Folks say you can dine around the world in Utica. Culturally diverse, the city was recently chosen by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Cities with International Flair. Utica’s Italian restaurants have been getting rave reviews for generations. Culinary options brought by more recent immigrants include Bosnian, Cuban, German, Greek, Jamaican, Lebanese and Thai. Added to the mix, you‘ll find unique local specialties like chicken riggies (there’s a Riggie-fest every April), tomato pie and half-moon cookies. Food Network star Guy Fieri recently gave Utica a taste of fame when he featured Utica greens (made with escarole) and other local dishes on his show “Guy’s Big Bite.”
Utica’s attractions are diverse too. Take the Saranac Brewery Tour at FX Matt Brewery, established in 1888, or ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad into the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Excursions depart from Utica’s beautifully restored Union Station. Browse the galleries of the world-renowned Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute or watch artists in action at the Sculpture Space downtown. Families love the Children’s Museum, one of the oldest in the country, and the Utica Zoo, with over 200 animals. Nature lovers watch wildlife at the Utica Marsh and along the historic Erie Canal.
Reflecting Utica’s cosmopolitan flair, the Stanley Performing Arts Center's motto is “bringing you the world.” The Stanley presents headlining performers in music, dance and theater. The Utica Memorial Auditorium hosts sports events, concerts and other big shows. A hotspot for entertainment and nightlife, the Brewery District around Varick Street is hopping with music and comedy clubs, coffee houses and restaurants.
A diversity of events includes the annual Utica Music & Arts Fest in September and the Boilermaker Road Race in July. The Boilermaker’s 15K attracts over 10,000 runners from around the world. The post race party at Saranac Brewery attracts thousands more.