Greater Utica - New Hartford, NY Area Guide

The Welsh were the ethnic minority when they moved along the Mohawk River in Utica in the 1800s. Italian immigrants also came in large numbers and ended up contributing to the local cuisine with meals such as riggies and tomato pie. Industry flourished in Utica during the early-to-mid-20th century. At one time, GE employed 8,000 people in the area at its radio manufacturing facility. However, overseas outsourcing eventually took a toll, although the area's economy is starting to show some signs of revival. Meanwhile, Utica residents enjoy a host of unique attractions.The Boilermaker 15K hosts more than 10,000 runners from around the world. A fun after-party sponsored by Saranac Brewery continues the festivities. Munson Williams Proctor Museum has permanent and traveling art collections here, impressive for the size of the city. The Stanley Center for the Arts holds not only concerts and shows, but also hosts a party before the annual Zombie Walk each October. Live music and even Michael Jackson impersonators come out for this celebration. Adults enjoy a zombie dance party afterwards at The Dev.

Several varied restaurants compete for diners on Genesee Street in downtown Utica. Each offers a unique style of food sure to please potential diners. Step back in time when you enter the Gerber's 1933 Tavern. Locals rejoice that the renovation of this old-time tavern kept vestiges of the '30s. Take in the rustic tin ceilings and 80-year old light fixtures. Owner Susan Mojave strived to recreate the 1930s with original menu items from that time period. Their limburger cheese sandwich may be a bit much to swallow, but swai, white fish and white beans with bacon goes down just fine. One of the dessert on the menu, bread pudding, shines with its dense creamy taste and dash of cinnamon. Its homemade pound cake cheesecake surprises with its taste. This authentic restaurant in Utica's Bragg West section deserves regular patronage. The Tailor & The Cook joins the 1933 tavern in the Bragg West section. This restaurant uses locally sourced items and tells diners where ingredients came from on its chalkboard. Consistency in wait staff makes a huge difference in the restaurant, currently the number one in town. Menu items include West African seafood gumbo, a mix of seafood with okra and bell peppers. Diners rave about the wine list, which includes both white and red options. Nothing beats a scrumptious slice of its cheesecake for dessert. Babe's Macaroni Bar & Grill rounds out the fabulous restaurants in the Bragg West section. With colorful booths and bright neon lights, this restaurant appeals to both children and adults. This establishment has grilled cheese and chicken nuggets for the kids and carb-friendly bunless burgers and peel-and-eat shrimp for the adults. It also sells a Utica classic - the riggie. This Italian-based main dish combines rigatoni noodles with tomato sauce and hot peppers. The Green Onion Pub in South Utica attracts both hipsters and young couples with its interesting array of craft beers, including adventurous brews like the chocolate- and apricot. Those who want to hear local music go to the Dev. This bar features a large selection of local brews.

CENTRO services the area with bus service and taxis. You can hail a taxi, but it's best to call ahead for one. Uber doesn't service upstate New York. Parking can be precarious in the downtown area, but several garages alleviate parking problems. Utica sits off of Interstate 90, the New York State Thruway. Most of Genesee Street remains bike-friendly and Route 840 has a dedicated biking lane.

Picturesque F.T. "Fred" Park on Rutger and Culver houses a lily garden as well as a butterfly house. It also has a sizable field for organized sports games. A creek provides natural waters for children to go swimming in. Local schools and colleges use T.R. Proctor for its vast playing fields. This park also has a pool, and its running track gives residents space for both jogging and biking. Dogs aren't permitted in any of the Proctor parks. An annual event each year invites residents to clean up any one of the parks in the area. New Yorkers celebrate I Love My Parks throughout the entire state. Children enjoy the Utica Zoo in the Roscoe-Conkling Park because they can get involved. Open every day of the year, this zoo lets the kids feed the animals on certain days each week.

The cost of living in Utica is low, rating 30 percent lower than in New York City. CENTRO brings residents to and from the center city for $1.50. Rent for a one-bedroom averages about $680, and pint of beer at Space26 costs $6. Gas prices in Utica run 11 percent higher than the national average.

Sangertown Square fills in the need for centralized shopping for those who don't want to travel to Destiny U.S.A. in Syracuse. This mall caters to college students in the area, with discounts at certain retailers when students show identification. The mall has also hosted a Sunburst beauty pageant for nearly 40 years, drawing competitors in hopes of bringing home a $10,000 prize. Maria's Pasta Shop on Oneida Street sells top-quality ravioli and pizza fritta. The Roma Sausage Company on Bleeker Street sells tomato sheet pies at reasonable prices, and it also imports some meats and cheeses directly from Italy. Local grocery stores such as Hannaford and Chanatry Supermarkets provide a variety of different food products that other stores may not stock. For instance, Hannaford features an extensive Goya section, while the seafood from Chanatry on French Road garners rave reviews from residents. The Utica Farmers Market takes place during the summer in downtown Utica. During this time, residents stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.