The central New York City of Utica, nestled in the Mohawk Valley, offers an enticing mix of affordable cultural and outdoor attractions. You’ll arrive in the former industrial city (famous for making shoes and furniture) via historic Union Station. The pristine, Italianate-style building delights travelers with 34 white marble columns supporting the vaulted ceiling. For a real throwback, stop by the classic, old school barber shop.
Also leaving from Union Station is the scenic Adirondack Railroad; traveling through forest and past high peaks, the Railroad has day trips with a variety of themes and lengths.
Downtown Utica
Walk around downtown Utica and marvel at the new lofts, galleries and spaces that are popping up everywhere. (Some call it the Utica Revolution!) The hip neighborhood of Baggs Square was settled by German immigrants—cheese spaetzle (with warm apple sauce and bacon jam) at Baggs Square Brewing Company is a popular pick-me-up, but there are a wide range of galleries and eateries. Check out the new, self-guided Underground Railroad Tour. Try the popular Babe’s for lunch before walking to MUNSON, the cultural heart of the entire region. A fine arts center, MUNSON serves all audiences with major art exhibits—view three centuries of American art—classes, “keyboard conversations,” performances and more. The Children’s Museum of History, Science and Technology is worth a visit if you’re traveling with little ones.
Where to Stay in Utica
There are a variety of chain hotels in Utica but staying at the conveniently located Rosemont Inn—walk to downtown—makes it extra special. Cozy rooms with modern amenities (waterfall showers) organic teas and coffees and a popular breakfast, attract repeat (happy) guests.
Dining in Utica
If you can squeeze it in before dinner, take a tour (and a tasting) at the Saranac Brewery, one of the country’s oldest, family-run breweries. For decades they were known as makers of Utica Club—the first beer licensed for sale following Prohibition. Don’t leave town without trying The Tailor & the Cook, which remains Utica’s premier farm-to-table restaurant; the space was renovated to rave reviews in November 2023.
The Top of the Morning Café entices visitors with huge portions, reasonable prices and their ever-popular frittatas. Walk it off in the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area where you can spot blue herons and other birds. Get up close and personal with more wildlife, stop by the Utica Zoo, with more than 200 animals representing 99 species. It’s open 365 days a year, is very affordably priced and is home to Tate, the Pallas’s Cat who was elected 2024 “Prezoodent” of the zoo.
Take Amtrak to Saratoga Springs
Enjoy all the attractions in Saratoga Springs New York via Amtrak to Saratoga Springs Station in Saratoga Springs—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Saratoga Springs Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Saratoga Springs office today at: 518-587-0687.
