In keeping with the college town theme this month, I’m writing about my current college town, Syracuse, N.Y. I was actually in the city just two weeks ago for one of three times each year I come to New York for my master’s program classes.
Syracuse is an old industrial town with distinct red brick buildings. Where factories used to produce everything from chemicals to furniture, these historic structures now serve as community centers and art galleries.
Favorite Places
Armory Square
The heart of historic downtown, Armory Square is a revitalized area offering the trendiest restaurants, shops and nightclubs. Walking among the red brick, you’ll notice the unique architecture that once housed cavalry and infantry military units. Today, you can find chic spas, microbreweries and boutiques.
Syracuse University
A bit of a biased opinion, Syracuse University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Built on rolling hills, the campus is centered by the majestic Hall of Languages, which served as the inspiration for the home in The Addams Family show. It’s a breathtaking view to corner onto University Avenue and see the towering building directly at the end of the street. Next door is the beautiful Crouse College of Fine Arts, reminiscent of a European castle. The stunning deep red bricks are engraved with the original intent of the building as a woman’s college, and the original bell towers, the first in Syracuse, still toll out songs during special occasions.
With its founding in 1870, the university holds plenty of lore. My personal favorite is the tale of the Kissing Bench. Legend says that if lovers kiss on the bench, then they will live happily ever after. Beware, though, if you sit alone on the bench, you will be destined to a lonely life.
As an extension of the main campus, The Warehouse located in downtown Syracuse houses art galleries, community spaces and a cafeteria. Exhibitions include works from student and community artists. You can take the Connective Corridor buses from campus to The Warehouse.
Less of a sports enthusiast than Chris, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Carrier Dome and the Orange. Known for its powerhouse basketball team, the SU Orangemen have consistently made it to the NCAA Final Four. I took one of the 49,262 seats for the first time just a couple weeks ago for a lacrosse game that SU won. The only domed stadium in the Northeast U.S., it’s easy to see why the facility is such a staple of the SU campus.
Eats
Marshall Street
The ultimate college hangout, Marshall Street is lined from start to finish with eateries and SU apparel stores. You’ll find Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, Insomnia Cookies delivering cookies and milk until 3 a.m., Chipotle’s and more on this iconic stretch. At the end across the street, don’t miss the Varsity and Faegan’s Irish Pub.
Funk ‘N Waffles
A one-of-a-kind spot, Funk ‘N Waffles puts a twist on the classic breakfast food. From its own version of chicken-and-waffles to my favorite Nuttella Latte, everyone will find something to delight their taste buds on this menu.
Dinosaur Barbecue
I first had Dinosaur Barbecue during my first residency with SU last year only to move to Brazil a week later and find my landlord had a bottle of its sauce in his refrigerator. Of world fame, this barbecue restaurant serves up a recipe to be reckoned with. Just don’t expect reservations, as my classmates discovered during a tense customer service discussion.
Working in Syracuse
Though the industrial side of Syracuse may be of the past, the city still thrives in business. Cheryl Abrams, communications manager at Crouse Hospital, lifelong resident of Syracuse and my classmate, explains the benefits of working in Syracuse.
“The advantage of Syracuse career-wise is its size. While still a busy metro area, it’s small enough for people to really connect and help and support one another,” says Cheryl. “The other big advantage as a communications professional is having Syracuse University and the Newhouse School right here in town. Their students intern with Crouse, and the faculty have come to be a tremendous resource for me.”
Cheryl enjoys her hometown for its many features from a variety of sports outings to shopping districts. She describes an ideal weekend in Syracuse by starting “Friday evening at a favorite eatery, maybe one in Armory Square or Laci’s Tapas Bar in the Hawley-Green District. Saturday morning could begin with a visit to our terrific Farmer’s Market or java at Café Kabul followed by a walk at Onondaga Lake Park or our new Creekwalk that runs through downtown. Afternoons were made for visits to the Everson Museum and drives to some of the most picturesque sites in Central New York, such as Skaneateles and Cazenovia, both about 25 minutes from downtown Syracuse.”
On my first visit to Syracuse during a cool and rainy March weekend last year, I instantly felt a connection with the small city. I give Syracuse a 7. What’s your favorite college town?
-Monica
