Preservationist Tour Guide: A Weekend in Syracuse
Syracuse is situated on the ancestral lands of the Onondaga Nation, along the shore of Onondaga Lake. According to Wikipedia, “the city has functioned as a major crossroads over the last two centuries, first between the Erie Canal and its branch canals, then of the railway network.”
Last year, the League recognized David Haas and his Instagram account @syracusehistory with an Excellence in Historic Preservation Award. For those unfamiliar, David chronicles the built environment and historic landscapes of his hometown, inspiring tens of thousands of followers to see the charm of Syracuse and the Central New York region. Of course we love following his Instagram, but we were also eager to see David’s Syracuse in real life too. He graciously agreed, and we spent an entire day crisscrossing the city, from the Southside to Eastwood — with an old house tour thrown in for good measure.
You might not be lucky enough to have David as your tour guide, but that shouldn’t stop you from spending time in the Salt City. Here’s a suggested weekend itinerary, mostly focused around Downtown. There’s so much more to explore, but consider this a good introduction.
Friday
Inside the lobby at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Check into the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Formerly known as the Hotel Syracuse, this c.1924 hotel underwent a meticulous restoration in 2016 — and received an Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the League for those efforts. After spending some time getting settled, admiring the lobby’s 40-foot mural, coffered ceiling, and other decorative elements, walk across the street to Salt City Market for dinner. Opened in 2021 with funding from the Allyn Family Foundation, Salt City Market is an incubator space for local restauranteurs, which means you’ll have plenty of options!
Saturday
Admire the architecture of Downtown Syracuse as you make your way to a favorite local coffee shop for breakfast. Recess Coffee is right across from City Hall, and on the way from the hotel you’ll also have a chance to see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It is highly recommended you get a look inside if you can!
A mausoleum seen just inside the Comstock entrance of Oakwood Cemetery. Peek through the door to see a Tiffany stained glass window.
Around the corner you’ll find the Erie Canal Museum. Housed in the only remaining weighlock building, this Museum explores the impact and history of the canal system (something the League is quite passionate about).
Spend some quality time outside by exploring one of Syracuse’s parks. We recommend Oakwood Cemetery!
Wherever you’ve ended up, head back Downtown for dinner and a show. Built in 1928, the Landmark Theatre is the only surviving historic theatre building in the city — and it is impressive. After falling into disrepair, the nonprofit Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre was established to save the theatre and bring it back to its former glory. They have continued this work since the late 1970s (and recently received a Technical Assistance Grant to support those efforts).
Sunday
The concrete spiral staircase is a focal point inside the I.M. Pei-designed Everson Museum of Art.
Before leaving Syracuse, there are two more must-do activities. First, a visit to the Everson Museum of Art. The galleries contain Modern and contemporary American art (and an especially impressive ceramics collection), but the I.M. Pei-designed building is equally worth your time and attention.
Second, the Syracuse Antiques Exchange. With over 60 vendors spread across 4 floors, you might want to reserve a few hours for this. Bonus: right across the street is the Syracuse factory with a house on its roof, a true architectural oddity. (Work just began to rehab this building into commercial space and over 100 apartments! We love to see it.)
Honorable Mentions
The Niagara Mohawk Building seen just before sunset.
If you have more time, head out of the city to Cazenovia, about 30 minutes away by car. We’ve got a handy tour guide to help you make the most of it.
If you have kids, spend some time at the Museum of Science and Technology, aka MOST.
Learn about the history of Syracuse and Onondaga County with a visit to the Onondaga Historical Association.
Explore Eastwood, the “village within the city.” There are lots of shops and restaurants along James Street.
If you’re wandering around Downtown, make your way west along Erie Blvd to admire the Niagara Mohawk Building. The restoration of this Art Deco masterpiece received an Excellence Award from the League back in 2012.
Heading south-west from Downtown, take yourself on a walking tour of West Onondaga Street. There are so many historic houses to admire, plus you can stop at Salt City Coffee, which is highly recommended.