202. Renaissance Festival

I’m sure you all knew this one was coming…

I love the Renaissance Festival..and even though it’s all the way out in Sterling (about 45 minutes outside of Syracuse).

The Renaissance Festival is for everyone. You like food? They’ve got great food. You like comedy? They’ve got great comedy. You like riding elephants?! They’ve got that too! Everything you can imagine…transport yourself into a time of no technology (but don’t forget to instagram a few photos while you’re there). Enjoy some brews, some muddy scenery and most importantly the costumes!

I’m a huge fan, and you can bet I’ll be going.

It runs all summer from July 6-Aug 18th rain or shine.

Admission is about $26 per adult and $16 for children.

Tip: Really feel like getting in the spirit? You can rent costumes while you’re there!

location 15385 Farden Rd Sterling, NY 13156

201. Dining with Candlelight

This particular event is important to me…it was basically the reason I decided to do this blog! This time last year, I was down in Armory Square with a few friends and we noticed Walton St. was closed… the closer we got the cooler this particular event looked.

There were tables scattered throughout the street, a live band, lots of people — friends, couples, first dates, neighbors gathering… it was really something quite amazing. But, I had never heard about it, and I didn’t know what it was… I thought it was a rally of some sort or something. It was then that I realized that Syracuse needed a blog like 365 Things Syracuse that would tell us what the heck that event really is!

I eventually learned it was an event called the Candlelight Series…and this year, the first one is tonight!

Tables and chairs are set up right in front of The MOST, Starbucks, Freedom of Espresso (that general area).

There are 3 specific weekends for the Candlelight Series…(and how they’re into the 29th annual & this is just my 2nd year of knowing it just goes to show how little informed I used to be!)  The 3 specific weekends for the Candlelight Series are July 20th, August 10th and August 17th. With live music performed by local musicians. This is 100% worth checking out.

This is FREE too..which is even better. There will be lots of tables set up, go with some friends, reserve a spot and enjoy the warm summer night with some candlelight and live music!

Tip: The events will move indoors to Benjamin’s if it rains!

location: Corner of West Jefferson and West Franklin Streets

200. Syracuse Nationals

Happy 200th post everyone! Only 165 days left in 2013! Man this year is flying by!

This morning on my drive to work I was enamored by the cars on the road…I know what you’re thinking…but, this weekend is extra special here in Syracuse, and those cars were proof. Besides the Antiquefest, Brewfest and Barn Sale it’s also the Syracuse Nationals Car Show!

I saw Gatsby’esque and Dick Tracy’esque cars sprinkled all over 690 this morning, and it was seriously so cool. The different colors, the details, the pride…the Syracuse Nationals show is going to be something definitely worth checking out…

By 8:30am the State Fair parking lot was already pretty full! With over 7000 cars expected to show up at the Fair this weekend, it’s the second largest event in Syracuse next to the NYS Fair. The show runs from Friday-Sunday & will have lots of really fun and exciting events throughout the weekend. Follow their facebook page for more information!

Tickets are $17 at the door for adults and $8 at the door for children.

Tip: Not sure about what to do? Why not hit up all the events! A shuttle will be running on Friday and Saturday. It will stop at the fairgrounds, the antique festival at Onondaga Lake Park and Destiny from 10am-5pm.

 

199. Gordon Biersch Eggs & Kegs

When I lived in Fort Collins, the morning of the big Brew Fest we’d hold a party.

It was titled; Kegs & Eggs… how original right? We would supply the keg, you had to bring your own eggs…we even had a friend (an aspiring chef!) who made everyone their own eggs…it was awesome.

When I heard that the morning after the Empire Brewfest, Gordon Biersch is holding an eggs & kegs party I almost cried from excitement!

For $36.95 you get breakfast & unlimited beer from 11am-1pm at Gordon Biersch. The breakfast alone is something that will attract tons of people… Banana Walnut French Toast & eggs of course …talk about delicious!

Tip: Tickets are limited…buy them here!

location: Gordon Biersch, DestiNY USA

198. Empire Brewers Festival

This weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year!

I know I basically say that every weekend, but this weekend I mean it!

We’ve got the Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale…the Empire Brewfest and lots more!

The Empire Brewfest is one of the biggest in the state, with lots of really great breweries from all over the country coming to town and setting up shop in Clinton Square Friday July 19th from 5:30-10pm. They’ve got wine, beer, fun, food, etc… it’s going to be a great event…right in the center of our very own city! I’m so excited.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $35 before the day and $45 at the door (I suggest buying them early, here). Or you can buy all your tickets at Wegmans (love that store…). Good news for the sober friend, your ticket is only $5, and you get to sleep soundly at night knowing you helped your friends get home safe! You’re awesome!

There’s tons of breweries participating, from Abita to Yuengling there’s something in there for any kind of beer lover.

I’m especially excited for this because the weather should hold out, we should have a great time and it’s a chance to get out and enjoy the great city of Syracuse! 3 stars in my book!

Tip: Not a fan of beer? No worries, they’ll have a mini wine trail there too…you can test out some local wineries! Tickets are at a separate price.

location: clinton square

197. Baldwinsville Farmers Market

There’s a farmer’s market almost every day of the week here in Syracuse, whether you’re headed out to Marcellus, downtown or the Regional Market, you’ve got a lot of options…

There’s a lot of really awesome things to pick up at Farmers Markets…and for cheap too!

The B’ville Farmers Market is awesome. It’s on a tiny patch of land in the center of town, vendors come and set up their tables, they’ve got local produce from all over, jewelry, food trucks, bbq, you name it!

Parking is free, it’s right behind the B’ville Diner…

It’s every Wednesday from 3-6:30pm (roughly) through October. Stop in, meet the local farmers at their tables, play some games set up in the center of the park, browse the candles, trinkets, wines, and enjoy dinner at some of the various tables and trucks set up.

Tip: There’s tons of stuff all around, but my suggestion…look for the Thousand Island Winery table, they’ve got some great wines!

location: Baldwinsville Village Square (right behind the B’ville Diner)

196. Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale

Women of Syracuse…this is the weekend you’ve been waiting all year for…

The Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale starts Thursday and runs through Sunday. July 18-21 8am-6pm.

It’s your one chance to get these very expensive but also unique and decorative creations for more than 1/2 the cost. Seriously, so worth it!

The Mackenzie Childs Barn Sale takes place every year, and every year there’s a lot of people who show up for the event and walk away with some real gems! There will also be food and live music too, 100% worth it!

I plan on going, and I’m going to have a heck of a time!

Tip: Get there early, there’s always a lot of people and merchandise goes fast!

location: 3260 State Route 90, Aurora, New York 13026

195. Antiquefest

There’s a huge trend in refurbishing old furniture these days.

It seems as though the older we get, the more we long for nostalgia and antique things. Which is kind of cool.

I know it’s always been a trend, but all over blogs and website people are utilizing old furniture and making them statement pieces in their homes.

I’m on the lookout for a mirrored chest and an old bar cart…keep your eyes open, and if you find one tweet to me @syracuse365!

July 19-21 the Antiquefest at Longbranch Park 9am-5pm (part of that awesome park in Liverpool that throws awesome concerts & events…) will showcase some of the finest old pieces of furniture and knick knacks.

For $7 you gain admission to view (and possibly purchase) some of the greatest antiques to roll through CNY…and trust me, I’ll be there…maybe even wearing a “vintage” fanny pack!

Tip: There’s a lot of construction on 370…plan accordingly!

location: Longbranch Park

194. Downtown Walking Tour

A few months ago, when the weather was chilly and the sky was gray I found myself in Armory Square on a Sunday…this particular Sunday it felt like the city was a ghost town…what’s up with that, Cuse?

A friend of mine & I began to walk all over town, until we came across the Historical Association, where we picked up a pamphlet and took a self-guided walking tour of Downtown.

This was probably one of the most interesting afternoons I’ve had in a very long time.

This book, which is put together well with descriptions of 71 buildings and a map of downtown, guides you to all the landmarks. It explains abut the Hotel Syracuse, The MOST and how it used to be an Armory, it gives detailed information about the inside of some of the oldest buildings in Syracuse…it’s really quite amazing.

I was in awe of this great walking tour, it really was fanatastic.

The weather this weekend is expected to be beautiful, what better than to stop by the Onondaga Historical Association and pick up a walking tour booklet and give yourself a history lesson!

Tip: The packets can be picked up at the front table in the entry way of the Onondaga Historical Association

location: Downtown Syracuse

193. Onondaga Lake Park

I love the parkway.

Simple as that. It’s perfect for outdoor activities.

When I was younger my friends and I would strap on our Rollerblades and skate the length of the parkway a few times, it was where I qualified for my black belt back in 1997…loonnggg time ago, it’s where high school teams meet to row crew, it’s where I go to get in a good solo run, it’s where people enjoy some light spectaculars in the winter… it’s an all around fantastic spot, I’m shocked I haven’t featured it yet.

There is so much to do there, You can rent bikes and boats, you can ride your own bike, jog or run, you can stop at one of the many food truck vendors and get a bite to eat. You can bring a skateboard or a trick bike and play at the skate park (!!!), play Irish road bowling or bocce ball, You can play some archery, you can go to a music festival, you can sign up for a color run, there’s a butterfly park and even a museum…endless options at Onondaga Lake Park.

One of my favorite events this park holds is every Sunday. They close down Onondaga Lake Parkway on Sunday’s from 9am to noon and allow bikers, runners, walkers, joggers, etc… to enjoy an extra 2 miles of fun along the Onondaga Lake shore. It’s actually really cool!

Admission is free, as well as parking. Stop by The Retreat or Cobblestone after an afternoon at the park for a cool drink, or even Heid’s!

There’s also lots of free parking around the park, just watch out for that construction off of 370.

Tip: Here’s a map of Onondaga Lake Park that outlines all of the fun activities at the park!

Hours change when the seasons change:
April-October: 6am-sunset plus 1/2 hour
November-March: 6am-sunset