Utica is on the world's stage as top female hockey players from across the globe are in town to compete in the IIHF Women's World Championship.

“We had envisioned Nexus would be something special, but to be honest, I never thought it would come this quick that we would have an event of this magnitude," said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente.

Utica’s Nexus Center is less than two years old and is already in the global spotlight. Through mid-April, Team USA and hockey competitors from nine other countries are in town, hoping win gold in the relatively new facility.

And the area is making the most of the attention.

“It just feels like a totally different atmosphere. The buzz is real. The businesses have posters hanging from their shop windows. You can see the flags up and down the roads, the banners," said Oneida County Tourism President Sarah Foster Calero.

Oneida County Tourism is urging people to check out what the Mohawk Valley has to offer.

There are dishes like Utica greens and chicken riggies. Both can be had at Babe’s at Harbor Point.

“They're so beautifully decorated right now. If I'm looking over there, I can see all the flags hanging. They'll also be showing all of the games televised on their screens throughout the entire tournament," Foster Calero said.

Oneida County Tourism also has a new “Discover Utica” trail. You can check in at more than a hundred local businesses, all on the Oneida County Tourism website, and sometimes find discounts or other specials and earn reward points for things like a limited edition IIHF poster.

The Utica Zoo is a recommended spot to visit.

“We are so excited to welcome our guests from all over to the Utica Zoo. We have animals. We have a great playground. The sights, the sounds, it's a great place to walk if you just kind of want to work out some of the kinks and feel like it has a great nature walk beautiful views of the city," said Utica Zoo Executive Director Andria Heath.

Next to the zoo is the free New York Energy Zone, but there is more to check out from local parks to the Saranac-F.X. Matt Brewery. There are also many different eateries.

“You can go and get an authentic Vietnamese or Lebanese or Ethiopian food, depending where you go across the city," said Foster Calero.

There are activities taking place in celebration of the hockey tournament, including the free Subaru World Championship Village with live music, games and more.