1423 Genesee St. Utica, NY, 13501
FX Matt Brewing Company
Begun by a German immigrant in the late 19th-century, this esteemed brewery remains family-owned more than a century later. Its Saranac beers and soft drinks are produced with clean mountain water from the Adirondacks and are especially well-regarded. Popular tours lead through the impressive building, where guides explain the brewing process, company history, and Matt products. After the tour is completed, folks gather in the 1888 Tavern for a sampling of what the company does best. Informative and appropriate for all ages (kids get to try the sodas).
830 Varick St, Utica, NY 13502 · 315-732-0022
Utica Zoo
From humble beginnings in 1914, this zoo has grown to encompass more than 200 species. The cross-section of residents includes snow leopards, sea lions, red pandas, and Siberian tigers. More domestic specimens are also on hand for children. In addition, you’ll find a variety of birds, reptiles, bears, and primates. Special programs for preschoolers are available, along with kid-friendly events on certain Sundays. A gift shop, playground, nature trail, and seasonal snack bar are among the other perks.
99 Steele Hill Rd, Roscoe Conkling Park, Utica, NY 13501 · (315) 738-0472
Ommegang Brewery
In October of 1997, not far from the birthplace of baseball, ground was broken for what was to become America’s most unique microbrewery. Based on traditional Belgian farmhouse architecture and set on a former hop farm in upstate New York, Brewery Ommegang was born with the philosophy that truly unique ales must be built from the ground up. Now brewing five award-winning Belgian-style ales and offering daily tours and tastings, plus a full calendar of special events, Brewery Ommegang is the place where brewing is an art and partaking is a passion.
656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown NY 13326-9248 · (800) 544-1809
