100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die

by Linda Lowen

In a state bookended by world-famous attractions--New York City to the southeast, Niagara Falls due west--Syracuse is often overlooked. It shouldn't be. At the state's geographic core, Central New York's largest City is the bullseye of the Empire State. In 100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die, you'll get the inside scoop on the places, faces, and spaces that make this area distinctive, memorable, and welcoming throughout the year.

Learn how Syracuse earned its nicknames Salt City and Snow City. Sample local specialties like chicken riggies and the six-pound frittata. Celebrate the arts and ethnic culture at seasonal festivals around town. Follow the historic Underground Railroad and the Erie Canal. At the eighth biggest mall in America, race a go-kart, climb the world's biggest indoor suspended ropes course, wander a mirror maze, or solve and escape-room puzzle. Enter the gates of the Great New York State Fair, the East Coast's biggest end-of-summer blast, where food, music, and the thrills of the midway attract 1.3 million attendees annually.

Syracuse-based writer Linda Lowen--a former radio and TV producer and talk-show host--shares 25 years of media-insider knowledge, highlighting longtime favorites and revealing unexpected discoveries. Described in detail, these finds will entertain both visitors and longtime Central New York residents.

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Michele]

"In a state bookended by world-famous attractions--New York City to the southeast, Niagara Falls due west--Syracuse is often overlooked. It shouldn't be. At the state's geographic core, Central New York's largest City is the bullseye of the Empire State. In 100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die, you'll get the inside scoop on the places, faces, and spaces that make this area distinctive, memorable, and welcoming throughout the year.

Learn how Syracuse earned its nicknames Salt City and Snow City. Sample local specialties like chicken riggies and the six-pound frittata. Celebrate the arts and ethnic culture at seasonal festivals around town. Follow the historic Underground Railroad and the Erie Canal. At the eighth biggest mall in America, race a go-kart, climb the world's biggest indoor suspended ropes course, wander a mirror maze, or solve and escape-room puzzle. Enter the gates of the Great New York State Fair, the East Coast's biggest end-of-summer blast, where food, music, and the thrills of the midway attract 1.3 million attendees annually.

Syracuse-based writer Linda Lowen--a former radio and TV producer and talk-show host--shares 25 years of media-insider knowledge, highlighting longtime favorites and revealing unexpected discoveries. Described in detail, these finds will entertain both visitors and longtime Central New York residents."

[Ralph]

I would have to agree that this book lists quite a number of attractions in and around Syracuse. Most are well known to residents but most of the sites identified in the book are probably not known by new or infrequent visitors. So, nothing really new for residents but it still provides information that anyone may find interesting/helpful.

Yes, as noted in one comment places may close after the book is submitted for publication, Buda’s grocery is no longer open. There undoubtedly may be others that close over time. Also, new places may open in the future that will be worthy of visiting.

One correction - Syracuse’s nickname, “The Salt City”, is not due to the boiling of Onondaga Lakes’s briny waters. The briny waters that were the source of salt came from wells located to the south of Syracuse. Visit the Salt Museum in Onondaga Lake Park to learn more. BTW, Heid’s of Liverpool, highlighted in the Food and Drink section is located close by.

[Leslie Archer]

This compendium of various things to see and experience around my home city of Syracuse is just plain fun. I wouldn't necessarily haul it around like a Fodor's (although for a visitor it offers some interesting curiosities that you'd have to spend hours finding on your own). But I do sit and chuckle over the personalized descriptions - and oh, the titles! "100 Things" is an insider's peek at some of the unique gems this city has to offer, and a guide to the best way to experience them.

[CheekyMermaid]

I live in Syracuse and I wasn’t aware of HALF of the very neat and cool places to visit. When I have a day off I’m usually stumped as to what to do. I brazenly dog eared all the places I still need to explore, plus a few favorites to revisit! The book is written in a fun conversational tone and Linda has sure done her homework!
I’m currently reading her latest book, Secret Syracuse and it’s a page turner for sure.

[Penny Sunser]

Nothing you don't already know, or places you haven't already been. List most popular restaurants, parks, etc. How many times does Destiny need to be on the list. Some places/thigs even closed & the book just came out. Should have been in & around Syracuse, and if that was the aim a lot of things were missed.

[Cheryl]

I enjoyed this book so much! I lived in the Syracuse area most of my life and learned so much more about the area. Definitely added many new places to visit on my “to do” list and am looking forward to it!
The book was very well written, engaging and overall a fantastic read.

[Dianne]

The perfect book if you are new to Syracuse or know someone who will be. I’ve lived here forever and still found things I didn’t know about. Clever writing, too so it’s fun to read.
I keep a copy in our guest room.

[Kristine]

A bit of something for everyone — whatever you’re interested in, or even if you’ve lived here your whole life, you’ll find someplace new and interesting to explore!

[Angela Kaufman]

well-researched and well written, makes me want to spend a lot more time in Syracuse!

[Jacqueline Goldstein]

Excellent! A perfect guide for parents and students contemplating going to college in this town.