3 days, 2 nights · Adults & couples
Then & Now:
The Story of Oneida
From the nation's founding battlegrounds to a world-class resort — Oneida County holds more history, and more surprises, than most people expect.
Where to stay: Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY — your base for all three days. All historic sites are within 30–45 minutes. Book ahead; weekends fill quickly. Spa, golf, casino, and dining round out each evening.
Hours and seasonal schedules vary. Please call ahead or check each venue's website before visiting — we want every stop to be worth the trip.
Arrive & ease in
Morning
Coffee & arrive
Start slow. Grab coffee at a local spot on your way in — Utica has a strong café scene worth a first stop before checking in.
CoffeeMidday
Shako:wi Cultural Center
The Oneida Nation's cultural center in Madison County. The right foundation for this trip — Oneida history, the Revolutionary alliance, and contemporary Nation identity.
Indigenous heritageAfternoon
Check in: Turning Stone
Settle in and explore the resort. Golf, spa, pool — take the afternoon at your own pace. The evening is yours.
ResortFine dining
Wildflowers
Turning Stone's upscale option — seasonal menu, excellent wine list. The right call for a proper first night in.
Hidden gem nearby
Creekside Inn
Just down the road from Turning Stone — high quality, intimate, and a local favorite worth seeking out.
Keep it casual
Upstate Tavern
Right at Turning Stone. Relaxed, no fuss — good when you want to stay on-property and keep the first evening easy.
Revolution in the valley
Morning
Spressos Coffee
Start the history day right with coffee in Rome before heading to the fort. Sets the right pace for the morning.
CoffeeMid-morning
Fort Stanwix
A fully reconstructed Revolutionary War fort. Ranger-led tours bring the 1777 siege to life. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Historic siteAfternoon
Oriskany Battlefield
One of the Revolution's bloodiest — and least-known — battles. The Oneida fought here alongside colonial militia. Quiet, powerful, unhurried.
Historic siteSandwiches & quick bites
Crust Kitchen — Rome
Casual, great sandwiches, easy pacing between morning and afternoon sites.
Happy hour option (opens 4 PM)
Vine & Fig
Worth timing the afternoon around if you want a standout Rome dining experience. Wine-forward, elevated casual.
Before dinner
Spa or golf at Turning Stone
A long history day pairs well with a massage or late 9 holes. Come back early enough to make use of it.
Evening
Dinner + resort night
Dinner at the resort, then casino, live entertainment, or a nightcap in the lounge. This is where the "then & now" contrast earns itself.
Utica, art & the Olmsted parks
Morning
Breakfast in Utica
Check out and head into Utica. Start with coffee and breakfast at a local café — the city's food scene genuinely surprises most first-time visitors.
BreakfastMid-morning
Munson Museum
One of Upstate NY's finest art institutions. The Philip Johnson-designed building is an architectural landmark. Allow 1.5 hours.
Arts & cultureLate morning
Memorial Parkway walk
A quiet walk through Roscoe Conkling Park along the Olmsted-designed Parkway. The summer canopy is stunning — a natural send-off before lunch.
OutdoorsUtica greens & Italian
Portofino
Located on the Canal — a beautiful setting for a send-off lunch. Classic Italian-American done right.
Local staple
It's a Utica Thing!
Kitchen & Bar — Utica greens, chicken riggies, and the dishes that define this city's food identity.
Something different
Nail Creek or Lotus Garden
Nail Creek for local craft beer; Lotus Garden if the group wants excellent Asian cuisine instead.
📍 Extend your stay — continue the story
Still have time? Head into Madison County for the Oneida Community Mansion House and Liberty Tabletop — the last flatware manufacturer in America. Or cross into Herkimer County for Erie Canal cruises and the Herkimer Home estate. Return to Turning Stone each night.
Events & America 250 in Oneida County
We're home to a variety of small and signature events throughout the year. Looking for something happening during your visit? Check our calendar of events — including America 250 programming — at visitoneidacounty.com
