As the fall semester starts and the weather cools off, both new and returning Hamilton students begin to wonder whether there is any worthwhile entertainment off the Hill. Clinton and the surrounding area have a lot to offer for someone who is looking for an artsy Sunday getaway or a quick mid-day break from classes.
While the Clinton Cider Mill is one popular off-campus staple, there are other apple-related places and events to check out this fall. A favorite amongst Hamiltonians is North Star Orchard, a 10-minute drive from campus in Westmoreland, NY. The Cider Mill and the Orchard both have a delicious bakery and produce section, but the appeal of North Star is its ongoing “U-Pick” apple and pumpkin event from Sept. 16 through Sept. 29 and the first three weekends in October. The Clinton Farmer’s Market is another well-known weekend activity, and it will be held every Thursday from 10 AM-4 PM until Oct. 4, as well as on an extended date on Sept. 20 from 10 AM-6 PM.
The Market is known for showcasing of art, music, and, of course, food. It is a great place to listen to local bands on the Village Green and buy fresh produce, as well as art, clothing, home accessories, and hot food. Each stand houses a different independent business that usually sells handmade or one-of-a-kind objects. With over 70 different independent businesses represented every Thursday, you may be there for a while. Drop by the Market, then head on over to Utica Coffee for something to drink or Sundaes in Clinton for some ice cream to end the day on a sweet note.
Looking for an artistic getaway that’s a little more remote? The Berry Hill Book Shop for old, used, and rare books is located 6.5 miles south of campus. This old barn-turned-bookstore is a work of art in itself, and it has three floors and over 80,000 new and old books to peruse during your time there. It is easy to happen across rare and collectable books, so make sure to be on the lookout. Open from 10 AM-5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday (but closed for the month of January), this bookshop is a great place for anyone looking to expand their literary knowledge or for those trying to take a nice Instagram photo. The Berry Hill Book Shop is home to shelves upon shelves of books to dig through, creating winding passages with a multitude of hidden nooks and crannies to explore.
We have all been to Utica Coffee in Clinton, but now it’s time to try the original branch on Genesee Street. Utica Coffee Roasting Co., located at 92 Genesee Street, is where the founders of the roasting company began to build their business, and where all their coffee is roasted and shipped to other branches. It is not only a popular café, but also a functional concert venue, so make sure to stop by whenever they have a new performer take the stage. This store location is a great place to finish some homework, catch up with friends, or listen to some new music.
Last, but certainly not least, Bite Bake Shop located at 53 Franklin Square is well known to both Hamilton students and Utica natives as a great casual restaurant with a friendly environment and aesthetic décor. Stop by for a quick coffee and cake to-go, or stay a little longer for lunch, or — even better — brunch. Bite specializes in comfort food and is the perfect place to go as the weather starts to cool off and you are looking for something to do with your Saturday afternoon.
Whether you’re using the jitney, a Zipcar, or your own vehicle, these locations are great for students looking for something fun to do off the Hill and trying to learn more about Hamilton’s surrounding area.
