Summer in Syracuse

If your vagabond shoes are longing to stray, and you wish your little town blues were melting away, swing by the Skaneateles Festival, August 12 - September 5, where New York-inspired music will be celebrated outdoors all week long, from solo guitar recitals to violin, clarinet, cello and piano compositions. After all, it's up to you, New York, New York.

Get down with your Gemütlichkeit at Bavarian Fest, August 2, at Onondaga Lake Park. While German folk dancing may not be your thing, partaking in a little German beer is hard to refuse.

Keep cultivating culture and cruise Long Branch Park in your kilt at the CNY Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, August 8. Prepare for pipes galore, live bands, festive dancers, and historical re-enactments of 18th century Scotland.

Hola chiquitas/chiquitos! Brush up on your sleek salsa moves and chow down on spicy, authentic Latin cuisine at Latino Fest, August 15 & 16, in Clinton Square.

And now, the event you've all been waiting for all summer long, drum roll please... The Great New York State Fair! From August 27 - September 7, bring your fam, your friends, or your flavor of the month to experience the smorgasbord that we Syracusians hold dear to our hearts: over 375 acres of animals; live performances by nationally known artists (Kelly Clarkson, Gavin DeGraw, The Fray!); educational exhibits; foods so diverse and mouth-watering, you'll salivate just driving by the Fairgrounds with your window down; thrilling rides; and Midway games overflowing with prizes. Let's just say, if you're missing it, you're missing out.

The CNY Bar-B-Que Diet

When it's summertime in Syracuse, a barbeque is never far away. Enjoy the many tastes of Central New York by taking a tour of summer dining favorites: Salt Potatoes, Gianelli Sausage, Hoffman Hot Dogs, Terrell's Potato Chips or Grandma Brown's Baked Beans.

Be sure to pick up some local produce at the Central New York Regional Farmers Market in Syracuse, or the organic and all-natural Greener Bean Organic Farmers Market in Skaneateles. You can also check out the well-known Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for mouth-watering ribs and an atmosphere you have to see to believe.

Looking for an after-dinner drink? Try a glass of award-winning wine from one of the more than 100 wineries, including Anyela's Vineyards - Onondaga County's newest vineyard located in Skaneateles. If you're craving a brew to quench your thirst - enjoy a beer from one of the local breweries, including Middle Ages Brewery, Syracuse Suds Factory and Empire Brewing Co.