If you live in the 315, next time you’re bored and think there’s nothing to do, think again! There is something for everyone and any one of these things definitely beats sitting on the couch or in bed watching Netflix all day or just hanging out at a friend’s house. Some of these options are a little pricier than others, but some are easy and inexpensive too. Get up and get out of the house this summer. Have fun!
1. Go to the beach!
Obviously, only if it’s warm outside should you go to the beach. But in the 315, there are many different beach options to choose from. Among many other options with smaller beaches, there is Sylvan Beach near Oneida, Fairhaven, in Sterling, NY, and my favorite, Southwick Beach is really nice and located about 45 miles north of Syracuse.
2. Take a day-trip to Destiny USA
You could probably live inside the mall for a month, and still not see everything it has to offer. From Forever 21, to Dicks Sporting Goods and Bath & Body Works, there are practically endless shopping options, as well as restaurants like The Melting Pot, The Cheesecake Factory, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts, and T.G.I. Fridays. Not only does Destiny have shopping and food, they have many places for fun activities as well. There is the race track, WonderWorks, The Mirror Maze, Dave & Busters, and Regal Cinemas. A day trip to Destiny USA is a great and fun way to spend time with your friends and family, or a great opportunity to spoil yourself.
3. Visit the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology)
This is an awesome opportunity to have fun and maybe learn something along the way too. It’s a great activity for kids (and adults too, who am I kidding?) and you’ll find it to be very interesting. The Most has an IMAX theater, a climbing wall, and many exhibits, such as the planetarium, Earth science discovery cave, space dock, and technotown. Although some of the play areas might be too small for some adults, there are still many fascinating facts hidden within the exhibits and you won’t regret a visit to the MOST, in Syracuse.
4. Sit back and watch some flicks at The Midway Drive-in Theater
Going to the same movie theater all the time can get pretty old. Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the movies, especially at the theaters that have reclining seats, but you can sit however you want at the Drive-in and you’re not confined to one seat. You can take up the whole back of your car or truck, and watch up to three movies in a row (sometimes four!), also while you’re outside under the stars. The Midway Drive-in is in Minetto, between Fulton and Oswego. Fun fact: the giant screen had to be replaced in the summer of 2014 after many years of use because a strong and windy storm completely destroyed it. Now, there’s a brand-new screen and different movies play every weekend.
5. Spend a day at the Corning Museum of Glass
In Corning, NY, you can watch glass be melted and reshaped into something beautiful. You can even try it yourself and make your own figurine! It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
6. Experience Harborfest
If you live in the 315, you’ve definitely heard of Harborfest. For most of us, it’s an annual tradition. Throughout the parks in Oswego, NY, there are always musicians playing throughout the day and at night. There are vendors spread out everywhere, great food, ice cream, drinks, a craft show (which has a booth that makes the best fudge you’ll ever taste), a carnival-style set-up with games and rides, and Saturday night, there are always fireworks set up to match a playlist, presented by ENTERGY. This year, Harborfest is held in Oswego, July 28-31. You won’t want to miss it!
7. Go to a concert at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse
The Amphitheater is new as of last year and holds amazing shows, with a packed calendar of events. This summer, the amphitheater presents Rascal Flatts, featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Journey and the Doobie Brothers, Jason Aldean, the Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley, Blink 182, and so many more!
8. The NYS Fair!
A lot of people go back to school too early to go, but the New York State Fair is probably the biggest thing that happens all summer. Food, concerts, vendors, sand sculptures, butter sculptures. Living near Syracuse for my entire life, it seems crazy to me that some people live in New York and have never been to the fair. My family and I go every year, and it’s never less than a great time.
People complain about living in Central New York, because of the weather and because there’s nothing to do, but the truth is, I’ve loved living here. Maybe not always, but looking back, I’ve made some pretty great memories here. Go make yours!
