The Pilafs + daughter enjoyed a nice ride out to the Medina area over the weekend. JT was determined to get some “birding” in and hit up an Irish bar, so Dra grabbed her camera and they all flew out the door (like how I did that?)
Iroquois National Refuge – Basom, NY
Our first stop was the Iroquois National Refuge. Rumor had it some eaglets were just born and both parents were guarding the nest. We headed to the overlook and were blown away by the beauty in front of us! A nice “real birding” couple let us look through their telescope to see the mamma… it was pretty amazing! As you can see, my camera couldn’t do it justice.
While there, the nice couple told us about the migration area for the Tundra Swans. We headed that direction hoping to catch a glimpse of a swan. We suddenly stopped quick and were completely in awe. There were hundreds of swans…hundreds! None of us have ever seen or heard such a sight. It was down-right glorious!
Located between Buffalo and Rochester, the refuge has trails throughout its miles and miles of land. Many of which are paved or stone for a safe easy walk. Near the office, you can see some birds chillin out by the feeders, and they have activities for people all ages.
Once “birding” was checked off the list for the day, JT was hungry. Thank goodness he found a place with an Irish feel; it is March after all!
Fitzgibbons Public House
One cannot go to an “Irish Bar” without having a Guinness (or so they say), and JT was happy to oblige. We all enjoyed Irish menu as well.
Interestingly enough, this is where the “singin” part from our title comes in. We never knew until this past weekend, that our daughter actually has shanty music on her personal playlist. Really? Yes! While we were sitting at the bar, she started singing… like the actual words to the music they were playing! We’ve always known she has a wonderful voice, but who knew she was so eclectic? It was impressive.
Anyway, the food was great and we had a wonderful visit with our college kid (not kid). But, it was now time to make Dra happy, and that includes shopping.
BOX SCORE for FITZGIBBONS
- Guinness Irish Stew: Home Run
- Bangers n Mash: Home Run
- Chicken Fingers/pretzel coating: Triple
Ellen J. Goods
Our first stop was Ellen J. Goods. What a fresh and creative place to visit! And we were welcomed by a few napping pooches. (One did get up to say hi!)
The store has a bit of antique mixed in with classic farm and country style furnishings and décor. Where else can you go to buy a jar designed especially for wooden matches? (the daughter) The signage was really fun as well. (the mom)
Della’s Chocolates
Our last stop was Della’s Chocolates. They have delicious chocolates at a very reasonable price. We had to buy several kinds to make sure we could say that everything was delicious, and we are glad we checked. Yep! It was all yummy! (We don’t have a photo because we ate it all!)
If you are in the area before Easter, stop on in. It is well worth it!
Iroquois National Refuge, Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, 585.948.5445
Fitzgibbons Public House, 429 Main Street, Medina, NY 14103, 585.318.4024 www.fitzgibbonspub.com
Ellen J. Goods, 435 Main Street, Medina, NY 14103, 716.598.1464 www.ellenjgoods.com
Della’s Chocolates, 512 Main Street, Medina, Ny 14103, 585.798.5815 www.dellaschocolates.com
Circling the Bases 
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