Syracuse, New York

Get around

Car

This is probably the best way to get around Syracuse especially if your going to places away from the downtown area, just make sure you have a map and pay attention to the street signs, there are some streets in the downtown area that go from being two way to one way and then back to two way depending on what part of them you are on, this is not always so easily denoted on a map.

On foot

You can walk to most of the destinations in downtown Syracuse from a parking lot or the Centro bus terminal.

Bicycle

Another alternative to driving is to get around Syracuse by bicycle, most of the downtown area is relatively flat but keep in mind that the University area has many steep hills and the residential areas surrounding downtown have quite a few hills as well. What some people will do is catch a ride on the bus downtown, placing their bike on the bike rack on the front of the bus and then use their bike once they reach downtown thus avoiding the steep hills.

Centro

While taking a little longer than driving in a car the Centro Bus System does provide a fair alternative to most locations in and around Syracuse, it usually costs $1USD with the exception of a few routes where it is $1.25 or $1.50, if you have to transfer to another bus to get to your destination be sure to ask the bus driver for a transfer card so that you don't get stuck paying double fairs for the same trip. In addition there is also a 30 Day Unlimited Ride Pass and Centro Debit Card as alternatives to the cash fare. There are also discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children. The buses are accessible to people with disabilities and the bus drivers are instructed to let a person with a physical disability on before letting other passengers on.

OnTrack

A rail transport that makes stops at the Regional Transit Center, Carousel Mall, Armory Square in Downtown, Syracuse University, and Colvin Street. It also makes express trips from Armory Square, where extra parking is located in the Trolley Lot, to Syracuse University for special events held at the University, usually games held at the Carrier Dome. This costs a little more than the bus but is a more direct route; you don't have to deal with stops along the way.

Call a Taxi

There are several taxi services listed in the Syracuse phone book that you can choose from. It will usually take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for a taxi to come pick you up but it can be useful if you missed the last bus of the day. At the airport there is usually no wait, as there is a well-frequented taxi stand at the end of Terminal A.

See

Up-to-date information about the happenings in Syracuse can most easily be found in the Syracuse New Times, available for free at bars or coffee shops.

• Everson Museum,, 401 Harrison St., +1 315 474-6064.
• Erie Canal Museum 318 Erie Boulevard East, +1 315 471-0593.
• Museum of Science and Technology, 500 South Franklin St., +1 315 425-9068.
• Green Lakes, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, +1 315 637-6111.
• Erie Canal Trail, +1 585 234-7708.
• Beaver Lake, 8477 East Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville, +1 315 638-2519.
• Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Dr., Liverpool, +1 315 453-6712.
• Oneida Lake
• Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., +1 315 443-2121, or toll free +1 888 366-3849, (lacrosse, soccer, basketball and football for Syracuse University).

Do

Entertainment

• The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, 411 Montgomery St., Suite 40, +1 315 424-8222.
• Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee St., Administration: +1 315 443-4008, Box Office: +1 315 443-3275.
• The Redhouse, 201 South West St., +1 315 425-0405.

Festivals

Syracuse has gained the nickname "the City of Festivals" for good reason. There are numerous festivals year round. The following are just a few of the festivals that are held in and around the City of Syracuse:

• Latin American Festival
• The Guinness Irish Festival
• La Festa Italiana
• The Great Syracuse Oktoberfest
• M&T Jazz Fest at OCC Originally hosted in Downtown Syracuse in Hanover Square and Clinton Square, it moved to the Onondaga Community College campus when Clinton Square was renovated and has stayed there ever since.
• Jazz in the Square This jazz festival is seen as a downtown replacement for the M&T Jazz Fest which had moved to the Onondaga Community College campus.
• New York State Blues Fest
• The Syracuse Nationals Car Show Claiming to be one of the largest car shows on the East Coast, this massive car show held at the New York State Fairgrounds features thousands of antique cars, hot rods, motorcycles, race cars and just about anything else with wheels and a motor. Common events held each year are the tractor pull, burnout competitions and music concerts.
• The Great New York State Fair A large scale fair with many events including music concerts, art exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, a butter sculpture, and demonstration booths for everything from honey bees to hand tooled wood work.
• Taste of Syracuse A festival with several streets of booths containing samples of menu items from the variety of Restaurants in the Syracuse Area.
• Downtown Farmers' Market
• Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival

Learn

• Syracuse University (SU), Syracuse University, Syracuse, +1 315 443-1870.
• LeMoyne, 1419 Salt Springs Rd., +1 315 445-4100.
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), 1 Forestry Dr., +1 315 470-6500.
• Onondaga Community College (OCC), 4941 Onondaga Rd., +1 315 498-2622.
• Cazenovia College, 22 Sullivan St., Cazenovia, +1 800 654-3210.

Buy

Camera Supplies

• Hendrick's Photo Supply, 221 Walton St., +1 315 475-0141.
• Ra-Lin's, 625 Burnet Ave., +1 315 472-7872.

Souvenirs, Gifts, Novelties

• Balloons Over Syracuse, 441 S Salina St., Bx 350, +1 315 425-1962.
• Enchanted Bazaar, 118 W Jefferson St., +1 315 426-0650.
• Way Off the Beaten Path, 136 Walton St., +1 315 701-5950.

Shopping Areas and Malls

• Armory Square, Franklin St., Walton St., Clinton St., A collection of shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown Syracuse near the Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST).
• Carousel Center, 9090 Carousel Center Dr., +1 315 466-7000, The largest shopping mall in the Central New York Area, it's name comes from the restored fully functional carousel that is it's center piece in the food court. Has department stores, restaurants, arcades, and movie theaters.
• Great Northern Mall, 4155 Route 31, Clay, +1 315 622-4449, Has department stores, restaurants, arcade, and movie theaters.
• Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Boulevard East, Dewitt, +1 315 446-9159, Has department stores, restaurants, arcade, and movie theaters.

Eat

• Doc's Little Gem Diner, 832 Spencer St., +1 315 422-1686. A classic streamline design 24 hour diner, there literally is no key for the door, this establishment prides itself on never closing. This is a popular place for people looking for an inexpensive late night meal.
• Dinosaur Barbeque, 246 W. Willow St., +1 315 476-1662. Where it all started, this is the original Dinosaur Barbeque restaurant. This restaurant is famous for their BBQ sauce and pulled pork sandwiches. Despite its popularity this restaurant has still managed to maintain a certain small time charm. This is also a popular place for Blues concerts.
• Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub, 100 South Lowell Ave. +1 315 476-1933. Priding it's self as an authentic Irish pub there is a leprechaun door next to the regular door. It holds an appeal for all ages. This place has a full menu as well as a bar. It is known for it's participation in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. If you are in Syracuse on St. Patrick’s Day be sure to come here and try the green beer. It is located in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood near the only inverted street light in the country with the green light at the top and red at the bottom.
• Syracuse Suds Factory, 320 S. Clinton St. +1 315 471-AALE [2253]. Established in 1991 this well known micro-brewery and restaurant has several micro-brews but also an extensive list of other beers and a full dinner menu. Be on the lookout for live entertainment at this popular venue.
• Robbie T's Pizza, 4625 North St., Jamesville, +1 315 469-3171.
• Lemon Grass, West Jefferson St on Armory Square. Great Thai food in a formal but not snubbish atmosphere. Phad Thai is fantashic as is the Green Curry.
• Pastabilities, South Franklin St. Nice and original Italian food, great wine list and friendly service. Can be a bit exprensive but worth every cent.

Drink

Syracuse has two major nightlife districts. The largest is Armory Square downtown, followed by Marshall Street on University Hill.

• The Stoop, 311 W Fayette St. +1 315 478-7878.
• MacGregor's, 253 E Water St. +1 315 425-7740.
• Blue Tusk, 165 Walton St. +1 315 472-1934.
• Clark's Ale House, 122 W. Jefferson St. +1 315 479-9859.
• Faegan's Cafe & Pub, 734 S. Crouse Ave. +1 315 472-4721 A common hangout place for students at Syracuse University, usually not quite as hectic as some of the other bars near campus, this place has more of a relaxed sit down atmosphere.

Sleep

Downtown

• Hawthorn Suites Syracuse, 416 South Clinton Street, Tel: +1 315 425-0500. Currently the only hotel in Downtown Syracuse, located in the Armory Square retail district. Very nice rooms and was recently named best Hawthorn in America.
• HI - Downing International Hostel, 535 Oak Street, +1 315 472-5788. Beds start at $14 per night.

University Hill

The University Hill neighborhood is directly adjacent to Downtown Syracuse and is home to Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY College of Environmental Studies and Forestry.

• Renaissance Syracuse Hotel, 701 E Genesee Street, +1 315 479-7000. Barely outside of Downtown Syracuse, within eight blocks of Syracuse University and Armory Square.
• Genseee Grande Hotel, 1060 E Genesee Street, +1 315 476-4212. Within walking distance to/from the university.
• Parkview Hotel, 713 E Genesee Street, +1 315 701-2600. Barely outside of Downtown Syracuse, within eight blocks of Syracuse University and Armory Square.
• Sheraton University Hotel & Conference Center, 801 University Avenue +1 315 475-3000. Adjacent to Syracuse University and the Marshall Street retail district. Owned and operated by the university.

Suburbs

Dozens of hotels are located near Carrier Circle in DeWitt, directly accessible from the New York State Thruway's Exit 35, and fifteen-minute drive to/from Downtown Syracuse during non-peak hours.

• Skaneateles Suites 315-685-7568 Collection of Places to Stay in Skaneateles, 20 minutes SW of the City
• Wyndham Syracuse Hotel, 6301 State Route 298, +1 315 432-0200, Fax: +1 315 433-1210. Close to the majestic Finger Lakes Region and convenient to downtown Syracuse, the Wyndham Syracuse Hotel is the perfect place to stay in central New York state.
• Best Western Fairgrounds, 670 State Fair Boulevard, +1 315 484-0044, Fax: +1 315 484-0045.
• Candlewood Suites, 6550 Baptist Way, +1 315 432-1684.
• Candlewood Suites, 5414 South Bay Road, +1 315 454-8999.
• Holiday Inn, Farrell Rd At I-90 & I-690, +1 315 457-8700.
• Residence Inn Syracuse, 6420 Yorktown Circle, +1 315 432-4488, Fax: +1 315 432-1042.