14850zine

Category: Shopping

  • Knitting Etc.

    Knitting Etc.

    Though I admit that I do love to peruse the aisles of big box craft stores now and then for good deals, it is especially exciting to highlight some of Ithaca’s smaller and more unique artsy/crafty shops. There are a number in town that specialize in sewing, art supplies, stationary, and yarns and knitting. For all Ithaca’s knitters (and would-be knitters) out there, today’s post is about a cool shop that I recently discovered: Knitting Etc.

    Knitting Etc. is tucked within the shops at Triphammer Marketplace (which surprisingly houses some other interesting gems…a Russian grocer, Terra Rosa – an eye-candy gift boutique,  Finger Lakes Reuse Center, a Chinese grocer, Instant Replay Sports, and Ithaca Coffee Company – a food store for the gourmand. But more on these other shops later…). Knitting Etc. is filled with a colorful array of yarns in all textures and colors, knitting books, patterns, supplies, tools, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff who want to share their love of knitting with you. Beyond a storefront, Knitting Etc. has created a small community of knitters replete with classes, open knitting sessions, and knitting-related events.

    Ever wondered about rigid heddle weaving? No problem, they’ve got you covered. Oh wait, never heard of rigid heddle weaving? (Ok, me neither), then you can start with some basic classes in knitting socks. Started a project but got tangled up? Knitting Etc. invites you to their regular Thursday night Open Knit Night where you can get help on that half-knitted sweater you’ve been trying to finish for the past year. Or just come for some social knitting. This place has a full events calendar with classes, workshops, invited teachers, and open knitting sessions most days of the week. You’ll never be bored again! Though admittedly I am no knitter myself (I crocheted some potholders for mom in grade school), I love finding places like this in Ithaca with a rich and in-depth devotion to a single craft or field of study. And the staff, led by owner Hickory O’Brien Lee, is clearly passionate about their craft and can answer any knitting-related question you put to them.

    So with the polar vortex tormenting upstate New York, what better a time get out your knitting needles, cozy up to a movie, and knit that winter scarf. Have fun stocking up in some exotic yarns from Knitting Etc. for the project.

    Knitting Etc. is located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 N. Triphammer Rd. Phone: 607-277-1164.

  • Hollenbeck's Cider Mill

    Hollenbeck's Cider Mill

    Though I am slightly breaking the rules by covering something just outside the Tompkins County line, I thought a mention of Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill too good to pass up. A longtime tradition of my husband’s family, and now mine, an October visit to this charming cider mill just outside Cortland is a festive and tasty way to indulge in the fall season.

    An apple orchard, country store, farm stand, and cider mill, Hollenbeck’s feature attraction is the antique cider press that is still in use. On weekend days they do several open apple pressings for the public and onlookers are treated to just-off-the-press cups of the golden cider as it pours from the spout. The cider is cool, crisp, and sweet, and if your in the mood, you can pair it with an old-fashioned doughnut that they roll out hot on the spot from their doughnut maker.

    Mr. Hollenbeck, who was been in the apple and cider business for decades, skillfully operates the giant wood and iron press. You can watch as a cascade of apples bounce and tumble into a chopper, then the resulting juicy pulp is carefully sandwiched into layers of burlap between wood planks as the press is prepared. The fun starts when the press jumps into gear and squeezes the heap of apple pulp and a waterfall of cool cider pours down into the cider spout.

    After you’ve had your fill of cider and doughnuts, you can pick up bushels of fresh apples (there are dozens of varieties to choose from), pumpkins and other fall harvest goods, as well as homemade fruit and berry pies from the adjoining bakery and sundries such as maple candies, nut and chocolate fudges, cheeses, and honey products from the store. The store also has an unusually impressive offering of tasty-looking canned goods – everything from onion jams to pickled hot peppers to fruit marmalades.

    Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill is located at 1265 New York 392. Be sure to call ahead at 607-835-6455 to ascertain whether they are doing a pressing later that day.

  • Cheap Reads

    Cheap Reads

    I would of course be remiss, dear readers, if I failed to mention the annual highlight of Ithaca…the autumn Friends of the Library book sale. I know several locals who consider this their not-to-be-missed, super important, highlight of the year. (Yes, we are a literary bunch here in little ole’ Ithaca). Indeed, I myself admit to lining up once or twice on the opening day with my empty Greenstar bags, dreaming of the books that will soon be mine for a mere $4.50 a pop. Once inside I try, usually unsuccessfully, to ration my purchases…I mean, why pay a whopping $4.50 when I could pay only $.25 in a few weeks! Never mind, I stuff my green bag and press onward.

    Today books will cost you $1.50, (paperbacks and children’s are cheaper). It is the second week of the sale, and next weekend – being the final – books will be sold from $.50 down to $.10. Yes, a dime. Reminds me of that CAKE song, “I’m a Dime.” Apparently that dime never made it to the Friends of the Library Booksale. (Any CAKE fans out there? Ok, never mind).

    Anyhow, go find some change underneath the sofa or behind the washer, and head downtown to the book sale. With over 250,000 books, audio books, and CDs on sale there must be something there for you!

    The book sale is located in a warehouse at 509 Esty St. Today they are open from 10am – 8:00pm. Next weekend they are open Saturday through Tuesday. Click here for the details about the hours.

  • How'd You Like Them Apples

    How'd You Like Them Apples

    This time of year you can spend each weekend at a different u-pick apple orchard, but if you are serious about your apples then stop by the Cornell Apple Orchards for a tasting of unique Cornell-bred apples. Though the orchards are off limits for picking, their roadside store offers an abundance of fruits and cider as well as a selection of honey products, maple candies, Cornell Dairy treats, and locally-made cheeses. The Cornell Orchards is a collection of orchards, vineyards, and fruit farms managed by the Department of Horticulture. While the orchards are split into a variety of locations and their research facility is in Geneva, the Cornell Orchard shop site includes the storage and packing facilities, a cider press, and a research lab, and is surrounded by 37 acres of fruit plantings.

    Upon entering the shop you are overwhelmed by a deliciously sweet and crisp fragrance of apples. Baskets of apples are laid out inviting visitors to sample all the varieties. Don’t be shy – try one of each! Bags of apples and other fall produce – corn, plums, pears, gourds, and pumpkins – line the shop shelves. At the back of the store workers sort bins of apples that cascade from a conveyor belt emerging from the back storage area.

    The opening of the Cornell Apple Orchards is always a welcome fall treat, and I stopped in this past weekend. I was delighted to sample, among others, “Autumn Crisp,” a Cornell variety which is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Monroe. Developed by Cornell (at the Geneva research station), it is the 63rd apple released from their breeding research station. It is juicy, crisp, and sweet, but not cloying. I loved it and bought a bag to take home.

    There is also cider to sample and sometimes pears to taste. Upon asking one of the store clerks/researchers I was treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the back storage room. Crisp, cool, and fragrant with an even more intense sent of fresh apples, the store room was stacked floor to ceiling with giant crates of apple in all varieties.

    The Cornell Apple Orchards shop is open from mid-August through April. Hours change, so check the website. The shop (in Ithaca) is located at 709 Dryden Rd. (across from the Cornell Vet School).

  • A Foodie Delight

    A Foodie Delight

    Several years ago I wrote a review (for another outlet) about what I describe as ‘one food wonders,’ or ‘OFW’ for short. These are the food joints that sell only type of edible…only rice pudding, or only mac n’ cheese, or only cupcakes. Period. Like skinny jeans and fedoras, OFWs seem to cluster in the East Village of New York City or other such hip urban nuclei. They are popular, and yes, usually quite excellent at whatever delicacy they specialize in. So I am happy to report that little Ithaca too can now boast a speciality OFW shop or two. The latest one that has caught my attention is F. Oliver’s Oils and Vinegars, on the Commons.

    Okay, yes, they sell oil and vinegar, but a specialty shop to be sure. I stopped in the other day and was happy to discover a palette of delicious and unusual flavors of oils and vinegars, which can be generously sampled. Overwhelmed with the exotic choices, the woman behind the counter took me on a tour of the aisles lined with stainless steel casks filled with the infusions.

    From Tunisian Harissa infused olive oil to vanilla bean dark balsamic vinegar, I begin thinking about the creative recipes that might take advantage of such interesting flavors. To help one’s culinary adventures, the F. Oliver website even has some sample recipes to try with specific oils and vinegars. The shop offers both flavor-infused oils as well as single varietal extra virgin olive oils, which are each made from one type of olive by small-batch producers. When the woman explained the unique characters and subtle differences in taste between the single varietal olive oils I began to feel like I was in a high-end wine shop. The balsamic vinegars are flavor-infused and/or aged, and come in either dark or light varieties.

    I sampled two olive oils: Fresh Pressed Blood Orange and Heady Garlic, and three balsamic vinegars: F. Oliver’s 18-year-old Special Reserve (their most popular, I am told), Blushing Peach, and Farmstand Strawberry. All were delicious and rich in flavor, especially the balsamic vinegars. At some point I will have to treat myself to a bottle of the Blushing Peach light balsamic vinegar (my favorite that I sampled), as it would be delightful on a salad.

    The shop even hosts private tasting parties after hours. F. Oliver’s is located on the Commons and is open on weekdays from 11am to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 6pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.

  • Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Rather than ‘spring cleaning,’ it is always the onset of fall that gets me in the mood to clean out, to start anew, to get organized. Likely this urge stems from past years of preparing for the start of the school year. In any case, with September upon us it is time to clear the clutter and sweep the carefree days of summer away. But what to do with an old ski helmet that is no longer used? Or that bulky old computer monitor that is taking up too much space in the attic? Or that bag of hotel toiletries that you probably won’t use? I hate to throw good things away, but I also hate to think of them decaying in the corners of my house. And beyond the Salvation Army, it’s hard to figure out where your good old things might be of use.

    So I’ve done the research for you. I’ve scoped out the various stores, charities, consignment shops, and re-use centers in Ithaca that will be the future homes of all your old things. (You weren’t thinking of just throwing it in the trash, were you?) So get cleaning, and rest assured that there is a new future, beyond the garbage, for that old handbag. See below for a long list of where you can sell, donate, trade or recycle all your stuff.

    CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES:

    Trader Ks – They are very picky, but at least you’ll get cash for your threads. They also do store credit. They buy from 10am-5pm every day but Thursday or Sunday. Located on the Commons. They also have a second location at 15 Catherwood Road (behind the McDonalds).

    Mama Goose – Junior grows up quickly, and probably leaves behind a lot of outgrown baby clothes. Mama Goose buys, or gives store credit, for (gently) used children’s clothes, accessories, and toys, as well as handbags and maternity clothes. Or if you are in the market for acquiring, they are also just a great place to shop for baby needs. 430 W. State St.

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – They accept donations of gently-used women’s clothing, especially professional attire. They also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    Sheldon Hill – A great store in itself to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, this shop also buys, or gives store credit, for a wide variety of jewelry. Located on the Commons.

    Salvation Army – If no one will buy your threads (or anything else), the Salvation Army is always grateful to accept them, as donations. Get tax credit. 381 Elmira Rd.

    HOUSEWARES:

    Mimi’s Attic – This is a good place to sell furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, linens, and home decor…though it is very likely that something on display may catch your eye and you may end up spending more than you make. They will pay cash for small items, or work on consignment for larger items, and of course they also do store credit. The staff is also very nice. 430 W. State St.

    Boris Garage – While hard to categorize – they describe themselves as selling ‘crazy man-cave’ stuff – Boris Garage will buy, trade, or accept donations of a wide variety of vintage, new, or thrifty wares. 210 Elmira Rd.

    ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:

    Found – They work on a consignment basis and are on the lookout for antique and vintage furniture and housewares. 227 Cherry St.

    Pastimes Antiques – A fun antique store to stop for, they also buy antique furniture, vintage jewelry, turn-of-the century postcards, antique buttons, beads, photography, political buttons, and paper ephemera. Located in DeWitt Mall.

    BUILDING MATERIALS & HARDWARE:

    Finger Lakes Reuse Center – Donate house hardware, appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics that might otherwise end up in the dump. Seriously, they take even old computers and printers…there’s no excuse for trashing your old Dell. Get tax credit. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd.

    Significant Elements – Another place to donate building materials and house parts. Get tax credit. They accept donations Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. 212 Center St.

    TOILETRIES (unused):

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – In addition to accepting non-perishable foods, they gladly accept unused toiletries, that I find are otherwise hard to figure out what to do with. Joan Barber runs the Cupboard, as she is very sweet and appreciative. They are open for donations Monday through Friday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm. 150 Albany Street (at the corner of Seneca Street).

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – In addition to accepting donations of gently-used women’s clothing, they also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    FOOD:

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – Accepts donations of unused toiletries and non-perishable foods. See above.

    Loaves & Fishes – They are happy to accept donations of non-perishable foods. St. Johns Episcopal CHurch, 210 N. Cayuga St.

    BEDDING & TOWELS:

    SPCA – It is hard to sell or donate used bedding and towels but rest assured that a deserving dog or cat will get a soft spot to sleep when you donate these items to the SPCA. (Pillows not accepted). They are also in need of a wide array of pet food and supplies. 1640 Hanshaw Rd.

    BOOKS & MUSIC:

    Friends of the Library Book Sale – Help make this bi-annual book sale one of the biggest in the nation when you donate your used books here. They are open to accept donations and stamp your itemized list for tax purposes on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:0pm, or you can drop off books (without getting your list stamped) any time by using the dropbox. 509 Esty St.

    Autumn Leaves Bookstore – They do not take romance paperbacks, computer help books, or encyclopedias, but they do collect a wide variety of book types, so before you donate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, try Autumn Leaves first. Stop by the Crow’s Nest Cafe upstairs while you are there for some tasty treats. Located on the Commons.

    Angry Mom Records – Try selling your old CDs and records here. They are on the lookout for Rock, Punk, Metal, Blues, Reggae, Soul, World, Jazz, DJ/Dance, Oldies. Located on the Commons, in the basement below Autumn Leaves Bookstore.

    Durland Alternatives Library – They accept donations of books, periodicals, audio, video, CDs, and DVDs. They also have an annual booksale to raise funds for the library. Even if you do not have a donation, check them out when you are on the Cornell campus next time. Located in Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University.

    SPORTS & OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT:

    Instant Replay Sports – They will buy, or do store credit, for your old (gently used) sports equipment. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd. There is a second location at The Rink at 1767 East Shore Drive.

    Old Goat Gear Exchange – They will buy, exchange for store credit, or do consignment for your outdoor clothing and gear. 320 E. State St.

    FABRIC, YARN, SEWING SUPPLIES:

    Sew Green – Leftover yarn from that scarf you knitted last year? Extra fabric from drapes that you trimmed down? Donate your extra sewing materials and supplies here and feel good about keeping them out of the landfill. 112 N. Cayuga St.

     

    Check out this ‘Get Your GreenBack Tompkins’ post with a helpful list of all second-hand shops in the Ithaca area.

    In the end there is always Craigslist or Freecycle, which is especially good during this time of year when the college students return and are looking to furnish their lives.

  • Welcome to 14850zine

    Welcome to 14850zine

    Welcome to 14850zine! Well, at least welcome to the approximately four people who are reading this initial post (hi mom, dad, husband, and, if lucky, at least one of my sisters!) My hope is that a readership of plus four will soon exist. After much time spent dreaming, planning, designing, and building, I am excited to launch 14850zine. Named after the main Ithaca zip code, 14850zine will cover all things Ithaca and surrounding area – with reviews on restaurants, free events, exploring hidden nooks and crannies in the gorges, classes, and much more. While 14850zine does not claim to be an exhaustive listing of events and things-to-do (see other great blogs, such as IthacaEvents.com or VisitIthaca.com, for up-to-date listings), this blog aims to cover interesting finds – both old and new, and celebrate the small jewels and quirkiness this area has to offer.

    It has been a long time coming, but I am happy that the launch of this blog will catch at least the tail end of summer. Though there are more than enough stories to cover  in every season, summer is especially abundant with exciting events: The ever-popular Farmer’s Market, the Scottish Festival, outdoor movies at the Straight, Shakespeare in the Park, Taughannock Falls concerts, salsa nights at the Big Red Barn, 4th of July festivities and fireworks, the Ithaca Festival, and of course the opportunity to explore the many surrounding trails and gorges.

    Thank you for visiting 14850zine. Please check back regularly for more posts as we go forward and get in touch with us if you have ideas to share.