Monday, August 24, 2026 – Adventure Awaits: Discover a Historic City

By admin

Off on the Road to UTICA

Monday, August 24, 2026

Judith Berdy

Issue # 1735

I do not remember what inspired
and motivated me to visit Utica.  It might have
been learning about the Utica Asylum, the grand rail station
or a vintage rail trip to Old Forge in the Adirondacks.
My frequent travel companion Jeong and long-time
friend decided to join me on this adventure.

After a 4 1/2 hour Amtrak trip on the Maple Leaf (the train travels daily between New York and Toronto) we were at the wonderful vintage 1914  Utrica rail station. 
Marble columns and grand decor was a wonderful surprise.  We met our guide Diane and her husband Mike and headed off on an afternoon of discovery.  (I contacted the local historical society and Diane volunteered to show us her city).

Outside the station was a charming reminder of the history of Utica, Baggs Tavern which has been on the site since the 18th century. (not serving any more).

A few minutes from downtown is the Utica State Hospital, a former psychiatric hospital nicknamed Old Main. The massive building closed it the 1970’s and many of the surrounding buildings are now used by other organizations. In contrast to closed institutions in our area, this one is maintained and seems to be in good condition and not an eye-sore..

Forest Hill Cemetery is located on a meandering hillside overlooking the city.
It is designed in the same style as Green-Wood in Brooklyn.  The ride thru the grounds is most impressive.  There is a New York connection:
 ” A simple lodge was erected for the keeper, with a tower in which was placed a bell purchased from Greenwood Cemetery to summon workmen to and from their labors and to toll at funerals.  A receiving tomb was cut into the abrupt northern front of the hill.”

The Utica Library is a most impressive structure with the open stacks that have glass floors and celings to bring light into the area. We spotted a notice about a lecture on the Erie Canal that evening. We returned to learn more about the canal from a local historian. There was an original canal that opened in 1825 and over the years it was expanded and relocated. So many of the streets in the city were once part of the Erie Canal. Learning of the importance was interesting and to realize that the canal starts in New York City.
It was a fun day with Diane and Mike, learning about their city and the pride they have in it. We met their daughter Alexis who works the local professional ice hockey team, the Utica Comets an affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, and took a tour of the ice arena. There an ice center with 3 areas for sports in the Utica University.
We had dinner at a local Asian restaurant and walked back to the Doubletree Hotel, which was a few blocks away., Being a car focused town, almost no pedestrians on the street!

Off tomorrow on our trip on the Adirondack Railroad.

Stay tuned
We had dinner at a local Asian restaurant and walked back to the Doubletree Hotel, which was a few blocks away., Being a car focused town, almost no pedestrians on the street!

Off tomorrow on our trip on the Adirondack Railroad.

Stay tuned

OOPS

SOMEONE POSTED NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ON THE “LANDINGS” EXTERIOR. ONE LOOK AND I RELIZED THEY WERE PRINTED TO BE ON THE OPPOSITE WALL. TAKE A LOOK AND SEE THE MAP HAS 510 TO THE NORTH ON 580 TO THE SOUTH END OF MAIN STREET.

Let’s see how long it takes for correct signage to appear.

CREDITS

JUDITH BERDY

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THIS PUBLICATION FUNDED BY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE MENIN & ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS.

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