I wrote last week I would be reporting on my recent trip to Utica, New York, which had nothing to do with business and everything to do with pleasure. It was simply time for an escape, and a long Easter weekend seemed the right time to do it.
I occasionally avail myself of Groupon getaways and Living Social escapes if the location and/or price is right, and Living Social had both right recently when they offered a simply irresistible deal to the grand old Hotel Utica in of course, Utica New York. I knew of the area but had never visited and it was only about four hours away, so we figured, why not?
Other than an hour and a quarter wait Good Friday afternoon to cross the bridge in Niagara Falls, the trip went well and we arrived at our destination about 6:30 pm with a lovely blue sky and fading afternoon sun brightening up the surrounding Mohawk Valley. This is really a beautiful area, as you are right on the cusp of entering the famed Adirondack Mountains of Central New York State. Viewing the valley from our hotel window as the sun went down, you had a panoramic view of just how beautiful the surrounding countryside is.
Utica is an interesting place. The population is now down to about 60,000 from its peak years ago of about 100,000, and a drive Saturday morning around town told the story as to why the population has shrunk so much over the years. There has simply been a mass exodus of much of the industrial sector here, as has been the case in many U.S. states, decimating their downtowns in the process. The sad sight of so many industrial and retail establishments that once made up the thriving heart of the city was disappointing to be sure, but eventually we made our way up the main street, Genesee, and our hearts and fortunes were lifted considerably.
In spite of the decay of the central core, Utica has managed to reclaim a good part of the downtown through restoration projects that are simply breathtaking. Old buildings with interesting facades thrive once again as chic apartment complexes, and new uses are found for old businesses long since closed. There is one beautifully converted church just off Genesee that until recently was used by I believe a Turkish religious order that created a stunning new look for a traditional old church. I hope this building finds a new life again, as it deserves a better fate than sitting idly by in the shadows of other restored buildings in the area.
Speaking of restoration projects, people in Utica are rightfully proud of their lovingly restored Stanley Theatre, which from the outside is akin to the restoration project carried out in downtown Brantford a number of years ago. It was not open when we passed by Saturday afternoon, but it is still booking shows coming up and some of the events lined up would surely fill the house.
Further along Genesee you pass a plethora of wonderfully grand old homes, many lovingly restored and simply breathtaking to look at. Sure there are other very sad "before" cases around, but they, too, will show a better face someday one would hope. Driving through some of the adjoining old residential neighbourhoods indicated a real pride of ownership here and great care to show their homes in the best light possible. Lots of little touches to distinguish these homes from others on the street without going overboard.
Back at the hotel afterwards, we consulted the area real estate listings in the local paper and were dumbfounded to find prices for these homes are - to our eyes, at least, ridiculously low. Speaking with a member of the staff at the Hotel Utica the next day, the explanation I received is with the population shrinking, the prices are not likely to go up anytime soon, so these are not investment properties as we would know them here. Rather, you find a gem of a home at a great price and if you are ready, retire to a desirable part of New York State. We photographed one home were were quite taken by on Beverly Street that was larger than our present home here, with five bedrooms and a very interesting design, and it is presently on the market for about 100,000 less than a comparable home here in Niagara on the Canadian side. Sigh.
The Hotel Utica has had a storied past, beginning with its construction and grand opening in 1912. It fell on hard times more than once over the years and at one point was converted to a seniors complex, apparently, but around 2001 it was reopened as a truly grand hotel once again under new ownership, still looking wonderful and exuding a charm and character in its decor you just don't find in today's hotels. Our suite for the stay, the Julian, was larger than my first house with every nice little touch you could imagine. It was truly one of the nicer rooms we have stayed in just about anywhere.
Touring the hotel after dinner in the evening, you are impressed with the attention to detail both when it was first constructed and more recently with extensive renovations. The service by and large was exceptional throughout the hotel, from the front desk to Cheryl who served us in the restaurant, appropriately called "1912". Food was very good and well prepared, with one exception: the tuna my partner ordered was not to her liking initially but they quickly remedied the situation and all was good by the end of the night. Prices are very reasonable for the quality you get and the presentation is perfect.
So, the Living Social deal brought us down to Utica, but will we return? You bet we will; in fact, we have friends living nearby and now we have a place to stay if we go down for a visit. Sure, they didn't make much money on the deal offered through Living Social, but we made sure to spend our money when we got there at the hotel and out in the community so as to show our thanks for having made the deal possible.
Utica is a place with a lot of character and heart, and you just want to get to know it better. The gentleman at the front desk perhaps said it best when we were checking out on the Sunday morning when he said "Utica starts with You!" Clever, and an indicator of the pride and spirit you still find in this nice little community nestled in the Mohawk Valley.
April 21st, 2012.
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