Visiting Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois is like watching a history book come to life. Be transported back to the 1600s when the local Iroquois tribe invited the French to build a mission on the banks of Onondaga Lake. The site is now a living history museum that features an interpretive center with actors in period costumes who talk about what their lives are like at the mission in 1650. They also demonstrate daily activities of the time that include carpentry, blacksmithing, cooking and more.
Lovers of the outdoors will not want to miss the chance to experience Beaver Lake Nature Center. Located a short 15-minute drive northwest of Syracuse in Baldwinsville, the center features 9 miles of trails that offer the opportunity to see over 200 species of birds and over 800 varieties of plants. Also, the 200-acre glacial lake is a true wonder to behold. During the warmer months, you can choose to get a closer look at the lake's natural beauty by exploring from a canoe.
The Community Folk Art Gallery is unique for many reasons. While it strives to present the work of African-American artists as well as other under represented ethnic groups in Central New York, it also features a striking common thread among the pieces that are on display. That theme is one of constant struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds that was no doubt the inspiration for many of the art works that are collected here. It's a museum filled with a curious balance of drama and triumph that will prove to be great conversation-starters when you make this museum the site of your romantic date.