Venues & Event Spaces near Vestal, NY

“Over 15 years ago I started karate at a different school. I only started because my brother did and ended up being too scared to do it alone. I fell in love with martial arts. I practiced for several years until I went away to college. When I came home, I no longer was associated with a school as my previous school closed. I remembered my favorite instructor from the previous school was Master Fairbanks, so I googled her and found she had opened her own school. I looked around at other schools, but kept finding myself back on Fairbanks page. I was nervous because it had been several years, but I went and tried a class (she is generous to let you try class before signing up. She truly wants you to be at her school because you want to be there, not because you feel forced). I really enjoyed class. She gave me one on one time to talk with her before and after class. I decided to sign up and order a uniform; I did not feel pressured at all to sign up on the spot. I wanted to. I began taking class again and was excited to come to class. It was so much different than my previous school. It was so much better. The energy was positive. The instructors were all very kind. They were strict in a “this is martial arts” sort of way, but they were not mean or disrespectful. I was not afraid to make a mistake or ask questions. They lifted me up and inspired confidence in myself. I am able to trust all of the instructors when I ask questions, they’re highly knowledgeable. They also aren’t perfect and if they don’t know the answer, they admit it and ask someone else who does. This does not happen often though. She has several class times to choose from. She has evening options, some day options, and Saturdays. She also offers private lessons and is flexible to make sure you are able to attend. She has different class options as well for different ranks and availability. She has kids class, family class, adult class, weapons class, and other options. She also has options for different classes for pre- school and “little ninjas” which are highly recommended. She’s very affordable to. She could definitely charge more for the high quality school she runs, but she’s clearly in the business to share her love and skill for martial arts with as many people as possible and isn’t in it for the money. I can promise you though, not a penny of your money will be wasted here. She does not force you into a contract either! You pay monthly, and there are different options such as once a week, twice a week, and unlimited. She also works with you if you’re struggling and you come to her. She also gives options of different ways to pay (cash, check, PayPal, etc). She also is very understanding if you approach her and take a month off here and there or longer due to injury or other life events. She also offers deals and discounts if you are on auto pay or if you pay for a few months in advance (she does not required this and does not charge you more if you don’t). She offers deals and bundles throughout the year as well (such as free uniform when you sign up and pay a certain amount of months in advance, Black Friday deals, etc.). She encourages all ranks and ages to go to tournaments, but does not pressure or force you to go. All black belt instructors she trains to be certified instructors and puts them through classes on how to teach karate and different instructing techniques and situations. She is at every clsss and her black belt instructors are very knowledgeable and high quality. Now that I am a black belt and certified instructor, I am even MORE impressed with Master Fairbanks. She knows every student by their name, knows their training level and ability, and knows how they learn best. I am amazed at how she remembers everyone and keeps everything straight. She caters to each students ability and offers flexibility for students who have physical or other limitations. She’s very patient and encouraging. Master Fairbanks has a heart of gold and her and her studio raise the bar. I couldn’t recommend this studio more!”

“The place was extremely busy. When I called about what time they opened, I wasn't told that everything was closed til 1 except for bowling. Then we put our name on a list for when a lane opened up, but never heard our number get called. So we never got to bowl. We did have fun playing laser tag and bumper boats when they finally opened that section.”

“My Latin jazz group preformed on 2/21/22 to a sell out concert. The audience was having lots of fun with us. I heard they thought they were in the Caribbean. The staff was outstanding. Muchas gracias to all”

“Very nice venue to have an event. It wasn't too small or too big, a bar is available in the lobby area, rhe restrooms were clean, and the atmosphere was festive!”

“McKinley is an OUTSTANDING venue. The food, flexibility, service, and size is unmatched by other venues in the area. The McKinley was the perfect location for our wedding reception. The reason we first chose The McKinley was because of its humongous sunken dance floor- it is the biggest dance floor we have ever seen at a venue. Our guests loved it and were on the dance floor all night. The ceilings are high and beautiful. Chelsey Gehl is the current GM and she has also been a wedding planning and she is THE BEST. She was incredibly responsive and flexible. Time and time again we asked her to make something happen and she did. We did our ceremony and cocktail hour at Cornerstone, which is an outdoor venue that The McKinley partners with and they did all of the catering to that venue at no additional charge. Chelsey made our special requests happen each and every time we asked. She is incredibly prepared and organized so you can trust her with making your night successful. The McKinley is an absolutely stunning reception hall and the perfect location for our wedding reception.”

“This little dive bar has cheap drinks and a nice atmosphere. It's like a dream walking in just something you only imagine in your mind. I enjoyed my visit locals were super friendly. The bartenders bday is 1/25/2022 stop in to wish her well.”

“Pretty space, needs to be updated with its carpet on the stairs. Outside of that very elegant. Food options and taste could've been better if they catered it.”

“This is a "Cheers" type of bar where you walk in after a couple visits and the people greet you with a smile and say hello! The food is delicious, the waitstaff is friendly, it is not too noisy to talk during lunch.”

“I want to thank Lisa, the entire Riverdale team and owners for their compassion, professionalism and kindness in the planning and execution of my Aunt's Memorial Gathering. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and couldn't have imagined hosting anywhere else.”

“Blue dolphin wasn't our first choice for diners, coming all the way from Binghamton University, but boy it's our only choice from now on! Was such a blessing that everything else was closed on a Sunday evening because we were in for a treat. Never experienced better service by our beautiful waitress, and the food was very delicious!The fish and chips, and their classic monte cristo were some of the many highlights of our meal. Truly a great spot, and I hope to visit again very soon.”