Finding Fun in Syracuse, N.Y.

If you attend Le Moyne College, you’ll be lucky enough to find yourself in the rich, diverse, busy community of Syracuse, NY. Chances are, you’ll have a day where you want to be anywhere but on campus…Can’t think of what to do? No problem, this list can help you out.

Seasonal Activities

The New York State Fair

The New York State Fair is only a 15 minute drive from campus and occurs during the warmest Syracuse weather you’ll experience while at school. There is TONS to do at the fair; free concerts at Chevy Court, butter sculptures to view, fair rides and games, chocolate milk and soft-serve maple ice cream and every food you could possibly think of down the main fairway.

Green Lakes State Park

If you’re looking for a way to work off all that stress about your Philosophy essay (or looking for a way to relax and pretend that Philosophy essay doesn’t exist) you can head out to Green Lakes to get a break from campus. Hiking trails, a picnic area, a beach and a wading area are all available to you here.

Clark Reservation State Park

Similar to Green Lakes, Clark Reservation has beautiful hiking trails woven throughout the woods and around a beautiful glacial lake. In addition to hiking, there are opportunities for fishing and bird-watching.

Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards

Beak and Skiff is the #1 apple orchard in the country, according to a USA Today poll. Up on Apple Hill you can take a wagon ride to pick your own apples, visit the Country Store and Bake Shop for some warm apple cider donuts, pop over to the apple barn to see what they have available for purchase, or try ciders and wines at their tasting room (for the 21 and up crowd of course).

Ice-skating at Clinton Square

Beginning in the last week of November, the city opens their outdoor ice-rink downtown. The rink is open until the beginning of March. Admission is fairly cheap, and you can rent skates right there. During the holiday season, you can attend the annual Christmas tree-lighting next to the rink.

Year-Round Activities

Westcott and the Westcott Street Cultural Fair
Westcott Neighborhood, with their motto “Keep Westcott Weird”, is a diverse community with a love for arts and culture. If you visit Wescott, be sure to stop by Recess Coffee for a Nutella latte, or head to Alto Cinco for a burrito. Check out the annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair for unique art, food, and live performances and cultural activities. The neighborhood is also home to the Westcott Theatre, a cinema-style concert and performing arts venue where you can catch cool shows.

Armory Square

Located in downtown Syracuse, Armory Square is filled with shops, restaraunts, bars and pubs, and cafe?s. Also located in Armory Square is the Landmark Theatre, where you can see big shows like Wicked, and the Museum of Science & Technology, which has an IMAX theatre that showcases incredible scientific movies.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

While you’d expect a trip to the zoo to be a seasonal activity, Syracuse’s zoo is actually open all year. 60% of the exhibits are located inside, so it’s possible to stay warm during a winter trip. Located at Burnet Park, the zoo is about a 15 minute drive from Le Moyne. It has more than 700 animals and offers tours, special events and animal demos throughout the year.

Marshall Street

Located on University Hill, Marshall Street is the quintessential college-town street. The area is home to Varsity Pizza, the original Funk ‘n Waffles, Insomnia Cookies, cool places to shop and more.

Destiny USA

Formally known as Carousel Center, Destiny is the sixth largest shopping center in the nation. The mall has over 250 stores and places for shopping, dining and entertainment; including a Regal and IMAX theatre, lazer tag, and the Wonderworks interactive amusement center. Check out the mall’s website for special offers and visitor packages.

Everson Museum of Art

The Everson is located in downtown Syracuse across from the War Memorial. In addition to awesome art exhibits, the Everson holds special film events, talks and lectures, public tours, art trips, and community events.

Oncenter War Memorial Arena

The Oncenter holds various concerts, performances, conventions and trade shows every year. You can also catch a Syracuse Crunch hockey game or Syracuse Silver Knights indoor soccer game here.

Annual Cultural Events

Syracuse offers so many cultural and ethnic festivals; however, these often take place in the summer months (June-August). Be sure to check local news to find any new cultural or artistic events that may take place while you’re at school. Below is a list of cultural events that take place every year during school months.

Irish Festival- September
Festa Italiana- September
Jewish Music & Cultural Festival- September
Westcott Street Cultural Fair- September
Syracuse Film Festival- October
St. Patrick’s Parade- March