Hiking and Biking
One of the great things about upstate New York and the Central Leatherstocking area are the great hiking trails available. Here are some great links that will help you to walk with nature.
Hiking & Biking in Montgomery County
Some of our favorite places to go are here in our own backyard. This link provides a few locations here in our home county including Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie and the Erie Canal trail which runs from Buffalo to Albany. The Erie Canal Trail is also a great biking trail.
Hiking in Fulton County
Fulton County is just to the North of Montgomery County and is the gateway to the Adirondacks. Although we've not explored it yet ourselves, we have been told that there are some great trails up there. As we explore them, we'll note it in our blog and here.
Some of our favorite places to go are here in our own backyard. This link provides a few locations here in our home county including Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie and the Erie Canal trail which runs from Buffalo to Albany. The Erie Canal Trail is also a great biking trail.
Hiking in Fulton County
Fulton County is just to the North of Montgomery County and is the gateway to the Adirondacks. Although we've not explored it yet ourselves, we have been told that there are some great trails up there. As we explore them, we'll note it in our blog and here.
Antiques and Auctions
As owners of a Victorian home, one of our favorite activities are the multiple Antique Malls and Auctions within close proximity of the Greene House Inn.
The AuctionZip website
Brendan and Tony use this site (we've customized the link to show Antique and Collectibles auctions within a 30 mile radius of Fort Plain) to scope out the the best auctions in the area. We love to head over and "steal" an item or two at a great price. Much of the furniture and decor in the Greene House Inn, we got at auction. Because of that, every piece has a story.
JR's Auctions
In St. Johnsville (just about 6 miles from the Inn), usually every Tuesday, one of our Amish neighbors takes to the Auctioneer podium and sells lots of stuff. The auction format in the box lot section is fascinating. After that, the regular auction starts off. Ask us more about these events, if interested. (Update: JR has cease auctions at this time, and had converted the auction space to a consignment area of furniture, and collectible.)
Michael's Auction Service
Every two weeks or so, usually on Sunday morning, there is an amazing auction run by Michael's at the Quality Inn in Schoharie (about a 30 minute drive from Fort Plain). The estates that Michael and his team sell are usually of superior quality and many of our furnishings have come from this auction gem.
The Mohawk Antiques Mall
This is our favorite antiques mall in the area. (We admittedly are a bit partial and Brendan's father and sister both have booths there.) But we love the selection, variety and usually the prices. And the ride from the Greene House Inn on Route 5S to the Mohawk Antiques Mall is one of the most scenic drives anywhere.
The Little Falls Antique Center
A bit closer to Fort Plain is the Little Falls Antique Center. Bigger than Mohawk and with a few more amenities, this shopping mecca also boasts from food items along with Antiques and Collectibles.
Fort Plain Antiques
Even right in town, there's a place to go "Antiquing." The store also includes a large salvage area where one can find larger architectural items, furniture, and equipment. It reminds Brendan of the HGTV show Rehab Addict when Nicole needs to find something for her restoration.
Brendan and Tony use this site (we've customized the link to show Antique and Collectibles auctions within a 30 mile radius of Fort Plain) to scope out the the best auctions in the area. We love to head over and "steal" an item or two at a great price. Much of the furniture and decor in the Greene House Inn, we got at auction. Because of that, every piece has a story.
JR's Auctions
In St. Johnsville (just about 6 miles from the Inn), usually every Tuesday, one of our Amish neighbors takes to the Auctioneer podium and sells lots of stuff. The auction format in the box lot section is fascinating. After that, the regular auction starts off. Ask us more about these events, if interested. (Update: JR has cease auctions at this time, and had converted the auction space to a consignment area of furniture, and collectible.)
Michael's Auction Service
Every two weeks or so, usually on Sunday morning, there is an amazing auction run by Michael's at the Quality Inn in Schoharie (about a 30 minute drive from Fort Plain). The estates that Michael and his team sell are usually of superior quality and many of our furnishings have come from this auction gem.
The Mohawk Antiques Mall
This is our favorite antiques mall in the area. (We admittedly are a bit partial and Brendan's father and sister both have booths there.) But we love the selection, variety and usually the prices. And the ride from the Greene House Inn on Route 5S to the Mohawk Antiques Mall is one of the most scenic drives anywhere.
The Little Falls Antique Center
A bit closer to Fort Plain is the Little Falls Antique Center. Bigger than Mohawk and with a few more amenities, this shopping mecca also boasts from food items along with Antiques and Collectibles.
Fort Plain Antiques
Even right in town, there's a place to go "Antiquing." The store also includes a large salvage area where one can find larger architectural items, furniture, and equipment. It reminds Brendan of the HGTV show Rehab Addict when Nicole needs to find something for her restoration.
Food and Dining
There are some fun places to find good things to eat in Fort Plain and the surrounding area. Brendan and Tony, while really enjoying home cooking, always venture out to see what culinary finds can be had.
The Table at Fort Plain
We can't rave enough about this place. Tony and Brendan went there shortly after buying the Greene House Inn and have never been disappointed. A farm-to-table concept restaurant. As Tony has said, New York City quality with upstate prices. To us, a win-win combination.
The Plain Food Co-Op
The Plain Food Co-Op is a great country store that specializes in fresh quality food. The Co-op is supported by volunteers. Their efforts keep the prices low. There is a great selection of spices, nuts, grains, etc. Brendan volunteers there regularly and enjoys meeting other community members while packaging.
The Palatine Cheese Company
Just over the Mohawk River in Nelliston is the Palatine Cheese Company. They specialize is multiple flavors of cheddar cheese including Bacon Horseradish and Garlic & Chive. All are excellent, but the Garlic Dill Cheese Curds are to die for.
Fly Creek Cider Mill
We are so sad to report that due to the pandemic that the Fly Creek Cider Mill has ceased operations at this time. We're leaving the link here in hopes that they may consider re-opening in the future.
We can't rave enough about this place. Tony and Brendan went there shortly after buying the Greene House Inn and have never been disappointed. A farm-to-table concept restaurant. As Tony has said, New York City quality with upstate prices. To us, a win-win combination.
The Plain Food Co-Op
The Plain Food Co-Op is a great country store that specializes in fresh quality food. The Co-op is supported by volunteers. Their efforts keep the prices low. There is a great selection of spices, nuts, grains, etc. Brendan volunteers there regularly and enjoys meeting other community members while packaging.
The Palatine Cheese Company
Just over the Mohawk River in Nelliston is the Palatine Cheese Company. They specialize is multiple flavors of cheddar cheese including Bacon Horseradish and Garlic & Chive. All are excellent, but the Garlic Dill Cheese Curds are to die for.
Fly Creek Cider Mill
We are so sad to report that due to the pandemic that the Fly Creek Cider Mill has ceased operations at this time. We're leaving the link here in hopes that they may consider re-opening in the future.
Golfing
Admittedly, Tony and Brendan are not golfers. Unless it's got a windmill, and a 19th hole where you can win a free game, we personally never found the allure of golfing.
But we realize that there are many folks out there who would love to take a road trip and sample some new courses. For you, we present some of the public golf courses in the area. Obviously, Brendan and Tony cannot vouch for the quality of the courses, but they are nevertheless here.
But we realize that there are many folks out there who would love to take a road trip and sample some new courses. For you, we present some of the public golf courses in the area. Obviously, Brendan and Tony cannot vouch for the quality of the courses, but they are nevertheless here.
Canajoharie Golf & Country Club
Located just about 10 minutes away in one of Fort Plain's neighboring village. The public club was opened in 1936 and has an 18-hole course.
The Mohawk Valley Country Club
Situated between Little Falls and Herkimer and about a 20 minute drive from the Greene House Inn sits this course. Open to the public with 18 holes and based on the website, a beautiful view of the valley... at least on 5th green.
Rolling Hills Country Club
Nestled in the small town of Fort Johnson, near Amsterdam, and a 25 minute drive from the Inn sits another 18-hole course. Their dining facilities are also open to the public and have Tuesday and Thursday night dinner specials.
There are more around just a little further away. If you need information on those courses, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Located just about 10 minutes away in one of Fort Plain's neighboring village. The public club was opened in 1936 and has an 18-hole course.
The Mohawk Valley Country Club
Situated between Little Falls and Herkimer and about a 20 minute drive from the Greene House Inn sits this course. Open to the public with 18 holes and based on the website, a beautiful view of the valley... at least on 5th green.
Rolling Hills Country Club
Nestled in the small town of Fort Johnson, near Amsterdam, and a 25 minute drive from the Inn sits another 18-hole course. Their dining facilities are also open to the public and have Tuesday and Thursday night dinner specials.
There are more around just a little further away. If you need information on those courses, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Sightseeing
Who needs New York City with all the crowds when we have great places to see right here in upstate New York.
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Located in Cooperstown (about 30 minutes southwest of Fort Plain), the National Baseball Hall of Fame is probably the area's biggest tourist attraction. While most busy in the summer and especially in late July, the Hall of Fame is open year round and can be a great place to visit when one needs a baseball fix in the middle of winter.
Howe Caverns
Brendan has been here multiple times and Tony for his first time in May 2015 (see our blog slideshow). Howe Caverns is about 40 minutes from Fort Plain. A great family friendly place that sends you 150 below ground to a 52°F cave that includes an underground boat ride.
The Glimmerglass Opera
When one thinks of upstate New York, the last thing that may come to mind is opera. But here within 30 minutes of our place is one of the finest opera houses in the nation. Using a baseball reference, the Glimmerglass Opera is in the AAA of the Opera world. Many virtuosos stop off at Glimmerglass on their way to the Met in New York.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Located about 8 miles north of Herkimer (about 35 minutes from Fort Plain) is the Herkimer Diamond Mines. Kids love the fact that they can dig and hammer to find "Herkimer Diamonds." Parents will be happy that the kids will be exhausted at the end of the day. A fun outing while exploring the region.
Erie Canal Cruises
Located in Herkimer, the Erie Canal Cruises are a great way to sit back, relax, and learn about the history of the great canal which shaped the history of the region and the nation. Tony and Brendan took some friends on this in 2015 and they loved it. The 90-minute cruise brings the riders through a lock on the canal. It's a pretty amazing engineering feat. (Helpful hint: Erie Canal Cruises often advertise discounts on Groupon.)
The El Rancho Drive-In
We're not sure if this is really sightseeing, but for many of us, going to a drive-in harks back to simpler days. During the summers, the drive-in, located on Route 5 in Palatine Bridge (about 5 minutes from the Inn) is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It's a great deal as well. $8 per person to see two first run movies in the comfort of your car.
Located in Cooperstown (about 30 minutes southwest of Fort Plain), the National Baseball Hall of Fame is probably the area's biggest tourist attraction. While most busy in the summer and especially in late July, the Hall of Fame is open year round and can be a great place to visit when one needs a baseball fix in the middle of winter.
Howe Caverns
Brendan has been here multiple times and Tony for his first time in May 2015 (see our blog slideshow). Howe Caverns is about 40 minutes from Fort Plain. A great family friendly place that sends you 150 below ground to a 52°F cave that includes an underground boat ride.
The Glimmerglass Opera
When one thinks of upstate New York, the last thing that may come to mind is opera. But here within 30 minutes of our place is one of the finest opera houses in the nation. Using a baseball reference, the Glimmerglass Opera is in the AAA of the Opera world. Many virtuosos stop off at Glimmerglass on their way to the Met in New York.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Located about 8 miles north of Herkimer (about 35 minutes from Fort Plain) is the Herkimer Diamond Mines. Kids love the fact that they can dig and hammer to find "Herkimer Diamonds." Parents will be happy that the kids will be exhausted at the end of the day. A fun outing while exploring the region.
Erie Canal Cruises
Located in Herkimer, the Erie Canal Cruises are a great way to sit back, relax, and learn about the history of the great canal which shaped the history of the region and the nation. Tony and Brendan took some friends on this in 2015 and they loved it. The 90-minute cruise brings the riders through a lock on the canal. It's a pretty amazing engineering feat. (Helpful hint: Erie Canal Cruises often advertise discounts on Groupon.)
The El Rancho Drive-In
We're not sure if this is really sightseeing, but for many of us, going to a drive-in harks back to simpler days. During the summers, the drive-in, located on Route 5 in Palatine Bridge (about 5 minutes from the Inn) is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It's a great deal as well. $8 per person to see two first run movies in the comfort of your car.