The Best Custom Pet Portrait Artists for Dogs and Cats

When our sweet pup Murphy passed away last year, I knew that I wanted to commission a painting of him. Or maybe twelve paintings of him ;) If you're a pet parent, you understand. 

After lots of searching for a custom dog portrait artist, I found Adazen Art on Etsy and knew that it would be the perfect one to start with. We sent him a reference photo, requested a background color, and he got to work! The oil painting arrived (from Spain! with free shipping!) just after Christmas, and I simultaneously smiled and burst into tears. I’m so glad we have so many photos of him, but there’s something about a painting, and this one in particular, that almost makes it feel like he’s here with us. I smile at it every time I walk by. 

Our portrait of Murphy by Adazen Art

When I shared a photo of it on Instagram Stories last week, I heard from a lot of you who were looking to commission a painting of your pup, so I wanted to round up some other favorites here. I spent a lot of time scouring Etsy and Instagram for custom pet portraits before we purchased ours, and here were some of my top picks. I’ll probably still order a few more. Why not?! 

As for frame options, we quickly framed it in this gold plein air frame, which you can grab on Amazon here. 

If you're looking for a perfect gift with a personal touch for pet lovers, or just a painting that captures your pet's personality, take a peek at one of these talented custom portrait artists!

Adazen Art

Mary Wynn

Yana Golikova

KMZ Creations by Kaylin

Jeffrey Jenney

Sarah Wright

Fiona Purves

Kelsey Kelley

Naomi Jenkin

P.S. I also found these - custom portrait cookie cutters! Have I gone too far? 😆

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At Home: Serena & Lily Sale Picks

A quick post to share some Serena and Lily sale picks, because these prices are too good! Perfect time to stock up on their flannel duvet covers - the white + chambray windowpane duvet is in my cart!

If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We recommend only products that we genuinely like and/or own. Thank you so much for supporting our work!

At Home: Target New Arrivals

I love the cozy of the holidays, but I’m loving the clean slate that January brings, and truth be told, I’m already excited for spring. Only two months 😬

Anyway, I popped into Target this week and was excited to see a slew of new arrivals that have me ready for spring, gardening, and sunshine. 

Rounding up a few here if you’re in the market for some fresh finds, too!

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At Home: A Peek at Our New Dining Room (And An Ode to Our South Seas Console)

So excited to share a first peek into our new home! Granted, it’s a small peek, since the rest of the house is filled with boxes or in the midst of a project, but that only makes us that much more grateful for a serene dining space! 

As I shared here, we sold our old center hall colonial last fall to search for a smaller home. The perfect house turned up just as we reached the one year mark of renting - a cottage craftsman with just the right amount of projects and the perfect amount of cozy. It feels like home already, and we’re excited to continue making it our own. 

First up - the dining room! The dining room is open to the kitchen in this home, and we’ve already used it about 100x more than in our previous home when it was a separate room. There’s just something about a “kitchen table” that just makes you want to linger and relax. It’s just a little less formal, and we are all about casual around here. 

Our South Seas Console from Serena and Lily was one of the first things we pulled off the moving truck when we moved in, since I knew we had the perfect spot for it - tucked in right underneath the window. It’s a generous size at 66 inches long, but at just 17 inches deep, it doesn’t overwhelm a smaller space (and for spaces too small for the console, the South Seas Bar Cart and Side Cart would be a great hub option - and something I kept in mind since I wasn’t always sure we’d have space for it in the dining room of a smaller home when we were house hunting!).  

The console table was one of the game changers with the dining room refresh in our last home (which we talked about here last year), and I don’t think we fully appreciated how versatile it was until we moved, both in terms of function and style. The South Seas Console in particular is perfect for both formal and casual spaces depending on how you decide to style it. As for functionality, the two levels of the table are great for simply curating a collection of favorite items to display as a sofa table, or putting it to work serving food as a dining room buffet table. It could truly work in any room of the house. 

We used the South Seas Console as a buffet table in our more formal dining room in our last house (pictured below!). With a bigger home, we didn’t need to use it as much for storage per se, but we loved using it for serving and entertaining. It was a perfect focal point on one of the larger walls in the room, and paired perfectly with the Blake Mirror (which we can’t wait to hang over the fireplace in our new home!). We loved the warmth and texture the rattan offered in a room filled with mostly wood furniture, and it lended a bit of a more relaxed feel to a room that leaned more formal. 

In our new smaller home, we’re putting it to more use as a buffet and bar, with a little bit of storage mixed in. Our wine and cocktail glasses have found a home on the top of the console table, as well as a bowl of sweets, always. A fun fact: my grandfather would always give my sister and I two Hershey’s Kisses after dinner, and so having a bowl handy has become a sentimental staple in our home. 

The bottom shelf is evolving, but our cutting boards and table linens have found their place there for now. Convenient for sure, and why not have a stack of pretty linens at the ready right next to the table?! Side note: would love to add these napkins from Serena and Lily to our collection. 

Our new dining room is decidedly less formal, and I love how the console elevates the space, again adding warmth and texture next to our wooden dining table and chairs. 

I suppose I’ll wrap up this ode to the South Seas Console by saying that it’s truly one of the most versatile pieces we have in our home. It works just as well in a craftsman style home as it did in a colonial, fits just as nicely in a smaller home as it did a large home, and would work just as well as a sofa table or media console as it does a dining room buffet. 

Next up for this space? A light fixture (we have our eye on the Rosecliff Chandelier from Serena and Lily), maybe a couple of stools for the kitchen island, and of course - original art (I love this one!).  

Excited to share more as we update our cozy little cottage!

*This post was in partnership with Serena and Lily, a brand we adore and whose products we regularly use and love. The post contains affiliate links, and If you buy something through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Yellow Note!

At Home: Front Porch Refresh

When we sold our old center hall colonial last fall to search for a smaller home, I don’t think either of us anticipated we’d still be house hunting come summer. Alas, we’re on week 35 of our search, and between the extremely limited inventory and crazy prices, here we are! 

We are beyond lucky to have found our rental home. It’s just a couple of blocks from our old home, recently updated, and all one level, which, at the risk of sounding like an old lady, has made for pretty easy livin’!

But as people who love a good project, be it a full on renovation or just a room refresh, it’s been hard to know where to put that energy. Plus, I think the challenge with any rental, no matter how lovely, is feeling at home when you didn’t choose the colors, the finishes, etc. When it doesn’t feel like you. 

When the warm weather hit this spring, we started spending most of our evenings out on the sweet front porch with the furniture the house came with. As the days turned into weeks, I realized we’d more than likely be spending our summer here, and I figured - why wait to make it a space that feels more like our home?! 

The front porch, before.

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In the midst of our dining room refresh with Serena and Lily last year (see that here!), I bookmarked many of their outdoor pieces, and we were so thrilled to partner with them again to refresh our porch this summer. The furniture on our last porch (pictured here) was fine, but we always talked about getting something cozier - and Tom really wanted something he can take a nap on ;) 

With the knowledge that this space won’t be ours forever, we wanted something that was versatile in terms of size, style, and color. Bonus points for being part of a larger collection that we can add to over time, depending on the size of the porch / outdoor space in our yet to be found new home. Speaking of porch / outdoor space, finding something durable and weather resistant was key as well, since while we’d love a covered porch at our next home, we may have more of a patio situation, and this would need to work for that, too. 

We had a lengthy list of requirements, but when we stumbled upon the Pacifica collection, we knew the Pacifica Loveseat in Driftwood would fit the bill. It’s the perfect size for our porch now and a size that’s versatile enough to fit any future space. While it’s not quite long enough for Tom to nap on it (he’s already excited to add the Pacifica Sofa to our collection once we’re sure it’ll fit our new space!), it’s such an upgrade in terms of “cozy” from our last set and we’re already spending so much more time lingering on the porch into the evening. 

As for durable, it should be noted that I promptly spilled rosé on the white Sunbrella fabric - the first night! - and the wine beaded up and wiped right off. And the cutest little footprints from my niece and nephew also wiped off easily with a damp cloth. I was a little nervous about the white, but the Sunbrella fabric gets five stars so far! Plus there’s a protective cover that I’ll more than likely be ordering as a little extra protection from the weather.

But most of all, and this might seem cheesy, seeing it there has made us feel at home. Styled with my favorite blue and white planters (filled to the brim with geraniums, of course!) and a $5 vintage stool from a barn sale, it makes me smile every time I walk out the door. 

The takeaway here is that just because we’re waiting for our next home to come on the market (impatiently, I might add 😂), doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to feel at home while we wait. We have no idea how long we’ll be living here - we could find our dream home tomorrow, or we could find it next fall. In the meantime, if there are things we can do to make our rental feel more like home, more like us, why not do it?! I’m so glad we did.

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P.S. Speaking of feeling at home, here’s what else is on my shopping list as we continue to personalize this space: these light blue and white gingham pillows (and maybe the matching camp stools for extra guests?!), this cooler to save trips back and forth to the fridge for another cold beverage, this console table for the ultimate bar / snack set up, and this sweet scalloped tray for serving. Summer nights on the porch, here we come. 

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*This post was in partnership with Serena and Lily, a brand we adore and whose products we regularly use and love. The post contains affiliate links, and If you buy something through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Yellow Note!

In the Kitchen: A Patterned Pie

We’ve been blueberry picking pretty much every week this season, and we’ve definitely eaten our share of blueberry muffins and crisps made with the sweet summer berries. It had been a bit since I pulled together a pie, so when Serena and Lily asked if I’d be up for creating a patterned pie with one of their gorgeous custom patterns, I was all for it!

Napkins / Sayulita Pattern

My trusty assistant Max is never far when there’s baking involved ;) , and between the two of us, I hope we did their beautiful Sayulita pattern justice! Pretty sure it was made for blueberries!

Here’s our blueberry pie recipe, if you’re up for making a sweet patterned treat of your own!

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A pie is nothing without a good crust, and one of my favorites is this recipe from the Pioneer Woman.  

For the filling, mix freshly picked blueberries (enough to fill your pie dish!) with 1c + 2 tbsp of sugar, 4 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. 

Once you’ve filled your pie and added the top crust or pattern, mix an egg white with a little water and brush lightly on top of the crust (and sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for good measure!). 

Bake at 425 for the first 15 minutes, then cover with a pie crust shield (like this one) and bake at 375 for the remaining 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling. Enjoy!  

At Home: Dining Room Refresh

If you follow along on Instagram, you may or may not have noticed that I typically share just one angle of our dining room (yep, this one!). Well, that ends today since we finally (!!!) have a piece of furniture on that side of the room and gasp - we actually hung something on the wall ;) It may have taken us seven years, but we found the perfect for us pieces from Serena and Lily. 

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane first, shall we? I shared a before tour of our home a while back (check that out here), but here’s a snap of our dining room when we grabbed the keys seven years ago. Carpet, black + red built-ins, and a random piece of wood paneling on the wall to the right. Paint and floor refinishing happened right away when we moved in, but this room has been at a bit of a standstill since then. 

Truth be told, we haven’t spent much time in this room the last few years (perhaps the lack of furniture and decor had a little something to do with that?!). So, my goal for this year is to make this space more inviting. A place we’d like to linger a bit longer once we’re finished eating. Where we’d put puzzles together, play a game, or just sip a cocktail in the evening. 

We were so excited to partner with Serena and Lily to get our refresh started. The first order of business was the large blank wall (the one with the paneling in the before photo above). Since putting a window in isn’t in the cards right now, I knew a mirror would be a great option to bounce some more light around the space. The Blake Mirror is perfect - I love the handwoven raffia texture, and the brass accents tie in perfectly with the original brass hardware sprinkled throughout the house. P.S. It also comes in gray and navy and I’m kind of tempted to get another for our bedroom! 

I’ve had my eye on this rattan console forever, so I was excited to find a home for it in here. It’ll be perfect for entertaining (you know, once that’s a thing again), but for now it’s the ideal spot for our sweet treats and summer blooms. There’s a matching side cart and bar cart, too - just sayin’! 

It’s crazy the difference that this little update has made to the space! It immediately felt much more cozy and well...like home! It makes me smile to come around the corner and see life on this side of the room and we’re definitely spending more time in here already and planning the next updates…

Speaking of updates, here’s what’s next on our list: a new rug (maybe this one?!), comfy chairs to encourage us to sit and stay a while in here, brass sconces perhaps (always love the feeling sconces give to a room!), a few more rattan goodies - like these placemats, this tray, and these glasses, wallpaper?!, and I could go on. Oh, and I’m also contemplating a round table...but that’s a debate for another day ;) 

Shop the post:

*This post was in partnership with Serena and Lily, a brand we adore and whose products we regularly use and love.

At Home: Blue + White Planters

I got a few questions after my recent post, so I wanted to share a little round-up of some favorite blue and white planters (…and non-blue and white, too!) and where to snag them. Most of mine are vintage, which tends to be my preference - probably the thrill of the (endless) hunt through Etsy listings and antique shops that makes it that much more satisfying to find a good one. That, and I love the idea of giving an item a second chance instead of seeing it get tossed out.

So, without further ado, some favorites are below! You may have to beat me to some of the vintage ones though ;)

(And since we’re on the topic of blue and white, this gingham button down is a favorite this spring!)

Happy shopping!

Winter in New Hampshire

I’m not entirely sure how we made it this far in life without spending an evening or two in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. Sure, we’ve passed through on our way to Maine, but we weren’t able to fully appreciate how much NH had to offer until we carved out some time to explore this month in partnership with Visit NH. And explore we did - small towns, covered bridges, antique shops, charming inns, historic homes, and great restaurants and shops. Read on for some of our favorite stops from our trips this winter. 

MONADNOCK REGION

STAY

The Hancock Inn: The most charming inn in the sweetest small town (complete with a Market across the street and a pond around the corner!). We adored absolutely everything about The Hancock Inn, but I must say, the fact that an adorable golden retriever (the owners dog, Potter!) greeted us when we arrived was a highlight for sure. The rooms (all unique!) were perfection, breakfast was delicious, and everyone (staff and fellow guests alike) was delightful. We’re already making plans for a summer visit. 

EAT + DRINK

Post + Beam Brewing | Peterborough: One of the first things Tom checks for on a road trip - a local brewery! Post and Beam (housed in an old GAR hall) was the perfect spot to grab drinks before dinner in town. Great beer and awesome atmosphere - a must if you’re in town! 

Harlow’s Pub | Peterborough: You know you’ve picked the right spot when you snag the only table left in the room! We loved the vibe here - the walls were covered in old signs, posters, and photos (it kind of reminded us of The Ramp in Cape Porpoise, Maine if you’ve ever been!). A great casual spot with comfort food and pub fare - right up our alley! 

Hancock Market | Hancock: We grabbed doughnuts and cookies for the road, and once we bit into them on the drive home we nearly turned around to go get more. A true general store, the Market has a little bit of everything - baked goods of course, as well as a deli, grocery items, and newspapers. Can’t wait to get back out there to sample some more! 

Harrisville General Store | Harrisville: Not one to pass up a general store, we couldn’t help but swing into Harrisville General on our way home to grab - you guessed it - more cookies. The selection of sandwiches looked delicious too, and they had ample space to enjoy said treats with a view of the town below. 

On the list for next time: We heard great things about The Waterhouse Restaurant, and we’d love to check out the Peterborough Diner (in a classic 50’s dining car!).

SEE + DO

Keene Ice Festival: We’ll always brake for an ice festival, and we spotted one straight out of a Hallmark movie in Keene! With ice sculptures being carved in the Town Square and kids sliding down a snowy hill created in the street, it truly was like a scene out of a film. After strolling through town, we ducked into The Stage Restaurant for drinks while we watched the winning sculptures being chosen outside - the perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

Antique Shops: One of the first things I check for on a road trip - antique shops! Lucky for me, there were some great ones in this area and we came away with quite a few treasures (at great prices!). A few of our favorites: The Yellow Magnolia in Hancock, and Bowerbird and Friends, Grove and Main, and Twin Elm Farm in Peterborough. 

Covered Bridges: If you’re into covered bridges, this is your spot! We cruised around the back roads of Swanzey to check out a slew of covered bridges - some favorites: Coombs Bridge, Ashuelot Covered Bridge, Carlton Covered Bridge, and Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge (just type them into Google Maps). 

Chocolate + Martini Tour: When I heard about the self-guided Chocolate and Martini Tour across the state, I immediately bookmarked all of the destinations on our map! It just so happened that two of the locations were in striking distance this trip, and we couldn’t resist popping into The Stage Restaurant in Keene for an amazing martini (try the Big Sexy!), as well as stopping by Vicuna Chocolate in Peterborough (we loved the Maras Salt Bar!). Highly recommend if you’re traveling through!

Stonewall Farm: Our last stop before we headed out of town was Stonewall Farm, and we immediately wished we had more time! We strolled the loop near the barn to say hello to the goats and sheep, but we’re eager to head back to visit the rest of the animal barns, check out the trails, and go for a hay or sleigh ride.

On our list for next trip: We’d love to spend some time exploring the town of Walpole (and of course, check out the Burdick Chocolate Shop and café!

WHITE MOUNTAIN REGION

STAY

Mountain View Grand: As soon as I spotted the charming (and quite fittingly, grand) yellow exterior online, I knew I had found the place. The Mountain View Grand was the perfect home base for our adventures in and around the White Mountains. Beautiful views of the mountains around every turn, a huge list of activities and amenities on site for kids and adults alike (more on those below!), and bonus - within striking distance of charming small towns and all the winter activities you could dream of.

EAT + DRINK

Littleton Freehouse | Littleton: Our first stop when we rolled into town, we loved the rustic industrial vibe here as much as we loved the awesome selection of local brews (and the fried cheese curds!). Lots of great pub fare and bonus - a view of the river below. We took a stroll down to the water and covered bridge after lunch, and the view of the town across the way just couldn’t be beat.

Schilling Beer Co | Littleton: Perched above the river in an 18th century mill, dinner here was a highlight. We devoured our wood fired pizza (and promptly debated ordering another one, but decided on a cookie pie instead - the perfect choice). Two thumbs up on the Combover IPA from Tom, and we grabbed a 4 pack to bring home with us - his favorite souvenir ;)

Littleton Diner | Littleton: Is there anything better than a classic diner breakfast? Opened in 1930, we always love breakfast with a little side of history. And if you need more convincing, they were named a top spot by Yankee Magazine and Food Network Magazine, too!

Art in the Age Cafe | Tamworth: Straight out of a magazine, we adored this sweet cafe in the small town of Tamworth. Cozy and welcoming, this is the type of place where you pop in for a quick coffee, but you can’t help but stay a while. If we were local, this would be our daily spot, for sure.

On our list for next trip: The Beal House, Rek-Lis Brewing, The Other Store + Coffee Shop 

SEE + DO

Mountain View Farm | Mountain View Grand: One step better than having a dog greet you at an Inn - having a farm full of animals to greet you! Mountain View Farm is a working fiber farm, with the most adorable sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, and angora rabbits that you ever did see. If you go, definitely check out the Meet the Farmer tour (daily at 8:30am!).

Tubing | Mountain View Grand: Also on site at the Mountain View Grand - an amazing tubing hill! I haven’t gone tubing since I was a kid, and I had forgotten how much fun it is! We laughed the entire way down every time, and Tom basically had to tear me away from the hill. Pretty sure I had more energy to climb back up the hills when I was a kid, though :)

Snowshoeing | Mountain View Grand: While there are plenty of great trails to snowshoe in the White Mountain region, the Mountain View Grand had great trails right on site, and nothing is better than strapping on the snowshoes right after sunrise and taking a quick hike before breakfast. If snowshoeing isn’t your thing, they also had ice skating, cross country skiing, dog sledding and lots more (check out their list of activities here).

Antique Shops | Littleton + Bethlehem: We stumbled across another great group of antique shops this trip! We loved Lonesome Woods in Bethlehem - perfectly curated (truly - fit for Country Living Magazine!). Tom couldn’t resist grabbing a vintage Eveready flashlight for his burgeoning collection (he started with a few of my grandfather’s old flashlights). Other favorites in Littleton: Saranac Street Antiques (two floors and so many treasures!), and Cash Only Vintage (an awesome selection of vintage clothing!).

Ice Castles | North Woodstock: I’ve had the Ice Castles on my winter wish list for years, and we were so excited to finally make it happen this trip! The Castle truly is a work of art and we lucked out with a perfect blue sky which emphasized the pretty blue hues from the ice even more. We loved exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the Castle and definitely recommend visiting - particularly if you have kiddos. It does get crowded, so we’d recommend grabbing the earliest ticket of the day and getting there early!

Tamworth Ice Harvest Festival | Tamworth: What is it about these sweet Winter Festivals that feel straight out of a movie? The Ice Harvest Festival in Tamworth was no exception, and we were so happy that we made the trip. Ice harvesting demonstrations from the pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, s’mores over an open fire, and of course, meet and greets with the farm animals. So much fun for families and big kids (like ourselves) alike.

Tamworth Distilling | Tamworth: The perfect end to the day in Tamworth - a Distillery Tour and a tasting flight! The space is gorgeous, the spirits are amazing, and the branding is beautiful - the kind of bottles I’d love to always have on hand to elevate our bar cart. A must if you’re in town!

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Until next time, New Hampshire! Now that we’ve gotten a taste, we can’t wait to head back to experience all that NH has to offer in the warmer months, too. Hope you’ve been inspired to take a trip of your own (and would love your suggestions for our next trip, if you’ve been!).

*This post is in partnership with our friends at Visit NH. We were so thrilled for the opportunity to share a bit of this beautiful state with you!

An Afternoon in Sharon Springs with Beekman 1802

I think it may have been Tom’s mom that introduced me to the Beekman 1802 brand years ago. She knows I can’t resist a good mercantile or general store, especially one in a sweet small town. 

A photo of the charming exterior of Beekman 1802 Mercantile drew me in, but the story behind the Beekman brand will keep me (and their many fans - or I should say - neighbors!) around for years to come. Built around principles of community, neighborliness, and cultivating a simple, yet beautiful life, it’s hard not to be inspired by the Beekman way of life. Case in point, we spent the entire drive home talking about our someday, in our dreams, small town farm :) 

If by chance you’re not familiar with Beekman 1802, a CliffsNotes version: Josh and Brent purchased the beautiful Beekman Farm in Sharon Springs as a second home away from the hustle and bustle of life in New York. They soon found themselves living at the farm full-time after a change in circumstances, and returned home one day to find a note from a local farmer, asking if they might be open to his goats grazing on their pasture. With a new herd of goats on the farm (and a whole lot of goat milk!), a neighbor introduced them to soap-making, and the rest is history! While they are indeed a beauty company, Brent and Josh have also made it a priority to partner with talented local artisans to feature handcrafted, heirloom quality goods in addition to their amazing goat milk soaps and beauty products. 

Now that you’re as smitten as we are, we’re excited to share a bit of our recent trip to Sharon Springs with you - where we got to visit the Beekman 1802 Mercantile, tour the farm and pet the goats that inspired it all. And in the spirit of the season, we’re doubly excited to share some of our top picks at the Mercantile as we start our holiday shopping. 

This year, Beekman is bringing back the special delivery - you know, that feeling you get when you give or receive something meaningful. Something that someone put thought and effort into finding, something of quality, something hand-crafted that feels like it was made just for you. In a world full of last minute shopping, gift cards, and rush overnight delivery, I’m personally excited to start this year’s shopping a bit early, savor the season, and be a little more thoughtful with my gift-giving. Quality over quantity. Less but better. Simple things done well. 

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Goat Milk Soap: The best part about traveling to the Mercantile - being able to take in the beautiful scents in person! The Bar Soaps make a perfect stocking stuffer, and the packaging is so pretty that you won’t even need to wrap it! 

True Grit (Goat Milk Scrubby Soap): Two thumbs up from Tom - he took a bar home from the Mercantile and chances are he’ll find a few more in his stocking, too. 

Hand Cream: Perfect for the dry winter months (but with so many gorgeous scents that remind me of summer, too!). I took home the Fig Leaf, but you’re sure to find a scent for everyone on your list. 

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THE GOATS

We were so thrilled to meet Farmer John during our visit. He knows each goat by name (having named them using the first letter of their mother’s name!), and my goodness, these goats are so sweet and so well loved. They are milked twice a day, about every 12 hours, and then they’re free to roam and play - to enjoy a snooze and a snuggle on the cozy hay inside or a romp around the beautiful grassy pasture outside. 

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Ceramic Pumpkin Bowl: Created by artist Rita Seiko, we wanted one of everything from her line. I can imagine this bowl on the table for Harvest parties and Thanksgiving dinners for years to come. 

Handwoven Pie Caddy: As a pie lover, I made a bee line for this as we walked in. This was made transporting that holiday pie in the back of the Wagoneer! 

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THE STORIES

The one thing that kept coming up during our visit was the stories. There’s a story behind every item, a neighbor and artisan behind every design. As I picked up a garden tool (a hod and dibble - the neatest thing!), the Mercantile manager Danielle noted that her neighbor had hand crafted it. A plaid blanket that I loved? It was custom designed and hand woven on an antique loom! And…the hook it was hanging on was made by a local blacksmith from the old tin roof of a barn taken down at the farm. It’s not every day that you walk into a store in which each item is so closely connected to the people in the community. It’s the type of place that makes you want to linger to hear those warm and fuzzy details (and linger to sample the jams and fudge, but that’s another story!). 

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Cookbook: After touring the gardens at the farm (and sampling some of the freshly picked carrots once back home!), we couldn’t be more inspired to plant some fruits and veggies next spring. Their cookbooks are loaded with inspiration for fresh and delicious home cooked meals, whether you’re picking from your own garden or the farmers market. 

Fudge: Oh gosh, the fudge. Didn’t I just finish talking about fresh veggies? Healthy meals just mean more room for indulgence, and this will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re gifting one, grab one for yourself, too. 

Goat Poop: Have you even taken a trip the Mercantile if you don’t leave with some Goat Poop?! The maple malted milk ball, sea salt caramel variety, that is :) 

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THE NEIGHBORS

Brent and Josh’s commitment to and belief in the community of Sharon Springs is a wonderful example of what can happen when people come together, teach each other, and help one another grow. So in that spirit of community, be sure to check out these neighbors on your visit: 

Sharon Springs Post Office: Fun fact: as Beekman 1802 grew in Sharon Springs, the amount of packages that they shipped out of their rural post office was enough to keep it from closing. How amazing is that?! Don’t forget to stop by to mail a postcard or two while you’re in town :) 

American Hotel: We’ve already decided we should make a night of it next trip, and the American Hotel across the street seems like the perfect place to rest our head (and grab dinner and a cocktail, too!). 

If you’re hungry: We’ve heard great things about the Black Cat Cafe and 204 Main! Can’t wait to try. 

Okay, maybe just a few more favorites…

We hope this inspires you to head out to Sharon Springs for a special gift that won’t be found anywhere else (no need to worry if they “already have that”!) - and a pretty great day trip, too! 

*This post was in partnership with our friends at Beekman 1802, a brand whose mission we adore and whose products we regularly use and love.

Postcard from Altamont, NY

We’ve loved getting to spend some more time on the back roads around Albany this year, and Altamont has been high on our list to see more of. We stumbled upon Indian Ladder Farms while we were in the area last fall, and couldn’t wait to get back down to spend some more time at the farm as well as stroll through the village we’d heard so much about. And what a gem! With a little something for everyone from hikes to shopping to drinks by the fire, read on for what to see, do, eat, and drink in and around Altamont.

SEE + DO

Stroll | Altamont Main Street: Charming historic homes, a quaint park with a gazebo, sweet shops lining the street (even a cute yarn shop, which kind of made me want to learn to knit!), and of course, a neighborhood tavern. What more could you ask for? Add in some fall foliage and it felt straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Browse | Altamont Free Library: Also straight out of a Hallmark movie - a library in a beautifully restored train station! Restored by volunteers, no less. It was so much fun to pop in and browse through the aisles, admire the architecture, and appreciate the history in the space.

Shop | Bella Fleur + Remedies Wine & Spirits: What better combination for a downtown shop than flowers and wine?! Housed in an old pharmacy, wine and spirits line the old shelves on one side of the shop, while flowers, local art, and gifts abound on the opposite side. With the original tin ceilings above, the shop was full of charm both old and new. A must while in town, for sure!

Hike + Picnic | Thacher Park: Just down the road in Voorheesville, Thacher Park is an old favorite for a hike, especially this time of year! We lucked out with near peak foliage during our trip, but I’d guess there are still some of those golden late October hues holding on.

This trip, we made our way down the first part of the Indian Ladder Trail to the waterfall, and then spent much of the rest of the morning with a more leisurely stroll along the Escarpment Trail. With plenty of picnic tables along the way, we pulled out our bagel sandwiches (and cookies!) that we grabbed from Hungerford Market in Altamont and enjoyed lunch with a view. The perfect perch for a fall picnic.

Visit, Eat + Drink | Indian Ladder Farms: Where to begin?! There’s so much to see and do at ILF that you could probably spend a day here alone! A pick-your-own-apple orchard, pumpkin patch, the most charming barns, a sweet crew of animals (a donkey! cows! goats!), a bakery, a cafe, a farm market, AND a cidery + brewery. Honestly, what fall dreams are made of.

Once we finished a stroll around the farm, we made our way down to the Cidery + Brewery on the lower level of the barn for a couple of glasses of their Dry Hard Cider around the fire. I talked Tom’s ear off about how we need to buy a farm and a couple of donkeys, and he talked my ear off about buying our own old Freihofer’s truck to drive around town. A grand old time ;)

More importantly, we ordered a bite to eat from the Yellow Rock Cafe upstairs (they serve you in the brewery, too!), and oh my goodness - the fried cheese curds. Don’t leave without trying an order (or two), and did I mention they’re served with raspberry jam?! Delish!

That’s a wrap! We hope you’re inspired to take a trip of your own, and if you’ve been, we’d love your area suggestions for our next trip!

*This post is in partnership with our friends at Discover Albany. We were so thrilled for the opportunity to share this charming, beautiful town with you!

Fall Favorites in New York’s Capital Saratoga Region

It’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of year, especially in our neck of the woods. Don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty special year round, but the changing leaves, the apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and all the nostalgia that comes along with it help to make this time of year all the more special.

Tom and I often remark that Glens Falls is a pretty perfect place to live. I know, we’re biased, but hear me out ;) We’ve got cities like Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady within easy reach, but we’ve also got the rolling hills and the red barns of the countryside to escape to for some peace and quiet. We’re constantly reminded that we don’t have to go far to get away.

And with that, we’re excited to share some fall favorites that are right outside our door and over the bridge in upstate New York’s Capital-Saratoga Region!

WASHINGTON COUNTY

The Pumpkin Stand at Tiashoke Farms | Easton: Run, do not walk, to this magazine worthy pumpkin stand! A pumpkin house (complete with a cornstalk roof!), the most beautiful selection of pumpkins (50+ varieties grown on the farm!), all with red barns and a white farmhouse tucked just beyond. A must this season for sure!

Gardenworks Farm | Salem: A favorite year round, Gardenworks shines in the fall for raspberry picking, pumpkins + gourds, and perhaps the best part - the Cheese + Cafe. Our Sunday drives inevitably end up here for a glass of wine from Victory View, a cold beer from R.S. Taylor (another favorite just up the road!), and the freshest, most delicious lunches. Did I mention you get to enjoy said lunches on a patio next to their barn, surrounded by pumpkins and mums?! The Cafe is open through Columbus Day, but they still have plenty of goodies in their shop through the holidays!

Hicks Orchard | Granville: I grew up apple picking here, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart - so many great memories! I have yet to find a cider donut that I love more than these (and now they offer a maple glazed option!), and the gorgeous orchards, red barns, and of course their friendly goats just can’t be beat. Bonus: Slyboro Ciderhouse tastings on-site!

Goose Island Potatoes | Argyle: Fall is all about apple picking, but we were psyched to try out another kind of picking this season - potato picking! Goose Island opens for u-pick two weekends in the fall (the last weekend is this coming weekend, October 5-6, so don’t miss it!). The drive out to their field was stunning, with amazing views and some near-peak fall color. And what a fun experience to fill our basket with potatoes fresh from the ground! We’ll be having mashed potatoes for dinner for the rest of the year ;)

SARATOGA COUNTY

Vischer Ferry General Store | Vischer Ferry: If we lived closer, I’d be here every day. This is my dream general store - a shop section perfectly curated with both new and vintage finds, coffee and the most delicious baked goods (don’t leave without a scone and a sea salt chocolate chip cookie!), and the most delightful atmosphere (you pick - front porch, inside, screened back porch, or out on the patio in the sunshine!). And if you’re a can’t sit still type like me, you can borrow one of their sunny yellow cruiser bikes to explore the adorable hamlet of Vischer Ferry.

Ellms Farm | Ballston Spa: If you love fall, this will be your Disneyland. Activities abound, including a classic corn maze, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, apple cannons, a jumping pillow, and basically everything a kid (or a kid at heart!) could want! And while it’s great for families with kiddos, there’s plenty for adults - live music, beer, wine, and hard cider, and all the fall food you could imagine. Sign me up! A perfect fall day for adults and kids alike!

Lakeside Farms | Ballston Lake: Bring on the comfort food and baked goods! We love swinging by Lakeside Farms any time of year, but especially in the fall. Their cider donut trailer is parked out front, the farm stand is stocked with fall produce, pumpkins, and gourds, and the shop is filled with the sweet smell of apple pie. On our list for next time is breakfast in their cafe - the Apple Fritter French Toast is calling my name!

RENSSELAER COUNTY

June Farms | West Sand Lake: Can’t say enough about this gorgeous farm. Our first visit here was an overnight in one of their stunning cabins (find them on Airbnb!) this past winter, and we woke up to a light snow and a view of the Shire horses and Scottish Highland cattle just outside our window. As an animal lover and a barn lover, June Farms is pretty much a dream. But just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, The Pony Barn is open for cocktails and food through the summer and fall. Rosé, animals, and barns? Yes, please.

Windy Hill Orchard | Castleton-on-Hudson: Formerly Goold Orchards, we were excited to see all of the changes happening at Windy Hill! With an old pick-up truck at the entrance filled with pumpkins and mums, we knew it had to be good. It’s a massive orchard with over 13,000 trees, and we love the family friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The baked goods in the farm store are always a hit, and we were excited to hear their plans to renovate their 1890’s barn into a cidery + winery for next season! P.S. if you go this weekend (October 5+6), you’ll catch their annual apple festival!

Breweries: We were traveling through in the morning so unfortunately we didn’t get to stop in, but high on our list for next time is a visit to a brewery or two! S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau looks like a blast (and they’re having a Fall Fest on October 12!), and Brown’s Walloomsac Taproom in North Hoosick is high on our list to visit as well with its outdoor seating on the river.

FULTON COUNTY

Second Wind Coffee | Johnstown: Now this is the kind of place that’ll get me to drink coffee! Newly opened this year, Tom stumbled across the Second Wind Coffee Instagram account when the owner, Shawn, was in the midst of renovating the space (which, by the way, he did by himself - amazing!). The atmosphere here is right up our alley and we loved the attention to detail and history in the design. Plus, two thumbs up from Tom on the coffee and from us both on the baked goods. A new favorite stop when we’re in the area, without a doubt!

Rogers Orchard + Cideryard | Johnstown: Just outside of downtown Johnstown, Rogers Orchard is a beautiful orchard with a quintessential red barn farm store. We couldn’t help but notice Rogers Cideryard on site - a cider pub and taproom serving their own cider, and beer and bites, too. It was a bit too early to partake on our morning visit, but we can’t wait to head back for a cocktail soon!

The Red Barn Antiques | Northville: Not one to pass up a good antique store, we loved perusing The Red Barn (and the sweet village of Northville in general!). With a little bit of everything from books to dishes to furniture and so much more, this is definitely worth a stop! On our wish list: an old first aid kit (perfect to store the essentials for inevitable break-downs in the Wagoneer!), and a couple of blue and white planters to add to my collection. They’re open through Columbus Day and will open back up in the spring (once it’s warm enough in the barn!).

ALBANY COUNTY

Forts Ferry Farm | Latham: A perfectly styled farm stand (with gorgeous produce grown on site!), a beautifully curated shop, and tables overlooking the farm with string lights overhead. We loved absolutely everything about Forts Ferry Farm, including the baked goods (don’t leave without a toffee chocolate chip cookie with sea salt!) … and we couldn’t help but notice their “company car” - a Willys pick-up truck parked around the bend! Our first visit here was definitely not our last, and we can’t wait to head back for bagels and beer on a Sunday afternoon.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve | Albany: Tucked in amidst the hustle and bustle of Albany, we loved stretching our legs a bit on the gorgeous trails at the Pine Bush Preserve, where we immediately felt a world away. While we chose one of their shorter trails (with a fantastic view!), there are 3,300 acres and 20 miles of trails in the Preserve to explore - and it’s the perfect time to do it, with the fall colors just starting to appear!

Altamont Orchards | Altamont: An apple lovers paradise! Apple butter, apple sauce, apple jam, apple barbecue sauce, apple cider mustard, apple salsa - apple everything! We loved perusing the aisles at the farm market and making note of all of the creative ways to use our harvest. Next time, we’re coming hungry so that we can sample a little of everything in their bake shop, too (and enjoy it on the tables out front!).

SCHENECTADY COUNTY

Riverside Maple Farms | Schenectady: After our stop here this past summer, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pop in again this fall for some more of their Maple Soft Serve (best enjoyed on their Adirondack chairs out front!). It’s just so good, and let’s just say it’s a good thing we don’t live closer because we’d be here way too often. We also picked up some Maple Kettle Corn this trip, and I’m embarrassed / proud to say that I ate the entire bag myself. Love being able to enjoy their maple treats year round!

Mabee Farm | Rotterdam Junction: Another favorite from our trip to Schenectady this summer, we loved popping in to see the start of the fall colors emerging. They’ll most certainly be at or near peak for the Fall Foliage Festival here on October 15 which sounds like such a blast with live music, a craft fair, cider donuts, and beer!

The Stockade Historic District | Schenectady: It’s always a good day for a stroll through the historic Stockade District (where we just started to see a few touches of fall in window boxes!), as well as a walk downtown. We were bummed to have missed the Greenmarket (outside on Sunday mornings through October), but we’re always up for a stop at Bluebird Home Decor and at Liza’s nearby for a smoothie. We were also excited to hear about (okay, or stumble across on Instagram) revitalization plans for Arthur’s Market, a historic market in the Stockade that’s on the road to becoming a favorite cafe and gathering place.

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Happy Fall! And if you have some fall favorites in the area to add to our list, we’d love to hear!

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This post was in partnership with our friends at Capital Saratoga Region, a destination close to our hearts and just outside our door. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Yellow Note.

Four Reasons to Visit Schenectady County this Summer

Have you taken a ride to Schenectady County lately? While we made a day trip this past winter, there’s something special about this area in the summer - the patios come alive downtown, the window boxes in the Stockade District overflow with flowers, and the summer breeze flows through the open doors and windows of shops and galleries. With a few months left before the snow flies (ah!), here are four reasons to visit this summer and fall (along with some of our favorites along the way!):

One - The History and Charm

Stockade Historic District: A gem of the city proper, the Stockade Historic District is a favorite of ours and reminds us just a bit of strolls through Charleston or Savannah. The beautiful architecture, the perfectly planted window boxes, the brick walkways, and the streets lined with American flags had me smitten. We loved taking a peek at the plaques on the homes as we walked through, with some homes dating back to the 1700’s. On our list for next time: one of the walking tours of the neighborhood offered through the Schenectady County Historical Society - Tom has his eye on the beer tour, and I’m all about the Stockade Walkabout where you can tour inside the homes!

Mabee Farm: You know we can’t resist a good ol’ barn, and Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction was first on our list. From the 1760’s barn to the riverside historic home, and of course, the flower garden, this is a must for a tour, a picnic, or just a stroll on the grounds! We’re pretty tempted to head back down for their Fall Festival and their Farm to Fork Dinner in October - can only imagine how pretty it is here in the fall!

Two - The Breweries

We’ve heard so much about the awesome breweries popping up in Schenectady County and we couldn’t wait to check them out. We stopped by two of the six on their list, and we can’t wait to get back down to check off a couple more (and if you go, it might be worth it to get a Passport for a flight at each!).

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company | West Glenville: First up, Wolf Hollow. Outdoor patio - check. Adirondack chairs around a fire pit - check. Green space with lawn games - check. A fun atmosphere and great beer to boot (we tried their lemon lime sour - perfection!). Bonus points for their proximity to Riverside Maple Farms for some post-drink sweets!

Great Flats Brewing | Schenectady: Next up, Great Flats. Again, awesome atmosphere with garage doors that open to the street, super friendly people (thanks for the dinner recommendation, Harry!), and fantastic beer. Two thumbs up from Tom on their Skip Day IPA, and the Pink Guava Sour was like a little bit of summer in a glass. Can’t wait to head back soon to beat Tom in ping pong :)

Three - Sweets + Eats

Storied Coffee | Scotia: Our first stop of the day, Storied Coffee in Scotia was the perfect intro to a day in Schenectady County. We grabbed a table by the window in their beautiful, sunny space, enjoyed a cup of coffee and devoured a banana muffin and blueberry scone. We loved that they support other small business owners with their curated shop corner, and that they partner with local favorites Kru Coffee and Rock Hill Bakehouse, too!

Jumpin’ Jacks | Scotia: A staple in Schenectady County, we couldn’t pass through without a pit stop for lunch at the classic roadside drive in, Jumpin’ Jacks. We got a kick out of listening to the regulars joking around with the staff while in line, and if you’re looking for something classic, quick, and fried, this will definitely hit the spot.

Riverside Maple Farms | Glenville: Turns out Maple Season is all year in Schenectady County! We were thrilled to stumble upon Riverside Maple after leaving Wolf Hollow Brewing (and turns out there will be a wooded trail connecting the two very soon!). After a quick tasting, we made a bee line for the soft serve machine and left with one dish of maple ice cream and two spoons. I’m not entirely sure how we made it out of the gift shop without the maple kettle corn and maple cotton candy, but there’s always next time!

Malcolm’s | Schenectady: Run, do not walk, to Malcolm’s. We initially planned on just popping in for a drink after seeing their charming exterior, but once we saw the menu (and experienced the gorgeous and oh so friendly atmosphere inside!), we couldn’t resist staying for just a few bites. We started with the honey roasted carrots, which were fabulous, and we had to try the Elote after seeing it at another table - grilled corn with roasted garlic aioli and pecorino cheese - so, so good. Chef Justin Feliciano outdid himself, and scored bonus points for his celery ice cream. That’s right - CELERY ice cream. Not necessarily something I thought I’d like, but we loved it. Can’t wait to try more of their menu very soon!

Four - The Shopping

Shopping was not necessarily on my radar this trip, but after stumbling upon both of these stores, let’s just say it shot up to the top of my list for next time!

Bluebird Home + Gift | Schenectady: Perfectly styled and curated, I knew we were going to be here a while the second we walked in. Bluebird is stocked with the most gorgeous home goods as well as an amazing selection of vintage - including vintage Persian rugs! Yes, please! I’m following along with them on Instagram now and am already tempted to head back down - we’re new regulars, for sure.

B.Inspired | Scotia: Just across the street from Storied Coffee, we were so happy to see the open sign pop up just as we finished our muffin. I wanted one of each as soon as we stepped in the door, from the woven seagrass drinkware, to the gorgeous pillows and textiles, to the perfectly distressed clay planters. Another perfect spot to shop for gifts, or to send your husband to shop for your gifts ;)

Until next time, Schenectady! And with all of the gems we discovered, next time will be sooner than later!

*This post is in partnership with our friends at Discover Schenectady. We were so thrilled for the opportunity to share this charming area with you!

Postcard from Rensselaerville, NY

We’ve been more than ready for a cruise on a back country road with the windows down, so when the sun finally came out this past weekend, we couldn’t pile into the Jeep fast enough. This time, we headed south. And while we travel the Northway between Glens Falls and Albany frequently, it’s rare that we venture off the beaten path once we get to the Albany area. So, we were excited to partner with Discover Albany to explore some of the hilltowns west of the city of Albany, especially since it just so happens there’s one town in particular that we’ve got heartstrings attached to…

Turns out, a love for small towns runs in the family. Tom’s great-grandfather, Dr. Thomas Ordway, was the Dean of Albany Medical College from 1915-1937. During that time, his friend and colleague Edmund Niles Huyck introduced him to the beauty that was Rensselaerville, New York. Dr. Ordway purchased a farmhouse on Pond Hill Road as a vacation home away from the hospital in Albany, which the family enjoyed for years to come. I’ve always loved hearing stories about Rensselaerville from Tom’s mother and his Grandma Jane, and it was clear from our first visit that it’s a truly special place.

So, history lesson aside, we’re excited to share some stops from our most recent day trip with you! Off we go!

EAT + DRINK

Breakfast, Lunch, + Sweets | Kuhar Family Farm Café: The sweetest people and the best food, this is the place to grab brunch in town on Saturday morning. It’s also the only place, but even if it wasn’t, we’d still be here ;) Tom ran in to grab us a couple of breakfast sandwiches (egg and cheese, loaded up with veggies on a perfectly toasted brioche bun) while I stayed back with the pups, and when I looked at the photos he snapped later, I couldn’t believe he hadn’t grabbed one of those pastries on the counter! Next time, for sure (ahem, right Tom?!). They’re open for dinner on Wednesday evenings and brunch on Saturdays, so if you go, be sure to plan your visit around their schedule if you’d like to grab a bite. And if you’re there for dinner, get the chickpea and spinach fritters - so good!

Post-Hike Drinks | Helderberg Brewery Taproom: Conveniently located right next to the Kuhar Café, this was the perfect spot to grab drinks after our hike (and bonus - they’re dog friendly!). We loved the vintage chairs out on the porch, where we sat sipping our drinks and enjoying the breeze up on the hill. The farm brewery is operated by the Carey Institute as part of their Sustainable Communities program with over 90% of their hops and grain coming from local farms. And, if you’re not into craft beer, they also have New York State wines and ciders (Nine Pin for me, please!).

SEE + DO

Hike | The Huyck Preserve: The big draw for us on that sunny Saturday was the Huyck Preserve, a gorgeously maintained nature preserve with over 12 miles of trails, which meander through forests, fields, wetlands, and around beautiful Lake Myosotis. The gem of the Preserve is Rensselaerville Falls - a 120 foot waterfall - and that was the trail we picked for the day, along with a portion of the Lake Myosotis Trail.

It’s been a while since we’ve taken the dogs on a hike, and the Lake Myosotis Trail was especially great for our (dare I say - senior?!) boys. With just the sounds of the birds and the waterfalls beyond, it was the perfect peaceful afternoon away from it all.

Next time, we’re looking forward to checking out the Ordway Trail, which runs behind Tom’s great-grandparents’ old farmhouse on Pond Hill Road and connects with the Race Track, which his great-grandfather built behind their house for the locals to enjoy horse races.

Picnic | Lake Myosotis: The picnic tables and rustic wooden benches lining the east side of Lake Myosotis were the ideal spot for us to finally dive into those sandwiches from Kuhar Café. The lake was quiet, aside from one couple gliding along the shoreline in their canoe. The lake allows non-motorized boats only, which we love, and we made a mental note to bring our canoe down with us when we return.

See | Carey Institute for Global Good: We were lucky to get a tour of this beautiful and historic country estate, which is now a multi-faceted creative institute housing the Logan Nonfiction Program for writers and filmmakers, the Sustainable Communities Program, the Center for Learning in Practice, an Art and Music Program, and a meeting and retreat center. They host a variety of events throughout the year (like this Historic Walking Tour and this Pub Crawl), as well as hosting featured artists monthly in their Guggenheim Gallery.

Browse | Rensselaerville Library: There’s just something special about a small town library, and this one was particularly charming (just look at that exterior!). We couldn’t resist popping in to browse, and were immediately drawn to the sitting room on the second floor and a sweet vintage yellow sofa overlooking the back lawn, which slopes down to the creek below. Perfect place to curl up with a book for the afternoon.

Tour | Rensselaerville Historical Society: Housed in the old red grist mill on Main Street, it was so neat to take a peek at how the Grist Mill would have run back in the day. That, and we loved the old signage displayed on the walls.

Stroll | Historic Main Street: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hamlet of Rensselaerville is filled with historic homes and beautiful architecture. While you can easily drive through, getting out of the car gave us a completely different perspective, and we loved seeing the details of the old homes up close (especially the old door knockers, carriage houses and gardens!).

SHOP

Art | Way Out Gallery: Just across the street from The Historical Society, it was fun to pop in to see some work from local artists (like this exhibit - Photographs and Schrapnel!).

Antiques | Chipped, Tarnished & Torn, South Westerlo: We couldn’t let the day go by without finding ourselves an antique shop, and we were so happy to stumble upon this one on our way home. I was, of course, drawn to this wall of blue and white, and we were excited to find out that he has a barn sale across the street most every weekend during the summer! We’ll be back for that, without a doubt.

Until next time, Rensselaerville! We’ll see you again sooner than later. And if you’ve visited any of the hilltowns, outside Albany, we’d love to hear your suggestions for next trip!

*This post is in partnership with our friends at Discover Albany. We were so thrilled for the opportunity to share a place that is near and dear to our hearts with you!

In the Mail: Father's Day

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been finding myself wanting to spend a little less time on my phone the past few months, and missing those old fashioned ways of letting someone know you’re thinking of them. What better way than sending an adorable card (and supporting a small business while you’re at it!). And so, this series was born in hopes you’ll join me in brightening up a mailbox or two instead of sending that text or DM.

First up - Father’s Day! Truth be told, I usually just end up writing my dad a yellow note for Father’s Day (this will make more sense if you read this post!), but I couldn’t resist rounding up some favorites for you to give or send this month, and hey, maybe pair with one of our address stamps to send it or as a gift! Here goes…

There you have it, folks! Happiest Father’s Day to all the dads, dads-to-be, hoping someday dads, and all the special guys in between. Cheers!

Spring in Dorset, Vermont

Since the sun actually came out this past weekend, we decided to take a ride over to Dorset - one of our very favorite Vermont towns (no surprise there if you’ve been following along for a while!). We have our favorite stops when we’re in town (we’re looking at you, JK Adams!), and we were also itching to see something new this trip. That’s when I remembered a recommendation I’d heard a few years back - Merck Forest and Farmland Center. And folks, I think we have our new favorite Dorset area day trip itinerary. Read on for some favorites, in partnership with JK Adams!

The Kitchen Store at JK Adams | We can’t pass through Dorset without stopping at JK Adams. You might remember me singing their praises on our apple picking trip last fall, but we were excited to stop in this trip with a different shopping list - picnic supplies! As you might’ve read in my Earth Day Instagram post, we’re trying to cut back significantly on single use products, so paper plates and plastic cups were definitely out. Thankfully, JK Adams had the perfect products to fit the bill, and bonus - we’ll be using them for a long time to come (in fact, maybe we should just keep most of them in a picnic basket in the Wagoneer for next trip!).

And, not only did they have the wares for our picnic, we couldn’t resist grabbing a bag-full of foodstuff here as well - from Shelburne Farms cheeses to artisan crackers and the most delicious dipping sauces and jams - they pretty much have it all!

Dorset Union Store | We couldn’t not stop at another of our favorites, Dorset Union Store, for the last few picnic essentials. Namely, their Ginger Molasses cookies. Four to be exact - and we may or may not have been down to three when we arrived at Merck Forest. We also picked up a couple of their sandwiches - the best - and hurried out of the store before we could be tempted by any more baked goods. Next time, we’re getting that cinnamon roll. And the berry pie. And the blueberry muffins. You get the idea.

Merck Forest and Farmland Center | The view as we drove up the hill on the approach to the Visitor’s Center was worth the trip alone, and we couldn’t believe what was waiting for us inside. A quick walk down Old Town Road revealed the gorgeous farm, and of course more of that amazing view. We immediately grabbed a picnic table overlooking Harwood Barn and the sheep and chickens below, and had a little snack before we set out on our walk. The Mini Maple Bar Board and Opinel No.8 Pocket Knife from JK Adams were the perfect size to carry in my tote, and made slicing up our apples an easy task. Pretty sure we’ll be taking this little cutting board on all of our hikes from now on, too, since Tom always makes me nervous trying to cut up our apples while he’s holding them in his hand - yikes!

As per usual, I couldn’t tear myself away from the animals (sweet little lambs!) so we didn’t get very far. We mainly strolled Old Town Road and down to Page Pond (and quick note: many trails are closed until Memorial Day due to mud season, so check the map here). We were thrilled to find out that they also have rustic cabins you can reserve as well as camping, and we can’t wait to come back again to explore the rest of the property. Also, we hear Meet the Lambs Day is coming up on May 18, and we may just need to go back for that!

Tailgate | After a couple hours on the farm, our snacks beckoned us back to the Wagoneer. We found a little spot to pull over, pop down the tailgate, set up our old rickety chairs, and partake in a picnic with a view. We are not fancy food people by any means, so we typically just grab whatever looks good, and pile it onto our serving boards. Here’s what was on the menu (and the perfect pieces from JK Adams to serve it on or in!):

- Veggies and hummus, brought from home stored in Kilner jars

- Crackers, cheese, fruit and dip, served on the Large Artisan Board (which, by the way, you can personalize - and they have so many great options!)

- Egg Salad Sandwiches from Dorset Union Store, served on the prettiest enamelware plates from JK Adams

- Ginger Molasses Cookies, served on the Round Artisan Board from JK Adams

- Bee’s Wrap for the leftovers, a great eco-friendly swap for plastic wrap!

- Water, which stayed cold in this Wagoneer inspired Corkcicle Canteen.

- Gingham Tablecloth, which doubled as a blanket on this windy day!

- And a little light reading - we had to pick up this adorable book The Picnic at JK Adams - so much inspiration for our next picnic!

I have to say, using the JK Adams serving boards and plates definitely made our picnic feel a little more put together, and even made our simple picnic fare feel just a bit fancy. The setting and this beautiful view didn’t hurt either, and we’re happy to be doing our small part for this pretty planet with our reusable picnic wares in place of single use products.

Until next time, Vermont!

Shop the post and other JK Adams favorites here!

This post was in partnership with our friends at JK Adams, a brand whose products we regularly use and love. All opinions expressed are my own.

Exploring Washington County, NY - Antiques Edition

We’ve spent many an afternoon cruising along the backroads of Washington County in the Wagoneer. With rolling hills, old barns, covered bridges, and beautiful views, it’s easy to see why we keep coming back. There’s something about small towns that we love, and Washington County just has an extra special combination of charming Main Streets, hardworking farms and the nicest people (we know that even better based on the number of people who stop to help when we’re broken down out there in the Wagoneer!).

We’re so excited to partner with our friends at Washington County Tourism to share more about this beautiful area that’s both close to our home and close to our hearts. And what better way to kick it off than with one of our favorite activities - antiquing! Read on for six antique shops to visit in Washington County (we’re just scratching the surface here - there are so many more!), AND once you’re done reading, you can watch all of our antiquing adventures unfold in our first video at the end of the post!

Fort Ann Antiques | Whitehall, NY

We’ve driven by here hundreds of times on our way into Vermont and out to Maine, and each time we promise that we’ll stop on our way home (which, of course, never happens since we’re always so eager to see the pups!). Anyway, we were so excited to finally make Fort Ann Antiques the destination for once, and after our experience it looks like we’ll be doing that much more often (in fact, we’ve gone twice in the last month!).

With a little bit of everything, it’s easy to spend hours here (which, by the way, we did). One of the best parts of antiquing, in my opinion, is the anticipation of what gems might be hiding around the next corner - and here that just went on and on! Some favorites: a great selection of old wooden soda crates, a vintage pie basket that I may need to go back for, a stoneware water cooler that I also may need to scoop up, vintage paint by numbers and oil paintings, and… I could go on. We left with an armful of treasures and can’t wait to go back in a month or two to see what’s new.

While you’re in town: grab coffee and a blueberry scone at Historic Grounds, a - you guessed it - historic 1906 brick building converted into a charming coffee house.

The Village Booksmith | Hudson Falls, NY

A gem hidden right before our eyes on Route 4 in Hudson Falls, we were so happy to stumble upon The Village Booksmith. We love looking to old books for inspiration, and there are shelves upon shelves to flip through here. Ranging from recent “vintage” like Goosebumps (anyone else grow up reading them?!) to antiques, this was another place we could’ve spent all afternoon...which was a fairly common theme this trip!

I’m always on the hunt for a great read, but I’m also always on the hunt for great books to add as decor around the house. Titles like “Adventures to Come” will always have a place on our bookshelves. We left with “Vacationland USA” in hand (a 1970’s guide to road trips and adventures), and a plan to return soon when we have a couple more hours to spare.

While you’re in town: check out the newly opened Hudson River Brewhouse for coffee or beers, and if you’re hungry for dinner, hop over to Forged!

Greenwich Hardware Antiques | Greenwich, NY

A favorite of ours, we’ve visited many times before - how could we not with that charming stained glass sign calling us in off of Main Street? Once a hardware store, we love popping in to peruse their two floors of antiques, along with the barn out back.

They have a great mix of more formal antiques along with country pieces, vintage signage, and furniture. A stand out about this shop are the tags hanging from the items - thoughtfully handwritten, you’ll find the history of the item, what it might have been used for, and where it came from. One of the best parts of antiquing is the history and stories, and we love being able to find out more - whether it was picked from an old barn, or came from a farmhouse outside of town - the stories behind the items make them all the more special.

While you’re in town: stop in for a brewski at Argyle Brewing Co., or head to Greenwich Village Cafe or Lynn’s Country Cafe for some lunch.  

Cambridge Antiques Center | Cambridge, NY

With a little bit of everything spanning 2 floors, Cambridge Antiques is another place you could easily spend an afternoon. Some of my favorites are always waiting on the landing at the top of the stairs - vintage signage, rustic wooden trunks, and a bit of blue-and-white chinoiserie. This is another place with a great mix of formal and country / rustic, and a fantastic selection of lighting (perfect for anyone restoring an old home!). Oh! And the vintage rugs - I was bending down to look at one around every turn.

We loved talking with the owner about where some of his pieces had come from and subsequently, the homes or buildings to which they’ve gone. After spending a few hours in antique shops like this one, it’s easy to see that we’d be just as happy (and hey, so would the environment!) if we filled our house with previously loved things instead of buying all new.

Hubbard Block Antiques | Cambridge, NY

Just down the street in Cambridge, Hubbard Block is a smaller shop with a lot of heart. It’s always so great chatting with the owners of shops in these small towns, and this one was no exception. We loved being pointed in the direction of some of her favorites, and we’re always smitten with a good Christmas room (Hubbard Block has a great one!).

Tom’s clear winner here were the old magazines and license plates (which I basically had to drag him away from), and there’s a decent chance I’ll be heading back to scoop up a pretty Delft Blue planter that I had my eye on!

While you’re in town: grab a cookie or three at Round House Bakery Cafe (highly recommend the ginger spice cookie..okay, and the maple cookie!), and check out what’s playing at historic Hubbard Hall.

Eagle Bridge Antique Center | Eagle Bridge, NY

Quite possibly the largest shop we visited this trip, this was definitely a place with a surprise around every corner. When I say there was a little bit of everything, I mean it! Vintage board games, pull-down classroom maps, Hess trucks (Tom’s favorite), lots of blue and white jars and vases (I needed a cart), vintage picnic baskets, old frames, you name it.

Everything seemed to bring up a memory from our childhood - whether it was a toy we played with or finding something that one of our grandparents had at their house when we were growing up. That’s the great thing about shopping for antiques - so much nostalgia. We left with as much as we could carry, and they’ll be seeing more of us in the future for sure!

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We’re excited to have worked with Cornell Digital and 8 of Eight Strategies to bring our antiquing adventure to life through video! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (just kidding), and you’ll roll your eyes along with me at everything Tom wants to buy ;) But most importantly, we’re hoping you’ll be inspired to plan a little day trip to beautiful Washington County, a place that’s near and dear to our hearts.

Until next time, Washington County!

*This post was in partnership with our friends at Washington County NY Tourism, a place we’ve visited and loved for as long as we can remember. You’ll see the Wagoneer winding along the backroads here frequently, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share some of our favorite places in the county with you. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support The Yellow Note.

24 Hours in the Southern Adirondacks

In partnership with our friends at Warren County Tourism and VisitLakeGeorge.com

With winter winding down (…maybe?), we’ve been itching to get away to soak in the last of this snowy season. One of the best parts of living in Glens Falls is the proximity to places that feel a world away, but in reality are a quick drive from home. Case in point: the southern Adirondacks of Warren County.

Within 40 minutes, we found ourselves winding through the mountains, between lakes and along the Hudson River. We were excited to be reminded how much the western portion of the county has to offer, especially in the winter. While Gore Mountain is a major draw, relaxation (okay, and eating) was the name of our game, and we’re looking forward to sharing some of our favorites from the North Creek / Chestertown / Warrensburg area with you!

STAY

The Fern Lodge | On Friends Lake in Chestertown | Fern Lodge is one of those places that instantly feels like home (Shadow, the sweet yellow lab as the lead member of the welcoming committee sure helped!). We entered to a roaring fire in the stone fireplace of the great room, a snowy lake view out the back windows, and the cheerful welcome of the owners, Sharon and Greg (and their adorable labs, Shadow and Noche!).

The lodge has just five rooms (each with their own fireplace), which makes it the perfect place for a quiet getaway, or the perfect place to enjoy some wine and conversation with other couples! We opted for a bit of both and ended up having the very best time.

It felt a bit like we’d rented our very own Adirondack camp for the weekend (and like we’d won the vintage rug lottery - couldn’t get over the amazing collection throughout!). Each room is completely different, and though I hate to play favorites, check out the amazing bed in the Pine room!

We both left feeling like we’d gotten away for a week, despite just staying one night. We can’t wait to go back to experience the property in the summer, with a glass of wine in the Adirondack chairs overlooking Friends Lake below. Oh, and how could I forget - a ride in their boat!

EAT + DRINK

Breakfast | The Fern Lodge | It doesn’t get much better than a delicious breakfast just steps from a cozy fire, with two pups underfoot (the comforts of home!). The smells of coffee and the crackle of the fire lured us downstairs, and we were spoiled with fresh fruit and yogurt, French toast with local maple syrup, and an amazing egg strata. All while sweet Shadow weaved his way around the table, trying to figure out who was the likeliest of the bunch to drop a bit of bacon :)

Coffee + Pastry | Cafe Sarah | North Creek | The first sign that caught our eye on our drive into North Creek, Cafe Sarah was just as cute inside as it is outside. The perfect spot to pop into for a coffee, and once at the counter, we couldn’t pass up a maple glazed cinnamon roll. SO good. Everyone deserves a second breakfast on vacation, right?

Lunch | Main Street Ice Cream Parlor | Chestertown | A must! Our first time here was this past fall, and their breakfast was so good that I contemplated hanging around until lunch ;) Needless to say, we were excited to come back for sandwiches (and just to spend some more time in this amazing space - it’s straight out of the pages of Country Living Magazine!). We both ordered the grilled cheese, which was perfect with their addition of red onions and tomatoes. We didn’t have room left for dessert, but that gives us an excuse to come back again soon!

Sweets | Izzy’s Market & Deli | North Creek | We love a good old fashioned country store, and Izzy’s gave us all of those warm and fuzzy vibes as soon as we walked in. From the old tin ceilings to the beadboard walls and creaky wood floor, it’s everything you’d want in a small town store. It looked like the perfect spot for a coffee or a sandwich, but we made a bee-line for the chocolate chip cookies on the counter (which, by the way, were amazing. And huge!).

More Sweets | Barkeater Chocolates | North Creek | Since we can never get enough sweets, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to swing into one of our favorites - Barkeater Chocolates. Tom loves their Sea Salt chocolate bars, and after trying a few free samples of the Black Bear bar - we had to pick up a couple (made with black raspberry and black pepper - so unexpected and so good!).

Dinner + Drinks | barVino | North Creek | The place to go for dinner in North Creek, we had heard so many great things about barVino and couldn’t wait to try it. A beautiful space, with a fireplace and tables on one side and a lively bar on the other. We lucked out with a spot at the bar and enjoyed the perfect dinner of small plates and wine. Our favorites: the deviled eggs (amongst the best we’ve ever had!) and the deep fried Brussels sprouts (…and the frites..and the hummus..oh! And the bread!). Can’t wait to go back again soon (and we’ll snap some photos next time - it’s easy to forget about photos with five plates of delicious food in front of us)!

DO

Snowshoe | Since I don’t ski (I know, I know), snowshoeing has always been my winter sport of choice. We were so happy to learn that we could just slip on our snowshoes (Fern Lodge has some you can borrow if you don’t have your own), and snowshoe off the beach onto the frozen lake below the Lodge. We lucked out with a gorgeous sunset, and as beautiful as it was in the snow, we couldn’t help chatting about how pretty it must be here in the warmer months as well. And what could be better than catching a glimpse of the smoke coming out of the chimney at the Lodge as we made our way back, and knowing a fire and a glass of wine were waiting for us?!

On our list for next time: ski lessons at Gore Mountain, just about 25 minutes away from Fern Lodge!

SHOP

Deadwood Mountain Trading Company | Warrensburg | Is there anything better than a Bernese Mountain Dog as a shop greeter? Sweet Leica (named after the camera!) the pup met us at the door at Deadwood Mountain Trading, and she was as beautiful as the goodies in the shop! Stocked with gorgeous pieces from local artists, this is definitely worth the stop if you’re in or around Warrensburg!

Riverside Gallery | Warrensburg | We spotted this beautiful old building as we headed north to Friends Lake and had to turn around so that we could pop in. They offer traditional framing services (which is great, because we have a pile of maps and prints to be framed!), as well as a room dedicated to items from local artists (loved the hooked wool pillows!). We’ll be back - pile of prints in tow ;)

The Foothills | North Creek | One peek in the windows and we knew this shop would be a gem. A perfectly curated mix of new and vintage, and one of those places where each time we walked towards the door to leave, something else caught our eye. Loved those red galvanized trays (and the stools underneath!).

Hudson River Trading Company | North Creek | Housed in a restored 1898 building (with the original horse stable in the basement!), Hudson River Trading is chock full of quintessential Adirondack home goods and clothing. Stocked with favorites like Hudson Bay, Woolrich, and Pendleton, they also had plenty of vintage pieces (like those snowshoes!), and basically everything you’d need for the Adirondack camp of your dreams.

Panther Mountain Traders | Chestertown | If you thought the log cabin exterior was beautiful, wait until you see the beautifully curated collection inside Panther Mountain Traders. We love the vintage inspired pennants, and wanted to take home pretty much everything you see on that table below (those wooden bowls, in particular!). Just down the road from Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, this is the perfect place to shop off some calories from lunch!

Can’t wait to re-trace our steps again this spring and summer to see the area in a new light. Have any North Creek / Chestertown / Warrensburg favorites? We’d love to hear!

*This post is in partnership with our friends at Warren County Tourism and VisitLakeGeorge.com, a destination close to our hearts and just outside our door. Thank you to The Fern Lodge for welcoming us as their guests. We’re always thrilled to discover these nearby gems. After immediately recommending this trip to family and friends, we’re thrilled to pass along the tips to you! Thanks for supporting the businesses that support The Yellow Note.

Of Note | January

Well, that’s a wrap on January, and I can’t help but be excited that we only have 42 days until spring. It’s not that I’m not a winter person, but I’m so much more a rest of the year person.  

January was all about both Tom and I catching colds, getting over colds, and just being cold in general ;) You know it’s bad when the dogs don’t even want to go for a walk, and we’ve happily obliged. That said, we’re all starting to get a bit of cabin fever, so we’re spending our time by the fire dreaming up some winter adventures to get us out of the house lots more in February.

Here were some of our favorites in January:

Favorite Road Trip | We finally got the Wagoneer back on the road this month (back on the road without spewing a black cloud of smoke behind us, that is), and took our first day trip out of town over to Manchester and Dorset. A few covered bridges, quick stroll by the pond, a general store, and a giant chocolate chip cookie for the ride home. Always a day well spent. Here are some of our top picks from the Manchester area, if you’re headed that way!

Favorite Moment | Starting off the year with a new business partner! Tom joined the business full time late last year, and I could not be more excited. He’s been helping behind the scenes for so long and I’m so happy to have extra hands on deck to be able to take on some new projects (let us know if we can help you!), and we’re also working on a little something special for our own hometown (sneak a peek at what we’re up to with that here).

Favorite Thing | This plaid bag! Not only is it the cutest weekender for winter (or anytime, really), but it’s made of a water resistant nylon canvas - which just so happens to make it also DOG HAIR RESISTANT! A serious life saver when you have two big yellow boys that shed like mad men. They’re sold out in the red/black I have but I love this one just as much. Or this one. Anyway, bringing this on all of our road trips this season for sure. And speaking of dog hair, now taking suggestions for a new favorite vacuum ;)

Favorite Book | One of my goals in January was to read ONE book. Just one! No such luck (insert face palm emoji here), but this book is sitting at the ready on my nightstand and I can’t wait to dive in.

Favorite Seconds | I’m keeping my word from this post and sharing some of our seconds from our One Second Everyday project with you here. It didn’t take long to get back in the habit and I’m so happy to have these little moments documented again, no matter how ordinary.

Happy February!

The Story Behind The Yellow Note

“So…The Yellow Note. You mean like a post-it?” The conversation inevitably goes there when I introduce myself and business. I figure most people must envision those yellow sticky notes, haphazardly stuck above an office desk, and piling up in the trash can once the task written on it has been completed.

But, the yellow notes I’m referring to are worth keeping. In fact, I’ve got a shoebox full of them that I’ve been collecting since before I could read.

I started my business back in 2013, after a few degrees and a career in social work left me longing for a creative outlet. Deciding to start my own thing was easy, but what held me back was deciding on a name. Back then, I was starting an Etsy shop and selling stationery and custom address stamps. I wanted something catchy and cute, but turns out, so did everyone else. The domains of most of the names I thought of were taken, and when something wasn’t, I just couldn’t commit to it. There was no connection there.

And I wasn’t just looking for connection to a business name. I wanted the shop (and now, creative studio) to actually provide connection for others, be it through a handwritten note that they addressed using one of our address stamps, or now, through our photography and Instagram, a connection to a place they used to know or longed to visit made through a photo we’ve taken. A connection to one another, to the simpler things, the little things, the everyday moments. In a world where we can connect all day via iPhones and Instagram, I longed for sweet and simple connections made the old fashioned way.

Like coming downstairs in the morning as a kid, after my dad had left for work, and finding a note on the table, just for me.

“Can’t believe it’s your last day of kindergarten - feels like only yesterday that I watched you get on the bus for the first time.”

“You’ve worked so hard studying for this test. You’ll do great!”.

“Good luck in your game today - I’ll be there right when I get out of work!”.

“I’m so proud of you.”

And there it was. The notes my dad has been writing for me since I was little. Most of them written on yellow note paper. Connections made, the old fashioned way. Moments captured via yellow note. A shoebox full of nostalgia. Simpler times. Happy moments. Words of encouragement and love.

Just like the yellow note delivery has changed over the years (my dad hand writes the notes and texts me a picture of them, and delivers a hard copy later :), The Yellow Note as a business has evolved as well, from stationery to photography and creative consulting. But, the meaning and purpose of a yellow note will always remain - connection - and one of my favorite parts is connecting with all of you. So, thank you. It means so much to have you along for the ride.

And thanks for all the notes, Dad. Love you!

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P.S. - After a bit of a hiatus, we re-opened The Yellow Note online shop. So excited to get back into creating address stamps for you to send your own “yellow notes”, and even more excited to launch some new products to help you send more letters very soon. Pop in here, if you’re so inclined :)