Greater Binghamton, New York: May 2010

Now is the time to get your tickets for the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier's annual Garden Tour. This is P.A.S.T.'s twenty-first year holding this community tradition and this year promises to be just as wonderful as in years past!

This year's garden tour focuses on gardens in the wonderful neighborhoods of Sunrise Terrace and Morningside Heights both just off Upper Front Street in Binghamton. It will be held, Saturday, June 19, rain or shine, from 1:00 until 4:00.

Advanced Reservations can be made online by credit card at www.pastny.org or by mailing a check to:
                                 89 Court Street
                                 Binghamton, NY 13901

Tickets are $12 for MEMBERS and $15 for NON-MEMBERS if purchase by June 11. All tickets are then picked up the day of the GARDEN TOUR between 11:30 and 1:00 at the 
                                 Dickinson Town Hall
                                                                                                    531 Old Front Street
                                                                                                    Binghmton, NY 13905

Ticket prices to up to $18.00 and $15.00 the day of the Tour. There are no phone reservations. Buy your tickets now!

I was fortunate to have participated in last year's TOUR. Unfortunately, it literally poured all day! But rain or shine is the rule and in spite of the dismal weather, 138 hardy souls came out to view my Victorian garden.

I am now a member of the Historic Homes Prgram under the National Trust, let me help you sell your historic home!

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I thought I knew where every great Italian restaurant was until I found Frank's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant which is a hidden gem of the Greater Binghamton Area! My husband, the sweetheart that he is, took me out to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate Mothers Day. His sister had recommended a place called "Frank's" in the tiny hamlet of Maine, NY. Well, it seems like everyone knew about Frank's except us! The place was packed and it was reservations only. Fortunately we had called ahead.

     When I think Italian food, I usually think Cortese or Little Venice in Binghamton or Consol's or Oak's Inn in the Little Italy section of Endicott. These restaurants have great local reputations and have held their own for many years.

     But once in awhile you just want to try something new and there it was, under our noses since 2008. Actually, I have passed Frank's
Pizzeria and Italian Resturant dozens of times but it is so unassuming that I never noticed it before!

    Our waitress, Cathy, told us that the building used to be a former IGA grocery store back in the 40's and had been owned by her grandfather. She used to live next door, so she laughed when she told us that she came with the building! Photos of her family from long, long ago graced the walls of the eatery telling the history of a time gone by.

     We were very pleased with Frank's food. My husband and I shared the bruschetta appetizer and each had a salad which came with our respective entree. Rick ordered the Veal Parmesan and I had the homemade gnocchi. The tomato sauce was absolutely delicious! The portions were just right and neither one of us left  feeling bloated after finishing everything on our dishes as well as the basket of garlic toast that came with our meal. No doggy bags needed!               

       We were amazed when one of the waitresses passed our table with desserts for a neighboring group. The slices of cake were massive! We resisted though, knowing that I had made chocolate cheescake which was waiting for us at home. Our check totalled less that $30 but did not include wine or beer as Frank's Pizzeria and Italian Resaturant does not have their liquor license. So be sure to bring your own bottle. They will provide a cork screw and wine glasses.

     They don't have a website but you can find them on Facebook.

The Preservation Association of the Southern Tier is hosting yet another one of its wonderful Historic Homes Tours this Saturday on Binghamton's West Side. Featured this year are five of the area's lovliest historic homes that are treasured as part of Binghamton's rich history. Tickets may still be purchased from PAST with prices at $25 for members and $30 for non-members. You may charge your ticket purchase at www.pastny.org and pick up your tickets the day of the event on the front porch of the Roberson Museum on Front Street.

Before the 'show' why not stop by another one of Binghamton's Historic Homes, 139 West End Avenue which is currently for sale? An OPEN HOUSE is being held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 in the afternoon. Stop by and enter to win a prize from another one of EXIT Realty's monthly give-aways. This month, we are giving away a GAS GRILL! Just for stopping by.

        Take the Virtual Tour for 139 West End Avenue,         Binghamton, NY, call 888-303-6405 Code #6096, or visit my website www.HouseBMine.com for more photos and information.

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