Syracuse is the official seat of the county of Onondaga, in
New York, United States. It is one of the most populated cities in New York, as is its metropolitan region. Named after the Greek city of Syracuse, the city is currently the educational, cultural, and economic hub of the entire Central New York Region.
For the past few centuries, Syracuse has been an active crossroads for both the Erie Canal and the railway network. This has contributed to its being the intersection at the Intestate 81 and interstate 90. The city has an intricately developed road network system, as well as a modern airport which happens to be the largest in its region.
Its educational vibrancy has been featured in Syracuse University, which is today a major center for studies and research activities. The liberal arts college of Le Moyne is another proof that Syracuse has an extensive educational system.
With a very convenient location surrounded by Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany and a midway point between Toronto and New York, Syracuse has become a frequented spot by tourists, both local and international. The surroundings and outskirts of Syracuse are magnificent and are set deep in nature, including small hills like the Tipperary Hill, for instance. Several water bodies and forests add to the scenic nature of Syracuse's outskirts, including the moderately large Onondaga Lake and the ever-flowing Onondaga Creek.
Several modern spots around the city include the stunning Strathmore natural grounds, the ever-busy Armory Square, the vast Destiny USA, and the unifying grounds around the famous Clinton Square.
Outdoor activities revolve around the many natural parks in Syracuse, including the magnificent Onondaga Park within the Strathmore grounds, the attractive picnic-friendly Burnet Park, the 76-acre Thornden Park, and Sunnycrest Park, among others.
Syracuse experiences a humid continental climate of Köppen classification Dfb. The most significant characteristic of this weather is its heavy snowfall; the city receives the highest amount of snow as compared to any other region in the United States. Measuring up to as high as 115.6" (2936.2mm), Syracuse is a consistent winner of the Snowball Award.
While winter has the temperature ranging between 36°F (2.2°C) and -12.3°F (-24.6°C), accompanied by a moderate rainfall and heavy snow, summer has temperatures rising as high as 89.8°F (32.1°C) on the hottest days followed by ample sunshine and minimal rain. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, remain pleasant, adding their unique beauty into the city.
Syracuse is an all-year-round destination, owing to its four seasons in all their properties. The most common time to visit, though, is between
June and
August, during the peak of summer. Another peak travel time is during the fall season when Syracuse is covered in the splendid fall foliage. Besides the pleasant weather associated with these two seasons, most of the commonly attended events in the city happen to fall within their timelines.
In
July, Syracuse holds its annual New York State Blues Festival, in a bid to appreciate blues, R&B, rock, and jazz music genres. Performances are conducted by renowned singers, and crowds in attendance are from far and wide. For several days between August and
September, Syracuse also has its annual Great New York State Fair, where every goods, products, and livestock are showcased alongside entertaining performances and concerts from renowned artists.