Passports

Syracuse staycations and quick getaways for students on spring break
By Chris McPherson
March 6, 2013 - 7:44pm
Stuck in Central New York for spring break? It doesn't have to be a bummer if you try some of these activities or take a short trip.

Spring break is known as the time of year when many college students take extravagant vacations to tropical locations like Miami or Mexico. But not everyone has the cash flow in order to spend hundreds of dollars to support such a dream. Fortunately, there are still some interesting things to do around Syracuse — and if you’re tired of Syracuse, a great vacation is just a couple hours away. Here are some ideas on how to spend your spring break.

Hike through Clark Reservation
By Gwendolyn Craig
October 31, 2012 - 5:21pm
Just up the road in Jamesville is Clark Reservation State Park, a beautiful place to hike, have a barbeque, or just play.

Clark Reservation State Park is filled with beautiful trails of different lengths and skill levels, but its most striking feature is its glacial lake.  Near the parking lot is a look out over the lake. If you don't feel like a hike, it's a serene place to sit and enjoy the view. There are plenty of outdoor grills scattered about. Bring a picnic or host a barbeque.

Best scares in Central New York at Frightmare Farms
By Kristina Carlson
October 24, 2012 - 5:25pm
If you're looking to visit a spooky haunted house and enjoy ghouls and gore, Frightmare Farms is the place to go this Halloween.

One of the best things about October is Halloween. I went to Frightmare Farms in Fulton, N.Y. with a group of friends. It’s a little bit of a drive, about 30 minutes or so outside of Syracuse, and costs $12 ($11 if you bring a student ID). The steeper price tag was worth it!  Get there early because there will be a long wait. We waited for over an hour to get in, but that's because they wait a decent amount of time between each group so that you are not going through the house with a whole bunch of people.

Flea Market Sundays
By Gwendolyn Craig
September 24, 2012 - 9:14pm
Go for a treasure hunt in Central New York's Regional Market Authority.

Need an accordian? How about a hatchet? Or what about a clear toilet brush with seashells and plastic seaweed floating around inside the handle?  Maybe you didn't need these things before, but if you need them now, head to Central New York's Regional Market Authority for its Sunday Flea Markets.

Adventuring to Pratt's Falls Park
By Gwendolyn Craig
September 16, 2012 - 11:00pm
A waterfall formed by glacial retreat is a beautiful place to spend some time hiking, or just relaxing and taking in the view.

If you have a couple of hours to spare and access to a car, drive to Manlius, N.Y. and take in the 137-foot Pratt's Falls. There are several trails to hike, some as short as half a mile, some as long as three miles. There are picnic tables scattered throughout, a playground, meadows, an archery field and some beautiful old trees to sit in or climb. 

Story time at Oakwood Cemetery
By Nicole McDermott
April 19, 2012 - 11:30am
SU student learns of deceit, murder, and curses: the underground legends of some of Syracuse’s most infamous dead-folk.

Our guide heaves her left leg onto a squatty headstone, her black orthopedic shoe cloaks the engraving “Margaret P. Slocum.” Our Oakwood Cemetery tour pamphlet entitled, “Live Oaks & Dead Folks,” features a black and white drawing of George W. Cole adjacent to a sepia depiction of Luther Harris Hiscock. An illustration of a pistol resides in the negative space between the two. While Cole served for the U.S. military in the 1860s, Hiscock made advances toward his wife Mary. 

Puppy love in Brewerton
By Nicole McDermott
April 3, 2012 - 12:22am
A squeaky ball, a sweeping room and chicken liver prepare dogs to provide patients with unconditional love in a distracting setting.

A bristly contractor broom with muted grey and black bristles meets the cold cement with a “fshhh.” It emits a throaty breath as it scratches along the floor. This is distraction number five--sweeping.

A Sunshine Friends, Inc. employee, lurches the noise-making cleaning device just inches past Ruger’s solid miniature pinscher body. His disproportionate, grapefruit-sized noggin darts to the right. His nubbed tail quivers. 

New York City Eats: Cafe Himalaya
By Irina Dvalidze
March 30, 2012 - 7:37pm
SU student travels to NYC for a taste of Tibet at Cafe Himalaya in the East Village.

I like to think of myself as a semi-seasoned New Yorker, but after my latest trip to the world’s second most expensive apple, I was reminded that I still have much to learn about living in New York. One skill that I will probably never fully master is being a true New York foodie of Anthony Bourdain proportions. However, thanks to this trip, I can take comfort in being at least a bit more versed in NYC cuisine.

Hipster's Paradise
By Chris Baker
March 27, 2012 - 4:02pm
A Syracuse native spends a week in Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest.

Rick Perry. Matthew McConaughey. Walker Texas Ranger.

A Bicycle Lover’s Guide to Syracuse
By Tara Donaldson
February 21, 2012 - 11:08am
Where to go to buy bikes, talk bikes and ride bikes

Whether for racing, leisure or just a green means of transportation, Syracuse bicycle culture is present and growing. Thank the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council for the Greater Syracuse Bike Suitability Map detailing the best places to ride and head out to explore Syracuse’s two-wheeler lifestyle.