Upstate brothers
A Wild and Wonderful Reunion in Upstate New York
Barnyard Bliss with My Brothers
This summer, my brothers and I decided to reunite in the heart of Upstate New York where my brother Mathew lives. Hunter jetted in from sunny Mesa, Arizona, while I flew in from Orlando. We booked a quirky converted barn set on over 100 acres of pure adventure. From open fields to dense woods, our days were filled with exploring, spotting owls and hawks, and marveling at local birds and deer. It felt like stepping into our own nature documentary!
Vermont Ventures
One day, we crossed state lines to visit Jamaica State Park in Vermont. Our hike through the park was nothing short of spectacular, with nature showing off its best. Post-hike, we hit up Manchester, Vermont, where the local shops tempted us with all sorts of goodies. We couldn't leave without snagging a heavenly blackberry and blueberry pie. Back at the barn, we fired up the grill for a steak feast and indulged in that pie while the sunset painted the sky in breathtaking colors.
Fair Fun and Pub Hopping
The next day, we dove into the excitement of the Saratoga County Fair. I discovered the ultimate treat: a maple milkshake! The fair was a blast, filled with adorable animals and nostalgia. Later, we embarked on a midday pub crawl in Saratoga, sampling local brews that hit the spot. The day ended with us lounging at the barn, watching the sunset and a parade of Canadian geese flying overhead—a truly serene moment.
Lake George Adventures
Our final full day kicked off with breakfast at Lake George, where I couldn't get enough of those pancakes with local syrup. After fueling up, we rented a boat and hit the water. Lake George's beauty left us awestruck, with its shimmering waters and picturesque islands. Wildlife encounters were plenty, adding to the day's magic. We lunched at a local brewery, enjoying delicious food and craft beers.
Historic Fun and a Beautiful Goodbye
We made a pit stop at the Fort at Lake George, where we were treated to a cannon and musket firing show—a blast from the past, literally! That night, we grilled burgers and savored our last meal together under the open sky. Hot air balloons drifted overhead, making our farewell dinner feel like a scene from a movie.
Until Our Next Adventure
Parting ways was bittersweet, but our trip was packed with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Our Upstate New York reunion was the perfect blend of wild escapades and relaxing downtime. I’m already counting down the days until our next epic adventure!
