If you love to support local, small businesses, then the Central New York Welcome Center is the spot for you. The welcome center, located in Destiny USA on the 2nd level of the canyon is home to products with authentic stories. While shopping, you can explore New York State through I Love NY kiosks with attractions to build an itinerary, trivia to test your New York knowledge, events, and more. There are kayaks and an airstream camper with LED screens that show NY travel inspiration!
Curious about what else you can discover at the CNY Welcome Center? Here are 4 reasons to stop by:
I Love New York Merch
Did you know the CNY Welcome Center is the only place to purchase I Love New York branded products throughout Syracuse, NY, and Onondaga County? The welcome center carries I Love New York T-shirts, magnets, travel mugs, teddy bears, and more. Talk about the perfect gift to give your loved ones after your amazing trip to the Empire State.
Bonus! They even sell plush sloths, which is the perfect gift if you're heading to Little Ray's Nature Center, opening up next to the welcome center!
Sweets and Treats
Who doesn’t love sweets while traveling? At the Welcome Center, you can expect to find a variety of delicious confections to purchase. Enjoy Upstate NY options including chocolate pizza, peanut butter sparklers, or wings from Chocolate Pizza Company, Winosaur gummies from Saucy Confections, and chocolate-covered pretzels from Speach Family Candy Shoppe, a business that’s been around in Syracuse since 1920. Get your New York Maple fix from Dutch Hill Maple's Syrup, Maple Spread, Granulated Maple Sugar or Seasoning, and Merle Maple's Syrup or Pure Maple Syrup candies.
Looking for something a little more savory? Nat's Nuts are a customer favorite! Try Maple Bourbon Almonds, Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans, or other fun flavors. Hofmann's, who makes our local hot dogs, offers Hunter Sticks for a great grab-and-go snack!
Spices & Sauces
Stock your pantry with locally made food products that add a dash of 'Cuse to your dish. Check out artisan salt blends from Syracuse Salt Co., or see how much heat you can handle with Hot stuff hot sauces – including Chihuahua, Holla-peño, Jab-anero, Guava Ghost. Looking to spice up dishes or find a gift for your favorite cook? Grab a Fat Crow Gourmet spicy mustard or Maple Chipotle sauce or a 2 Happy Hippies Italian Spice or All-Purpose Blend. Have a sweet tooth? The Ardent Homesteader's Cara-Sel Salted Caramel Sauce is perfect for ice cream, brownies, and more!
Home & Self-Care
Remember your trip by taking home a BeeKind Finger Lakes candle – a delicate scent that reminds you of a blend of the finger lakes wine in a jar. Pamper yourself with an artisan bar of soap, hand soap, or body butter from Syracuse Soapworks. When you are done shopping and exploring the Welcome Center, make sure to purchase a Visit Syracuse hat or t-shirt to complete your trip. Pick up a FREE Visit Syracuse Guide while you're there too!
Whether you are a local 315-er or in the Salt City for a visit, the CNY Welcome Center is excited for you to stop by and say hi. Snap a photo by the I Love NY sign, and tag @cnywelcomecenter or #cnywelcome for a chance to be featured on their social media
