Remote in Albany: First Weekend
I may be sweating, but this was a great mirror!
This weekend was a good weekend to finally be able to go outside. With quarantine over, there was no excuse to have a completely quiet few days off. The sun was out and no clouds whatsoever. So naturally, Saturday was a good day to shop. After two weeks of plotting where to go, eat, drink, and just be pandemic social I chose to have a long morning in bed, making a hearty breakfast and watch Netflix. A casual way to ease into the summer shopping day as it starts to warm up.
I met up with my mom and aunt to explore Albany’s Historic Preservation Warehouse first. It may not have air conditioning inside, but the place had all sorts of treasures from historical housing in the area. It was an HGTV dream come true. Doors, handles, lights, clawfoot tubs, shutters, desks - honestly anything and everything that was taken to the preservation society while a house was being restored, renovated, or had to make way for new development. We explored with families, contractors, and individuals looking to find pieces for their projects. I would 10/10 recommend anyone looking to add some character to their space to go here! While my family cooked up some ideas for their house, I could not justify bringing in a desk or clawfoot tub into my apartment. You bet I secretly wanted to though. If I didn’t have stairs, I would’ve done it!
Next stop, Fort Orange General Store. Smack dab across the street from SUNY Albany (truly a stunning building- google it) this general store is likened to Rose Apothecary from Schitt’s Creek. Whoever said that was not wrong. White walls, flooded with natural light and filled homey candles, soaps, cards, you name it, I was happy to find sandalwood home spray, tea, and some cards for upcoming birthdays. I was in heaven! I’ll 100% be going back there soon. Next time, candles! You can never have too many candles.
Lastly, it wouldn’t be a complete afternoon without some lunch and drinks to beat the heat. Luckily, we found a place right next store to Fort Orange that had strong cocktails, good food, and a very nice bartender who sold me a painting that I liked! This lovely place is called Loch & Quay.
After lunch, we called it a day! I went home to take a much-deserved nap then got ready to take myself out on a date to Dove + Deer. Located on Dove St, this restaurant used to be a place where my family would gather for big events like my christening reception. No longer under the same owners, D + D is now owned by an old school Albany family whose history is rooted in Italian food! Yeah, you can take over ownership for Italian food. Boy, they did a great job with the interiors. I don’t think I’ve ever admired lighting so much as I did in there. I was close to asking where they got their fixtures from. It was that serious. The menu I chose for the night consisted of Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, Riccotta Gnocchi, Carrot Cake and all washed down with a drink they dubbed The Grocer. Please copy me if you ever visit! A delicious meal and great staff! It was a truly lovely way to end my first day out and about.
To wrap up the weekend, I had brunch in Rotterdam with my uncle and his family Sunday morning. Nothing like a waffle and a mimosa to catch up with good people. My kid cousin even got the live music singer to play Yellow Submarine. Not a bad way to start a morning at all! After brunch, it was all about going through old family photos- a favorite past time of mine. I found some gems too! After a quick walk around the block to see the neighborhood they lived in, I left to spend the rest of the day lounging in bed and eating my Dove + Deer leftovers while FaceTiming some close friends.
An active and chill weekend rolled into one. Isn’t that the perfect combination for any weekend?
Cheers to happy Monday everyone,
Kristen
