Update 06/12/22: This is an archived post published June of 2017, as an update for the original Top 10 Things You Must Do in Syracuse (an insider’s guide) (original page here). Since it’s posting some of the businesses have closed (We miss you Blue Tusk! and others). A new list will be published in 2022 (new list to reflect our updated, now 40-something, health & wellness focused lifestyles lol)
We love Syracuse, NY and we love to help other people, be they visitors or transplants, to love it too.
As with our previous list this list is designed to be the insider’s guide – or a complete list of those things that you might not have discovered unless you live here. It contains specific activities, foods, places, or things that you just have to do when you visit Syracuse.
PLEASE NOTE – The determining factor for the items that made the list is uniqueness. If something was great, but could be done anywhere, we probably left it off the list. (ie – “Dance at Fuel” although fun, can be done pretty much anywhere). Also – I didn’t get into the myriad of Syracuse fests (ie. Taste of Syracuse, Syracuse Nationals, Irishfest, Jazzfest, etc), which may be the next top 10 list.
Alright, without further ado, here is the list…
Top 10 things you MUST do in Syracuse, NY (Updated)
10. Order a Beef & Stilton sandwich w/ a 3 Philosophers at the Blue Tusk
There’s some culture for you – whether you like it or not! This item will practically turn your shirt orange within minutes, (and your face red!). The sandwich is a Roast Beef & Stilton cheese (a bleu cheese variety), it is slightly on the spicy side. Take in the surroundings, the atmosphere, the people, and the ridiculous selection of beers the Blue Tusk has to offer. If you’re a beer lover, be adventurous! Get something from the cask! You’ll automatically earn Jesse‘s respect. Also, when there, try some locally brewed Middle Ages beer.
9. See West OClare play at either Colemans or Kitty Hoynes
Basically step out of your life, and into an old Irish village; complete with singing, dancing, and the closeness you can only get from a sm
all, close-knit group. For some reason, everyone that sees WestO’Clare has an amazing time, there’s something so original, so
old country about it, that you can’t help but gather your Irish draw, and sing “..and her eyes shown like diamonds, you’d think she was queen of the land..AND SHE WAS!!” on the way home.
Grab a Blarney Burger while on Tipp Hill, at $4.75 you’ll wonder what magic they weave to make such a delicious deal.
8. Go to a Cuse basketball game at the dome, preferably during the NCAA Tournament.
If you’ve ever been to Syracuse, you know that this town eats, sleeps, and breaths Syracuse sports. The town lives for it, and we have one heck of a venue (the Dome) for it. Prebar anywhere on the SU Hill, paint your face orange, take a walk on Marshall street. Once inside, you must get a ‘dome dog’, something about getting a hot dog wrapped in tin foil that makes it so appealing – why is that??
7. Try a local brew and some grub from a food truck
The craft brewing and food truck scenes have exploded in recent years in Syracuse. Head to Local 315 Brewing on a day when Toss n Fire Pizza is there. Kill two birds with one stone and pet goats while you are at it. Get the Salt Potato pizza and Don’t Fear the Dark Stout.
6. Attend the annual 3-mile bay Pig Roast (last weekend in June)
Every year some guy(s) set up a floating spit on the water, and girls/guys come on their boats, jetskis, (even canoes), from all over Oneida Lake to take part. It’s basically an all-day event, and you’re free to pull up, blast your music, and get some sun.
5. Go for a short drive and enjoy some fine dining
The Horned Dorset and The Krebs. The Horned Dorset in Leonardsville serves a blend of traditional French Cuisine with a contemporary twist using produce grown in the restaurant’s own organic gardens. The Krebs in Skaneatles is a farm to fork restaurant with a conscience, they donate all net proceeds to various CNY women and children’s charities. Both restaurants will blow you away with the quality of their service and food. Try not think about the cost- they rival any experience in a larger city and it’s worth it for a special occasion.
4. Order some ribs, chili, and a beer at the Dinosaur Barbecue
No Syracuse list would be complete without a shout out to the Dino. Without a doubt the best BBQ, (arguably the most signature restaurant in Syracuse), as well as an unparalleled Biker/Blues scene. Make sure to pile on the slatherin’ sauce!
3. Visit Buttermilk Falls during the summertime, stop at the Books barn on the way
This one is 3 fold: 1) Visit Buttermilk falls, & explore the trails surrounding the falls 2) Stop at the “Books” barn (a red barn somewhere on route 13 that reads “Books”) 3) Get a relaxing dinner anywhere outside in the Ithaca Commons area. First the falls literally look like buttermilk, and you can swim at the base! It’s an incredible paradise as well as the miles of trail that you can walk around the falls (which may be close to some hidden gorges not on the map, hint hint). The Books barn is just something you have to see to believe, it’s an old barn that has basically been converted to a huge archive of books, and literature. Last, if you’ve ever been to downtown Vermont, you may have an idea of what to expect. It’s got that escape back to the 60’s feel to it, and wherever you are, you’re never far from beautiful landscape, and breathtaking gorges.
2. Do the Cayuga Wine Trail
One of the absolute best, (and most fun) things you can do in NY is visit the Cayuga Wine Trail in the summer. The drive is spectacular in the summer heat, with the windows down (please don’t drink and drive obv). It’s a vacation right in NY; tasting little shots of differing wines, maybe buying a bottle, taking in the history and life of the area that went into the wine, and not to mention meeting new people! In the beginning, everyone’s shy and polite, but by the 5th or 6th vineyard, and 4th time running into that elderly couple from Cazenovia, you’ll be singing the Three’s Company theme song and high-fiving. I’ve heard it’s great with a group (renting a limo or finding a friend who doesn’t drink, good luck I’ve been looking for that guy for 5 years), and it’s especially amazing with someone you love. If I had to choose a favorite, I would recommend a riesling, probably the one from Cayuga Ridge. Or try one of the wines made from the Cayuga White Grape which was cultivated for the region, Lucas Vineyards makes one of the best.
Stop in Auburn on your way back to Syracuse for some locally roasted coffee from at the Simple Roast Drive-Thru
1. In the summer, order Emilys Chicken, sitting on the patio at Harpoon Eddies at sunset
Actual photo, taken by me on 9/16/17:
It’s not necessary that you do all those things, but something about the combination of the delicious food, the sun setting right in your lap, the sand, volleyball players, warm breeze, and soft music just lifts your cares right away. Also – if you’re with friends get a bucket of coronas! (Disclaimer – This may or may not result in an unplanned trip to Montreal)
Honorable Mention
It was near impossible to widdle it down to 10, so some of these -arguably- should be in the top 10. In no particular order:
Sing Karaoke at Singers in Solvay
Keyword being ‘sing’, if you’re gonna go, you got to sing.
Run, rollerblade, or bike around Onondaga Lake Parkway
Despite the slight pollution level, somehow it is still a beautiful spot to run, and work out. It’s well maintained, and there is usually a lot of ‘good scenery’ there as well to enjoy. There’s also a volleyball court there, and skate park for those with insurance.
Wine Slushy @ the NYS Fair
There’s around 9 billion things to do at the fair, you’ll honestly not run out of things to check out. The butter sculpture is worth a look, definitely get a wine slushy and take a mini-wine tour in the wine tent(s), then later take a nap on the massage pillows in the Center of Progress building, the guy working there loves it when you do that. Also, I’m told to try the Gianelli Sausage at their stand, then commence the “You’re Abe Froman? The sausage king of Chicago?” jokes.
Breakfast – Frittata @ Mothers Cupboard
It’s kind of like a garbage plate at Nick Tahoe‘s there in Rochester. They used to post your pic if finish it. I’ve heard rumors of people using entire bottles of ketchup in the process, one word: awesome.
Finger Lakes Drive-In
Classic drive-in, pull up, tune in your car’s radio to the station – it’s like $6 for a car for 2-3 movies.
Riley’s on St. Paddys Day for Corned Beef and Cabbage
Riley’s is located on the north side (map), and features authentic Irish music, food, and atmosphere every St Patrick’s day. Riley’s is also noted for it’s annual “Testicle Festival”. There’s nothing quite as surprising as when taking a client out to lunch and the Testicle Festival is going on.
Did We Miss Any??
Post anything we missed in the comments below…
