Syracuse FAQs
1) Where is Skaneateles & what kind of name is that?
Skaneateles - an Iroquois word for "Long Lake", pronounced "Skinny-Atlas" - is a picturesque town located on the northern tip of the second most-eastern Finger Lake, Skaneateles. Close to Syracuse and Auburn, Skaneateles offers wonderful accommodations, shopping opportunities, great dining as well as fishing, swimming and boating. Go to www.Skaneateles.com for more information.
2) When and where is the New York State Fair? What goes on there during the rest of the year?
The Great New York State Fair is one of the oldest State Fairs in the Country and is centrally located in Syracuse at the Empire Expo Center. Situated on 375 acres just west of Syracuse, the NYS Fair runs 12 days and always ends on Labor Day. Live, national entertainers, rides, games, agricultural products, animals, Native American village, displays, all kinds of foods, three museums and so much more are available throughout the site. Ample parking, shuttle buses from various locations, Amtrak service direct from Rochester & Buffalo and pre-event tickets all make the NYS Fair easily-accessible and affordable. The Empire Expo Center is busy with events all year round - from antiques to sportsmen's shows to hockey - the Empire Expo Center has it all. For more information, visit their website at www.NYSFair.org.
3) What hotels are closest to Syracuse University and the Carrier Dome?
The Sheraton Syracuse University is located directly on campus. The Genesee Grande Hotel and its sister property the Parkview Hotel are located within walking distance of the University as well as Syracuse Stage and downtown Syracuse. The Renaissance Syracuse Hotel is also within close proximity of the University, downtown Syracuse and the Oncenter. For a complete list of all accommodations in the Onondaga County area, visit the accommodations section or call us at 800-234-4797.
4) What does Armory Square have to offer - events, hotels, etc.?
Historic Armory Square is located on the western edge of Downtown Syracuse and is filled with wonderful restaurants, pubs, a museum, a playhouse, a boutique hotel and shopping opportunities. The Museum of Science & Technology - the MOST - is located in the first armory in Syracuse established in 1859, is a wonderful place for children to get a hands-on experience with science as well as taking in an IMAX movie (the only domed IMAX theater in Upstate NY) or visiting its planetarium. The RedHouse Arts Center offers live theater, musical entertainment, readings and an art gallery. The Historic Jefferson Clinton Hotel is an elegantly-appointed boutique hotel located right in Armory Square.
5) What is there to do for children?
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Beaver Lake Nature Center, Onondaga Lake Park, the MOST, Baltimore Woods Nature Preserve , Ste. Marie among the Iroquois Living History Center, the International Mask & Puppet Museum and the Erie Canal Museum are perfect for kids of all ages! Various arcades, extreme sports complexes, miniature golf, bowling, additional museums, parks, beaches and more are also available to entertain the wee ones. For a complete list, go to www.VisitSyracuse.org/see or call us at 800-234-4797.
6) What is the best time to come to Syracuse?
Anytime! Winter offers cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling as well as the Syracuse WinterFest and the St. Patrick's Parade, the largest St. Patrick's parade per capita in the Northeast. And don't forget Syracuse University Basketball at the Carrier Dome - the largest enclosed sports facility on a college campus in the U.S.
Spring brings flowers at the annual Home & Garden Show at the Empire Expo Center. The Taste of Syracuse and the Jamesville BalloonFest also make spring a great season in Syracuse.
Summer is sunshine and beaches - Green Lakes State Park, Jamesville Beach and Oneida Shores are all within a 15 drive of downtown Syracuse. Festivals are also in the air including Syracuse JazzFest, Great American AntiqueFest, Empire Brewing and Music Festival and of course, the Great NYS Fair.
Fall is beautiful in Onondaga County and features several fall festivals such as the Jordan Fall Fest, Golden Harvest Fest, OktoberFest and the LaFayette AppleFest. Ethnic festivals from Irish, Scottish, German, Latino, Polish, Ukrainian, Greek, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian dot the calendar throughout the year as does theater, professional sports and more! Golf, hiking, biking or strolling along the Erie Canal path are in great abundance most of the year.
For more information and details, call us at 800-234-4797 or check out our Events Calendar.
Have a question about Syracuse? Send us an email or call us at 800-234-4797.