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

352. Sledding at Onondaga Lake Park

On the other side of Onondaga Lake Park more technically known as Long Branch Park…away from the parkway, beyond the Lights on the Lake spectacular, sits a hill.

This hill has been home to some of the best sledding in Syracuse for years.

When I was younger, the neighbor kids would pile into the car and head to the “sledding hill” at Onondaga Lake Parkway…it’d be dotted with tons of kids exactly like us — barely able to move in our confining snow suits.  However, once you got to the top of that hill and your friend pushed you forward…it was freedom for 30 seconds!

I don’t know if it’s just because I grew up in Syracuse and I’ve grown accustomed to the snow and the freezing…but I don’t think that cold weather should stop you from having fun.

This is an “unofficial” hill, there’s no check-in guy, no one to help you up (except a friendly fellow sledder), no tube or sled rentals…it’s just…original. And that’s what I love about it! (Unlike other tubing)

Tip: The sledding hill is open from 10am-5pm daily.

Location: 3813 Long Branch Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088

351. Open Mic at Elbow Room

For the past 17 days we’ve heard Christmas Music on the radio, on repeat, every day, morning noon & night…. and while I do love a great Amy Grant tune, I don’t know if I can handle it much longer.

Which is why, I’m advocating for everyone to head on over to the Elbow Room tonight to watch Open Mic Night.

I want to hear something better than some little kid who saw Santa kissing his mother!

It starts at 7:30 and goes until 11pm, every Tuesday at The Elbow Room.

Tip: This is free!

location: Elbow Room

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

341. Holiday Happenings

It’s that time of year, and when you’re not frequenting the Dickens Christmas or Lights on the Lake head to Armory Square for the Holiday Happenings.

Throughout the month of December, there will be carolers walking around Armory Square and live performances at some establishments downtown.

This is just to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

December 7th, 12th, 14th and 21st during the afternoons from 1-5pm there will all be outdoor and indoor performances and it’s free to observe!

Tip: Check out the Armory Square website for more details

location: Armory Square

330. Hercules Candy Company

Whenever candy is in the title, I have to remind myself of two things.

1) Moderation

2) More Moderation.

However, with the holidays there’s a special exception to every rule. Aka: I’ll be throwing moderation out the window this week!

The Hercules Candy Company is offering an Open House this Saturday November 30th at 10am.

The open house will include a free tour of the candy making factory AND you get to watch as they make candy canes!!

Candy canes…a sure sign Winter is here.

Tip: Check out the facebook page for more event details

location: 209 W Heman Street, East Syracuse, NY

323. Before I die…

There’s a movement happening around the world.  It’s quite simple, embrace what you love, be happy, do everything you’ve ever wanted; don’t let anything stop you.

A couple weeks ago I was driving home from work and noticed a giant black wall with spray paint all over it. It was organized and neat and each line on the wall was preceded by the phrase: “Before I die…”

As the days went on people began filling things in on those lines. “Travel the world,” read one of the lines. Others followed seeking help for addiction, declaring love and marriage for girlfriends and boyfriends.  The list was fascinating.

It’s free to do. You just have to walk right on up to it and pick up some chalk. After it rains, the wall is refreshed with new “things to do before I die…”

I love this kind of stuff! Go on over to the corner of West Fayette & Geddes and write what you want to do before you die.

Tip: Check out the facebook page for the Gear Factory, the site of the “Before I die…” wall. It’s got tons of pictures of what’s been happening on that wall since the beginning!

location: Gear Factory, 200 S Geddes St. Syracuse, NY

319. Beer tasting at Green Hills

I guess now is the best time to talk about a little gem down there in the valley.

Green Hills is one of those tiny grocery stores that has stuck around despite the Wegmans takeover of Syracuse (& I loveeee Wegmans!). A lot of people have heard about it, yet a lot of people have not.

One of my favorite things about Green Hills is that they were selling Fort Collins Brewery a few months back! I made a point to stop in and stock up!

They’ve also got an INTENSE hot food items menu…I’ve heard their turkey lunch is out of this world.

So with all that, they’ve got a beer tasting this afternoon! How awesome is that? Grocery shopping & drinking beer…now that’s my kinda day!

From 5pm-7pm tonight at Green Hills there will be a Southern Tier Sampling. If you’re not familiar with Southern Tier they’ve got some really great flavors, I especially like the pumpking when they’ve got it!

Tip: Must be 21+ to participate, obviously.

location: Green Hills 5933 South Salina St

315. Dog Show

Dogs are trending right now.

Starting November 15th and ending November 17th there will be a host of dogs at the NY State Fairgrounds.

7am-7pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Showing us what’s up in real competition.

Check it out! Everything you need to know is here.

Tip: Friday admission is free!

308. Paint By Numbers

The Everson Museum has awesome events throughout the year.

Remember artful yoga?!

They’re doing something really awesome and I’m really excited for it!

On November 7th, from 6-8pm they’ll have a paint-by-numbers event.

BYOC = Bring your own color!

Here’s how it works… you basically pick up a tube of any color of acrylic paint you want. They’ll supply the paint brush & you will be assigned a number. You’ll go to the painting, find your number and paint!

Simple as that!

Tip: If you’re interested in attending this, email Pam McLaughlin, pmclaughlin@everson.org.

location: Everson Museum