Around Town

Elmwood Park

An early choice for our wedding, but nixed because of logistics. It's the backyard to Crissy's high school. In 1880, the land was used for farmland, but by 1889 the property was transformed into William Pardee's "First Class Temperance Pleasure Resort." At that time, it covered about 17 acres and had two artificial lakes, picnic shelters, dance pavilions, a restaurant, concessions (such as a cigar stand and an ice cream parlor), amusements (such as Swan boats, rifle range, merry-go-round and the like.

Webster Pond

Crissy's mom took her there as a kid all the time to feed the ducks! John and Violet like it too! Gannon's Aisle Ice Cream is also up the street. Pro-tip.

Onondaga Lake Park

Such a fun place to go biking, or running. Crissy did the annual Catholic School Marathon there, now it's really for strolls, bike rides, and picnics.

Downtown Syracuse

It’s a historic gem, art deco, and wonderful. Cute restaurants and strolls.

Syracuse University

Crissy went there for grad school at Newhouse’s television and film program and was born at Crouse Irving Memorial hospital on campus). Marshall street, the campus’s main strip is a fun walk and the quad is beautiful. Go visit campus!

New York State Fair

This best event ever, a short. 10-minute bus ride from downtown Syracuse is also where Crissy’s prom was held. We're heading out the day after the wedding, but here’s info if you choose to go another time. Butter sculptures, fair food galore (Pizze Fritte fried dough), Bloomin' Onion, you name it. Rides, and music!

Destiny USA - not just a mall, but an experience!

Locals call it Carousel. Not just a mall, but a comedy club, a bowling alley, a race track, with lots of restaurants. It was slated to be bigger than the Mall of America, but didn't quite make it. Crissy has logged too many hours there in a lifetime, including working at Spencer Gifts one college summer, but also just because she loves it.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Crissy’s first job at 14 was working the ticket booth here and loved taking solo strolls through the monkey cave and bird building.

Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus / 1911 Tasting Room

Again, Crissy spent many of a field trip here. Now they have a tasting room and it's been adultified. It’s just outside of Syracuse.

Skaneateles

A day trip worth going! Pronounced Skinny Atlas - Super cute, fancy, rich town. Go!

Museum of Science & Technology

Crissy volunteered here as a tween. It’s great for the kiddos, it’s wonderful! It’s downtown Syracuse.

Gannons Isle Ice Cream

Crissy’s favorite ice cream stand by her house, grew up here, John and Violet are huge fans. Gannons even let Crissy shoot a short film there during grad school. Love them.

Salt City Market

This is brand new in downtown Syracuse. The Richie-Spivey’s love coming here, it’s fun, there’s lots of food stalls, desert, a fire pit and a cute bar. John’s favorite food stall is Baghdad Restaurant.

Coleman’s

Irish restaurant on Tipperary Hill, the beautiful Irish destination in town where the green is at the top of the traffic light. We logged many pandemic meal here.

Modern Malt

Apizza Regionale

Stella's Diner

A diner Crissy's mom likes, and Crissy too!

Mother's Cupboard

We think it's been on Food Network, that counts as good, right?

The Fish Friar

Yummy fish spot. Fed us well in pandemic times.

Strong Hearts - Vegan spot!

Wegmans - They're literally all over the city of Syracuse

Board & Bar Charcuterie

The Ice Cream Stand

The ice cream stand has vegan ice cream options and make fresh waffle cones!

Oh My Darling

Everson Museum of Art

Onondaga Historical Association

This is an amazing museum to get the rich history of Syracuse and Onondaga county. An exhibit on the Underground Railroad is part as well.