A College Kid’s Guide to Hamilton
I’m Julia Sicklick, a junior at Colgate University located in Hamilton, New York. When I was applying to college my senior year of high school, I had never even heard of Colgate University; the school on the hill was an anomaly to me, and I applied on a whim. Even when I was accepted and visited in the spring of my Senior year, weeks away from decision day, I didn’t like it. It was only after hours of thinking and talking to my parents that I decided to go to Colgate, and I have to admit it was the best decision I’ve ever made. They say Colgate University, a small liberal arts college in Hamilton, New York is in the middle of nowhere, but you’ll soon come to realize that it's the middle of everywhere. If you asked me where I thought I would end up going to college, upstate New York was the last place on my mind. However, now halfway through my Junior year, it’s become increasingly clear that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Colgate and the town of Hamilton are small, there is no doubt about that, but the charm is intoxicating.
I thought that after having almost two full years under my belt, I knew Colgate University and the town of Hamilton inside and out. I had been to every shop more times than I could count and could navigate Hamilton at any time of day. However, coming back here for my junior year has only presented its challenges. It feels like I’ve been thrown into a new Colgate, one I realize I don’t know as well as I thought. I always knew there was a farmer’s market every Saturday, but I was always too exhausted from Friday night to make it there in time. I knew there were lakes, trails, and hikes right behind the school, but I spent too much time in the library to make it there. With the new normal that Colgate has adapted in the face of the pandemic, I’ve realized I didn’t know this place as well as I thought, and that is exactly what I have the opportunity to do.
Where to Eat: Even though Hamilton is a small town, there is an abundance of activities, such as shopping and food to keep you and your friends busy. One of my favorites is Flour & Salt, where you can get the best bacon, egg, and cheese on their famous rosemary salt bagel on a Saturday morning. There’s also the Hamilton Eatery, dubbed the eatery, where you can get sandwiches, salads, and the creamiest mac and cheese. Another favorite is Slices, a Colgate landmark, the place to go after a night out or to order in with your friends. On a nice night, head to the Good Nature Brewery and cozy up next to your friends around one of their many fire pits—be sure to order a burger, they are the best. Other restaurants include Hamilton Whole Foods, Friends and Pho, Fojo Beans, and if you’re feeling fancy, the restaurant at the Colgate Inn. Head to Maxwell’s after dinner for dessert, and make sure to try their chocolate truffles. While the choices are limited, they are delicious and there is a range of different foods to try at each restaurant.
What to Do: Head to the Farmer’s Market at the Village Green on Saturday morning, go for a walk or a drive to see the fall foliage, have a picnic by Taylor Lake, take a hike on one of the many trails behind the school, see a film at the Hamilton Movie Theater, or watch the sunset from the library patio.
Where to Shop: Hamilton has a handful of cool places to poke around in. One of my personal favorites is Retrospect, a small thrift shop that has amazing vintage pieces at a cheap price point. I always find something special in there, and sifting through the piles is one of my favorite weekend activities to do with my friends. If you’re looking for something a little more boutique-esque, then Swank is the perfect place to go for jewelry or decorative pieces. They have adorable posters and cards to spice up your dorm room, and some dorm-friendly snacks in the back of the store. Lastly, if you’re looking to pick up some Colgate merchandise or school supplies, be sure to stop in the Colgate Bookstore. They have every article of clothing you could want emblazoned with the Colgate symbol, in addition to books, games, and other fun accessories that make great gifts to bring home to your family on breaks.
COVID-19 has brought its own challenge to the community of both Colgate and Hamilton, but we have proven to be resilient. I feel as though this year more than the past two, I have experienced Colgate in such a different way, only adding to the appreciation and love I hold for the school upon the hill. While it is a small town, there is a sense of pride in knowing the people who work in the town and that no matter what, your tofu melt from Hamilton Whole Foods will always be perfect.
