by Rhinecliff
Earlier this spring, a colleague and I took our sons on a day trip to Utica, New York. (Out on #63 and back on #64.) Earlier this week, my son asked if we could do a follow up trip, so I took him again yesterday.
Notwithstanding the terrible condition of its local economy, Utica is a great city, offering something for everyone. But first, the trains. The route of #63 to Utica is about as historical has one could ever find. For those boarding in NYC or the Hudson Valley, they get to enjoy the Hudson River and all of its surrounding splendors. Then, upon leaving Schenectady, the train follows the Mohawk River (and sections of the old Erie Canal) for the remainder journey. The train passes numerous dams, locks, and ancient river towns.
Upon arriving Utica, one is welcomed by the splendid Union Station, which is now serving several important functions for the city. The old railroad offices upstairs are now occupied by various county agencies. Part of the waiting room is being used by the DMV. Amtrak still occupies its historic corner of the building. There is a great little snack bar and a railroad oriented newstand. Greyhound and Trailways has a ticket office in the station. The Adirondak Scenic Railroad has its headquarters there. The only undeveloped area is the famous old restaurant, which was recently opened as a restaurant/martini bar, but apparently didn't make it. All in all, for the railfan, Utica's Union Station is definately worth a few minutes of snooping around.
Accross the street is a neat old Children's Museum. Although the condition of its displays mirrors the area's local economy, it remains a popular attraction for children. Unfortunately, too many of the Museum's exhibits are now simply junk -- like the computers that don't work, the battery operated toys that have never had their batteries replaced. The impression one gets is that nothing is ever really fixed after it is installed. But there is still a lot of fun exhibits for kids, and it is well worth a visit. Plan on staying about 75 to 120 minutes.
Outside of the Children's museum are several interesting pieces of railroad equipment that the kids always really enjoyed. There is a caboose, a Santa Fe dining car, an engine, and an old steam locomotive. The equipment was maintained by a separate historical society, and they used to open it to the public every Saturday. Unfortunately, however, they had a falling out with the Children's Museum regaring the supply of power, and the railroad historical society now appears to have abandoned the equipment. Classic Utica. But still neat to check out with the kids for a few minutes.
The next site we explored was the Utica Zoo. The Zoo is about 4 miles from Union Station, and not on a bus route, so an $8.00 cab fare, plus tip, is required. The cab company was very helpful, and they are perfectly happy to take reservations for the return downtown. Like everthing else in Utica, the Zoo is struggling financially. But like everything else, it remains a really nice place to visit. Some of the major animals that can be found include monkeys, bears, tigers, sea lions, birds of all varieties, reptiles, and a variety of other animals. The Zoo has a make-shift pizza hut on the property, which offers reasonably good lunch fare. Plan on spending 2 hours at the Zoo.
The last great attraction, which I checked out only on my second trip, is the F.X. Matt Brewery on Varick Street -- home of the venerable Utica Club and all of the Saranac varitals. It is located in the historic West End Section of Utica, off the beaten path, in a warehouse district that should really be a national landmark. Again, this section of Utica is a little too far to walk from the station, and I do not think it is on a bus route, either. Thus, it's best to take a cab from the station, which costs 5.50 plus tip. Tours are offered on the Hour. If #64 is late (which it almost always is), the 4:00 p.m. tour is a great way to wind up a full day of activities. The tours run about an hour. I believe the Brewery is something like the second oldest family run brewery in America, and something like the 12th largest brewery in America overall. It has a great visiters shop, and $5.00 buys admission to the tour and 2 free beers. Be sure to check out the famous historical mugs that are offered in the gift shop.
If #64 is really late, the bars on Varick street look like they might be a good place to spend some time (although I have never had the opportunity). Another worthy place if the kids are not too exhausted and still reasonably behaved would be the old Utica Hotel, which has been lovingly restored. I'm told it has a great bar.
So for those who enjoy taking train-related trips, but who need a little more than just the train-ride to make it worthwhile, Utica, New York is well worth the visit.
Notwithstanding the terrible condition of its local economy, Utica is a great city, offering something for everyone. But first, the trains. The route of #63 to Utica is about as historical has one could ever find. For those boarding in NYC or the Hudson Valley, they get to enjoy the Hudson River and all of its surrounding splendors. Then, upon leaving Schenectady, the train follows the Mohawk River (and sections of the old Erie Canal) for the remainder journey. The train passes numerous dams, locks, and ancient river towns.
Upon arriving Utica, one is welcomed by the splendid Union Station, which is now serving several important functions for the city. The old railroad offices upstairs are now occupied by various county agencies. Part of the waiting room is being used by the DMV. Amtrak still occupies its historic corner of the building. There is a great little snack bar and a railroad oriented newstand. Greyhound and Trailways has a ticket office in the station. The Adirondak Scenic Railroad has its headquarters there. The only undeveloped area is the famous old restaurant, which was recently opened as a restaurant/martini bar, but apparently didn't make it. All in all, for the railfan, Utica's Union Station is definately worth a few minutes of snooping around.
Accross the street is a neat old Children's Museum. Although the condition of its displays mirrors the area's local economy, it remains a popular attraction for children. Unfortunately, too many of the Museum's exhibits are now simply junk -- like the computers that don't work, the battery operated toys that have never had their batteries replaced. The impression one gets is that nothing is ever really fixed after it is installed. But there is still a lot of fun exhibits for kids, and it is well worth a visit. Plan on staying about 75 to 120 minutes.
Outside of the Children's museum are several interesting pieces of railroad equipment that the kids always really enjoyed. There is a caboose, a Santa Fe dining car, an engine, and an old steam locomotive. The equipment was maintained by a separate historical society, and they used to open it to the public every Saturday. Unfortunately, however, they had a falling out with the Children's Museum regaring the supply of power, and the railroad historical society now appears to have abandoned the equipment. Classic Utica. But still neat to check out with the kids for a few minutes.
The next site we explored was the Utica Zoo. The Zoo is about 4 miles from Union Station, and not on a bus route, so an $8.00 cab fare, plus tip, is required. The cab company was very helpful, and they are perfectly happy to take reservations for the return downtown. Like everthing else in Utica, the Zoo is struggling financially. But like everything else, it remains a really nice place to visit. Some of the major animals that can be found include monkeys, bears, tigers, sea lions, birds of all varieties, reptiles, and a variety of other animals. The Zoo has a make-shift pizza hut on the property, which offers reasonably good lunch fare. Plan on spending 2 hours at the Zoo.
The last great attraction, which I checked out only on my second trip, is the F.X. Matt Brewery on Varick Street -- home of the venerable Utica Club and all of the Saranac varitals. It is located in the historic West End Section of Utica, off the beaten path, in a warehouse district that should really be a national landmark. Again, this section of Utica is a little too far to walk from the station, and I do not think it is on a bus route, either. Thus, it's best to take a cab from the station, which costs 5.50 plus tip. Tours are offered on the Hour. If #64 is late (which it almost always is), the 4:00 p.m. tour is a great way to wind up a full day of activities. The tours run about an hour. I believe the Brewery is something like the second oldest family run brewery in America, and something like the 12th largest brewery in America overall. It has a great visiters shop, and $5.00 buys admission to the tour and 2 free beers. Be sure to check out the famous historical mugs that are offered in the gift shop.
If #64 is really late, the bars on Varick street look like they might be a good place to spend some time (although I have never had the opportunity). Another worthy place if the kids are not too exhausted and still reasonably behaved would be the old Utica Hotel, which has been lovingly restored. I'm told it has a great bar.
So for those who enjoy taking train-related trips, but who need a little more than just the train-ride to make it worthwhile, Utica, New York is well worth the visit.