Binghamton, NY: The City that has nothing to do. According to natives, students and visitors alike, this city doesn’t have much to offer.
As someone who was born and raised here, I have heard every complaint under the sun (or more accurately, gray skies or rain-filled clouds).
While the weather does leave something to be desired, there are some hidden gems throughout the city that make Binghamton better than average.
1. Skylark Diner
My favorite on this list is Skylark Diner in Vestal. As a friend’s friend from California once said, “Oh my god, It’s a real train car… I’m in a movie right now.” Established in 1956, Skylark is the quintessential throwback.Open 24 hours a day, Skylark is perfect for any occasion, any craving, anytime. Whether you're sober, hungover or just finished a night downtown, the wait staff is funny and friendly. Literally, everything on the menu is delicious. Buffalo chicken tenders, cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, fries, onion rings, chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes, the list goes on. Skylark has seen me dressed to the nines, crying in my pajamas at 2 AM, and hungover on a Sunday morning attempting to recover from a girl’s night out. You won’t find a better place in town.
2. Roberson Museum and Planetarium
If you went to elementary school in the area, chances are you took a field trip or four to this local tourist attraction. Nevertheless, The Museum and Science Center always has something new and exciting to offer. It’s a place that seems to have a little bit of everything, Art, science, astronomy, architecture, and history can all be found at Roberson. Highlights include the Roberson Mansion and the Planetarium shows. Special events are a staple at Roberson including Robercon, Halloween paranormal investigations and Home for Holidays, where hundreds of Christmas trees are set up throughout the museum. Roberson has something for everyone to enjoy.
3. The Cider Mill
An Endicott landmark since 1926, the Cider Mill is must-stop every fall. They make homemade cider, pies, cookies, jam and candy apples. Blue Raspberry is my go-to flavor, but the other five are just as wonderful. They also have a farm stand with pumpkins, apples and other festive fall foods. While all of this is wonderful, the true highlight of the Cider Mill is the doughnuts. You will not find better doughnuts anywhere. Freshly made every day, you can go and watch the whole doughnut-making process before you decide which of the nine kinds you want to eat. Powdered Sugar, Plain, and Cinnamon are always available but the fancy flavors like Chocolate Peanut, Coconut, and Maple Walnut are only available Monday through Friday. Buyer beware: Once you try a Cider Mill doughnut, you won’t be able to stop.
4. Midway Lanes
Another field trip favorite, Midway lanes offers a lot more than just bowling. The newly renovated 36-lane bowling alley also has laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games. With a full bar and cafe, Midway Lanes has everything you need for a fun night out. If you have bowling skills like mine, side rails are available to help prevent gutter balls. They have specials throughout the week including “Quarter Mania” on Mondays and Thursdays where you get 50 cent games, 50 cent shoes, and 75 cent wings. This is a deal that can fit in any college kid’s budget.
5. Ross Park Zoo
The 5th oldest Zoo in the country, Ross Park Zoo has been a staple in Broome County since 1875. While it doesn’t have World Famous April the Giraffe (She’s 30 minutes up the road in Harpursville), the Zoo has a wide variety of animals. The short list of fan favorites including a snow leopard, African penguins, Howler monkeys, pythons, sloths and the internet famous Tennessee fainting goats. You can feed the farm animals for a few quarters, ride the Binghamton Zoo express or check out events at the Ross Park amphitheater. They received an adorable Red Panda Cub named Rowan who is now on display. During the last two weekends in October, “Boo at the Zoo” happens. The zoo is transformed into an outdoor haunted house and things go from sweet to scary quickly. If you dislike blood, chainsaws, or people in masks, this is one to skip out on. Other than that, it’s a terrifying time that will leave you jumpy for weeks.
