I spent 17 years of my life living in a town called DeWitt which is located right outside of Syracuse, New York. Growing up there you slowly begin to learn that there isn’t very many activities to do there. Of course there are museums and restaurants but, after 17 years of the same exhibits and the same Pastabilities order you start to get tired of it. One thing you do learn after 17 years of living in Syracuse is that there are some things that you never tire of. These are a few of those things:
1. See a concert at the Lakeview Amphitheater:
Although the Amphitheater was just installed and finished within the last year, seeing a concert there is something you have to do if you live in Syracuse. The concerts usually take place during the New York State Fair which, sadly, will not be included in this list just out of personal preference. The view of the water and sunset alone are enough to make you never want to leave.
2. Watch a sunset at Top of The World
Top of The World is a massive hill located in Fayetteville that people of all ages have been driving to for years to see the incredible view of the sun setting over the city.
3. Go to a lacrosse game (or in my case; go to a lot of lacrosse games)
One thing that is HUGE in Syracuse is lacrosse. It's a sport that is highly competitive for the high schools around and in Syracuse. My high school team last year was lucky enough to make it to and win states.
4. Visit the Cazenovia Art Park
The Cazenovia Art Park is a park with various pieces of artwork placed all over. There are trails and paths you can take to see some while other pieces are just out in open fields. One thing my friends and I always love to do is take miniature photoshoots in the park with the artwork.
5. Climb the Water Towers
While this is technically illegal and trespassing; many teenagers in Syracuse do this on a regular basis. While some only make the hike to see the graffiti that wraps around the towers, others take the extra leap of actually climbing them using either a metal ladder that is attached or, when the cops take that one down, making their own makeshift ladder. Some even use the towers to declare their love as shown in the picture below taken by David Gassman for The Post-Standard.
6. Go to the Clinton Square Tree Lighting
While this only happens once a year people crowd the streets of Syracuse to watch as the massive Christmas Tree in Clinton Square is lit up and then, once it is, crowd onto the ice-skating rink. If you visit Syracuse in the winter-time going to see the lighting or even just going to Clinton Square to ice skate is something I highly recommend doing.
8. Go to a Syracuse University basketball game
I'm basically required to put this one in. Everyone and their mother's go to the games. They're hyped up to the max and even when we lose the fans remain crazy. You dress up and scream at the top of your lungs and if you're lucky enough you get to see the players after the game.
9. Get a cookie from Insomnia Cookies on Marshall Street
On the Syracuse campus there is a cookie store called Insomnia Cookies where the cookies are fresh, warm, and gooey. It's located on Marshall Street which is full of fun campus stores and food places but Insomnia is one you're required to eat at at-least once while you're there. They stay open till 3 am and if you're lucky they'll even deliver!
10. Visit Varsity Pizza
Whether it's after a game or just for a quick lunch, Varsity Pizza is the place to go. It's packed after a game (and sometimes even before one) but the experience and the energy you receive while in there is completely worth it. You haven't truly experienced Syracuse until you experience Varsity.
