Things To Do
in Novaya Usman’
Novaya Usman is a small town in Voronezh Oblast set along gentle riverbanks and green farmland. The town preserves a quiet, rural atmosphere with a mix of traditional wooden houses and modest Soviet-era buildings. Visitors can explore a colorful market, a local history museum, and tranquil parks dotted with oak and birch trees.
Nearby nature offers easy hikes and scenic views, especially along the Usman River.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Russian pancakes and tea. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Novaya Usman’, admiring the intricate architecture and quaint streets. Don’t forget to stop by the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some fresh produce.
In the afternoon, visit the Church of the Intercession, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture. After exploring the church, enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby park, where you can relax while watching the locals go about their day. Later, take a guided tour of the local museum to delve deeper into the rich history of Novaya Usman’ and its surrounding area.
As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional Russian restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in borscht and pelmeni. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the sounds of nature. End your evening with a visit to a local pub, where you can try some regional beers and chat with friendly locals.
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for an adventure in the nearby nature reserve. Spend your morning walking along well-marked trails, keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. The crisp air and beautiful landscapes will invigorate you as you explore the natural beauty surrounding Novaya Usman’.
After a morning of exploring, pack a light lunch to enjoy in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Post-lunch, continue your walk and consider joining a guided wildlife spotting tour to learn more about the local fauna. Capture stunning photographs of the scenery and wildlife, making for unforgettable memories.
Return to Novaya Usman’ in the evening, where you can unwind at a cozy café with a hot drink. Reflect on the day’s adventures while watching the sunset over the landscape. For dinner, try a nearby restaurant offering delicious Russian dishes, soaking in the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🥖Grocery items (bread, dairy, produce) | $1-4 |
| 🚌Local transport ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil rural atmosphere and scenic river views
- Affordability and easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife and few large-city amenities
- Smaller selection of English-speaking services
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello
- "До свидания" - Goodbye
- "Пожалуйста" - Please
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Говорите ли вы по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Где находится туалет?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Сколько стоит это?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Novaya Usman’
Visit one of these nice places.
A classic snapshot of Novaya Usman with historic buildings, the clock tower, and the church spire rising above a cobbled plaza.
A tranquil riverside scene with reflections at sunrise or sunset and a wide exposure of sky and water.
A street lined with traditional wooden houses and shutters that capture rural Russian architecture.
A small bridge offering a vantage point over the Usman River, ideal for scenic landscape shots.
Food in Novaya Usman’
Novaya Usman’ Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A vibrant beet soup served hot with sour cream, often enjoyed with dark rye bread.
Must-Try!
Delicate meat-filled dumplings typically boiled or fried and served with butter or sour cream.
Small baked or fried pastries stuffed with potatoes, cabbage, meat, or cheese.
A rustic staple pairing buckwheat groats with a savory meat topping.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling daily market offering vegetables, dairy, bread, honey, and fresh eggs from regional farms.
Seasonal stalls with berries, smoked fish, preserves, and baked goods along the riverbank.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others with a brief hello or good day; use formal address with the person’s surname when meeting strangers. A handshake is common for both men and women.
Dress modestly in public spaces; avoid loud behavior in quiet areas and be mindful near religious sites. Remove hats indoors in most public buildings.
If invited to a home, bringing small gifts like pastries or flowers is appreciated; be prepared for a slower, friendly pace of conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Novaya Usman’
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, leaving a tip of about 5-10% is common if service is good; rounding up the bill is also acceptable. For taxi rides or small services, a small tip is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries; many urban venues accept cards and mobile payments, but rural spots may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with a thawing landscape; expect muddy trails early in the season and budding trees. Pack waterproof shoes and a light jacket.
Long days with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploring. Short thunderstorms are possible; bring a rain layer and sun protection.
Cool to cool-warm days with vivid foliage. Layers are essential as temperatures swing; quieter streets and clear skies are common.
Cold and possibly snowy, with icy sidewalks. Dress in insulating layers, a warm coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear; some outdoor trails may be closed.
Novaya Usman’ at Night
Hiking in Novaya Usman’
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic linear trail along the river with accessible switchbacks suitable for most hikers.
Mild forest walk with shade trees, wildflowers in season, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Novaya Usman’ by plane.
Main regional airport about 120-150 km southeast; connected to Moscow and some domestic destinations.
Secondary airport serving the region, used for occasional domestic routes; requires ground transport to reach Novaya Usman.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic in the town with a strong agricultural and rural culture.
Small numbers of Tatars, Ukrainians, and other groups present in town and surrounding villages.
A sizable portion of residents are older adults, reflecting rural demographics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at local clubs and informal pickup games in parks and school yards.
Played in winter on community rinks when available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novaya Usman’.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on borscht, potato and cabbage dishes, breads, grains, dumplings with vegetable fillings, and dairy products. Look for café soups and sides that feature beets, mushrooms, and greens; most places can accommodate simple veggie requests if asked politely.