New scenery

Over the summer, I had the chance to go home for about a week in August.  The summer is the best time to visit.  The North Country really does have some great scenery, and it's even better to see by boat.  Ashley and Jeff took me out for a spin in their fishing boat.  I'd like to say I caught a bunch of fish, but that would be far from the truth.  Let's just say I'm still working on that skill lol.  We had a great time "trying" to catch fish and got to see a beautiful sunset on the river.

A Taste of Home

My hometown in Upstate NY is known for its quiet, country lifestyle, but a new trend is putting the place on the map.  Wineries are popping up all around.  The Finger Lakes area has capitalized on this fad for the last 5 years or so and now vineyards are opening further north.  While I was home in August my family decided to take a local wine tour, and I must say, the Northcountry is churning out some great wine.

 We hit four wineries: 1000 Islands, Coyote Moon, Otter Creek and Yellow Barn.  Each one had their own unique line of wines.

 The 1000 Islands Winery was build on farmland that dates back to 1836.  The winery opened in 2003, with about 1300 gallons bottled the first year.  Now they are making more than 30,000 gallons each year and have gone from hand bottling to machines.

 Jeff, Me, Ashley and Mom at 1000 Islands Winery.

 We discovered "wine slushies" while on our tour.  Think of them as an alcoholic slurpie - they're great!


We snapped a few pictures in the vineyard and hit the next stop. 

 The other three wineries are a little smaller, still getting their start.  They are generating quite a buzz in our area though, and hopefully will become "hot spots" for people to visit while passing through our town.