Things To Do In Stamford? Plenty. Read On

1-22-10

If you haven’t been to Stamford, you’re missing some fun.
This village of just 1,200 people offers fine dining, culture and a lot of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
What’s the main attraction?  Here’s a sampling.

•

People will tell you about endless trails – or at least 30-miles’ worth – to walk, ride, hike and snowmobile. Once known as “Queen of the Catskills,” Stamford has long been a destination for mountain views.
A village park on Mount Utsayantha has recently been redone, complete with picnic tables and a composting toilet.  The other afternoon, chilly though it was, hang-gliders were heading off into the wild blue yonder.

•

For a warming espresso when you get back to town, try The Kaaterskill House, at 18 River St., which opened in October 2008.  And paninis, bagels or cinnamon raisin toast. 
One of owner/operators Aree and Sally Brays’ specialties: Kaat Mocha.

•

Hungry or thirsty after a day on the trails? Stop in at Fred’s. This restaurant offers an upscale dining experience at affordable prices. Currently owned by Larry Johnston – he owns a restaurant by the same name in New York City – the executive chef Fred Bhend and local boy/sous chef Jesse Temple will soon be buying the venture which opened in December 2007. Both chefs joined the restaurant in its developing stages, helped to build the place and have personally developed the ever changing seasonal menu. They strive to use local produce when available as well as other local ingredients and they make everything from scratch.
Their bar top is reason enough to stop by and check the place out; it is made up of 11,230 pennies laid end to end. To make reservations or for information call 652-2265.

•

Stamford offers two art galleries owned by artist Timothy Touhey. The Gallery and The Gallery East feature medium-scale oil paintings, sculptures in marble/bronze, oil pastels, and limited edition prints.
In addition to Touhey’s art, the Gallery offers monthly open mic nights the second Saturday of each month, a monthly Yoga Trace Dance, and monthly drum circles. The back of The Gallery is set up to seat 50 people and it has a P.A. system, a grand piano and congas.
Touhey invites people to stop by anytime and offer a spontaneous concert in The Gallery if they feel so inclined. The next open mic night will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. For information contact Touhey at 607-652-4030. The gallery is open 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 12-6 p.m. Saturdays, and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays, or by appointment.