Toledo to Utica train

Once an industrial powerhouse, Toledo houses many important cultural institutions in the state of Ohio. The city's premier tourist attraction is the Toledo Museum of Art, which houses important works by world-renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also has separate sections dedicated to Japanese arts and African arts. Close to the museum itself is The Old West End, a historic quarter with many old buildings and ancient trees more than 100 years old. To get familiar with the local flora, head to the Toledo Botanical Garden to view its collection of herbs and local plants.

Toledo is famous for its many budget restaurants, which offer great foods at affordable price points. Some notable local establishments include Rudy's Hot Dogs and Gino's Pizza. If you can afford to splurge a bit, check out Fowl and Fodder, which uses local ingredients for its incredible dishes.

Bus and train service make it easy to travel to Toledo, and you can catch a flight at the Toledo Express Airport, just 14.2 miles away from the city center.

Utica is a city in western New York, the county seat of Oneida County, and the tenth-largest city in the state. The town is famous for its greens, pies, and riggies (a.k.a. spicy, creamy chicken rigatoni), but Utica has so much more going for it than a delicious pasta dish.

If you’re in town during the second weekend of July, you can join in (or sit back and watch) the Boilermaker, a 15-kilometer footrace covering miles of hilly terrain both in and out of the city. Another main attraction in the city is the Utica Zoo, which has Red Pandas, Arctic foxes, Brazilian Rainbow Boas, and so much more. Afterward, stroll through the lush grounds of Roscoe Conkling Park, 625-acre of green encompassing the zoo.

The Stanley Theatre is another big attraction for the city, and it’s an absolute must-see. Originally built in 1928, the theatre has the perfect mix of Classic Hollywood charm and all the modern amenities. Come for a historical tour, host an event, or settle in for a live performance of your favorite play or musical.

For more history and gorgeous architecture, visit Union Station– either to admire the views or to catch an Amtrak to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Chicago, New York City, and Boston. Or, better yet, hop aboard the Amtrak Adirondack that winds through the wine country of the Hudson Valley into Montreal, showcasing some of the finest views New York State has to offer. Greyhound also has service to Utica with major routes from Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Washington.