Getting Psyched!

I'm planning a trip with two friends and frankly, we are all really, really psyched to enjoy a road trip in the Finger Lakes.  Soon we'll be heading west to Watkins Glen and Hammondsport, NY.  Must-visit destinations include Skyland Farm and Lime Berry.  Both are places I've been to in the recent past and both have beckoned me to return ever since my last visit.  These galleries will help even the most jaded person delight at seeing what gifted artists are capable of creating.

Skyland Farm is on the east side of Seneca Lake in Burdett, NY on Route 414.  The gallery itself is a work of art and the artisans, whose works are on display, are amazing.  As an added feature, the owner has renovated a farmhouse next to the gallery and the work that's been done is nothing short of fabulous.  The farmhouse is available for family reunions and other functions and I'm pondering what event we might host there at some point in the - I hope - not too distant future.  You have to visit as I don't feel capable of doing either location justice tonight.  But trust me, you'll be enchanted, inspired and you're bound to purchase something that catches your fancy.  Blown glass, jewelry, ornaments, pottery, fine knives, paintings, candles, garden art and much, much more....I really can't wait to go back!  An added plus:  resident goats and cats.  (www.skylandfarm.net - the website is perfunctory and doesn't really do justice to this fine business.  Don't let the website stop you from visiting soon!)

Lime Berry is located in Hammondsport and features a number of artists including the phenomenal Leland Holiday.  My partner and I were wandering the Village last summer and the whimsical gardens and grounds of this converted house caught my eye.  (I'm an avid gardener and like nothing better than playing in the dirt in my ever evolving postage stamp of a yard/perennial garden.  So I had to go and admire the plantings and garden art at this unassuming gallery.)  But then we ventured inside and met one of the owners, Melissa Carroll.  She's a warm, welcoming and engaging woman who, with her husband, Joe, is also working on opening a vineyard by the same name.  Her energy, graciousness and charm is a welcome relief from the sometimes stuffy, pretentiousness that one can sometimes experience in art galleries.  Let's hear it for real people who champion the arts!

But, back to Mr. Holiday...suffice to say that we were so taken by his artwork that we spent the better part of at least an hour trying to decide what pieces we would purchase.  We walked out with paintings of a coyote and moose that now adorn our dining room.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM BOTH.  Don't miss Lime Berry if you venture to Hammondsport.  I'm hoping to find another piece by Leland Holiday for my office during this upcoming visit!  Lime Berry is located at 64 Shether Street and, in addition to featuring his work (exclusively), you'll find exceptional wood carvings and handmade carpets and more.  Wow!  (www.LimeBerryOnline.com, www.LelandHoliday.com).

Time for bed.  CCat 1:40am 11/5/10