Hello Sourcers! 

Not gonna lie, it’s a rough day at the Locally Sourced offices. If you don't know already, the Senate voted late last night to rescind funding for public media, including stations like WSKG. This bill will now go to the House where it seems likely to pass. We've seen this coming for a while, and we are down but not out. Still and all, it's a difficult time, and we're grateful for your ongoing support.

So what’s good today?

🏛️ History!

🚂｡🚋 Trains!

☕ Coffee!

This week I wanted to call your attention to Convention Days in Seneca Falls. As the name implies, Convention Days celebrates the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, which is widely cited as the beginning of the women’s rights movement in the US. The event includes speakers, musicians, and a procession along the original path of the conventioneers, along with a Feminists’ Marketplace and activities for kids (I thought the website said lawn gnomes, but having found my glasses, I can confirm it is lawn games).

While you’re up there, it’s worth a visit to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, a little gem of a history museum.

In case you don’t know, Seneca Falls is the inspiration for Bedford Falls in Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, although rumors the film was shot there don’t bear out. The It’s a Wonderful Life Museum is under construction until next year, and is currently housed at a temporary location in the bank on Fall Street. I mention this now as a reminder to myself not to miss the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival in December this year. 

While we’re on the subject of history, let’s talk about the Finger Lakes Rail Experience, one of several vintage train services that hit the tracks in the summer in Central New York. Among my more visible tattoos is a chugging train (along with a typewriter and a radio broadcast tower, incidentally), so my curiosity was piqued right off. But I’ve been hearing from some of you Sourcers (and other sources) that this makes for a lovely little daytrip. It’s no California Zephyr, but it’ll get you from Canadagua…back to Canadagua.

(you do not have to dress up in old-timey clothes. The folks in that photo are "making choices.")

Next week, we’ll have some big news from the Hops Along team! Also, a quick reminder that next Thursday at 7pm, we’re screening an episode of Walking With Dinosaurs at the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca. Have you ever watched CGI dinosaurs under a right whale skeleton at sunset? This is your chance.

Before I chug along, what’s your favorite oddball museum? Not to say the Museum of the Earth or the Women’s History Museum are “oddball,” but the It’s A Wonderful Life Museum is a little…unique. I think a lot about the coffeeshop in East Berlin that was also a Ramones Museum. 

‘Til next time, Sourcers.

Bob Proehl

Locally Sourced Editor

sponsors

Now that the Fourth of July has passed and we’ve had a few of those scorching summer days... where are my people who are already dreaming of fall? 🍂 If you're craving Halloween vibes in the middle of July, Curious Grounds in Conklin is your perfect escape.

Right on Conklin Road, Curious Grounds is an independent book store and coffee shop with a serious mood. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a cozy, witchy wonderland. The windows are covered in pages from old books — which adds to the ambiance, but also might make you think it’s closed. So here’s your insider tip: if the open flag is flying out front, they’re open! (Their current hours are Tuesday through Friday, 6am–3pm and Saturday, 8am-4pm.)

I had just finished some sunny outreach at Camp Sertoma and was heading back to the station when I stopped in for a much-needed cooldown. The Drink of the Day caught my eye — a Samoa Coffee. I mean... Girl Scout cookies + coffee? Yes, please.

The drink was sweet but not too sweet — just how I like it. Think hints of chocolate, coconut, and caramel mixed with smooth, cold coffee. It was the perfect pick-me-up after a morning in the sun.

Beyond the coffee, I loved browsing all the fun novelty items they have for sale — think vintage finds, quirky mugs, and magical odds and ends. There’s a warm, inviting space where you can sit with a cup and a good book—and even a kids’ room with galaxy-themed carpet and walls, perfect for little explorers while you take a minute for yourself.

Whether you’re a full-on fall fanatic or just looking for a unique spot to beat the heat, Curious Grounds is worth the visit.

Have a favorite café you think I should check out next? Send me your recs — I’m always up for the next Java Journey.

And as they say at Curious Grounds — stay spooky. 👻

sponsors

sponsor