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.

 

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

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

256. Ski and Board Sale

It’s that time of year, people! 

Anyone who skis in the upstate region will be at the Fairgrounds this weekend buying themselves some really nice new ski/snowboard equipment!

It’s annual. It’s here…and we’re ready for it!

Gathering at the fairgrounds, all the major ski and snowboard resorts, shops and more will be selling their goods at a discounted price. I remember when I was in ski club in high school, we’d buy all of our gear a few months early, at an incredibly affordable price!

It’s all weekend long, so don’t miss out!

Friday (September 13) from 5-9pm
Saturday (September 14) 10am-5pm
Sunday (September 15) 12pm-5pm

Tip: Once the gear is gone, it’s gone…get there early for the best deals!

location: New York State Fair, horticulture building

56. Tipp Hill Shamrock Run

This saturday celebrates the 8th annual Shamrock Run on Tipp Hill. At 11am, thousands of local runners will gather at Burnet Park and run the 4 mile hilly course through historic Tipperary Hill.

This is a great run for those who are willing to be challenged and rewarded.  Last year, the conditions for the run were cold and gloomy but the live music and neighborhood support made the run a lot of fun, and despite the difficulty of the course and the weather there was nothing that would stop me from registering again this year.

The hills provide for a challenging course while running up and down Avery Avenue, Tompkins, Coleridge, etc, etc… local bands and organizations come out to support and distract runners with live music and cheering.

Register here, it’s $30 through March 1st and $35 the day of the race.

This run is a great way to prepare for the even harder Mountain Goat race.

Like them on facebook to get up-to-date info regarding the race. Even if you’re not interested in running, they’re always looking for Volunteers to help pass out water and cheer on the runners!

Tip: After the run, head to Coleman’s for a green beer!

55. Winterfest – Chowder Cookoff

I am so excited for this event. A little fact about me is that clam chowder is my favorite food. I like to think of myself as a clam chowder connoisseur of sorts. Whenever it’s on the menu, I have to order it. I’ve spent countless meals going over the ingredients and the flavors, I don’t know what it is but I love clam chowder.

Of the clam chowder I have tried, and I’ve tried a lot, I am still looking for a bowl to beat The Bville Diner’s clam chowder. I know, right?! The Diner?! But I’m telling you…it is so good!

Today’s event for winterfest was designed with me in mind. The Chowder Cookoff! Area restaurants will compete for the best clam chowder in Syracuse. Same as yesterday’s event, this is from 11-3 in Hanover Square

Tip: There’s also a Bloody Mary mix off today too!

54. Winterfest – Chili cookoff

Words synonymous with winter: hot chocolate, snow, and chili.

The Chili Cookoff portion of winterfest is one of the most anticipated events of the entire 2 week festival. People in attendance get the chance to sample some of the finest chili in all of Syracuse from some of the best restaurants and organizations. The winner gets the best prize of all, not the money but the bragging rights that they’ve got the best chili in town.

They set up and have their chili ready by 11am and the public tasting starts at 2:30pm. Just that perfect time of day when you’re ready to warm up after being outside with a nice bowl of chili. Then you vote and the winner walks away with the chance to say “we’ve got the best chili in Syracuse.” Not a bad gig.

Find out more information here.

Tip: There are also other really fun events for winterfest today like the sandwich stroll and the Margarita mix-off.

47. Winter Warmer Beer Festival

For the past 3 years, the Winter Warmer Beer Festival has been a constant in Syracuse. People from all over the city come to enjoy some beer, food, live music…and it’s all outside.

Saturday Feb 16 from 1-8pm there will be food, drinks (brews from Middle Ages) and live music at the Coleman’s Pavilion. It’s free to attend this event….so unlike all those other brew festivals that charge you $30 just to walk around and hang out, this one is free to the public.

Luckily, this week we’ve had pretty decent weather. It’s been cold but there have been slow (and reassuring) signs of spring. Also, now that Valentine’s Day is out of the way, we’re on the home stretch to St. Patrick’s Day (thank the lord!).  Today’s weather suggests there will be slight snow showers & cooler temps, but when has that ever stopped us here in Syracuse? Wear a hat, grab your coat and come drink some beers!

Tip: X Double India Pale Ale is delicious!

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