There’s something about August in the Mohawk Valley—it holds onto summer with both hands. The long, golden evenings. The hum of fairs and festivals. The irresistible smell of food trucks and fresh-cut grass. It’s the season’s last big exhale before the air turns crisp.
This month’s MVL Road Trip issue is a love letter to late-summer adventures. From the sparkling lakes of Old Forge to the charming streets of Cooperstown, we’re highlighting some of our favorite destinations—plus the events, markets, live music, and can’t-miss local moments that make each town worth the drive. Whether you’re planning one last family getaway, a scenic solo escape, or just a Saturday afternoon road cruise, we hope this issue inspires you to get out and explore.
And because no road trip is complete without something delicious in the passenger seat, I had to include a few of my favorite sandwich stops across the Valley. (Let me know if I missed yours!)
Be sure to mark your calendar for some of the region’s most beloved summer traditions, including NYS Woodsmen’s Days in Boonville and the Herkimer County Fair—both local favorites that celebrate our community’s roots, talents, and spirit.
We’re also proud to feature the incredible work happening at The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties, where Progress Industries is making a powerful impact—building opportunities, skills, and confidence for people with disabilities while strengthening our local workforce. It’s an inspiring example of what happens when mission and community come together.
As we soak up these final weeks of summer, I’m already looking ahead to some meaningful fall issues: In October, our Top Doctors edition will spotlight some of the region’s most trusted medical professionals. In November, we’ll celebrate community impact in our Giving Back issue—an editorial that’s close to my heart. And in December, our Holiday Gift Guide will showcase local makers and businesses that help make the season bright.
Also, MV Gives returns this September, and now’s the perfect time to start thinking about the causes and missions that mean the most to you. Whether it’s a nonprofit that shaped your childhood or one doing important work today, your support truly matters.
And finally, I’m gearing up for another season of unforgettable performances from Broadway Utica. There’s nothing like live theater to bring us together—and this year’s lineup looks incredible.
Here’s to soaking up every last drop of summer, discovering new places, and celebrating everything this region has to offer.
See you on the road,
Carrie