Apple of my Eye

No one wants to admit it. It’s the elephant in the room.

Summer is almost over.

While I love Travers and the 3 day weekend of Labor Day, they are the only thing that separates us from the beginning of a new school year and the official end of summer. To cope with this devastation, I choose to focus on what is best about experiencing fall in Upstate NY. Being that this is a food blog, I will start and end the conversation with Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie.

For decades, Golden Harvest has been a local legend as the go to spot for the annual tradition of apple picking, traditionally beginning in early September. Make sure you schedule a weekend trip this fall. Fresh apples, cider, donuts. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Visit http://www.goldenharvestfarms.com/ for more information.

Gem of Downtown Troy

If you've ever gotten the feeling that you're driving past some excellent restaurant or bar but just don't know it, you're not alone. The Capital Region hosts some of the best and eclectic vendors, bars and restaurants in upstate New York. 

From Rolf's Pork Store in Albany to Perreca's Bakery in Schenectady to... get ready, The Ruck in Downtown Troy, N.Y. That's right, The Ruck. Talk about a bar/tavern hidden away but offers some of the best selected drafts in the area, along with the best wings (by far for this reviewer) and bar food.

It's not just the craft brew movement at The Ruck. It's about a good old fashioned bar that delivers character, good vibes and shuffleboard. What more could you ask for? In addition, select breweries use The Ruck as a showcase for some of their best and newly concocted beers. Specifically, Delaware-based Dogfish Head Brewing takes up the taps to throw down their fantastic selection of brews for the regions hop heads. It doesn't happen everywhere and to have it in Troy, N.Y. is even sweeter. 

If you're looking for an opportunity to find a bar that caters to all and gives you all you can ask for in terms of quality and experience, look no further. The Ruck is old school. A watering hole that delivers new world beers while keeping great traditional bar traditions intact. Let's hope they keep it rolling for many, many more beers... oh wait... years....

Want to learn more about The Ruck, check out their site at: http://getrucked.com. Please remember to support your local business community.