SYRACUSE—When you think of Syracuse, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Syracuse University? The Carrier Dome? That guy dressed as a giant orange at Syracuse football and basketball games?

As this writer found out, Syracuse is much more than a college town. There’s plenty to see and do, from numerous outdoor adventures to fine dining. But one of the first things that struck me about downtown Syracuse was its celebration of history and magnificent architecture.

A step back in time

Finding myself in downtown Syracuse on a beautiful Sunday morning with a couple of hours all to myself, I decided to take an unguided walking tour to see what I could discover.

The answer was history, and the evidence was found on nearly every corner. My adventure began at Clinton Square on Water Street, the heart and historic center of Syracuse. It is named in honor of DeWitt Clinton, who was New York’s governor twice, from 1817 to 1823 and from 1825 to 1828, and also was a leader in the development of the Erie Canal.

Clinton Square is a multi-use civic landscape dominated by the towering Soldiers and Sailors’ Monument, built in the early 1900s, and an impressive reflecting pool complete with fountains shooting water skyward. The square also is a popular site for festivals and entertainment, but on this Sunday morning it was a peaceful destination for a handful of visitors enjoying its quiet beauty.

The well-maintained old buildings near the square add to the historic flavor. Impressive churches also dot the downtown landscape.

The first one that I came to was the Plymouth Congregation Church at the corner of South Warren and East Onondaga streets. Designed in 1858 by Horatio Nelson White, the brick building contains some stunning stained-glass windows that are a treat to view.

Directly across South Warren Street stands The Galleries of Syracuse, home to several small businesses. The contemporary design of this building— lots of glass and interesting angles— provides a modern contrast to the neighborhood’s historic structures.

At the convergence of Montgomery and East Onondaga one finds the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a massive, breathtaking structure constructed between 1874 and 1910. The church is remarkable both inside and out—the pipe organ is incredible.

Visitors exiting through the cathedral’s front doors are greeted by a monument built by Italian immigrants in honor of Christopher Columbus. Just down the street, at Montgomery and East Washington, you will find City Hall, designed by local architect Charles Colton and constructed from 1889 to 1891.

There are more places on the city’s list of must-see architectural gems, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Have a ball

Being a rabid baseball fan, I often enjoy catching a game or two when I’m away from home. Here, the place to check out is Alliance Bank Stadium, home of the AAA Syracuse Chiefs, the top minor league team of the Washington Nationals. With the sweet scent of cotton candy filling the air, 12-year-old Alliance Bank Stadium is an excellent place to catch a ball game.

And maybe it’s the fact that I grew up with railroad tracks practically in my backyard, but I love these minor league ballparks that have railroad tracks just beyond the outfield wall. The roar of the trains as they speed by adds something special to the intimate ballpark atmosphere. (The same can be said for Frontier Field in Rochester and, to a lesser extent, Coca- Cola Field in Buffalo. You can’t see the trains in Buffalo, but you certainly can hear them as they roll into the station a block away.)

Upcoming games of interest to Western New York baseball fans would be the Aug. 14-15 series against Rochester and the Aug. 18-19 showdown against our own Buffalo Bisons. Syracuse also has upcoming home games against Durham, Lehigh Valley, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Pawtucket, with the regular season home slate coming to a close on Sept. 7.

One of the greatest things about AAA baseball is the affordably priced tickets. In Syracuse, prices run from $7 to $10 for adults, $4 to $8 for children 12 and younger and $4 to $10 for seniors 62 and older. The stadium is at One Tex Simone Drive. For more information, call (315) 474-7833, visit

www.syracusechiefs.com

or e-mail

baseball@syracusechiefs.com

. Carousel Center

OK, so maybe baseball isn’t your thing. For those who prefers lunch at the mall over peanuts and Cracker Jack at the ballpark, you’re still in luck. Syracuse is home to the massive Carousel Center, and it is practically next door to Alliance Bank Stadium, at 9090 Carousel Center Drive.

The mall is billed as “Central New York’s premier shopping and entertainment destination and the region’s number one tourist attraction.”

Anchor stores include Best Buy, The Bon-Ton, H&M, JCPenney, Lord&Taylor and Macy’s, and there’s an abundance of specialty stores and at least 20 places to grab a bite to eat. Let’s just say that those who enjoy the sport of shopping won’t be disappointed.

For more information, call (315) 466-7000, visit

www.carouselcenter.com

or e-mail

info@carouselcenter.com

. State fair time

So you think that summer ends when the Erie County Fair closes down? Think again. Those who just can’t get enough of deep-fried Twinkies, pig races, midway rides, concerts and countless concessions need only travel to Syracuse from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7 for the granddaddy of them all—the great New York State Fair.

Approximately 375 acres of fun awaits. Every year the New York State Fair attracts some great acts. Among those scheduled this year in Syracuse are Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, Kenny Chesney, Motley Crue, Godsmack, Big&Rich, Kid Rock, Boyz II Men, The Four Tops, Rick Springfield and many others.

I’ve been to the New York State Fair several times, and I’ve never been disappointed. There’s always free entertainment on stage at any time of day, and the food ... well, let’s just say that I’ve never seen such an assortment of delights in one place at one time. A word of advice ... make sure you’re wearing the shorts with the elastic waistband.

For more information on the Fair (581 State Fair Blvd.), including a complete lineup of concerts and events as well as directions from Buffalo, visit

www.nysfair.org

. For information by phone, call (800) 475-FAIR.

Getting there

The drive to Syracuse couldn’t be any easier. From Buffalo, just hop on Interstate 90 heading east and you can be downtown in about 2 1/2 hours. Rochester is half way.

If you are going to the New York State Fair, take Exit 39, then follow Route 690 East to the fairgrounds.