Help A New Utica Resident Discover the Best of Central New York

I saw something interesting on the Utica board on Reddit. A new resident to our area is asking for the best that our hometown has to offer.

The discussion starts like this:

My wife got a job in Utica so we will be moving there soon. The internet tells me that it is the worst place that has ever existed and that we shouldn't live there. Please tell me some good things about Utica that will make me feel better about moving there. We love hiking, farmer's markets, music, swimming, and we have a dog. No negative stuff please! I've already heard it.

So what advice would you give to this new Central New York resident?

[/r/Utica]