Local adventures
Clinton is a small college town in the scenic Mohawk Valley. Because we’re far from major cities, our area is all about coziness, community, and quality of life. You won’t see the best we have to offer plastered on signboards to draw in tourists— our treasures tend to be hidden away in secret corners, known only by the locals.
As your hosts, we’re here to share everything we love about our area with you. Email us before your stay if you want to know what’s going on in the area during your trip, or are looking for the best hiking, skiing, and kayaking spots to enjoy the great outdoors. We believe that the Utica area is one of the very best places in the world— so If you love exploring upstate, we invite you to add Clinton to your itinerary!
Good food
Start your morning right at Utica Coffee across the street on Park Row, or scoot over to Utica Bread for the croissants that a reviewer in Food & Wine Magazine called “the best he’s eaten since Paris.”
For lunch, try a quick bite at Karam’s Lebanese Bakery in Yorkville. Comfort greek food at local institution Symeon’s in New Hartford will also hit the spot. Or if you’re cooking in the garret kitchen, check the Tom’s food co-op hours to pick up ingredients from local farmers.
For dinner, try Nola’s, a fantastic locally owned restaurant just a quick walk across the village green. Or venture 15 minutes into Utica to try The Tailor and the Cook in the former Utica Children’s Museum space.
In the mood for something more casual, like good pub grub and craft beer? Head down to Varick Street in Utica where Nail Creek Pub has a fantastic range of craft brews and a solid food menu. We also love Mangia Macrina’s wood-fired pizza in New Hartford.
And don’t forget to grab desert at The Cremeria, an artisanal, straight-from-Italy gelato shop right here in the village.
Night life
Clinton is a quaint and sleepy little town, but for a glass of wine or a cocktail, there’s no need to go any farther than right across the street— Nola’s has you covered. Their next-door cocktail bar No One’s Rival is also the perfect spot for a good drink in a beautifully designed space.
In the summer, you can enjoy wine, live music, and a beautiful view at Brimfield Farm Winery, a dairy barn recently converted into a bar. In the winter, try the Nail Creek Pub or live local music in a lovingly restored former speakeasy at Gerber’s Tavern. You can also check the concert schedule at the KAC, just a few doors down from The Garret.
If you’re in town the first Friday of the month, check out First Fridays Happy Hour at Munson Williams. In town the first Wednesday or the third Tuesday of the month? You might catch your host Nora playing in a traditional Irish music session at the Irish Cultural Center, a beautiful Irish pub in Utica, or at Copper City Brewery, a local brew pub in Rome, NY.
Local adventures
Check their seasonal hours before visiting Berry Hill Book Shop, but definitely go! It’s a secret barn full of vintage books at wonderful prices, hidden in local Deansboro.
Other must-visit local spots include Hamilton College’s Root Glen (a gorgeous network of woodland paths and gardens) the Saranac Brewery Tour, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, the Kirkland Trails, and more.
Arts & Culture
Email your hosts in advance of your stay if you want to know the best local events going on in the area during your trip. There’s always something to do, from hearing live music to attending gallery shows, theatre events, festivals, and more.
For fine art, check out Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, a world-class art museum in Utica designed by architect Philip Johnson, The Wellin, an excellent gallery associated with Hamilton College, and The Kirkland Art Center.