Well, if you haven't guessed already I live in Utica, New York. Born and raised. Now you may also be thinking, "Why on earth is she writing about Utica out of all things?" or "What is Utica?" There's a lot of different people in Utica, the ones who can't wait to get out and the ones who will always love it. Me? Before college, I couldn't wait to get out of here. For me, my motto was the further away the better. However, as the semester went on and I was stuck being away from Utica, I realized it was home and I could never fully part ways with it.

There're just some things Utica, NY has that no other city will and that's why I love it so much. Utica even ranks in different things such as being one of the most dangerous cities in New York and for the saddest city. Besides those not-so-great titles, Utica possesses a lot of redeeming qualities. Utica really isn't that bad. And here's why.

1. Chicken riggies

Do you have chicken riggies? I didn't think so. When coming home from college, a nice home cooked meal is always needed. How can I go back to college without having some delicious chicken riggies or even better vodka riggies? I can't because they are too delicious!

2. Potholes

Who doesn't like taking a nice drive on Parkway and hitting a bunch of potholes. Oh, why not try to avoid them you may ask? Let's go around this pothole and hit the one next to it! Even though it may not be the best, you got to love Utica for it.

3. Voss'

Again, you probably have never heard of this food staple since it is truly unique to Utica. Plus, it's that time of year again! When the nice weather has arrived we all can come here and have some good food for a reasonable price. I've been going here since I was a little girl and I definitely can't go a summer without it.

4. Cornhill

I know what everyone is thinking and no, it is not a hill of corn. This place is full of houses including one that I used to call mine. Cornhill is a big part of my life and a well-known area in Utica.

5. Boilermaker

I think the picture explains it all. Every year this bad boy comes around and makes me questions whether I too should try a 15K next year. Hmm... guess I'll need to start running more.

6. No sidewalks

Who cares about the car coming towards you. All you have to do is walk in the street and hope that we swerve around you because if we hit you, it's our fault. Utica just wouldn't be the same without people walking in the street instead of on sidewalks.

7. Shopping!

We all love shopping! And having the risk of running into everyone we know as well!

8. Rainbow (no, not the one in the sky)

Him! He's Rainbow. Now I don't care what you think or say but I think he is pretty awesome. And it isn't because he called me beautiful and sang to me on the streets of Utica. When I think of Utica, I sometimes think of Rainbow. If you live in Utica and don't know who he is, do you really live here?

9. New York Mills Police

Can I just drive three over the speed limit through New York Mills without getting pulled over, please? Thanks.

Utica has its good and bad qualities. To be completely honest, I start to love it more and more every day. There's much more to Utica than what I have mentioned here. But I guess you will just have to come here and see what Utica has to offer for yourself.