Growing up in upstate New York has shaped so much of who I am. It’s not just where I’m from — it’s where my roots run deep. Almost all of my big Italian family lives there 🇮🇹❤️, and being so close to them made my childhood feel full of love, laughter, and a lot of homemade pasta 🍝. Every visit back reminds me just how special it is to be surrounded by family, where every gathering feels like a celebration and every meal is a memory.
But it’s not just the people that make me love upstate — it’s the scenery, too. There’s something so peaceful and beautiful about the landscape: the rolling hills, the colorful fall leaves 🍂, the charming old towns that seem frozen in time. Some of my favorite places are little towns like Clinton, Utica, Cooperstown, and Saratoga. Each one has its own kind of magic — quiet streets lined with history, cozy coffee shops ☕, and that small-town feeling you just can’t find anywhere else.
Whether it’s walking through the quaint village of Clinton, exploring the baseball history in Cooperstown ⚾, wandering around Saratoga’s beautiful parks, or just grabbing a bite in Utica, every corner feels like home. No matter where life takes me, upstate New York will always hold a special place in my heart 💛 — it’s where family, tradition, and the beauty of everyday life all come together