Utica sign at the Adirondack Bank Center

Utica: Three students. Three hours. One city.

November 29, 2023

Three students. Three hours. One city.

During an afternoon this fall, Alya MacDonald ’25, Hana Dolan ’25, and Oliver Zhao ’24 took some time to visit the city of Utica, located just 20 minutes from campus.

On their whirlwind tour, they learned about a range of ethnic food options, fascinating architecture, and the entertainment venues in this city of roughly 65,000 people, which represents more than 40 nationalities and includes a significant number of refugees from around the world.

Together, they provide a compelling look – through a student lens – at a vibrant city.

Top photo: The Utica sign at the Adirondack Bank Center by Hana Dolan ’25

A muralist at work in downtown Utica. — Photo: Hana Dolan ’25

“The mural had gorgeous colorful flowers alongside black and white images of what I think are scenes from early Utica. I love that the artist is honoring the city’s history while adding some modern touches that keep the area alive. It’s also great that passers-by can watch the artist work–it made me feel as though I was a part of the process.”

Hana Dolan ’25

An ostrich at the Utica Zoo — “I love how much variety they have at the Utica Zoo. They have bigger animals like lions and zebras, smaller petting zoo areas for an interactive experience, and play areas for young children to enjoy.” Photo: Hana Dolan ’25

F.X. Matt Brewery in Utica — “The FX Matt (Saranac) Brewery is the second-oldest brewery in New York state, and it is a big part of the Boilermaker race that happens every summer.” Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

Utica Train Station — “The modern buildings that get attention now show a strong contrast with the historical buildings, like the Utica train station (Union Station). Both kinds are beautiful, but their meaning to the city changes with time.” Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

The gold dome over the former Utica Savings Bank in downtown Utica. — “The gold dome (M&TBank) is right downtown so it’s difficult to miss and makes a great addition to the industrial skyline. It looked especially dramatic with all the birds and the low gray sky.” Photo: Alya MacDonald ’25

El Barajo, a Dominican restaurant in Utica — El Barajo Restaurant in Utica. Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

“Utica has a large immigrant population and thus great diversity. Bleecker Street is like a small cultural hub where ethnic restaurants featuring different kinds of cuisine, including Dominican, Mexican, and Vietnamese, serve the population and add flavor to the city.”

Oliver Zhao ’24

O'Scugnizzo Pizza — “The upside-down pizza at O'Scugnizzo's really surprised me! It is delicious. I would definitely recommend everyone try it!” Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

Outdoor seating at a restaurant in Utica. — “If a friend or family member came to visit, I’d love to take them to the Nail Creek Pub, Ocean Blue or the Tailor and the Cook.” Photo: Alya MacDonald ’25

Vietnamese market in Utica — “The Vietnamese market had far more than I expected. The most exciting thing for me is that the market has many fresh vegetables and Asian snacks. As a cook, I also found some special cuts that are not common in this area but are often essential to Asian cuisines.” Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

Two people looking at an installation at the Munson. — “It is fascinating how the Munson integrates an historic home and a modern museum. When you walk through the narrow pathway between the two sections, it is almost like you are walking through time.” Photo: Oliver Zhao ’24

The interior of the Hotel Utica. — Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Utica. Photo: Alya MacDonald ’25

“While I was in the Hotel Utica, I talked with the manager of the hotel. He was from Spain so we started chatting in Spanish as he gave me a tour of the building. As we walked around I learned that he was also a photographer, and enthusiastically entertained our conversation about cameras while suggesting different areas to photograph within the hotel.”

Alya MacDonald ’25