Reviews

Wine is not my poison of choice—I am more of a lager man. With beer tastings on the very expensive and infrequent side, though, wine samplings are a more accessible option for visitors to the North Country.

On Stratton Hill Road in Chazy, N.Y., lies the Vesco Ridge Vineyard. Dan and Nancy Vesco opened the vineyard in 2010, but it has existed since long before then. The Vescos have been making wine for the better part of 10 years as a hobby. Now, Vesco Ridge is a popular stop for Canadians and wine enthusiasts looking to sample the North Country’s best.

Surrounded by a dirt parking lot, the timber-framed diner looks like a large lean-to hauled North from the High Peaks. It appears out of place, sharing the parking lot with Haley Lumber and Henry’s Pool and Spa.

A large wooden bear stands by the entrance, welcoming customers. The bear can’t be too hungry, for he comes off as a pretty nice guy. I felt a small-town charm as soon as I stepped inside. Seating is tight in the dining area, but extra room is available at a wrap-around countertop near the kitchen.

I’ve always wanted a massage but could never afford it. One day, I saw a commercial for Massage Envy in Williston, Vt. I had never heard of it, but I looked it up and saw the corporation is nationwide. There are even a bunch of them near my hometown on Long Island, so I decided to give it a try.

As an inexperienced customer, I was skeptical due to the fact that I would be receiving a massage from a chain company, but I tried to think more positively. The commercials and website looked very put-together and clean, and I assumed the massage parlor would be, too.

The fast-approaching cold weather in the North Country can put an early stop to a golfer's season. Thankfully, the City of Plattsburgh has its own indoor driving range for golfers to practice their skills all year.

Located at the back corner of the recreation center at 52 U.S Oval is the area's only indoor driving range. This is a place for the golf community and aspiring golfers to go and practice their swings or have fun with friends. For people like me who love golfing but can’t golf a lot of the year due to the cold Adirondack winters, Plattsburgh’s indoor driving range is a nice place to spend a free hour and hit some golf balls.