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Heavy Metal, Horse Racing, and Better Weather in the 315!

Heavy Metal, Horse Racing, and Better Weather in the 315!

Spring is kicking into gear and it's time to get outside finally. But check us out first to find the perfect events and activities. We're noticing AI newsletters targeting local communities. We are all human. We scrub events and write our own newletter and always will. We're from the 315 for the 315.

Arthur Mucitelli
April 22, 2025

315 Good News This Week

The 315 Captures Multiple Top-Burger Spots in the 2025 Best Burger Competition

Several 315 restaurants made it in the top 10 finalists of the New York Beef Council’s 9th annual Best Burger Competition. Each year, communities across NY vote for their favorite burger joints. Each restaurant captures the heart and stomach with excellent cooking techniques and exceptional ingredients.

315 Best Burger Nominees.

Syracuse Area
🍔 Ale and Angus, Syracuse
🍔 Get Smashed, Syracuse
🍔 Brewer Union, Brewerton

Mohawk Valley Area
🍔 Matteson Hotel, Ilion
🍔 Roosters, Utica
🍔 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville

The winner will be announced on May 12th after a panel of anonymous judges tests each burger for doneness, ingredients, and presentation.

TokaBocca Expands to New Location in New Hartford with Ribbon Cutting

Award-winning executive chef Lock Vong, owner of already popular Old Forge and Herkimer locations, has expanded into New Hartford. TokaBocca offers a diverse menu of 🍱 Asian, 🌮 Tex-Mex, 🍝 Italian, and their spin on classic Utica dishes.

Check out the menu here.

TokaBocca is easy to find at 8469 Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford.

Olde Wicker Mill Expands into North Utica After Celebrating Their 46th Anniversary

Local gift store The Olde Wicker Mill is expanding into North Utica. Known for a variety of brands, like Pandora, Vera Bradley, and Brighton, The Olde Wicker Mill is the go-to shop for gifts for that special someone. We’ve always loved gifts for Mother’s Day and that special Irish person in our lives. Updates for an opening date are coming soon.

Metallica, Pantera, and Suicidal Tendencies Break the Record for Largest Syracuse Concert

The JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse was packed for Metallica’s opening show of the M72 tour. Officials report over 47,500 people attended the Saturday, April 19th show. This was Metallica’s first Syracuse show in 30 years. Metallica took to social media to thank Syracuse and the fans for breaking the record. It was insane, we were there.

Vernon Downs Opens for the 72nd Season of Harness Racing

Vernon Downs is officially open for its 72nd season of harness racing. According to Vernon Downs, new LED lights were installed to enhance track safety and visual experience for simulcast players.

Race Schedule Here.

FX Matt Brewery Places in Two Top Brewery Spots According to U.S. Craft Brewery Industry Report

The Brewers Association released its 2025 U.S. Craft Brewery Industry Report, and a local favorite snagged two spots on their lists. FX Matt Brewery, known for Utica Club, Flying Dog, and Saranac brands, secured two spots:

🍻 7th Place in the Top 10 Craft Breweries

🍺 17th Place in the Top 20 Overall Breweries

FX Matt is a local business going strong for over 137 years.

Events Happening This Week in the 315!

Wednesday April 23
🗓️ Tacos and Trivia. 7 Hamlets Brewing Company, Westmoreland. 6:00 PM.

Tursday April 24
🗓️ Historic Happy Hour. The Utica Lounge, 812 Charlotte St., Utica. 5:30 PM.
🗓️ Thursday Trivia at Woodland. Woodland Farm Brewery, 6002 Trenton Rd. 6:30 PM.

Saturday April 26
🗓️ Party for the Planet. Utica Zoo. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Taka-Con. MVCC Utica Campus. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Workshop: Intermediate Blacksmithing. Fenimore Farm and Country Village. 10:00 AM.
🗓️ Meet the Trucks. Town of Paris Recreational Park. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ Sourdough Bread Baking for Beginners. Kirkland Arts Center, Clinton. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ Wine and Chocolate Festival. Adirondack Bank Center Utica Memorial Aud. 1:00 PM.
🗓️ Captain America Visits the Treehouse. The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center, 587 Main St. 307, New York Mills. 1:00 PM.
🗓️ Cousin's Maine Lobster. Copper City Brewing Company, 1111 Oneida St., Rome. 1:00 PM.
🗓️ Paint and Pose. In Bloom Yoga, 34 Genesee St, New Hartford. 1:00 PM.
🗓️ Bob Ross Inspired Paint and Sip. Rome Art and Community Center. 2:00 PM.

Sunday April 27
🗓️ Princess Ball & Brunch. PINZ Entertainment, Sangertown Square. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ 2nd Annual Weiner Walk. Verona Beach State Park. 11:00 AM.
🗓️ VVS Sports Booster 3rd Annual Brooks BBQ. VVS High School. 11:30 AM.
🗓️ Whitesboro Fire Department Chicken BBQ. 171 Oriskany Blvd. Whitesboro. 12:00 PM.
🗓️ Riggie Cookoff. Foothill Hops Farm Brewery, Munnsville. 2:00 PM.

Monday April 28
🗓️ Believe 271 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. E. Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Rd. East Herkimer. 5:00 PM.

Tuesday April 29
🗓️ Sip and Paint. Johnny B's Tavern, 8345 New Floyd Rd, Rome. 5:00 PM.

Events Happening Later in the 315

🗓️ Daniel Baden Mudfest. MKJ Farms, 6844 W. Hughes Rd. Deansboro. 7:30 AM.
🗓️ Walk for Autism. SUNY Poly. 9:00 AM.
🗓️ Puddle of Mudd. Saranac Brewery, 830 Varick St., Utica. 6/7/2025.
🗓️ NYS Blues Festival. NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Various.

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

Ad space available. Email here.

Leaving the World Clean for Our Kids

Upstate NY is beautiful, from Letchworth State Park’s canyons to the lakes and mountains of the Adirondacks. NY borders the Atlantic and two great lakes. As an outdoor family who loves to camp and fish, we want our kids and their kids to enjoy the outdoors.

Many local organizations are out there cleaning up the area. Any support given helps keep our little slice of heaven clean and gorgeous for the next generation. Even if you hike and clean up someone’s trash along the way, you’re making a difference.

There are plenty of local outdoor adventures with your kids for spring break. You can help teach them one of the golden rules of camping and outdoor life: “Leave no trace,” or “Pack it in, Pack it out.”

🌲 Oneida Lake
🌲 Green Lakes
🌲 Lake Delta
🌲 Glimmerglass State Park
🌲 Verona Beach State Park
🌲 Chittening Pond, Bridgewater
🌲 Bald Mountain, Old Forge
🌲 Pixley Falls State Park
🌲 Black River Canal Trail, Booneville
🌲 Chittenango Falls State Park

This is just a portion of the spots we love to hike, fish, and camp. There are tons of places to discover and explore. This is why the 315 is the perfect location to unplug, get the kids off their phones, and enjoy nature.

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