Vernon Downs Casino Hotel is the ultimate central location for all your casino gaming and harness racing and horse racing needs. And this place comes with quite a history, as it’s the track where Adios Harry ran the “Miracle Mile.”
You may have heard of it, and if you have, you will know that this racino is located near Syracuse, New York. Over the next five decades, the track faced its difficulties via increased competition from opposing racetracks and even bingo halls. And by 2001, the track nearly closed.
However, the track received a VLT license, and it also hosted live entertainment besides horse racing, likely saving it from closure. And today, Vernon Downs is a thriving casino in New York State and one of the hotter destinations in the Syracuse area.
Today’s post will provide you a tour of the casino and what to expect if you venture upstate while gambling in New York.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Overview
At Vernon Downs, you will find some exciting harness racing along with 209 real money slots, a hotel, eight dining options, entertainment, and promotions. You will also find venues here to host your next group conference, wedding reception, meeting, and similar events.
This isn’t a big casino unlike many others in the State of New York, and you will still know it more for its original purpose as a racetrack. However, it has grown over the past two decades, and you can make a surefire bet that it will continue to grow via increased demand and competition in the area.
Let’s discover what this casino holds.
Gaming and Racing at the Vernon Downs Casino Hotel
As mentioned in the above section, gaming at Vernon Downs includes 209 slot machines that include your favorite themes along with video poker options and in-house progressions. Denominations range between 1 cent and $5.
You will also find safe bet Terminals for betting on horse racing, plus the latest games in the casino’s lottery scratch-off machines. From April to November, you can treat yourself to the most action-packed events in Central New York’s rolling hills.
Vernon Downs has hosted events like:
- The Empire’s Breeders Classic
- Dr. Harry Zweig Memorial Trot
- Several New York Sire Stakes races
And if you can’t make it to the races, don’t sweat. Tune into the daily simulcasting and fill yourself in all the high-stakes action going on at the track.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Dining
Dining at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel comes in seven shapes and forms. From upscale to casual to trackside concessions, you will indulge in rich and affordable cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else in Oneida County.
It starts with Mr. G’s Food and Spirits, where you’re in luck if overstuffed sandwiches and comfort food are your thing. Yeah, they serve salads too, so they have healthy options. But hey, you’re on vacation, so why not enjoy yourself? Located just off the hotel lobby, it’s a solid bet that you will find the best the casino offers.
The Triple 777 Corner Cafe features a potluck including sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, breakfast options, and more. Like Mr. G’s, you’re looking at one of the ultimate comfort food joints in the venue that also serves wings, chicken tenders, quesadillas, chili, and even a limited breakfast.
Looking to combine the ultimate dining experience with simulcast wagering at your table? Look no further than Miracle Mile Restaurant. Get a close-up view at the trackside picture windows in the Grandstand Clubhouse and gnaw on your favorite appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
If you’re in the mood for specialty crafts, Ring Eyed Pete’s Bar is where you will find the best in Central New York. Couple the variety of specialty beer with an unforgettable atmosphere inside the bar and enjoy a taste of the good life. Conveniently located on the casino floor for easy access.
Trackside Concessions features your traditional comfort foods right at the track. From hot dogs to popcorn to hamburgers, get something quick before you head into the grandstand to experience a night of live harness racing.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Promotions and Entertainment
Take full advantage of the promotions at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel with the Rewards Club. Joining the Rewards Club at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel is free, and you will experience the perks and benefits the minute you sign up. That’s right, sign up and the first $100 in free play is on the casino.
It pays to play, doesn’t it? But the promotions don’t stop there. When you join the Rewards Club, the more you play your favorite casino games, the more points you will earn in exchange for perks and benefits you won’t discover anywhere else.
Just use your new card every time you play, and you will earn 1 point for every dollar you wager. Accumulate as many points as you can and you will receive discounts for food, at the hotel, or the venue’s gift shop.
Start off as a Plus member and once you accumulate 2,500 points, move up the rung to the Preferred level. Earn 25,000 base points and you will find yourself at the Premier rung. Hit the 125,000 points range and earn the highest level of perks and benefits at the Elite level.
The more you play, the more you earn, the more you will be rewarded for your gaming efforts. Just remember the number of points earned must remain within a 12-month basis from October 1st to September 30th of each year.
Watching horse racing is great, but do you need more entertainment in your life? Check out the events calendar at Vernon Downs and see who’s coming to the area when you book your stay at the casino. Past acts have included Gretchen Wilson, Love and Theft, Joan Jett, Jerrod Niemann, Clint Black, and The Boss Bruce Springsteen.
Discover which major, world-class act will heat up the Events Center when you book your stay at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel and rock out to the greatest live music and entertainment in Oneida County.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel Accommodations and Nearby Attractions
The hotel at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel is the perfect place to crash if you need a place to stay in the area when you have finished watching the races and gaming for the day. This 100% smoke-free venue is just a short walk away from the track and adjoins the casino, giving you quick access to the gaming floor.
And if you came to Vernon Downs with the family, you will find a variety of family-friendly activities at the venue. They include an indoor heated pool and whirlpool, an arcade, and a game area. They will also find activities on the track that include Kid Zone plus the bounce houses during the racing season.
Looking to explore the area? You will find nearby attractions at every turn.
If you love history, then you’re all set to explore Oneida County. One of the points of interest include the Fort Stanwix Monument. This reconstructed fort is a replica of the original, which guarded a portage called the Oneida Carry during the French and Indian War.
American forces also took control of the fort during the American Revolutionary War before the British launched a siege at the fort. Having abandoned the siege, their actions in doing so contributed to the latter’s defeat at Saratoga.
The Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site marks the Battle of Oriskany, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War. Here, you will find a visitor’s center, a museum, hiking trails, tours, and re-enactments. You may also meet a few ghosts, too. So, if you’re into the paranormal, you got a hot spot.
And the Steuben Memorial State Historic Site commemorates Baron von Steuben. The land itself was part of the 16,000-acre land grant to von Steuben for his services to the Continental Army. He often stayed at the site during the summer.
Here, you will find a memorial tomb, a reconstructed cabin, historical markers, and a memorial plaque.
Conclusion
Vernon Downs won’t give you all the thrills of your traditional casino with its limited slots and lack of casino table games. However, guests come to this racino for its horse racing and immense dining options. So, if you’re into harness racing, Vernon Downs is the casino for you.
The area is also rich with history from the American Revolutionary War. And if you’re into American history or just into the history of one of America’s finest chapters, it gives you even more of a reason to come to Vernon Downs.
Have you been to this racino in Oneida County? If so, share your experience. We’re always looking for casino feedback.