Author: Courtney Kless

History has always fascinated me. I spent the first part of my childhood living in Rochester, and one of my favorite things to do was take a boat ride on the Erie Canal. I recently found a place where I could relive this memory – and treat myself. Open year-round, the Liz and Dave Beebe Camillus Erie Canal Park was first established in 1972. Today, its grounds feature more than 14 miles of trails, a section of the Old Erie Canal, and several landmarks, including Culver 59 and a replica of a lockhouse. Visitors can explore the park by foot…

With the school year soon coming to an end, you may find yourself looking for ways to continue your child’s learning this summer. Subscription boxes are one option. From coding and cooking to travel and arts and crafts, you’ll find something for every interest (and age group) on this list – at an affordable price. BitsBox – Is your child interested in coding? With BitsBox, they can learn how to create their own app – no experience necessary. Once it’s complete, the app can be viewed on a phone, computer, or tablet. Ages: 6-12. Cost: Starts at $16.95/month. More information:…

Summer has arrived in Central New York! Whether you’re looking to pick strawberries or blueberries, play miniature golf, catch an outdoor performance, or just relax by the water, our ultimate summer guide has you covered. Please note: Visit each website for more information about current COVID-19 guidelines. U-Pick Farms Abbott Farms – Abbott Farms offers u-pick strawberries, sweet cherries and raspberries in June, and blueberries in July. The farm’s grounds also include a country store, barnyard and tasting room, where those 21 and over can sample hard ciders and locally made wine. Where: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. More information: abbottfarms.com.…

Father’s Day is June 20. Find the perfect gift for dad at these local businesses. Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply has been in John Kuppermann’s family for more than 125 years – his great-great-grandfather founded the business in 1894 and Kuppermann is the current owner. Now located on Erie Boulevard in DeWitt, the store offers something for novice and experienced chefs alike (and everyone in between), including: gadgets, cutlery, cookware, bakeware, barware, pizza and pasta making supplies, small appliances, and Hyman Smith Coffee. Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply also includes a section called “Smitty’s Curiosities,”…

Shoreline Bait & Tackle Tom Chigaridas has always loved to fish. He recently turned that passion into his own business, starting the state’s first mobile bait and tackle shop. Family Times recently talked to Chigaridas about the inspiration behind Shoreline Bait & Tackle, the reaction by the community, and his plans for the future. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you start by telling me a little about the inspiration behind Shoreline Bait & Tackle? I spent summers as a kid at my grandparent’s camp in Constantia, on the north side of Oneida Lake. My grandfather…

Over the years, I have driven through the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge countless times on the New York State Thruway, always promising to visit one day. One weekend in late April, I finally made it out there – and it was worth the wait. Located on the northern end of Cayuga Lake, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938. Today, more than  240 different species of birds call the refuge home throughout the year, along with numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, according to its website. There is no admission fee. The refuge’s website recommends visiting during…

BeeKind Jillian Barrett and her sister have always talked about opening their own gift shop. Last spring, they began selling their candles online, later opening a storefront in Tipperary Hill, the neighborhood they grew up in. BeeKind’s logo features a phrase: Shop Local, Think Sustainable. The store sells items ranging from health and beauty products and jewelry to housewares and treats, many of which are made locally. But Barrett says its candles are the top seller. They come in seasonal scents such as lemon, sweet pea, and honey, are 100% soy, and use natural wicks. “That itself is going to…

Baseball is returning to NBT Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Mets, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, will open the 2021 season on May 4. Family Times recently talked to Jason Smorol, the team’s general manager, about league changes, recent renovations to the stadium, and what fans can expect when attending a game this season. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 1. How does it feel to have baseball back after the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19? Getting baseball back is amazing. We have been on pause for over a year, and being able…

It’s April, which means golf season will soon be in full swing. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been playing for years, Par’s Indoor Golf is a great way to treat yourself – and improve your game. Located on Erie Boulevard in Syracuse, Par’s is home to six golf simulators. Rates are charged by the half hour ($25) or hour ($50) – It typically takes one person about an hour to play 18 holes, according to Par’s website. Tee times are required. Par’s also offers leagues, tournaments, and, for those 21 and older, a full bar. Guests can…

Arc of Onondaga has a motto: Turning Disability into Ability. Since 1951, the organization has grown to more than 40 sites throughout Onondaga County, providing a variety of services and programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Family Times recently talked to Joanna Jewett, director of marketing and development, about the milestone. 1. Arc of Onondaga is celebrating 70 years in 2021. How has the organization changed and evolved over that time? A lot has changed since 1951, when a group of concerned parents got together to ensure that their children received the best educational and social services possible,…