This Cheap Vacation Spot In Central New York Is Filled With Food And Art

When you dream of taking a New York vacation, you might not immediately think of central New York. While you probably think of Central Park rather than say, Green Lakes State Park, it's important to realize that there are many more New York vacation destinations besides the Big Apple. Perhaps most importantly, there are many spots that are far more affordable — as long as you avoid New York's most expensive vacation spot. In a climate where national parks are losing staff and campsite availability, Southwest Airlines is adding new fees, and even trying to budget for money-saving Disney World food hacks might still be too much, travelers will increasingly want to take inexpensive vacation options where they can find them, and they just might find a surprising vacation full of savings in Syracuse.

The central New York city of Syracuse might be medium-sized, but it has big low-budget vacation appeal. Syracuse makes up part of the eastern gateway to the Finger Lakes region of New York state, and might be immediately appealing to fans of nature hikes, waterfall trails, and outdoor adventures across all four seasons. College sports fans may even immediately recognize Syracuse as a game-day hot spot — though even the not-so-sporty can find plenty of inexpensive entertainment on offer in Syracuse. This unlikely vacation destination offers easy options for memorable day trips, as well as cheap food, music, and art options in and around town.

There is plenty to eat in Syracuse, but focusing on the cheap eats that are part of the fabric of the city itself can be your best bet. The original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is in Syracuse, housed in a 1920s building full of history and BBQ plates under $30. Vegans and less meat-forward budget diners might be more interested in a plate of cheap, tasty noodles from Vietnamese Noodle House. Deals are also dished up at Pastabilities, which has been serving up homemade pasta in Syracuse since 1982. Lunch pasta plates are under $20 and the restaurant bar features a happy hour "and a half" on weekdays — complete with "'90s-style" pricing for some drinks. In fact, happy hours are big all over town, with especially cheap pub grub available across numerous Syracuse breweries. 

Budget travelers can also work up their appetites by engaging in frugal fun by exploring the city's art. The Everson Museum of Art is a work of modern art itself. Designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei, the 1968 building now contains more than 10,000 works of American-made art. Admission is under $15 for adults, with prices even lower for seniors and children with kids under 5 free. The Everson also occasionally hosts other free-with-admission events, like "open studio" Sundays, which allow artists of all ages to tap into their creative side. More art can be found at the Syracuse University Art Museum, during ArtRAGE events, or anywhere within the city's vibrant gallery scene.

While Syracuse isn't exclusively a college town, it is home to multiple colleges and universities. Just like in college towns that make for good retirement spots (and nearby college town and retirement draw, Ithaca), Syracuse's student presence plays a role in keeping costs down but entertainment value up. Similarly, a multitude of convention centers and conference areas invite events — including the annual New York State Fair.  Travel data aggregator, Budget Your Trip, found that the average nightly stay in Syracuse ranges from $132 to $246.

Syracuse also often wins the Golden Snowball award — meaning it receives more snowfall than other upstate New York cities. This award can be experienced through myriad snow activities, including $5-per-hour snowshoe rentals. In warmer weather, Onondaga Lake Park offers scenic paths, canoeing, kayaking, pickleball, skateboarding, and other sports for low or no fees. Nearby Green Lakes State Park offers similar options, plus winter snowshoeing, and 18 holes of golf for a maximum price of $32 per person.

If enjoying music and theater is more your speed, numerous venues in Syracuse offer a wide range of everything from music festivals and theatrical performances for under $100, with many for under $35. Syracuse Jazz Fest is a perennial favorite, as well as the annual Syracuse Shakespeare In-the-Park season. Visitors can also learn some watery history at the highly-rated Erie Canal Museum. A suggested donation of $10 grants you access to a life-size replica line boat, a Canal-era tavern, and Onondaga pottery.