My sister and her sons were recently driving through on big ol’ roadtrip, and we decided to meet up at the Shaker Historical Society to take a look around. I am embarrassed to report that this was my very first visit, which is a little crazy considering that I am: 1) a resident of Niskayuna, 2) a person with an MA in history, and 3) someone who’s interested enough in the Shakers that I’ve actually read at least two books on the Shakers for fun (Ann the Word and The Great Divorce). It’s shameful really.
In my defense, I have visited the much more expansive Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Although the reason I made it there was that I had to kill a few hours while a kid took the SAT at a far-flung testing center (this is what happens when someone panics last-minute and wants to take the test again and you are a mom who might be a teensy bit too supportive). That place is cool and totally worth the trip.
Here in town, we enjoyed the walk around and appreciated the lovely gift shop, but it was very hot.
My favorite part was the Planting Utopia exhibit, which may sound familiar to you even if you’ve never visited, since part of it was on display at the Albany Airport. Y’all know I’m a sucker for some flowers:
After wandering around, I thought the guys would enjoy the Control Tower for lunch, but that is because I am an out-of-touch old lady who doesn’t go there anymore and had no idea that the grill no longer exists and it’s ice cream only! Honestly, without that beautiful open stretch of grass and some curly fries, I don’t know why anyone even borrows, but I know I sound like a crank, and plenty of people were happy to be there. We, however, wanted lunch, so we head to Galleria 7 and scattered to obtain our choices before reconvening.
Speaking of food, I realized that I had woefully neglected my roundup of recipes, so I’ve updated it, if you need some new ideas.
