Author: Courtney Kless

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,…

The first Festival of Trees was held on Dec. 4, 1985.It started as (and continues to be) a fundraiser for the Everson Museum of Art. That first year, there were 47 decorated trees and $27,000 was raised. It was so successful, the museum decided to turn it into an annual tradition.This year’s festival will be held from Dec. 2-16.“It’s always been a popular event in the city because of the displays,” said Liz Herrick, the Members Council chair. “You can spend time with a best friend, you can spend time with your family, or you can enjoy being there by…

Families from around Central New York – and beyond – will soon head to Liverpool for Lights on the Lake. Here are some things you can do while you’re in town. Parks Onondaga Lake Park Dubbed “The Central Park of Central New York,” Onondaga Lake Park just may be Liverpool’s most popular attraction. And there’s a lot for families to do there: walking trails, pickleball courts, a skate park, and a boundless playground, to name a few. The park is also home to the Salt Museum, which chronicles Syracuse’s rich salt mining history (it is open seasonally from May to…