there is a Barnes and Noble bookstore near there on Commercial Drive.

Been there, poster formerly.... I've also been to the Coldstone Creamery near there (hope it's still open). My parents moved to New York Mills, a suburb of Utica after we kids left, so I know Commercial Drive well.

I've always liked the small town (village?) of Oneida. Even went to the historical house there... can't remember its name. My family used to pass through Oneida on our way to visit relatives in Syracuse.

Now that my parents are dead, I don't get to the Mohawk Valley much. But I do think it's a nice place to visit -- in the summer and early fall.....