Just because the Ferris wheels and fried foods couldn’t happen at the Great New York State Fair this year doesn’t mean we can’t create the same fun! There are plenty of things to do and explore in Central New York (while social distancing, of course!)
We pulled the top 5 ways to experience Central New York safely and create your own New York State Fair experience! Stay safe, and happy exploring!
Throw Your Own Picnic
One of the best parts of the New York State Fair is the endless lines of food and just about anything you can imagine coated in batter and deep fried to a crisp. Sure, your own picnic may not be exactly the same, but it definitely has its perks—no lines and money saved.
Need some inspiration? First, pick a spot! Your back yard is perfect, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, we highly recommend a Syracuse city park, like Thornden. If you’re looking for something outside the University neighborhood, take the Creekwalk to the Syracuse Inner Harbor! Or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Onondaga Lake Park.
Next, choose your food! Build your own picnic grub with local foods and produce! Some of our favorites to get that fair feeling are Strong Hearts and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. If you’re lucky, you can catch one of the popular food trucks out and about, too.
Deep fried not your thing? Central New York is rich with small farms that produce some of the country’s best produce, dairy and meats. Which brings us too…
Experience Local Agriculture
Filling up your picnic basket is easy in Central New York! A fifteen minute drive outside of the city can take you through anything from apple orchards to dairy farms, fields of flowers to produce stands and markets. Don’t miss out on everything fall has to offer. Be sure to go apple picking, try famous New York State products and experience the best farmers markets around.
For apple picking, check out Abbotts Farms, Beak and Skiff and Navarino Orchards. All are an easy drive from campus! Some popular New York State products you should try this fall include maple syrup and dairy products, like Byrne Dairy and Chobani! If you’re looking for fresh produce, local meats and more, consider a produce or protein box from Eden, a popular downtown restaurant, or explore one of the many farmers markets in town. We recommend the CNY Regional Market or the Downtown Farmers Market.
Take in the Scenery
If you haven’t experienced Syracuse in the fall, you’re in for some of the most stunning views you can imagine! If you know, you know. From the rolling hills filled with changing foliage to the glimmering lakes and famous waterfalls, there are so many opportunities to connect with nature. We put together our favorite hiking spots, lakes and waterfalls to check out:
Hiking: Clark Reservation; Green Lakes; Highland Forest
Lakes: Cazenovia; Oneida; Skaneateles
Waterfalls: Chittenango; Pratts Falls; Tinker Falls
Want to take it to the next level and plan your own outdoor adventure trip but need some gear? Check out the Outdoor Equipment Checkout at the Barnes Center at The Arch! Students can access tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, head lamps and more.
Become a History Buff
You’ll be in the city of Syracuse for a while, so why not learn a little more about its history? Exploring local history more can help create a lasting connection beyond the University and find ways to give back to the community that always welcomes us as their guests. Some of our favorite spots and activities include the Erie Canal Museum, self-guided downtown walking tours and the Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center.
Need a virtual way to interact with local history? Check out the Onondaga Historical Association website or follow @syracusehistory on Instagram for interesting views and historical buildings around the city.
Catch a Drive-In Movie
Drive-in movies can capture that nostalgic feeling the fair brings. Although they’re a little further away, they’re well worth the experience. Bring some snacks, hang out with your roommates and enjoy the big screen! Be sure to check out the Midway Drive-in Theater, Finger Lakes Drive-In or Movies at the Mountain, Greek Peak’s new outdoor movie theater.
If you can’t make it to a drive-in, try catching an Orange After Dark outdoor movie on campus. There’s also zero shame in making your own outdoor theater experience in your own back yard!
How to Get Around
Not everyone has easy access to a car on campus, but don’t lose hope just yet! There are plenty of ways you can get around.
Public transportation through Centro is easy, reliable and affordable! Many routes are already free with your student I.D. like the Connective Corridor that takes you to popular downtown locations and the free Destiny USA shuttle. Find more information and available routes on the Parking and Transit Services website or the Centro website.
If you need access to a car, consider using ZipCar, the University’s car-sharing program! Gas, insurance and 24 hour, 7 days a week roadside assistance is included. Learn more on the Parking and Transit Services website.
P.s. There’s even more to do that we can’t cover all at once, so be sure to explore on your own! Our top recommendations to kick start your search are Visit Syracuse, the Downtown Committee and I Love NY.