Syracuse has the feel of a real place with real people, a good antidote for those who've felt they've spent a bit too much time in tourist-oriented ski resorts. The main activity around is shopping, having fun and spending the day as the locals do. There are not many facilities aimed especially at tourists.
It is an industrial city and one of the largest in the area. In the past it was called "Salt City", as it was the main producer of salt in the country. Now things have changed and the city is known for totally different things like being home to the National Champion Orangemen and to the largest mall in the U.S. called Destiny USA making it a perfect destination for shopaholics. The mall is located in the Carousel Center northeast of downtown and it is also an entertainment centre with a golf course, five-story rock-climbing wall and more.
Indeed, the city is not a touristy destination on its own it is seen more like a stopover for passers by. It is not much connected to nature either even if the Finger Lakes are close by. Tourists heading to the lakes still don’t miss the opportunity to stop for a few hours to visit the city.
The most visited part of the city is of course downtown with its beautifully renovated district called Armory Square. Here people come to have a stroll among old buildings that have become home for a number of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.
The city may not be as romantic as its fellow neighbours located near the lakes but walking on the downtown streets is quite a pleasant experience.
There are a few museums you can visit while you are in the city. One of them is the Museum of Science & Technology, a perfect destination for families as all its members are sure to find something to their taste. The interactive science exhibits and demonstrations are much appreciated not even speaking about the simulator rides which are the museum’s highlights. The museum’s location is also enchanting as it is in an old armory.
Another museum is the Erie Canal Museum that traces the 19th-century life along the canal. It might not reach up to the importance of the Museum of Science & Technology and it is less interesting but it is still worth a stop. Architecture lovers will surely find the building hosting the museum interesting just as they will find The Everson Museum of Art and the Niagara-Mohawk building, one of the finest in the city.
Among the other attractions especially for those into shopping is the Syracuse China Company’s factory. It is very popular in and outside the city for producing quality china. You can even buy some souvenirs. You can also buy some fine furniture at Stickley. But maybe best of all is the Columbus Baking Company. Everybody is invited to try the fresh, original recipe bread with no preservatives and the fact that it is baked in the traditional way makes it very special bread with a particular taste.
Nightlife entertainment has some popular spots; one of them is the Landmark Theatre that boasts some great concerts while the streets in Armory Square are filed with all kinds of bars, pubs and clubs that cater for every customer’s need of relaxation and having fun.
More entertainment awaits you if you happen to be in the city in the last 2 weeks of August. This is when the New York State Fair takes place boasting exhibitions, great musical performances and more. This period is when the city is most crowded as the event is very popular with the locals and not only.
Syracuse abounds with sights, sounds, and things to do. Whether you're a historian or just plain folk, the city is an enjoyable and relaxed place that's also remarkably well organized for visitors and should prove entertaining.
