When I stepped off a plane in Syracuse, NY, I didn’t know what to expect. I have really only spent time in New York City—never having explored other parts of the state. Syracuse was a surprise for me. It is a city with a rich and interesting history, much to do for families, has a great food and booze scene and is home to spectacular state parks. Visit Syracuse has a tagline of “Do Your Thing” and it’s easy to see why. The city vibe encourages both individualism and community. No matter what you and your family enjoy, Syracuse has something to offer.
History—If history is your thing, grab a “Downtown Syracuse Historic Walking Tour Guide” and be sure to visit:
--Landmark Theatre—The architect Thomas Lamb considered this 1928 theater to be one of his most beautiful accomplishments. It’s gorgeous inside and out and you can see live theater, concerts and artistic performances there to this day.
--Onondaga Historical Association—With free admission and unique gifts only sold at the privately-owned comprehensive local history museum, it’s worth a visit. OHA has been collecting and preserving the history of the County since 1862.
--Erie Canal Museum—The Erie Canal is an engineering marvel and cuts right through the heart of Syracuse. Learn all about the Erie Canal, board a replica canal boat, visit the gardens and enjoy the Museum’s home—an 1850 building and the only remaining canal boat weigh station in America.
--Ska-nonh Great Law of Peace Center—Learn about the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Nation) and their contribution to democracy, lacrosse, the U.S. Constitution, the women’s suffrage movement and more. Kids and adults will be fascinated with their Creation Story, Thanksgiving traditions and the Great Law of Peace.
Family Fun—If family adventures are your thing, be prepared for some great new experiences in Syracuse. My tip? Purchase a Destiny USA Fun Pass which includes passes to 4 attractions and 5 bonus admissions to family fun centers around Syracuse.
--Destiny USA—At first glance, Destiny USA seems to be one giant shopping mall (and it is—it is New York state’s largest mall and it has its own zip code) but it also offers family entertainment at it’s finest. There’s indoor go-carts, laser-tag, a mirror-maze, the world’s largest indoor suspended ropes course, two mystery/escape rooms, bowling, WonderWorks, Billy Beez and mini-golf. With a Destiny USA Fun Pass, you can pick four things to do plus you will receive free admission to other family attractions in Syracuse.
--The MOST—This museum of science and technology is set up so that families can learn science, technology, engineering, and math through play. With 35,000 square feet of fun, 200 permanent exhibits and an IMAX screen, families can spend several hours to an entire day at The MOST.
--1911/Beak & Skiff—Just outside of Syracuse, you will find Beak & Skiff, home to a giant apple orchard and fourth-generation farm. Kids can pick apples, visit farm animals, play in the orchard playground and taste cider, apples, donuts and more. Parents can enjoy vodka, hard cider, wine and other spirits all made from apples grown in the orchard. The land and buildings at 1911 are gorgeous and it may be my top not-to-be-missed spot.
--Rosamond Gifford Zoo— With more than 700 animals—many of them endangered—families will enjoy a few hours at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo—one of the top 10% of zoos and aquariums in the nation. And, since the Zoo is AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited, families can feel good that their visit supports wildlife conservation and they are visiting a zoo with the highest of animal care standards.
Food and Booze—If food and beverages are your thing, don’t miss my favorite restaurants in Syracuse:
--Apizza Regionale (The place that had me recreating chili infused honey on my pepperoni pizza at home…so good!)
--Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (My mouth waters just thinking about it.)
--Funk’N Waffles (Lavender lattes and bacon, brie and basil waffles says it all.)
--Doug’s Fish Fry (Located in gorgeous Skaneateles, this is the place the locals go for good fish and fries.)
--Modern Malt (Seriously creative dishes infused with a whole lot of fun. You can play giant Jenga or corn hole while you wait.)
Nature—If nature is your thing, you’ll enjoy:
--Green Lakes State Park—An excellent spot for camping, the park also boasts a playground, fishing, biking, hiking, boating, swimming, recreation programs and nature trails. The park gets its name from the bright green water of the lakes that can be seen much of the year, due to the fact that most of the water in the lakes comes through bedrock carrying a lot of dissolved minerals, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. The lakes are quite a sight! (Take a look at the photo below--that's no filter, the water is truly that green!)
--Clark’s Reservation State Park—Clark’s is described as a botanist’s paradise and a geological wonder of the last ice age. The state park is reminiscent of Acadia to me and I felt right at home there hiking among its rocky cliffs and through its forest. Guided nature walks are offered through the on-site Nature Center.
Syracuse is an easy flight or drive from Maine and truly lives up to their tagline of “Do Your Thing.” Whatever your thing may be, Syracuse offers it. If family is your thing--Visit Syracuse.
The author was a guest of Visit Syracuse for several days and nights. All opinions and suggestions are her own.
