Things To Do
Bagg’s Square
Check out this website for some easy places to hang out at! There’s plenty more in the restorated little area besides the highlights of the article. Locals even buzz about Utica Coffee if you need your caffeine fix! And I can vouch for Bagg’s Square Brewery for good food and drinks.
Saranac Brewery
Check out one of the oldest family owned breweries in the country who are the creators of Utica Club and hosts of the Utica Boilermaker! Also known as FX Matt, founded in 1888 before prohibition, the brewery boasts more history than even the locals realize. Varick Street is the place to be on the weekends.. but it ain't no Broadway! The first time JT went home with Sierra to meet the family they ate across the street at The Celtic Harp. Our other favorite restaurant on Varick is Lukins!
Old Forge
Old Forge is one of the first populated mountain towns on your way north towards the Adirondack State Park. It is about a 50 minute drive from the venue. There are many bars and restaurants you can hit up after hiking Bald Mountain or one of the other trails nearby! If you’re feeling very adventurous and wanting even better views you can spend a night farther north like Lake Placid or Saranac Lake!
Cooperstown
A quaint little town on a lake about an hour south of Utica known for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Cooperstown has many shops, popular breweries/distilleries and a lot of history.
Turning Stone Casino
A large casino and entertainment hub including many nice restaurants, bars and high end spa. 45 mins from Utica. Also available on property is amazing golfing!
New York City
If you’re looking to make a vacation out of your trip, there’s an easy way to do it. Broadway, Central Park, World Trade Center Monument, Statue of Liberty and more! NYC is a bit of a drive from Utica, but there are options to take the Amtrak trains at very affordable prices, AND the station is right down the street from our hotel blocks! They also connect in Albany, so you could return your rental car and hop on there if that’s easier! I have personally taken a bus down to the city from Albany, but the trains are a very good way to experience the NYC lifestyle as well!
Niagara Falls
Self explanatory! About 3 hours from Utica.