A Guide To: Syracuse and the 315

When you hear of Syracuse, usually two words come to mind: snow and basketball. While we may be known for having some of the most intense snowfall in the country (hooray for lake effect snow!) or have a pretty kickass basketball team, there is so much more to this city that I have come to discover over the years and many little gems to check out if you are ever in the area.

Armory Square is a must-stop for anyone Syracusian. There are an array of amazing restaurants (my favorite is Pastabilities), little boutiques, an Urban Outfitters, and a few coffee shops. It has really grown into a cute little corner of the city with some great night life. My friends and I always go here to shop, eat, or just hang out.

Syracuse University Since we don't have any major league sports nearby, Syracuse sports are EVERYTHING to the community. Whether it be seeing a game in the Dome, shopping and eating along Marshall Street (seriously try out Funk 'N Waffles, best place ever) or grabbing a slice of pizza at the Varsity, the University is the pride and joy of the area. Senior year of high school, most of my friends and I were in an English course through Syracuse and we would spend a lot of time up at SU getting fro-yo or exploring or shopping (I mean studying...).

Skaneateles Possibly one of the most beautiful places ever, Skaneateles is the perfect little town. The streets are lined with cute boutiques, restaurants (like Blue Water Grill where I work!), spas, and of course, the lake. You can rent boats or houses on the lake and during the summer it is so nice to drive out, go out to dinner, and take a walk along the pier. I can't even count the number of times I've been in this town, but I never get sick of it. It is truly one of the gems of Central New York.

Landmark Theatre Historic and newly renovated, The Landmark hosts touring shows, movie premieres (s/o to Adult World and The Express) and other performances. Based solely on the beauty of the interior, the Landmark Theatre is a treasure. I always wanted to have a wedding here!

Other Places to Check Out!

Dinosaur BBQ, especially the fried green tomatoes and pulled pork

Fall Foliage

Taste of Syracuse and the other countless festivals that run throughout the summer

Alto Cinco on Westcott Street

Eating your body weight in food at the NY State Fair

Going hiking to Carpenters Falls 

Ice Skating in Clinton Square during the winter

The one and only upside down streetlight on Tipperary Hill

Maple syrup and apple picking in the fall.

Even if the winters last too long or you get tired of seeing orange wherever you go, you can find the gems of this city everywhere you look.

Holly Grosholz is guest writer for the Daily Dilem, rising sophomore at Bucknell University and Syracuse native. She is a programming chair for ACE and does research on campus. As for "normal activities," she enjoys playing tennis, attempting DIY projects, singing and finding new music.

Thanks so much Holly! Happy Sunday! {Images one//two//three//four}