Located at the western end of the Mohawk Valley, Utica is the natural gateway to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and scenic Thousand Islands.

Albany, the capital of the State of New York, is located on the west bank of the Hudson River roughly 150 miles north of New York City.

Both regions are steeped in history—from the American Revolution through the Industrial Revolution—and are enriched by both cultural diversity and support for the performing and decorative arts. Utica is home to the internationally recognized Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, Broadway Theater League, the Stanley Performing Arts Center, the Utica Zoo, and a municipal ski facility. Albany boasts the New York State Museum, the Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany Institute of History and Art, and the Palace Performing Arts Center.

Utica and Albany are regional transportation hubs. Visitors to Utica can arrive by air at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse. Visitors to Albany can arrive at Albany International Airport. Other transportation options include rail or bus service (Amtrak and Greyhound).