SYRACUSE TRIP FLASHBACK

“Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.” -Peter Hoeg Have you ever visited a place and had a feeling that it was exactly where you belonged? It happened to me years ago when I first visited the campus of Syracuse University in New York State. I had a picture of what college would look like in my mind. Big buildings with ivy growing up the sides but also elements of city life to keep me entertained. When my dad and I were touring the campus in the late nineties, I knew I had found the place where I'd spend the next four years of my life. 

Surprisingly, I have only been back to campus a handful of times since graduating in 2000. Most recently, I had the chance to spend a weekend in Syracuse with other Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms. From the moment I exited the Thruway, feelings of nostalgia came rushing back. I immediately drove around campus passing the academic buildings with their mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, my old sorority house, and off-campus apartment. I was filled with the familiar buzz, that hustle and bustle of a busy college town. I couldn't help but notice all of the changes that were happening around me. Improvements were being made to sidewalks and streets. More dorms and academic buildings were going up. 

Some of my old favorite establishments on the popular Marshall Street area of the University weren't there anymore but I was happy to see one of the late-night sandwich shops still in operation and grabbed a bite to eat. I also fit the stereotypical alum that can't go home without stocking up on Orange gear! Thanks, Manny's! Finally, after waving goodbye to the Newhouse School buildings, I said a prayer that my son will want to go to college here. Then, I made the short ride downtown to check-in and meet my group for the organized part of my adventure. 

STAY

Our accommodations were at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel right in the heart of historic downtown Syracuse at Armory Square. I couldn't wait to stay in this gem of an area for the weekend. I was going to be within walking distance of my favorite shops, restaurants and bars from college! The hotel was built in 1927 and features 60 luxury suites. There is only a small parking lot so instead of circling around the city searching for a parking spot, I opted to utilize the valet parking service. After getting my room assignment from the friendly front desk staff, I headed up the elevator to find my well-appointed room. It featured a large desk space, living room, kitchen and a big walk-in bathroom, and my favorite when traveling, a comfortable bed. 

EXPLORE & DINE

We were treated to refreshingly strong iced coffees at Cafe Kubal and began a guided walking tour of the city that included the historic Landmark Theatre, stops at the Onondaga Historical Association, Erie Canal Museum and my favorite, The MOST - a museum of science and technology. This museum is a destination that I want to revisit with my son. It's perfect for children as there are a ton of interactive permanent exhibits where they can touch, learn and play. There is also a 60-foot, domed, IMAX theater! I think adults will be impressed with the displays at Toothpick World, so don't miss it. 

In fact, make sure to do a walking tour of downtown Syracuse! It was a highlight for me as I was able to hear about the city's past and the factors that made it a gateway to western New York. It was also magnificent to "look up" and see the interesting elements of buildings that I'd just passed by during my college years. The city even features a Sampling Syracuse Food Tour that will take you to award-winning restaurants and spots that have been featured on The Food Network. 

We enjoyed a few. Funk 'N Waffles, a diner-style joint that serves the most creative waffle combos I've ever had. Modern Malt, a mix of indoor and outdoor dining table options so you can play a game of Corn Hole, sip strong coffee, and order a few dishes to share with your family. Don't miss having dinner downtown across the street from the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que at Apizza Regionale. I had numerous meals at the "Dino" in college and was excited to learn that Apizza was the brainchild of the founder. My group savored the creative cocktails and unique appetizers. We shared several yummy wood-fired pizzas and loved the ambiance Apizza offered. 

GET OUTSIDE

It was a good thing that Syracuse has a bunch of outdoor spots to explore. I needed to walk off all the food and drink I'd been consuming. We went to Green Lakes State Park, a spot I remember having picnics at in college during final exams and before returning home for the summer. It was nice to be back in the serene area around the lake. The water is truly an unusual blue-green color. There is a playground, a beach, spots to boat and fish and even camp, making it perfect for family time.

We also had the chance to hike a small trail area of Clark's Reservation State Park. The park's natural features include woodland and meadow, a wetland and a glacial plunge basin lake in which the surface waters and bottom waters do not mix. There are five trails, a Nature Center and playground. I really got my heart rate up and a workout navigating the rugged and rocky trails.

If you love animals, the family-friendly Rosamond Gifford Zoo is another exciting spot to stretch your legs as they have more than 700 animals indoors and outdoors. The layout of the Zoo was fabulous and a great way to enjoy outside habitats and spend more time inside with other species and exhibits.

We also stopped at the 1911/Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard for cider doughnuts and spirits tastings. This place is gigantic with gorgeous with apple trees, a General Store, playground in the orchard, and an attractive tasting room. It was voted the Best Apple Orchard in the Country by USA Today in 2015.  

INDOOR FUN

Finally, a visit to the Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center, an Iroquois Indian Heritage Center, was a refreshing mix of history exhibits and short video clips as told through the lens of the Onondaga Nation. 

Rounding out our Syracuse trip was a few hours at Destiny USA. This is the much improved and widely expanded old Carousel Center Mall I knew in the 1990s. I remember taking the bus to come shopping here when I was in college. Back then, it was six floors of shopping paradise. Now, I couldn't get over all that had been done. It's built up with more attractions and renamed Destiny USA. We ate at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville because you really can't go wrong with a cheeseburger in paradise! We also used Destiny USA's Summer Fun Pass, a coupon book that allowed us to choose any four attractions including two Escape Rooms. So while there is still shopping with large anchor stores, there are now loads of places for adventures like a ropes course, laser tag, bowling, game rooms and go-carts. Good thing a hotel is coming on-site in the fall because this is a destination not to be missed for families!

A trip to Syracuse is like going home for me. It's familiar and comforting. This time was even better because I had the chance to experience the things I loved about my time there but I also discovered many new spots. My next visit will surely be this fall for a football game in the Carrier Dome with my husband and son to cheer on the Syracuse Orange. I'm going to make sure we make a weekend out of it instead of just a one-day trip.

Visit Syracuse (visitsyracuse.com) hosted the author for a weekend press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.