Rome is one of two cities located in the Utica-Rome, New York, metropolitan area. Known as Fort Stanwix during the Revolutionary War, the city was formally founded as Lynchville in 1796. By 1820, the city was known by its current name. Located in central New York, there are a small number of dance clubs located nearby in neighboring cities.
After experiencing difficulties in 2009, including a liquor license suspension, the Bogie Nightclub reopened as the New Bogie Nightclub (no website; 113 N. Genesee St., Utica, NY; 315-724-7580). Operating hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Happy Hour, featuring $2.50 large drafts and two mixers for the price of one, runs from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. Patrons enjoy the latest hits on a 3,000-square-foot dance floor and outdoor patio area. A gaming area houses darts, pool and foosball.
Ithaca, New York, is home to The Oasis (ithacaoasis.com) dance club. Patrons enjoy a diverse musical playlist including: ballroom, Latin, hip hop, live jazz, electronica, country and blues. The Oasis is a social dance club, encouraging visitors to mingle while enjoying the extensive food and beverage menu. Operating hours are 4 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Free shuttle service is available Friday and Saturday nights. Find pickup and drop-off points at the official Oasis website.
Havana Nights: The Latin Dance Party is a popular attraction at Ballybay Pub (no website; 550 Richmond Ave., Syracuse, NY; 315-423-8021). La Familia de la Salsa hosts the event every Friday except the first Friday of each month. Patrons dance to the latest salsa music. Dance lessons are also offered. 1st Friday's Latin Dance Party, hosted by SyracuseSalsa.Com, is held on the first Friday of each month at Ballybay. Havana Nights charges a $5 cover; dance lessons are an additional $7. Patrons who pay for their lessons and cover at one time are charged $10. 1st Friday's charges a $5 cover. Dance lessons are free with paid admission.
Located almost an hour away from Rome, in Syracuse, New York, is Planet 505 (no website; 505 Westcott St, Syracuse, NY; 315-471-8646). The after-hours dance club features rock, industrial, alternative and industrial music. Live bands play frequently at Planet 505. Cheap alcohol and a laid-back atmosphere appeal to patrons. Safety issues should not be a concern among visitors. In 2010 "Forbes" magazine listed the city as one of the top-10 places to raise a family.
