Let’s revisit another park stop from the 2021-2022 era of this project! The Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park lands are located in rural Otsego County, NY, in the proverbial “middle of nowhere.” I joked with a colleague as I drove out of service “if I disappear into the woods, at least you’ll have my ...

It’s July and more likely than not, school curricula and registrations and shopping lists are the furthest thing from your mind right now – as they should be. However, August will be here before we know it. If you’re thinking about homeschooling your kids – especially for the first time – there are ...

If your kayak is looking a little dull or it seems to be dragging in the water, it might be time for a waxing session. While it’s easy to think of waxing as something reserved for cars or surfboards, it actually plays a valuable role in kayak care too, especially for hard-shell models made of polyet...

Saving seeds from your vegetables crops is a fun and easy way to benefit from nature’s generosity. With a little knowledge and some advanced planning, you can restock your seed supply for next year’s planting at no cost. When you purchased your vegetable seeds this year, you may recall that some var...

Long Shadows Farm and ACTT Naturally will host visiting hours and tours every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., July 22 through Aug. 26. Located 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs, in Cambridge, NY, Long Shadows Farm is an expansive and serene equestrian center and home to two Thoroughbred aftercar...

Summer is a time of year when people can enjoy their pick of fresh fruit at farm stands, supermarkets and other retailers. Many fruit trees, plants and bushes are ready for harvest in summer, meaning there’s no limit to the number of delicious recipes one can whip up with these sweet offerings. Peac...

Parents typically make certain changes around a home to ensure it’s accommodating to children. Childproofing is a necessity, but entire rooms also may be transformed with children’s enjoyment and well-being in mind. It’s common for homeowners to set aside rooms for children to play and explore. Thes...

It’s hard to find a break to yourself amidst travel sports games, pool and beach days, work obligations, summer holidays and the like. The summer “honey-do list” and your father-in-law’s retirement party. Staying up all hours of the night while your teen hosts their first sleepover. It’s all calling...

Trail Tales will be a series for Country Culture this summer revisiting a project Managing Editor Andy Haman worked on in 2021 – and hopefully expanding on it by visiting and/or profiling other state parks in the Capital region, Mohawk Valley and Herkimer County areas . Back in 2021, Country Culture...

Lawn mower blades. Opening pools. Sun exposure. Summer may have just started, but it will bring with it its own set of hazards as the outdoors green up and the weather begins to warm. There’s no time like the present to brush up on first aid supplies, training and more. You typically only have to ha...

As hiking season kicks into high gear, officials from Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation; the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council are urging outdoor enthusiasts to help safeguard all forests by cleaning their boots, clothing and ...

Many people enjoy the possibilities that outdoor living offers and admit they would spend more time outside if the exterior spaces of their homes featured more amenities. According to a 2024 survey by Allstate Protection Plans, Americans love outdoor living and entertaining. Seventy-six percent of t...

As the Northeast enters the summer season, UConn Extension is reminding farmers and agricultural workers to prioritize safety for themselves, their animals and their operations. From extreme heat to barn fire risk and tractor accidents, summer conditions increase the potential for injury or loss on ...

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard. Pools def...

As the seasons change, it’s time to freshen up food and beverage offerings so they align more closely with seasonal vibes. Light, fresh and fizzy cocktails seem tailor-made for warm evenings. Some cocktails get their effervescence from sparkling wines – as Bellini or mimosa devotees can attest. This...