One Weekend, Endless Possibilities

Last weekend, my parents were in town. When they show up, I always make an attempt to fill the visit with fun and excitement, with the ultimate goal of showing them how great it is to live in Syracuse. They have lived in Chicago for the majority of their adult lives (in the actual city, not a suburb) and are surprised by how things operate around here. They'll say things like "Do you think we'll hit traffic?" To which my response is a laughing "no.. this is Syracuse!"

I also try to keep them busy because my father cannot sit still, and will invariably run around my house fixing things and critiquing everything. So, best to get them out of the house. I wasn't worried, because I know that any weekend in the Summer in Syracuse will have events to attend. And this one was no different. The Syracuse Nationals were in town (at the Fairgrounds, I think), so brightly painted cars from all decades were grumbling up and down Onondaga Lake Parkway. Since my dad is not a huge hot rod guy, we chose instead the The Great American Antiquefest at Long Branch Park in Liverpool. The web site boats that Central New York is "still one of the most productive regions for good quality antiques anywhere in the country." Imagine that!

"Do you think we'll need to pay for parking?" they asked. Again a smirk from me. "Not in Syracuse!" The show was quite impressive and overwhelming. My dad wondered aloud why on earth someone would collect glass jars and my mom found a priceless needlepoint for her sister.

After that we took a trip to Wegmans.
They marveled at how cheap the groceries were, especially the dairy. "Wow, New York State cheese?!? We don't even have New York State cheese!"

The next day I had signed up with 40 Below to volunteer at the NY State Blues Festival. So we planned on spending the evening downtown; maybe get some dinner. We had to coax my father down from the ladder in the back yard where he was fixing some piece of siding, and pile into the car. "Is it a long drive?" the asked. "No, not at all! In Syracuse, nothing is more than 20-30 minutes away."

When we found a parking spot in virtually seconds, my mom was amazed. We walked across the street and were in Armory Square. After looking around at some menus, we decided on Pastabilities. Despite being notoriously picky with restaurants, they were pleased with the food, and we headed off to the Blues Fest. The music was a bit loud for my dad's fickle ears, but they thoroughly enjoyed the fest.

By the end of the weekend, I think they were sold on Syracuse. They couldn't believe how accessible everything was. No lines, no traffic, no huge crowds. There were so many things happening at once; for all different ages and tastes.

It really IS all here.

Now go show your out-of-town guests a good time!!