Syracuse is a main urban hub in the central part of the New York state. Located halfway between New York City and Toronto, Syracuse is in the Finger Lakes region, and it is relatively close to Lake Ontario. The town has won numerous Golden Snowball Awards for most average snowfall in the US. Syracuse has a pleasant vibe, a famous university, and many attractions in and around the city. Couples can visit during the hot summer months and enjoy a day on the beach on adjacent lakes or explore the winter atmosphere with lots of snow.
Foreign visitors have to fill the ESTA application form and apply for a travel authorization. Permit to enter the US is issued by the government, and it is for visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA form is an online procedure with detailed questions. The administration takes around 72 hours to process the application. You can visit the US for up to 90 days with ESTA approval.
Attractions for Couples in Syracuse
A great way to start exploring Syracuse is the Museum of Intrigue, where you will be involved in a story. Immersive visit with actors, clues, and interaction brings new meaning to the museum visit.
If you need a break from sightseeing and walking around the town, sit down in Freedom of Espresso, a local coffee shop franchise. The cozy atmosphere and a special dedication to coffee make this a must-visit café in Syracuse.
Niagara Mohawk Building is an exquisite example of an art deco classical building. Besides modern design, the 1932 building has an innovative use of lighting as it was headquartered of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, the largest electric utility company of the time.
Walk down the Central New York Regional Market that attracts more than 400 vendors with locally grown fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, handmade items, local wines, beers, and other products. The farmer market is open from May till November.
Taste the original craft beer from notable Empire Brewing Co with its brewery in Cazenovia and well-designed laidback brewpub in Syracuse. Besides a great selection of their beers, the pub offers an extensive food menu.
If you visit Syracuse in winter, put on some skates and head down the Clinton Square Ice Rink downtown. In warmer months, you can take Syracuse Pedal Tours and explore one of the guided tours. You can choose between visits to local breweries, architecture sightseeing, and food tour.
Syracuse Beaches
Another fantastic summer fun thing is going to the beach. Syracuse’s city was once a center of manufacturing, and the closest Onondaga Lake was heavily polluted in the course of industrialization. The Finger Lakes like Skaneateles Lake, which is considered one of the cleanest water bodies in the US, and other lakes in the vicinity have beaches and beach parks that accommodate thousands of locals during hot summer months.
Small village Sylvan Beach, just 25 miles from downtown, is located on the Oneida Lake and has its largest freshwater beach. Sandy beach is regularly maintained, it is free for all visitors, suitable for swimming and other water sports.
Green Lake State Park is located on the shores of immensely picturesque Green Lakes. There is a designated part of the beach for kids, great swimming locations, and plenty of trails around the lake and protected forest area.
Fair Haven is on the great Lake Ontario. The beach State Park offers exceptional public lakefront, view of towering bluffs, and nearby woodlands. The park offers 600 feet swimming area and plenty of beach amenities.
Other popular beaches in the region include Oneida Shores Park, Jamesville Beach Park, and Sandy Island Beach State Park.
Fancy Restaurants in Syracuse
Eden is an upscale dining place in downtown Syracuse with contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, and the bar offers a selection of local craft beer and distilled alcohol.
Since it opened in 2018, A Mano Kitchen & Bar downtown is among the best-rated places to dine in Syracuse. A mix of Italian and American cuisine offers handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
Lemon Grass has a 30-year tradition. The restaurant serves extensive lunch and dinner Thai food and steak menu. It is an excellent place for fine dining in downtown Franklin Street.
If you are looking for great restaurants in town, try 317 at Montgomery Street with fusion cuisine, Citronelle that serves contemporary American food, or Spaghetti Warehouse Italian restaurant.
Secret Places in Syracuse NY
Syracuse has some top-rated attractions like watching their college football or basketball in the Carrier Dome and hidden gems. The university campus has an unusual Tree of 40 fruit. A hybrid breed of tree produces 40 different types of fruit like plums, cherries, peaches, almonds, and many others.
Syracuse is home to the upside-down traffic light. The red and green light changed their position, and the roots are in the conflict Irish and British settlers had in the early 20th century. The Irish found red light above green as a sign of British dominance and frequently vandalized the traffic light. The solution was to reverse the colors.
Before you make hotel reservations for central New York, make sure you have carefully answered all of the ESTA questions. You will have plenty of time to plan after you get travel authorization. The permit is valid for two years.
Bottom Line
Named after classical Greek city Syracuse on Sicily, it does not quite have the warm Mediterranean climate, but it has a nice list of attractions. It is the safest place to bet for white Christmas in the US with the heavy snowfall every year. The summer, in contrast, offers many outdoor activities like swimming in many surrounding lakes. Syracuse has plenty of attractions, fine dining, and places to enjoy a romantic getaway.
