As I head off to college this Fall, I am starting to realize just how unique my hometown is. Nestled in between Rome and Utica, Oriskany is a small, tight-knit village with a rich history. Going to Oneonta will be an adventure for sure, but I must admit that I am leaving some pretty good things behind.
1. Filling Up On Sweets From Holland Farms Bakery
Yorkeville, New York is home to a great family-owned and operated bakery named Holland Farms. Pulling up to the tiny red and white building, customers are greeted by two large cow heads mounted on the bakery sign. If you're slightly curious, their names are Cupcake and Chucky. Other than that, Holland Farms is famous for their black and white cookies known as Half Moons. In the Fall and for special events, the bakery mixes some color in with the white frosting to make Harvest Moons. Guess what I will be asking my family to bring with them when they come down for family visit weekend?
2. Stuffing My Face At Voss
Also located in Yorkville, Voss is a family-owned eatery with a strong fanbase. So strong that they decided to open two more locations — one in the Utica Zoo, and the other one in Herkimer. Voss has always been one of my family's favorite places to eat in the summertime. As a child, I lived with my grandparents. Every Friday night we would go to Voss so that they could get their fish fry. I have never really cared for seafood much so I always chose something else off the menu. Voss is known for their Honest John's hotdogs, homemade barbecue sauce, and their pulled pork sandwiches. It's hard to pick just one item, that's how good it is. They also serve ice cream at their second order window and milkshakes that are to-die-for. But if you want to eat here, be prepared for a wait. Their line is almost always extended to the road, rain or shine.
3. Getting The Crap Scared Out Of Me At Cayo Industrial Horror Realm
People from all over the state come to Utica for this scary attraction. Starting early in October, one of Utica's oldest warehouses is opened to the public. But there's a twist. A team of people who love inducing fear in other people create a horror realm complete with actors, creepy equipment, and loud sound effects. But do not be mistaken, Cayo is definitely not a haunted house. Instead of relying on ghosts, zombies, and other fictional monsters to create a fright-filled experience, they set up an asylum, a mad scientist's lab, and other creepy scenes. Each attraction is arranged in a different wing and tickets for each one must be purchased separately. Lines get long pretty fast and visitors are sent through the attractions in groups of 10 or so. Let me tell you, I held on to a stranger's waist the entire time because a guy with a chainsaw was right on my heels and a guy being tortured electrocution-style was to my left. Fear rating? A solid 10.
Learn more about Cayo Industrial at http://www.cayoindustrial.com/
4. Oriskany's Basketball Seasons
During the 2015-2016 basketball season, our Boys Varsity basketball team experienced victory after victory. The team won all 27 games and earned the NYSPHSAA Class D State Championship title. The boys put many hours into strengthening and perfecting their skills. They used their passion of the sport to their advantage and showed opposing teams that they were not a force to be reckoned with. It was truly amazing to see our community come together to support the boys on their journey. Over in the O-Zone, locals held up colorful signs and cheered right along with the cheerleaders. While I'm away at college, I will have to support the team from afar. I have a piece of advice for all the teams that Oriskany will face in the future: Look out. Not to mention, our Girls' teams are really good too.
5. Chipotle
No explanation needed here. There isn't a Chipotle near Oneonta and I cannot even begin to tell you how sad that makes me. To give you an idea, I specifically called the admissions desk at SUNY Oneonta to ask about it. The girl tried to reassure me by saying that there was a Moe's nearby. To the girl who tried to cheer me up that day, thank you for the effort but that was definitely not the answer I wanted to hear. What ever will I do without my burrito bowls? Just the thought makes me want to cry. I may suffer from withdrawal symptoms, so please come help me if you encounter me walking aimlessly around campus. Please and thank you. Also, I should mention that I introduced my friend Sydney to Chipotle and I think it changed her life. I mean look at the smile on her face (she's the one on the left).
6. Stopping In At Florentine's Bakery
I know I keep mentioning food but Central New York really is the place to go if you want a great meal. One of my favorite places around is Florentine's Bakery in New Hartford which specializes in traditional Italian pastries. Their homemade cannolis are delicious and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Customers are always greeted at the counter with a smile. And the other cool thing? They will make you a cannoli cake for your special event. I have ordered them in past few years and have never been disappointed. Guess what else I will be asking my family to bring?
7. Eating Joe's Pizza With My Family
Despite its common name, Joe's pizza is unique in its own way. Did you order sausage on your pizza and can't find it? Look under the pizza sauce. That's right, the pizza is basically upside down. Hey, I'm definitely not complaining. Fortunately, their pizza is not greasy or ruined with crusted-over cheese. No. They sprinkle the Parmesan on top of that tomato sauce like nobody's business.
8. Watching Boats At Lock 20
I've always been fascinated with boats. I was hooked on the concept of boats since the first time I ever saw Titanic (which is now my absolute favorite movie). As a young child living with my grandparents, we spent a lot of time at Lock 20, located on the Erie Canal. Besides being a reminder of our area's history, this spot is the perfect place to watch large boats pass through as you have a picnic. I have very fond memories of heading over there with my family to watch the concerts they held on a party barge. Really, Lock 20 is my happy place.
10. Writing For The Village's Monthly Newsletter
This year, I had the opportunity to write the student column in my village's newsletter, "The O." "The O" is distributed at various locations around Oriskany and really gave me the chance to let my opinions be heard. Although it was a bit strange to get praise from strangers on the street, I was greatly appreciative of their positive feedback. Writing for a town I love with all my heart felt like it was the right thing to do. I am an avid reader and writer and I got the sense that I was truly making an impact on my community with the words I wrote each month.
11. Going On Taco Bell And Movie Dates With My Best Friend
We always order enough food for about four people. This is why we work out on the weekends. Warning: Taco Bell three times a week is an unhealthy habit. Do not be like us. However, it is the perfect ending to a scary movie date with a best friend or two. Plus, free Wi-Fi. Come on, some people spend so much time at Taco Bell that they are starting to take prom pictures and senior pictures there. Let's be honest, I would have totally done that if my family would approve.
12. My Skating Family
Throughout the entire duration of my 13 year skating career (hey, that rhymed), I have had a whole team of people on my side. We have competed together, celebrated together, cried together, and formed unbreakable bonds. If you would like to read more bout my skating experience, you can read it here. But again, I will miss everyone who has helped me become the figure skater I am today and their daily words of inspiration.
13. The Halls Of Oriskany Jr./ Sr. High School
Of course, this year is the year that my high school has decided to make cool renovations to my beloved alma mater. Earlier in the past school year, there was a school-wide bonding day where all students were separated into teams. Over the course of the day, we created a set of renovation ideas that the school board should consider implementing over the summer. Each group suggested some creative ideas that included building-wide Wi-Fi, an outdoor eating area, more food options, and different classroom arrangements. Unfortunately, I will not have the opportunity to go back on the first day of school and enjoy all these new things. Besides missing out on the new improvements, I will also miss seeing my old teachers on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to grow up in a small school system where teachers are able to interact with every single student. Class sizes were small, help was always available, and every teacher was very approachable and involved in the school, as well as the community. I would like to take the time to thank you guys for all of your support and the inspiration I needed to pursue my college education as an Adolescent English Education major.
