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Best stops along Herkimer to Syracuse drive
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30 Best Stops Between Herkimer and Syracuse

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedApr 10, 2023

How long is the drive from Herkimer to Syracuse?

The direct drive from Herkimer to Syracuse is 67.1 mi (108 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 7 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Herkimer to Syracuse, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Erie Canal Cruises and Rustic Ridge Winery, or the ever-popular Herkimer Diamond Mines.

Visiting Herkimer or Syracuse? See our Herkimer Trip Planner and our Syracuse Trip Planner.
67.1 mi
Total Distance
1 hr 7 mins
Drive Time
30 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Best stops along Herkimer to Syracuse drive

The top stops along the way from Herkimer to Syracuse (with short detours) are Destiny USA, Turning Stone Resort Casino, and Erie Canal Cruises. Other popular stops include Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Munson, and The Wild Animal Park.
1

Herkimer Diamond Mines

Temporarily Closed
Sights & Landmarks
Gift shop
Digging for quartz crystal diamonds at a surface mine with restaurants & a campground.
We actually found a shady area which was wonderful. It was a super sunny day, so everything looked sparkly but we did walk away with some diamonds and had a lot of fun finding them. We also also did the Herkimer bag for sluice mining to get more. The gift shop was nice and Herkimer Diamond jewelry was discounted so we got several pieces. We also got some geodes from the gift shop and I absolutely love one of them!
Sarah T — Google review
The quartz diamond field is a fun place. Take your own hammer, chisel and bucket or rent from the shop. There’s newbie tourists and experienced locals with tent setups. There’s a lot of rocks on the ground to hit and break or chisel away at one of the two long walls. If you like rocks, this is a must. We only stayed for an hour or so and had a great time.
Nick K — Google review
Our family went for the first time. We all had a lot of fun. Found quite a few diamonds and other neat things in the morning. The afternoon we moved to another spot further back and didn't do as well, but still found some. Nice place for families to enjoy looking through and busting rocks to find cool stuff.
Bassman — Google review
We went and stayed at the KOA Herkimer mine the girl working the campsite Becka was so awesome and fun to talk to and Alex was the manager of the mine was also amazing true assets to the business. I forgot the wire wrapper guy there he was equally awesome as well.
Roy P — Google review
Awesome, one-of-a-kind experience and a must-do if in the region. Admission isn't bad considering you're allowed to stay in the mines for as long as you want (until they close for the day) the rock here is much tougher than most so I do recommend bringing a heavy-duty chisel along with a decent sledge hammer. It's relatively easy to make some progress if you locate a pre existing crack in the cliff and chisel away at it, or if you don't have the right tools, you can scavenge through the rock piles but my luck there wasn't as great. There are also some areas of packed gravel that turned up a few crystals. you can easily dig through these with a small gardening pickaxe.
Noah D — Google review
My boyfriend and I had a blast here! You can bring your own tools or borrow for a small fee. We bought our tickets when we walked in but you can also pay online.
Kiersten M — Google review
We go EVERY summer, 2-3 times a summer. We have SO much fun!! Between the mines and the KOA campground, you can't go wrong!! And if you remember to tell them your staying at the campground you get a discount (I forgot the last day) but you also get a 1st responder discount. (Firefighter here) EVERYONE is VERY friendly and incredibly accommodating. I love them! Bring shower flipflops, unless you are staying in one of the houses with a price shower but even then I would just in case, but I would say that about ANY place with public showers, not just here. The mines open at 9am and don't close till 5pm. They have a food place there and you can NOT go wrong eating there. The food is AMZAING!! I am not a huge burger fan, but when we go I can wait to order my cheese burger with a side a sweet potato fries!! The gift shop sells the vials to collect the small diamonds throughout the day. As well as the round cases with the black velvet in them so if you find a BIG diamond you have a nice safe place to put it so you can display it when you get home. They also have a square case with a plastic outside. You put your diamonds in to display it and they don't move. It's actually very clever. I have tons of them in my type tray. I always buy them before we leave. It's one of my favorite things. I have an 8-year-old son who always meets new friends while he's up there. This year he met two new friends that became his penpals over the summer, on top of the one he met last summer. KOA campground always has a ton of activities for after the mines closed. I really can't say enough good things about Herkimer diamond mines. Especially for the kids who love Minecraft, if your kid loves Minecraft, you most definitely can't go wrong. They will be in heaven getting to mine real diamonds with you.. I added just a FEW pictures of the diamonds I have found over the 20+ years that my family and I have been going
Shelly B — Google review
If you have never been to Herkimer Diamond Mine, you need to make the trip. There is a lot to look at and a fun overall experience. Bring your own tools or rent tools from them. There is always a high chance of finding diamonds, especially if you know what to look for in the rocks. Finding them is an eye-opening experience. Fun affordable and beyond interesting.
Daniel M — Google review
4.5
(1377)
•
4.0
(330)
4626 NY-28, Herkimer, NY 13350, USA
https://herkimerdiamond.com/
(315) 891-3099
2

Erie Canal Cruises

Mentioned on 
3 lists 
Boat tour agency
Tours
Boat Tours
Erie Canal Cruises offer a unique experience for history enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone who enjoys being on the water. The cruises take place in Herkimer County, where the Erie Canal played a significant role in the development of large valley villages and efficient transportation. Visitors can also explore the county's oldest industry at Remington Arms and hunt for world-famous Herkimer Diamonds at Herkimer Diamond Mines and Ace of Diamonds Mine.
4.5 stars. On time, very friendly and knowledgeable crew. While there was a prerecorded tour that was quite informative I docked 0.5 stars because the recording was difficult to hear while the boat was moving - which was 95% of when the recording was being played. Otherwise very good tour and would still recommend! We had ages 7-70 with our group including a teenager and all enjoyed. Of course going thru the lock (twice!) was the highlight.
JESSICA R — Google review
Clean facilities, nice boat (we were on the Lil’ Diamond II). The audio was very informative— split between a prerecorded tape and live narration from the captain. 90 minute tour, great to be out on the water and saw lots of different birds! Even a heron! On the way back the captain even let the kiddos drive the boat! It was a great time had by all. We were a party of 6 and never felt squished.
Anastasia B — Google review
I remember learning the song 🎶 "I've got a mule her name is Sal...15 miles on the Erie Canal." I not only wanted to SEE this part of American 🇺🇸 history, but EXPERIENCE it as well. The Erie Canal guided tour boat ride was EXCEPTIONAL! Captain Mike was fantastic. My favorite part was actually getting to pass through Lock 18. It was amazing to see how all of the lock system works. This was the highlight of our trip to Herkimer!
Janet S — Google review
We cruised Tuesday Sept 2. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was so clean and seating was comfortable. I highly recommend this tour for every member of your family. We can’t wait to take our grandson.
Tracey H — Google review
Certainly a high 5 star rating for the excellent tour and clear and interesting descriptions / explanation of the Erie Canal’s history while cruising along. Since learning about the Erie Canal in grammar school many years ago, it has been on my bucket list to actually experience it and go through one of the locks. I finally got to do it and I highly recommend it.
Sal C — Google review
Aside from long drive, everything was very good. Everyone was friendly. Everything was clean. The cruise was educational, and the scenery was beautiful. The adjoining restaurant was very good. For all those to who are less inclined to appreciate this country, go here and educate yourself about what it is that makes America the best place in the World. Meet some wonderful people who simply want to do well and be well.
G — Google review
Had a wonderful cruise early in September. Weather was beautiful. The captains (we had two!) were fabulous as was the history provided to us on the Canal and local impact. My 11 year old grandson loved it too. Win win!
Bettina E — Google review
A beautiful excursion with Captain Mike and Kelly. I brought along friends and grandchildren for this enlightening and educational tour. Everyone had a great experience and I was happy to see that refreshments were at a nominal fee since we had six snackers with us. Mike even gave the kids an opportunity to take the helm for photo ops. Gems along the Mohawk store was also a gem for sure, we really had a wonderful afternoon. Thank-you and enjoy the rest of the season.
Susan A — Google review
4.7
(371)
•
5.0
(1018)
800 Mohawk St, Herkimer, NY 13350, USA
http://eriecanalcruises.com/
(315) 274-5969
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Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
3

Rustic Ridge Winery

Winery
Food & Drink
Bar
Wineries & Vineyards
I absolutely love this winery! There is a wine for anyone and it is absolutely beautiful! Today my experience was elevated by our server!! Darian was knowledgeable, on point, sweet and just made the tasting experience pleasurable!!! Can’t wait to come visit again!!
Darlene L — Google review
Great little winery with exceptional service! All of the wines tasted great and don't evendrink wine. There's plenty of options to choose from, you can get flights or glasses. There is cute seating inside and outside. Nice way to relax and let time go by.
Steven Q — Google review
Absolutely loved our visit here. The wines were delicious. For those who camp, this property is a Harvest Host. We enjoyed the Traminette and Rose' . There were several locals enjoying a glass of wine at the bar when we visited which made our visit even more fun!
Gale — Google review
Sweet little winery with an emphasis on family and the land. Trudy was a delight and we left with two very tasty (and affordable) bottles. Plus we got to give some cuddles to her adorable dog Bourbon. A very enjoyable afternoon!
Marie G — Google review
Such a great place to go. Kind people that make you feel good about being there. Love the wine. Love the beer. This time they had a food truck out front. Best grilled sandwich I've ever had. Everything else was delicious too.
Jay D — Google review
This is a beautiful, delightful and fun winery with superb wine! We enjoyed it so much that we bought a case! Make plans to visit!
Shelly W — Google review
Rick and his family are warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth hosts that make sure you have a great time tasting their various wines. Wines are produced locally and selected by Rick- decent selection but still on the sweeter side which is typical of wines produced in Upstate New York (compared to wines from California or other areas). Beautiful setting with outdoor patio and tables. Great place to bring a family or friends. Pizza truck nearby, live music some days, and a brewery next door that will open soon.
Alicia Y — Google review
My husband and I had a wonderful afternoon at the winery celebrating our mini moon. We did a tasting then grabbed a bottle to sip outside and enjoy the property. Rick was so friendly and we loved chatting with him during the tasting. Most importantly, the wines were fantastic!! Don’t sleep on the unoaked Chardonnay, Merlot, and untamed white!! 10/10 will return next time we are in the area.
Brooke S — Google review
4.9
(143)
•
4.5
(41)
2805 St Hwy 80, Burlington Flats, NY 13315, USA
http://rusticridgewine.com/
(607) 965-0626
4

White Lake Snow Tours and Rentals

Snowmobile rental service
Tours
Lodge
Gear Rentals
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Lot of amazing family memories. We would go back again. Owner was great! So worth it! Highly recommend!
Ramon C — Google review
This place is awesome! We (me and my girlfriend) chose to lodge at one of their cottages and absolutely loved it. Greg gave us a guided snowmobile tour and made us very comfortable even though we haven't been on snowmobiles in many years. I would recommend to anyone new to snowmobiling or looking to try something new. We went during the week to avoid crowds and saved money too.
Ron A — Google review
A little difficult to find as Google Maps took us about a mile past the location. There is no giant sign to alert us to our arrival. Once we got there, the owner was knowledgable and friendly. The 2 person sled we were on was comfortable and an easy ride.. you don't have to hold on to the driver! I would definitely recommend a tour with these guys!
Margaret B — Google review
4.6
(9)
•
5.0
(10)
12346 NY-28, Woodgate, NY 13494, USA
(315) 927-9000
5

Butternuts Beer & Ale

Temporarily Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
Butternuts is a little further away from the other Cooperstown area breweries but it's absolutely worth the visit. The brewery has a much smaller, more grassroots vibe then the others as well, but the beer is excellent (and there's much more to try than the iconic Porkslap you've no doubt had if you're from out of town like me). I should note the tasting room is closed during the winter months, but we showed up not knowing that and we were welcomed in anyway for a full private tour and a tasting of whatever was available. There just aren't enough people left on Earth who are willing to inconvenience themselves for strangers and I think it really speaks volumes. Go pay them a visit.
A.C. A — Google review
Butternuts is my favorite brewery. I love that the brewers are always on site and will talk to you about the process of their creations. You can tell that they genuinely brew beer they enjoy drinking and are proud of their offerings. A unique experience, it is very relaxing to enjoy a brew while sitting on their countryside patio. Brewing out of what was once a barn, their operation is small, but the flavor and passion they put into their craft is immense.
Christine P — Google review
This brewery is awesome! Very friendly and knowledgeable owner. Great beer and good times will be had here! If you are nearby you should stop in.
Andrew T — Google review
Great beers, beautiful spot, friendly and welcoming. To say this place is off the beaten path is an understatement—but definitely worth a drive. My favorite brewery in the area.
Ben S — Google review
Exceptional beers. Super friendly people. Worth the drive and adventure to get to this spot. Live music on the Saturday we stopped by. Authentic crafted brew, and a great variety.
Chris S — Google review
Excellent variety of brews and brats. Chuck & Annmarie are gracious hosts. Good times to be had, beautiful setting inside and out. Certainly will become a regular.
John F — Google review
One of the best breweries I have ever visited. Been here on several occasions, and never disappointed. Beer is top notch, and the bartenders are always friendly. The strawberry rhubarb saison seasonal is mind blowing. If you find yourself in the Cooperstown area, make this a destination.
Dave P — Google review
Super small operation. The tasting room was interesting as it was lit via some floor stand construction lights. We had a flight and enjoyed all of what we had, took a growler of their dry hopped saison home with us. Enjoyed a conversation with the employee that came in off the production floor to serve us. Worth a stop for sure.
Brent W — Google review
4.7
(35)
•
4.0
(28)
4020 NY-51, Garrattsville, NY 13342, USA
http://www.butternutsbeerandale.com/
(607) 263-5070
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6

The Stanley Theatre

Mentioned on 
5 lists 
Event venue
Concerts & Shows
The Stanley Theatre, a stunning Baroque-style venue with a lavish gold-leaf interior and grand staircase, is an iconic historical landmark designed by renowned architect Thomas Lamb. Originally opened in 1928 as a movie palace, it has been exquisitely preserved and continues to host a variety of events including concerts and plays. Despite its historical charm, some visitors have noted that the seating can be tight for taller individuals.
This theater is beautiful. For it being in Utica it truly is gorgeous. The alcohol is around $11 which isn't bad. I recently went to the dirty dancing show and it turned out it was a movie with some occasional singing 😂 not the Broadway show I expected. I need to read things before I buy tickets. If you are looking for a fun night out in a beautiful theater this is the place. It's also next to a cute little bar that also has food. I've been to the Stanley around 15 to 20 times and loved it. This last time no one said you couldn't go outside and smoke and no one stopped a few of us. When I got out there I got my head bitten off by someone so I will not ever go out for a smoke during intermission again. Other than that it was fantastic. I'll post a snip from the dirty dancing show we seen. WE LAUGHED SO HARD when we realized I did not read this show properly and got us expensive tickets to watch a movie with a little bit of singing. Still a great show just not what I thought I was going to 😂
Shannon S — Google review
What a beautiful theatre! Went with some friends to see the Bored Teachers - The Struggle is Real Comedy Tour. Even sitting way up in the balcony was a good view of the venue. The decor and architecture were beautiful. The seats were pretty comfortable which was a surprise. We had one octogenarian with us and she struggled a little to get to our seats up the steep stairs so be mindful of your group's physical limitations and contact the venue with any questions about accessibility. Please like this review if you find it helpful.
Tamara R — Google review
The way Utica New York gets entertained and bands,singers,comedians being entertainment in the city..Local Staple all are welcome Utica is the best city ever..
Gregory C — Google review
Had an amazing evening with the family, we dressed up and went to see the Vampire Circus. The show was very nice , set design was well crafted, the performers were on top of their game. Amazing show and thank you for the good times!
MentalReject76 — Google review
Very professional staff. Considering the audience size, they made sure everything flowed smoothly. The temperature and seats were comfortable.
Daniel K — Google review
My wife and I enjoyed an Getty's Irish Christmas Concert at The Stanley Theater. Wow, what a beautiful venue! By far the best of the many we've been to over the years. Such a historical venue, glad we got the chance to visit. Given the time in which it was built, the seating is very tight, too small for taller patrons. Hopefully, improving that will help. Can't wait to make another trip.
Stanley M — Google review
Too difficult to get to on that dangerous highway. City needs to fix downtown so it's safe to be an actual person there. It's dangerous to drive in that highway, let alone park, bike or walk into a business. Inhospitable.
Жеремей С — Google review
Such a beautiful venue. We went to see the Getty’s Christmas concert at the Stanley Theatre. We loved it. The only complaint was from my husband who is 6’ 1 1/2”. He could barely fit in the row where we were sitting . Thankfully he had an aisle seat and could put his legs out there . Otherwise it would have very uncomfortable. If they come back to the theatre, we would try to find seats at the very front of the balcony
Kelly M — Google review
4.7
(893)
•
5.0
(105)
259 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501, USA
http://www.thestanley.org/
(315) 724-4000
7

Munson

Mentioned on 
14 lists 
Museum
Art museum
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, located in Utica and established in 1919, is a regional fine arts center housed in a stunning International-style building designed by architect Philip Johnson. The institute operates three program divisions, including the Museum of Art which features extensive collections of European and American artwork, showcasing pieces by renowned artists like Picasso, Dali, and Mondrian. The institute also boasts a sculpture park and a performing arts center that hosts plays, concerts, and other events.
Their permanent collection is extensive and interesting with an emphasis on New York State history and artists. Besides paintings and sculptures, they have rooms furnished with ornate furniture, rugs, wallpaper and decorations from over 100 years ago. They're found in a section of the museum referred to as "The Mansion". They keep things interesting by organizing frequent special exhibits which include loaned works of art as well as drawing from their own collection. The gift shop is worth a look.
N N — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-See Cultural Gem! The Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is an absolute treasure. The art collection is both iconic and diverse, featuring legendary works by Kandinsky, Warhol, Picasso, and Thomas Cole. Every room offered something inspiring. What truly sets this museum apart is its vibrancy—not just in the galleries, but throughout the entire space. While touring, we had the unexpected joy of hearing live musical rehearsals echoing through the building. It made me wonder: how soon can I see these performers live? The connection between visual and performing arts here is alive and thriving. The surrounding community feels equally energetic and creative, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful from start to finish. This museum is a cultural anchor for the area and absolutely worth visiting.
Peter J — Google review
I came here with my mom to see the floral arrangement exhibit. Beautiful pieces. We also like to visit throughout the year and get lunch on the terrace when it's nice weather. Always a pleasure!
Jessica F — Google review
Wonderful, free art museum with something for everyone. The building itself was beautiful as well as the grounds. Do not miss Thomas Cole’s “Voyage of Life”.
Holly M — Google review
I really enjoyed the building space. The ceiling brings in natural light. They have a connected building that has a bakery. There is parking in the rear and on the street. We went to go check out the Tiffany exhibit. It was really cool.
Tom U — Google review
Absolute must visit. Their exhibits are well curated and the space is beautiful. It also seems like they are quite involved in the arts community and have a lot of events to attend. I will be back. And I will be telling all my friends!
Emily M — Google review
I never leave reviews but feel I need to. This is about the person working the front desk. I have a museum membership that includes North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association benefits. Since the museum is free admission, I asked if the special exhibit fee was covered by NARM membership. The person rudely explained that it did not cover it because the admission to the museum was already free and they honestly “weren’t trying to make money off you.” I felt embarrassed for asking as she basically applied I was cheap. I noticed a sign near the desk stating that in fact the fee was covered by NARM but I was too embarrassed at that point to clarify her mistake. I do not mind paying, I just wanted to take advantage of every benefit of my membership before it expires next month. Other than that the art was great including Thomas Cole’s works and Karen LaMonte’s sculptures. The other staff were friendly.
Bre — Google review
Absolutely beautiful,unique art display. Great entertainment and fun historic tour of the home
Rose P — Google review
4.7
(234)
•
4.5
(287)
310 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502, USA
https://www.munson.art/
(315) 797-0000
8

Utica Zoo

Mentioned on 
12 lists 
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Utica Zoo, located in Roscoe Conkling Park, is a year-round zoo that houses over 200 animals from various native and exotic species. Accredited by the American Zoological Association, the zoo offers guided tours and kids' programs for families to enjoy. The zoo was established in 1914 on an 80-acre lot with 40 acres dedicated to developed animal exhibits.
Small but beautiful. Enjoyed seeing the animals and also enjoyed how clean and tidy the place was. Also, this is more of an opinion, as an animal activist I appreciate that all enclosures had a separate room the animals all had access to just in case if they were stressed or overwhelmed. All zoos should have this.
Chris O — Google review
Fun day,but some exhibits were closed. We stopped on our way to Old Forge it was worth the leg stretch, but we wouldn't purposely make it a trip to go as adults. We'll worth it for families though.
Chris H — Google review
Don’t be fooled, there is plenty to see here! You can definitely get your steps in! They also have the ride ons but some areas restrict them so you’ll have to walk or not go through those areas. There are various places to sit throughout and food and snacks available on site. I can say the food was very fresh and it was good, which surprised me. We ordered cheeseburgers and cheese fries. The price is reasonable and tickets can be purchased online. They have experiences available too but you need to book in advance be ire to check their website!
S M — Google review
We spent a really great few hours at this zoo in July. The otters were really putting on a show for everyone and I couldn't help but stick around to see what they would do next. So many great animal exhibits, minus the red pandas. The setup made it very dark and impossible to see in at all. Overall great way to spend part of a day. I would suggest visiting the concession stand at off hours though. At lunchtime the line was impossibly long with limited staffing and we opted to eat elsewhere instead.
Jackie A — Google review
Very fun and the fact it's all year round, besides 2 days; is awesome. Some animals were asleep but nonetheless it's a great experience.
Christopher O — Google review
My son an I went to the Trunk-or-treat It was an experience they gave us a check-off card to follow and Mark the different stations of candy off. They had the dinosaur exhibit up .that was interesting he loved how some moved.an the zebras it was his first Zoo experience we enjoyed ourselves there was a good variety of animals
Blue — Google review
Visiting the Utica zoo was exciting they had dinosaur set up. The snake was more than huge had hard get it all in photo. A few of the areas animal were not out due to up coming new baby's.
Helen R — Google review
A Wonderful Experience at the Utica Zoo! The Utica Zoo is a fantastic place to visit for families, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors while learning about wildlife. While it is not as large as some major zoos, it offers a very personal and welcoming experience that stands out in its own way. The exhibits are well maintained, and it is clear that the animals receive excellent care. Some of the highlights included the red pandas, primates, and the reptile house, which had a wide variety of interesting species. It was also nice to see animals native to the region, which added an educational aspect to the visit. The staff and volunteers were very friendly and helpful. They were happy to answer questions and provided interesting facts about the animals. The zoo grounds were clean, with shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground that children will definitely enjoy. The gift shop had a good selection of items, and the café offered quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. The experience felt calm and enjoyable, with plenty of space to explore at your own pace. It was not overly crowded, and the parking was free and convenient. Overall, the Utica Zoo is a hidden gem in Central New York. It is well worth the visit and provides a meaningful and enjoyable day for visitors of all ages.
Sara M — Google review
4.4
(1933)
•
4.0
(254)
1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, USA
https://www.uticazoo.org/
(315) 738-0472
9

Pixley Falls State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Parks
Beautiful day clean trails. Easy hike. There are quite a few stairs and you do go up and down. So if you are in struggling with instability when you walk or using a walker, this will not be the trail for you. Lots of little waterfalls. We went as far as we could until there were trees down. It looks like there had been some flooding overall. It was about 1.75 mi there and back.
Kimber B — Google review
Absolutely beautiful in the fall and I had the entire park to myself. I was staying in Herkimer and wanted to chase some fall foliage so I drove north and stumbled upon this gem. The trails are all easy buy bot very well marked. The bathroom is clean and well maintained. While Pixley Falls itself was
Noah D — Google review
Intro: A nice little place with several trails. Plenty of little falls along many of the trails. Entrance: Clearly marked, however, it's very out of the way and isolated. Though that makes it easy to enter and exit. Parking: There are no clearly marked parking spots, I ended up parking far up the park away from the entrance, since I wasn't sure what was considered parking. As I left, I saw where others decided to start parking near the entrance, I guess that works. Facilities: Unfortunately, nothing was very well maintained, there was some sitting areas and grills, and even a small covered area, but the only thing that was bright and in great condition was the trash and recycle bins. On that note, I barely saw any trash, I was happy with that. Trails and other Features: This is where it shines, plenty of trails, mainly 3 trails. Two of the paths are easy, parallel to each other, an upper path and lower path that follows the main falls and river. Unfortunately, I visited during a very dry spell, so both the main waterfall and river was dried up. What made up for it was the many, MANY smaller falls scattered along the path, made it very worth it. Both the easy trails converge at the end, leading to a harder path. Well, because I spent all my energy climbing up and exploring the many falls, I didn't explore the harder path so I can't really compare them, lol. Final Word: I would not come to this place for the picnic area, it's doable, but there are so many other parks that offers better picnic areas. The real reason are the trails, plenty of exploration and plenty of things to see. Definitely come here if you want to take a very long scenic walk.
Balgerus — Google review
I loved that they had accessible bathrooms, picnic/grill areas, it was very clean and the falls were beautiful. Parking was a little weird if you haven't been here before. The trails were great for able bodies people, a bit difficult for a toddler or elderly.
Cat H — Google review
I wanted to rewrite my review because my former one said this place was kinda boring. I took a stroll around the trails and it was kinda neat. They put a lot of work into the trail sytem too. Lots of hills to climb and ravines to play in. Id have to say that if you are local then itd be worth checking out. If you are far away then you might want to pair other falls into your trip or bring a picnic. There is one 3 miles up the road but they need to replace the bridge for access. Probably can find a way down in there though.
Jon — Google review
Nice park with a picnic area , rustic picnic tables, somewhat difficult to walk trails. Medium steep trails, some loose stones and exposed tree roots to maneuver over. Sadly, due to drought, little water to flow over the falls on September 18, 2025.
J.R. F — Google review
Beautiful waterfall and creek. Great hike for most of trail. Last 0.3 miles of red trail are muddy, washed out, steep and covered in fallen trees. Otherwise great.
Brandyn K — Google review
It was a very hot, and sunny day, perfect to visit the falls. Its a very pretty park. We brought our dog here to enjoy the waterfalls and trails. The trails are ok, but sort of just end a short ways from the second smaller waterfall. Some workers placed roofing shingles on a couple of bridges and left piles of unused shingles just laying in the woods, sloppy and not eco-friendly.
Bonnie M — Google review
4.7
(652)
•
4.5
(36)
11430 NY-46, Boonville, NY 13309, USA
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/pixleyfalls
(315) 337-4670
10

Delta Lake State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Swimming & fishing destination with flat terrain for hikes & snowmobiling, plus lakeside camping.
This is the best option for lakeside camping with some degree of privacy between sites and also electric hookups. It's difficult to grab a site as the first open for booking but you can occasionally find one that someone has cancelled if you're diligent in checking. If you prefer a nearby shower facility, know that it is a separate building located between loops B and C. Each loop has at least one or two bathrooms with wash sinks. Fun Park for bike riding inside the camping loops, as well as to the numerous picnic areas, the beach and the boat launch - trails are wide and wood chipped, suitable for mountain bikes and pedestrians. Very dog friendly, but must be on leashes and provide rabies certificates at check in. On our favorites list, for sure. Photos from Site A22.
Jae P — Google review
Delta Lake State Park is a great place to go camping or hangout at the beach. The campsites are spacious and private. They have waterfront sites which are awesome but very hard to get. The beach is sandy but it gets rocky after a few feet in the water. They also did a movie on the beach on Friday night which the kids enjoyed.
Mike A — Google review
Very nice Lake park with beach ⛱️🏖️ with clean restrooms, wash area and play area for kids. See pics and videos for more details. Currently per car 🚗 entry is $7 (May 2025) Thanks 🙏👍
Dilip T — Google review
We had an amazing time this place is absolutely amazing. The park rangers go out of their way to help you. The facilities are always kept clean and the lakes are absolutely beautiful.
Reza V — Google review
Delta Lake is one of my favorite beaches in the area. There is plenty of beach space, picnic tables in the shade on either side of the concession building and bathrooms. The playground is pretty large as well. Usually more than one swimming area is open, making for a less crowded dip! The wading area is a little rocky, my kids just wear water shoes.
Jessica F — Google review
We had a fantastic day popping in to grab some geocaches. While walking through we say a garter snake out along the trail and meet some other cachers. Parking was easy, and there are bathrooms whenever we stopped for the kids.
Garrett R — Google review
For a $7.00 entry fee you get a place to launch a boat, swim, hike and lots more. Clean restrooms are a bonus as well.
Ronald V — Google review
Nice Park. Shower's not so much. 1 shower house for 3 loops and the water bearly comes out and the temp is warm at best but no cold which would of been nice on those 90+ degree days . The loop spigot are not for filling your fresh water for the campers . That you have to fill on the main road . Staff was great and the Park Rangers were helpful and pleasant too talk too. The camper sites were very large except for the ones next to the lake. At least in loop B. The dump site is very new and works fantastic. They do have recycling at all the loops and a couple of small dumpsters in each loop , very convenient and clean. Overall they definitely got a great Park and clean . Except the showers. Thank you Park staff.
Robert R — Google review
4.5
(1438)
•
4.0
(61)
8797 NY-46, Rome, NY 13440, USA
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/deltalake/details.aspx
(315) 337-4670
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11

Fort Stanwix National Monument

Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Colonial fort first built in the 1750s to guard a key trading route, with museum tours & monuments.
Really nice National Monument. We enjoyed our stop at this location. Parking is alongside the road, no actually parking lot. Thankfully, we arrived right when they opened, so there was plenty of roadside parking since our truck and camper took up three parking spots. We enjoyed our walk around and through the fort. There were people in some of the rooms which was cool, but also startled us, because we didn't think they would be there. It was a nice place to walk our dog, as the fort is dog friendly. Make this a stop, there is a lot of history, and its an enjoyable, clean place.
Kate J — Google review
Nice welcome center with interesting information and history on the fort and the wars fought in the area. Gift shop and bathrooms. Interactive events throughout the day would be good to check schedule before going so you don't miss anything.
Cathy S — Google review
Fort Stanwix is a great place to visit. The fort is rebuilt just like it was long ago. You can walk around and see how soldiers lived. The people who work there are very friendly and tell good stories. It's a nice place for a quick trip and you learn a lot about history. There are plenty of free parking spaces along the road.
Asiri B — Google review
Great experience. Learn about the importance of Fort Stanwix during the American Revolution - Enter the fort and step back in time to 1758 . Learn history in a very entertaining way. Free Parking, no entrance fee. Gift shop. Friendly staff. Motion activated videos to learn more about the Fort and the heroes who lived there.
Tillie K — Google review
Less han an hour before the Visitor center closed. Got my Souvenirs. Was able to watch all the movies and see the exhibits before touring the grounds. I would recommend perhaps 2 hours though. I saw everything but I did rush it a bit. More time would have been better. Fantastic Rangers!
Landon M — Google review
The Rangers in the welcome center explained so much in 10mins, and I’m already planning to stay overnight so I can actually soak it all in. Such an important part of the revolutionary war, in Oneida country, and they built a town over the site, then razed that section down, then rebuilt it to blueprints from 1750s - and when you go in, it’s far more impressive than you thought it’d be!!! The welcome center is full of fun souvenirs but also great books and the passport to get stamped!
Josh A — Google review
Dog friendly everywhere except for the visitor center. This was fantastic!!! We were lucky enough to watch displays put on by the Native American community. Staff did a great job of presenting information on how things were back in the day. Don’t forget to ask a Ranger how to get your pup a B.A.R.K. badge!
S S — Google review
I was very impressed. The staff were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The fort was immersive with lots of rooms open and informative displays. The visitor center was well laid out with a nice series of videos to connect everything together as well as a decent amount of artifacts. I'd say give yourself an hour and a half for your visit. My main complaint is that there is no dedicated parking lot (I think your best option is street parking near the visitor center). Also, the fort isn't nestled in the woods but rather surrounded by the businesses and city streets of downtown Rome, NY. It's only ten to fifteen minutes from I-90, so if you're looking for something to break up your drive across upstate New York, this is a great stop.
Timothy J — Google review
4.7
(881)
•
4.5
(237)
100 N James St, Rome, NY 13440, USA
http://www.nps.gov/fost/index.htm
(315) 338-7730
12

Vernon Downs Casino Hotel

Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Hotel
Hotel with adjoining casino next to a racetrack with seasonal harness racing, plus a pool & arcade.
Very nice place to go to. Buffet is delicious. Lots of parking. Hotel rooms are comfortable. Staff there is friendly and helpful. The host Mark is amazing. He always greets people with a smile, I love when he is on the floor , he chats with everyone and spreads his positive energy around.
Brian S — Google review
Great hospitality. The staff was amazing. We needed to check out a little later due to an event and the staff was so nice about it. The rooms were clean and the beds comfy. Sure this isn’t going to be the fanciest hotel in the world, but the staff and hospitality made up for it. Will stay here again.
JP — Google review
Enjoyed our room and the casino. Out room was clean and comfortable. The casino was clean and easy to navigate. The staff were so friendly and helpful. We were there on a Tuesday so there wasn’t any racing. We went to the buffet around 6:30, there were very few options and it was nothing special. However at $7/pp I wasn’t expecting special. It filled us up to keep going. We didn’t use the pool but I did check it out. It was very nice. I will definitely come here again and will recommend.
Jennifer B — Google review
I came here to gamble and go to the craft fair. Im 22 years old, covered in tattoos, and was stopped. Okay I understand, but to be questioned as if im using a fake id? Ridiculous. Grilling me before even scanning my id, what year were you born. What's your first name, whats your date of birth, then looking at my id and back at me a million times before even scanning my id, he scanned me in cool whatever. I go to the casino floor, where multiple male staff members stopped in their tracks to turn around and look at me. Ontop of all of this i was asked for my id FOUR times while I was there. Ontop of all of this. The men that were there "enjoying their time" look you up and down smiling with creepy grins. I guess dont come here if your a young female. All your gonna get is looks and people constantly trying to question you about your id. I dont even win anything when I go here. And its the male security staff that stops in their tracks to look you up and down and grin when they get caught.
Allie A — Google review
My rating is only food food, which is usually excellent. I ordered wings at Lucky 7 & "my order" was ready within about 30 seconds. I should have refused the order as It was obviously an order that had not been picked up & was sitting around for some time. Even with my coupon & senior discount, it cost me $8+ tip. The wings were awful! Please don't ever do this to me again!!!
MaryEllen B — Google review
Beds are full size, not queen (which can be measured) so I'm not sure why they lie about that?!? Pillows all need to be replaced, basically falling apart and flat beyond usefulness. Got stuck in a room directly above the front door, so could hear people in and out all night long. Room was hot, with A/C that barely worked. Heated Pool was decent, but a bit too cold. And don't get me started on the casino part....what a joke. I understand it's their business to make money, but when you don't pay out ANYTHING AT ALL, how do you expect that people will come back when they lose all their money in the first half hour?? I will certainly never come back to this casino, I'm closer to other ones that actually let me enjoy playing for a while....
Tammy C — Google review
We stayed here and our first room had a busted air conditioner. The second room's air conditioner didn't work either. Had it on 60 and it just air blew, like a fan. No more rooms were available. We stuck it out, but got totally skeeved out in the second room. Found a couple pillows that should have been replaced but were still used for guests. One the stuffing was coming out, the other had saliva stains. The sheets were frayed and the beds were lumpy and uncomfortable. The whole hotel needs an overhaul. The 2 rooms we were in showed their age. When we complained to guest services primarily for the lack of air conditioning they said they could comp us a room for another stay. No way are we staying here ever again. I wanted the whole amount we paid reimbursed but we decided, we did spend a night, even though we were extremely uncomfortable, we wanted a fair amount of money reimbursed for the cost that we paid. We had to talk to the manager for that. She only offered a small, unacceptable amount and again, a comp'ed room. I asked to speak to someone else and she transferred the call to the GM, Arthur. I spoke to his office assistant who took down my information and said I would get a call back. He never called me back and someone from the front desk just called and left me a message saying they would process the measly refund. Glad some of the reviews showed people had a good stay, but for us, it was not nice at all and we feel they could have done more for us. Very disappointed with the hotels' management. They just spouted out the company line and offering and there was nothing more they were willing to do. Not a good way to do business.
Paula — Google review
No carts to transport luggage , was woken at 1:17am by maintenance due to hot tub leak from our to room below we were unaware of to room below Maintenance Used our towels to clean the mess , we called front desk and they said NO house keeping available till morning so NO towels !!!! WHAT ... crazy . Breakfast was a joke.. stale bagels NO sugar by coffee maker, no hot foods .. just a disaster.
Lisa L — Google review
4.0
(2086)
•
3.5
(143)
4229 Stuhlman Rd, Vernon, NY 13476, USA
https://www.vernondowns.com/
(315) 829-6800
13

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Modern rooms & suites in multiple casino resort hotels, plus restaurants/bars, slots, games & a spa.
Great place for poker! I come down from Buffalo NY and usually spend the weekend when I do come to visit. Poker room is always pretty busy but I like that. The hotel section I’ve never had an issue with and always booming with a lot of people. It’s the environment you expect to be in when you go to a casino. Definitely better that the casinos by where I live. Especially since I go for the poker room! Food is also great there.
Crowned B — Google review
A Flawless Wedding Weekend at Turning Stone🎉 I recently had the pleasure of attending my brother’s wedding at Turning Stone Casino and Resort, and from the moment I arrived, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Right off the bat, I want to give a huge shout-out to Garvin, who helped guide me to the Bridal Suite when I arrived the day before the ceremony. He was incredibly kind, attentive, and made me feel instantly welcomed. Throughout the weekend, Jim was also a lifesaver, helping us navigate between the hotel and the reception venue multiple times. His patience and professionalism did not go unnoticed! The wedding itself took place at the Shenendoah Golf Clubhouse Event Center, and I honestly can’t say enough about how stunning the venue was. It was beautifully arranged, intimate yet grand, and perfect for such a special occasion. During the reception, Lisa, part of the catering and serving staff, went absolutely above and beyond for me. I have a number of food allergies, and she took the time to make sure I was not only safe but truly comfortable. Her care and attention added a deeply personal touch to the evening that I’ll never forget. From the concierge team to every staff member we encountered, the service was consistently warm, professional, and thoughtful. Special shout-out to The Lodge, which was equally gorgeous and peaceful, a perfect place to stay during such a busy and joyful weekend. Turning Stone made an already meaningful celebration even more memorable. If you’re considering hosting an event here, especially a wedding, I can confidently say you’ll be in excellent
Colleen E — Google review
We spent the night to celebrate my daughter turning 18 on November 4th. I booked about ten days ahead of the date, I requested a high up room if possible and stated it was her birthday. On a Tuesday. We arrived and Destiny helped us at the front desk, we were on the 19th floor, as high as the rooms go. She was sweet and guided us and answered our questions about parking and such. Thank you for a great night! She said it was the best Birthday ever!
Corena R — Google review
Super friendly staff, varied amenities, lots of activities and food to choose from. Bingo was awesome! We saw a concert at The Event Center. Security was good, lots of drink and snack options. Restrooms were very clean and conveniently located. A tad on the expensive side at some of the restaurants, but the ambiance and food were worth it, in my opinion.
D C — Google review
Great venue but the amount of construction and lack of signage both inside and out can cause some confusion. Loved all three golf courses offered. Would recommend to golfers looking for challenge with all the amenities of a resort course.
Joe N — Google review
This place is huge! Even if you're not gambling, honestly it's worth going just for the food. Everything looks clean and well kept. Workers are all polite and helpful. Drinks were very affordable and good tasted good.
Thomas O — Google review
Great concert experience. Staff are friendly. Bartenders are assembly line workers in the small theater. 2 drink limit but order a drink with a double shot in it, and they will hook you up with a generous pour. Great audio and stage lighting.
Thomas M — Google review
Great accommodation. Staff went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our time there.
Sandra P — Google review
4.3
(18735)
•
3.7
(1302)
5218 Patrick Rd, Verona, NY 13478, USA
https://www.turningstone.com/
(800) 771-7711
14

Wolf Mountain Nature Center

Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Wonderful experience! The animals in this sanctuary have luxury accommodations. The attention to detail for safety and comfort can be seen throughout the entire place. The volunteers are very informative and even help in locating some of the creatures that are somewhat elusive taking refuge in the shade. We will be back as often as we can
Bonnie M — Google review
I’ve stayed at Wolf Mountain about five or six times for their annual ‘Sleep with the Wolves’ event, and every visit has been unforgettable. Will and his team are truly top-notch people, deeply dedicated to the wolves and the center’s mission. The wolves are treated so well and are simply awesome to see up close. They treat their guests exceptionally well — every time I go, I feel like I’m with family. I really enjoy staying the night, being away from all the electronics, and reconnecting with nature in such a peaceful, beautiful setting. I look forward to returning each year, not just to see the incredible wolves but also to spend time with Will and his amazing team. They make the experience truly special.
Joe L — Google review
This was a great nature center and the wolves are very well taken care of. It was well worth the drive to get there and experience it.
Brian R — Google review
LOVED IT. We were able to see all the wolves, coyotes, and foxes. We were even there for feeding time, which was so fun to watch. The staff was very friendly. You could tell they really care about the animals. They are all very well taken care of. Beautiful animals and scenery. There's not many animals, but they're so fun to watch. I definitely recommend and will be back. Gift shop was very reasonably priced also. Big plus.
Angela C — Google review
My family and I went on Father's Day around 3pm. It wasn't busy at all, and the wolves were out and about. Upon entering the parking lot, we could already see one of the wolves. Once we entered, we were able to see 2 in the first area. In all, we were able to see 4 wolves that came right up to the fence (including 1 that I'm pretty sure was trying to jump over the fence to eat us). We saw a few more wolves in other areas, but they were busy being wolves, and acknowledge our presence. We also saw a coyote and a couple foxes. The wooden tower they have is a nice addition, to be able to get a better view of some of the wolves and the land they have access to. Particularly if you don't enjoy looking through 2 layers of chain link fence. This fields more peaceful and relaxed compared to a zoo. The wolves aren't on "display" like you'd expect at a zoo, and I can appreciate that — while at the same time I still wished they had even more space and could be fed live food. But this isn't Yellowstone, and I'm just a fan of wolves (not an expert in caring for them). In all, I'm glad we went. And I'd recommend it to my friends and family.
Jon F — Google review
It was a great place to visit. Everyone was very polite n really care for the animals and seem to love what they do. Will definitely go back
Michele C — Google review
Calling all canine lovers 📣 This is such a great place. Definitely recommend the tour. They really care about the animals and even have a wolf graveyard for the ones that passed 🥹
Chelsea K — Google review
Awesome place. Staff is very friendly. You can tell they love and care about the wolves. The wolves are amazing to see. While we were there we had the pleasure to witness all of the wolves joining in on their famous wolf call!! One of the wolves started off in the distance and before long the whole place was filled with the all of the wolves howling!! It was awesome!!
Brad T — Google review
4.8
(298)
•
4.5
(26)
562 Hopkins Crandall Rd, Smyrna, NY 13464, USA
http://www.thewolfmountainnaturecenter.org/
(607) 627-6784
15

Sylvan Beach Amusement Park

Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Small, retro fun park offers family rides, bumper cars/boats, mini-golf, carousel & carnival treats.
This is such a nice area of NY State. I spent a few days in the area and took part in a ghost hunt - super fun! At night, the rides sure seemed spooky. There are a few cool restaurants too, I'll be back again, for sure.
Theresa J — Google review
The day I went to Sylvan Beach it was a nice sunny day and it was a boat sale going on. It's a fun place if you enjoy rides and walking around eating ice cream or food at a local restaurant. The beach was closed that day. At night coming across the bridge you will see all the lights that light up the bridge. Lots of areas for cooking out and family fun. Sylvan Beach is an old beach that's part of a small town but it has been well maintained over the years. I took photos, however because of people's privacy I won't share photos.
Zechariyah M — Google review
Making new memories with my daughter and cousin while remembering my own days here from years gone by. Still a happy place to be. The carasouĺ....dinner at Eddies.....😊
Janette S — Google review
Very fun! Good food and fun & scary rides arcade winning chances are mid, but very fun and exciting
J'adore — Google review
I go to the carousel arcade I personally know the owners and they are the most amazing nicest people you would ever meet one was also my teacher growing up, but I’m being honest there is so many games to choose from all the machines are maintained amazing in there and even did some work to fix the place the rest of the outside places are…questionable some that are not owned by them that are outside there arcade in other areas don’t work or are falling apart with some buildings but still a blast to go look around and test the rides are all maintained tho so those are always good for kids and any small ones you have but despite some looks and broken games around the town that’s not operated by the carousel arcade the staff are all friendly and have good attitudes at least the young people working there anyway but it’s a good time regardless spend 5$ spend 10$ it doesn’t matter you’ll have fun
Mr ( — Google review
I think we spent all summer here this year. Definitely going to look in to getting season passes for next year. If you're not swimming, then relax on the beach, or go fishing, or ride rides, or play games, or go to the playground or eat..there's always enough to do in this tiny park. And then right outside of it as well either shops, bars, candy stores, wine slushies, ice cream stands and gift shops. It's free to enter, but $10 to park, if you park inside the amusement park/Beach.
Christina L — Google review
I’m giving this a 3 pros: Beach- is good the sand and the water feels nice for sure and the nostalgia vibes Kahunas -ice cream food is good and games are fun just needs better prizes where the carellos is the crane games are rigged as always the other games r fun like the ticket spinner and the ball games Laffland-was awesome it’s very dark but cute Sylvan store and play ground- were cute loves the new playground eddie’s the places you can stay there and the spaghetti house. However some other restaurants r pricey I was happy to see the spaghetti house back up and running after they had that fire. Playland-is nice too staff were friendly Little kids rides -were cute Rock garden- I thought whoever made that did a great job that was cute!! Cons: *Prizes at carellos -are junk crane games always rigged everywhere you go other games like fish spinning game for tickets there r nice however * Bigkid rides are outdated- don’t get me wrong I love the nostalgia but lots ofspider webs surrrounded some rides before getting on and off paint could be done and new rides the Himalaya was dangerous I almost fell like I was gonna fall out with my fam on it. The guy running it told me and my sister to fit three and one bad idea with my niece as the little should’ve sat in middle was not cool the music was nice *Better tip tho for new ride in future ->The music express is way better than the Himalayas because it goes forward and backwards that Himalaya is one really really outdated way too fast, dangerous *Now some foods / parking and leaving park like hersheys ice cream and paying to park is another issue!! Like who wants to pay $12 to park at a beach on the weekend and $10 not to bad but on the weekdays for a beach come on that’s just asking us for more $$ to park on a weekday like that’s crazy it’s not like you’re going to an actual state park where you pay for parking you shouldn’t have to pay for parking at all at Sylvan Beach not to mention when you go out over where the bridge is taking a left that needs a light there because there’s lots of accidents that happened over there and people can get injured going out because there’s no light or stop sign so thank God there’s another way to go out of there instead of going left It just needs some fixing *Treasureland was closed I wanted to see that *Bees were everywhere it wasn’t good *Bathrooms- my sister said the ladies room was terrible near the roller coaster
Clare B — Google review
Old school rides. .25 cent games. What a beautiful place! Steel horse carrosel. Original Zotar. Love it! 7 8 2023 I absolutely love this park! If you want to enjoy an old school theme park by the lake take the time to visit. 8 29 2024 Still loving the old school theme park. Everyone is so friendly. I'm from South Carolina and hospitality is rare these days. I would definitely bring my grandchildren here and have no worries. Thank you for keeping this park clean and safe.
Theatus C — Google review
4.0
(1212)
•
3.0
(123)
112 Bridge St, Sylvan Beach, NY 13157, USA
http://www.sylvanbeachamusementpark.com/
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16

Chittenango Falls State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Winding gorge trails & a footbridge offer views of a 167-ft. waterfall, with areas for picnics.
This park is very well maintained, and the hike to the base of the falls is super short easy. I highly recommend swinging by here if you're in the area! You can see the whole park within an hour if you wanted to.
Noah D — Google review
Intro: I went to this park just because I saw the word "gorge" in the description for the park on an online review, lol. I was not disappointed. Entrance: Clearly marked, easy to get to. It was easy to enter and exit. Parking: Great parking, right at the entrance. Plenty of space and well maintained, has the restroom building right on the edge of it. Also has the map and bulletin board next to it as well. Facilities: Restrooms are big, spacious, and well maintained for an outdoor facility. No complaints, at least for the men's bathrooms. The upper park area is very well taken care of, I was there bright and early, and the groundskeepers were already there. I did not see any trash or anything out of place. Plenty of benches, grills and even a large covered area. Trails and other Features: The main feature, the waterfall, was awesome. Worth every minute driving from Utica. What was also really nice was the Gorge Trail. Now, there are warnings about the difficulty of the trail, but really, it's only the east side of the river that actually rough. The west side, directly below the main park area, is well designed, with steps, rails and manageable incline for MOST of it. Once you get the bottom, I recommend only crossing the bridge and going up the other side if you want a more "natural" climb, lol. It's very rough. Final Word: Worth the trip, while it only really has one trail, it's a great exercise with awesome views. Go here if you love hiking and waterfalls, and having fun is a nice park area.
Balgerus — Google review
Truly a amazing park. I took my segway around the whole thing. Says no motorized vehicles. But I am handicapped so that is how I get around. I can not walk that far. But it is truly a beautiful place. It has every little thing you need out of a state park. I had a good time for sure. I highly recommend it. Especially with fall colors already produced.
James W — Google review
Chittenango Falls State Park is a gem! The main attraction is the gorgeous waterfall and river, and it’s absolutely worth the visit. The park has a nice playground with picnic tables and charcoal grills, plus plenty of grassy space to spread out and relax. There are bathrooms on-site, and while the parking lot is on the smaller side, it’s easy to navigate. A small entrance fee is paid at the machine, which is very convenient. There are only a couple of trails, but the waterfall makes up for it. One side of the trail is well-maintained with stairs leading down to the base, while the other side is a bit more rugged and adventurous, with a fun scramble over rocks. At the bottom, there’s a pretty little bridge and lots of spots where you can dip your feet in the water. Perfect for families or anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape. Highly recommend this park!
Melissa J — Google review
Just gorgeous little park with a big oomph - the waterfall is magnificent. Even though the nearby (relatively speaking) Buttermilk Falls was lacking water due to rainfall, this one was gushing and an absolute delight. Easily viewable on the top of the falls but with a side view, via a few steps and even wheelchair 🦽 accessible from the parking lot. But the best view is a short hike down to the pedestrian bridge (built just for that purpose) - a must do.
Anand S — Google review
Great park. There was rain the entire week prior so I’m not sure if it’s normally this lush or if the water rushes this much. The waterfall was very nice but it’s fenced off everywhere on the top and bottom so don’t expect to get too close or be able to get in the water.
Nick K — Google review
Always a beautiful place to explore and enjoy the falls. Great way to get some walking around and hiking trails. Nice playground for the kids and picnic areas to have a terrific time.
Dvdrmcgrdy — Google review
A wonderful park with terrific views! They even had an ice cream truck near the parking lot from a local vendor. The trails are well maintained, and the posted signage does a great job of educating visitors. A great place to spend a morning or evening!
Tanner J — Google review
4.8
(2835)
•
4.5
(144)
5241 Gorge Rd #13, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/130/
(315) 423-3744
17

Critz Farms and Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co.

Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Brewery
Cafe
Cider mill
Festival
What a great place to come year-round with family, friends, or solo. They offer so many varieties - all delicious and many winning ribbons and medals. Very friendly staff. They have festivals throughout the year - you should follow them so you have access to that information. There's a large play area for the young ones, pumpkin picking, blueberry celebration. I love it there!
Theresa J — Google review
My family loves Critz Farms. I took my kids blueberry picking today and the bushes were beautifully full, easy to navigate, and the pricing is always fair. Additionally, we have been getting our Christmas tree there for the past seven year. It is one of my favorite traditions.
Rachel C — Google review
My family of 6 enjoyed a fun Saturday afternoon at this farm. We picked apples and had a great time in the corn maze. My toddler and 10 year old liked the play areas. The animals were fun to look at. The live music was a treat to listen to while we had lunch. The corn hole and ping pong table in the food area were also great. The kids eat their food quickly and we got to take our time while they played with this things. Over all a great place to bring the family for Apple and pumpkin picking.
Takiyah J — Google review
A cute farm for family with small children and those looking for a relaxing day. There are ciders, beers, farm animals, tractor and cow rides, apple picking, and more. Cost $10 to enter. Staffs are friendly.
Nat T — Google review
Visited Critz for the first time in years with my family! We got in with no parking issues, no wait lines. Plenty of space to park with a small fee. The pumpkin patch was huge and a great selection. Variety of kids activities to keep them occupied from tractor rides, animals, slides, and more. A great destination for fall activities. The little shop had all sorts of goodies, decent prices. Good food options all around. Will be back next year 😄
Dominic A — Google review
It's blueberry season and they are prime for picking! Critz has a vast field of blueberries to pick from, containers available at tractor pick up spot. Tractor wagon rides available out to field, it's easily walkable being just past the pumpkin patch if you want to get your steps in. $3.50 per pint. Check out is in the gift shop that has lots of seasonal items for sale. No fudge available or pies this trip. We stopped in the tasting room and enjoyed flights of their craft beers and ciders. The line moved quickly and the staff were all pleasant and accommodating! The tasting room is a modern barn style with a good amount of seating at the bar, indoor tables, and patio. My choice of flight ranged from the light Pilsner, Fruity, and tongue tangoing sours! Don't wait until fall to visit your favorite farm, enjoy the fresh summer crops! We went for an afternoon of Fall and fun on the farm and were not disappointed! We started with some beverages in the tasting room, I ordered a flight that ranged from blonde, to summery sours, and pumpkin spice. All were tasty and surprisingly one of the sours was my favorite and one of the best sours I have sampled! My daughter had a hard cider float, and a Full size sour for her BF. Service was fast and friendly on a busy afternoon. After relaxing and enjoying beverages we were off to venture the farm. Live music playing in the lawn out front, more live music down by the tents offering fresh food of the grill. Burgers, hot dog, and sausage sandwiches were enjoyed hot off the grill. Also cider donuts and locally made cheddar cheese. We took a tractor ride into the apple orchard and picked out pumpkins in the patch. Visited with the animals and hit the gift shop for some fall goodies and fresh fudge! They also have a great corn maze! It was a Sunday full of family and Farm Fall fun!
Carrie L — Google review
Had a great time. There are lots of interesting farm related things to do. Beer and wine tasting, apple picking, pumpkin picking, cider, and doughnuts. Many activities for the kids. Including petting zoo, haunted house, playgrounds, and various games. Wagon rides are available. The gift shop is well stocked with trinkets and snacks to make your visit memorable. I recommend you check it out. But be aware that some dates will be better than others depending on what activities are going on.
Myron T — Google review
I absolutely love this farm. My family and I have been coming here for the past 10 years. They have so much to do from pumpkin picking, apple picking, corn maze, petting zoo and much more!
Natalie M — Google review
4.5
(365)
•
4.0
(83)
3232 Rippleton Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
http://www.critzfarms.com/
(315) 662-3355
18

Owera Vineyards

Winery
Food & Drink
Vineyard
Wine store
Wineries & Vineyards
Wonderful winery out in the countryside - though very close to the lake. Was nice to see the vineyard, the event venue, and sitting outside under sunny skies. Pizza was fantastic. We also enjoyed cheeses and fruit with our wine - the Reisling is my favorite - you better believe some came home with me! Staff extremly knowlegable, which is nice when you are learning about wine.
Theresa J — Google review
This turns out to be a late post, since I visited this place last October, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to share my opinion. This is such a beautiful place! My initial intention was just to walk around and taste some wines with my parents. As we got there, we were already hungry so why not eat something right there? Food was delicious and the ladies who took care of us were very kind! We were also able to pick up some apples and they were kind enough to provide us with bag to carry the apples.
Ana R — Google review
First time visiting and I will say it was such a great experience. We ordered the hot honey pepperoni pizza, the charcuterie board, steak fritz, mac and cheese and chicken wings. We also tried the wine flights! Everything was delicious and our waitress was so sweet and friendly. The scenery is beautiful! I would definitely come again.
Natalie M — Google review
Today’s visit to the winery was an exceptional experience, combining culinary delight with stunning views. The food was exquisitely prepared, Mike and I decided on our own wood fire pizza, it was deliciously fresh, that perfectly complemented the wine and margarita. The flavors were robust and beautifully balanced, making every bite amazing. Sitting on the patio, the views were nothing short of breathtaking. Overlooking the rolling vineyards, the scenery added a serene backdrop to the meal. The combination of delicious food, superb wine, and picturesque surroundings made for an amazing enjoyable lunch with my husband.. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a sensory feast.
Shawna C — Google review
My daughter had prom last weekend, and she and her friends dined at Owera prior. Not only did we get beautiful photos, but the kids were treated very graciously which is not always the case when a restaurant sees a group of kids come in. I believe their waitress was named Brittney and she took very good care of them. We parents decided to have drinks and dinner at the bar, and everyone was raving about their meal. We did not personally have pizza, but it is on our list of must dos soon because it looked and smelled phenomenal! Thank you Owera staff for being a wonderful part of a special evening!
Katherine D — Google review
Stunning views. Very well done charcuterie board. Great wines. Great pizza with super crust.
Owen — Google review
Absolutely beautiful winery and outdoor seating area. We got a flight of wine, burger, herb gnocchi, and beet salad- all of which were delicious. I couldn’t get over how fluffy the gnocchi bites were. This winery is a hidden gem along the back roads and we will definitely be back.
Morgane L — Google review
Was recommended to go here by our Airbnb host and it was a wonderful experience! Wine flight was very generous for the price, salads and fries were delicious and the berry basque cheesecake was a must order! The pizza wasn’t our favorite but still the views and ambiance made the trip well worth it.
Maya K — Google review
4.2
(214)
•
4.5
(101)
5276 E Lake Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035, USA
http://www.oweravineyards.com/
(315) 815-4311
19

The Wild Animal Park

Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Animal park home to tigers, bears & giraffes, with bouncing castles & regular events for kids.
Beautiful and very well maintained zoo and safari. I loved the young camel in the petting zoo, he was so friendly! We had the most amazing sloth encounter, it was so much fun! There were 6 sloths that we were able to feed and interact with. We learned a lot about the sloths from our guide, she was very knowledgeable and you could tell she was very passionate about her job! She also did our Beast safari tour and did a great job! I would highly recommend this zoo and we can't wait to go again!
Ed A — Google review
We took our 4 and 8 year olds here for the first time. It's clean, the animals seem well cared for, well fed and the staff are great. It was a full day experience, with the walking exhibits and the driving safari. CASH ONLY once you're in the park, but you can use a credit card for admission and souvenirs. We got there around 10am on a Saturday , and there was no wait time to enter. It got much busier around lunch time. The kids also enjoyed the bounce house barn! Definitely recommend!!!!
Emily W — Google review
Had a great time at the Wild Animal Park in New York. We got the combined ticket for both the zoo and the drive-through safari, and it was well worth it. The zoo section lets you get up close with a variety of animals, and the staff were friendly and informative. The drive-through was a highlight — seeing the animals roaming freely from the car made for an unforgettable experience. A fun and well-run place that’s perfect for families or anyone who loves wildlife
Traveling K — Google review
We had so much fun. It is on the smaller side but the animals were active and healthy. There is a play area for the kids to workout extra energy. The bird exhibit was such fun feeding g the bids. They landed right on top of your shoulders, arms and head. Get a bracelet and buy a couple cups of food when you enter. The petting/feeding zoo is one of the first exhibits you walk past.
Tennille — Google review
Safari ride on The Beast was loads of fun! Our guide Brooke is so knowledgeable and personable! Explained so much about the animals and she made sure to explain in ways that young children and up could understand! Super hot day so no lion sightings. Cooler day than 85+° day probably better to see all the animals. I highly recommend!
Carol H — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango is truly an unforgettable experience! 🦏🐧🐻🦒🦦 From start to finish, everything was amazing. The white rhino encounter was breathtaking—it’s not every day you get to be so close to such a majestic animal. The penguin encounter was adorable, the bears were incredible to watch, and the giraffe feeding was an absolute highlight. And I can’t forget the otter encounter—so interactive, playful, and fun! The staff was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the animals. They made sure every moment was special and educational, all while ensuring the animals were treated with care and respect. This is so much more than just a zoo—it’s an up-close, personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can’t recommend The Wild Animal Park enough, and I’ll definitely be coming back! 🙌🌟
Kai E — Google review
A decent sized zoo that has a lot of different animals, very clean and pretty new construction around property. Safari ride was fun, they give you a cup of feed per person to feed to animals. If you do both it's about $40+ per person
Shawn H — Google review
Loved it!!! Is the perfect size to do all the things that the park has to offer an not be to tired by the end of the visit, specially with little ones and seniors. We all had a good time. The birds enclousure was my favorite part is was so much fun. My mother inlaw enjoyed the giraffes so much, it was a dream come true for her. All of the aninals looked in good health and their enclousures were clean. The only downside is the train ride is only once every hour, it made no sense to me, since the ride is not super long. Other than that it was a great visit.
Wen R — Google review
4.7
(4087)
•
4.5
(160)
7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango, NY 13037, USA
http://www.thewildpark.com/
(315) 510-3347
20

Salmon River Falls

Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Spectacular site. Could feel the rumbling of the waterfall. Trails going down to the edge of the river were open. They were muddy do too raining for several days.
James S — Google review
Such a beautiful view! It was pouring rain when we went but we couldn’t resist. I got several lifer birds, some exercise and a breathtaking view of the falls. Can’t wait to go back on a sunny day!
Laura M — Google review
Beautiful. Peaceful. Lovely trails. Walk for miles or metres. Always pretty.
Andrew R — Google review
Great! One of the best I have been able to experience. Every time we go up we find another surprise! We can see completely frozen during winter and full of lush green during summers
Rohit R — Google review
Salmon River Falls Unique Area: Short, easy hike to viewing platform. Can walk down stairs to riverbed at top of falls for a look over. Can hike down to the riverbed over a short but somewhat steep small trail. Careful of slipping due to mud if it’s recently rained. You can walk right up to the base of the falls along the riverbed and get sprayed by the water. 3 cascading falls that span the river. Beautiful and well worth a visit. Parking for about 10 cars. Went during the week in April and only 2 other cars there.
Tanya J — Google review
One absolutely amazing and beautiful waterfall. The hike down could be a little tricky but take your time and it is well manageable. Well worth the hike down into the gorge... One will not be disappointed.
Wayne J — Google review
This is a fantastic stop. Especially if you're salmon fishing and need a break. You can be lazy and go to the top of the falls which gives a spectacular view of the valley. This is surprisingly the kid friendly option. Going down to the falls is steep but well worth it. I've been to Niagara Falls. And surprisingly I'd pick this waterfall as there isn't a disgusting amount of people. Don't get me wrong theres people especially in the fall. But not sketchy tourists or obnoxious crowds of oblivious onlookers.
Johnny M — Google review
Beautiful, and Quick - you can see the falls from near the parking lot, or take a trail to go to the fall head and hike down for .3 miles to the river
Sabyasachi C — Google review
4.8
(326)
•
5.0
(45)
Orwell, NY 13302, USA
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21

Labrador Mountain

Ski resort
Spas & Wellness
Family ski destination with terrain park has a mix of 20+ beginner, intermediate & expert trails.
Amazing ski resort. Would highly recommend. Only qualm is that trails aren’t easily marked but still fun. Three chair lifts but currently only two are running. That being said, the middle lift takes you up to a spot where you can easily cut across to the lift that is currently shut off. Great conditions
David L — Google review
Not worth the money. You definitely don’t get what you pay for. I’ve been to lab dozens of times and I’ve never seen them with more than 5 trails open. Groomers are never kept up well, the park either doesn’t exist or if it does, it sucks. If you’re going to pay 80+ for a lift ticket, you may as well go to a bigger and better mountain.
Ethan Z — Google review
My Favorite Local CNY family friendly mountain. Between the price and the available different terrain, this is my mountain of choice for CNY. GREAT for beginners or advanced ski'ers alike. From the super bunny hill with a simple rope pull to the main mountain trails with 3 lifts available there is so much to offer at labrador. When you add the familly environment and the great centralized lodge setup, it makes it easy for a large group to find every type of skiing there is as well as an easy hub to find each other for brakes. Truthfully, now with my son, we are a third generation that have picked this a our home mountain and have found a community that was never expected. Whether your looking to try a new ski / board spot in CNY or trying skiing/boarding for the first time, Lab is an amazing value and family friendly environment anyone can enjoy. May our mountain be here for another three generations and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. Edit in 2025: th full mountain opened today and we skied Ptarmigan and the glades! Hope you make it down, it's a great year!
Joe S — Google review
The cons: $120 Lift Tickets (peak season or not) feels criminal. I know they’re trying to push season passes but I have a lot of local friends who are refusing to go at all because of the sticker shock. The small slope they had I wouldn’t really consider a bunny hill if you’re looking to teach kiddos. My biggest complaint that was baffling to me was that they didn’t have the slopes marked?! This was so frustrating, despite checking the maps we still weren’t sure what we were going down - a major concern if you have a child learning (better hope you don’t accidentally find yourself on a black). Otherwise it is a good set up, friendly staff, and surprisingly good food.
Lindsay F — Google review
With Toggenburg closing they are going to be dealing with significant overcrowding. Last weekend was extremely crowded in the lodge and on the slopes. It is a nice place but this was a huge issue that made the day less much less enjoyable than it could have been and given we have 4 seasons passes I hope they can address this.
Melissa P — Google review
Great mountain for families and beginner and intermediate skiers. Staff are friendly, and accommodating. The kids town instructors are great with the kids. My two kids loves this place. They always have so much fun. No lines and not crowded.
Linda C — Google review
Conditions were top notch! Groomers were out doing their job before the slopes opened laying down that beautiful corduroy. Felt like getting endless first tracks.
Glen W — Google review
Great facility for average to expert snowboarders and skiers. Cost effective season passes that include 2 mountains ( Lab and Song ). If you are a beginner and looking for a great way to learn snowboarding in a larger area without frustration of a small learning area … Song Mountain ( owned by same company ) has the best learning facility with a full lift.
Bob R — Google review
4.2
(367)
•
4.0
(16)
6935 NY-91, Truxton, NY 13158, USA
http://www.skicny.com/
(607) 842-6204
22

Erie Canal Museum

Mentioned on 
26 lists 
Museum
History museum
The Erie Canal Museum, located in Syracuse, New York, is housed in the only remaining weighlock building and offers a deep dive into the history and impact of the canal system. This historic waterway, completed in 1825, played a crucial role in connecting New York City to the Great Lakes region. The museum showcases the engineering marvel of the canal and its significance in American history. Visitors can explore exhibitions that illustrate the experiences, ideas, and natural beauty that have shaped the country.
Housed in the actual historic building that weighed the boats and cargo. You will learn a very good general history of the Erie Canal. If you like to read everything, it will take you 2-2.5 hours to go through the whole museum🤓 (start with the bottom floor). Also, they have two hour free parking! It is in the government employee lot across Erie Boulevard (entrance from James Street). Look in my posted pictures for the signs to look out for🙂
Randy M — Google review
This was a fantastic experience, I am so glad that they are one of the museums that are open on a Tuesday in Syracuse. The person at the front desk was knowledgeable, she greeted me right away, and she answered any questions that I had. She was very welcoming and made sure that I had a great time. What a wealth of knowledge, artifacts, and art you have there. For someone that works in the museum world it was definitely a pleasure to stop at this museum. You should not overlook this fantastic place.
Mike G — Google review
Great well-curated museum with extensive exhibits on Syracuse and the Erie Canal. The staff were incredibly friendly and were eager to answer any questions I had. This is also a stamp location for the Erie Canalway National Herritage Corridor.
Noah D — Google review
See a barrage was really cool and the gentleman at the desk was very informative & helpful. Sent us to lock 24 in baldwinville and that was very interesting
Lisa M — Google review
A great little museum filled with interesting facts on the life & times of the canal. We were welcomed y friendly helpful staff. Well worth a visit.
Dee S — Google review
This place doesn't excellent job at hosting schools for field trips. They do have on hand learning hunts that are available. However, we made our own escape room hunt for our students. It took them just over 2 hours to do for middle school and they absolutely loved that all the exhibits were hands-on for them. The best part was that they could go on to the barge and they really enjoyed being able to complete the activities at different exhibits. Bringing them back next year.
Veronica O — Google review
Great museum if you are interested in learning about the Erie Canal and life of the people who worked/lived there. I loved all of the history and culture, learning about this mode of transportation while gleaning a little insight on Syracuse NY.
Theresa J — Google review
Do not skip out on this museum! Great little find with a ton of information. I knew about the Erie Canal but did not appreciate the significance of it. The staff was excellent answering questions, offering tours and talking about the area.
Paul W — Google review
4.7
(253)
•
4.5
(467)
318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA
https://eriecanalmuseum.org/
(315) 471-0593
23

Buttercup Cheese

Cheese shop
Shopping
Wholesaler
Gift & Specialty Shops
Gourmet quality, supermarket prices. Great quality and fresh.
John R — Google review
I bought 2 bags of cheese curds on Wednesday and was told they were fresh that day, after opening them that day they were stale and hard. I called them 2 times to tell them about it and they wouldn't do a thing about it. I will never do business with them again.
Crystal M — Google review
Dominick does a great job running the store and takes great care of the customers. They have a great selection of NY made cheese. The aged cheddar is to die for.
Artessa A — Google review
Unfortunately I no longer live in upstate, but luckily buttercup cheese ships fresh curds and the best NY state sharp white cheddar cheese varying in sharpness. It’s been a rough couple years but now I’m back on my feet I can’t wait to place an order again this year. ( I always wait till winter to help with shipping) Also I’ve been to the store while visiting and the owners are super friendly and a pleasure to visit. Thanks Buttercup Cheese
Gary V — Google review
We bought cheese curds. When we got in the we realized they expired 6 weeks prior. Went back in to see if we. Ould exchange for some that we not expired. The old lady said no they are not moldy and that she wasn't going to take them back. Terrible ustomer service.
Kim S — Google review
Worth the drive to purchase homemade cheeses and other sundries that are made with love . Smoked cheeses are amazing however it would be hard to pick a favorite cheese. If your a chef you will want to visit . I will not buy any cheese in a regular stost after cooking with and eating this wonderful cheese. Well worth the Drive.
Irene W — Google review
Love love love their cheese! They have just about every variety of cheese you can imagine. Our favorite is the pepperoni cheddar. Everytime I make mac and cheese you can bet the cheese comes Buttercup. They also make mac and cheese on Saturdays. It's a great shop that I highly recommend.
Lisa M — Google review
I would give this place no stars. Bought a $30 bag of cheese curd there 3 days ago. 3 different prople in my family tried it and it tasted awful. Tried to return it today and they would do nothing for us. They said no one else complained about the batch of cheese curd so it must be ok. It tasted bad , nothing like our past purchases. I wanted a store credit or something. They did absolutely nothing . Wanted $30. Whatever happened to customer satisfaction? We will never return there.
Michele C — Google review
4.7
(114)
•
4.5
(10)
827 US-11, Central Square, NY 13036, USA
http://www.buttercupcheese.com/
(315) 668-9491
24

Destiny USA

Mentioned on 
+26 other lists 
Shopping mall
Shopping
Outlet mall
Destiny USA is a sprawling indoor shopping and entertainment hub located near Syracuse's Inner Harbor. As the fifth largest mall in the United States, it attracts over 25 million visitors annually, making it a vibrant destination for families and avid shoppers alike. With more than 250 shops and outlets to explore, you’ll find everything from trendy boutiques to well-known brands. For those looking for fun beyond shopping, Destiny USA offers an array of attractions that cater to all ages.
This place is huge. Way back in 2016 I came here for my 1st visit as a tourist with a bunch of friends on a road trip we were on together. We all had a blast. There are tons of awesome experiences to be had here. I had a lot of fun engaging with various attractions like Wonderworks, Glowgolf/Minigolf, the Mirror maze, and more. I also remember going into a candy store that had oversized nerds boxes in addition to other bulk items. After eating lunch in the food court later on I ate dinner at this nice dine in restaurant that has a bar in it but I can’t remember the name of it. All I know is that there are plenty of options if you want to get a bite to eat. I never got to experience the movie theater nor half the shops that exist here but I got my fill. I came back here for a 2nd time a couple years ago with someone who is near and dear to me. We had a great time. I took a couple of pictures of the view from one of the higher floors to capture what it felt like to be there both during the day and after sunset. See for yourself!
Trevor S — Google review
This place was cool!! Everything was pretty pricey, but I'm learning that's the new mall experience as the malls near me are dying. I didn't buy anything, but spent 2hrs there just soaking it in. It was nice to see a mall so lively. And more than just shops! Interactive zoo, bowling alley, movies, tree trek... just cool! The carousel was great!!! Only $2!
Sarah R — Google review
If you get there before noon it's an enjoyable walk with almost no lines, after lunch it packed up quick (in August 2025) ... There's so much to do here I highly suggest you look up the app and create a plan ... And wear comfortable shoes! Have fun
Watkins P — Google review
First time visiting Syracuse. Didn't realize there was such a huge mall in the area. We was impressed at the size and the amount of tenants that was keeping the place full. It felt like it riveled the size of the Mall of America. It took us a few hours or so to walk the entire thing. Enjoyed taking the glass elevators for sure. The tunnel with all the lights was pretty cool as well.
Brian D — Google review
Nice big mall... lots of entertainment for kids. lot of variety in food court. we visited from Canada over the weekend to Syracuse and destiny mall was in the list. however lot of shops were closed and the mall seemed to be different because of that... worth the visit.
Kazumi M — Google review
Destiny USA offers only three levels of 6 with diverse stores and fantastic kid-friendly entertainment, including a petting zoo, arcades, waterworks, and a carousel. The only downside is that some elevators and escalators are currently out of order.
Ryan K — Google review
So much fun to be had at this mall for the whole family, great selection of stores and entertainment 😀
Sifu P — Google review
I have always loved this Mall. When it seems so many things in Syracuse are closed or closing, they are going strong. Good and diverse stores, very good food court, and of course the Carousel.
Charlie G — Google review
4.4
(13074)
•
4.2
(1317)
1 Destiny USA Dr, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA
http://www.destinyusa.com/
(315) 466-6000
25

CNY Living History Center

Museum
History Museums
Military Museums
Specialty Museums
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Central New York Living History Center. We visited the Museum as Guest of the Harvest Hosts Program. The staff members were incredibly kind, helpful and accomodating. We had an unfortunate incident as we arrived when my daughter slipped on the steps of our RV and sprained her ankle pretty badly. They were very understanding and helpful and gave us advice where we could seek medical attention. The next morning My daughter was feeling better, and the museum had several loaner wheelchairs of all types that we could borrow to visit the museum. The museum is very interesting and the docents were very enthusiastic and knowledgable. I never knew about the great history of Brockway trucks. We also learned a great deal about the local history of Cortland and Hober as well as about Fire Trucks and Fire Fighters in general. Unfortunatly the Agriculture museum was closed due to a power failure. On Fri and Sat they have a fund raiser rummage sale, and we were able to pick up a few needed items For our RV and a few gifts. A really wonderful experience overall Thank You every one there for being so kind and understanding!!
Robert W — Google review
This museum is a “hidden gem” that I just found about. I took my wife and 10 year old son there last weekend and their military display is top notch. Not to mention all of the local history of the area that I never knew about. It was also pretty cool seeing all the different Brockway trucks. Can’t wait to go back when they switch them out. Their fire/rescue building is amazing as well. If you live in CNY or heck even if you’re just driving through on 81 and looking for a cool place to stop THIS IS IT! We will definitely be back!
Matthew A — Google review
Wonderful place! The volunteer staff is friendly, knowledgeable and seem to truly enjoy guiding you through all the exhibits.
Linda K — Google review
Went for the first time last week and was pleasantly surprised at the size and how well the docents knew about the exhibits. Some surprises, like the fire truck that drove 17,000 miles from Argentina and took 2 years to get to Cortland. Well worth the time to check out all the exhibits.
Dana B — Google review
A very pleasant museum with friendly staff that gave us a private tour. Trucks, model trains memorabilia of days gone and tractors even old WWII item. We spent over an our and was great with the family and my grandson of 4 who had hands on play time with model trains. Fun day!
Frank P — Google review
Took a tour of the complete museum including the tractor Barn and the fire service area
Kevin M — Google review
We went thru the train and war history museum with an assume narator,narrator, Mike. He was very knowledgeable in each area.
Donna D — Google review
Was pleasantly surprised by this museum. It features Brockway Trucks in a section of the main museum dedicated to the company but also has Brockway vehicles in the newer fire museum adjacent to the main building. A huge military memorabilia and vehicle/equipment display is located in the far left side of the main building. There are also displays dedicated to area musicians including one Ronnie James Dio. The docents were very informative and willing to share their knowledge.
Mark T — Google review
4.8
(193)
•
4.5
(30)
4386 US-11, Cortland, NY 13045, USA
http://www.cnylivinghistory.org/
(607) 299-4185
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26

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Mentioned on 
28 lists 
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, located in Burnet Park, spans 43 acres and is home to over 700 animals, including endangered species like Asian elephants, Amur tigers, snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, and a giant Pacific octopus. The zoo offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as special events and educational programs for all ages.
This is an awesome zoo. The animals seem well taken care of, their enclosures are clean and vibrant. You can see the whole zoo in about 2 hours. There are random shows throughout the day and staff placed around the zoo with props to show and tell the kids some fun facts about specific animals. Noticed they have a saranac booth set up w snacks now near the elephants. Great place for the family.
Jessica F — Google review
An excellent small zoo. Not a huge number of animals, but some really interesting one that I've not seen in other zoos. Aside from the buildings with animal displays, there is also a series of freshly paved walking paths to outdoor exhibitions. Some of these paths are on fairly steep hills. At some of the outdoor displays there are very nice observation platforms with shade. Unlikely that we'll be back due to its location (4 hours away), but it was well worth the trip
Steve K — Google review
Had a great time we got there early enough to see all the animals out and active as they were waiting for their lunch, as we walked around for a second time we noticed some animals tucked them selves away, or were able to see some sleeping such as the bear. He was so cute sleeping !
Amanda — Google review
Went the day after Halloween when the zoo feeds the leftover pumpkins to the animals and it was wonderful! But even going when there isn't an event us a great experience. Personally I prefer going in the Fall/Winter because the animals are so lively and energetic - plus far fewer crowds than Sping/Summer. It's not terribly big, but kids will stay engaged for a good 1.5 hours. Definitely visit!
Ashley O — Google review
Very nice Zoo with an amazing conference center for businesses. You can leisurely walk the loop to see all the outside animals (including elephants!) And there's an inside aquarium walk through with a bird sanctuary.
Brandy J — Google review
Such a lovely time to bond with our family! Very convenient. It felt like a far trip while being really close to home. My kids love it everytime we go.
Jamie L — Google review
The variety of animals seem very content and well provided for! Very interactive experience, and the distance in between outdoor exhibits gives you plenty of time for snack/water breaks. The twin baby elephants were a super bonus for our zoo experience.
Sarah S — Google review
My granddaughter was visiting from Charlotte NC and her grandfather took her to this zoo. She had such a wonderful and memorable experience I am sure one she won't forget. There was so many animals and exhibits to see. Her grandfather was amazed at how little the animals smelled something you would normally expect. There were plenty of places to sit along the way. The ticket prices were so cheap for the experience it amazed us. When she and my daughter move back to NY this will definitely be our go to place. ❤
Sharon H — Google review
4.5
(6444)
•
4.4
(909)
1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA
http://www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/
(315) 435-8511
27

Onondaga Lake Park

Mentioned on 
21 lists 
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Onondaga Lake Park is a picturesque 7.5-mile linear greenway located on the shores of Onondaga Lake, just west of Syracuse. It offers a wide range of activities including boating, archery, fishing, ball fields, and hiking. The park also features a skate park, dog park, rowing facilities, volleyball courts, shaded picnic areas and a fishing pier.
I love pace walking here. It’s full of life and everyone who walks, runs, cycles are here! It’s on the Lake so the area is quite pretty. Enjoy looking at the lake and on the other side the very beautiful homes. It’s dog friendly and great for children of any age. It’s in the Village of Liverpool and in the summer there’s always something going on. I pace walk from early spring to late fall. I grew up around here and yes it’s changed over the years but now it’s still has its special place in my heart!
Elise K — Google review
Lovely lake with many amenities including a paved walking path, separate path for wheeled vehicles, restrooms, butterfly garden, dog park etc. Was here to see the Flotsam Circus...a ramshackeled old raft with a troupe of talented acrobats, musicians, and puppeteers who travel on the canal systems entertaining for free. Liverpool is a pleasant town with all the usual services.
Anita C — Google review
An absolutely stunning and expansive park. We stopped after seeing it from the highway and were pleasantly surprised by how vast it was. There are bicycles to be rented, views to be admired, and it was bustling with happy families and folks enjoying their day. We didn't get to explore all of it, but are so eager to return!
B. B — Google review
Beautiful view, kids enjoy the playground. Clean restroom.
I F — Google review
It was a hot day when we visited,so quiet well maintained and a beautiful view of the lake
Tony P — Google review
Very good to relax and train a bit, views are beautiful and park has a lot of space for everything. Also it’s nice to ride bikes! And pets like it too…
Galaxys D — Google review
The playground was spacious with different level toys for a range of ages. There was a path to walk or ride bikes around the lake which was really nice. We rented a 4 seat bike that we took down the path. There was also a little dock to fish off. You can't keep the fish you catch and they weren't very big the kids had fun and caught 2-3 fish each. It's a great park to just go hang out for the day
Crysta C — Google review
Great place to walk, run, bike, roller blade, or sit around on the bench! This is a carry on carry out park. There aren’t many trash places, so if you have a dog, make sure you’re prepared to carry the bag for a bit. It’s nice and scenic. I love to come here with family and the doggo.
Lexy M — Google review
4.7
(4272)
•
4.5
(331)
106 Lake Dr, Liverpool, NY 13088, USA
http://www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/onondaga-lake-park/
(315) 453-6712
28

Selkirk Shores State Park

State park
Nature & Parks
Lakeside park with campsites atop a bluff, fishing areas, a mix of multi-use trails & sunset views.
Beautiful state park with breathtaking views of Ontario Lake. You don’t want to miss the sunsets here- they were some of the best I’ve ever seen. The swimming at the beach was rocky- bring crocs or other water shoes, after about 3 feet into the water it turns sandy. The water isn’t deep at all but it cooled us all off. Lots of places on the beach to sit, and enjoy the view. We stayed at the campground for a couple of days and overall it was good. The only complaint is that the sites are VERY close together, especially in the chipmunk loop. We tent camped while everyone else had a RV, we definitely felt like an outlier lol. We drove around to scope out which sites we would be more comfortable with for next time. Bathroom and showers were great- kept clean. Easy hiking trails, with beautiful scenery is worth trying out! Trails are marked and it was easy to follow the map, also, being bug spray. The staff were wonderful! Shout out to them. The park office has ice and wood you can purchase. The actual camp store in the campground is only open Thursday-Sunday. We know in 2025 they are having major renovations and will be closed but in 2026 we will definitely be back!
Holly W — Google review
Great place to camp with the family. Many nice cozy cabins to rent, a good beach view, pleasant nature trails and views, areas to bring campers, a general store and playground. Had a nice time during our stay and likely will stay again in the future.
Christopher ( — Google review
We have had camp for several times! Perfect place near the beach! You can find different kinds of activities: hiking, swimming, walking 👌🏼 There are nice places for trailer, good barbecue zone etc.
Алла Т — Google review
What a fantastic find for a hike today. Well worth the 2 hour drive from Rochester. Parked near the beach access parking lot and set out to do a big loop to come back starting on the frog pong trail. Very short trail that led to a pond with a plank boardwalk to walk across. Nice place to sit down and take in nature for a second. From there, we took the 52c trail to the red fox trail to the blue forest trail and then hopped back on the redox trail, which took us up to the salmon River. Walking along there for a bit til we found the entrance for Lakeshore Trail to take us back to the parking area near the beach access lot. I recommend going counterclockwise so you save the best for last. The views along the lakeshore trail over Lake Ontario are stunning. With plenty of access points to the water. There are also campsites available and cottages when in season. A lot of people out there enjoying a beautiful 50-degree day walking. Biking and having their dogs along. Easy in easy out. Most of the trail was relatively flat. Would definitely like to come again in the fall or even the peak of summer.
Michael B — Google review
One thing NY does well is their state parks. I enjoy our yearly, two week stay at the park. Although not in the Adirondacks, it has that isolated feel. They have a general store with a few commonly needed items and across route 3, at the park entrance, The Lakeside restaurant and ice cream stand are convenient and highly rated. Pulaski is near by for groceries, car wash, laundromat, restaurants etc. It offers much with a small town feel. Inside the park, we enjoy the spacious sites and walking trails. Sunsets on the lake never disappoint. There is a walking pier and beach. The beach is often without a lifeguard so swim at your own risk. They try to maintain a sandy beach but it always seems to be under construction as any storm washes out the sand. Entry to the water is a bit treacherous for us tender foots, with the lake rocks typical of Lake Ontario. Hookup utilities are minimal, electric only, so we use water sparingly to avoid a trip to the dump station. The bathhouse are well maintained but a bit rustic. Overall, an enjoyable and convenient park.
Hog R — Google review
Beautiful park. We camped in loop B. We originally reserved a site in loop A, but the way it was situated on a corner made it impossible to park the camper without going through and tearing up the grassy area around the site. Luckily there were a few sites that were open and we were allowed to switch. The staff in the park office was super nice and helpful. The shower house and restroom in A/B loop are dated, but they're reasonably clean. Access to lake Ontario is just a short walk from our campsite... and it's beautiful. Would have no concerns about staying here again.
Mari F — Google review
Rating will depend on your site and loop. We had a large site with plenty of room others are less than 20 feet wide. C and D are closest to water(not the beach) playground and store. A has some sites in the woods others jambed together. B has empty field in middle with a lot of good sized sites. Bathrooms are dated but kept very clean 3 to 4 times a day.
William N — Google review
I have been going here since I was a kid and I now bring my my friends and family here. I enjoy the beach, the trails, and the family atmosphere. The changing rooms at the beach are not too great, they are loaded with cobweb and no place for diapers or to lay down my daughter comfortably to change her but the bathroom up a little farther does. Some things could use upgrades, like the basketball ball hoop needs a new net and the bathrooms could remodeling. Some sites are better than others and I haven't stayed in a cabin in years but they were nice.
Jessica S — Google review
4.5
(1234)
•
4.5
(41)
7101 State Rte 3, Pulaski, NY 13142, USA
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/selkirkshores/details.aspx
(315) 298-5737
29

New York State Fairgrounds

Mentioned on 
1 list 
Fairground
Events
Cultural Events
Well maintained, bathrooms clean, huge selection of goods, foods, demonstrations. Tons of educational materials on arts, science, animals, products, local events and services available. Animals all treated well, kept clean and safe. The fair grounds gave us plenty of warning as well to safely seek shelter during a severe thunder storm that went through. Staff was super friendly and security/State Troopers made great rounds and monitored everyone very well.
Hannah B — Google review
We walked so much and saw so much! It was a lot of fun for myself and my husband. We love seeing all of the animals, especially rabbits and ducks. There is a huge variety of food - something for everyone!
Jennifer M — Google review
The great New York State fair is quite the experience. So many things to see and do. Kids absolutely love it. Lots of food. Very crowded. Lots and lots of people. There is a lot of paid parking lots but that comes hand and hand with a very long walk into the fairgrounds. There are also shuttles available from various locations to avoid the line of cars waiting to park to get in. Lots of animals and free shows to enjoy. We go every year and will continue to. People travel long and far to come. Many different buildings. Dairy building with butter sculpture. Also a same sculpture in The Center of Progress building. Many little vendors selling various items. My favorite food stand has the deep fried tacos! Highly recommended.
Santanna S — Google review
The state fair seems to be declining in size despite new builds in the past several years. It is still a fun summer outing for families and friends. Be sure to bring your little ones through the 4-H Youth Building for some fun hands on activities during the afternoon. Dougs Fish Fry is a favorite eatery!
Ingrid H — Google review
What more can I say that I haven't already said? Crowded, yes, but there are areas for chilling as well. Even areas for kiddos to unwind, sensory stations all over the park. Very family friendly, even affordable food areas that don't break the bank.
Brenda L — Google review
Not accessible. At all. My kids got ran over by the STREET VIEW CAR. The youngest just got through her FIFTH RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY. Besides that, the fair was okay. Nice sculptures and good food. I liked the bumper cars. My kids can't go on those anymore though, because of how extensive their trauma is. We can't even ride past the fair anymore. We can't ride at ALL, actually. They're too scared. Do recommend. One star for the reckless drivers. (There was a lot of wrecks.)
Dan — Google review
Always a fun time at fair. I recommend going on a weekday. Parking can be atrocious on a busier day. However, once you're in the fair there is so much to see and something for everyone. Live music, animals, rides, food you won't find anywhere else and so so much more.
Destiny F — Google review
Pricey but cool 😎 Its all about the company. Also see Red Hot Chilli PIPERS whenever/wherever! A special time. They rocked, I actually danced, with a great partner ♡
Kae A — Google review
4.5
(9496)
•
4.4
(260)
581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209, USA
https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/venues/expo-center
(315) 487-7711
30

Behling Orchards

Orchard
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
Behling Orchard is our go-to apple experience each fall. They have a tractor ride out to the u-pick apple rows, a market inside with fresh items and snacks, a play area, food, and pumpkins pre-picked. We enjoyed a nice afternoon walking through the grounds and enjoying the weather! They accept cash and now Venmo! A great place for a fall apple experience!
Meghan F — Google review
Nice apple orchard, not a large variety but still plenty of apples. The ladies are nice that work the booths. The prices are a little steep for donuts so be prepared for sticker shock.
Joshua M — Google review
Plenty of great tasting apples. Best apple cider there is! Love their fresh popcorn balls. So much to do and fun for the entire family.
Theresa L — Google review
My 80 year old mother showed up with her puppy and was absolutely berated by a woman working there. She was wrongly accused of trying to conceal the puppy, screamed at and the woman actually threatened to have the police come over her having her puppy there.. Give me a break, she’s 80 years old and buried my dad that morning. She is a sweet lady and was never anything less than apologetic. I understand there was a policy against dogs that she was obviously unaware of. She did not need to be treated or talked to the way she was. We will NEVER go back or recommend you after how was she was treated. We have sent people to your farm for years, we have been neighbors and good customers for years. Have some grace and do better.
Tiffany T — Google review
Beautiful day, loved seeing all the people enjoying this family tradition experience. Had to get my favorite Apple Rings with cinnamon and sugar topping! Can't wait until first weekend of October to get my Behlings Apple cider fix!
Jaclyn B — Google review
We’ve been coming to this orchard every year and never had an issue — until this visit. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. I was and told to leave simply because I had my service dog with me. Despite clearly stating multiple times that he is a service dog (which is my legal right), the employee said they “didn’t care” and kicked us out in the middle of trying to enjoy a wine tasting. It took talking to three different people before finally getting to someone who actually knew the law and confirmed that yes, my service dog is allowed. That person told me I should “just tell them he’s a service dog” — which I already had. By then, the damage was done, and the entire experience was ruined by the way we were treated. Employees should be properly trained on ADA laws and know how to treat guests with respect. It’s unacceptable to be kicked out, embarrassed, and spoken to so rudely when we did nothing wrong. Sadly, after years of coming here, this may be our last visit.
Alexis C — Google review
Great place to stop with the kids and pick some apples. There is also a playland area with bounce houses, zombie paintball, zip lines, and the ability to get on a tractor ride to go pick apples. There’s plenty of parking and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Brad P — Google review
I wish I could give this a higher star review because the lady and gentleman at the Apple weighing station (post picking) were so sweet but unfortunately I had a bad experience at the store. I arrived with family and it was my first time, obviously I drive up the street a little trying to figure out where to park, and next to the barn/store there was a sign that had an arrow to park, when I drive in this older lady came out and yelled that we need to move after I already unpacked my sons stroller etc., and I said where do we park since there’s a sign that says to park over where we did. She didn’t give an answer but then proceeded to tell the other worker that she has to “direct traffic” because we’re parking in the wrong spot. Makes no sense whatsoever. She then ignored us and didn’t even welcome us into the store when we went in looking around so I had to ask an entire new worker where to pick apples and what’s open. Wouldn’t go back unfortunately. Not welcoming at all.
Kassandra V — Google review
4.5
(300)
•
4.5
(30)
114 Potter Rd, Mexico, NY 13114, USA
http://www.behlingorchards.org/
(315) 963-7068
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