Experience the heart of historic Central New York when you visit the city of Rome, where the original groundbreaking of the Erie Canal took place in 1817. Visit the Canal Museum in the Erie Canal Village located just west of the city, and see what traveling the canal was like back in the 19th century.
For another historical outing, head to Fort Stanwix, nicknamed ‘the fort that never surrendered’ because troops there fought off the British and other enemy armies for 21 days in 1777, protecting the northern colonies from invasion.
Today, it is a national park where you can take a guided tour to soak up the landscape and history. For a night out, visit the city’s original movie house, the Rome Capitol Theatre, which has persevered in maintaining its beautiful appearance as it looked in 1939. You can catch new movies as well as old classics, and there’s even the annual Capitolfest, a classic film festival showing rare silent and early talking movies.
If you’re the adventurous type, head to Delta Lake State Park, where you can reconnect with nature on the hiking trails and Delta Reservoir. Or to up the adrenaline levels even further, head 10 miles west from center-city Rome to Turning Stone Resort Casino. Covering more than 3,400 acres, Turning Stone attracts 4.5 million visitors a year and has activities aplenty, including five golf courses, three of which are championship level.
Continue driving about a half-hour west of Turning Stone and you will find yourself in the ‘salt city’ of Syracuse. While there, be sure to stop by the historic Landmark Theatre. It was constructed in 1927 and was the premier theater in the area for much of the 1930s and 1940s.
Where to sleep
Relax in style at the AAA Four Diamond rated hotel, The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino. This all-suite hotel features a serene setting, connection to the casino via a skybridge and door-to-door shuttle service around the resort. Book the Presidential Suite, an enormous, two-story, 2,900-sq-ft space that gives you room to spread out after a long day. The master bathroom has a relaxing sauna and hot tub.
5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY, +1 800 771 7711 turningstone.com
Where to eat
Located in Downtown Syracuse’s historic Armory Square district, Lemon Grass serves authentic Thai dishes. Owners Max and Pook Chutinthranond’s extensive wine list has won the Wine Spectator Award 10 times. Try the New York strip steak.
238 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse, NY, +1 315 475 1111, lemongrasscny.com
Where to fly
Originally constructed as a depot for Army Air Forces, Million Air Rome now has enough ramp space to handle B-747 size aircraft. With heated hangar space, deicing services and a lounge for relaxing, guests and service professionals alike will feel fully pampered.
Million Air Rome (RME) Griffiss International Airport 660 Hangar Road Rome, NY 13440; info.rme@millionair.com, +1 315 736 9404, millionair.com
