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Chicken BBQs, Charity Runs, and the Perfect Local Airbnb.

Chicken BBQs, Charity Runs, and the Perfect Local Airbnb.

Arthur Mucitelli
April 29, 2025

Some Good News for the 315!

Chobani Plans to Build a $1.2 Billion Production Plant in Rome

Everyone’s favorite NY-based Greek yogurt brand is expanding into Rome. Chobani announces plans to build a $1.2 billion production plant in Griffiss Park. The expansion will create up to 1,000 new jobs for the area. Additionally, the need for local dairy will increase, further helping the Mohawk Valley’s economy and agriculture.

The NYS Fair Announces More Concerts for 2025

The Great NYS Fair is almost around the corner, and the list of concerts grows by the week. Last week, another national act was added. If you remember that 70’s guitar cat call slide, you’ll know who I’m talking about. The Steve Miller Band joins the lineup of concerts this year.

Other acts include:

Shaggy
Cheao Trick
Sister Hazel
Blippi
Busta Rhymes

Waterville Brothers Win the Griffiss AFRL Challenge

Waterville brothers and students, Edmond and Oscar Yang, won the 2025 Griffiss AFRL challenge. The brothers won $2,500 towards their 529 college funds and experience with AI models and problem solving.

Each year, the Air Force Research Lab chooses schools to participate in a challenge. Students develop and pitch an idea to help solve a STEM problem. This year, students were tasked with developing an AI model to detect and classify aircraft. The challenge aims to help students develop STEM, critical thinking, and soft skills they will use in the tech fields.

The Comets Sign Devils Prospect Melovsky for His 25/26 Pro Season Premiere

The Comets signed forward Matyus Melovsky for a 1-year, 1-way NHL contract for the 2025/2026 season. Melovsky was a 6th-round draft pick in 2024.

Northstar Orchard 2025 U-Pick Tulip Season Opens on April 26th

Northstar Orchards in Westmoreland started their 6th season of U-Clip Tulips. Over 75,000 tulips were planted for this year’s season. Bring your clippers and a bucket of water for your tulips. Admission to see and take pictures is free. Each stem is $1.25. Not only do these gorgeous tulips make a great gift, but you’ll get plenty of great photos for your Instagram feed.

Events Happening This Week in the 315!

Tuesday April 29
🗓️ Touch-a-Truck. MVCC Rome Campus. 4:00 PM.
🗓️ Sip and Paint. Johnny B's Tavern, 8345 New Floyd Rd, Rome. 5:00 PM.

Wednesday April 30
🗓️ Utica Breast Cancer Screenings. 1002 Oswego St. Utica. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Powerful & Peaceful Meditation Techniques W/ Yoga Joe. Move Breathe Live, Whitesboro. 5:15 PM.
🗓️ Tacos and Trivia at 7 Hamlets. 7 Hamlets Brewing Company, Westmoreland. 6:00 PM.
🗓️ Macrame Plant Hangar Workshop. 2604 Genesee St., Utica. 6:00 PM.
🗓️ 16 Stone Whiskey and Wine Club. 16 Stone Brewpub, Holland Patent. 7:00 PM.

Thursday May 1
🗓️ Sprig Rummage Sale. 45 Genessee St., New Hartford. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon. Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Art Story with the Utica Public Library. Utica Public Library. 10:30 AM.
🗓️ Barn Quilt Painting Workshop. American Legion, Herkimer. 6:00 PM.
🗓️ Thursday Trivia at Woodland. Woodland Farm Brewery, 6002 Trenton Rd. 6:30 PM.

Friday May 2
🗓️ Chicken BBQ to Benefit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. 1315 Champlin Ave., Utica. 3:00 PM.
🗓️ Vibrations of Clarity: Cacao Energy Healing for a Focused Mind. In Bloom Yoga, New Hartford. 6:00 PM.
🗓️ Emo Prom. Grow Brewing, New Hartford. 8:30 PM.

Saturday May 3
🗓️ Daniel Baden Mudfest. MKJ Farms, 6844 W. Hughes Rd. Deansboro. 7:30 AM.
🗓️ Miles for Miracles. Proctor Park, Utica. 8:00 AM.
🗓️ Walk for Autism. SUNY Poly. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ Utica Public Market. Union Station, Utica. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ Grateful for Graham 5K Run and Walk. Philip A. Rayhill Memorial Trail. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ Like a Mother Day. Beaver Creek Bar and Grill. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ "Celebration in the Garden" Annual Plant Sale. 3129 state Rt. 12B, Deansboro. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up. So Sweet Candy Shoppe, Utica. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Once Upon a Cookie—Mommy and Me Storytime, Yoga, and Cookie Decorating. In Bloom Yoga, New Hartford. 11:30 AM.
🗓️ Cinco de Mayo Temprano. Copper City Brewing Company. 12:00 PM.
🗓️ Chicken BBQ Benefit for Mariah Wilcox. 8318 State Route. 28, Newport. 12:00 PM.
🗓️ Chicken BBQ. Henry P. Smith Post 24, Rome. 12:00 PM.
🗓️ Spring Craft Fair. American Legion, Holland Patent. 1:00 PM.
🗓️ Wellin Kids | Gyotaku Fish Prints. Wellin Museum, Clinton. 2:00 PM.
🗓️ Vernon Center Chicken BBQ. Vernon Center Fire Dept, Vernon Center. 4:00 PM.
🗓️ Healthy Kids Running Series. Hamilton Central School. 4:00 PM.

Sunday May 4
🗓️ Artisanal and Craft Market and Woodland. 6002 Trenton Rd., Utica. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath. Nama Let it Go. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ #ArcHerk Pop-Up with Purpose. Flawless Salon and Beauty Bar, Herkimer. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ Chicken BBQ. Oneida American Legion. 12:00 PM.
🗓️ "May the 4th be With You." Baby Yoda. Sip and Paint. Copper City Brewery. 1111 Oneida St. rome, NY. 2:00 PM.
🗓️ Local Art and Music Showcase. Rome Capitol Theater, Rome. 4:00 PM.
🗓️ Reggaeton Dance Workshop. Buchii Fitness. 5:00 PM.

Monday May 5
🗓️ Cinco de Mayo with Tacocat at the Green Onion Pub. The Green Onion Pub. 2018 Genesee St., Utica. 3:00 PM.
🗓️ Paper Wreath Creation and Sip Party. Rome Art and Community Center, Rome. 6:00 PM.

Events Happening Later in the 315

🗓️ Paddlefest: Outdoor Gear Expo. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, 2855 State Route 28, Old Forge. 5/16/2025 to 5/28/2025.
🗓️ Puddle of Mudd. Saranac Brewery, 830 Varick St. 6/7/2025.
🗓️ NYS Blues Festival. NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse. 6/12/2025 to 6/14/2025.
🗓️ 2025 Strawberry Festival. 3275 Cold Springs Rd, Baldwinsville. 6/14/2025. 10:00 AM.

Check the event link. Some events have a fee. We only post beginning times.

To have your event added, contact us at [email protected]

Live Music Happening in the 315 This Weekend

Sunday May 4
🎸 Isaac French | 7 Hamlets Brewing Company, Westmoreland | 2:00 PM
🎸 Mark Nanni | 3 Bastards Brewing, Vernon | 12:00 PM

Monday May 5
🎸 Brit Floyd 50th Anniversary Tour | Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, Syracuse | 8:00 PM

Courtesy of Airbnb - Treehouse at Evergreen Cabins

5 Unique Airbnbs for a Local Getaway in the 315

There is uncertainty in the travel industry, especially around international travel prices. But you don’t have to travel to Italy, the Caribbean, or anywhere else for a relaxing getaway. The Mohawk Valley has many options, and Airbnb offers an affordable and efficient way to travel for a local staycation. We scoured the area for a few unique places for couples to families, or friend groups to enjoy.

Spruce Lake Yurt
Little Falls, Sleeps 4

This Colorado yurt is perfect for a glamping getaway on a private lake. Nestled on Spruce Lake in Salisbury, it offers all the amenities of home, such as a mini-split HVAC, kitchen, bathroom, grill, washer/dryer, and more. The yurt has a skylight that is perfect for stargazing from one of the several beds. Recharge outdoors with swimming, fishing, kayaking, or sitting around the campfire.

The Treehouse at Evergreen Cabins
Remsen, Sleeps 4

The Treehouse at Evergreen Cabins is a unique experience for romantic getaways or a family trip. The Treehouse is located at the foothills of the Adirondacks. First, you’ll cross a suspension bridge that leads the way to a stunning elevated structure with amazing views of the surrounding forest. You’ll have all the comforts of home, plus many extras for a unique staycation. From cuddling in the living room watching the waterfall, to grilling and sitting by the fire, this rental is great for couples and families.

Historic Speakeasy Suite
Downtown Utica, Sleeps 4

Take a step back in time when Utica was the “Sin City” of the East. The Blind Tiger is one of two rentals on the historic Varick St. in Faxton Hall, built in 1867. The owners boast of keeping much of the original building to create a speakeasy-themed apartment. You’ll enjoy modern amenities, a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a bath with a clawfoot tub and walk-in shower.. It’s the perfect cooldown after Saranac Thursday.

Romantic Getaway with Hot Tub and Scenic Views
Barneveld, Sleeps 2

Your next romantic getaway doesn’t have to be in the Dominican Republic. It doesn’t even have to be at a crowded all-inclusive. At the foothills of the Adirondacks sits a tiny home, secluded from everyone. Wake up to the sunrise before making breakfast and a Nespresso. After lounging with a loved one, relax in the hot tub before grilling and enjoying the crisp ADK air by the fire pit. With 100 acres of private land guarding your serenity, you’ll feel more relaxed than on any Caribbean vacation.

River Retreat Sauna, Hot Tub, Cold Plunge, and More
Newport, Sleeps 6

The Upstate River Retreat is designed for the wellness-minded traveler. This three-bedroom riverside house boasts rugged outdoor charm with a modern interior design. The open concept kitchen and sunroom-style dining room create the perfect mood for you and your guests. The deck offers a hot tub, two cold plunge tubs with outdoor showers, and a cedar sauna with a glass front overlooking the river. This rental is perfect for those needing a quick getaway without traveling far.

This is just a taste of what the 315 has to offer for luxurious getaways close to home. We encourage you to explore Airbnb and see what’s out there for you. Explore the 315 and discover what we did. There’s a ton to do, see, and experience. If you liked this mini-guide, please share our newsletter with friends and family.

To have your place added, contact us at [email protected]