“Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” #ExploreMoreMontgomery
Village of Canajoharie and Burbine Forest make for an Enjoyable Day Trip
Stops:
Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library
2 Erie Blvd, Canajoharie, NY 13317
Lee’s Shops At Wagner Square
24 Church St, Canajoharie, NY 13317
The Village Restaurant
59 Church St, Canajoharie, NY 13317
Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest & Nature Trail
182 Pond Rd., Sprakers, NY 12166
Have you ever wanted to get in the car and take your family to a picturesque downtown to spend the afternoon? You can, right here in Montgomery County. The village of Canajoharie is located just off of Exit 29 of the New York State Thruway. It’s walkable, with several fun shops and restaurants to explore right within village limits.
Start your day with a cultural experience— the Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library is the perfect way to spend a few hours. You can explore on your own or schedule a guided tour with the Curator of Education and Public Engagement Mary Alexander. She is extremely knowledgeable and will answer any questions you may have about the exhibitions on display. There’s no need to be an art connoisseur to enjoy either. It’s a great location for those just eager to learn about something new.
What’s also exciting is attending the museum is not cost prohibitive for families. Entrance is free for members, $9 for adults and $6.50 for students and senior citizens. Active duty military receive free admission and 50 percent off of their entire party. The Arkell Museum is a member of the Empire State Reciprocal Museum Program. Members of participating museums receive free admission to the Arkell Museum, and Arkell Museum members are able to visit participating institutions for free.
The Arkell Museum has two rotating galleries for changing and travelling exhibitions, a third gallery features Arkell Museum’s permanent American Art oil collection. Also, the permanent installation in the Memorial Walkway features information on the Arkell Family and Beech-Nut Packing Co and its advertising collection. Alexander also hosts Zoom online events where she discusses the art in the museum for those who might be interested in exploring the museum in a virtual capacity.
This Fall – 2020- the following exhibitions are on view until December 30, 2020: Winslow Homer: Illustrator
This new exhibition features the Arkell Museum’s permanent collection of Winslow Homer watercolors and woodcuts. Homer began his career as an illustrator for Harpers during the Civil War. After the war Homer continued producing material for the publication including a number of illustrations that accompanied children’s stories and poems. This exhibition examines Winslow Homer’s skill as an illustrator and early work with print publications, shedding new light on how this influenced his later work.
Judge Magazine: Politics, Presidents & Political Cartoons
This exhibition features images and materials from the Arkell Museum’s Judge magazine collection.
Judge magazine debuted in 1881; William J. Arkell purchased the floundering periodical in 1885 specifically to attack the Democratic presidential campaign. Judge quickly rose in popularity with the addition of famed cartoonists including Eugene Zimmerman, and began to rival competing publications such as Puck. This exhibition focuses on the history of the magazine, the role it played in American political life, and its connection to Canajoharie, NY.
Don’t forget to check out the Canajoharie Library, which is part of the Mohawk Valley Library System.
Alexander said all libraries in the Mohawk Valley Library System require a barcoded library card in order to check out materials. You may obtain a library card at the library with a valid photo ID (Driver’s License, Benefit Card, Passport, etc.) and proof of address. There is no charge for a library card, however if a replacement card is issued the fee is $2.00. Many people find themselves spending more time at home these days, making it a great time to have a library card. Besides books and magazines, audio books, digital books, CDs and DVDs are available to check out.
The library provides story hours for children and offers take home kits for all ages. The kits are activities where you can learn a new hobby or just relax and keep busy. A few examples of kits available are mindful meditation, mini Zen gardens or yoga for kids.
Both the Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library have many activities that can keep you and your family busy all throughout the year. Find the hours of operation and keep up with all events taking place by visiting them on social media:
Museum: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @arkellmuseum or visit their website.
Library: Facebook and Instagram: @CanajoharieLibrary or visit their website.
Schedule a guided tour by appointment with Mary Alexander, Curator of Education and Public Engagement at malexander@mvls.info or call 518-673-2314 ext 113.
After Arkell, head over to the Lee’s Shops at Wagner Square. You are overcome with a sense of home upon entering the shop. It could be the smell of locally made soaps or the sparkle reflecting off a Christmas tree decoration that make this store so inviting, but no matter the reason, Lee’s is a great place to visit. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or just want to browse. There are several different rooms, with something for everyone. Inside you will find over 40,000 items—including Lee’s Christmas Corner—which lets you enjoy the magic of Christmas year-round. For hours of operation and to learn more about Lee’s Shops, you can visit them @2024churchstreet
Only a quick walk up the street is The Village Restaurant. The diner, which seems to be a popular destination among locals, has a menu filled with all of your favorite comfort foods. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. You can eat in or take out.
If you are looking to spend time outdoors, consider opting for takeout and heading to the Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest & Nature Trail for lunch.
Fulton County / Montgomery County Anne Boles looks for a spot to have lunch at the Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest.
The approximately 330-acres which make up the Burbine Forest are a hidden gem within Montgomery County. Nature lovers can enjoy numerous tree species, wildlife, wetlands and bird watching. There is currently a mile long maintained loop trail, picnic tables and a fishing pond. A fishing derby is in the works for next year. There’s a lean-to and ample opportunity for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Coming soon to the Burbine, is Montgomery County’s first disc golf course. This will be the first in the area! It’s anticipated to attract many visitors who enjoy this popular recreational activity. Read more about Disc Golf Course coming to the Burbine, here.
Please share with us, whether you take the whole trip, or just make a few stops, hopefully you are able to get out and #ExploreMoreMontgomery!