Winter weekend getaways
Saratoga, Lake George and Vermont

Union Gables Bed & Breakfast, Saratoga Springs

Winter rates range from $140-$165

By Ciara McCann

You don’t have to travel far to find one of the most relaxing places to escape from everyday stress. Saratoga Springs is not only host to world-class performances and thoroughbred horses, but it is also home to one of the best hidden treasures—Union Gables Bed & Breakfast on Union Avenue, just steps away from the Saratoga Race Track.

Once known for its mineral springs and for being the hot spot for the fashionable elite, Saratoga is still one of the most popular destinations in the Capital Region. It is seen as a revitalization of the past and a center for culture, education and entertainment, and Union Gables stands as a gem in the midst of it all.

Located just minutes away from the bustle of activity that is Broadway in downtown Saratoga, Union Gables is breathtaking at first glance. It is a brilliant Queen Anne style Victorian home built in 1901 by R. Newton Bresee who designed many homes in this style throughout Saratoga. At 11,500 square feet, the Inn has a total of 21 rooms and three fireplaces.

Originally built for Charles Furness, owner of the Glens Falls Times, the home was also used by Skidmore College as a girl’s dormitory for 34 years until the new campus was built. The building was then used as a group home for 17 years before becoming a bed and breakfast in 1992.
Upon pulling up to the beautiful mansion, I was immediately gripped by the spacious wrap-around porch that held comfy-looking deck chairs, perfect for lazily sipping coffee in the morning and for socializing in warmer months. The garden area to the side of the house also stood out. With its charming fountain and ample room, I learned it’s a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and parties, which the B&B regularly hosts.

My quickly developing admiration of the mansion only intensified after walking through the front double doors. I instantly felt a sense of comfort as the roaring fireplaces, antique furniture and soft lighting blended together to make me feel cozy and welcome.

I didn’t know where to look first – with a fireplace in front of me, a grand staircase and billiard room to my left, and parlor and living room to my right – it was as if I had walked into another century. The old-fashioned couch and chairs were lived-in and comfy, yet were still in impressive condition, and the Tiffany lamps and marble archways added an elegance that made me eager to keep exploring.

After an introduction with the innkeeper and co-owner, Thom VanGelder, my boyfriend and I headed upstairs to the Edward room. Each room at Union Gables is named after a different member of the first innkeeper’s family. VanGelder said they have kept the names the same out of respect, and also because they have become popular among guests, as many like to stay in the room that they share a name with.

The room was very large and open, and true to the Victorian nature of the rest of the Inn. A king size bed, a beautiful armoire, an antique dressing table and a large desk made up the furniture. A closet with a mini-fridge and an attached bathroom completed the space, which felt more like a personal suite.
I had the sense, not only just in our room, but throughout the house, of feeling at home. My boyfriend agreed. We didn’t feel like we were staying at a stuffy hotel, more like we were staying with family or close friends. Personal touches like a jewelry box on the dressing table, antique portraits on the walls and a chess set by the fireplace in the living room all lent themselves to the calming atmosphere.

VanGelder, co-owner of the B&B for two-and-a-half years, said this is something they pride themselves on: treating guests like members of the family. Many of their guests include couples with children and pets, which they allow to stay in the house (something many other B&B’s do not offer). They even have special kid-friendly rooms like the Cindy, which has an attached room with twin beds so the kids can have a separate space. VanGelder said guests feel so comfortable that it’s not unusual for them to come downstairs in pajamas to sit by the fire or to have breakfast in the morning.

This brings me to another highlight of my stay – the food. I knew I was going to be served breakfast, but what I didn’t expect was the quality of breakfast. We were met both mornings with a platter of coffee, teas and juice, which we enjoyed in front of the fireplace. Alongside fresh fruit and homemade corn muffins, we were treated to a spinach, potato and cheese frittata one morning, and cinnamon swirl French toast and sausage the other, all of which VanGelder cooked himself.

Aside from a delicious start to the day, VanGelder also puts out warm cookies in the evening on most days and offers a hot morning dish in the winter for “comfort food.”
During track season, when the Inn is busiest, “track dinners” have become popular for guests who make the short trip back after a day of races for quality food and company.

While we were certainly tempted to sit by the fireplace all weekend, we couldn’t visit such an historic city and not check out its culture. Since it was a brisk weekend, we decided to entertain ourselves indoors. Saratoga is loaded with museums: the National Museum of Dance, the National Museum of Racing, the Saratoga Springs History Museum, the Saratoga Automobile Museum on the grounds of the Spa State Park and Skidmore College’s Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. We chose to check out the latter two.

We were thrilled to visit the Auto Museum during its exhibit of Brass Era antique cars, which runs until March 22. My favorite, a 1915 Ford Model T Calliope Wagon, not only filled the museum with music, but was once used for traveling amusement shows and in the circus.
After inspecting the roadsters, which are works of art themselves, we stopped by the nearby Tang Teaching Museum on the Skidmore campus to check out the work of students alongside more seasoned artists. Dario Robleto’s exhibit “Alloy of Love” was on display, mixing influences from music and military history. I found the array of materials used in his artwork quiet interesting, ranging from shrapnel and bullets found on battlefields to melted vinyl records and the dust of human bones.

There are dozens of restaurants to choose from in Saratoga, all a short car or taxi ride away from the B&B. On the recommendation of VanGelder, we checked out Dine on Henry Street, just off of Broadway. Serving French, Italian and American dishes, Dine was a wonderful ending to a day of touring. I highly recommend the pasta, peas, sage and prosciutto dish. The restaurant, perfect for a special evening out, is a very small place, so I would suggest making a reservation for any groups larger than two.

There are plenty of things to do in Saratoga this time of year, and when staying at Union Gables you’ll be right in the heart of the action. Just minutes from downtown shopping, Congress Park, the Farmer’s Market, and with Chowderfest coming in February, there’s no better time to make this spot your local winter getaway destination.

Union Gables Bed & Breakfast is located at 55 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. For more information call 584.1558 or visit www.uniongables.com.

West Mountain Inn, Vermont

Winter rates: Midweek rates range between $175-$225.Weekend rates range from $210-$310.Great specials are available on their website.

By Mary Beth Galarneau

Pack a sweater and a good book and head to West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont for an idyllic winter weekend getaway. Here, you will spend a relaxing weekend surrounded by friendly staff, beautiful vistas and warm fires, while feasting on mouth-watering food.

My husband and I recently ventured out to the Inn on an early winter’s evening. Though it’s a quick 50-mile drive from the Capital Region, we felt far removed from the hustle and bustle of our lives. In fact, as soon as we arrived, we knew that we had come upon a winter dreamland, a soft, sprawling homestead snuggled in the side of a mountain, its dancing lights welcoming us into its’ warmth.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Amie Emmons, who owns and operates the inn with her husband. After exchanging homespun pleasantries, Emmons led us on a brief tour of the downstairs, which features a spacious living room with a wood-burning stove, a game room, a bar/lounge area with a television, and a wood-paneled dining area where breakfast and dinner are served. She also guided us to a little nook where we were invited to help ourselves to warm drinks and cookies any time of day.

After the tour, we were shown up to our room; with each creak in our steps reminding us just how old the charming Inn was. Originally built as a farmhouse in 1849, the Inn was eventually established as a mill from 1880 to 1920 before undergoing renovations in the 1920s that transformed the old farmhouse into an elegant vacation spot. It was during this time that Ned and Gwendolyn Rochester purchased the house, enlarged it and added the seven gables that serve as a prominent feature of the structure today. The Rochesters also dotted the mountainside with barns and small cottages, and crisscrossed the hillside with pastoral stone walls and fences reminiscent of a Robert Frost poem. After the Rochesters, a succession of people resided at the estate until 1978, when Wes and Mary Ann Carlson purchased it in the hopes of creating a country haven or, better yet, a country inn. To the delight of my husband and I, they did both. Emmons, Mary Ann’s daughter, has continued that tradition.

The Carlson’s notion of a country haven was evident the moment we stepped into our room. Hailed as “one of the most romantic rooms in the Inn,” the Rockwell Kent Suite is commonly used as the honeymoon suite. One step inside and we could see why. This extremely spacious suite has a large living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a king-sized canopied bed and three chairs and a sofa perfect for curling up to with a good book. A unique feature of the room is the small loft above the bathroom, which featured a twin bed and is accessible only by an attached ladder. It must be a child’s delight!

Because dinner was served before 8:30, we sauntered downstairs at 7:30, hungry for a home-style meal. We weren’t disappointed. Surrounded by three other couples in the softly-lit wood-paneled dining room that has also has a fireplace to keep you warm on those cold Vermont nights, we were invited to feast on a five-course meal for a prix fixe of $42, but opted to order ala carte. We whetted our appetites with warm rolls and salad before our entrees, prepared by Chef Jeff Scott, arrived: filet mignon for my husband, a pasta dish for myself. Chef Scott uses only the freshest ingredients: local, organic produce, free-range meats and poultry, seasonal game, local cheeses and dairy products, fresh-daily fish and home-baked breads, pastries and desserts.

Having retired early that evening, my husband and I awoke to a sparkling frost and a deep chill. With the light of day, we enjoyed the wonderful view of the mountains and the barn where the alpacas are kept before heading downstairs for breakfast. One of the best parts of staying at the Inn is the breakfasts, and since our dinner had been so delicious, we knew breakfast would be a treat. But be warned: you had better bring a hearty appetite with you, because you will be served a multi-course meal beginning with a plate of homemade muffins and followed by your choice of omelets, pancakes or even, if you desire, dessert! (In this case, it was apple pie). A bit unadventurous with my breakfast selection, I enjoyed scrambled eggs and a slice of toast, while my husband indulged in pancakes bursting with fruit. So absorbed was he in his meal that scarcely a word passed between us during the main course!

With our stomachs full, we were eager to begin our day. There are many things to do without ever having to leave the property, such as snowshoeing, hiking or sitting by the fire and relaxing. Or, you can venture to neighboring towns such as Manchester to tour Hildene, the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, or stay closer to the Inn and go alpine skiing at Statton Mountain or tubing at Bromley Mountain. There is also the Chiselville Covered Bridge in East Arlington, which has been featured in several movies, as well as the small Norman Rockwell exhibit down the road in Arlington. Of course, there’s also shopping at world-class outlet stores in Manchester, which is where my husband and I headed after our breakfast.

Upon our return to the Inn, we went to our room and relaxed with books that we had purchased in town. Around six, we headed down to the bar to enjoy the complimentary artisan cheese selection and fresh fruit.

At dinner that evening, we enjoyed another phenomenal meal. I had chick pea patties served over spinach. My husband enjoyed prime rib served over mashed potatoes and a vegetable. I saved room for dessert this time, and shared a delicious chocolate mousse with my husband.

The next morning brought another downfall of snow, so we quickly enjoyed another hearty breakfast before descending slowly down the mountain, back to reality. But as we slowly drove away, I found myself casting backwards glances, excited for the next time we visit our new home away from home.

West Mountain Inn in located on River Road in Arlington, VT. For more information call 802.375.6516 or visit www.westmountaininn.com. Lodging is also available in the Cottage in the Pines and the Historic Mill Building.

Fort William Henry, Lake George

Winter rates range from $90-$300

By Rebecca Eppelmann

For a multitude of reasons, people from all over the country travel to Lake George, a premier travel destination. In the summer, streets bustle with locals and tourists who eat, shop, swim and go boating. The autumn season invites leaf peepers from all over to take in the brilliant foliage. But, during the winter, when the lake is frozen over and the cold weather demands layers of clothing, visitors are welcomed to experience a whole new side of Lake George with a getaway to the Fort William Henry Resort.

During a recent visit to the Resort, my boyfriend and I passed the familiar scene of shoppers at the Lake George outlets on Route 9, and within a few miles had reached Fort William Henry Resort. A tall, stoic white building at the southern end of Lake George, it makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into another century. Fort William Henry was constructed just two years before the French and Indian War. The French overtook the Fort in battle and controlled it from November 1755 to August 1757.

Situated next to the Fort, the Resort was originally built in the mid-1800s and grew to 1,000 rooms. In 1909 it burnt to the ground and was rebuilt in 1911 as the first fireproof hotel in the US. By the 1960s, the building was out-of-date and in such disrepair that a significant portion of the 1911 building was torn down and the replica, which currently stands, was built in 2003. With such a rich, long history, you don’t have to be a history buff to be subtly immersed by it.

Step inside the hotel and its pristine exterior is matched in beauty and comfort. Once inside the set of glass doors, it’s hard to say which greets you first – the friendly staff or the sight of the beautiful common area. Then again, for some, it just may be the coffee sitting by the registration desk that will immediately help take away the winter chill.

The common area was unlike anything I’ve seen at any other Lake George hotel. Complete with luxurious couches and leather chairs, the room was filled with deep, rich colors of maroon, hunter green and golden hues. Wooden end tables were covered in paisley fabric matching the color scheme, and in true holiday spirit, stockings were hung over the fireplace with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree nearby.

After checking in, we went to our room to settle in. Our second-floor mini-suite had simple, yet beautiful décor with colors similar to the common area, and a breathtaking moonlit view of Lake George. There was a king size bed, a table for four, a gas fireplace and amenities such as a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator. The furniture in the room was all dark wood, adding to the inviting, cozy feel.

Though not open during the winter months, the Fort William Henry museum does offer visitors more information on the history of the Fort, along with tours of local ghostly haunts.

The first morning of our stay, we awoke to the sun shining brilliantly upon Lake George. Having checked in after dark the previous evening, we were able to appreciate the view for what it truly was. Separating us from the lake was an expansive lawn. There was a covered in-ground pool and sparsely-placed trees acted as a playground for squirrels, who were busy carrying food from one to the other. From our window, the lake seemed to have gone on forever, with both sides surrounded with trees. Alongside the hotel is a path on which bundled-up people briskly walked.

Part of what makes the Fort William Henry Resort so much different from other lodging in the area is the land on which is sits. Drive down the main drag of Lake George Village and you’ll see hotels and motels separated by little more than a parking lot. The Resort, on the other hand, sits of 18 acres. During the winter, Director of Marketing Ida Williams says it’s not uncommon to see children and families outside making snowmen on the lawn.

Breakfast was served in the dining area and consisted of a continental breakfast of waffles, scrambled eggs, Danish and a variety of beverages. A perfect winter breakfast, the food was delectable. From where we sat, four large windows spanning nearly the entire length of a wall gave a different view of the lake. Under beautiful trees sat white lawn chairs and a white gazebo, in which couples are married during warmer months. More historic reminders were hanging on the walls, including crossed muskets and drum halves hanging.

Activities abound in and around Lake George during the winter months. Whether it’s skiing at Gore Mountain, taking a guided snowmobile tour, ice skating, night tubing at West Mountain or being pampered in the luxury of your hotel room courtesy of a local spa, you certainly won’t lack options. There is also an indoor pool, hot tub and full-size workout room, should you want to avoid the brisk winter air. For my boyfriend and me, a trip into town for some holiday shopping at the outlets was on the agenda. Though brisk, it gave us the opportunity to embrace the fresh air.

After a day of shopping, we had dinner at the Log Jam, on the recommendation of Williams. Nestled behind the outlets, the single-story restaurant is hard to miss if you’re not paying attention, but it’s easily one of my new favorite restaurants. Resembling a log cabin, if it weren’t for the sign atop the building, you may actually confuse it for a residence. If you’re planning on visiting, be sure to make a reservation.

The last day of our visit, we awoke to snow falling lightly outside, which made the picturesque view worthy of a holiday card. Open, for the most part, only on weekends during the winter, Fort William Henry is the perfect place to visit on your trip to Lake George. Whether you’re looking to escape from the cold winter weather or want to enjoy fun winter activities, the beautiful and luxurious Fort William Henry is there to please.

Fort William Henry Resort Hotel and Conference Center is located at 48 Canada Street, Lake George. For more information call 668.3081 or visit www.fortwilliamhenry.com.

Kids and skiing

By Bill Clapper

Put out of your mind the negatives you’ve heard about skiing: the danger (you’ll break a leg); the cold weather (you’ll freeze your face); the hassle (it’s an expedition, not a vacation); the cost (it’s too expensive). Instead, embrace the attitude that introducing your family to skiing is a healthy lifestyle activity that promotes family bonding.

Skiing and other winter activities are vitally important for children’s health. Media reports tell us that children are becoming more sedentary and that obesity is an epidemic. Fran Mullin, executive director of WinterKids, a Maine-based non-profit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles through outdoor winter activities, offers statistics that show one in three American children are overweight or obese. In the past 30 years, the percentage of preschoolers and teenagers who are obese has tripled, and the percentage of children aged 6 to 11 who are obese has quadrupled.

Physical activity levels for both boys and girls are significantly lower in the winter, compared with the other seasons. The overriding reason is obvious – kids are not exposed to outdoor play once the weather turns cold. Introducing children to skiing is a way to increase their wintertime activity and lessen their opportunities to put on pounds.

Check out the resort
Visit a ski area for a day to get a feel for the energy and see how the area is run. Schedule lunch in the lodge to get an idea of how the cafeteria operates and what it is like to be in a ski lodge during a busy time.

A non-skiing day will give you and your children a perspective of the off-snow experiences associated with skiing. The sight of other children having fun and playing in the snow goes a long way toward convincing a tentative or reluctant child that skiing is fun.

For parents, an information-gathering visit is invaluable. You can observe the ski school and watch how the instructors interact with the children. Is it a fun, learning atmosphere? Are the kids smiling and laughing? Does the school have programs for children of different ages and abilities? Are the programs and personnel kid-friendly?

Within a 90-minute drive of Albany are many excellent places to start your family’s skiing adventure. Skiable mountains can be found in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Berkshires and Vermont.

Gore Mountain, in North Creek, NY, takes its role as a family destination seriously. The Northwoods Lodge by Lincoln Logs is in its second year and it is a one-stop shopping experience for families, says Gore Marketing Manager Emily Stanton.
“All the kids programs, rentals, day care, snow sports school and adult (and big kids) learning programs are under one roof,” said Stanton.

Professional instruction
Once you decide to introduce your family to skiing, leave the teaching to the pros. Place your child in an age appropriate program and make it clear that it is a school. Instead of classrooms and books, they will be outdoors and learn with skis and boots.

“We recommend parents put their kids in children’s programs,” says Don Edwards, executive vice president of Catamount Ski Area, South Egremont, Mass. “They will be more comfortable with their peers – kids their own age and ability.”

Edwards is convinced children learn better when they are in structured programs. “The children listen more intently to the instructor than they would a parent,” says Edwards “They watch and learn from each other.”

At Windham Mountain, Windham, NY, there is no stress, no pressure and the emphasis is on fun for children and parents. The Children’s Learning Center takes children from age 2 and up offers indoor as well as outdoor activities including learn-to-ski or -snowboard, group and private lessons, day or season-long programs.

“We tell parents to go out and have fun and leave their kids with us,” said Joan Oldknow, Windham spokesperson. Oldknow and the Windham teaching staff concur that teaching your children is not a good idea.

“It puts more pressure on the kids if parents teach,” said Oldknow. “Children are more receptive to the sport when they are in a program with other kids.”
At Mount Snow, West Dover, VT, parents can “kiss the kids goodbye in the morning and pick them up in the late afternoon,” said Joe Hanzalik, director of the ski and snowboard school.

“Basically, it is all-day day care.” Mount Snow takes children as young as 3 in their Cub Camp and has programs for children up to age 14.
If you don’t ski or snowboard, there still are ways to have fun at Mount Snow. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, a full-service luxury spa and shopping in Manchester are a few of the options.

Dress and rent for success
It is important that your little ones be comfortable while they are outdoors. Think layers and synthetic, breathable fabrics in clothing. You want durable garments that will perform well in extreme conditions, keep your children warm, dry and comfortable. Sweatshirts and jeans don’t cut it. Check with your local ski shop or outdoor store for appropriate clothing.

The equipment issue can be solved by renting or leasing. In the beginning, it is not wise to buy new equipment for children. They will outgrow their gear in a season or less, which means another round of purchases.

The best course for first-time skiers is to rent at the ski area. Rental shops are staffed with pros who help beginning skiers every day. The equipment is built for the rental market and tuned for that particular mountain. If you prefer personal attention, rent or lease equipment from your local ski shop. You can also have your child try on boots and handle skis at the shop so they know what to expect when they go to a ski area.

Don’t forget No. 1
If this is your first time skiing, or you haven’t skied in a while, get into a lesson program yourself. You will be amazed at how quickly you can pick up the sport and how much fun it is to laugh and play in the snow. Not only will you be able to share the skiing experience with your children, but chances are you will get in touch with your inner child and revel in the joy and freedom of sliding on snow.

Bill Clapper is a nationally known ski journalist and former ski instructor who introduced his children and now his grandchildren to skiing. wjclapper@verizon.net.

Winter beer guide

By Alissa Lubanski

"There can’t be good living where there is not good drinking."
–Ben Franklin

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to settle into the long, cold winter season, making it easier to stay in (or should I say, more difficult to motivate ourselves to go out!). Instead of enjoying that after-work cocktail at the bar, why not cozy up with a fine winter beer in the comfort of your own home, perhaps in front of the fire?

Beer with a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) has always been popular for the winter season. These winter brews generally exhibit complex aromas and flavors, such as chocolate, caramel, and coffee, as well as hints of herbs, spices and fruits. Larry Bennett, of Brewery Ommegang, in Cooperstown said that some make for good dessert beers, “typically pairing well with chocolate desserts or caramelized desserts.”

Below is a list of our favorite winter beers. Some can be enjoyed as a session beer (meaning, you can drink a few of them over the course of an evening because they are under 6 percent ABV) while others, such as Samichlaus, have a higher ABV so should be sipped and savored— and not imbibed in excess during one sitting. “Winter warmers are meant for sipping beside the fireplace, after skiing or even post-wood-chopping,” said Bennet.

May the winter season bring fun, excitement, and reason to celebrate with winter beer!

Samichlaus (14% ABV)
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Samichlaus is the strongest lager in the world. This rich, aged doppelbock brewed at the Austrian brewery Schloss Eggenberg is aged over a 10-month period producing a sweet, malty and deliciously strong beer!
Where to find: Oliver’s Beverage Center, Albany

Scaldis Noël (12% ABV)
A rich Belgian dark ale with lots of malt and complex yeast aromas. The practice of aging with hops flowers for four to six weeks gives this brew its unique flavor.
Where to find: Westmere Beverage Center, Albany

Ommegang’s Chocolate Indulgence (7% ABV)
A Belgian-style stout brewed right at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown. The chocolatey and malty richness of this beer renders it a delicious dessert in a bottle!
Where to find: Delmar Beverage Center, Delmar

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (6.8 % ABV)
Dry hopping results in a generous bouquet of hops. Add to that the rich roasted malts, and you have a balanced and robust winter ale.
Where to find: Minogue’s Beverage Center, Saratoga

Samuel Smiths Winter Welcome (6% ABV)
This honey-amber-colored ale has a floral aroma and delicious malt flavor with hints of caramel and spice.
Where to find: Beer Belly Bob’s, Waterford

Brooklyn Winter Ale (6% ABV)
A copper-colored Scottish-style ale with deep bready flavors. Brisk hopping brings malts into balance for a deliciously complex beer.
Where to find: Kinderhook Beverage Center, Valatie

Stone Smoked Porter (5.9% ABV)
Chocolate and coffee flavors are balanced by hints of peat-smoked specialty malt in this smooth mahogany-colored ale.
Where to find: Beverage Barn, Troy

Samuel Adams Winter Lager (5.8% ABV)
A deep brown lager with sweet malted barley, hints of cinnamon, ginger and citrus. Also, check out the Samuel Adams Winter Mix Pack (with Boston Lager, Old Fezziwig Ale, Winter Lager, Holiday Porter, Black Lager, Cranberry Lambic) for a variety of good seasonal brews.
Where to find: Almost all beverage centers, Price Choppers, and Hannafords

Harpoon Winter Warmer (5.9% ABV)
A copper ale with medium body formed from caramel and pale malts, with hints of spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The special blend of hops balances the sweetness of the malt and spice.
Where to find: Union Beverage Center, Schenectady

Rogue Yellow Snow IPA (5.5%t ABV)
Introduced for the 2000 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, this golden-colored beer, with hoppy, fruity aromas and a lingering bitterness, makes a great after-ski session beer.
Where to find: Glenmont Beverage Center, Glenmont

Redhook Winterhook (5.5%ABV)
This deep chestnut-colored beer boasts nine varieties of malts, and is combined with four hop charged for a well-rounded beer with hints of chocolate and caramel.
Where to find: Savemore Discount Beverage Center, Clifton Park