#Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center

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The area that is now known as Syracuse wasn’t much of anything more than two centuries ago, but that all changed in the early 1800s. It was inevitable to many, as the land was level, it was near numerous salt supplies, and it would be the perfect spot to connect the eastern and western parts of the state. John Wilkinson thought the village looked quite similar to a city over in Italy, so when it came time to name it in 1820, he gave it the same name. It was then that Syracuse was born, and it became a city once the village and the nearby village of Salina merged.

Hotels, shops, factories, and more appeared everywhere, and it continued to grow with the expansion of the railroad and canal system. The city grew, even more, when the industrial plants arrived, but things have evened out in recent years.

If you have never been to Syracuse before, you do not know what you are missing out on. There is so much to see and do in this magnificent city and you will have a fabulous time from the minute you arrive until it is time for you to leave.

You will want to consider staying at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown Hotel (100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York 13202) because it is rich in history. This hotel originally opened as the Hotel Syracuse in 1924, and while it has undergone some restoration and renovations before being reopened as a Marriott, you will find that it still has many historical components amongst the modern amenities. The rooms are so incredibly spacious yet cozy. The modern design and neutral color tones make the room feel like you’re in your dream home. I never wanted to leave.

You can begin your day with access to Breakfast in the M Club Lounge and later enjoy a delicious dinner at Eleven Waters, which is one of the on-site restaurants. This restaurant uses local ingredients and flavors and creates delectable dishes that you can enjoy in a modern but rustic setting.

Dinner at Eleven Waters

I started dinner with the Smokey Mozzarella Meatballs, which is a mix of Bacon Brisket, Tomato Cream, and Basil. The appetizer makes your mouth water as soon as they’re placed in front of you. They were prepared to perfection and recommended for sharing or if you are really hungry. The bacon brisket gives it a great kick in flavor. The meatballs are quite juicy and savory.

For the main course, I chose the Steak Frites with Au Poivré, served with an addictive Brandy Peppercorn Sauce. I remember going to bed after dinner, dreaming about how amazing this sauce was. My steak was served medium-well and paired nicely with a glass of Lamoreaux Landing Cabernet Franc, NY.

Marriott Syracuse Downtown Hotel also hosts other dining options like Shaughnessy’s pub, Barbershop Bar, Cavalier Room, and Cafe Kubal.

You will find that your options at Marriott Syracuse Downtown Hotel are endless, but you will feel right at home just like past guests that include John Kennedy, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Charles Lindbergh, Bob Hope, and more.

If you happen to be staying at the Marriott during Winterfest, you will be able to join in on the Ice Block Party with Fireworks! It is a family-friendly event that features food trucks, street game activities, and a DJ spinning music from all genres. Despite the freezing temperatures, I had the best time mingling with the locals and taking in the amazing view of the fireworks. Check out, syracusewinterfest.com for more information.

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During your time in the city, you will want to spend some time in the Erie Canal Museum (318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202) to learn more about the entire Barge Canal System. The permanent exhibits include the history and construction of the canal, a full-size replica of a line boat, a canal town, and murals.

Another excellent museum to visit is the Onondaga Historical Association Museum (321 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202). You will learn more about Onondaga County, the dinnerware that the Syracuse China company produced, and the Underground Railroad that went through the Syracuse region.

You might want to start one of your afternoons in the city with a stop at Anyela’s Vineyards (2433 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152). The Nocek family began their winemaking journey over in Eastern Europe three generations ago and now they produce their wines as they look out over Skaneateles Lake. You can take a stroll through their vineyards, meet their dog, Lexi, and taste test any of their delicious wines before buying a few bottles to take home. I highly recommend doing a wine tasting, for the ultimate experience. This way you can figure out which wines suit your taste buds and which ones you want to take home. Pricing for tastings is very affordable, starting at $5. Wine Tastings are first come, first serve, so get there early. One of my favorites was their signature 2016 Elation pinot noir.

If you are at a loss for things to do in the evening, you can always venture over to the DESTINY USA Mall (9090 Destiny USA Dr, Syracuse, NY 13204). It is the largest mall in the state with more than two hundred and fifty places to eat, shop, and be entertained. If you don’t feel like shopping, you can always take a spin on the indoor go-carts, Merry Go Round, or get physical in a game of laser tag or rope climbing. The mall is a great spot for groups or independent travelers. As large as it is, expect to spend a few hours there. After I was done shopping and taking in the sites, I ended my time at the movie theater.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Syracuse, so you won’t need to worry about going hungry. However, you might be a little overwhelmed with all your choices.

Glazed and Confused (211 N Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13204) is the place to go if you are craving a donut of the unusual kind. The donuts at this shop are made in small batches, so they are always fresh and tasty. You can always order the basic vanilla cake or cinnamon and sugar varieties, but why do that when you can order one like holy cannoli, pardon my French toast, and no sleep till Brooklyn. They even have doninis, which are flat like paninis and served on top of a classic cake donut. My personal favorite is the Dizzy Pig (a maple glazed, bourbon, sugar, candied locally cured bacon donut). SO GOOD!

Modern Malt (325 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202) is a classic American Diner that can be found in the historic Armory Square neighborhood and they serve everything from breakfast to sandwiches and burgers to dinners. They are definitely the place to go if you want good food in an amazing atmosphere. I couldn’t resist the Lobster Benedict (Butter poached lobster, chive biscuit, arugula, poached eggs, hollandaise, chive). I washed this delicious meal down with hearty Bloody Mary. Modern Malt was pretty when I visited on a Saturday morning, so get there early.

The original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202) opened its doors in Syracuse in 1988 after spending five years on the road serving food at fairs and festivals. They began as a quick lunch and dinner bar-b-que place, but within two years, expanded to add a full bar, full-service dining, and live music. They now have eight other locations throughout the Northeast, but this original serves the best bar-b-que around. You don’t go to Dino’s for a dainty salad, you go to pig out. That’s what I did and I have no regrets! I settled for a combination platter with St Louis Ribs, Pulled Pork, and BBQ Brisket. The only word to describe my experience is magical. The OG location was ridiculously busy on a Saturday night, so expect a bit of a wait.

The Mission Restaurant (304 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202) is in the Old Syracuse Wesleyan Methodist Church that was built in the 1840s. That church played a vital role in the Underground Railroad, and while that history has been carefully preserved underneath, the restaurant serves hungry customers above. The restaurant uses local products and everything is made from scratch, all day, every day, when possible. The menu features Pan-American cuisine, which is a combination of Mexican, Southwestern, and South American specialties that all include Latino ingredients.

A stop at Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge (321 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202) is the perfect way to end an evening in Syracuse. This is a premier bar in the city and they serve a large selection of wine and whiskey from all over the world. If you prefer beer, then you can choose from any of their craft beers as well. The nights are always full of live music, friendly games of pool, and whatever other games people are playing that evening. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by the many bar options. I’m sure you hear “there is something for everyone” often but this time, it actually true! Locals love to hang here and catch up after a long day at work or to unwind on the weekends.

Syracuse is a wonderful town that has been around for a long time and has seen many changes. However, the city is always ready to welcome a newcomer like yourself and make sure that you have a fabulous time while you are there!

While visiting Syracuse and the numerous historical sites, I wondered if there were any haunted history or trails, and there were plenty. Just in time for Halloween, visitors can check out these local spots for a spooky good time. Starting with a site I mentioned earlier, the Erie Canal Museum. At the Museum, paranormal investigations, ghost hunts and guided haunted history tours (10-60 participants) are available by reservation. Docent-led history tours include the recounting of paranormal activity that occurs. The facility can be rented for private events. Erie Canal history tours are also available daily.

Erie Canal Museum. Photo by Amityphotos.com.

Other locations include:

The Landmark Theatre – The historic theatre, built in 1928, has had people talking of hauntings just years after it opened. After falling from a balcony to her death in 1930, Clarissa’s spirit has been haunting The Landmark. She often appears as a pale apparition in a white dress at unexpected times to workers and guests – especially those not following the theater’s rules.

Opportunity: The theatre hosts a ghost hunt each October. Guided tours (of any size) by reservation; guided psychic tours (up to 20 participants) also available.

Landmark Theatre. Photo by Amityphotos.com.

Wayside Irish Pub �� The original building or “Munro House” was built in the 1800s – and reports of ghostly activity date back to the 1960s. There have been numerous reports of the apparition “Sara,” believed to be the young girl who hung herself on the third floor. Poltergeist-like activity is attributed to a friendly ghost named Harry. Other spirits include the Inn’s original owner, Squire Munro, and an unknown traveler who died in the building. Reports from employees and patrons tell of a male figure dressed in a soldier uniform, and shadowy figures in the basement. Patrons and bartenders have felt “touches”, “pokes”, and “cold” spots, and it’s not unusual to have a female patron complain of having her hair tugged on with no one around her. Glasses fly off the bar without explanation, pictures drop off the walls, and an orb may show up in photos taken on-site.

Opportunity: Sip on a favorite beverage, enjoy delicious pub fare, ask the friendly staff about their haunted history. Stay a while and have your own haunted experience. Professional paranormal investigations are allowed by appointment, with management approval.

Wayside Irish Pub. Photo by Amityphotos.com.

13 Curves on Onondaga Hill – Over 60 years ago, a brutal, terrifying car accident occurred on Cedarvale Road, just 10 miles southwest of Syracuse. Since that fateful day, it has been said that the road, which is known better by its nickname, “13 Curves,” has been haunted by the souls of those who died in this tragic accident.

Opportunity: Take a beautiful and scenic drive along 13 Curves – a long, winding stretch also known as Cedarvale Road just west of the city of Syracuse – it’s a hotbed for paranormal activity.

Split Rock Quarry – Split Rock, a hazardous munitions plant, unexpectedly exploded in 1918, brutally killing more than 50 men. Today, the Quarry is nothing but rock with an old piece of machinery left called the Crusher. Visitors have reported the sound of footsteps, voices in the distance, and the revving of the Crusher’s engine—which hasn’t run since the horrific blast.

Opportunity: Investigate the ruins of Split Rock on your own. Snowshoe, hike, and bike the former factory site, explore the abandoned tunnels and experience the cold spots firsthand. BE SAFE: Quarry is an abandoned location in the woods. It is highly encouraged that you do not venture in alone and that any visit is at your own risk. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended.

We hope to catch you in Syracuse in the very near future! Check out the gallery below for more personal photos from my trip to Syracuse.

Your Guide To Experiencing Hospitality, Good Eats, and Historical Sites in Syracuse, NY The area that is now known as Syracuse wasn’t much of anything more than two centuries ago, but that all changed in the early 1800s.