Michella Hand

09/22/2026

Fun fact: This New York State farm brewery still brews on the original barrel-and-a-half system they started with.

They use it for small-batch experiments, specialty brews, and some of their tried-and-true favorites.

As one of the first farm breweries in New York State, S&S Farm Brewery uses at least 60% New York-grown ingredients in every batch, bringing the farm, family, and land into every pint. 🌾

Beyond b**r, there's plenty more to enjoy when you visit, including c***r, cocktails, mocktails, rotating food vendors, live music, and a playground for the kids.

This sixth-generation family farm is the definition of family-friendly. Add it to your list of must-visits the next time you’re in the Capital Region. 🍻

🍺 S&S Farm Brewery
📍 174 Middle Road, Nassau, NY

Download the Official New York Craft B**r App to explore 500+ NY breweries, collect stamps, and earn rewards!

🔗 thinknydrinkny.com/the-app/

VIDEOGRAPHY by Michella Hand
REEL PRODUCTION by Big Love Media

09/22/2026

One of those Hudson spots you’ll be SO glad you know about.

Olde Hudson Market & Cafe on Warren Street is part cafe, part gourmet market, and 100% worth adding to your next Hudson day.

I stopped in for lunch and tried:
☕️ Coffee + a mixed berry crumb square
🥤 A smoothie
🍕 Fresh pizza
🍪 Cookies to bring home to the fam

Everything was SO fresh, and then I could’ve spent forever browsing the market. The owner personally handpicks everything you see on the shelves, from meats + cheeses to produce, pantry staples, international finds, prepared foods and frozen pizzas to take home.

And one of the coolest finds? Their olive oil is exclusively sold to Olde Hudson throughout the entire United States.

Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, something quick to-go, or looking for groceries that are as good as they look, this is one to put on your Hudson list.

Save this for your next Hudson trip & send it to someone who loves discovering a good local market!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/21/2026

If you’ve ever tried to get work done while your little one is home, you know the struggle.

I recently took my son to Play Pop in Hudson, and it was such a great setup for BOTH of us. He got to play, explore and interact with other kids while I had a chance to actually get some work done.

✨ Free Wi-Fi
☕️ Coffee + tea
💻 Multiple places to work
🎨 Crafts + story time
🏕️ Camps + aftercare
🧸 Open play for little ones ages 0–6

And you don’t have to commit to a membership, you can drop in for two hours for $30 or check out their other programming and membership options.

Basically… a place where your kid gets to have fun and you might actually answer an email.

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/19/2026

Coffee + records + a little treasure hunting? Say less.

If you’re strolling Main Street in Chatham, make sure you head upstairs to Stonykill Coffee & Records. I love stopping in for an iced coffee or latte, and then inevitably spending way too much time browsing the records, books, tapes, and all the unique finds.

It’s one of those local spots that makes you want to slow down, look around, and stay awhile.

Save this one for your next Chatham day and send it to your coffee-loving friend!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/18/2026

💸 AFFORDABLE 518: 10 local places to bring the kids that won’t break the bank

Because keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to mean spending $100+ every time you leave the house.

I rounded up 10 Capital Region spots that make for a fun family outing without completely blowing the budget that I personally love. From play cafes and hands-on play to museums, farms and places where the kids can simply run around.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend activity, a rainy-day backup plan or somewhere to go when you hear “Mom, I’m bored” for the 47th time… save this one.

And if you have a budget-friendly kid-friendly spot in the 518 that I should add to Part 2, drop it in the comments! ⬇️

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/17/2026

A Capital Region classic getting a whole new chapter.

If you haven’t been to Goold Hill Vineyard & C***ry yet, add this one to your local list because there is SO much to love here.

For more than 100 years, this orchard has been part of the community, and the new owners have created such a beautiful, welcoming space while still keeping that connection to the farm.

🍩 Farm-fresh baked goods + the donuts are a MUST
🍷 A beautiful new bar + w**e slushies
🍎 C***r slushies + their signature donut pairing
🛍️ Local products + farm goods
🚜 Tractor rides around the property
🌽 Corn maze + apple picking
🎶 Outdoor seating, food trucks + live music

And as a mom, I especially love finding places where we can enjoy the experience as a family — my son was ALL about the tractor ride.

It really feels like there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re stopping in for a drink and a donut or making a whole day out of it.

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/16/2026

Be a part of a day of community, competition and giving back! We are currently seeking in-kind donations and sponsorships from local businesses:

- Raffle items (gift baskets, gift certificates, products, events, etc.)
- A local business to sponsor drinks (water & coffee) for our teams
- Sponsorships for additional costs / fundraising dollars
- Or if you’d like to contribute anything specific to be a part of this important but fun community event!

Please DM or email me ([email protected]) or Sarah from Thomas Pest Services ([email protected]) if you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities.

Join us for Every Kick Counts, a day of community, friendly competition, and giving back—all in support of cerebral palsy awareness.

Thomas Pest Services, in collaboration with community partner Michella Hand, is bringing together local businesses, friends, and families for a fun-filled kickball tournament inspired by the Thomas family’s journey with cerebral palsy.

Six local teams will take the field, all with one shared goal: raising awareness and giving back. A portion of the proceeds will benefit , helping create more opportunities for adaptive sports and recreation.

Want your local business to be part of it? We’re looking for sponsors! Whether you’re interested in an in-kind or monetary sponsorship, we’d love to have you on our team. Learn more here: https://hs.thomaspestservices.com/every-kick-counts-sponsorship

A huge thank you to the local sponsors already supporting our competing teams:
Thomas Pest Services Kinetic Fitness LaTorre Insurance Agency Julia Jayne Pilates ✨ Del’s Roadside | Kinderhook NY

And thank you to the local sponsors who have already (and eagerly) signed up to be a part of this community event: La Bella Valatie Broad Street Bagel Company Lauren Bingenheimer Julia Williams Organic Images Photography Tierra Farm Rollin’ Sundaes- Ghent NY The Field Shop Mike Andryszewski Isola W**e and Tapas Flower Blossom Design, LLC Samascott Orchards

Let’s kick it for a cause. Every kick counts. 💚

09/16/2026

I would love to be a trophy wife… but unfortunately I have things to do. 😂

A full-time job.
A toddler.
A business I’m building on the side.
And approximately 900 local businesses I need to visit.

Some days I genuinely wonder how I’m doing it all. Other days I remind myself that I actually LOVE all of these things — even when they leave me running on coffee, calendar reminders and counting how many hours of sleep I’ll get before bed every night.

I know I can’t be the only one constantly bouncing between work, mom life, side hustles, dinner, errands, emails, content, and trying to somehow have a life in between it all.

So tell me… what’s the thing on YOUR “unfortunately, I have things to do” list?

Because apparently none of us are resting anytime soon.

09/15/2026

Your next Sunday night dinner plans just got a little more interesting…

Nightbird at The Aviary in Kinderhook is one of those spots that feels like a find — cozy, elegant, incredible cocktails, exceptional service, and a menu that keeps you guessing because it rotates.

When we went, it was Thaibird and everything we ordered was SO full of flavor.

🍅 Tomato salad — genuinely could not get enough
🦑 Calamari
🍗 Fish sauce wings
🥩 Charcoal beef flank steak
🍗 Charcoal half chicken

The tomato salad + that beef flank steak sauce? I’m still thinking about them.

Whether you’re looking for a date night spot, dinner with friends, or just an excuse to make Sunday plans… add Nightbird to your list.

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

09/14/2026

Date night, but make it a little more competitive. 🪓

If you’re tired of doing the same dinner-and-drinks routine, The Yard Sports Bar & Hatchet House in Albany is such a fun option for a night out.

🍹 Seasonal cocktails + pours
🪓 Axe throwing
🎯 Lawn games + swings
🍴 Food + bites
💰 Axe throwing is just $20/person for 30 minutes

My personal must-order? The Berry the Hatchet cocktail. 🍓

And yes… we may have gotten a little competitive once the axes came out.

Save this one for your next date night in the 518!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.