Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Check out Curious Kid's Day, presented by Western New York Family Magazine at the Buffalo Museum of Science. The event takes place Saturday March 26 from 10am to 3pm, with all sorts of activities revelving around the museum's current exhibit, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibit."
Activities are free with museum admission, although there is an additional $2 charge to enter the actual Chronicles of Narnia exhibit, which is by timed ticket.
Read the article about this event in the March issue of Western New York Family, which can be found free at Wegmans, public libraries, day care centers, peditricians offices, and many other locations. You can also sign up to read the publication online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Maple Syrup How Sweet it Is
Mmm... maple syrup, who doesn't like the sweet delicious taste of maple syrup? I'm talking about 100% pure maple syrup, not the 2% "pancake syrup" you usually see dominating the grocer's shelves. Not only does maple syrup taste good, it's actually fairly good for you. It's cholesterol free, and contains calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus.
Since New York's official state tree is the Sugar Maple, it's not surprising that the state is second only to Vermont in producing maple syrup, which is a uniquely American food.
Maple sugaring history
According to the New York State Maple Producers Association, maple sugaring is a "centuries old North woods tradition." Native Americans were the first to tap maple trees and collect the sap to make maple sugar to use for cooking. The early settlers, who learned the maple sugaring process from the Native Americans, used maple sugar as their sole source of sweetening since it was too costly to import sugar.
How syrup is collected and processed
Making maple syrup is a very weather dependent activity. The warm days and cool nights of Spring cause the sap to run. There are only a few short weeks in the "sugaring off" season when conditions are right for collecting the sap.
Years ago trees were tapped using wooden or metal spiles and buckets. Today approximately 75% of New York State maple producers connect their trees with plastic tubing and the sap flows directly into collecting vats; which are then taken to the "sugaring house" to be transformed into syrup.
At the sugaring house the watery sap is boiled until the water evaporates and the result is pure maple syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup!
Learn about how syrup is made at Maple Weekend
The annual Maple Weekend is going to be taking place this weekend, March 19-20 and next weekend, March 26-27 at over 100 maple producers throughout New York State. sample syrup, visit the sugarbush and see how syrup is made, enjoy pancake breakfasts, purchase maple products, and take part in other fun activities. For more info visit www.mapleweekend.com
Check out this blog post about Maple Weekend by fellow local travel blogger Carol White Llewellyn, a.k.a. The Travel Maven http://travelmaven.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/5326
Since New York's official state tree is the Sugar Maple, it's not surprising that the state is second only to Vermont in producing maple syrup, which is a uniquely American food.
Maple sugaring history
According to the New York State Maple Producers Association, maple sugaring is a "centuries old North woods tradition." Native Americans were the first to tap maple trees and collect the sap to make maple sugar to use for cooking. The early settlers, who learned the maple sugaring process from the Native Americans, used maple sugar as their sole source of sweetening since it was too costly to import sugar.
How syrup is collected and processed
Making maple syrup is a very weather dependent activity. The warm days and cool nights of Spring cause the sap to run. There are only a few short weeks in the "sugaring off" season when conditions are right for collecting the sap.
Years ago trees were tapped using wooden or metal spiles and buckets. Today approximately 75% of New York State maple producers connect their trees with plastic tubing and the sap flows directly into collecting vats; which are then taken to the "sugaring house" to be transformed into syrup.
At the sugaring house the watery sap is boiled until the water evaporates and the result is pure maple syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup!
Learn about how syrup is made at Maple Weekend
The annual Maple Weekend is going to be taking place this weekend, March 19-20 and next weekend, March 26-27 at over 100 maple producers throughout New York State. sample syrup, visit the sugarbush and see how syrup is made, enjoy pancake breakfasts, purchase maple products, and take part in other fun activities. For more info visit www.mapleweekend.com
Check out this blog post about Maple Weekend by fellow local travel blogger Carol White Llewellyn, a.k.a. The Travel Maven http://travelmaven.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/5326
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Events happening this weekend
Here are just a few of the events happening this weekend in western New York.
St. Patrick's Day Beer Tasting at the Burchfield Penny Arts Center. Friday March 11 from 5:30-7:30
Get ready for St. Patrick's Day by sampling some beer. Featured beers include Flying Bison, Ithaca Beer Company, Heineken Light, New Castle and Don Equis. There will be live music by The LeftOvers. Tickets are $20 members, $25 non-members call 878-4529 for more info. Burchfield Penny Arts Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, www.burchfieldpenney.org
Who Bounced the Bouncer: a 1920's Speakeasy Mystery on the Niagara Wine Trail. March 11, 12, 13
If you prefer wine over beer, check out this month's special wine trail event along the Niagara Wine Trail. For this murder mystery weekend, participants will collect a clue at each winery, along with a sampling of their wine. Visit all 13 participating wineries and see if you can solve the mystery. Tickets are $20/person. see www.niagarawinetrail.org for details.
Buffalo Home and Garden Show, Buffalo Convention Center. March 11-13 If you're looking to do some home improvements this year, don't forget to check out the home show www.buffalohomeshow.com
Winter Carnival, Holiday Valley. Mark the end of another ski season at this annual event which takes place at Holiday Valley Ski Resort and throughout the village of Ellicottville. www.holidayvalley.com
St. Patrick's Day Beer Tasting at the Burchfield Penny Arts Center. Friday March 11 from 5:30-7:30
Get ready for St. Patrick's Day by sampling some beer. Featured beers include Flying Bison, Ithaca Beer Company, Heineken Light, New Castle and Don Equis. There will be live music by The LeftOvers. Tickets are $20 members, $25 non-members call 878-4529 for more info. Burchfield Penny Arts Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, www.burchfieldpenney.org
Who Bounced the Bouncer: a 1920's Speakeasy Mystery on the Niagara Wine Trail. March 11, 12, 13
If you prefer wine over beer, check out this month's special wine trail event along the Niagara Wine Trail. For this murder mystery weekend, participants will collect a clue at each winery, along with a sampling of their wine. Visit all 13 participating wineries and see if you can solve the mystery. Tickets are $20/person. see www.niagarawinetrail.org for details.
Buffalo Home and Garden Show, Buffalo Convention Center. March 11-13 If you're looking to do some home improvements this year, don't forget to check out the home show www.buffalohomeshow.com
Winter Carnival, Holiday Valley. Mark the end of another ski season at this annual event which takes place at Holiday Valley Ski Resort and throughout the village of Ellicottville. www.holidayvalley.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Great store for gamers
I know I usually post items that are more touristy, but I want to share with people information about a store that I discovered. My sons had a game system that wasn't working and I enquired at one of the national chain game stores about repairs. They said "Go to Oogie Games."
At Oogie Games, which is locally owned, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, they have a large selection of reasonably priced games and used systems, and they were able to fix our game system for a lot less than buying a new one.
My boys also had a Game Cube system that wasn't working, but they still had a lot of games for it sitting around. Oobie Games doesn't fix Game Cubes because you can buy a used system from them for $20! Now my youngest son can play the games his brothers played when they were younger....the games are new to him!
They have two locations, one on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda, the other on South Transit Road in Lockport. For more info see www.oogiegames.com
At Oogie Games, which is locally owned, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, they have a large selection of reasonably priced games and used systems, and they were able to fix our game system for a lot less than buying a new one.
My boys also had a Game Cube system that wasn't working, but they still had a lot of games for it sitting around. Oobie Games doesn't fix Game Cubes because you can buy a used system from them for $20! Now my youngest son can play the games his brothers played when they were younger....the games are new to him!
They have two locations, one on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda, the other on South Transit Road in Lockport. For more info see www.oogiegames.com
A wonderful lunch at Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery
Today is my dad's 95th birthday and I wanted to take him to lunch. We were looking for somewhere casual, affordable, and close to his house. Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery fit the bill. I had read an article about it in the Amherst Bee a few weeks ago and it sounded pretty good.
The restaurant is located in a Victorian style home. The dining room is very cheery, with yellow walls and navy curtains. The restaurant is suitable for all; retired folks, business people, families, and couples. The food, which is made from scratch to order, was very good.
I decided to try a burger, since their burgers were rated "The best burgers on the planet" by Buffalo Spree Magazine a couple years ago. The burger was really big! I ordered the 7 ounce, I can't imagine how big the 12 ounce one was! It was pink and juicy inside and grilled to perfection. I opted for the sweet potato fries as a side, which were served with a honey butter dip. (The above hamburger image was taken from their website; I got mine minus the bacon and cheese.)
My dad decided on the reuben sandwich, which was loaded with layers of corned beef. Now my dad can eat a lot for a skinny guy, but I had my doubts that he would be able to finish such a big sandwich, however, he managed to eat the whole thing. He commented that it wasn't exactly a low calorie meal!
The menu features a variety of items from salads and sandwiches to pitas and wraps. They also have pasta, several dinner only selections, like steak and pork chops, as well as a Friday only fish fry.
Ruzzine's Rock Bottom Eatery, 6261 Transit Road, East Amherst, 716-204-4004, http://www.rockbottomeatery.com/
Friday, February 11, 2011
Winter fun this weekend
I read a wonderful article in the Buffalo News Gusto about this weekend's Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival. It sounds like a wonderful event and a great way to celebrate winter in Buffalo. I know that by now everyone is sick of this cold weather, but this is a chance to make the best of this wintry weather situation and have some fun. And it's suppose to be a bit warmer this weekend.
Here are links to the festival website http://www.buffalowinterfest.com and the Buffalo News Gusto article http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/entertainment-features/article338065.ece
If any of you go have a great time!
Here are links to the festival website http://www.buffalowinterfest.com and the Buffalo News Gusto article http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/entertainment-features/article338065.ece
If any of you go have a great time!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Things to do this weekend in the Finger Lakes
Here are some things to do this weekend. I received this e-mail from The Travel Maven. Check out her blog http://travelmaven.wordpress.com
This week, there’s an extraordinary line up of activities, especially because there are many wine trail events in celebration of Valentine’s weekend.
ISOC – International Series of Champions at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (Snowmobile competition) Friday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 3 p.m. Advance tickets: Children age 6-12 $10/day or $15/weekend, Adults $25/day, $40/weekend; Add $3 at door for children, $5 for adults. Farmington
Wintergrass 2011 at Smith Opera House with the Boxcars and Newfound Road/opening band Eva & the Dog Boys – Saturday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $25 General Admission/ $20 Seniors & College Students / Free for Students Grade 12 and under. Geneva
Rochester City Ballet in Peter and the Wolf at Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 5 and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets $15-$20. Rochester
Little River Band at the Smith Opera House – Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. $30. Geneva
Dutch Connection at George Eastman House - Opens Friday, Feb. 11 – Saturday, Feb. 26. See also “Behind the Scenes of Dutch Connection with Curator Amy Kinsey” on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. Admission to museum: adults $10, Srs. $8, Students $6, Children 5-12 $4, Under age 4 and Members FREE.
Cabin Fever Wine and Beer Tasting - Friday, Feb. 11, 5-8 p.m. $15 (Must be over 21). Corning
Chocolate & Wine Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Friday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, Feb. 13, 1 – 5 p.m. (Must by over 21) $30, $20 for designated driver. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Ski Dating: Mountain Match Up at Bristol Mountain – Saturday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. $15 event fee. Lift ticket, equipment rentals and dinner are not included in fee. Limited to 40 individuals. Canandaigua
Truffles and Tastes along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail – Saturday, Feb. 12, Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $27, $20.25 for designated driver. Keuka Lake
Disney’s Aladdin at the Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13 (also Feb. 19 & 20) 2 p.m. Tickets $14-17 (Grades K-6). Pittsford
Lakeside Winter Celebration and Polar Plunge/Chilly Chili Challenge - Sunday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (polar plunge registration starts at 9 a.m. in port building) – free, but there is a fee for some activities such as wine tasting, and for food. Rochester
Canandaigua Classic Antique Show & Sale at Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack - Sunday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5. Click HERE to download $1 off coupon. Proceeds benefit Granger Homestead. Farmington
And from last week’s 10+ Tips & Trips Post:
ZooBrrrrew! at the Seneca Park Zoo – Friday, Feb. 4, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Age 21 and over) – $20 for Members, $25 for Non-members. Rochester.
Ganondagan Winter Game & Sports – Saturday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Free. Victor. (Read Travel Maven Post about event)
I’ll be Geneseeing You: The Second City Does Rochester at Geva Theatre Center – Extended through February 6. See Calendar for times.$22-$59. Rochester.
New York Ice Wine Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards – Sat. Feb. 5, 12 Noon – 6 p.m. $40 advance, $50 at door. Fairport
Walking in a Winter Wineryland at Montezuma Winery – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Adults is $20/person without snowshoes or $25/person with snowshoe rental. Kids under 12 are $15 without snowshoes or $18 with snowshoe rental (min. weight of 75 lbs). A portion of ticket sales donated to the Montezuma Audubon Center. Montezuma.
Winterfest at the Tanglewood Nature Museum – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $2 adults, $1 child. Elmira.
Ski-O Competition presented by the Rochester Orienteering Club at Mendon Ponds Park – Sunday, Feb. 6, $3/map for Members, $6/map for Non-members. Mendon.
This week, there’s an extraordinary line up of activities, especially because there are many wine trail events in celebration of Valentine’s weekend.
ISOC – International Series of Champions at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (Snowmobile competition) Friday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 3 p.m. Advance tickets: Children age 6-12 $10/day or $15/weekend, Adults $25/day, $40/weekend; Add $3 at door for children, $5 for adults. Farmington
Wintergrass 2011 at Smith Opera House with the Boxcars and Newfound Road/opening band Eva & the Dog Boys – Saturday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $25 General Admission/ $20 Seniors & College Students / Free for Students Grade 12 and under. Geneva
Rochester City Ballet in Peter and the Wolf at Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 5 and Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets $15-$20. Rochester
Little River Band at the Smith Opera House – Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. $30. Geneva
Dutch Connection at George Eastman House - Opens Friday, Feb. 11 – Saturday, Feb. 26. See also “Behind the Scenes of Dutch Connection with Curator Amy Kinsey” on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. Admission to museum: adults $10, Srs. $8, Students $6, Children 5-12 $4, Under age 4 and Members FREE.
Cabin Fever Wine and Beer Tasting - Friday, Feb. 11, 5-8 p.m. $15 (Must be over 21). Corning
Chocolate & Wine Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Friday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, Feb. 13, 1 – 5 p.m. (Must by over 21) $30, $20 for designated driver. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Ski Dating: Mountain Match Up at Bristol Mountain – Saturday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. $15 event fee. Lift ticket, equipment rentals and dinner are not included in fee. Limited to 40 individuals. Canandaigua
Truffles and Tastes along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail – Saturday, Feb. 12, Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. $27, $20.25 for designated driver. Keuka Lake
Disney’s Aladdin at the Nazareth College Arts Center – Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13 (also Feb. 19 & 20) 2 p.m. Tickets $14-17 (Grades K-6). Pittsford
Lakeside Winter Celebration and Polar Plunge/Chilly Chili Challenge - Sunday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (polar plunge registration starts at 9 a.m. in port building) – free, but there is a fee for some activities such as wine tasting, and for food. Rochester
Canandaigua Classic Antique Show & Sale at Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack - Sunday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5. Click HERE to download $1 off coupon. Proceeds benefit Granger Homestead. Farmington
And from last week’s 10+ Tips & Trips Post:
ZooBrrrrew! at the Seneca Park Zoo – Friday, Feb. 4, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Age 21 and over) – $20 for Members, $25 for Non-members. Rochester.
Ganondagan Winter Game & Sports – Saturday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Free. Victor. (Read Travel Maven Post about event)
I’ll be Geneseeing You: The Second City Does Rochester at Geva Theatre Center – Extended through February 6. See Calendar for times.$22-$59. Rochester.
New York Ice Wine Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards – Sat. Feb. 5, 12 Noon – 6 p.m. $40 advance, $50 at door. Fairport
Walking in a Winter Wineryland at Montezuma Winery – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Adults is $20/person without snowshoes or $25/person with snowshoe rental. Kids under 12 are $15 without snowshoes or $18 with snowshoe rental (min. weight of 75 lbs). A portion of ticket sales donated to the Montezuma Audubon Center. Montezuma.
Winterfest at the Tanglewood Nature Museum – Sat. Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $2 adults, $1 child. Elmira.
Ski-O Competition presented by the Rochester Orienteering Club at Mendon Ponds Park – Sunday, Feb. 6, $3/map for Members, $6/map for Non-members. Mendon.
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