dartbrook rustic goods

If you're ever in Keene, NY, pop into Dartbrook Rustic goods. I still regret that I didn't buy some of their custom furniture or one of their pretty throws. I did leave with some balsam fir sachets that still have my home smelling all woodsy. It's strange how scents can instantly take you back to a good memory. I love how I'm reminded of our time in Upstate New York when I pass our hall closet. - Mina

the old ice house

Approaching the historic 19th century ice house, beautifully restored into a cabin, was like stepping into a fairy tale. It was all so perfectly picturesque. The cabin is called the 'Ice House' because it was originally built to store blocks of ice (cut from ponds in the winter) for the summer visitors of the nearby Wellscroft Lodge.

Now, it's anything but cold. We spent a few days lounging by the fire, playing cards, making popcorn and s'mores, and gazing at the stars in the evenings. - Mina

autumn in upstate new york

I just looked up the date of the first day of winter - it's on December 21st. That seems kind of absurd. As trick-or-treating kids in Winnipeg, we were lucky if the snow hadn't fallen before Hallowe'en so that we wouldn't have to amend our costumes to vampire/cat/witch in a snowsuit. I think the prairies are already covered with snow, but it's still very much autumn on the east coast. These photos from our trip to Upstate New York remind me that I need to get out more before it gets too cold to want to. - Mina