The City of Syracuse, located in the geographic heart of New York State, is Central New York's major metropolitan center. Often referred to as the Crossroads of New York State, interstate routes 81 and 90 (the New York State thruway) intersect in Syracuse, making it easily drivable from every major northeastern city.
The story of Syracuse is intimately intertwined with the development of industry and commerce. While Syracuse has often been identified as "The City That Salt Built," it was never totally reliant on the salt industry for its economic survival. The Erie Canal, and later, the railroads, established the city as an important transportation hub and this, in turn, attracted a diverse number of manufacturing and commercial concerns. This diversity enabled the city to adjust to the gradual decline of the salt industry during the second half of the nineteenth century. At that time the business base included Syracuse China, foundries, breweries, and manufacturing facilities for typewriters, bicycles, automobiles (and parts) and air conditioners. Near the turn of the century furniture and pharmaceutical production were added to the mix with the establishment of L&JG Stickley and Bristol-Myers Squibb, both of which are still flourishing and have recently expanded. Today, excellent ground and air transportation systems make Syracuse one of the leading distribution centers in the nation. As the local economy continues to shift from manufacturing to more service-providing jobs, growth is evident in the fields of health care, information technology and other specialized areas.
Syracuse is a four season destination with plenty to do, especially for the outdoors enthusiast. The area boasts more than 50 state, county and city parks, including the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, plus several nature centers. There are over 40 golf courses, more than any other area in the northeast. An abundance of lakes and rivers offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and water sports, plus a wide variety of landscapes can be found that are perfect for hunting, camping and even skiing and snowboarding.
For the cultural enthusiast Syracuse is home to 40 museums and galleries, including the nationally known Everson Museum of Art, designed by I. M. Pei., plus Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the 28th largest orchestra in the US.
Central New York is concentrated with a high density of college students. The greater Syracuse region supports a combined enrollment of over 215,000 students. There are eight institutes of higher learning in the immediate Syracuse area including Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Colgate University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Collegiate sports action takes place in the Carrier Dome, one of the largest air-supported stadiums in the country, and the only domed stadium in the northeast. The Dome holds 50,000 people and is home to the Syracuse University Orange - the 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions and 2004 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Champions.
Syracuse has also established a wide variety of annual festivals and events such as the nationally acclaimed M&T Jazz Fest, the NYS Rhythm and Blues Festival, the CNYBA Bluegrass Festival, Balloonfest, the Great American Antiquefest, the Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival, Taste of Syracuse, and the Great New York State Fair, which is the longest running state fair in the country. In addition, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest in the US.
To see what is being planned for the future of Carousel Center please visit DestiNY USA at www.destinyusa.com.
