Great things to do in Utica

Sometimes we miss great things to do that are nearby.  Check out the Utica area and be amazed at the variety of things to see and do. 

1. Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute:  There are

three components on the site: a museum, a Victorian Italianate mansion, and the Pratt Institute (an adjunct of the Pratt Institute’s main Brooklyn campus). The museum has a large collection of internationally recognized works including Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life plus exhibits of decorative arts, watches, and stoneware. The Fountain Elms Mansion displays more art and furniture from the Victorian era including unique items such as a courting candle.  

2. F. X. Matt Brewing Company: The Brewing Company is one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the United States. Take their tour which starts in a beautiful, lavish room decorated with advertising memorabilia including Schultz and Dooley steins that were so successful in advertising Utica Club in the 1960s. Check out the stained glass window above the door, the desk that was owned by P. T. Barnum, a 5.5-gallon stein designed by FX Matt II, and the three-disk symphonium (an early version of an English concertina) appraised at one million dollars. The tour of the beer-making process ends with beer tasting in the historic bar.
3. The Root Farm: The farm is named for Dr. Alice Root, who

had a passion for equine-assisted therapy.  It has grown to include a horticulture center with a hydroponic garden and adventure center for the able-bodied and those with limited mobility. The equine center offers private lessons. Their all-weather, all-terrain, and all-purpose Action Track wheelchairs allow wheelchair-bound people to go just about anywhere including hiking in an upright position.  

4. Utica Zoo: For over 100 years the zoo has been a place to commune with the animals.  The zoo may be small but it offers many unique activities including animal encounters. Go inside the Lions Den, interact with the California Sea Lions, get up close and personal with the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and  hand feed the Red Pandas and Najla the Bactrian Camel. Educational and fun programs are offered year round.  Check out the world’s largest watering can near the entrance.  When needed it actually waters the plants.
5. The Stanley: The Stanley reckons back to the day when

movie theaters were called “palaces.”  It was built in 1928 by the same architect who built the Landmark in Syracuse. It is where Broadway comes to Utica but they also host a variety of other concerts and shows. Above the grand staircase (similar to the one on the Titanic) is a magnificent 6,500-pound chandelier that was constructed in Utica by the Meyda Tiffany Company.  Tours are available by appointment. 
6. Locavores paradise: Not many places have a food named

after them.  Utica Greens is a traditional Southern Italian dish of sautéed seasoned greens that first appeared on the scene in the 1980s at Chesterfield Restaurant. There are many variations – all tasty.  Many of the local restaurants are part of the farm-to-market concept including Tailor and the Cook Restaurant.  Ocean Blue receives fresh oysters and other seafood daily. The Local Restaurant is housed in the repurposed library – the books are still there. 

7. Unique: Meyda Tiffany offers tours of their workshop where they create one-of-a-kind light fixtures.  Join a friendly painting class at Art & Vine, and in the fall watch cider pressed at the Clinton Cider Mill. Looking for an old magazine, book, or poster stop at Berry Hill Book Shop with over 80,000 items organized by subject in nearby Deansboro.