Spring Break is almost upon us! If you will be staying in the Syracuse area at any time between March 8 and March 16, our campus will be less lively than usual (i.e., no Otto scuttling around). If you are searching for things to do during the break, below are five fun activities to fill your days on your time off.
CNY Women’s Market
On March 8 (International Women’s Day!), the CNY Women’s Network is hosting the inaugural CNY Women’s Market. The one-day event will feature over 30 women vendors selling a variety of artisan goods. The market takes place at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and is free to all to attend! Check out the CNY Women’s Network website for more details on all the included vendors.
Downtown Dining Weeks
Syracuse University’s Spring Break overlaps with Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks! The annual event gives diners access to less expensive meals throughout the city. Many of the city’s most popular restaurants—including Pastabilities, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Apizza Regionale—will participate. Restaurants will offer two-course lunch options for $15 or less and three-course dinner options for $40 or less. For a list of all participants, visit the Downtown Syracuse website.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls the day after Spring Break ends. However, Syracuse’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take to Salina Street on Saturday, March 15, at noon. Dress in your finest shades of green and celebrate with music and festivities!
Spend Time Outside
This Spring Break, the weather should trend upwards and out of the recent frigidity. Take that opportunity to explore nature and get some fresh air! There are tons of places nearby to check out. Thornden Park is a lovely place to take a walk or picnic if you want to stay near campus. But if you want to venture outwards, head to local favorite Green Lakes State Park for a walk around the man-made lake, or visit Chittenango Falls State Park for scenic aquatic views.
Plus, Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, which means you can even catch a late(r) sunset on campus or at one of the many outdoor locations in Syracuse. Check out Visit Syracuse’s website for a more extensive list of outdoor activity locations.
Day Trips
While there’s much to do in Syracuse that could fill up the days of your break, you may want a change of scenery. Luckily, there are many locations in the surrounding areas that can serve as fun places to spend the day. Skaneateles is a classic day trip from Syracuse, and for good reason. Only a 30-minute drive from campus, Skaneateles boasts delicious restaurants, unique shopping opportunities and a scenic view of Skaneateles Lake.
You could also check out Seneca Falls, which is less than an hour away from campus. The town is known as the “birthplace of women’s rights” because the town hosted the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848. For history aficionados, check out the National Women’s Rights Historical Park or the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Since March is Women’s History Month, this day trip is all the more timely!
For a bit longer of a drive (a little over an hour) you can head south to Ithaca! The city is known for its many nature preserves and waterfalls if you are looking to get outdoors. However, the vibrant arts and restaurant scene means there will be no shortage of good food and cool artwork or performances to engage with.
If you do not have access to a vehicle, make sure to familiarize yourself with the Spring Break bus and shuttle schedule for off-campus activities. Also, make sure to take a look at the City of Syracuse events calendar for a comprehensive list of things to do over break. No matter where you end up this Spring Break, stay safe and have fun!
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.