HWO readers who aren't familiar with "Discovery's Planet Green" have probably been wondering why we have the banner for the "Fabulous Beekman Boys" TV show on our site. Those who take the time to click through and explore the website will be rewarded with a charming description of a show and lifestyle business that was established in a sleepy upstate NY hamlet called Sharon Springs. The "stars", Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell are a sophisticated former Manhattan couple with Martha Stewart bonafides who bought and restored an eigthteenth century mansion and then went on to turn it into a successful business that may bring this "ghost town" area back to life. They cal their business "Beekman 1802" after the original owner and construction date of their wonderful restored mansion farmhouse.

Some background. About seven years ago my family was driving along Route 20 through upstate NY on our way to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. Finding a "whole lot of nothing" along the route we needed a bathroom and food break and were starting to get desperate when we saw a sign for Canajoharie NY - a town whose name we at least recognized and thought might offer some civilization. We took the turn. A few miles up it became clear that we were entering a small village - quaint and large Victorian era buildings on both sides of a narrow 2-lane road that was starting to take a sharp dip downward. In the middle of all of this - we spotted a pizza parlor. Good enough, we pulled over and parked. It wasn't until we were on our way of the small restaurant a short while later that we got a good view of the "weirdness" on the other side of the street.

A large stucco front building with "Imperial Baths" across the front loomed nearby and beyond it we could see several large gazebos - some in the most amazing states of disrepair and yet still standing. The vegetation in the surroundings gave the impression of hanging moss and it seemed that a light foggy mist was permanently hanging over the buildings. My drama-loving Scorpio senses went on full tingle. What a gothic, moody-looking place this was! With this strange "baths" building that seemed more like it belonged on a 1950's seaside boardwalk than out here and these striking, surreal skeletons that refused to give up the last traces of their former glory.. I had never seen a former "Springs" town before so I had nothing to compare this with but the images stayed with me long after that day. I did find out that this place was a huge deal in its day with an average of 10,000 summer visitors per year. Amazing.

Just about seven years later I was channel-surfing and came across the "Planet Green Channel" - "Beekman" wasn't the first show that caught my eye but now I can't even recall what that show was as I have been totally sucked into the weekly drama of this little farm business and the fabulous, fantastic characters of Sharon Springs - the town being the most interesting character of all. It looms in the background threatening to steal every scene. I think that first time I may have watched it almost by accident. The commercials weren't particularly appealing  - yeah, ok, 2 guys - brothers? I thought. - trying to save a family farm - hilarity ensues ... nah, wasn't for me. Wait a minute - this show is FILMED in that crazy small village with the weird, creepy buildings? I was just ... about ... hooked.

Just a few minutes into my first episode and I understood immediately who all the characters were and how deeply involved in one another's lives they all are. You've got Brent, handsome and driven, Josh, the marketing guy author, not Brent's brother but his devoted partner in life and in business, "Farmer John" a shy goat farmer who shows love to stray cats and crochets scarves and who really knows the farming end of the Beekman business. The folks and friends of the duo who are seen in many of the episodes add to the appeal. (Was there ever a better moment in reality television than when Josh's dad cornered Brent over beer chili at the local kitschy burger stand and asked him if they had any "plans" to "get" him some grand children?) There's also a llama named "Polka Spot" that "thinks" she's the star of the show but I'm not convinced yet. It's been called "Gay Green Acres" - cute, but doesn't do it justice.

This show works on so many levels that the appeal is wide and far-reaching. Foodies can watch it for the back stories on recipes, gardening and food events that the Beekman folks are involved in; Hopeful entrepreneurs can watch it for the insights into the level of skill and commitment it takes to embark on a lifestyle brand business; Couples of all persuasions can watch to see the obvious love, respect and committment Josh and Brent share; Histpry buffs can watch for the restored mansion and town; Celebrity watchers can tune in for the cameos by Rosie O'Donnell or Martha Stewart and others. This Tuesday is the Season 2 Finale and there are a whole lot of fans (FaceBook groups "Beek Geeks" and "Fan of Sharon Springs" just two of many) who are hanging on for a Season 3 announcement. If you get the channel there will be a marathon of the Season 2 episodes leading up to the finale during the day on Tuesday - if you don't have the channel you can see many of them online as well as read more about the boys, the show and the town on the Beekman 1802 website. The site also has some great shopping.

Want to see the Beekman folks and Sharon Springs in person? A pleasant  three hour drive from Hartford and you can be there on May 28th-29th for the Spring Garden Party Weekend. Details available here. If you don't make it to Sharon Springs this month there are other festivals and events scheduled year-round that are well worth the trip. Fall Harvest Frestival and Christmas Victorian Festival among them.

Sidebar: Wanting to see some of this for myself I did some exploring on the web and found the American Hotel in Sharon Springs - I had seen that place on one of the Beekman episodes and was pleasantly surprised to find it so easily. We went there this past Mother's Day for dinner and LOVED it.  During this trip we stayed in nearrby Albany as there aren't a lot of places to stay in Sharon Springs with a teen ager in tow. There are several restored lovely small hotels and guest houses bit no one has taken the plunge and restored any of the super huge old hotels in a meaningful way that would accommodate families. (hint, hint) Here are some of the places that we found for Sharon Springs lodging.

By Kate LaFrance

As the Publisher of Hartford Woman Online Kate is passionate about bridging the gap between the work-from-home and the office dwelling career woman in the Greater Hartford Area. She is open to new ideas and new friends from all of the towns and neighborhoods throughout CT.

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