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Top 13 Things to Do in Syracuse According to ESF Students
ICYMI, Syracuse was ranked as one of the Top 10 cities in the United States that Gen
Z is moving to! We asked ESF students what their favorite activities were in the City
of Syracuse. All of these spots are just a short ride away from campus.
Top 13 Downtown Spots
13. Pastabilities
This popular downtown Syracuse restaurant is home to awesome options for pasta lovers.
If you visit, be sure to try their famous Hot Tomato Oil! Fun fact: One of the creators
of Hot Tomato Oil is Steve Morrison, ESF’s Food and Beverage Manager for Trailhead
and Moon Café.
12. Ice Skating in Clinton Square
A favorite winter activity for college students and community members alike is ice
skating in Clinton Square. Skate rentals are available on site!
11. Panchito’s Taqueria
With locations on Syracuse’s West- and Northside, Panchito’s offers a wide variety
of Mexican food options that will hit the spot for both lunch and dinner. Plus, they
deliver!
10. The Downtown Farmer’s Market
In the mood for a lunchtime stroll through Syracuse? The Downtown Farmer’s Market
in Clinton Square is home fresh fruits and veggies, food trucks and boutique shopping
experiences.
9. Luna Cat Café
Feline fans rejoice! Luna Cat Café is just a short rideshare or walk from the ESF
campus. Have a nice hot beverage and hop into their cat room to enjoy some furry friends.
8. Landmark Theater
Take in a Broadway show, concert, or other musical performance at Syracuse’s historical
downtown theater.
7. Syracuse Antiques Exchange
Are you a big fan of thrifting? The Syracuse Antiques Exchange was called out by our
students for some of the best finds in Syracuse.
6. Parthenon Books
If your idea of an awesome day is reading a good book and sipping on some coffee,
then Parthenon Books is for you. You can even find a copy of the New York Times bestseller
Braiding Sweetgrass on their shelves, authored by ESF’s own Robin Wall Kimmerer.
5. Clark Reservation
Of all the nature sites to explore in Central New York, Clark Reservation stands out
from the crowd. The park includes cliffs carved from the last ice age, beautiful woodlands,
and tranquil meadows. To top it off, it’s one of the closest parks to the Syracuse
campus, making it a favorite among ESF students.
4. Wildflowers Armory
If you love shopping on Esty, then you’ll love Wildflowers Armory. Stop in for handcrafted
works made by location artisans and fun events.
3. The Salt City Market
Home to 10 food vendors, a cooperative market, and coffee shop, the Salt City Market
is all about cuisine and culture.
2. The CNY Regional Market
Who doesn’t love fresh fruits and veggies? The CNY Regional Market is one of New York
State’s largest farmer’s markets and boasts hundreds of local farmers. Our challenge
to new students: Create a meal with ingredients that can only be found at the market.
1. The Everson Museum of Art
Designed by the I.M. Pei, the same architect behind the Louvre Museum in France, the
Everson Museum features rotating installations from famous national artists and local
artists alike. They also have tons of programming that makes repeat visits worth your
while.
Explore more of what Syracuse has to offer on the Visit Syracuse website.
Six Bonus Activities for the Greater Central New York Area
6. Baltimore Woods
Just a short drive from Syracuse is the Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Visit for fun
programming or just a walk in the woods.
5. Onondaga Lake Park
Another quick ride from Syracuse is Onondaga Lake Park, whose main attraction is the
lake loop trail that extends for miles. It’s the perfect spot for walking, biking,
or roller skating.
4. Lime Hollow Nature Center
Located to the South of Syracuse in Cortland, the Lime Hollow Nature Center is home
to 13 miles of trails. It’s a good place for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
3. Beak and Skiff
Known for its summer concert series, huge apple picking fields, and warm apple fritters,
Beak and Skiff is where it’s at for Fall -- or any season in Syracuse.
2. Beaver Lake Nature Center
Home to a small lake and miles of hiking trails, Beaver Lake Nature Center is another
excellent place for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There’s also lots
of educational programming focused on the wildlife that calls this nature center home.
1. Green Lakes
In the case of Green Lakes, the name can be taken literally. The water appears green
because of the high levels of calcium carbonate that exist in the water. Coupled with
the lack of seasonal mixing in the lake, it’s one of the most scientifically studied
lakes in the country.
It's also a great place for a summer beach day, an outdoor hike, or winter snowshoeing.