365. First Night CNY

This is a bitter sweet moment for me. As this is my last post for 2013 and for 365 Things Syracuse, I want to thank all of the supporters and friends I have had throughout this process, It’s been quite the ride.

I’m not going to lie, this blog has become a mixed bag of emotions for me. Some days, it felt as if this year would never end, there were moments of weakness when I wanted to throw in the towel. But, then I’d received a thank you email or a new like on Facebook and I’d remember why I even started this blog.

I had so much fun participating in events that I otherwise would have never gotten the chance to be a part of. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I will look back on 2013 as a very pivotal year. So, thank you for that!

Now…moving on.

I don’t know any better way to kick off the new year than to spend it listening to HANSON.

YES, you heard me right!! Girls in your mid to late 20s, stop screaming..it’s true!!! The first boy band of our time, the Mmmmbops of mmmmbops are coming to Syracuse and they’re performing for us ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Now I know you’re probably thinking, “WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME THIS SOONER?!” Well, it’s probably because a) there was SO much to do in December and b) I quite literally saved the best for last!

HOW FREAKING EXCITING IS THIS!!!!

This event is for people of all ages, there will be laser tag, crafts, a dance party and the evening will end with Hanson performing their classic hits. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.

Okay, but seriously…this event is probably one of the best ones put on all year. The parking is in the village of Liverpool…you just have to show up between 7pm-Midnight & if you stop into Dunkin Donuts…YOU GET A FREE DRINK!

I hope you find this in time, cancel all your plans and head to the Parkway this evening…because that is where I will be.

Tip: IT’S FREE!!

Location: Onondaga Lake Parkway

364. Noon Years Eve

The second to last post for this blog is upon us…there are only 2 days left in 2013…I really truly can not believe this is over!

New Years Eve has never really been my thing…I don’t know what it is, but I’m just not one to get all dolled up and go somewhere really expensive. I also usually have to work on the 31st (lame!). But, I’m only one person, and a lot of people know that NYE is a huge celebration where they buy glittery dresses and pay $100 for open bar and listen to live music… which is awesome! I’m all about having fun! This year, I’m definitely going out!

For those people with families, who don’t have to work on the 31st or who are going to call in sick and take the family somewhere special… I think you should check out The Zoo!

There will be fun and games and animals and crafts and more! All with just the admission to the zoo. It’s Tuesday, December 31st from 10:30am-noon

This almost sounds as much fun as the 40-below party….almost!

Tip: Tickets to the zoo range from $4-6

Location: Rosamond Gifford Zoo

363. 40 Below-out NYE Party

When I went to the Landmark to watch White Christmas I was in awe of it’s grandiose interior. It’s like a time machine. It’s one of my favorite places in Syracuse.

When I heard about this party I thought to myself, what better way to spend NYE with friends than in the most remarkable building in town!

40 Below is pretty sweet, it’s a group of passionate and dedicated locals interested in revitalizing and highlighting Syracuse as a great place.

This party has a lot to offer too!

Tickets range from $160 to $110 dollars (which, I know might seem like a lot…but there’s a good chance you’d spend that while bar hopping…) for 5 hours of open bar, live music, prizes, and more! You can purchase them here.

If you’re not feeling celebrating the end of a wonderful year, reconsider. This is going to be one fun party!

Tip: Don’t drink and drive people! If you buy a ticket to the 40 below party, you can get $100 off select rooms at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel.

 

362. Varsity

It’s game day in Syracuse and we’re also celebrating a Bowl Game victory last night!

Something that is a tradition on the hill when there’s a home game is to stop by Varsity Pizza and grab a slice of the best pizza in town.

Varsity has been around for a long time.  The facade says it all. Inside, it looks like history frozen in time. And on game days, the line will stretch out the door with people waiting to get a slice of this famous pie.

Not only that, but they’ve got a menu of mouth watering fare, including my favorite rueben and fries….FOR $5.99. Can’t be beat people.

Tip: If the line looks long, don’t worry. It moves fast, those guys behind the counter know what they’re doing!

location: 802 S Crouse Ave

361. King David’s

I’m frequently around Marshall Street…being a grad student at SU has me near and on the campus basically every day of the week, which means that I’ve had Chiptole and Pita Pit and Jimmy Johns more times than I can count…

However, now I have added King David’s into the rotation and I’ve never been happier.

King David’s is as authentic as it can get…with specializing in middle eastern food, they’ve got a menu full of falafel and gyros and dinner plates that make your head spin.

Literally everything I’ve had from there is delicious! If you’re ever on Marshall Street, or Fayetteville (they’ve got a 2nd restaurant in the Fayetteville Town Square) stop in…forgo the loaded burrito at Chipotle or the lightening fast speed at Jimmy Johns.

Tip: The humous is the best in Syracuse…in my opinion

locations

360. Noexcuses Tours

When I first started this blog, I was approached by an individual who wanted to help me in whatever way he could.  He had mentioned he was trying to start his own company here in Syracuse, which offered distinctive tours in three distinctive locations throughout the city.

Immediately, I thought it was a brilliant plan. How great to get to know Syracuse from someone who is passionate about this place!

As time went on, he included 365 Things Syracuse on his blog, featuring something to do every Tuesday.  It was not only great exposure, but it was also a reminder that I was doing the right thing with 365 Things Syracuse. It was and still is, an honor to have a little link on his blog!

He has finally started to put the finishing touches on the tours, and just launched a new website, which is awesome because now I can feature him on this blog before it’s too late! (5 days…people!)

I went on a sort of “mock tour” this summer as part of a test-group and loved every second of it. We went to all the hot spots in Armory Square, we got to taste some AMAZING scallops at BC, delicious irish liqueur shots at Kitty Hoynes and even a sample of Empire Brews…we learned about the history of the buildings and walked the streets of Armory Square learning about the family and relationships the restaurants, bars and stores have created.

Afterwards, I immediately told all of my friends that when these tours launch they HAVE to go on one!

The tours range from $40-85 dollars, and they’re well worth it! You have to sign up

Tip: Like NOexcuses on facebook to learn about fun happenings in Syracuse!

Location: Armory Square, Hawley-Green or Tipp Hill

359. IMAX Theater

Merry Christmas, Syracuse!

I’ll keep this brief.

I really wanted to do something today that people can actually do…but since it’s Christmas, everywhere is closed!

Obviously the bar might open later on, but what about AFTER dinner?

Well, my family loves to go see movies…

With the new mall expansion, came an IMAX theater that is state of the art awesome!

So, why not go check out a movie today!

Tip: Show times are here.

location: DestiNY

358. Culture of the Cocktail Hour

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

We all love a good cocktail hour. It’s something that we all spend time doing…whether you’re enjoying time with friends, grabbing an after-work libation or whatever it is…it’s become a culture.

I also find it very romantic…especially at a place like Al’s…especially when it’s snowing…it’s just…perfect.

As you may already know, I’ve got a certain love for history…it’s so fascinating and I’m obsessed. Which is why when I saw the Onondaga Historical Association was putting on an exhibit (that’s actually been up for some time now) on the Cocktail Hour, and more specifically the cocktail hour in Syracuse, NY. I knew it was something that I needed to check out.

OHA is always putting on these really intriguing displays of history and incorporating it into our city and I don’t think we give them enough credit!

The exhibit is up until June so you’ve got some time, but there’s something about the holidays that makes me nostalgic for the past.

Tip: Check out the Historical Associations walking tour too!

location: Onondaga History Museum

357. Baldwinsville Theater Guild

While we’re all aware that this place has some serious arts going on…from live music, to live productions, comedy, song and dance…there are a lot of VERY talented people here.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Baldwinsville, and I’m sure you’ve noticed that over the course of this year I featured a lot of cool things happening there. From the farmers markets, Beaver Lake, Paper Mill Island, The B’ville Diner…it’s just a quaint town perfect for people of all ages.

The Baldwinsville Theater Guild is putting on a live performance of everyone’s favorite Broadway show, Les Miserables.

The actual performances don’t start until January 24th but, considering this blog ends on December 31st, I thought it was important to promote it!

Tickets are $22 pre-sale, $25 at the door & $20 for students, call 315-887-8465 for tickets

Tip: Sera Bullis is performing in this production, she also sang at the US Open!

location: 64 Oswego Street

356. Beer Tasting at Beer Belly Deli

Guys…I just wanted to point out…we’re officially in single digits until the end of the year. Wow, time sure does fly…

Back during the summertime, I was introduced to Beer Belly Deli as a place I HAD to try out!

Well, this weekend you have to go…man, you’re really going to get some good use out of your ugly christmas sweater this weekend…

Why? Because there is a winter beer takeover on the taps AND you get $1 off if you’re wearing your ugly christmas sweater! Today until 3pm…Again…adults hanging out in hideous sweaters…it’s so funny!

Alongside the christmas tap takeover…BBD has some fantastic food…their sandwiches are SO GOOD!! Make sure you try it out!

Tip: Like them on facebook for more information!

location: 510 Westcott Street