Dude Ranch 2022

 ADK, NY

May 18th 2022

This was my 2nd trip with Tulip Travel (an organization that assist individuals with disabilities on trips) to the dude ranch. Nestled in the Adirondacks is this camp/farm/ranch. It's an all inclusive family resort called 1,000 Acres Ranch.

Driving to the ranch was beautiful. We took those small back roads surrounded by rivers, tress and mountains. Our drive from Central NY took us through these lush green trees and small ADK towns.

Once we arrived, we checked in, had a wonderful dinner in the main lodge and spent the evening relaxing, doing crafts and playing games. This relaxed evening was welcomed.

We had rooms in the hotel like building. But we have had rooms in the many cottages that line along the river. The following morning we visited with the farm animals before heading to breakfast.

Lots of chickens and some very fat pigs.

This guy was so fat he couldn't even get up to say hi.

I walked around the property enjoying the scenery. It sure is pretty. 

We had breakfast, a few games. I almost won bingo, lunch and an afternoon full of horseback riding. Our group was broken into groups, so I spent that afternoon back at the ranch for part of the day and rain prevented riding later that day. Disappointing, but we enjoyed movies in the Lodge instead.

Dinner of chicken parm was yummy, (all the food was yummy) . After dinner the ranch held a private dance party for us. 

Annette and Chris got down to the music. We had so much fun dancing and enjoying the music. I definitely burned off any of that amazing dinner that evening.

Although, I didn't get pictures. The second evening there was karaoke and I had so much fun singing. We all took our turn singing. And I would coax my fellow travelers to take their own turn. Annette and I sang Paradice By the Dashboard light. I sang Meatloafs part. I don't know how that man didn't pass out on the stage everything he was singing this song. I was able to join in on the horseback riding.

Our group has been visiting here over the years and the ranch offers rides within the ring for less experienced or nervous rides, while those who are better riders take to the trails. 

The horses are incredible. 

The trail rides are adventurous. The trails are not completely flat and often the jaunt takes you up or down steep hills. It certainly gives the rider the real cowboy or as in this ranch cowgirl experience.

 

Almost all of the hands are female at this ranch

All are very knowledgeable about the horses and riding. The lead hand did some tricks on our last visit. But this year she's pregnant. She's also moving. This will be our last encounter with her at the ranch.

We were able to get a group photo. 

I wish I could remember my horses name. I really enjoyed the ride. This is certainly a unique stay. Everyone is so nice and as always we had a great time.

East Aurora NY

East Aurora, NY

May 9th  2022

I had spent some off time binge watching YouTube. The carpet bagger caught my attention as he was visiting my home state. One stop he had made was to the little town of East Aurora. I'd never been there and I thought it was just a short drive from my friends home. Both deserved a visit. Little did I know there is an East Aurora and an Aurora. Funny that East Aurora is West of Aurora and several miles apart.  I put East Aurora in my GPS and found I was closer to Buffalo then the town of Auburn where I was planning to visit my friend. Realizing this late in my trip, I pressed on to East Aurora and after an 11/2 drive father then expected I was in this sweet little town.

I parked on the main street. (It might actually be called Main St.) And walked along taking in the unique little spots. A few interesting facts about E. Aurora is that it was once the home of President Millard Fillmore. I must admit I know nothing of this president, maybe I should do some research. 

It is also the home and birthplace of the Fisherprice toy company. I do know something about that. I use to play with my own fisherprice toys and my children did as well. I was sad to see that the company closed its door in 2007, and no longer offer tours. I was so disappointed to hear this.

The trash cans have inspirational famous quoats.

East Aurora has been named the 3d best place to raise a family in NY state. It's location to both Buffalo and Niagara Falls may have something to do with this.

A lovely old theater. Seems to be showing an old movie as well. 

I am unaware of the significance of the Beatles referenced here, but I just had to get myself a selfie.

The Hey Jude statue.

This old five and dime was what had been the lure to come to this little town. 

Some great murals painted on the walls as well as some lovely boutiques. 

I made my way around the streets with my last stop at Vidlers 5&10. The store has been in existence since the 1930s, and claims to be the largest 5&10 in the world. The family own business has held 3 generations of employees and the man on the store represents a Vidler on the roof. The store and town have played host to many Halmark films and the stores basement was once known to have the most toys for miles around. It was definitely fun to explore.

A unique selection of sodas to choose from.

This place is huge and I spent over an hour looking at all the things. They have everything and anything. Unfortunately the prices are not a nickle or dime. I did get a few gifts for family and friends however.

It was totally worth the extra 11/2 hour drive to come visit this adorable little town. I was late connecting with my friend, but totally worth the trip. TTFN
 

Lake House and The Cove

Lake House and The Cove- Sylvan Beach

June 28th 2022

Turning Stone Resort and casino has 4 casinos in the area. The Cove is the newest. It's located in the Sylvan Beach area and although there is not a hotel at the casino, it does offer lodging and it is impressive.

We were invited to attend a dining experience and tour the property. First we gambled a bit before the cocktail hour prior to the tour. Drinks and lite bites were provided on the deck overlooking the beach. 

It's definitely a nice location to enjoy an evening of drinks and eats. Next we borded a bus that took us to the Cove lodging area. The grounds are beautifully littered with condo looking buildings each with a dock and pontoon boat. Yep, that's right for each house, a pontoon boat is available during the duration of your stay. I had hoped we would have gotten a boat ride while we were there, but no luck. The property is located about a mile from the casino, but does have an on site store and eatery. 

We took our time walking about the store and the deck in the back. In addition to a private pontoon, they offer rentals of bikes and kayaks. They also have a pool and playground. It seems like an awesome place to stay with family or possibly a girls weekend. (Wink wink) . 

The location is perfect for a mini vacation. You have the beach, the amusement park, food, drinks, gambling and a boat. Sounds pretty awesome to me. We did look into booking a stay ourselves, but they were booked up through most of the summer. Looks like you have to get in early for one of these exclusive stays. I'm not sure if a winter stay would be as enjoyable as this is definitely a summertime area. Plus boats don't do well on ice.

Mark and I skipped the inside tour and opted for a yummy milkshake, but I can only imagine the rentals are four star incredible. 

After the Cove tour we bussed back to the casino for dinner. Healthy and delicious. 

And what a view. 

Certainly an enjoyable evening was had at the Cove. I do hope we have an opportunity to stay sometime in the future. Our camp isn't to far from here so I expect we will end up staying there instead, but should you be in the area, it looks great and please let me know about your experience.