It was the summer of 2023 when I embarked on a memorable trip back to Syracuse, a city that held countless memories and experiences. Bill and I had a jam-packed week planned, filled with cherished activities, delicious food, and even a surprise reunion with an old friend. Here's a recount of our week in Syracuse:
Monday, August 21: After making our way back from Ottawa to Syracuse, we were eager to dive into our vacation plans. Our itinerary included all the classic Syracuse experiences – leisurely walks in various parks, firing up the grill, and indulging in the irresistible central New York fresh corn. You just can't beat the simple pleasure of buttery, salted corn on the cob. Although, we knew we'd be reaching for the dental floss later!
Bill inquired about Ahi Tuna at Wegman's, only to be met with laughter from the fish guy. "Yeah, sure, for about $40 per pound," he replied.
Tuesday, August 22: Our second day was more of the same, including a lunch stop at Heid's Dogs. Bill had a special event in mind – Newbie Tuesday, a gathering related to Fleet 204. However, three decades had passed since my active days in the fleet, and I didn't recognize anyone as they set sail. I opted to relax on the shore while Bill took to the water, and I can confirm that there were minimal bug encounters.
Wednesday, August 23: This was the day we decided to explore the Great New York State Fair. The fair was worth every penny (we got in free as senior citizens). Highlights included a virtual reality experience for an Air Force search and rescue, snagging a US Space Force koozie, and marveling at the butter statue. We did skip Bill's usual 25-cent chocolate milk in favor of a $1 ice cream cone.
The only lowlight was my choice of ordering a blooming onion to share with Bill's beef on Wick sandwich. The fair's display of photographs and craftsmanship left much to be desired compared to the Del Mar, California fair, which boasts extensive halls dedicated to these arts. However, both fairs share an abundance of livestock on display, encouraging visitors to step out of the buildings for some fresh air.
We made a pit stop at Camillus Costco, solely on a quest for Ahi Tuna, and we scored! The price was reasonable (Wegman's, take notes), and it paired perfectly with Bill's mini-cast iron skillet. Of course, we couldn't resist more central New York corn.
Thursday, August 24: The highlight of the day was the arrival of our old friend Stan, whom we hadn't seen in years – perhaps since Boston. The day was filled with lively conversations and hours around Bill's fire pit. By evening, we realized that driving for dinner was out of the question, so we opted for a damn fine pizza. It was a delightful evening, enjoying the company of old friends.
August 25 - 30: Our week continued in the same fashion – park walks and deep conversations. We frequented Onondaga Park, Green Lakes, and Beaver Lake. Bill mentioned that he needed his "Tree fix," and we couldn't help but appreciate the vast green expanses that New York State has to offer, even in comparison to California's beautiful parks.
We also visited the Stickley Museum, located above a local library. It was an educational experience, especially learning about the intricate furniture joints. The museum had a remarkable artifact – the Stickley chair used by the Dalai Lama when he spoke at Colgate University. And the best part? We were invited to sit in it!
That evening, we dined at Coleman's, and a pleasant surprise was when Bill's ex-roommate, Chris Lord, joined us.
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| Stan, Chris, Bill and me |
Years may have passed, but when old friends reunite, time gaps become irrelevant, and the laughter flows freely.
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| Salt City Coffee near SU Campus. Damn fine espresso. |
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| Music Hall @ SU. Ominous with clouds. |
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| My BFFs. |
August 31: It was time to travel once more. Stan drove his car, and Bill and I followed, making our way to Saratoga Springs. Our hotel, the Community Court Motel, greeted us with an early check-in, and Ed, the check-in guy, made sure we had TV reception in our room.
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| Livin' Large |
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| Livin' Large gets you a pink tiled bathroom. |
We explored the town, stopping by Café Lena, the venue for the evening concert. As luck would have it, we crossed paths with Jon Pousette-Dart and Jim Chapdelaine during their sound check, ticking off another item from our bucket list.
When I booked tickets for the Jon Pousette-Dart concert, I had a conversation with a ticket agent who asked if I'd seen Jon before. My response was, "No, but this will take care of two bucket list items: seeing Jon and attending a Café Lena concert." I contemplated upgrading to a premium membership but hesitated. The ticket agent assured me, "No need, we'll get you and your friend good seats."
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| Walkway in Cafe Lena. |
Little did I know that we would be escorted to a FRONT ROW table when we checked in! We were so close to the stage that I could nod at Jim, and he reciprocated. The concert was a nostalgic journey, taking me back 40 years to a simpler, carefree time. Café Lena only had seating for 75, so it quickly emptied after the concert. Stan had brought several vinyl albums for autographs, and we managed to snap some pictures before heading out. A quick note to Café Lena: you can sell more $50 Café Lena prints if you actually have them available. I would've bought one just to get Jon and Jim's autographs.
Afterward, Stan headed back to the hotel, and Bill and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Saratoga in the warm evening. Saratoga is a lively town, and I promised myself to look into Café Lena and SPAC concerts for future visits to New York State.
Friday, September 1: In the morning, Bill and I explored Congress Park while Stan packed for departure. We met up for brunch and continued our exploration of the town. Eventually, it was time for Stan to continue his travels, so we said our goodbyes, and Bill and I carried on with our walkabout. Later, we packed up and traveled back to Liverpool.
Saturday, September 2: Bill's original plan was to head to Kathy's place in Massena until his Mom duty began on Monday. He dropped me off at the Syracuse airport, where I rented a car for my next adventure. However, about an hour later, I received a call from Bill – his plans had changed, and he was returning home until Monday.
Sunday, September 3: Bill and I enjoyed a wonderful morning walk at Beaver Lake. In the evening, we headed to the Cobblestone for a light meal and some beers.
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| At Onondaga Yacht club |
Monday, September 4: Bill headed off to Massena, and I relaxed, preparing for my next adventure.
As our week in Syracuse came to an end, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences, reunions, and memorable moments we had shared.
Here are more Syracuse - August 2023 pics.
