Syracuse Travel Guide

It may not have the romantic ring to it that many villages in the Finger Lakes do, and as a modern, rather industrial upstate city, Syracuse may not appear vitally connected to the natural beauty of the region, but the second-largest city in the area is the principal eastern gateway to the Finger Lakes. Syracuse may be best known as the home of the NCAA National Champion Orangemen, but this city grew up on the Erie Canal and was once known as "Salt City, " when its role was to supply the U.S. with salt. Today Syracuse is staking its future on the largest mall in the U.S., DestiNY USA, the current Carousel Center that developers are remaking into a resortlike shopping experience. Beyond those outsized shopping opportunities -- I mean, experiences -- Syracuse is a city that appeals mostly to passers-by and business travelers. However, it is also a good, brief gateway stop for families.