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Ushuaia

Straddling the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia  is the largest city in Argentine Tierra del Fuego island, with about 75,000 residents (2019). It is 3,260 km south of Buenos Aires. It lays claim to the title "the southernmost city in the world". Puerto Williams, across the channel in Chile, also claims this title, but has only about 3,000 residents.

Ushuaia has been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base for the Argentine navy. Ushuaia is now a major tourist town, complete with casinos and nice restaurants, and commonly used as a base for hiking, winter sports and cruises to Antarctica.

Understand
Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, itself the eastern half of Tierra del Fuego island (and archipelago) in the southern tip of South America. The city has been transformed from a sleepy village to a lively tourist center, so you will not feel quite like you are at the end of the world. The scenic landscape around the city, with good outdoor sports including one of the southernmost winter sport resorts in the world complete with a view to the sea, make Ushuaia a place worth visiting.

The area
Ushuaia is east-west elongated city crushed between the Andes foothills to the north (which do not run north-south at this latitude) and the Beagle Channel to the south. Its sole road connection is "Ruta 3" which traverses the city from west to east and later drifts north-east across the Andes and all the way to Buenos Aires.

Consequently, Ushuaia's tourist attractions are either to the west (End of the World Train & National Park), to the east (Fagnano Lake, Harberton ranch and lots of hiking trails), within the city (Presidio Museum, Martial Glacier or the Beagle boat tours).

The city borders one of the southernmost legs of the Andes and has several urban centers. The mall is about 2 km long and stretches from the freight port past the Avenida Alem (National Road 3). East of downtown there is the industrial area, and the western side is dominated by residential buildings and the airport. Most hotels and resorts, particularly at the upper end of the price scale are on the road to the Martial Glacier.

History
Prior to the late 19th century, the land that is now called Ushuaia was inhabited entirely by Yámana (or Yaghan) people and a handful of missionaries. Due to outbreaks of typhus, pertussis and measles, by 1911, the Yámana had effectively disappeared; as of 2017, there was allegedly one pure-blooded native-speaking Yámana left, a woman who lives in Chile.

In the late 19th century, the Argentine government established a penal colony in Ushuaia intended for repeat offenders, serious criminals and some political prisoners, following similar examples by the French and British. The prison population became forced colonists who spent most of their time chopping down the now-protected lenga trees, which they used to build the town. The prison was shut down in 1947, and is now the Museo Maritimo. The railway to the settlement has become the Tren del Fin del Mundo.

Today the town is growing fast as a result of increased tourism since the 2002 economic crash. The government has encouraged this growth by designating Tierra del Fuego a virtually tax-free zone to encourage people to settle; many of the inhabitants of today's Ushuaia come from Chaco, in the north of Argentina. The cost of living, however, is relatively high as all goods have to be transported long distances, usually by container ship.

Climate
Climate-wise, Ushuaia is warmer than many assume; it is no further south than Belfast is north, and temperatures rarely drop below -10°C. However, it is still cooler and more unstable than on the drier northern half of the island. In the summer, there are hardly any clear days: On most days there are sun, clouds and short rain showers, with temperatures around +15°C. There is daylight from 05:00 to 22:00 The winters are somewhat clearer, with temperatures around -2°C, a lot of snow, and little daylight, the sun is only up from 09:45 to 17:15 The ski resorts have snow from May to early November. As in all of southern Argentina, strong winds add a significant wind chill factor.

If you plan to hike, you should have weatherproof clothing, and even if you are just visiting the city, you will need both a pullover and a jacket even in the summer months of January and February. In January, the city is full of domestic tourists (which means you should book your accommodation beforehand). There are fewer visitors from mid-February until the start of the ski season in June.

Tourist office
There are several tourist offices. Aside of the central one on the main street (which is closed, the nearest is in the port next to the 'end of the world' sign) there are smaller ones on the airport and the port.

Get in
You can get there by plane in three and a half hours in a non-stop flight from Buenos Aires, or you can go by car, but it is a long trip (about four days travelling on desert roads). You can also go on a cruise ship.

By plane
There is one major airport serving the city:

By bus
Buses from all destinations except Puerto Natales stop at Rio Gallegos. It can be cheaper to buy a ticket to Rio Gallegos and purchase an onward ticket from there. The ride from Rio Gallegos costs AR$1,300 and involves crossing into Chile and taking a ferry across the Magellan Strait. There are three daily departures and the journey is advertised as taking around 12 hours, but it is often much longer in practice.

By car
Argentine National Route 3 connects Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, ending at the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Tierra del Fuego is an island, and the route requires crossing into Chile and taking a ferry to cross the Magellan Strait. There are two ferries connecting Tierra del Fuego to the South American mainland: a short crossing at Punta Delgada at the northernmost point of the island and a longer crossing from Punta Arenas in Chile to Porvenir on the island's west coast.

By boat
A number of cruise ships stop at Ushuaia, either as an attraction or as the destination.

By bus
There are city buses within Ushuaia, but they reach few of the tourist attractions. They are good to get to Playa Larga, for example, or from one part of the centre to another, along the east/west axis. The bus lines are nowadays labelled with letters, though the former route numbers may still be visible at some bus stops. The bus fare is AR$6.80 as of 2017, and the system to pay is the SUBE card, the same as for other big cities in Argentina.

Tours/transport to the main tourist attractions can be booked through the Tourist Office (on San Martin) or through many of the hostels.

Regular minivans leave for the National Park (first van 08:00), Glaciar Martial, the trailhead of Laguna Esmeralda or other places from a parking lot at the corner of Maipu and Fadul. To catch one, turn up at the lot, pay for your return ticket and you will informed of the pickup times to catch the minivan back. The cost for a return ticket to the national park is AR$850 (Nov 2019), excluding the entry fee, Laguna Esmeralda AR$300, and Glacier Martial AR$150. In the case of Glacier Martial a return taxi for 2 passengers is cheaper than the minivan and more flexible as there are usually taxis waiting for passengers at the Glacier base that can take you back immediately rather than waiting for a van.

By taxi
Taxis are another option, costing, for example, AR$250 to get from the city centre to the airport and AR$130 to the Glaciar Martial. There are plenty of taxis and remises, the fares being somewhat higher than in Buenos Aires. Taxis use the meter and are generally a trustworthy option.

By car
There are also several car and bicycle rental companies. Be aware that in Ushuaia, all vehicles on hillside streets automatically have the right-of-way. In most places there are signs, but even if there isn't, this rule still applies. This is intended to prevent accidents due to ice and snow on the steep mountain roads.

See
There aren't really any architectural sights in Ushuaia. The city is modern, but the architecture is Scandinavian and positively different from other cities in southern Argentina.

Do

It’s a city that has charm in every season, in winter the weather is very cold, but it is the best season to practice skiing and other mountain sports, such as sledging by Siberian dogs and biking snowmobiles. The most important place to practice skiing is “Beaver Hill”, where you can enjoy this sport and also a typical meal or a rich chocolate to soothe the cold. In the city you can visit the museum of the jail where they used to take the most dangerous criminals.

In summer the temperature can reach 20 °C allowing us to enjoy the greenery. In summer you can hike, climb hills and visit the “Esmeralda” lagoon (in winter is difficult to reach because of the snow). Biking is difficult because the streets have many slopes. During the summer you can enjoy the landscape and get to places which are not accessible in winter due to the snow. There are many things to do. A highlight is a train tour called “The train where the world ends”; you can visit the national park “Tierra del Fuego”, where you can see “The Green Lagoon” and the “Black Lagoon”, which owe their color to the local flora. You can have a picnic on “Roca Lake” and watch a lot of rabbits. Another nice activity is to take a boat trip in The Beagle Channel, visiting The Birds Island and the “Lighthouse where the world ends”.

Summer
The area around Ushuaia is excellent for hiking and there are several marked paths. The most popular one leads up to the Glaciar Martial, a 1300-m-high snow covered peak with a small glacier and a spectacular view of the city and the surroundings. If you are going up the mountain you need sturdy and waterproof shoes - the path is steep and often slippery. You can pick up a map in the tourist office which is sufficient for shorter and popular hikes.

For serious hiking you should invest in the "Ushuaia Trekking Map," which can be purchased for around AR$230 at many stores downtown. You can head to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, 12 km west of Ushuaia, or hike the valleys around Estancia Haberton (where many paths aren't marked).

Winter
In the winter, the area turns into a large ski resort. In Ushuaia there are two pistes on Glacial Martial, both with sea view.

Buy
The main shopping district of Ushuaia is near the waterfront, mostly on San Martín. There is a smaller center west of the city, north of the airport, where the locals mainly shop.

Prices in Ushuaia are higher than central Argentina, but there is no sales tax (IVA). Furthermore, due to low tariffs on imports in Tierra del Fuego, imported goods (electronics) are a comparative bargain. There is a duty free store on San Martín that sells perfume, alcohol and cigarettes, but keep an eye on the prices as some items may be cheaper elsewhere.

While Antarctic travelers should arrive with proper gear already in their possession, quality winter gear including boots, coats, and other necessities — as well as souvenirs — can be purchased from a variety of shops.

There are also souvenir shops, such as La abuela Oma, La ultima Vita and Fin del Mundo.

The Paseo del Fuego Shopping Center is a largish modern shopping mall featuring a cineplex showing first-run movies in English and Spanish, providing an additional option for rainy-day activities.

Eat
Highlight are lamb, crabs and other seafood dishes. Most Ushuaia restaurants are centrally-located, clustered around San Martín and Maipú. The western part of the city offers affordable rotiserías (pre-made/fast food) with standard Argentine dishes such as pizza and empanadas.

Seafood and meat dishes are very typical, as fruit and vegetables have to be transported from thousands of kilometers away and, as such, are rarely tasty and rather expensive. Be sure to try the centolla (king crab) for price around AR$350.

Regarding restaurants: Las cotorras, Mostacho, Chichilo, Tante Sara, all located in the city center, and many others in the outskirts of the city. As to the chocolate houses: La Laguna Negra and El Turista, where you can enjoy a rich hot chocolate with various cakes of different flavors.

Drink
There is not much of a nightlife in Ushuaia; most bars and pubs close early.

Sleep
Hotels in Ushuaia are often fully booked, especially during peak tourist season, so it is advisable to arrive in Ushuaia with reservations. On the other hand, hostels (albergues) are numerous, so even in midsummer you should have no problem finding a bed.

Work

Industry and tourism were until the 1990s major draws for workforce from elsewhere. As some tax privileges were removed, this had a negative effect on the employment market. Today it isn't as easy to get a job in Ushuaia as it once was, but there are still job openings in the tourism and restaurant sectors, especially if you can speak many languages.

Stay safe
Usuaia and the region in general isn't entirely free of crime, but significantly safer than most of Argentina. There aren't any slums, and businesses seldom have bars installed in the front of their windows. Potential criminals from elsewhere would have a hard time getting out of Tierra del Fuego undetected, as the only ways out would be via the airport or Chilean territory.

Stay healthy
There are two hospitals in the city:

There are no particular health risks in Ushuaia; the biggest threat would be catching a cold due to the varying weather conditions. But also note that especially in the summer and when trekking in the mountains, you should protect yourself from sunburn, as the ozone layer is relatively thin in this part of the world.

Cope

 * The local newspaper is Diario del Fin del Mundo (literally the Newspaper of the End of the World); however, it does not feature cultural events very widely.
 * Banks and exchange booths can be found along San Martín.

Connect

 * The calling code for Ushuaia is 02901 and the postal code is V9410. Broadband Internet and a cell phone network are available.
 * Internet cafés can be found on San Martín. Rates are higher than elsewhere in Argentina, $5/hour.
 * Should you want a special "end of the world" stamp on your postcards, head to the small post office in Bahía Ensenada in the national park.

Go next

 * Tierra del Fuego National Park - In Lapataia, 12 km west of Ushuaia. This national park provides some nice day hikes on well-marked trails in a forest and bog landscape. Longer treks are also possible, such as Paso de la Oveja (2 days) or the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit (4 days). These treks cross part of the national park but start and end elsewhere. The Compania de Guias de la Patagonia and Club Andino Ushuaia can help with organization and renting gear. The fee for each day spent in the park is AR$170, but there is no extra charge for camping there. Guided treks start from $200. You can get there by rental car, taxi, bus (AR$300 round trip) or the Tren del Fin del Mundo (AR$540).
 * Isla Navarino - Zodiac boat to Puerto Williams, one way $1,000. It's a 15-minute boat ride to Puerto Navarino and then the minibus takes you to Puerto Williams.
 * Estancia Haberton - Open only in the summer months, Estancia Harberton is a worthwhile trip for those interested in the Bridges family and their role in the local history. It's the oldest farm on the island and quite a popular place to visit. It's about 60 km east of Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel and there is no public transport, but some tour companies arrange tours. Going there by rental car is also possible, and in that case you can also continue further along the coastal road to the farm Estancia Moat.
 * Isla de los Estados is the only ocean island of Argentina. It's an uninhabited and protected natural area with fiords and mountains. However people are not allowed to land there, but just to look at it from a boat.
 * Punta Arenas - Daily buses depart at 05:00 from the bus station (there is one now), $180-210
 * Antarctica - Ushuaia is one of the largest, if not the largest port and airport for cruises and flights to Antarctica. There are three ways of getting in: normal (luxury) cruises, cruise expeditions and overflights. Most cruises go to South Georgia Island, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands or the Antarctic Peninsula. The season is from November to March.

title: Ushuaia


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Usk

Usk (Welsh: Brynbuga) is a town in Monmouthshire, South Wales located in the valley of the River Usk (Afon Wysg).

By car
On the A472 to Pontypool just off the A449 Newport (Monmouthshire) - Raglan (junction with the A40).

By bus
Monmouthshire bus route 60 calls at Raglan on its journey from Newport and Caerleon to Raglan and Monmouth.

Drink
For a small town with a population of just over two thousand people Usk has at least 10 pubs and bars.

Go next

 * Blaenavon
 * Raglan
 * Chepstow

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Usk


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Uspantan

Uspantan is a city in the Western Highlands region of Guatemala.

Get in
Microbuses from Coban leave in late mornings; schedules change every few months (~3 hours, depending on road conditions). There are also buses that leave from Santa Cruz del Quiche; the last bus leaves in mid-afternoon (~3.5 hours, depending on road conditions).

See
Ask for recommendations in the Municipal Tourism Office on the central plaza. Hikes are available to local waterfalls, the developing ecotourism site where Rigoberta Menchu was born, and Uspanteko (Maya) rituals.

Sleep
Two popular choices are Casa Blanca, which is at the entrance of town coming from Cunen in the south, or Dona Leonor, which is located just two blocks off the central plaza.

Go next
Buses from Uspantan leave every 30 minutes beginning at 3:30 until 7AM from the central plaza to Santa Cruz del Quiche. There are also microbuses, schedules change every few months.

title: Uspantan


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Ussuriysk

Ussuriysk (Russian: Уссури́йск, oo-soo-REESK) is a city on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Primorsky Krai. It is known for its history as part of various Asian empires, including the Korean state of Balhae, and later, the Jurchen Jin Dynasty.

Get in
The most probable way to get in Ussuriysk is by intercity train either coming from Vladivostok or Khabarovsk, but they're slowest mode of transportation as the train stop at every station along the route. The most impossible opportunity is a trip from North Korea on board of the weekly train crossing Russian border in Khasan. Buses shuttle between Khabarovsk and Vladivostok twice a day to and fro. Almost every hour, a bus departs to Vladivostok and Nakhodka. However, there is no air-condition system, which is vital in summer. Daily buses to China are equipped with this "must". Bus station Tel.: +7 (4234) 32-22-70

Get around
The railway station and the city are somewhat far from each other, so use a taxi or a bus going "to the center". The downtown is easy to explore by foot.

See
In the downtown the historical development is well-preserved, as of the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. The monument of tortoise, a carved bìxì (Chinese: 赑屃), a mix of turtle and dragon can be found in the city's park. Previously such turtles were established on graves of the imperial family of Jurchen (女眞) people in the 12th century.

Buy
Local brewery OAO 'Ussuriysky Balsam' produces a range of brands from bitters and semi-sweet liquors to cognacs, rums and vodkas flavored with essences extracted from the herbs, berries and sea mollusks of Primorsky Krai. Look for the brand alcohol shops 'Savva Vodochnikov' (Савва Водочников) to buy any of these beverages or visit a drug-store to acquire medical balsam 'Herbamarin'.

Go next
Ussuri Natural Reserve

title: Ussuriysk


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Uster

Uster is a city near Zurich, Switzerland. Uster lies 350m above sea level, so it is just in the winter snow.

By train
The of Uster is part of the ZVV S-Bahn network. The following lines pass through Uster:

 * S5 from Zug (1 h 5 min) via Zurich main station (15 min), and from Pfäffikon SZ (30 min) via Rapperswil (20 min), two hourly trains.
 * S9 from Schaffhausen (1 h 20 min) via Zurich main station (20 min) and ending in Uster, two hourly trains.
 * S14 from Affoltern am Albis via Zurich main station (23 min), and from Wetzikon and Hinwil, two hourly trains.
 * S15 from Niederweningen via Zurich main station (15 min), and from Rapperswil (20 min), two hourly trains.

All those lines operate roughly from 5:30 to 00:00.

For transport from Zurich airport, there is at least one change required. Either take a train from the airport to Zurich main station and switch there to the S-Bahn to Uster or take the Glatttalbahn (light rail line 12) to Wallisellen and switch to S14 service there. It's not even much slower and saves you Fr. 4 on a full ticket. (Connecting over Zurich main station is Fr. 10.80, over Wallisellen is Fr. 6.80)

On Friday and Saturday nights, the special night services SN5 and SN9 stop in Uster.

By car
Uster is the temporary end point of the A53 motorway, after the construction has been stalled by lengthy legal battles over clearing peatland. Coming from the A1 from either Zürich or Winterthur, the A53 forks of at Brütisellen. To get to Uster, you can take either exit Uster West, Uster Nord or drive until the end of the motorway in the east of Uster. It takes around 30 minutes from the airport near Zürich to Uster by car, or around Fr. 60-70 by taxi.

By boat
There is a boat service on the Greifensee as well, connecting Maur with Uster. The direct "commuter" boat drives all year around if weather permits.

Get around
Uster train station is located next to the bus depot. Although there is only one train stop in the city of Uster, the buses are also a part of ZVV network and travel throughout the city. A taxi stand is also located next to the train station, although Swiss taxis are some of the most expensive in the world.

See
Uster lies between two lakes. They are called "Greifensee" and "Pfaeffikersee". Greifensee is the bigger one. When the sun is shining the rim of the lake is full of people, above all on bicycles and rollerblades.

Eat
There is a McDonald's next to the train station. Other affordable options are?

Nearby
is a nearby town on the shore of a lake of the same name. The lake is a conservation area and quite untouched.

Go next

 * With 8 hourly trains towards Zurich, it is an obvious choice for continuing your trip.
 * In the other direction head to Rapperswil in Eastern Switzerland or  Pfäffikon SZ in Central Switzerland.

title: Uster


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Ustka

Ustka is city in Pomorskie, Poland. It is situated at the coast of Pommerania at a wide sandy beach. Ustka is a very popular summer destination for domestic tourism.

By plane
There is no airport really near to Mielno. These two are the closest ones:

By train
[http://rozklad.pkp.pl/bin/query.exe/en? PKP]

By bus
PKS

By car
From Gdańsk or Szczecin by the route E28 to Slupsk and than just north to the coast by the 210.

Go next

 * medieval town of Koszalin
 * Słowinski National Park with the biggest sand dunes in Europe
 * sea resort and medieval town of Kołobrzeg
 * sea resort of Ustronie Morskie
 * sea resort of Łeba
 * sea resort of Rowy
 * sea resort of Mielno
 * sea resort of Darłowo

title: Ustka


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Ust-Kamenogorsk

Ust-Kamenogorsk (Russian: Усть-Каменогорск, Kazakh: Өскемен, Oskemen) is a city in northeastern Kazakhstan dating to 1720, and is the capital of Eastern Kazakhstan Province, with a population of about 350,000 people.

By plane
Air Astana and also SCAT airways have several flights to Ust from Almaty every week. SCAT also flies to Semipalatinsk and Bayaan Olgi, Mongolia, once a week.

By train
There are daily trains from Almaty and Astana to Ust-Kamenogorsk Zashita (защита) station every day. The trips take around 18-24 hr and tickets range from 1,500 tenge for 3rd class to 3,000-4,000 tenge for second class.

By bus
There are daily buses to Ust from both Astana and Almaty. Buses leave Almaty from the Sairan bus station and arrive at the main Ust bus station on Abai st. The trip is overnight to both Astana and Almaty.

Get around
Ust has an old but very pleasant tram system and buses move easily around the city.

See
Стрелка (Strelka) Strelka is the arrow of land where the Irtysh and Ulba rivers meet. It is also the site of the Great Patriotic War Memorial. A nice place to stroll and have a "Limonad" on a warm evening, usually plenty of people hanging around.

Do

 * Набережна (Naberezhna) – This is simply the promenade along the Irtysch river leading up to Strelka. Have a beer, find a spot or stroll, and hang out by the water as the sun goes down.

 * Go to an ice hockey game – Ust-Kamenogorsk is home to Kazakhstan's most famous team: Kazzinc-Torpedo. This is where NHL-players Nik Antropov and Evgeny Nabokov started their careers. The team plays in the Russian 2nd league.

 * Ust-Kamenogorsk experienced the unfortunate discharge of a radioactive beryllium cloud in 1990 and has some rather serious heavy metal pollution levels stemming from significant industrialization and mining over the years, resulting in health adversities and cancer. Thus, it is probably best to pass on mud baths along the Irtysh River here.

Buy
The eastern oblast of Kazakhstan is at the base of the Altai Mountains and known for its honey. If you are in Ust in September ask around for the local honey fair, where vendors from surrounding villages show off their wares.

Eat

Some hotels also have restaurants.

Sleep
There are several hotels such as Irtysh and Tourist, but these usually provide poor value for the price. An old favorite is a small hotel in the large bright green "Nursat" building on Abai street, about 1 km east of the bus station. A room there can cost as little as 1,200 tenge per night.

title: Ust-Kamenogorsk


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Ust-Nera

Ust-Nera (Russian:Усть-Нера, Oost-NE-ra) is a city in Yakutia.

Understand
Gold mining town of about 17,000 people at the confluence of the Nera and Indigirka rivers. Though subjected to freezing winters and short summers, the town does not lack spirit or location. In particular, it is surrounded by tall craggy mountains, some glaciers, endless taiga.

By car
By the difficult-to-drive Kolyma Highway, Ust-Nera is exactly 1017 km from both Yakutsk and Magadan.

By plane
There are flights (seasonally) to Tomtor, Yakutsk, and Moscow.

Get around
The town can be covered on foot. There is a bus service to the airport, about 8 km to the west.

Eat
There are restaurants, but most only open on Friday and Saturday night.

Drink
Alcohol, juice, or water can be bought from any corner store. Public consumption of alcohol is frowned upon, if not illegal.

Sleep
There is one hotel in a pink building on the main street. Single rooms are ₽1600 a night but very basic. There is a camp site near the airport, but wild animals often make a stop there for food.

Connect
Internet cafes are unknown here. Mobile reception works, though can be patchy. If you desperately need internet, you could ask someone and offer to pay, as consumption is billed by the megabyte.

Go next
About 200 km south by plane is Tomtor, the northern Pole of Cold. There is a decaying dirt track around 50km south to one of the few gulags still visible in the region. The good artefacts are in a museum and all the buildings collapsed.

About 100 km to the north is the Indigirka gorge, a rather spectacular set of rapids that can be visited by helicopter. The rapids are big enough that fish cannot cross - there are different species above and below.

title: Ust-Nera


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Ustronie Morskie

Ustronie Morskie is a resort town in the Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship in northwestern Poland. It is situated at the coast of Pomerania at a wide sandy beach.

By plane
There is no airport really near to Ustronie Morskie. These two are the closest ones:

By train
The is situated a bit more inland than the town. It is about 2,5 km from the center of the seaside part of the town.

There is a direct train connection from Koszalin which takes a little less than half an hour. Depending on the operator you will pay a different fare. TLK connections cost 11 zł and PR cost 8,20 zł. From Kołobrzeg Ustronie Morskie is 12 minutes away by train. Tickets cost 7 zł at TLK and 5,30 zł at PR.

By bus
PKS

By car
From Gdansk or Szczecin by the route E28 to Koszalin and than north west in the direction to Kolobrzeg along the coast.

Get around
The sea resort is not quite big, so you can easily get around town by walking or renting a bike.

Sleep
Since Ustronie Morskie is a very popular seaside resort there are many accommodation options, usually in small pensions.

Go next

 * medieval town of Koszalin
 * Słowinski National Park with the highest dunes in Europe
 * sea resort and medieval town of Kołobrzeg
 * sea resort of Ustka
 * sea resort of Łeba
 * sea resort of Rowy
 * sea resort of Mielno
 * sea resort of Darłowo

title: Ustronie Morskie


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U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) constitute an unincorporated organized territory of the United States of America between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. Together with the British Virgin Islands, to the northeast, the territory forms the Virgin Islands archipelago. The islands' natural resources are sun, sand, sea, and surf.

History
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic storm on record, passed through with winds of 200 mph and caused major damage on the islands of Saint John and Saint Thomas. On September 19, 2017 Hurricane Maria passed southwest of Saint Croix causing damage to infrastructure and destroyed the island’s power grid. Before the disaster, the local government faced a financial crisis due to $2 billion in debt and a structural budget deficit of $110 million. Hundreds of Virgin Islanders have migrated to the U.S. mainland for a better life and better healthcare.

Climate
Tropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November. It experiences frequent hurricanes, severe droughts and floods.

Geography
The terrain is mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land. The highest point is Crown Mountain, at 474 m. There are occasional earthquakes.

The islands are an important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean.

National holidays
Public holidays include: Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917); Emancipation Day, 3 July (1848)

Tourist information

 * Visit U.S. Virgin Islands website

Other destinations

 * Buck Island Reef National Monument - established to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea
 * Christiansted National Historic Site - 5 preserved historic structures and interprets the Danish economy and way of life in existence there from 1733 to 1917
 * Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve - home to some of the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon
 * Virgin Islands National Park - within its 7,000 plus acres is the complex history of civilizations - both free and enslaved - dating back more than a thousand years, all who utilized the land and the sea for survival
 * Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - includes federal submerged lands within the 3 mile belt off of the island of St. John

Get in
There are no border controls when arriving in the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) from any departure point in the United States. Flights to the U.S.V.I. come with the perks of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S.V.I. easier than ever. Any identification accepted by TSA for domestic flights is sufficient for inbound travel to the U.S.V.I. from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for arrivals from outside the United States (primarily from the British Virgin Islands) are the same as from any non-U.S. point of origin.

Travel to a U.S. destination from the U.S.V.I: U.S. citizens must show proof of citizenship and photo ID; non-U.S. travelers must show a valid passport. The territory is a "free port" in a separate customs zone from the mainland United States; this means that everyone going to the mainland must go through customs, even though there are no customs when arriving from the mainland.

While not required, a valid passport is recommended for U.S. citizens to expedite their return. You'll have to plan your purchases accordingly and leave a little extra time to make your departing flight.

In addition to citizens of Canada, Bermuda and Visa Waiver Program countries, the U.S. Virgin Islands also permits citizens of the British Virgin Islands to enter visa free.

By plane
Flights are into either St. Croix or St. Thomas. St. John does not have an airport, but is easily accessible via St. Thomas.

Many flights connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico, but direct flights from the continental U.S. involve less hassle and flying time.

Direct flights into St. Thomas can be found from Charlotte, Miami, New York-JFK and Philadelphia on American Airlines, Atlanta and JFK on Delta Air Lines, Ft. Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines, and Newark, Houston, Washington-Dulles and Chicago-O'Hare on United Airlines.

Direct flights into St. Croix can be found from Charlotte (seasonal) and Miami on American Airlines and Atlanta (twice weekly) on Delta Air Lines. St. Croix can also be easily reached from the mainland via St. Thomas by flying Cape Air (which flies between the St. Thomas and St. Croix airports) or Seaborne Airlines (which flies seaplanes between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Christiansted, St. Croix).

By boat
Ferries run between all three US Virgin Islands, as well as to and from the British Virgin Islands and, on a seasonal basis, Puerto Rico. Note that, when returning to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands, everyone, including U.S. citizens, must carry a valid passport and clear inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Especially when traveling with a large number of other people, such as on a ferry, this can add two to three hours to the travel time.

Get around
Getting around any of the Virgin Islands is fairly easy. All of the islands have bus service and/or a regulated taxi service. Upon docking at Cruz Bay, taxis, rental cars, and scooters are available.

By car
With plenty to explore on all the islands, car rental agencies are recommended. From the lush rainforest to the quaint Christiansted, driving the St Croix island is both scenic and a visual pleasure. Stick to the left-hand side and with a good handful of sharp curves, take your time navigating the roads. Remember that you're on "island time."

Generally car rental rates will be comparable to the mainland. If you make advanced reservations, the rates are generally lower. Take out the insurance if you plan to go four wheeling up the steep mountain roads. Throughout St. Thomas, there are colored directional signs to major destinations.

Unlike the rest of the USA, traffic on the Virgin Islands moves on the left. To add to the confusion, unlike most other places where traffic moves on the left, most cars in the Virgin Islands are left-hand drive as they are usually imported from the U.S. mainland. Potholes are large and numerous, similar to the end of a particularly snowy New England winter. Drivers often either slow to around 5 mph or swing into oncoming traffic when encountering the larger holes. For both reasons, one should always pay extra attention when driving and watch out for drivers who drive on the wrong side of the road. Unmarked one-way streets, very narrow two-ways streets, lack of lane striping, and a high incidence of drunk driving also contribute to the relatively high accident rate among drivers on the Virgin Islands.

To avoid collisions on hairpin turns in the mountainous areas, stay left and slow to 5 mph. Some unpaved mountain roads require four-wheel drive, and some drainage ditches wash across the paved roads in the rain forest. There are generally no sidewalks outside of the towns, so pedestrians and bicycles frequently travel along the side of the main road.

There is a rudimentary highway numbering system. Roads are marked with circular signs. Numbers beginning with 1 and 2 are used on St. John, with 3 and 4 on St. Thomas and 5 to 7 on St. Croix. Roads are not very well marked—some are not marked at all—and designations can be confusing. Some roads simply dead-end, or end at an unmarked intersection. Signage can suddenly disappear without warning; for example, heading south on Route 40 into Charlotte Amalie, signage is nowhere to be found as you are shuttled onto one-way streets. It is not uncommon to come to a junction where one must turn to stay on the current road. Locals are more likely to know the names of the roads; conversly, tourist maps usually emphasise the numbers.

By taxi and bus
Upon landing at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, one could rent a taxi or take buses to Charlotte Amalie, or to Red Hook, either of which have ferry service to Cruz Bay, St. John. You can "bargain" for most things on the islands, but the taxi and bus rates are regulated. Taxi rates are published by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission. If you are interested in saving $8, you can walk 3/4 of a mile to Vetern's Drive and catch a safari bus that will take you into town for $1 or $2 if you have minimal luggage.

Taxi rates are charged per person one way. For example, a one way trip from Charlotte Amalie to Magens Bay is $10; round trip for four people will cost $80. If you plan on visiting multiple destinations, renting a car might be more economical.

By boat
Sailboat rentals at Red Hook will allow you to get around by water. If you plan to sail to the British Virgin Islands, a passport is required, and a visa is required for citizens of many countries (as of 2022). Although passports are not required for American citizens to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are strict documentation requirements.

On St. John, get the best idea of the island by chartering a boat for a full day. By doing this not only will one get a wonderful day of snorkeling in, but also see the island from a local's perspective.

There is a ferry boat that transports cars between Red Hook, St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John. The dock is separate from the passenger ferries. The sign is really small, so if you can't find the dock, ask the workers by the passenger ferries.

Lastly, for a one-stop resource that lists charter companies operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands, consider visiting the Virgin Island Charter Yacht League's  site. The site lists pictures as well as contact information for charters ranging from monohull to power yacht.

Talk
English is the official language but there is a local creole. You may also find Spanish and French Creole being spoken.

See

 * Colonial architecture
 * Beaches

Do
Take a tour by jeep and boat around the island or sit on the white sandy beaches.

Explore the island and stop at the beaches and spend all day snorkeling. Take a guided kayak tour or snorkeling tour in Coral Bay

Miles of hiking trails criss-cross the entire island. Maps are available from the U.S. Park Service office in Cruz Bay. Ranger guided hikes can also be scheduled for a small fee at the same office.

Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantations and try some local Johnny cake Travel to Coral Bay and visit other popular beaches such as Salt Pond.

Visit some of the smaller bays like Denis Bay and Little Cinnamon. They can be a treck compared to trunk but are well worth it when you have a tropical beach to yourself.

Visit the beach at Trunk Bay, rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Great place to Snorkel. The beach facilities include food, drink and showers.

Money
USVI uses the U.S. dollar, denoted by the symbol "$" (ISO currency code: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.

Tipping
Tipping in the Virgin Islands is expected. In the USVI, tip as you would on the U.S. mainland. In restaurants, it is customary to leave at least 15 percent of the total bill, before any discounts or special reductions. Most servers at fast food or self-service restaurants do not require a tip, but when dining in a full service restaurant with a large group, remember that gratuities are almost never included (except for parties larger than 10).

When checking baggage, tip the porter at least one dollar per bag. You should also tip maids, and depending on the level of service, it is polite to offer a gratuity to your concierge. If your hotel provides valet parking, it is advisable to tip the valet as well.

Shopping
St. Croix is rich with artists. Christiansted is home to many galleries including Island Boy Designs, owned by jewelry designer Whealan Massciott (Kenny Chesney is a fan), and the Maria Henle Gallery.

The islands are duty-free and have all sorts of shops, with special emphasis on rums, tanzanite, and diamond and gold jewelry. See same subject under St Thomas for discussion.

Eat
St. Croix is home to a celebrated week-long culinary festival held each April called the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience which includes wine seminars, dinners with celebrity chefs (Kevin Rathbun, Rocco DiSpirito, Robbin Haas, Gerry Klaskala, Richard Reddington are just a few who joined the fun) and the main event, A Taste of St. Croix, showcases foods from more than 50 of the islands restaurants.

For a listing of restaurants on the island, see GoToStCroix. Great local food can be found at Harvey's (stew goat), Singh's (roti) and Norma at the Domino Club in the rain forest always has something cooking.

For fine dining, try Tutto Bene, Bacchus, Savant and The Galleon.

Drink

 * On Saint John dollar drinks are available across the street from the National park office, next to the ice cream shop.
 * On St. Thomas, There are several drinking establishments in Red Hook, on the East End, including: Caribbean Saloon, Duffy's Love Shack, Fat Boy's, Molly Malone's, Island Time Pizza, and XO Bistro.
 * On St. Croix, Cruzan Rum is made at a distillery that you can tour. Be sure to do the tour and participate in the tasting after! Cruzan Rum is available just about everywhere, but there are certain flavors (i.e. Clipper) that are not sold in other parts of the USA, so take a bottle back with you. In the seaside town of Christiansted is the Brew Pub which makes several good beers. And, when at local places or events, always ask if there is a local drink. Be wary of the home recipes (i.e. Mama Wanna) - they are strong!
 * Unlike the US Mainland, the drinking age in the Virgin Islands is 18.

Learn

To learn about history and culture, visit St. Croix's historic landmarks. St. Croix is home to two forts (one in each waterfront town) and numerous historic buildings. Tours are available at Government House in Christiansted. Whim Great House and the Laweatz Museum offer tours. There is even a self-guided island tour called the Heritage Tour, maps are available at various places.

To learn about food and agriculture, come to St. Croix during the annual Ag Fair. You can also visit the VI Sustainable farm (call in advance) and Southgate Farms (both organic).

Work
As a US territory, Americans can come here and work with no special visa. Foreigners must go through the rigorous process of obtaining a US work permit.

The economy is quite seasonal, based mostly around cruise ship calls, which taper off from May through September and peak in December and January.

Stay safe
Some parts of St. Thomas, especially Charlotte Amalie, can be risky at night. Drug and other related crime is a problem. Tourists should exercise caution when getting around as some neighborhoods can be dangerous, even if a well-known restaurant is in this neighborhood. It is advised to take a taxi if you are going anywhere especially at night.

There are several parts of St. Thomas that are not safe after dark, and a couple of places that are not safe at any time of day. The islands may seem like paradise, but the crime rate is comparable to many large cities.

This is the only U.S. territory where driving on the left side of the road is still practiced. There are many theories as to why this is. One theory is due to the prior use of the donkey as a main mode of transportation. Islanders would drive on the left to see how close they were getting to the edge of the many steep and cliff-like roadways. The original donkey trails were then paved over to create what are now the roadways today. Another theory is that as a Danish colony, the Danish West Indies were heavily British-influenced, due to an unwillingness among Danish people to relocate to the Danish colony. This British influence explains the widespread use of the English language even before the United States purchased the islands from Denmark in 1917.

Despite the left-side traffic, cars on the island are generally imported from the mainland U.S. and are left-hand drive. For drivers used to right-side traffic, the switch is pretty easy to make, though you will need to put more conscious thought into turns than normal. In general, other traffic provides an immediate reminder which side to choose; it's easier to forget if you're the only car on the road, but there are fewer cars to crash into in that case. The terror of flying past on the wrong side of traffic will pass after the first few cars, and the readjustment back home to right-hand driving will be a pleasant reminder of your trip. In short, don't be afraid of renting a car no matter which side of the road you normally drive on.

St. John is a relatively safe island but usual caution is advised when leaving your car unattended, especially at secluded beaches such as Salt Pond Bay. Your car is not a safe and yes, thieves will look under the front seat for your wallet.

Stay healthy
Low-lying buildings usually use the public water, which is fine to drink. Places up in the mountains almost all have independent water supplies, replenished by the rain that falls on their roofs. The safety of this water depends on regular cleaning and treatment of the building's cistern.

Respect
Islanders follow a system of greeting which depends on the time of day. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and good night are the norm. Most people follow-up a salutation with "How are you?" When entering a room with others it is customary to greet people. You may also be greeted with "ya arright?", to which an appropriate response would be "arright!" or "OK". Islanders also use a modified handshake. A normal shake, then a finger clasp, followed by a fist bump.

Mail
The U.S. Virgin Islands uses the U.S. Postal Service with up to 16 ZIP Codes all starting with 00801-00805, 00820-00824, 00830-00831, 00840-00841, and 00850-00851 with a state code of "VI". Any postage to the US as well as Puerto Rico and overseas U.S. military and diplomatic posts (with APO, FPO or DPO addresses) are the same domestic rates as  you would send something within the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, any mail being sent to the British Virgin Islands will be treated as an international letter and will be subject to higher rates. When sending mail to or from the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not use "USVI", "VIS", "VI USA", or "USA VI", as it will be unrecognizable by the system.

Go next

 * British Virgin Islands
 * Puerto Rico

title: U.S. Virgin Islands


text:
Utah

Utah, which is in the Southwest region of the United States, is well known for its incredible scenic beauty and year round outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, water skiing, horseback riding, camping, and rock climbing. The capital city of Salt Lake City has a number of unique modern and historical sites to visit, including Temple Square, the headquarters for the Mormon church.

Cities

 * – found along the Wasatch Range, it is the largest city and capital of the state, the center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church, whose members are known as Mormons), including Temple Square, and the University of Utah; host city of the 2002 Winter Olympics
 * – good-sized college town of Southern Utah University in northern Dixie, home to the annual Utah Shakespearean Festival, and near Cedar Breaks National Monument and the northwestern section of Zion National Park
 * – fast-growing city in Cache Valley in northern Utah, with plenty of nearby recreational activities, two impressive Mormon religious structures, and Utah State University
 * – tourist town in northeastern Canyon Country, in the center of a major recreational area that includes Arches, Canyonlands national parks and Dead Horse Point State Park, and offering outdoor outfitters and guides
 * – traditionally industrial city north of Salt Lake City, which includes George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and is near many ski resorts and abundant recreational activities
 * – mountain resort city at center of large winter sports area with 2 ski resorts; many events for the 2002 Winter Olympics took place near here
 * – small town in eastern Utah with many local dinosaur attractions, ancient Indian petroglpyhs, the College of Eastern Utah, and wide open desert areas
 * – in Utah Valley south of Salt Lake City on the Wasatch Range, home to Brigham Young University, and surrounded by high mountains, great skiing, canyons, Utah Lake, and numerous other recreational opportunities
 * – fast-growing city in the southwest corner of state in Dixie, near Zion National Park and offering plenty of leisurely recreational activities akin to Mesquite, Nevada and also a hot spot for spring break

Other destinations

Utah has an extraordinary number of national parks and monuments. The following is subdivided into "National parks and monuments" and "Other" as an aid to the reader:

An "Entrance Pass" from the United States National Park Service is a particularly good investment if you're visiting Utah and planning to see its national parks and monuments. The $80 fee(with reduced prices for US citizens who are over age 62, members of the military, veterans, or have a permanent disability) allows unlimited access to all National Park Service units for a year, and also provides discounts on some of the services within the units. Passes are available to US Citizens and visitors. Paying for this pass may save you money in the long run as you move from park to park in Utah. (There are a very few national monuments that are not part of the National Park Service, and are therefore not covered by a Park Pass; Monument Valley is one prominent example in Utah.)
 * – largest concentration of natural arches in the world, just northeast of Moab, as well as other strange sandstone formations, such as pinnacles, cliffs, mesas, and gorges
 * – heavily-forested mountainous area with large natural amphitheater and other strange sandstone formations
 * – large, spectacular wilderness of sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges, canyons, plateaus, bluffs, and other strange and beautiful formations west of Moab
 * – remote park along the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile (160-km) monocline of domes, monoliths and narrow canyons
 * – large natural amphitheater northeast of Cedar City in forested, mountainous area
 * – spectacular gorge southwest of Moab where the Colorado River winds through a major bedrock of sandstone
 * – A Navajo Nation Tribal Park boasting the Southwest's most famous desert scenery
 * – popular area of sandstone cliffs, gorges, gullies, bluffs, plateaus, mesas, and other strange and colorful formations
 * – popular area of sandstone cliffs, gorges, gullies, bluffs, plateaus, mesas, and other strange and colorful formations

Understand

Dixie refers to the low-lying area in the southwest corner of the state. It contains the city of St. George, and the climate is more closely-related to the southwestern deserts than it is to the rest of the state, with low annual precipitation, hot, dry summers, and mild winters with infrequent snowfall. Early settlers were able to grow cotton in the area, hence the name Dixie (a name for the cotton belt of the southern U.S.).

The Wasatch Range is the heavily-populated region of basins and valleys between the Wasatch Mountains on the east and on the west by the Great Salt Lake (to the north) and the Oquirrh Mountains (to the south). 3/4 of Utah's population lies in this portion of the state, which stretches from Brigham City in the north to Santaquin in the south. Ogden, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Orem, and Provo are on the Wasatch Range.

The benches are former shorelines of the ancient Lake Bonneville on the higher slopes along the Wasatch Range. Residential development on the Wasatch Range typically extends high onto the slopes of the Wasatch Mountains in some areas. Homes here are generally more affluent, as they provide spectacular views of the surrounding areas, and the benches receive more precipitation and much more snow than the valley floors.

Mormons or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make up a majority of Utah's population, and their beliefs and practices are one of the strongest influences for public policy in the state, particularly when it comes to drinking, smoking, and homosexuality. Mormons are generally tolerant and friendly towards non-Mormons, but may be taken aback by cussing, smoking, or drinking in their presence, particularly in the more rural cities and towns. Sunday is considered a day of rest, and so some stores will be closed on Sunday. These stereotypes hold more weight in smaller cities and towns, and in some areas (especially Park City and Salt Lake City) the number of non-Mormons do outnumber members of the LDS faith.

When to visit
Utah has four distinct seasons and widely-variable climate zones. Summer is hot in the north (about 80-100 °F / 27–38 °C), but rarely extreme, and is often unbearable in the far southern valleys and desert terrain (often exceeding 100 °F / 38 °C, and even 110°F / 43 °C). However, summers tend to be quite comfortable in the mountains, making summer an ideal time to experience the mountain terrain of Utah. In winter, temperatures from 20–40 °F (-7–4 °C) are common in the north, with warmer temperatures in the south. Overnight temps can occasionally drop below 0 °F (-18 °C). Snow is common statewide, with the exception of the far southern valleys, from November - March, and often occurs even earlier and later than this. Snow is particularly common downwind of the Great Salt Lake, due to lake effect. A number of excellent ski resorts operate in the Wasatch Mountains, especially around Salt Lake City, from about late November through mid-April. Snow is common in the mountains from late September - May. Summer and fall are both excellent times to enjoy the mountain scenery, with comfortable temperatures, low chance of snow, and easy access to a number of fantastic trails and hiking paths.

Although snow is common in winter in much of the state, rain is less common - it can be expected in winter and spring in the south and in spring in the north, but it's usually fairly light and short in duration. Fall also sees a short but unpredictable rainy season. Although summer is bone dry statewide, thunderstorms are a daily threat, especially throughout the south and in the northern mountains. Although these t-storms are short and small, they can be very intense. Although summer and fall are great times to enjoy the mountains and the slot canyons and desert terrain of southern Utah, attention must be paid to the skies as the evening approaches if camping in the mountains or enjoying the rugged terrain of southern Utah, especially in August. These storms can bring flash flooding to the narrow slot canyons of southern Utah, so make sure to evacuate the slot canyons as soon as possible if you see thunderstorms nearby - if you have a guide they will usually know when precautions must be taken. Summer and fall also bring a serious threat of wildfires in the backcountry.

September and early October is usually the best time to enjoy Utah, especially the mountains, with milder temperatures than summer, less chance of violent thunderstorms, and little chance of snow in the mountains. In addition, significant snowpack can linger in the mountains through May, while by early Autumn, summer has melted all of the snow, and snowstorms are rare. The national parks of Utah can get very crowded during Summer but predictably become less crowded towards late Summer and into Fall. Finally, Fall colors are spectacular in the mountains of Utah, and reach their peak in September. Colors in the valley peak in mid-October but aren't especially spectacular. The gorgeous Fall colors in the mountains rival the famous colors of New England, and are sometimes accompanied by early snow, creating a unique and beautiful mixture of vibrant colors and soft white.

Tourist information

 * Visit Utah website

Talk
English. On top of the Latino population that speaks Spanish, there are a surprising number of non-native Spanish speakers, especially in Salt Lake City and Provo. A large number of non-native speakers served as LDS missionaries in Latin America, a region where the church has had permanent missions since 1925. "No hablo inglés" doesn't work anymore when these guys knock at your door. The universities also have a large number of foreign speakers, particularly Chinese.

By road
Take I-15 from Southern California and Las Vegas. It also enters from Idaho to the north, eventually connecting to Canada. I-80 connects west to Reno and northern California - the route begins in San Francisco. It also connects from Wyoming near Evanston, providing the quickest route from Denver to Salt Lake City. I-70 heads straight west from Denver, entering Utah near Grand Junction and providing quick access to the incredible desert terrain of southern Utah, although not to any of the urban centers.

Bus service is provided by Greyhound.

By train
Amtrak runs the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago, stopping in Green River, Helper, Provo, and Salt Lake City.

For more information, see Amtrak's website or Wikivoyage's article Rail travel in the United States.

By plane
Salt Lake City International Airport is the westernmost hub for Delta Air Lines, which offers nonstop service from 109 different destinations, most in the western US, but also from medium-sized cities in the central US and the large cities on the east coast. Nonstop service is also available from Paris-De Gaulle and 5x weekly service from Tokyo-Narita. American Airlines, United, and low cost airlines Southwest and JetBlue also serve Salt Lake City.

Cedar City in central Utah is served with prop service to Salt Lake City, and St. George  in southern Utah has prop service to Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

Canyonlands Field (serving the Moab area) has service to Ely, Nevada  and Denver on Great Lakes Airlines.

By foot

 * The American Discovery Trail connects Utah with Nevada, Colorado, and both coasts.

By car
Nearly every city in Utah is laid out on a grid system, a vision of the original Mormon settlers. They generally feature wide roads, with a numbering system consisting of intervals of 100 originating from a central point (for example, heading north from the center, the first road will be 100 North, then 200 North, and so on). This system can be confusing for first-time visitors, but is easy to pick up and familiarize yourself with. The major exception to this is Ogden, which was settled as a non-Mormon railroad town and therefore possesses a different numbering system.

By bus
Information on transit can be found from APTA. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) maintains a bus system with several routes, generally between Ogden and Provo. UTA also is responsible for the TRAX system, which is light rail running from the University of Utah to downtown Salt Lake to Sandy. For both bus and train, one-way fare is $2, and a transfer can be obtained upon request, which will allow you to board another bus or train within two hours. UTA also operates Frontrunner, a commuter train, running between Pleasant View, north of Ogden, through Salt Lake City to Provo. The cost of Frontrunner is $2-$9 one way depending on how far you travel. Fares have change frequently in the past, so check UTA website for updates.

See

Utah is known for its outdoor attractions, including the "Mighty 5" national parks: Arches National Park, full of (you guessed it) natural arches; forested, mountainous Bryce Canyon National Park; Canyonlands National Park, an enormous wilderness of cliffs and gorges; Capitol Reef National Park, with sandstone canyons and Native American remnants; and Zion National Park, which has truly spectacular cliffs and rock formations. These five parks are just the beginning—Utah has a huge number of breathtaking natural sights.

Meanwhile, Utah's cities are home to unique cultural attractions, including the headquarters of the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City and the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

Itineraries

 * Skyline Drive – winds for over 100 miles (160 km) along the very top of the Wasatch Plateau, providing access to forested mountains, alpine meadows and numerous lakes, streams and camping areas. At elevations ranging from about 9,000 to 11,000 feet (2,700 to 3,300 meters) above sea level, it is one of the highest roads in America. Views of the mountain basins and surrounding valleys are marvelous.

Do
Utah is also home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Most of Utah's best ski areas are in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, which are both less than an hour's drive away from Salt Lake City. Utah has world class skiing regularly hitting 500 inches (12.7 meters) at places like Alta and Brighton however its trails are very hard to ski and the deep powder is very hard but mountains like Alta have great ski schools for the kids.

If you like off-roading, Moab is home to the semi-annual Jeep Safari. The Safari will oftentimes run twice a year, one over Easter Weekend the other over Memorial Day Weekend. The desert terrain combined with its vast canyons can make for some fun and beautiful scenic drives, or wild rides with some very challenging obstacles. You can also bike and in some cases take an ATV out on the trails. For a less arid ride, try your hand at high mountain OHV riding through aspen and pine forests on the Arapeen ATV Trail System.

Rock climbing can be done at Maple Canyon and Zion National Park. If this is not enough to satisfy your extreme sports cravings, consider snowkiting at high altitudes on Skyline Drive.

Eat
Expect to encounter fry sauce at some point; it's basically mayonnaise and ketchup with a bit of pickle relish added. It was invented by Don Carlos himself, of Don Carlos' Bar-B-Q restaurant in Utah. Locals put it on their french fries and just about anything else.

Pastrami cheeseburgers can be found in some local chain fast-food places, and they're exactly like what they sound like: a cheeseburger topped with a pile of pastrami.

Many restaurants serve local foods, and the Beehive State, although named for their residents being as busy as bees, is blessed by having a strong local honey industry. During the summer, look for sweet corn, cherries, peaches and other stone fruits, as well as Bear Lake raspberries in the north and Green River melons in the middle of the state.

On the sweet side, Jell-O sales may have declined a bit, but there's still plenty of pie. Utah's scones are deep-fried pastries, more like frybread or sopapillas, and usually made large and served with butter and honey, sometimes for breakfast. An ice cream shake is so thick that it can stand up in your cup. The two main universities produce their own ice creams: Aggie Blue Mint ice cream is tinted blue and has white chocolate and cookies mixed in, but around BYU, locals prefer LaVell Vanilla ice cream, which is named after a football coach.

A potluck or cooperative meal of any size will probably include something baked in a Dutch oven pot, at least one Jell-O salad, with bright green lime flavor being the favorite, and – if you're lucky – a casserole dish full of funeral potatoes. That's a dish of diced potatoes, a can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, with a crunchy topping of crushed potato chips or cornflakes.

Drink
Utah's liquor laws are known as one of the more peculiar things about the state. Liquor is sold only in state-owned stores and generally costs more than in other states. Beer used to contain slightly less alcohol (3.2% alcohol by weight [4% alcohol by volume]), but the law was changed to join the standard 5% ABV in November of 2019, which is now available in stores and restaurants. "Full strength" beer is available in bars, although not on tap, and liquor stores. In the early 2010s, state law changed the previous one-ounce limit on liquor in mixed drinks to a more standard 1.5 ounces. Secondary alcoholic flavorings may then be added to a mixed drink as the recipe requires. "Happy hours" and other drink specials are not allowed, so prices remain constant regardless of day or time. Keep in mind that driving after drinking is prosecuted aggressively in the state of Utah—and state law considers a person legally drunk with a blood alcohol content of .05% (i.e., 0.05 grams of ethanol per 100 milliliters of blood), as opposed to the standard of .08 almost everywhere else in the US.

Although liquor laws in Utah are strict, they are not impossible. There are several kinds of establishments to know about:

 * Private club. Memberships are no longer required at Utah's bars as of 2009. Bars can serve until 1AM (last call usually occurs between 12:15 and 12:45 depending on the number of people in the bar) and close at 2AM.
 * Taverns. A tavern is a bar that serves only beer and requires no "membership".
 * Restaurants. Many restaurants serve beer as well as hard liquor. No "membership" is required, but you must order food. Mixed drinks and wine can be served with meals from noon until 1AM. Beer may be ordered 10AM–1AM.

Some restaurants still have a "Zion Curtain", which was required of new restaurants between 2009 and 2017. This usually takes the form of a frosted glass barrier, ostensibly to keep impressionable young children from seeing the "glamorous" job of bartending.

Mormons are forbidden by their religion from consuming alcohol or what were called "hot drinks" in the 19th century, which means any type of hot caffeinated, black tea, or many extend this to include any potentially addictive substance, such as caffeine, tobacco, or marijuana, and some extend it to anything that might be mistaken for a forbidden drink, such as herbal tea or caffeine-free soda. While these drinks are available in all cities and the main tourist areas, they may not be easy to find in some rural areas, as the religious prohibition shrinks the market. If you're thinking about a hostess gift, don't bring a bottle of wine or anything containing caffeine, unless you are certain it will not be offensive to the recipient. Even Mormons who occasionally drink alcoholic beverages might not like others to think that they do or might be embarrassed to have it in their home. While some Mormons abstain from Chocolate due to its trace amounts of caffeine, this practice has largely diminished.

What do they drink these days? Look for a variety of dirty sodas, popularized by a soda shop called Swig, which are soft drinks with flavored simple syrups added. On cold mornings, you may find someone with a steaming mug filled with Postum, which is a coffee substitute made from roasted wheat bran and molasses.

Learn
Although Utah is not known for its educational institutions, it has two reasonably reputable universities: the Mormon-owned and -run Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo and the public, secular University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Students of BYU are not required to practice the Mormon faith, though they are required to abide by the Mormon code of conduct (e.g., no premarital sex, no consumption of alcohol, tea or coffee) while enrolled at the university.

Stay safe
While much of Utah is developed, there is a great amount of desert especially to the south and west. If going out to the deserts always take plenty of water (at least one gallon per person, per day) and sunscreen as well as light clothing. Let people know where you are going and when you expect to get back.

Always be careful and watch for lightning while hiking. It's often best to hike in the early morning to avoid the possibility of hitting an afternoon thunderstorm. If caught in a storm while hiking seek shelter as quickly as you can. Also, if you see a thunderstorm nearby while exploring the slot canyons or the rough desert terrain of southern Utah, seek high ground immediately! Flash flooding is common in these areas, even when there is not a thunderstorm overhead.

There is a great risk of avalanches after snow storms, especially outside of the boundaries of ski resorts. Stay in groups and have locator beacons.

Scam artists target Utahns frequently, and property crime is a considerable risk. Lock up, use common sense, and store valuables and personal information out of sight.

The violent crime rate is lower than that of the United States as a whole.

When driving, be careful if you go on Utah State Route 261. The southern terminus of SR-261 contains Moki Dugway, a 3 mile (4.8km) unpaved road with lots of narrow switchbacks that traverses an 1100ft (335m) tall Mesa.

Stay healthy
Because of Utah's high elevation those not accustomed can be subject to mild altitude sickness, especially when hiking. Always pace yourself when hiking, and drink plenty of water, especially in summer time.

The high elevation also makes the exposure to UV rays far more intense than other places. Too much exposure can lead to skin conditions down the road, including skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen when you are expecting prolonged time in the sun. It's advised to do this year-round.

Some parts of Utah are valley regions. In the winter time they are subject to days of pollution inversions. Those with respiratory and heart conditions should advise the air quality index to see the primary pollutant. You usually can find the indexes in the daily paper as well as watching local news and The Weather Channel.

Respect
Utah is among the more religiously devout states in the US. About three quarters of the population are Christians, with most of them being members of the Mormon Church. The Mormon faith is known for being traditional and conservative about issues like sexuality, culture, and relationships. Mormons avoid gambling, coffee and tea, alcohol, drugs, piercings, and tattoos, and tend to dress modestly. Although Utah is a Mormon-majority state, Mormons are now a minority in Salt Lake City, the state's largest city and the home of the headquarters of the Mormon church.

Utah and the Mormon church have a complicated history of polygamy, with the practice occurring openly but controversially in the mid 19th century. The church officially condemned polygamy in 1890, leading polygamists to break away from the church, and today the LDS church excommunicates polygamous members and distances itself from self-proclaimed members of the church who practice polygamy. Utahns and Mormons generally do not appreciate being associated with polygamy today.

Despite the church's controversies, practices and culture that may seem eccentric or esoteric to the unfamiliar, and satirical depiction in the media, Mormons are very polite and non-confrontational and won't hesitate to discuss their faith with curious visitors.

Go next

 * Idaho - Utah's northwestern neighbor is a rugged state, with snow-capped mountains, whitewater rivers, forests, high desert, and plenty of wilderness.
 * Wyoming - Northeast of Utah, Wyoming is home to most of the landmass of Yellowstone National Park and provides an excellent opportunity to experience America's cowboy heritage.
 * Colorado - The Rocky Mountain state borders Utah to the east and offers a mind-boggling array of outdoor activities.
 * New Mexico - Joining Utah only at the Four Corners, this state lies to Utah's southeast and was a Spanish and then Mexican colony until the Mexican War of the 1840s, and retains a culture that is heavily influenced by its native and colonial past.
 * Arizona - Home to the Grand Canyon, Arizona borders Utah to the south.
 * Nevada - The Silver State borders Utah to the west and is home to the adult playground of Las Vegas.

title: Utah


text:
Uthai Thani

Uthai Thani (อุทัยธานี) is a city in Lower Northern Thailand.

Understand
Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve was proclaimed a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991. The reserve has jungles, forests, plains, many streams, and most importantly, number of rare and endangered animals.

Due to the verdant nature of the area, Uthai Thani is a province with relatively unspoiled natural tourist destinations. Visitors can see varying local lifestyles, such as the lives of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. It is also where provincial trading has flourished. Life revolving around the river eventually grew from a community into the major province that it is today.

The most striking indication of the bond between the people and the river since the old days is that in 1906, when King Rama V visited the northern provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, the monk Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built 2 twin rafts to receive the king. This clearly showed the importance of the river and the lifestyle of the people living off it in that period.

In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. This festival has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.

Get in
Take the bus to Khong LAN from Mo Chit bus station (Bangkok) and get off at Uthai Thani. Takes about 3 hours.

See

 * The Tak Bat Thewo Fair (งานตักบาตรเทโว) at Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri is the most important event and is held around October. Hundreds of monks residing within the Mueang district walk down the steps from the top of Khao Sakaekrang to accept food offerings from Buddhist devotees who gather in the ground of the temple. The fair is based on the traditional belief that the Lord Buddha on one occasion returned to earth from heaven.
 * Wat Ubosatharam (วัดอุโบสถาราม): Many historical sites and artefacts are found inside. Also of interest are the octagonal multi-tiered roof, the Bot Nam raft, the replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint from the time of King Rama IV, a silver Buddha image and gifts from King Rama V to Luang Pho Chan Wat Bot.
 * Bot Nam (โบสถ์น้ำ): It was built to receive King Rama V when he visited northern provinces in 1906. Originally a twin raft, it has an elongated carved apex of the gable like normal temple main halls. Today the raft is used by raft residents for religious ceremonies.
 * Rafts on Sakae Krang River (เรือนแพลำน้ำสะแกกรัง) reflect the lifestyle of Uthai Thani people that has always been linked with water. Water is used here to grow pandanus and for raising fish in floating baskets, particularly gourami.
 * Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha Sung (วัดจันทารามหรือวัดท่าซุง): It is an old temple from the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The item of note in this temple is a pulpit built by Luang Pho Yai. More buildings were later added by the monk Phra Ratchaphrom Yan Nen (Luang Pho Rusi Ling Dam).
 * Local History and Cultural Museum (ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เทคโนโลยีและสิ่งแวดล้อม): On display are prehistoric human skeletons, clothes, regalia of city lords and a room with wooden models of Thai houses.
 * Wat Thammakhosok (วัดธรรมโฆษก): This temple was used for holding rites by Uthai Thani government officials where they pledge allegiance to the king. It was also in service as an execution site. The most interesting edifices are the chapel and the main Buddha image hall.
 * Wat Thap Than (วัดทัพทัน): The items of interest here is the carved door depicting an angel holding an arrow standing on a serpent and another of an angel tending deer holding a pike on a lion.
 * Thalaad Kwai Thap Than is a market for water buffaloes.
 * Ban Khok Mo Weaving Village (แหล่งทอผ้าพื้นเมืองบ้านโคกหม้อ) is a small village of Thai-Lao residents whose ancestors migrated here in the Rattanakosin period. Villagers take to weaving when the harvest ends. Their products are made from Sin Tin Chok Silk, Mat Mi silk and traditional-style fabrics with floral patterns.
 * Bung Khok Chang Ancient City (เมืองโบราณบึงคอกช้าง) was a town surrounded by a moat and an earthen wall. A sacred pond is at the outer corner of each wall. Artefacts unearthed here include tools, utensils and a stone scripture in the Mon language.
 * Prehistoric colour drawings at Khao Pla Ra (ภาพเขียนสีก่อนประวัติศาสตร์เขาปลาร้า): These coloured cave drawings stretch for around 9 metres. The prehistoric and detailed drawings are of humans and animals in red and black. They are certainly invaluable as part of the artistic heritage of the country.
 * Tham Hup Pa Tat (ถ้ำหุบป่าตาด): The mountain range surrounding the valley is a limestone range. The way up to this cave is through a margosa forest. The valley has a higher humidity than it surrounds, contributing to the abundant flora.
 * Tham Khao Khong Chai (ถ้ำเขาฆ้องชัย) is a cave on a limestone mountain range, with an elevation of about 353 metres. The first cave is large and stone tools and earthenware pieces were discovered here.
 * Khao Phraya Phai Rua (เขาพระยาพายเรือ): The mountain is shaped like a Chinese junk and is surrounded by a natural moat. It is covered with many species of plants and there are altogether 12 caves leading underground.
 * Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยขาแข้ง) consists of almost every kind of forest found in Thailand. The unspoiled nature of the reserve makes it an ideal home to various rare and endangered animals. Due to these attributes, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve was named by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site.
 * Ban Samo Thong Hot Spring (น้ำพุร้อนบ้านสมอทอง): This is a small spring with clear water, pungent with the aroma of sulphur. The spring has an area of 4,000 square metres and consists of 3 separate springs.
 * Namtok Cyber (น้ำตกไซเบอร์): The waterfall is surrounded by the Huai Kha Khaeng forest. The water comes from the western mountain of the nature reserve, resulting in a medium-sized waterfall that drops down several levels before splashing on the boulders below.
 * Wat Khao Wong (วัดเขาวงพรหมจรรย์) is a temple in a valley. It has a two-storey Thai-style convocation hall. The monastery is the 13th of 19 branches of Wat Sangkhathan in Nonthaburi. Other branches can be found in places such as Chiang Mai, Um Phang, the United Kingdom and India.
 * Lan Sak District: Very old teak trees line this town's access roads, and the town is known for the furniture made from this wood.
 * Namtok Pha Rom Yen (น้ำตกผาร่มเย็น): The highlight of this waterfall lies its uniqueness of being a limestone waterfall that falls from a cliff. It can be seen from the road nearby. This waterfall flows from a small stream four levels up.
 * Ban I Mat-I Sai Hill Tribe Cultural Centre is in Sub-district Kaen Makrut. The centre has a house with a raised lower floor, a thatched roof and bamboo walls.

Buy

 * Crispy Khao Kung Krop (ข้าวกุ้งกรอบ) is made from rice and shrimp mixed together and then deep-fried. Leading items in the local restaurants are mainly made with fresh-water fish caught from the river. Pomelo is also widely grown on Ko Thepho.
 * Local woven materials (ผ้าทอพื้นเมือง)
 * Products made from bamboo and water hyacinth (เครื่องจักสานจากไม้ไผ่และผักตบชวา)

Go next

 * Ban Rai Disrict
 * Nakhon Sawan
 * Chainat

title: Uthai Thani


text:
Utica

Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.

Understand
Utica is a city of approximately 60,000 residents in Oneida County, NY, along the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. It is the seat of government for Oneida County and its largest city. Like many Central New York place names, the name "Utica" is classical: it was first the name of an ancient Phoenician settlement in North Africa, near Carthage.

Settlement in Utica dates to the colonial area, as depicted in the novel and movie Drums Along the Mohawk. Utica became an urban industrial center during the industrial revolution, particularly in textile production. Frank Winfield Woolworth launched a "five-cent store" in Utica in 1878 which soon closed; the next year Woolworth's "five and dime" in Lancaster (Pennsylvania) proved successful. Like most American industrial cities, Utica has suffered from population loss and urban decay since the 1970s. However, the popular conception that has made Utica the butt of jokes in TV shows like The Office and The Simpsons is an exaggeration. Contemporary Utica, in addition to its historical points of interest, is a multi-cultural city with a restaurant selection and local arts scene that are robust for a city of its size.

The Utica-Rome area, situated between Syracuse and Albany, is served by Interstate 90. This article also covers the suburbs of New Hartford and Yorkville.

By plane
Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Albany International Airport  offer scheduled flights to various cities.

The small regional airport in Utica is no longer in operation; the Oneida County airport moved from Oriskany and is now in nearby Rome, with a 10,000-foot runway (at the former Griffiss Air Force Base). Despite its size and name, Griffiss International Airport serves primarily general aviation.

By train

 * Train operator:
 * Routes stopping at Utica:
 * Empire Service operating twice daily between Niagara Falls (New York) and New York City including stops in Buffalo, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Utica, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
 * Maple Leaf operating daily between Toronto and New York City, in partnership with VIA Rail Canada. Stops between Toronto and Niagara Falls (New York) include in Oakville, Burlington, Grimsby, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls (Ontario). Stops between Niagara Falls (New York) and New York City are the same as those made by the Empire Service. Border crossing processing takes place in Niagara Falls, where passengers must detrain with their baggage. Train crew members are staffed by VIA Rail within Canada, and by Amtrak within the United States.
 * Lake Shore Limited operating daily between Chicago and Boston or New York City. It makes stops at most stations along the route, though it does not stop at some of the smallest stations. Trains consist of train cars from both branches between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer).  The trains split into separate branches between Albany (Rensselaer) and both Boston and New York City.  Stops between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer) include South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Schenectady. Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston include Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham.  Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and New York City include Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, and Croton-on-Hudson.

By car
Utica is easily accessed from the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, which passes through the city.

Not far from the Thruway exit is a Tesla Supercharger station for electric vehicles, with eight stations.

Learn
The Utica area is home to several colleges and universities, which host events regularly.

 * Utica College, 1600 Burrstone Road. Spun-off from Syracuse University in 1946, Utica College (UC) offers bachelor's degrees from Syracuse, as well as master's degrees in its own name, for a wide variety of academic programs within the fields of health sciences, social sciences, liberal arts, and business studies (to name a few).  It prides itself on a low faculty-to-student ratio and the individual attention possible in a small-college setting.
 * Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Drive. MVCC is the oldest community college in New York State, dating from 1946.
 * Pratt at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, 310 Genesee Street. In addition to its Fine and Performing Arts programs (see Museums, above), Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute is also home to a well-regarded School of Art.
 * State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute (in Marcy, just north of Utica). Established in 1966, SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and engineering technologies. It also offers professional degrees, such as business, communication, and nursing, as well as selected majors in the arts and sciences. SUNY Poly has a large park-like campus just north of Utica.

Eat
Utica has a long history of welcoming immigrants, from Italians and Poles who came early in the twentieth century to work in the mills, to the present-day influx of immigrants from places as far-flung as Bosnia and Burma. The variety in restaurants is just one of the marks these diverse cultures have left.

Italian
Oneida County is one of the few counties in the United States where Italian is the most common single ancestry, so Utica does not lack for Italian restaurants. Italian food in Utica is generally of the southern Italian and Sicilian, cucina povera variety, reflecting the backgrounds of the immigrants who introduced it. The icons of Utican Italian food are greens (escarole sautéed with prosciutto and hot peppers) and chicken riggies (chicken and rigatoni in a spicy sauce).

Go next
Rome is Utica's twin city, home to Fort Stanwix of Revolutionary War fame. Also to the west are the Vernon Downs racetrack, Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake, and the Turning Stone casino, situated on the Oneida native reservation. Little Falls to the east holds historical points of interest as well. The Adirondacks are accessible to the north-east, via a picturesque drive through Amish country. Syracuse is about 55 miles to the west, Albany about 95 miles to the east.

title: Utica


text:
Utica (Illinois)

Utica is a city in Illinois. It's officially named North Utica, as it was established north of the original town of Utica that was located along the banks of the Illinois River; however, all signage official and otherwise refers to the town as just Utica.

Understand
Beautiful Illinois river town 90 minutes southwest of Chicago. Has over 1,000,000 visitors per year to local river attractions including the annual Bald Eagle migration in January and February, and Starved Rock State Park.

Go next
Chicago is about 90 minutes to 2 1/2 hours away on 80 East and 55 North.

title: Utica (Illinois)