Great Area Upgrades…But the Old Still Looks Good

After living in Utica and New Hartford for many years, I moved away in the mid 1990's.  On my short visits back to this area, I really did not notice many changes.

When I moved back a few weeks ago, I found a lot more new things than I had expected.  But is was great to see that not everything had changed.

The Utica Auditorium has a new look.  Much more modern than I remember.  Some very nice new hotels have popped-up on North Genesee Street.  The former Jack Appleseed's Restaurant is now Delmonico's.   There's a Wal-Mart Supercenter where the Riverside Mall once stood.

The biggest upgrade to the area is in New Hartford/New York Mills area.  The user-friendly 840 highway is new and leads to some serious shopping areas.  Seeing The Orchards for the first time was a nice surprise.  While living in New England I became a fan of the 99 Restaurant and Pub.  Glad to see one here, along with an Uno and an Outback.  The Marquee Cinemas, Kohl's, and Gander Mountain are all nice additions too.

It's also great to see some of the local businesses still going strong.  Seeing Tom Cavallo's in New Hartford, Holland Farms, Meelan Carpets, The Carbone dealerships and Symeon's make me feel back at home.

Sometimes it takes a few years' absence to realize that an area is growing and moving ahead.  With all the change, it's very good to see some of the old along with the new.