Flea Market Buys, Brunch, Binghamton Brew and a cat called Buttercup

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Jimay's Flea Market is small on charm, but as an optimist
I'd try it again if we're in the neighborhood. 

On Sunday, we went on a bit of an explore to Binghamton which is about 45 minutes from our cabin.

We love flea markets so we found ourselves at Jimay's in Conklin, NY. It wasn't the one I wanted to go to, but hey, we were there.

A very sweet woman collects the $1 parking fee. Today, there was plenty of parking but I would think it gets a little dicey when summer really kicks in. They don't allow dogs, so we found a tree that threw some serious shade, opened the windows and shopped, being careful to check on Westley, who we found sleeping most of the time. After all, it was his nap time.

Most of the booths were a bit sleepy too and true to the name, FLEA market. So much junk, dirty vases, dusk, musty pillows and worthless books. But, there were a few vendors with true vintage mid-century modern glassware, some old architectural features and 60's fabrics and notions.

I bought a pin for $1 that looked like it came from the vendor's personal jewelry box. I also stocked up on new sewing thread and pin cushions that were good quality at discount prices. Peter finally satisfied his quota for cast iron skillets with his find of a box of four pans in various sizes for $20. He only wanted one, but took them all at that price. He also found a very dusty, dirty, and a bit brittle and broken Bass. Just for the hell of it, he asked how much it was. For $10, he bought it.

By now, we were ready for some brunch. We drove into Binghamton proper. We had Westley with us

Westley, playing host at
The Colonial

so we needed to find somewhere with an outdoor patio. We must have crossed the Susquehanna six times, winding our way through the City of Binghamton, by the university, through neighborhoods with amazing architecture. Is that a private home or an office building, art gallery, library? Huge mansions, wonderfully preserved. We had no idea there was this kind of money in this area, much less, that it was retained.

While there seemed to be a lot of restaurants open, the number with patios was limited. The Colonial had some empty tables so we asked if we could sit on the patio with our dog. They couldn't have been more accommodating. Even the other patrons didn't seem to mind that Westley wanted to be petted, that he put his head in their laps or sniff their food.

The Colonial had a nice choice of craft beers and interesting cans. The cocktails looked thirst quenching. It was brunch so for a few dollars more, you could add bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas. Our beers complimented our meals. Peter usually recommends, not getting the chicken, but against his own insistence, he was pleasantly surprised with just how juicy and flavorful his blackened chicken sandwich turned out to be. I ordered the mac with three different cheeses. Both meals were delicious.
**BTW - chefs at The Colonial, you should add a option for blackened chicken to your mac and cheese and you'll be golden. -- You're welcome!

Finishing up our meal, we overheard one couple planning their day. Our ears perked up when they talked about a brewery. We had been to Water Street and Galaxy previously but never heard of Binghamton Brewing Co. We'd have to check them out.

But first, Antiques Row. Unfortunately, while the shops looked cute, they were all closed on Sunday. Bummer. We took note and promised ourselves to come back on a Saturday. Meanwhile, that gave us plenty of time to visit the brewery, which was in the direction we were headed.

Wesley and Westley meet over their pursuit of "Buttercup"

In an industrial part of Binghamton, we easily found Binghamton Brewing and as luck would have it, there was an awning and outdoor tables. We normally ask if we can have the dog with us, but with so many water bowls strewn around, I figured they often had dogs. I was wrong. As I sat down and slackened my hold on Westley,  I heard another customer say something about a cat. Westley did notice the animal just beyond his reach, but since the cat sat still, he didn't pursue it. Westley hasn't really encountered a cat before. Only when a family arrived and the little boy wanted to pet the cat did she bolt. Westley started to follow, but I held on tight.

We ordered some beers and were just starting to relax when the little boy and his mom came outside again. The little boy wanted to pet Westley. As he did that, his mom chattered away. At some point she asked the name of our dog. I said "Westley." She said, "Yes, that's right. But what is your dog's name." We looked at one another as it dawned on us, her son and our dog were both named after the leading male character in "Princess Bride". Inconceivable, don't you think? We had a good laugh. How odd that we would be at the same place at the same time, and for both our dog Westley and their son Wesley to be in pursuit of this feral Tabby, we jokingly named Buttercup.

Binghamton in seven hours, as it turned out, was great fun. We would have been able to explore much more if we didn't have our dog with us, but for this visit, we had a blast in Binghamton.

Of course, on our way home, we stopped by an access point in Walton. There were plenty of boats, several guides giving instruction, a few fishermen standing on the banks. "Anything going on?" Peter asked one of the guides. As he watched his client cast, he shook his head and mouthed, "Not a thing." Oh well, Peter wasn't missing anything considering we were on our way back to the Hudson Valley. Another weekend coming to an end.

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Bethel BBQ, Long Eddy and a Quiet Evening on the Delaware

We just missed the line for lunch at Big Kev's.

We pick our routes to the cabin based on what we want to eat. This weekend, we made our way through Bethel, NY in order to stop at Big Kev's BBQ. We found out about Big Kev's after sampling their ribs at a BBQ competition at Roscoe Beer Co. They took first place. There's a trophy case just under the order counter. You can't miss it. The honors are well deserved.

We were here a few weeks back. This time, we were with our son. Peter had the brisket sandwich (again!), our son tried the pulled pork and I had the ribs (again!). We love that the rubs and flavorings are infused throughout the meat, tender, juicy without an extra coating of BBQ sauce. The sandwich rolls are excellent too as well as the few sides they have available. They have a steady line of folks who have ordered in advanced from the catering menu, people literally pull their cars up to the food truck and pop their trunks to haul their food away. And then there are those who stop in and partake of the smoked goodness on premises. The covered picnic tables are perfect. The only thing Big Kev's is missing is a handwashing station and probably a portajohn, but that's only if you choose to eat there. If you haven't been, go! Trust me. We all want to support these guys so that they'll keep providing us with the area's best BBQ for a long long time!

Later that day, Peter and I weren't so hungry for dinner but with a 17-year-old growing boy who claims he has a tapeworm, we made our way to another casual dining establishment, this time in Long Eddy. There may not be so much going on in Long Eddy, except for the quaint homes, the proximity to the river, and the Long Eddy Hotel and Saloon.  It has a nice well-stocked bar and an indoor air-conditioned dining room. We've only found out about this place since it's been nice out, so we usually sit outdoors on the expansive lawn with picnic tables and umbrellas.

The road to Long Eddy is windy and pastoral.
We often see deer, porcupine, and other wildl-
life. This time, we saw many an escaped
goat and chickens.

The menu is mostly pub food but all done well. The burgers are seasoned to perfection. Just about everything is under $10. We've missed their Friday evening BBQ but we're told it's a must, as in you must get there right at the time it opens or you'll miss out. I'd check with the Saloon about when they're having it and what time it starts since things are a bit laid back around here.

We like that about it. Coming here is an easy choice for us because Westley is welcome on the grassy outdoor area. We also like that it's very local and still welcoming. While we were there this weekend, I misplaced my phone. We retraced our steps, asked everyone at the bar, then, asked them again. It was during the second go-round that one of the patrons asked Peter. "Are you staying nearby? Maybe you can come back. It might turn up tomorrow." Peter told her we had a cabin in the area and told her the name of the road. "Oh, really? I'm related to those folk. You must know my cousin." "Aw!" another patron said to her. "I hate that guy." Hahaha! Everyone knows everyone here in the Catskills. It's a lot like a place we lived. In Botswana, Africa, the rule of thumb is, "Don't do anything your mother wouldn't approve of, because it will get back to her soon enough."

The Catskills, also relaxed cattle country like Botswana, only the Catskills has mountains, lush green foliage, and excellent flyfishing. And that's why we're here and what Peter did after we got back from Long Eddy.

He went fishing at dusk, while our son and I relaxed in the cabin. It was a beautifully cool night with fresh bugs hatching all around. Peter can tell you more about fishing, but he did tell us it was a beautful night on the Delaware, after a wonderful start to another weekend in the Catskills.

Welcome Reel Lovers and Their Real Loves

The famed East Branch of the Delaware River between Hancock and Roscoe, New York

I first met my husband in February, on the East Coast. We both loved great food, going out for beers, antiquing, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors. For the first few weeks, it was wonderful. We quickly fell in love. Imagine my surprise when the first hatch appeared over the Delaware and he was gone. Oh yes, of course he would return, but only until there was another opportunity for him to fish. 

Having never even heard of an outdoorsman, this was all very puzzling. I married him anyway and tried to be understanding when he planned our honeymoon in Europe consisting only of the countries with excellent flyfishing.  

Over the past 30 years, his mania would have him wading into the East Branch of the Delaware, the flats off Islamorada, the Skykomish River in Washington,  the chalkstreams of England, and even the Okavango Delta, with me watching, photographing, and writing from the banks. While I don't fish, I do love the scenery. It doesn't get much prettier than a fishing stream.

Recently, we bought a little cabin in Delaware County in the Catskills. Since we spend so much time there, with Peter fishing and me finding something to do, we thought it was about time we married our two interests. I've made my career as a journalist, why not finally let our two loves collide?

Besides, there are plenty of couples who do what we do. I've met them - women having lunch on their own while their significant other is waist deep in the river. I've often struck up conversations with someone sitting on the banks, where we commiserate about mosquito infested tents or rate the cleanliness of the nearest toilets. I know there are plenty of us willing to hang out while our anglers cast just one more time, because when they're not fishing, we know they want to be with us. 

Reel Love Adventures Blog will highlight the best fishing spots AND feature other attractions in the area. We'll let you know the must-sees, don't miss eats, best drinks, as well as, the most interesting shopping, art galleries, pick-your-own farms in that river basin. We don't do the touristy things because we consider ourselves travelers. If you like the insider's track, then you've come to the right place.

We have an adorable cabin that we're fixing up. We hope one day to offer it as a base-camp since it is centrally located to some of the best fishing streams in the East Coast, but for now, come along with us as we explore the Catskills, the Hudson River and beyond.

While I know my husband loves his fishing, he also loves and wants to be with me, that's Reel Love, am I right?!?