Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

After a couple of years of hard work, it was time to celebrate last night for Matt Whalen and Carrie Blackmore.  The pair are the owners of Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton, and their fledgling brewery took over the main line taps at the Colgate Inn last night in Hamilton.

A crowd of well over 100 people were waiting at 5:30 for the first keg to be tapped and the crowd stayed strong for several hours as people enjoyed the five different beers that Good Nature has developed. 
It was clear from the reception that everyone enjoyed the beers and Good Nature is off to a good start as Madison County's first brewery.  You can still grab a taste for yourself as their tasting room will continue regular hours from here on out.  You can taste their beers Tuesday-Thursday from Noon until 7 and Friday and Saturday from Noon until 8.  Their beers will also continue to be on tap at the Colgate Inn.  From all of us here at Madison County Tourism, CHEERS!

The Colgate Inn in Hamilton has put together an incredible feast for February 2nd that will feature game meats, wines and beers.  Stretched out over five courses, dessert and cocktails the staff at the inn have designed a deep and well thought out menu.

You can check out the complete menu here, but it is obvious that a lot of time was spent picking beers, wines and game meats that not only showcased the flavors inherent in each, but also that showcase many local products too. 
The beer list includes beers from Good Nature Brewing Company, Ommegang and Middle Ages Brewing, all regional CNY breweries.  The wine list features Finger Lake beauties from Dr. Konstantin Frank, and Lamoreaux Landing. 
Local foods enhance a menu that will feature venison, duck, salmon, trout, and wild mushrooms.  Dessert will be a Sherry Wine with Blackberry Compote. 
The dinner begins with cocktails and a meet and greet at 6pm and the meal begins at 6:30.  You should make reservations soon, as this may be one of the best meals served in Central New York all year long. 

_ Act UP! Youth Theater Camp will be offered during winter break for kids eight to fourteen years of age at The Palace Theater in Hamilton. During the weekdays, February 20 – 25, there will be two different camp sessions, with each set of campers producing a theater production. The first session is 9am – noon and the second session is 1-4pm. The main show presenting both productions will be Saturday, February 25 at 3pm and is open to the public with tickets available for $5. Following the performance audience members can meet the cast at the Act UP cast party.

This theater experience welcomes two new directors: Dr. Robert Garland (Colgate University) and Dominick Pangallo (BA in Theater from Bates College and co-founder of the Salem Theatre Company). Robert Garland will be directing an original play called To Hades and Back. Dominick Pangallo will direct a selection that is yet be determined. Cost for each camp session is $75. Space is limited. For more information and to register, please contact Patricia von Mechow at The Palace Theater, 315.824.1420.

Act UP! traditionally offers a summer theater camp experience for children that inspires them to create and produce an original script. Dates for the summer camp are being determined now. If you are interested, please contact The Palace Theater to be added to the growing list to receive an application form for your child(ren).

The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica Street in historic downtown Hamilton, within walking distance of boutiques, fine casual dining and a relaxing Village Green. Visit www.palacetheater.org to learn more about upcoming shows and events.

_ The single most important decision made by a bride and groom in regards to their wedding day is the location.  Without a location, it is difficult to make any of the other decisions they need to make.  Madison County Tourism today announced a great way to help brides and grooms make that decision with its inaugural bridal bus tour. 

_On Sunday April 29, 2012 Madison County Tourism will treat engaged couples to a day of fun, as they travel to eight unique wedding venues across Madison County in luxury limo transportation.  The day will allow the happy couples to compare and contrast the locations and help them choose the perfect location to hold their ceremony or reception.

The tour will start in two locations, Oneida and Cazenovia, and the limos will spread out across the county to show off the historic, picturesque venues that make Madison County weddings so special.  Engaged couples will have the chance to visit the Oneida Community Mansion House, the Greystone Castle, Brae Loch Inn, Lincklaen House, Colgate Inn, Hamilton Inn and White Eagle Conference Center among others.  Catering and banquet staffs will be on hand at every location to talk about set ups, food, music and pricing.  Brides and grooms will also be able to meet with photographers, florists, disc jockeys, cake bakers, favor makers and other essential vendors.

Weddings are an important part of the marketing strategy for tourism in Madison County.  Each year they partner on a bridal guide and attend wedding shows.  They also have a dedicated wedding micro-site to help promote wedding venues and vendors.

Madison County Tourism executive director Jim Walter says weddings are big business.  “When someone chooses our venues for their reception there is a compounding effect on local businesses.  They may also set up a rehearsal dinner; hire a florist, photographer and disc jockey that are local.  It extends beyond the reception site, families, and the wedding party and guests all book hotel rooms.  While they are in town they visit local shops, restaurants and attractions.  The more weddings we can book in Madison County, the stronger our economy will be.”

One of the most heard comments from brides at wedding shows was that they’d love to check out Madison County locations like the Mansion House or Colgate Inn, but they just didn’t know when they’d find the time.  This tour aims to remove that barrier.  Eight venues in one day, a fun tour of the county in a limo or limo bus and access to a wide variety of vendors will make this time well spent for brides and grooms.

Tickets for the tour are limited to the first 50 couples and can be purchased online at www.madisontourism.com/weddings.  Interested couples or vendors can also call 800-684-7320 for more information.

As many of you know, the good folks at Good Nature Brewing in Hamilton have been not so quietly celebrating their soft opening at the brewery and tasting room.  The response has been great so far. 

Now Matt and Carrie plan to storm in and take over the taps at the Colgate Inn this Friday night.  The takeover begins at 5:30 on January 27th and will last until the bar closes at in the wee hours of Saturday morning. 

All five varieties of beers brewed by Good Nature will be available for flights, tastes and enjoying by the pint.  Good Nature will be selling merchandise and owners Carrie Blackmore and Matt Whalen will be available to answer questions about their start up business and its beers. 

Madison County at one time was among the world leaders in hop production for the brewing of beer.  Good Nature Brewing’s grand opening is part of the resurgence of the hop industry and the craft brewing industry in Central New York.  Using as many local ingredients, including100% locally sourced hops, Good Nature currently offers five varieties of beers.  Those beers include, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Chicory Mocha Porter, American Brown Ale and their newly released ‘Nor Easter.

_ The Palace Players announce a delightful, impromptu cabaret filled with nostalgic songs that celebrate musical favorites of the past. Flashback—Celebrate Music of the 40’s – 60’s is Saturday, February 4 at 7pm. Three talented musicians, come together for this rare treat: Jenni Larchar (Sherburne) is the lead vocalist, Mason McDowell (Lebanon) will tickle the 88’s on his electric piano, and Carl Pickett (Earlville) brings the sound home with his stand-up bass.

Jenni, Mason, and Carl are excited to perform together for Flashback and invite all of you to 70+ minutes of great entertainment. Enjoy tunes such as I've Got You Under My Skin, Star Dust, Georgia On My Mind, Someone to Watch Over Me, Blue Moon

Taking a Chance on Love, and other timeless favorites.

The Colgate Inn will be providing light drinks at a cash bar. Tickets are $10 and available at the door, but reservations are welcome. Seating is general admission, cabaret style (tables and chairs) and first come-first served. Doors open at 6:30pm.

The 5th season of live theater continues at The Palace Theater with its excellent line-up of Broadway and community theater. The touring Off-Broadway musical, Girls Night: the Musical comes to Hamilton for a one night only show on Saturday, February 18 and is two-thirds sold out. The Palace Players, Hamilton’s premier community theater produces The Odd Couple (March 9 & 10) and 12 Angry Men (April 27 & 28). Tickets are available for all of the shows.

The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica Street in historic downtown Hamilton, within walking distance of boutiques, fine casual dining and a relaxing Village Green. Visit www.palacetheater.org to learn more about upcoming shows and events

_ The Palace Players are pleased to announce the cast for their upcoming production of Neil Simon’s comic masterpiece The Odd Couple.

Michael McCormack (Norwich) and Mark Walden (Hamilton) will portray Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar respectively. Vito Bolognone (Earlville), Christopher Farrell (Hamilton), Mason McDowell (Eaton), and Bruce Ward (Hamilton) will appear as Oscar and Madison’s poker buddies Speed, Vinnie, Roy, and Murray. Jan Webb Guistwite (Sherburne) and Shari Taylor (Earlville) will play Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon, Oscar’s upstairs neighbors.

Dominick Pangallo (Hamilton) directs the production, with stage management by Kate Reynolds (Sherburne) and set design by Colgate University student Andrada Danila (Class of 2015).

The Odd Couple will take the stage on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10 at 8:00pm and on Sunday March 11 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $12 for adults (18+) and $8 for students (with ID). Reservations at palacetheater.org/tickets.php or 315-824-1420 are highly recommended. Tickets may also be purchased at the Palace box office (Mondays-Fridays, 9am-4pm, and two hours prior to each show); payment is accepted by VISA, Mastercard, Colgate Gatecard, cash, or check payable to The Palace Theater. Seating is general admission and the house will open 30 minutes before show time.

The Palace Players are Hamilton’s independent community theater group, performing at the Palace Theater on Utica Street. They strive to enrich the cultural and economic fabric of the greater Hamilton community through the performing arts. Next on stage from the Palace Players is 12 Angry Men, April 27 and 28.

_ Cooking is and should be a lot of fun, but many don't even know where to start.  The Peppermill in Hamilton has your solution with their winter and spring cooking classes.  Here is the upcoming schedule.  Make sure you book early and Leslie's classes will sell out.

Thursday, February 16th –ONE DISH WONDERS – One pot is all it takes to prepare dishes that range from rustic to elegant - and all are good enough to share with company! Just add a salad and dinner is ready.  Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast 6:30pm - $35.00

Thursday, March 15th –SUPER SUPPER SOUPS & SALADS – Go beyond your mom’s chicken soup.  In this class you will learn how to make 2 hearty and delicious soups and 2 go-with salads for a quick and delicious meal that even your kids will eat.  Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast 6:30pm - $35.00

Thursday, April 19 – COOKING WITH BOURBON – Bourbon has been around since the late 1700’s.  Its unique and complex taste will be used in 4 different recipes.  Leslie will show you how easy it is to add depth to a variety of dishes using the sweet flavor of bourbon.  Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast 6:30pm - $35.00

Thursday, May 24th- CLASSICAL ITALIAN – Learning to prepare Italian cuisine is more than learning to just cook.  It’s about the people, the food, the atmosphere and of course, the wine.  Four dishes from Italy will be prepared – some old favorites and some newer creations.  Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast 6:30pm - $35.00

Thursday, June 14th - CHICKEN 4 WAYS – Chicken is a staple in most family menus, so why not learn some new ways to prepare it.  If you are looking for a way to spiff up you nightly menus, this is the class for you.  Guaranteed all new and different recipes!

Bridle Creek Bed & Breakfast 6:30pm - $35.00

Thursday, July 19th – 2ND ANNUAL BACK PORCH BBQ CLASS – Last year’s class was a blast so I am serving up another one for you.  All entrees will be cooked and served right off the grill.  Come sit, sip some wine and watch Leslie prepare 4 different grilled dishes that you will use all year long. 6:30pm till???  Leslie’s Back Porch.  Please note space is limited so register early!

_Madison County has a long and storied hop farming tradition.  However, Madison County has never, ever been home to a commercial brewery.  That all changes officially tomorrow as Good Nature Brewing will open its doors and tap lines to the public. Owners Matt and Carrie sent out the good news via email this morning:

The big day is finally here!  We are fully licensed, and will be opening our tasting room for tastes and growler fills this Thursday (TOMORROW!), Friday, and Saturday.  Thursday we'll open from 3-7PM, Friday from 3-8PM, and Saturday from 12-8PM.  We have GNB growlers available here, but feel free to bring your own for filling.

We'll also be taking orders for our second generation of GNB pint glasses!  If you order now (instead of waiting until they come in) you get a dollar off!  

We are located at 37 Milford Street Suite #3 in Hamilton (across from Ray's and next door to M&M Press.  Look for the sign!  Call or email if you need help finding us.   

(315)824-1560

Starting next week, we'll go to our regular tasting room hours. 
Sunday/Monday:  Closed
Tues-Thurs:  12-7PM
Fri-Sat:  12-8PM

Tours by appointment!  

Cheers! 

Carrie & Matt 

_

_ The Poolville Winter Farmers’ Market returns on December 10 from 10am to noon at the Poolville Community Center. This month the market welcomes guest chefs Charles Wilburn and Roger Foster from the Poolville Country Store to the cafe, as well as more farmers and local artisans.

_Drover Hill Farm, Evans Farmhouse Creamery, Jewett’s Cheese House, Sunfed Beef, Szarek Farms, and Utica Coffee Roasting Company will join the amazing lineup of over 20 local food producers. Local artisans featuring their work just in time for the holiday season will include Denise Leone, Beth duBois, Goat Lady Soap, and Denise Timms. The market will be the perfect spot to buy fresh food, enjoy a warm delicious lunch and a cup of  freshly roasted coffee, and find locally produced presents for friends and family. (Photo by Kate Klein)