10 Great Things to Do in Utica NY This Summer
Utica is a charming city situated in the heart of New York State. If you are a new resident of the area, just visiting, or want to explore your longtime home city a bit further, you may be wondering what things there are to do here during the summer.
Today, we’re going to showcase 10 great summer activities to try in Utica NY this summer.
1: Visit the Utica Zoo
The Utica Zoo is an iconic location in the city. With over 40 acres and countless animal species, there are endless opportunities to explore and learn. The zoo maintains daily opening hours of 10 AM-4:45 PM and offers affordable entry fees, which makes it an exciting and accessible outing for nearly any family.
2: Spend a Day Outdoors in One of Utica’s Beautiful Public Parks
Utica’s public parks offer a relaxing break from the usual pace of city living. Enjoy a day of sunlight and fresh air at one of the many parks located throughout the city, such as Pixley Park, Proctor Park, Roscoe Conkling Park (where the Utica Zoo is located), North Utica Park, Chancellor Park, and many more!
3: Try One of Utica’s Excellent Breweries or Distilleries
Utica is home to many of New York State’s incredible independent breweries, such as Saranac Brewing Co., Bagg’s Square Brewing Company, and F.X. Matt Brewing Company. You can sample fresh beers that are steeped in New York’s rich brewing history as well as some new and innovative flavors that will excite anyone looking to cool off on a hot summer day.
Prefer spirits over beers? Adirondack Distilling Co. is a small-batch distillery that also hosts in-depth tours of the facility so you can see how their range of whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and other products are distilled and bottled.
4: Immerse Yourself in Local Arts and Culture
Are you fascinated by fine arts and live performances? Utica’s arts scene offers plenty of activities to engage in year-round! From the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute to the historic Stanley Theatre with Baroque-style decor, you can find opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture virtually any day of the week.
5: Play 18 Holes at One of Utica’s Beautiful Golf Courses
Want to spend time taking in the beauty of Upstate New York while playing a round of golf? Whether you’re looking to stay in city limits or venture out to nearby communities, there are plenty of opportunities to tee off. Public courses like Valley View and Crystal Springs and more exclusive country clubs like Twin Ponds and Stonebridge Golf & Country Club provide a space to play 18 holes surrounded by breathtaking New York rustic scenery.
6: Go on a Local Cuisine Tour
Utica’s Genesee Street travels through the heart of the city where you can find a rich variety of cuisines to choose from. Turn each meal into a culinary exploration of many fine dining establishments that will bring something new to your palette with each outing. Many restaurants also offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy the fresh air while you eat.
7: Take a Canal Cruise or Historic Railroad Ride
The Erie Canal is one of the United States’ most historic and iconic canals. Take a cruise on the water with family and friends while you get to experience the sights of Upstate New York and learn about the rich history surrounding the area.
Prefer to tour the area on dry land? The Adirondack Scenic Railroad also offers breathtaking sights on a tour of the mountains across Upstate New York.
8: Explore the City’s Iconic Architecture
From the recently restored Hotel Utica to Union Station, St. Joseph and St. Patrick’s Church, and beyond, there are countless architectural masterpieces throughout the city. If you are fascinated by building design and the attention to detail of historic structures, you will find no shortage of hidden gems to discover.
9: Take a Bite Into Some Fresh Local Produce
Utica farmer’s markets offer a wealth of fresh, locally grown produce to choose from. Browse the seemingly endless selections of fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farmers. You won’t find better, richer, and sweeter flavors anywhere else!
10: Partake in Local Outdoor Events
Whether in Utica proper or just beyond city limits, there are no shortages of activities to take part in. From the First Fridays Happy Hour at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Center to the Summer Sizzle 5M and awe-inspiring Independence Day fireworks, you will find your calendar quickly filling up with plenty of activities to enjoy this summer.
Enjoy the Utica Area All Year Long
If you love spending time in the Utica area, you can make it your home.
At Air City Lofts, we offer a wide range of pet-friendly apartments in Rome, NY with multiple floor plans to choose from. With other amenities such as built-in closet systems, in-apartment washers and dryers, on-site fitness centers and dining and shopping options, you will love calling the Utica Metro your home.
To learn more about our apartments and availability, contact us today to schedule a tour.
