By Patricia Older
Looking to downsize after running a popular hotel in the Catskills for many years, partners Mariana DiToro and Rosemary Jensen rolled the dice and decided to purchase an aging farm in Saratoga Springs.

“We came to see [the Lombardi Farm in the dead of winter and it immediately felt ‘right’,” said Mariana of the property, renamed The Saratoga Farmstead B&B.

Story and photography by David Delozier

The wild and beautiful Adirondack Park has called adventurers and wilderness seekers into its interior for over 200 years. It’s also drawn top athletes from around the world to test their metal against the vertical world of the mountains in the High Peaks region.  Lake Placid, in Essex County, smack dab in the center of the wild ruggedness, has hosted two Winter Olympics, thus acquiring the nick name “The Olympic Village.”  Today, athletes still throng to this small hamlet in the heart of the wilderness, to compete in triathlons, bike races and hockey tournaments and whatever else extreme sports organizers can come up with.

Story and photography by David Delozier

The term “locavore” is often associated with folks who seek the sustenance from a 100 mile radius. It ‘s part of the trend to seek healthier, “greener”  diets and lifestyles, something that we here at eco-LOCAL have been advocating from the start.  Here in Upstate New York, we are blessed with numerous food producers, growers, and farmers markets to choose from to access local food.   But one source for local food is often overlooked, and it’s perhaps the most nutritious, and arguable the most delicious option, and it’s right under our noses – that is, if we take the time to venture into the wild patch of woods in our own backyards or in one of the many nearby natural areas in midst.  I am talking of course, about edible wild plants.  And Spring is perhaps the best time to “go wild” and forage for something good to eat.  Young shoots and developing plants are at their tastiest moment as they emerge from the ground, but don’t just grab anything.  Grab a book on wild-crafting, or find a friend who has experience.

Summer is the high point of the vacation season, and every year, the question always arises, where should we go?  The options are endless, but are usually restricted by the budget.  With gas prices near the four dollar range, and lodging costs continually rising every year, for many, there is a personal austerity that affects travel plans.  Long distance trip are out, more localized travel is in.  Glitz is out, human-scaled, low impact eco-tourism is in.  Disney and Vegas fakeness are out, small towns with history, heritage, and authentic downtowns are in.