Syracuse Story Ideas

Write on! Discover tons of travel-friendly article ideas to guide you through the greater Syracuse area. From shopping, dining and pampering to history, community revitalization, festivals, sports and more, there are endless stories to tell. Get inspired for your next article or blog post, starting here.

Shop ‘til you Drop

The largest shopping and entertainment complex in the state of New York, with 2.4 million square feet of luxury outlet tenants, shops, restaurants and entertainment, you’ll discover why Destiny USA was named one of the most popular shopping malls in America.

Sip on Syracuse

Discover the fascinating story behind the 11-foot-tall statue of the mythical patron of beers, now on display in the Syracuse Brewing History exhibit at Onondaga Historical Association. Savor the statue's connection to the Sip on Syracuse beer trail which consists of over 20 breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries.

Frolic with Friends

Award-winning spa treatments, bathrobe-clad lunches, luxury outlet shopping and a night on the town are just a few ways to customize a Syracuse Girls' Getaway. Indoor go-karting at speeds up to 45 miles-per-hour, a meal at the awarding-winning and original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and a journey along the "Sip on Syracuse" beer trail are just the beginning of a Guys' Retreat.

Local foods

There are some killer foods you just have to try in ‘Cuse. The Salt City is famous for our salt potatoes, which take on a whole new twist at Bull & Bear Roadhouse. And biting into a Hofmann hot dog or coney (a.k.a. snappy griller) at Heid’s is a rite of passage while visiting Syracuse. Equally famous is the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, voted Best Barbeque in America in ABC's "Good Morning America Weekend" poll, where you can try some of the best slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, fancy fried green tomatoes, chicken wings and the best mac & cheese you’ll ever taste. And be sure to travel the Upstate Eats Trail, which stops in Syracuse for a healthy dose of BBQ, salt potatoes, hot dogs, fried fish, chicken riggies and more. 

Skaneateles

Pronounced “Skinny-Atlas,” here you can explore why the rich and famous flock to this Finger Lakes Village. High-end spas, boutiques, restaurants, wineries, pubs and boating – there’s enough packed into this quaint lakeside village to fill your calendar for weeks.

Apple-picking on steroids

Fall time, family-friendly fun is fantastic in Syracuse. Apple-picking at Beak and Skiff Apple Farms, pumpkin patches galore, corn mazes, hay rides, Halloween activities and even spooky places to explore in Syracuse as part of the New York State Haunted History Trail. Plus, there's locally-made hard ciders, apple wines and vodka! Agritourism at its best-run and most fun.

Green Getaway

Did you know Syracuse has been coined "The Emerald City"? Enjoy eco-friendly tourism in Syracuse with an overnight at a LEED Platinum hotel (one of only a few in the entire country!), a farm to table meal at Eden in Hanover Square or one of the other dozens of restaurants sourcing their foods from local farms, and shop and play at Destiny USA, one of the largest LEED® Gold Certified CS Retail Commercial Buildings in the country.

Snow Celebrity

What does it take for Syracuse to consistently earn the prestigious Golden Snow Globe? Come during the holiday season to find out why visitors flock to the area for everything from Dicken’s Christmas in Skaneateles to the Menorah and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Clinton Square – complete with ice skating fun for the whole family, music, food and of course, the snow! Take in the fresh winter views and fresh powder at Labrador Mountain or Song Mountain Resort, then warm up by the fire at one of the many top-rated restaurants in the area offering hearthside cuisine.

Get Moving

Syracuse's reputation as an all-around spectacular sporting destination continues to grow. Hosts of the The Basketball Tournament (TBT), 2018 United States Bowling Conference Open Championships, 2022 & previous St. Croix Bassmaster Northern Opens, Senior Softball Northeast Regionals, Ironman 70.3, Iron Girl, Syracuse Nationals, East Coast Pro Showcase, and the NCAA® Division I basketball tournaments, just to name a few. Experience the elevated pulse of Syracuse's sports scene.

Historical Preservation

Buildings dating back to the 1800s and a renaissance within industrial sectors Downtown — Syracuse is experiencing an architectural revival throughout historic downtown districts Armory Square, Hanover Square, Franklin Square and the Inner Harbor. These revitalized, formerly abandoned warehouses, Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman, Tudor and Mission residences and structures are now all shaping the revitalized and thriving retail, residential and entertainment districts throughout the city.

Got milk?

Home to the Great New York State Fair, Syracuse serves up dairy galore for 13 days straight at The Fair. Take in the amazing sights and sounds while you try all the yummy treats in the Dairy Building, from ice cream to milkshakes, pastries and sweet treats from the Milky Bun Bar, cheeses, and chocolate milk at the Milk Bar. Grab a photo next to the famous Butter Sculpture, then venture out to explore the endless exhibits, concerts, games, rides, animals and incredible food from across the state.

Need speed? 

The Syracuse Nationals brings together nearly 8,000 classic cars and more than 87,000 spectators from more than 40 states and all over Canada every July, making it the largest event of its type on the East Coast.

The Erie Canal 

This man-made wonder sparked Syracuse's population growth from 600 in 1820 to 22,127 in 1850! Today, the canal's legacy remains in our architecture, cityscapes and even recreation. Bike across the state along the mules' old towpaths or cruise the canal via kayak or in a chartered vessel. Uncover the stories behind the construction of the Canal at the top-rated Erie Canal Museum and unveil the coolest facts about the construction and how this massive undertaking of a project shaped the city.

Move over wine! 

Although Syracuse is part of the wine-rich Finger Lakes region, it has a growing reputation as a craft beer capital. With over 20 breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, Syracuse has been a hops hub for decades. Dating back to the late 1800s with Congress Beer, pushing past the Prohibition Era and continuing to the present, Syracuse has long been a craft cocktail capital for all to enjoy, no matter which type of adult beverage you prefer. 

Pass the salt

Once the main salt producer in the country, Syracuse has crazy pride when it comes to our extensive (and tasty) history of salt production. Explore The Salt Museum on the shores of Onondaga Lake, sample the best salt potatoes you’ll ever try, and check out all the local goods focused around this essential  mineral.