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Things to see and do when you move to a place that’s winter 7 months out of the year
Sorry, that was the working title. The final title is…
Places you MUST see when you go to Syracuse:
1. Syracuse University.
I know, I know, I’m slightly bias considering I am an SU alum. But seriously, the university is gorgeous. And the area surrounding the university is definitely catered towards the university undergrads but I love it.
2. Marshall Street.
This is part of the area that surrounds the university. It is where you will find my favorite vegetarian restaurant, Syrajuice. They make the best burritos.
{image of Marshall Street courtesy of Syracuse University}
3. Syracuse Real Food Coop.
People have been asking me about my SRFC bumper sticker ever since I moved back to Ohio. I have to explain to them that it is the most awesome coop ever. I buy a lot of my groceries here.
4. Wegmans.
The other place I buy my groceries. SIGH. I miss vegan/organic food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (fyi, it does in Ohio).
5. Planet Fitness.
I honestly am not sure how I ever lived without Planet Fitness. It is the best gym ever. Only $19 a month for unlimited working out and tanning. Not to mention they have the Cybex Arc Trainer:
6. Dinosaur BBQ.
They are very well known and there is always a ridiculous wait, but the food is delish! My dad is from Memphis so I was brought up on BBQ. This place is worth the wait.
7. The Landmark Theater.
I have been there twice. Once to see Carlos Mencia (yay for free tickets!) and once to see Al Gore (love of my life. don’t judge). It is a beautiful venue.
8. Onondaga Lake.
While filthy and on a cleanup list, it is a gorgeous park with plenty of room to explore.
9. Phoenix Used and Rare Books.
My favorite used bookstore ever. It’s in a giant red barn in the middle of nowhere (on your way to Ithaca). It’s just beautiful. I can get lost in their for hours.
10. Skaneateles Lake.
Such a beautiful lake. I love hiking there and found a gorgeous waterfall at the end of my hike that I was able to swim under.
{photo courtesy of Skeneateles.com}
11. Carousel Mall.
I just miss the stores, k? 😛
12. Turning Stone Casino and Resort.
It’s just neat to see. I go and spend like $20 on the nickel slots and leave. It’s a gorgeous building.
13. Boom Babies.
Vintage clothing store on Westcott near the University. It is by far my favorite store of all time. I buy most of my clothes and accessories there. Love it!
14. China Road.
Absolutely the best vegetarian Sesame chicken EVER.
15. CNY Yoga Center.
While I have not yet practiced there, Emmy says it’s a great place. So I’ll check it out!
16. The Beginning II.
My favorite local bar. I was a member of their summer volleyball league. It is a blast.
17. MOST – Museum of Science and Technology.
It’s a cool place. And they have an IMAX theater.
18. Hanover Square.
They hold weekly block parties. It can be fun.
So if you’ve made it this far into the post, you MUST come visit me in Syracuse! 🙂
This is just the beginning of the awesomeness that can be found there. I’ll have to dedicate a whole other post to more places in the future.
I went up to West Point in January…that was an um interesting trip.
i've never been to syracuse but would love to visit some day. i have had dinosaur bbq in rochester and loved it! best ribs ever!!
Good list! I can't wait to see you and go some of these places again soon. I know I live here but I am kinda stuck between Work, Yoga, Planet Fitness & Wegmans! xoxo
I can see why you want to go back!!! Any place that holds weekly block parties is great with me. LOL!!! XOXO
I was this close to going to school in Syracuse, I fell in love with it when I visited. And $19 a month for gym? Amazing.
Oh, this is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I decided i will share with you what I've seen and will do on your list.
1. Syracuse University.
Been there. 😉 And will be there for the next 4 years of my life. PhD here I come.
2. Marshall Street.
Been there, but I'm a bit biased. I mean no insults to you or other SU alum…but it is only a block(ish). So sad! I'm biased b/c I went to Penn State for undergrad, and PSU's collegetown/downtown puts SU to shame. I am interested in Syrajuice. I am vegetarian and LOVE LOVE LOVE burritos! So helpful to know!!!
3. Syracuse Real Food Coop.
Haven't been, but definitely a must!
4. Wegmans.
LOVE! I have Wegmans near me (Princeton, NJ which isn't far from where I live now and back at PSU). I'm thrilled that there will be Wegmans still with me.
5. Planet Fitness.
Never been, but we have those here in PA. You should see if they have $10/mon deals. They do in PA.
6. Dinosaur BBQ.
Interesting, will keep in mind.
7. The Landmark Theater.
Haven't been, but I will keep an eye out for events.
8. Onondaga Lake.
Drove by it several times and did make a quickie stop at the Wegmans walk (or whatever they called it).
9. Phoenix Used and Rare Books.
Ok, another bias moment. Never will I go there again. I went there a few years ago (I go to Ithaca every year) and the place had the most foul smell. I thought something was dying inside, and whenever I drive by there I remember the stank! Hahah. Have you ever been to Book Barn near there? If not, check it out, same town. Also, check out Ithaca's book fairs if you haven't already.
10. Skaneateles Lake.
Yay!! I can't wait! I went waterfall swimming once in Ithaca and loved it! I must check this out.
11. Carousel Mall.
Took a quick run through and will of course go back.
12. Turning Stone Casino and Resort.
I saw a billboard for this place. Will keep it in mind.
13. Boom Babies.
Definitely will make an apperance there.
14. China Road.
I LOVE THIS! I was actually thinking last night, “I wonder if Syracuse has any good Chinese restaurants with vegetarian food”?
15. CNY Yoga Center.
I will definitely check out too, since I am on a mission to find a good studio and instructor.
16. The Beginning II.
A bar with a volley ball league…interesting.
17. MOST – Museum of Science and Technology.
My b/f will probably enjoy (me too!) as he is a science geek (me too!).
18. Hanover Square.
Will remember.
I go to a planet fitness too!
Sounds like a great place!
Sounds like a really fun place! I bet you're so excited to be going back there. I'm definitely putting it on my list of places to visit!
Awesome list!
Many many years ago, back in the days of My Past Version 1, his best friend went to school in Syracuse. We would roadtrip up there pretty often to visit. One year (1996? 97? maybe 98?) we were there when a tornado ripped through Syracuse. It was one street over from us & we had clue until we went outside the following morning! We just thought it was a really bad thunder storm!
If I ever make it to Syracuse, I imagine that I have trusty tour guide like yourself : )
Ive never even considered going there, but it sounds real nice!