Third Hilltown tour a success
— Photo by Anna Wolfe
Solar drying is explained by Susanna Raeven of Raven Crest Botanicals in Berne during the weekend’s Discover the Hilltowns tour.
— Photo by Amy Pokorny
Tourists on Main Street in Rensselaerville, try their hand at grinding and pressing small apples from neglected trees to make cider and hard cider.
The Enterprise –– Michael Koff
Protecting the land: A gargoyle nestled in flowers protects the Breitenbachs’ castle, as the owner shows two visitors, at top left, the history of the place. The castle, perched on the hill above Altamont, also holds the studio for artist T. E. Breitenbach who rents out the castle he built, for weddings and other special occasions. The castle was one of the stops on the annual “Discover the Hilltowns” tour, sponsored by the Helderberg Hilltowns Association.
The Enterprise –– Michael Koff
The making of a castle: Inside the blacksmith’s shop located on the grounds of the Breitenbach castle above Altamont are tools that were used to make some of the artwork on the grounds, open for the “Discover the Hilltowns” event this past weekend.
— Photo submitted by Linda Mellin
Take me home: Raynor, part of a petting zoo provided by Linda Mellin and George Foster of D&W Rescue, was adopted on Saturday afternoon by a visitor from Schoharie.
To the Editor:
The third annual “Discover the Hilltowns: Farms and Artisans Tour” on Sept. 14 and 15 was very well attended, as more people head for the Hilltowns each year for this self-guided driving adventure in the countryside.
I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who participated: the farmers, artisans, and other contributors and their families who welcomed the public to their farms, homes and studios; the folks who came out to visit our area and support our rich variety of colorful, fascinating and instructive destinations along the way; and the Helderberg Hilltowns Association members who make this fun and worthwhile event happen.
Many thanks to all for making this such a success, and for showing our guests how much we have to be proud of here in the Hilltowns!
Amy Lauterbach Pokorny
Chair, Farms and Artisans Tour
Secretary, Helderberg Hilltowns Association
