Find life’s brilliant moments and rejoice in a place where true colors never fade; a place where sovereign spirits and an energetic community come together in perfect synchronization. Reconnect the dots with the things that truly matter and make memories on the historic streets. East Syracuse offers the platform for a refreshing and inviting adventure. Here are the best things to do in the area:
1. Hercules Candy Company
Hercules Candy Company is an antique candy store run by the Andrianos family since 1910. Here the chocolates are hand made from only the finest and freshest ingredients. The artisans create a staggering array of handmade chocolates – from traditional to the eccentric. The traditional favorites include chocolate drops, peanut butter cups and almond bark. Some of the eccentric offerings include chocolate covered gummy bears, chocolate covered marshmallows and chocolate covered potato chips. Famous for their hand dipped assorted chocolates, which are beautifully decorated, each of these boxes includes cream centers, nut clusters, caramels, and fancy solid shapes. So, if you have a sweet tooth we needn’t tell you what to do!
Hercules Candy Company
Address: 209 W Heman St, East Syracuse, NY 13057, USA
Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact: +1 3154634339
Website: Hercules Candy Company
2. Breakout Games
Breakout is not your average outing or everyday experience. It’s strictly for those who will solve mysteries, rather than stand in the background and watch someone else having all the fun. With different inquisitive rooms that follow inimitable story lines, you and your friends get 60 minutes to escape from the adventure of your choice by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, super fun.
All you need is a group that has the willingness to put their heads together and try something new. Good for 2-8 players per room, Breakout supplies the props for the adventure, a game master, 60 minutes of challenging fun, and after game exercises that extend the experience beyond the room. So if you are looking for something out of the ordinary we would recommend Breakout where families and friends can experience real life adventure where everyone has a part to play.
Breakout Games
Address: 6501C Basile Rowe, East Syracuse, NY 13057, USA
Hours: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Phone: +1 3159488454
Website: Breakout Games
3. St. Matthews Catholic Church
St. Matthews Church in East Syracuse is a magnificent edifice, which once had the dome painted with an amazing mural of Christ the King sitting on his throne surrounded by 6 angels. Unfortunately, that mural has been white washed and now the dome looks stark, but one can find solace in the stained-glass art that still adorns the dome of the altar. However, the altar looks magnificent with the marble columns and the myriad of angels bowing to the Lord.
If you are a catholic you may want to attend mass in this church. There are two masses offered at 6:45 am and 8:00 am from Monday to Friday and 8:00 am on a Saturday. Sunday masses are offered at 7:30 am and 10:30 am.
St. Matthews Catholic Church
Address: 229 W Yates St, East Syracuse, NY 13057, USA
Phone: +1 3154378318
Website: St. Matthews Catholic Church
4. Museum of Automobile History
People of all ages are being captivated by the new Museum of Automobile History’s amazing world of automobiles. With over 10,000 objects in its collection, it displays all that people have come to love about cars - eccentricities, splendor and achievements through the years. Cars are even in the air, and visitors can tour the galleries hearing the original radio commercials and musical jingles for great cars over the years that will make you nostalgic. Take a walk through the Age of the Automobile, starting with an account of one of the first attempts at auto making in the 1770s, and on through to the cars of the 1990s. The entire family will enjoy this unique new museum in downtown Syracuse, NY!
The Museum of Automobile History reflects the colossal impact of the car on us human, as well as an uninhibited passion for the automobile that dazzles everyone of all ages.
Museum of Automobile History
Address: 321 N Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA
Phone: +1 315479552
Website: Museum of Automobile History
5. Howe Caverns Adventure Park
Whether you are around New York and want to take a day trip, or you are driving through Syracuse looking for an affordable fun filled family vacation, Howe Caverns is one of the most exciting attractions. Your family can spend an entire day or two in the park and experience Howe Caverns above and below the ground!
Every tour of Howe Caverns starts with a 156 feet (48 meter) descent below the earth’s surface where your voyage will wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, beneath massive boulders, until you notice a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. Deep in the cave, solid rock appears fluid: creating strange formations, flowing sheets and dripping icicles. Mysterious grottos lead off into distant, unexplored passages - this is the Howe Caverns ultimate experience.
Howe Caverns Adventure Park
Address: 255 Discovery Dr, Howes Cave, NY 12092, USA
Website: Howe Caverns
6. Finger Lakes Wineries
Take a moment to uncover a region with opulent natural exquisiteness paired with deep roots in history, and a desire for life’s simple pleasures. Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is a year-round destination. During the summer and fall, the wineries are eventful, as this is the ultimate travel season and a great time of year in the Finger Lakes. However, during the off-seasons of winter and spring, your wine tasting experience is likely to be more personal and comfortable. It is these months of the year when you are likely to speak with the owners and winemakers themselves in the tasting room.
Take a picturesque drive, kayak, hike among waterfalls, swim in a cool lake, or feel the rush of auto racing. Discover your next exciting adventure in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Finger Lakes Wineries
Address: 1 W Market St # 303, Corning, NY 14830, USA
Phone: +1 6079360706
Website: Finger Lakes Wineries
7. Letchworth State Park in Castile
Letchworth State Park, well-known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically splendid locations in the eastern US. The Genesee River rumbles through the gorge over three major waterfalls amid cliffs and surrounded by lush woodlands. Hikers can choose among 66 miles (106 km) of hiking trails.
Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Letchworth presents nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth by hot air balloon is a memorable experience.
The list does not end here as Letchworth is equipped to enthrall visitors during winter with activities like snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The historic completely restored Glen Iris Inn offers overnight accommodations and is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Campers can take advantage of tent and trailer campsites as well as winterized cabins.
Letchworth State Park in Castile
Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Phone: +1 5854933600
Website: Letchworth State Park
8. Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay
Boldt Castle was designed as a summer dream home by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt, a castle rivaling those of Europe in 1900. However, during the construction Mrs. Boldt passed away leaving Mr. Boldt inconsolable and stopping the project altogether. The project was taken over by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority who started the project again after 70 years.
Today, Boldt Castle, located near Alexandria Bay, NY in the famed 1000 Islands is the premier attraction in the region. Whether you are making an annual visit to see what’s new or watching for an affordable family vacation, or a couple seeking that romantic getaway, Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House has something for you within its legendary beauty nestled among the St. Lawrence Rivers’ 1000 Islands that will keep you yearning for more.
Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay
Address: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, USA
Hours: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (All days)
Phone: +1 3154829724
Website: Boldt Castle
Pursue your passions with new experiences
Due to its close proximity to New York City, Syracuse definitely gets the vibe from its neighbor and delivers awesome tourist options that one can derive absolute excitement from. For those looking to kindle the romance, you can definitely opt for the Finger Lakes Wineries and Boldt Castle, and nature lovers will not be disappointed as well, as East Syracuse takes care of everyone.