Syracuse may not seem like the most exciting place to live--trust me, I've lived here for 19 years. But if you do find yourself in this city for an extended period of time, here are some things that are a must do for any visitor or adventurous local!
1. Chow down on Pastabilities.
Voted one of the best date places in Syracuse, it's right next to Clinton Square and it's one of the coolest restaurants in Syracuse. Did I mention that the food is delicious?
2. Attend a Syracuse basketball game.
If you are in Syracuse you'll soon find out that everyone bleeds orange. No one really cares about the NBA here, so put on all the orange that you own and get to the dome.
3. Visit the Landmark Theater.
As an incredibly timeless and decadent theater, it's highly recommended for anyone in the city to see a show there at least once. Host to such performers as Josh Groban and Lindsay Sterling, every show worth watching will make it to the Landmark at some point. The Broadway classic "Phantom of the Opera" is even coming soon!
4. Indulge in Funk n' Waffles.
Visited by the show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," the food is truly amazing. There's every kind of waffle that you can imagine and all of the local bands perform at Funk n' Waffles.
5. Eat chicken riggies/salt potatoes.
These are two of the signature dishes in the area. It's impossible to describe how good they are, so try them both! Mini potatoes with enough salt to kill an elephant may not appeal to you, but if you try it I promise that you won't regret it.
6. Go ice-skating in Clinton Square.
Syracuse has a lot of ice rinks, but the outdoor rink in Clinton Square is the best. If you go at night you can see the giant tree all lit up as you skate around.
7. Visit Recess Coffee House & Roastery.
My favorite place in Syracuse, Recess Coffee, makes the best coffee in Syracuse. Plus, it's an amazing place to study, hang out, or just read a book.
8. Attend the New York State Fair.
Between the people watching, food, noise, and the overpowering smell of livestock and deep fryers, the fair may seem a little overwhelming. Have no fear, free concerts, amazing food, and mediocre midway rides make it a must-do for all who want to be a local--or, at least, seem like one!
9. Check out Destiny U.S.A.
If you are from Syracuse then you have mixed feelings about Destiny USA, which was supposed to have swimming with dolphins and a giant sun dome. Many locals still refer to it by it's original name, Carousel Mall. Not to mention that shopping and parking there is a nightmare, with the large influx of crowds that seem to magically appear at the oddest times of the year. But, as the biggest mall around with tons of entertainment options and some of the best restaurants in Syracuse, it's definitely worth a visit!
10. Walk around Armory Square.
With a ton of cool shops and the MOST, Armory Square is pretty awesome. It's also the place where most of my friends want an apartment because of its urban feel with a tie to the suburban life that many of them grew up in.
11. Visit Marshall street.
There's so much food. With Varsity Pizza, Bubble Tea, Bleu Monkey Sushi, and Funk n' Waffles, Marshall street has every kind of food that you could possibly want--all of which is conveniently located by Syracuse University!
12. Shop at Wegmans.
It may have started in Rochester, but most people in Syracuse are die-hard fans of Wegmans. It's got a cafe, food to take-out, and every food that you could possibly imagine.
13. See Lights on the Lake.
Imagine the biggest Christmas fanatic had access to thousands of dollars and miles of road. That's pretty many Lights on the Lake. Whether you're driving through or walking your dog, it's a long-standing Christmas tradition for everyone in Syracuse. Thanks, Wegmans!
14. Explore the parks.
Syracuse has some amazing parks including Beaver Lake, Green Lakes, and the Onondaga Lake Park. Whether you are running, skateboarding, or just want to throw around a Frisbee, you can find just about every kind of outdoor activity at one of these parks.
15. Visit Tipperary Hill.
This one may seem strange, but it has a lot of Syracuse history. Long story short, the Irish community in Syracuse didn't want the green light on the bottom, so they wrecked the light until the city changed it. Go to the top of Tipperary Hill today and you'll see that the light is still on the top of the street light. Plus, it has one of the most fun runs in Syracuse!
