Michella Hand

A small town coffee shop you need to know about.

Julie B’s Coffee & Bites in Esperance is serving up certified organic coffee, house-made syrups, seed-oil-free bites, homemade breads, and SO much love in every detail.

I tried the Autumn Spice Cold Brew, Maple Sea Salt Latte, pumpkin bread, blueberry banana bread, honey bear bagel, and the Bee Sweet breakfast sandwich — and that sandwich had me OBSESSED. 🤤

You can tell how much thought and love Julie has poured into this place, and I love discovering small businesses like this that are creating something special right here in our region.

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

Happy National Coffee Day! ☕️🤎

While I definitely drink coffee to wake up and keep me going, I also drink coffee to experience the places around me.

Coffee with friends. Coffee while exploring a new small town. Coffee on a mom-and-son adventure. Coffee while working. Coffee because I spotted a new local spot I had to try.

For me, it’s never just about the coffee. It’s about the people, the places, the conversations, the memories—and supporting the small businesses behind every cup.

Cheers to the local coffee shops that keep me going, exploring, and caffeinated. 🫶🏻

Where is your favorite local coffee shop in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley? 👇🏻

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

If you think Fidens is just about the b**r… you need to try the food.

Located on Broadway in Albany, Fidens is one of those spots that checks all the boxes: great b**r, seriously good food, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

My go-to? The wings — bone-in or boneless, I’m not picky because they’re THAT good. The burger is always a solid choice, and their Reuben was top notch.

Whether you’re grabbing a drink with coworkers, catching up with friends, or bringing the family, it’s a spot I know I’ll always have a good meal.

Founded by friends, built for good food, good b**r & good company. 🍻

Have you been to Fidens yet? What’s your go-to order?

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

Adding this one to the family breakfast rotation.

My family recently stopped into Park 26 inside the historic Queensbury Hotel for breakfast, and it was such an easy, relaxed spot to enjoy a meal together.

We shared a little bit of everything — a veggie + cheese omelette, homemade corned beef hash & eggs, and a waffle that I honestly enjoyed way more than I anticipated.

Plus, my toddler was very into the rock sugar candy that came with my latte, so apparently that was the highlight for him.

📍 Save this for your next breakfast outing!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

Some people call me a content creator…

But if you know me, you know I’ve always been the person who’s constantly saying, “Oh, you HAVE to try this place.”

I love finding the spots, experiences and small businesses that make a place special…and sharing them with you!

That’s really what Michella Hand is all about. Discovering local. Supporting local. Sharing local. 🤍

So… what should I put on my list next? 👇🏻

Fun fact: This New York State farm brewery still brews on the original barrel-and-a-half system they started with.

They use it for small-batch experiments, specialty brews, and some of their tried-and-true favorites.

As one of the first farm breweries in New York State, S&S Farm Brewery uses at least 60% New York-grown ingredients in every batch, bringing the farm, family, and land into every pint. 🌾

Beyond b**r, there's plenty more to enjoy when you visit, including c***r, cocktails, mocktails, rotating food vendors, live music, and a playground for the kids.

This sixth-generation family farm is the definition of family-friendly. Add it to your list of must-visits the next time you’re in the Capital Region. 🍻

🍺 S&S Farm Brewery
📍 174 Middle Road, Nassau, NY

Download the Official New York Craft B**r App to explore 500+ NY breweries, collect stamps, and earn rewards!

🔗 thinknydrinkny.com/the-app/

VIDEOGRAPHY by Michella Hand
REEL PRODUCTION by Big Love Media

One of those Hudson spots you’ll be SO glad you know about.

Olde Hudson Market & Cafe on Warren Street is part cafe, part gourmet market, and 100% worth adding to your next Hudson day.

I stopped in for lunch and tried:
☕️ Coffee + a mixed berry crumb square
🥤 A smoothie
🍕 Fresh pizza
🍪 Cookies to bring home to the fam

Everything was SO fresh, and then I could’ve spent forever browsing the market. The owner personally handpicks everything you see on the shelves, from meats + cheeses to produce, pantry staples, international finds, prepared foods and frozen pizzas to take home.

And one of the coolest finds? Their olive oil is exclusively sold to Olde Hudson throughout the entire United States.

Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, something quick to-go, or looking for groceries that are as good as they look, this is one to put on your Hudson list.

Save this for your next Hudson trip & send it to someone who loves discovering a good local market!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

If you’ve ever tried to get work done while your little one is home, you know the struggle.

I recently took my son to Play Pop in Hudson, and it was such a great setup for BOTH of us. He got to play, explore and interact with other kids while I had a chance to actually get some work done.

✨ Free Wi-Fi
☕️ Coffee + tea
💻 Multiple places to work
🎨 Crafts + story time
🏕️ Camps + aftercare
🧸 Open play for little ones ages 0–6

And you don’t have to commit to a membership, you can drop in for two hours for $30 or check out their other programming and membership options.

Basically… a place where your kid gets to have fun and you might actually answer an email.

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.

Coffee + records + a little treasure hunting? Say less.

If you’re strolling Main Street in Chatham, make sure you head upstairs to Stonykill Coffee & Records. I love stopping in for an iced coffee or latte, and then inevitably spending way too much time browsing the records, books, tapes, and all the unique finds.

It’s one of those local spots that makes you want to slow down, look around, and stay awhile.

Save this one for your next Chatham day and send it to your coffee-loving friend!

✨ Follow Michella Hand, your local insider, for more small town bites, sights, things to do, hidden gems, and weekend getaways.