adventure to Dairy Queen. I was actually not originally thinking of getting ice cream but was hungry after our Omni Art adventure, so it was a good time for a tasty treat. I thought Dairy Queen had a special dog treat and I was happy to find I was correct. Two dog treats and a milkshake for me made for the perfect afternoon snack. Of course, many photographs and some licking videos below for all to appreciate (This blog will not be rated).

August 12, 2022 – Art Omni – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Art Omni in Ghent, New York. Art Omni is a non-profit art center with a 120 acre sculpture and architecture park and an art gallery. The park is free, but a $10 donation is requested. Dogs are allowed in the gallery and on the grounds.

We had a unique adventure to Art Omni. I was excited to find yet another local sculpture park. We found the park easily, grabbed a map, and off we went. As it was a summer day I knew Wilma would not necessarily want to explore every inch of the park, so I decided to explore without an official route. The trails went through the woods and the fields, scattered with sculptures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were endless wildflowers and a lovely green pond on the grounds. Both Wilma and Gus enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved chasing any little bug or moth he could find, continually bounding into the tall grass. We took time to rest in the shade and drink some water. Throughout our walk we saw other visitors and dogs, several were off leash, however thankfully appeared to be under voice control. So glad we could adventure to Art Omni today (Rating: 4).

September 25, 2021 – Martin Van Buren National Historic Site – New York

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Martin Van Buren National Historic Site in Kinderhook, New York. The Martin Van Buren Historic Site preserves the Lindenwald Estate, and the mansion of the eight president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. Tours are available of the home, and nature trails surround the property. Pets are not allowed in the home, and are allowed on the Whipple Loop Trail only.

We had a historic Adventure to the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. I was excited to find this location, planning our day around the Taconic Sculpture Park. We arrived to find the outdoor visitor center and were directed toward the Whipple Loop Trail. For those visiting with dogs, this trail pretty much gives you full access to the property. We headed off on the loop, stopping at the various landmarks along the way. It was a beautiful day, but still a little warm so we appreciated the shade. The grass was bright green, and the trees lovely, centered by the mansion of Martin Van Buren. We walked and took our time on this Site. Gus loved finding sticks, while Wilma appreciated more grassy rolls. Except for the nearby highway it was a very quiet and peaceful location. So glad we could visit the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (Rating: 4).

September 25, 2021 – Taconic Sculpture Park – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Taconic Sculpture Park in Chatham, New York. The Taconic Sculpture Park highlights the work of artist Roy Kanwit. The property has over 30 sculptures hand made by Kanwit from material including: cement, marble, and limestone. The sculptures are on his three acres of property. The entrance fee to the Park is $10.

We had an art filled Adventure to the Taconic Sculpture Park. We were greeted by Mrs. Kanwit who gave us some background and information about the Park. It was a nice personal touch to start our visit. We then trotted off to explore this lovely Park on a hill. There were sculptures in different directions, all unique and lovely. There were beautiful wildflowers across the hill, and numerous monarch butterflies, unfortunately too fast for me to capture. We walked and explored making sure not to miss a sculpture or a sight. Gus loved pouncing on whatever he was seeing in the long grass (haha) while Wilma enjoyed many rolls. It was definitely a happy experience for all three of us! I especially love the sculptures of the faces and heads. The largest one actually had a ladder in it that you could climb to the top but of course that would not work for the pups so we skipped this unique feature. Although the Park was small I really just loved it, so many creative sculptures to see. So glad we could get to the Taconic Sculpture Park (Rating: 4).

September 19 – Depot Deli – New York

Today Wilma, I and our friend Adventured to Depot Deli in Copake Falls, New York. Depot Deli is a store that sells ice cream, sandwiches, deli items, and camping supplies. It has been under the same ownership for 35 years. Depot Deli is across from Taconic State Park, and is a stop on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

We had an unexpected Adventure to Depot Deli, locating it on our way to Bash Bish Falls. We stopped at the Depot Deli after our Adventure to Bash Bish Falls. The Depot Deli was full of unique artwork on the building, and on the picnic benches for dining. It was colorful, fun, and creative. I was surprised to find Wilma was permitted in the Deli allowing us to go in to order our ice cream. We then went outside and the ice cream was delivered through the outdoor window. The employee then asked if Wilma would enjoy and ice cream and of course I enthusiastically agreed. My friend and I ordered soft serve with sprinkles, and we all devoured our treats quickly – Wilma even getting some leftovers in addition to her tasty sweets. It was a beautiful day to sit outdoors and enjoy good company. The Depot Deli is a unique location and a nice surprise on our day of Adventures (Rating: 4).

May 27, 2019 – Circle Museum – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Monday we had our last Adventure of the weekend at the Circle Museum in Austerlitz, New York. The Circle Museum is an eight acres property that includes a gallery, and metal sculptures scattered throughout the forest and hillside. The sculptures are created by artist Bijan Mahmoodi and range from straight-forward themes to abstract art.

We had a creative Adventure to the Circle Museum on a lovely spring evening. This stunning location was found by my friend as we researched stops for our journey home. I was immediately impressed as there were numerous sculptures of all shapes, sizes and colors in every direction. It was hard to know where to start but we began zigzagging in and out of these creative sculptures, analyzing our thoughts on their appearance. I tended to think many resembled bugs, while my friends’ thinking was much more inventive. It was such a fun location with endless sculptures throughout the grounds. We wandered for awhile before heading up a little hill to view yet more sculptures. Throughout our visit Wilma was overly focused on which direction everyone was headed while Shadow a bit tired from our long weekend enjoyed some rolls in the grass. Such a special outdoor Museum of inventive artwork. So glad we were able to visit this splendid Museum (Rating: 4, Company: Just right!)

May 27, 2019 – Granny’s Ice Cream – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Monday Shadow, Wilma, My friends, and I Adventured to Granny’s Ice Cream on Route 29 in Johnstown, New York. Granny’s Ice Cream is part of the Royal Mountain Campground, and offers soft serve ice cream and other light food items.

We had a tasty Adventure to Granny’s Ice Cream to begin our Memorial Day. I would say Granny’s Ice Cream is in somewhat of a remote area, however was quite busy, likely due to the campground, and popular motorcyle route. Wilma seemed a bit unsure of this unfamiliar environment so she hung out with one of my friends, while our other friend, Shadow, and I waited in line. (Maybe because there was a big wandering around on a leash – haha!) I decided to try the cotton candy soft serve, and of course two dog friendly ice creams. Shadow and Wilma gobbled up their ice cream quickly as we sat in the grass. I savored my cotton candy ice cream, until Wilma, had a moment of excitement and ended up IN my ice cream. The aftermath left her quite thrilled as she was able to lick up this new flavor on her covered foot! Luckily I was just about full, so I guess the moment could remain humorous. We sat for a bit socializing with our friends, relishing the last day of our vacation. Nothing too fancy, but definitely glad to chow down on some ice cream, something I had been hoping for since the weekend began. It was a delicious stop on our journey back to Massachusetts (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream – 5, Company: Just right!)

March 26, 2019 – Oxbow Falls Park – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Sunday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Oxbow Falls Park in Canastota, New York. Oxbow Falls Park is a county park made up of 125 acres of wooded areas, streams, and rough terrain. It contains several waterfalls, baseball fields, picnic benches, and a disc golf course.

We had an aerobic Adventure to Oxbow Falls Park on a sticky spring morning. It took me a little bit of time to find the trail parking lot for this hike as the main park address was not the location for the trails. Once we finally arrived at the parking lot we walked around briefly before finding the orange trail. I was relieved that I had read about this park online so I knew that the orange trail was a reasonable length hike that would loop around. We began on this trail and soon heard rushing water. We arrived to a cliff edge and were able to see a tall waterfall from afar, as well as a lovely view. Our walk continued along the steep edge and past it into the woods. The trail continued through the woods, and at times was steep and strenuous. There were several bridges along the path, as well as waterfalls. The waterfalls were simple but yet pleasing to the senses. The park was very tranquil, birds chirping, and water streaming. We did not see any other guests on the trail and enjoyed the remote feeling of this location. We delighted in experiencing a new Adventure at the Oxbow Falls Park (Rating: 3).

March 25, 2019 – Wintergreen Park – New York

This weekend Shadow, Wilma, my friends, and I Adventured to Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie, New York. Wintergreen Park features the Canajoharie Creek Gorge and Wintergreen Falls. The Falls is 40 foot in height and includes smaller cascades. Trespassing signs are posted at the gorge as a result of numerous deaths and accidents, so it is not accessible to visitors. The Park also features a 1.5 mile “scenic trail” which leads guests to the viewing deck above Wintergreen Falls. There are picnic areas within the Park.

We had a water filled Adventure to Wintergreen Park on a warm spring day. We were excited to go on yet another Adventure with friends! Quickly we found the “No Trespassing” signs specific to the gorge. We wandered around leisurely, savoring the sounds of rushing water. The rocks around the gorge were gorgeous, and although I was bummed to not get an up close and personal view we appreciated the landscape from afar. The birds were chirping and it was a simple, but lovely natural area.

We were determined to find the “scenic trail” and although we expected to find it near the gorge we eventually located it in an unforeseen spot near a panoramic field. We were excited to traverse this trail. The trail followed the creek from above, through the woods, and across a bridge. The trail was surrounded by bright greens color, including some wild flowers here and there. There were several little spots to view the cascades, however the sight was mostly covered by leaves. Wilma often trotted a head with my friends, while Shadow and I took in a casual walk at his pace. It was fun watching Wilma trying to figure it all out, quickly gaining the trust of new leaders. We appreciated this short hike, and soon arrived at the viewing deck. Shadow and Wilma became instant celebrities with photos and belly rubs from a family of children who were ecstatic with their presence. We checked out the view, again quite covered with leaves, however took in the moment. We enjoyed some time at the landing before heading back to our cars. It was so nice to have friends join us on this Adventure! Lots of laughs along the way (Rating: 3, Company – Amazing!)

Throwback Adventure – Fort Crown Point – October 2015

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In October 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Crown Point Fort in Crown Point, New York. The Fort is part of Crown Point State Historic Park. The Fort was originally built by the French titled Fort St. Frederic, and was in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War. The State of New York acquired the Fort in 1910, and it is now open for visitors. The Fort is located along Lake Champlain, near the Vermont border.

We had a historical Adventure to Fort Crown Point, on a breezy Fall day. I find one of the perfect types of Adventures to be one that you find, by accident, which is exactly how this visit occurred. I spotted this location by merely seeing it off the side of the road, so of course had to stop and explore this site. The Fort was absolutely beautiful, perfectly shaped ruins, with bright colored trees, and small paths atop the hills. Off to one side there was a view of Lake Champlain, framed by mountains in the distance, We strolled around, and spent some time relaxing and playing in the grass, climbing onto the ruins, and of course romping along the Lake shore. I remember the experience was absolutely spectacular. definitely carving a memorable Adventure in my heart (Rating: 5)