If you’ve lived in the Albany area for any length of time, I’m certain you’ve heard it described as being in the “perfect location to get somewhere else.” Sometimes, that unnamed place is at a distance – think NYC, Boston or Montreal. Often, however, getting to a place that provides a fresh vista that charms, inspires or satiates, is a feat achieved with a much less time consuming trek.
As the final carefree summer weekends arrived at an alarming pace, I hit the road, with my guy, friends and solo, to soak in the last of Summer 2022. Here are a couple of favorite places, all of which are located in either Albany, Berkshire or Columbia County.
Have you been to Albany’s Argus Hotel yet? If you’re looking for a well mixed cocktail in a timelessly beautiful space, this just might become your favorite spot in town. Located in a meticulously restored building on Thurlow Terrace, the Argus offers views of Washington Park, outdoor seating in warm weather and cozy couches, nestled in front of a fireplace, for winter hangs. And, for those who allow the availability of parking to dictate their destination – there is a sizable lot for guests.
Also in Albany, you’ll find Restaurant 605, located in the space across from St. Peter’s on New Scotland Avenue which for many years housed Andy’s. The place has cleaned up nicely and, if our Friday evening visit to the bar for a bite to eat was an indicator, seems to have found a receptive clientele for the “globally flavored” cuisine which they’re featuring. We opted for burgers – a double smash beef burger for him and a turkey burger for me. Both were well prepared, nicely seasoned and perfectly messy to eat as we watched Albany’s favorite former mayor greet his subjects friends and fans. The service we received at the bar was exceptional for these days – prompt, polite, and professional. We’ll be back.
Lennox, MA has been a favorite Sunday kind of place for me for quite a number of years. The drive there is scenic in every season and the quaint town offers a variety of restaurants and inviting shops. Brava has been my go-to joint since I discovered it but, when we were in town a couple of Sundays ago, it seems to now be closed on the day when we’re most inclined to get over that way. Fortunately, we lucked out and scored a couple of seats at the bar at Alta. While this lovely wine bar was new to us, it has been in business since 2008, a fact that is clearly displayed in the level of competence and service we encountered during our meal. Everything we ate featured in season, local ingredients prepared and presented with attention to detail. Our early dinner was so good, in fact, that no photos were taken of our food, beyond the single snap I got of our dessert. PS – it was fantastic.
If you’re not hungry for a meal, I highly suggest you drop in at Nejaime’s Wine Cellars to peruse their wine selection, as well as their perfect for a picnic food offerings. I’m sure they do a killing on summer afternoons when something is on at Tanglewood with their featured prepared picnics to go and well priced wine selection. We were very happy with our nosh of a French triple créme cheese, loaf of ciabatta and split of Gruet. A bit indulgent, yes, but if I listen to my cynical sons, it seems the world is ending anyway. May as well eat the damn cheese.
Columbia County has become a favorite destination on drives without direction, if that makes sense. It’s just so pretty down that way with rolling hills and country roads all seeming to lead to tasty places to eat. Like the Aviary in Kinderhook’s historic Knitting Mill property. This expansive compound of sorts boasts a collection of well curated stores including Morningbird, The Kinderhook Bottle Shop, OK Pantry, 2 Note Hudson, Damsel Garden and September Gallery. Seriously? It’s kind of the ideal one stop shopping and dining location, all reachable in less than 30 minutes from Albany, by car. Feeling up for a bike ride? The Empire Trail will take you there, too, with a bit more time invested. Morning people: get an early start on Sunday and enjoy brunch which is served at Morningbird.
Open since mid-July, the Aviary offers a wonderfully satisfying dining experience with the promise of even more culinary delights to come. The space is a beautiful work in progress featuring a stunning mural in the lounge and a combined bar area/dining room with lofty ceilings and gorgeous walls mimicking traditional plaster. The work of Darren Waterston, an accomplished artist and one of the property’s owners, makes for a treat for the eye, while Chef Hannah Wong’s Asian influenced cuisine delights one’s taste buds. This place is special.
I’ve eaten here twice so far and both times was struck by the freshness of the ingredients along with Wong’s deft hand with seasoning and spice. Since I generally prefer to eat at the bar when dining solo, and can get overwhelmed by too many options when it comes to dining, I’ve availed myself of the 3-course tasting menu to simplify my meal decision. I’ve not been disappointed – and I’m already looking forward to a return visit later this month.
You’ll also find The Bartlett House in Columbia County – and you’re probably going to want to do exactly that. Get there early for delectable pastry, midday for lunch or later in the afternoon for their South American Asado on the lawn which offers wood fired flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and seasonal vegetables all grilled to order. We made it there twice this month, so far, and have been over the moon with every bite. Consider going for an early lunch and preordering some pastry (to guarantee availability) to bring home for the next morning. You won’t be sorry.
As summer winds down, and autumn steps to the plate for her turn to show off, there’s no better time to hit the road for a drive or the streets for a leisurely walk. We live in a beautiful and tasty area – get out there and enjoy it. Please share your favorites with a comment. I’m always up for trying someplace new.
