Author: Courtney Kless

Travel back in time during a performance by Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park.It all began during a lunch conversation more than two decades ago, when two couples, who both adored Shakespeare, realized there weren’t many opportunities to see his works performed outdoors in the Elizabethan tradition. So, they decided to create one. In 2003, Syracuse Shakespeare-In-The-Park presented its first show, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, in Thornden Park.To this day, it is the only organization in Central New York that focuses exclusively on the famed playwright and poet.“Our mission statement revolves around preserving Shakespeare’s language and making it accessible and available,” said Dan Stevens,…

From its parks and nature centers to its museums, history is everywhere in Canastota. Plus, the village is a quick drive down the New York State Thruway from Syracuse, making it a great place to take the kids for the day. Here are a few of the must-see attractions:Museums and Historical SitesCanastota Canal Town MuseumThe village owed its growth, in part, to the construction of the Erie Canal. Learn more about that era through the Canastota Canal Town Museum’s two floors of exhibits, then walk across the street to view a section of the Old Erie Canal.Where: 122 Canal St.More…

Adventure is closer than you think! Travel around the world or explore the solar system from a seat in the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)’s National Grid ExploraDome. The museum has been teaching children – and adults – about science and technology for the past four decades (it opened on Nov. 15, 1981, and moved to the Syracuse Armory building in the early 1990s after outgrowing its original space). For more than half of that time, the MOST has offered educational programming in its domed theatre, covering everything from space travel to dinosaurs to backyard science.…

Located about 25 minutes east of Syracuse, the village of Chittenango is probably best known as the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, the author who famously penned The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The town celebrates its connection to the iconic tale each year with Oz-Stravaganza, hailed by its website as the “largest and longest running Wizard of Oz themed festival in the world” (this year’s event is scheduled for May 31-June 2). Here are a few other things you can do while you’re in town:Museums and Historical SitesAll Things Oz MuseumOf course, a visit to Chittenango wouldn’t be complete without…

For the past decade, fashion and philanthropy have come together at Syracuse Fashion Week.Lisa Butler is the driving force behind the event. A clothing designer, she has owned shops in Manlius and downtown Syracuse, specializing in custom couture, special occasion gowns, and wedding gowns.“My background is not only in design, but in theatre, so I love doing shows,” said Butler. “Back in 2010, somewhere around there, I started doing fashion shows for myself. During the shows, people would come up to me and say, ‘I’d like to join your show, I’m a designer or I have a small boutique.’ And…

This month, we are featuring a town I know well. Camillus was established in 1799, taking its name from Marcus Furius Camillus, a Roman general (it’s actually the only town in the country with that name, according to its website). Today, Camillus is full of history. Here are a few places you should add to your itinerary: Museums and Historical Sites Wilcox Octagon House The Wilson Octagon House is “one of the few octagon homes left in the Eastern part of the United States that is restored and has public access to all of its levels,” per its website. Tours…

Sandra Sabene grew up in the art industry (her mother and grandfather were both artists and she attended a lot of shows), so opening a gallery felt natural to her. In 2002, she established the Liverpool Art Center, initially envisioned as space to showcase the work of more than 50 local artists. “It was fairly easy to open up a gallery, but the customers coming in were asking me about art education – learning to paint, learning different mediums,” said Sabene. “They were enjoying the artwork, but they really wanted to express themselves. So, within a year of opening, I…

If you’re a frequent Family Times reader, you likely know that hiking is among my favorite ways to spend my spare time. Green Lakes State Park has some great trails that can be enjoyed all year round. Located in Fayetteville, the state park is a popular swimming spot (it is also where I had my first date with my husband 11 years ago), but there are plenty of other ways to explore its grounds during Central New York’s coldest days. Green Lakes State Park’s 18-hole golf course remains open to snowshoers, and there are 15 miles of trails for cross-country…

“Ignite Your Happy Place.” That is one of the quotes that Camp Candle Bar, a DIY experience in Armory Square, follows. Ashley Naum started the business with her sister, Lauren. “We really wanted to create a new experience within the downtown area that it never had before, especially in a town of eating and drinking,” said Naum. “The idea of camp is nostalgic to us as a family. We all grew up in Upstate New York and were always in the Adirondack Mountains, and the whole essence of camp is gathering around the campfire. It is the heartbeat of anything…

With the holidays right around the corner, are you still searching for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? You’ll find something for all ages – and interests – in our annual gift guide. Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen Would it be the holiday season without cookies? This year, skip the baking and head to Armory Square instead. Cathy Pemberton started Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen a decade ago. “I was working part time with the Syracuse City School District, and I wanted to move out of that into my own business,” she said. “I thought about what I was good at,…