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

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

349. Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing at Beaver Lake

The snow dumped on us yesterday…and while it’s freezing cold outside and all I’d like to do is warm up by the fire today, I know that it’s just not the most practical thing to do.

It’s time to get outside, and really enjoy the snow…if that’s even possible.

At the beginning of this year, I noted that there were a lot of things to do outdoors, including ice skating in Clinton Square and Sledding and Tubing (that was actually #1!).

Now we’ve got almost 15 days left in the year, and we’re still finding things to do outside when it’s snowing…how awesome, right?!

Today I suggest you head on over to beaver lake nature center & try out snowshoeing for the first time. We’ve got a nice amount of snow on the ground, perfect for a stroll with some snowshoes on.

So far this year, we’ve really noticed that Beaver Lake has a lot to offer, from maple syrup breakfasts to enchanted jack o lanterns and harvest fest, Beaver Lake is a spot that should be recognized as a park that’s got it all.

Their snowshoeing and cross country skiing is no different.  They’ve got over 7 miles of trails to explore. I think it’s the perfect thing to do on this chilly snowy Sunday.

Tip: Don’t own any gear? That’s alright! They rent snowshoes out for $3 an hour

location: Beaver Lake, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville NY

348. Chengerian’s Tree Farm

Rumor has it we’re supposed to get bombarded with snow… but, that’s just a rumor.

We’re really narrowing down the days until Christmas, but for me…I haven’t gotten a tree yet…OOPS!!

So, today I’ll be headed to Chengerian’s to pick out a beautiful fir.

I love Chengerian’s…they make it real easy to to pick out a tree.  Wander down the aisles of homegrown local christmas trees, cut one down… you’re good to go!

They’re open daily from Noon-6 on weekdays and 10am-6pm on Saturday & Sunday

Tip: If you don’t own a saw, don’t worry…they’ve got pre-cut trees there as well.

location

 

 

347. Caroling at Baltimore Woods

Guys, it’s really cold…like, really cold.

No one wants to be outside when it’s that cold…but I challenge you to try it!

Every year, Baltimore Woods holds a special caroling party that involves nature, song, and nostalgia.

Baltimore Woods is located near Marcellus and it’s got some pretty amazing nature views. Combine that with caroling, snow and lanterns and it’s a scene straight out of a Dicken’s novel.

It’s tomorrow from 7-8:30pm. Bring some cookies & your singing voice!

Tip: This is free to attend!

location: Baltimore Woods

346. Jingle Mingle

If you’re anything like me, you usually start looking for christmas presents for your friends and family around Halloween but you don’t actually buy anything until the week before the actual holiday.

It’s called procrastination…

Despite this, it’s time to get moving on shopping this year.  Tonight it the perfect time to start, too!

All throughout downtown Syracuse, local shops have paired with local restaurants.  The stores will be open from 4-8pm and while you’re shopping you’ll be able to taste some really great local dishes!

Tip: Here is a list of all the stores and their paired restaurants!

location: Armory Square

345. Highland Forest

Guys, it’s cold out.

26 degrees with the threat of snow on the horizon…winter is coming.

However, grab your winter jackets & go outside to Highland Forest! There are tons of winter-esque activities at that park, which is awesome!

They’ve got cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and the famous sleigh rides! How fun!

It might not be the time to go cross country skiing just yet….but, don’t worry…it will be soon. Highland Forest has tons of trails and you can even rent skis there!

Doesn’t make the pending snow storm sound all that bad, huh?

Tip: Sleigh rides run from December 14th-March 16th from 11am-4pm, $6 per person.

Location: Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Rd, Fabius