Syracuse’s domed stadiums, luxury shopping districts and centuries of architecture present the perfect combination for an adventure off the beaten track.
An architectural tour
The rise of New York City throughout the centuries was, architecturally speaking, a success for neighbouring towns and cities – and elegant Syracuse is no exception. Head downtown to Montgomery Street to see some of the most ornate architecture, including St Paul’s Syracuse and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Next on the list is the spectacular Niagara Mohawk Building. This Cathedral of Light is on the National Register of Historic Places – an Art Deco masterpiece designed as the headquarters of the country’s largest electrical company in 1932. Uniquely placed windows and exterior lighting elements created one of the most iconic symbols of the Electrical Age.
One of the more unusual points of interest is an upside-down traffic light, borne out of a dispute from the local Irish population who thought the red light stood for British preference. Since 1925, the reversed traffic signal has stood as an unconventional symbol of local rebellion.
Onondaga Creekwalk
The winding, narrow waters of the Onondaga Creek are a great place to take an afternoon stroll. Not only does this relaxing route take you along the harbourside and up to the charms of Lookout Point, but it also takes you through many top Syracuse attractions.
Start at the Museum of Science and Technology, where you’ll find a state-of-the-art IMAX Theatre and a wealth of exhibits dedicated to scientific feats like the Hubble Space Telescope.
In the downtown hub near Armory Square, you’ll find a collection of international eateries and two important theatres: the Red House Arts Centre and Landmark Theatre, which welcome performing artists from all over the world to tread the boards.
Continue along the trail for another magnificent view of the Niagara Mohawk Building, and check out the story of local development throughout the ages at the Erie Canal Museum.
You’ll see floral wonder at Franklin Square Park, all before you reach the natural beauty of the Inner Harbor Creekwalk. Even in the depths of winter, you’ll see rain gardens created as colourful havens for the local wildlife.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
This popular family attraction is home to more than 700 animals from 275 unique species. The cave-themed USS Antiquities exhibition houses reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates.
Here you can learn about how life forms have changed through the millennia, or see the only giant Pacific octopus in New York State. The Mammalian collections include all the zoo favourites – Amur tigers, Siamang apes and even the snow leopard. Learn about the animals and conservation programs taking place at the zoo, and how you can do your part for preservation in everyday life.
Destiny USA
Shopping is integral to all great New York trips – and Syracuse is home to the state’s largest retail and entertainment complex, so sprawling it needs its own postal code.
Here, you can explore four floors of stores dedicated to great retail and designer brands, before taking a spin on the go-kart racing track and yuk it up at a comedy club. An iconic carousel frames the exterior, and the centre offers valet parking so you can arrive in style.
Visit the Finger Lakes
Syracuse’s scenic lake is a magnet for travellers looking for impressive views – especially during the fall. For hiking and swimming, look no further than the Finger Lakes region.
Here, national forests are punctuated by 11 long, narrow lakes. Take a boat on to the calm waters, and relax on the lake while you cast for rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.
This is the luxurious side of local nature, where crisp air and tranquil views meet top museums, aerial plane tours and even Casino and racing resorts.
Find your place in the northern lakes of the USA when you rent a car in Syracuse.
