Every year, the Syracuse New Times — our sister publication — puts out a public survey to see which area businesses and locations readers and local residents think are at the top of their game. After months of nominations and voting, the best of the best for 2018 were announced in early October. Winners were invited to an exclusive party at downtown Syracuse’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, where they were treated to complimentary food, photo ops, networking and, of course, picked up their “Best of Syracuse” plaques.
Below are some of the categories most relevant to our audience here at Family Timessyracusenewtimes.com magazine, the ones most likely to be of interest to parents, kids and families. Head to to see the full list of winners.
- Best Date Night Location: Francesca’s Cucina
- Best Sports Venue: Carrier Dome
- Best Gymnastics: Blaze Gymnastics
- Best Outdoor Trails: Green Lakes State Park
- Best Place to Ski: Labrador Mountain
- Best Place to Bike: Onondaga Lake Park
- Best Place to Ice Skate: Clinton Square Ice Rink
- Best Bowling Alley: Flamingo Bowl
- Best Pumpkin Patch: Tim’s Pumpkin Patch
- Best Apple Picking: Beak & Skiff
- Best Amusement or Water Park: Enchanted Forest Water Safari
- Best Go-Karts: Thunder Island
- Best Preschool: Jowonio School
- Best After School program: Learn As You Grow
- Best Playground: Wegmans Playground at Onondaga Lake Park
- Best Library: Liverpool Public Library
- Best Family Restaurant: Tully’s Good Times
- Best Pet Daycare: Justin’s Canine Campus
- Best Vet: Liverpool Animal Hospital
- Best Animal/Pet Rescue: Helping Hounds Dog Rescue
- Best Animal Whisperer: Justin Bonn, Justin’s Canine Campus
- Best Radio Personality: Ted Long & Amy Robbins, 93Q
- Best TV Personality: Christie Casciano
- Best Weatherperson: Wayne Mahar
- Best Local Ambassador: Carrie Lazarus
- Best Burger: Blarney Stone
- Best Hot Dogs: Heid’s of Liverpool
- Best Pizza: Twin Trees
- Best Birthday Cake: Wegmans
- Best Cupcakes: Crave Dessert Studio
- Best Doughnuts: Glazed and Confused
- Best Frozen Treats: Gannon’s Isle Ice Cream
- Best Local Coffee: Café Kubal
- Best Family Doctor: CNY Family Care
- Best Health Store: Wegmans
- Best Hospital: St. Joseph’s Hospital
- Best Pediatrician Group: Child Health Care Associates
- Best Dentist: Revercomb Dental Group
- Best Organized Walk/Run: Paige’s Butterfly Run
- Best Bakery: Harrison Bakery
- Best Breakfast Spot: Stella’s Diner
- Best Movie Theater: Movie Tavern
- Best Drive-In: Midway Drive-In
- Best Ethnic Festival: Festa Italiana Syracuse
- Best Food Festival: Taste of Syracuse
- Best Radio Station: 93Q
- Best Museum: The MOST
- Best Dance Program: The Francis Academy of Irish Dance
