"Big Chuck" D'Imperio recently retired as the "morning man" at WDOS-AM730 in Oneonta, NY after a 33-year career in radio. In the year 2000, “Big Chuck” was inducted into the NYS Country Music Hall of Fame as “NY Country DJ of the Year." He is the author of 10 Upstate New York travel guide books, and is a former newspaper columnist with more than 300 columns published. "Big Chuck" is pleased to continue to contribute digital content to Townsquare Media radio websites all over New York State. And, for all you baby boomers out there, yes it is true that "Big Chuck" actually won The Gong Show in 1977 by singing "Bad Bad LeRoy Brown" in a shower stall on live TV!
BIG CHUCK
11 Old-Time General Stores and Five and Dimes in Upstate New York
11 awesome nostalgic general stores and five and dimes in Upstate New York
These Upstate NY Train Stations Have Been Certified “Historic!”
A gallery of Upstate New York train stations and depots that have been entered into the National Register of Historic PLaces.
These 12 Classic Diners Are Ready To Serve You In Western NYS!
This gallery looks at a dozen popular diners located in the far western part of New York State. All are classic eateries serving up great homemade food.
Clever and Colorful! Upstate County Seals Tell Amazing Stories!
Each of New York's 62 counties has an official county seal. But who notices? Probably nobody. Here we look at 10 random Upstate NY county seals. And guess what? They are pretty cool!
Cooperstown’s Magnificent “Hyde Hall” Never Fails to Impress!
Hyde Hall, north of the village of Cooperstown, is one of the most beautiful mansions in Upstate New York. Tours here are wonderful.
9 Of The Oldest and Most Historic Breweries in Upstate New York!
A thirsty list of some of the oldest breweries in Upstate New York!
National “Foods on a Stick Day” Can Be Fun in Upstate New York!
Believe it or not, there really is a National Foods on a Stick Day (March 28). Here are a dozen ways to celebrate this quirky food holiday in Upstate New York.
The Majesty Of the 10 Tallest Buildings in Upstate New York
This gallery looks at the beauty and history of the ten tallest buildings in Upstate New York
7 Old-Time Caboose Cars In Upstate New York Serving Ice Cream!
This gallery looks at a selection of vintage-era little red caboose train cars that are still alive and serving as ice cream stands across Upstate New York
Upstate NY Roadtrip! 120 Miles Along Beautiful and Historic I-88
Interstate 88 runs about 120 miles from just outside Binghamton to just outside Schenectady. Here are 16 things to keep your eye out for on your next I-88 trip!
Amazing! Visit These 21 Historic and Little Known Homes in Upstate New York!
This gallery looks at 21 of the most incredible (and "little known") homes that are open to the public. Great stories here1
Upstate Legends! Rod Serling, “Gatekeeper Of the Twilight Zone”
This gallery looks at a true Upstate New York entertainment legend, Rod Serling. He is remembered well where he grew up, Binghamton, NY.
The Wheels Keep Rolling at These Fun 17 Upstate NY Roller Rinks!
Roller skating is alive and well in Upstate New York as attested by these 17 fun rinks found from the Hudson Valley to Buffalo!
Trivia Facts About Upstate New York That’ll Make You Say, “Wow!!”
Thirty of the most fascinating pieces of trivia about Upstate New York's people, places, and things.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Irish Pubs in Upstate New York
This gallery looks at 32 of the best Irish pubs in Upstate New York. Fun on any night, or for a St. Paddy's Day, they are all great.
Saratoga’s New York State Military Museum is Awesome!
This gallery is meant to encourage our readers to put this fantastic museum on their bucket list for summer travels this year.
Are These the Best Restaurants in Ithaca? You Be the Judge!
This gallery takes a look at perhaps the Top Ten restaurants in the great college city of Ithaca, NY
Upstate Legends! The Most Famous Movie Theatre in the Adirondacks!
The Strand Theatre in Old Forge is one of the great landmarks of the Adirondack region. Read this gallery to see why and also to see some surprises!
Is This the Most Charming and Historic Neighborhood in Upstate NY? We Think So!
The GE Realty Plot in Schenectady is unlike any other such neighborhood in Upstate New York. Read its amazing story in this gallery.
Are These The Top Italian Bakeries in Upstate NY? We Think So!
This gallery shines the light on some pretty awesome Italian bakeries in Upstate New York. From pastries to fresh hot loaves of Italian bread, each of these has something wonderful to offer. Mangia!
Central New York Is Home to Several Fine Chocolate/Candy Stores!
This gallery looks at favorite chocolate shops and candy stores in the Central New York region.
Upstate New York Graves Including the Inventor of the Potato Chip
There are hundreds of famous people buried in New York State. This gallery looks at a selection of famous American who are buried in Upstate New York. Their stories are amazing!
From Archie to Marvel, Visit These Upstate NY Comic Book Stores!
This gallery looks at a selection of popular comic book stores scattered all across the Upstate New York region. You will surely find a "gem" at any of these shops.
18 Top Vinyl Record Store Destinations in Upstate New York
A list of 18 big and small used vinyl record stores in Upstate New York.
Upstate Legends! The Roscoe Diner, a Travelers Best Friend!
The Roscoe Diner opened in 1962 and it quickly became a favorite of the thousands of travelers, including legions of college students, who traversed NYS Rt. 17 and stopped here for a meal. It is definitely an Upstate New York legend.
Upstate Legends! The Story of The Iconic Half Moon Cookie!
The Half Moon Cookie, born in Utica over a century ago, is one of the great, legendary foods of Upstate New York. This is its story.
Upstate New York Clubs and Bars Keep Country Line Dancing Alive!
Country music line dancing is making a bit of a comeback lately. Here are a bunch of clubs, bars, and dancehalls in Upstate New York where you can get your "boot scootin' boogie" on.
22 Epic Upstate NY Record-Holders Including Oldest Ford Dealer!
This gallery looks at a whole litany of record-holders from Upstate New York. They are the oldest, widest, smallest, heaviest,
etc. among the history books for our region! Such great stories here!
Finger Lakes Area Cider Destinations Are Getting Ready to See You!
This gallery looks at several great cideries in Upstate New York. The hard cider revolution is well under way, and the Finger Lakes Region is ready to go!
Upstate Legends! The Story Of Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans!
This is the story of Grandma Brown's Baked Beans. They were a beloved item for food lovers in Upstate New York, but have disappeared! Why?