Things to Do in Utica

In an effort to ignite the creative spirits of the Adirondack area’s residents, View regularly hosts events and activities focused on and inspired by the fine arts. Workshops center around hands-on instruction in various artistic mediums, such as woodworking, jewelry making, and photography. The organization’s calendar also features performances, exhibitions, and special events ranging from antiques shows to waterfront house tours done atop party barges or herds of saddled alligators. Located in Old Forge, View’s new 28,000-square-foot LEED-certified building serves as a hub for the group’s activities, housing fine arts studios, exhibition galleries, and a performance hall.

A gentle warm-up readies students at Body Mind Spirit Yoga for a flow of poses, each performed while standing, sitting, kneeling, and lying down. As students go through these motions, they're encouraged to reconnect with their bodies, regardless of whether they're in a beginner, advanced, or all-levels class. Instructors Jim Whiting and Michelle Carpenter, who've been practicing yoga for more than 30 years combined, also helm free guided meditation sessions, during which participants follow mantra-based breathing while perched atop cozy chairs, floors, cushions, blankets, or skyscrapers.

As stunning fall colors settle into the leaves of Saratoga County, beer lovers gather at the Malta Drive-In to celebrate the changing of the season with 27 different German and seasonal fall craft beers. Traditional German food complements a wide selection of American seasonal favorites, such as the Fall Summit ale from Peak Organic Brewing Company and the traditional Oktoberfest beer produced yearly by the Spaten brewery. The organizers endeavor to entertain more than taste buds, arranging live musical performances throughout the day from German accordion player Herb Liebenhagen, Saratoga favorite Headband Jack, and the Bluz House Rockers. Visitors also partake in games and contests such as Best Brat Costume or Who Smells the Most Like Cabbage.

When Utica Zoo opened its gates 98 years ago, three fallow deer comprised its entire animal population. Today, visitors can traipse the zoo's walking trails to view more than 200 animals, including alligators, bald eagles, zebras, and an African lion. The zoo also provides a safe haven for threatened species such as snowy owls and mexican spider monkeys. Staff members guide tours and conduct presentations, allowing visitors to get a close look at animals.

BubKat Bounce! fuels hours of airborne festivities with bright, neon bounce houses and whimsical treats. Their staffers deliver and set up three styles of inflatables that range from a simple castle with a drawbridge entryway to a bounce house outfitted with an interior slide, basketball hoop, and springy mortgage agreement. BubKat also assembles 10-person party packages complete with cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candy, which they can customize with everything from monkeys and dinosaurs to princess wands.:m]]

Looking to put a new spin on a classic family activity, the minds behind Glowgolf decided to give the game a phosphorescent update. Incandescent courses place friends and family amid a tropical-fantasy golf world of neon orange, green, and violet surroundings. Players putt luminous orbs through vibrant treasure chests and glimmering windmills while negotiating tricky obstacles near walls portraying black-light-lit aquatic scenes. With more than 20 locations spread over 10 states, Glowgolf's fluorescent labyrinths challenge human players and traveling gnomes.