Three New Businesses In North Albany

This year has seen a surge in new businesses in North Albany so it's time I get back into reporting on the events taking shape.

Opening this Wednesday, May 25th is STOUT, an Irish Pub and eatery located directly across from Wolff's Biergarten featuring subs it takes two to eat and exceptionally well priced, salads, and an outdoor patio right on Broadway. Tables, benches, and a dart area beer holder were designed and made by who else but Silver Fox Salvage. The owner is Mike Grainy, just a fabulous guy. Come out and support this new business.

Next, Green Takedown Demolition, Inc. made its' working debut this weekend in Malta, removing a collapsed pole barn that was part of an old mink farm. This new corporation, formed to insure a steady source of architectural salvage and wood to Silver Fox Salvage and other manufacturers of furniture from antique wood, has hit the ground running with several jobs lined up. They also offer exceptional artistic garden design and construction made from natural stone and enhanced with statuary. They use natural stone, salvaged elements and can add water features.

Another new eating and drinking establishment opening soon is the Barrell Saloon located in the old bank on Broadway, just North of STOUT and run by Chris Pratt. This bar has a Western influence featuring BBQ with "cowboy fare." Once again, the interior and bar were built by Silver Fox Salvage.

Personally, given three establishments in close proximity, there needs to be traffic lights at both ends. In my opinion, this area now has the potential to add evening and late night retail beginning at North Ferry Street and running North to the Menands border.

Patrons could walk the streets during the warm months and particularly after the Alive at Five shows Availability may be a problem, but there are still some options. I envision a jewelry store, a few boutiques, tattoo shop, upscale desert shop, and a small movie theater similar to the Spectum and of course a coffee and gelato shop.

What are your thoughts?

North Albany In A Deep Freeze But There Is Hope

The real estate market and prices have hit hard in North Albany. Commercial properties that were up for a few years have sold for half the asking price, but wait, there is some hope. Wolff's Biergarten on Broadway and Silver Fox Salvage along with Thatcher's pub are thriving. What do they have in common: nothing. Beer & Soccer, antique lighting and furniture and beer and bikinis. The most important thing is that people are traveling for the exceptional and there is usually plenty of parking. Stop by, say hello, pick up a gargoyle and have a beer down the block.

Silver Fox Salvage Expands Lighting Department

Silver Fox Salvage has increased its lighting department to include over 100 chandeliers, ceiling fixtures, and lamps. There is also a large assortment of antique, vintage and new crystal prisms for sale. We offer some in house lamp and chandelier repair. Call for details 518-431-0606. We are open 7 days a week. You can visit our website at http://silverfoxsalvage.com

June 28th at ALBANY FLEA

This was a great Sunday at the ALBANY FLEA. Not one drop of rain, steady crowns, new vendors and plenty of fun. Today was Kariza dress day. Women were falling in love with the best summer dress you could buy. One dress that can be worn a 100 ways. Four of the staff were modelling them: Camille, Amy, Lauren and Nicole. Each dress is different. Now quite a few will be seen around Albany and hopefully the flea will be packed with women looking for more. But enough about my eye candy wishes. There was plenty else to be found and we must have sold over 100 books, about 40 LP's and a variety of other items. Statuary was also big, with a giant Gargoyle sold and awaiting delivery poolside on Tuesday in time for the 4th. If you were there, leave a comment.

Father's Day at ALBANY FLEA

First, the weather held out. Only a drizzle the last half hour. Vendor turnout was light. Times have changed. There was a time good vendors came rain or shine. Now even the threat of rain scares them off. People turn out was good, but less than last week. There were plenty of new customers: some came from the TU listing, others from Craig's List for the plant and statuary sale and others on their way to Huck Finn's Warehouse. Still no one showed up from the ad in the Berkshire Buyer's Guide. We need to reach NEW people. Any ideas? See you next week.

This Sunday at ALBANY FLEA

This Sunday is Father's day and Silver Fox from ALBANY FLEA will offer a 15% discount on all garden statuary and their exquisite line of plants, shrubs and trees. Hours are 10am till 4pm. Located at the corner of N. Ferry & Learned Streets in N. Albany. See you there. Visit our website at www.albanyflea.com

Last Week at ALBANY FLEA

June 7th was the kick off of the ALBANY FLEA. Over 2,000 came through the gates and were quite surprised that such a place existed in the run down warehouse section of North Albany. But isn't that how neighborhoods change? Vendors were selling funky lawn ornaments (a return this coming Sunday), garden statuary, great photography, antiques (the guy from Connecticut will be back) and collectibles, housewares, high plants, vintage and used clothing, and much more. We have 8 new vendors: one selling custom made jewelery and vintage glasses, another from Art on Lark will bring his paintings and much more. It's exciting to see this grow. Be a part of it. Let it become a woven part of this city and area. This Sunday there is free COTTON Candy to the first 100 kids. We are looking for theme days: 60's fashion day, motorcycle ride fund raisers and more. Please submit your ideas.