Valley - Syracuse, NY Area Guide

First settled by the Onondaga Nation Native Americans, this neighborhood changed names from "Onondaga Hollow," then to "Onondaga Valley," and finally to its colloquialism, "The Valley," today.

Cultures mesh during the Onondaga Pow Wow each year. Valley residents go to the nearby reservation to watch drum competitions and eat traditional foods. Valley Field Days invites area school children to Meacham field for carnival rides and free food.

The Onondaga Historical Association supports a museum with two interesting permanent exhibits that tell these stories. In Onondaga County, "The Heart of New York, The Birth of a County" recounts the settlement of New York and the founding of the county. "Power of the People" continues the tale, including Native Americans and African Americans. In particular, "Jerry's Rescue" plays prominently since Syracuse was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Nearby West and East Seneca Turnpikes have familiar restaurants that welcome both couples and families.

Families love Frogger's On the Hill. This genial restaurant makes up its own signature pizzas or guests can make up their own concoctions. Its chicken-bacon-ranch pizza combines all those flavors on a homemade crust. In addition to eye-pleasing pizzas, the restaurant dishes out enticing appetizers, such as jalapeño poppers and deep fried pickles. It can also cater your Super Bowl party as well as any other occasion you wish to celebrate with excellent fare. Family-owned Inn of the Seasons serves as the perfect date-night restaurant. Classy meals such as filet mignon and veal Jonathan make dining out a treat. If you'd rather have fish, the baked haddock gratin and cold-water lobster tails will satisfy. Save room for homemade cappuccino fudge at the end of your delectable meal.

Check out Luigi's Pizza and Italian Restaurant on Valley Drive for large portions of authentic Italian favorites. The spot for the best lasagna and spaghetti around, this establishment also brings customers back for more with its impressive Philly cheese steak. Open since 1962 and serving some of those same customers, this restaurant's sense of nostalgia makes it a local favorite.

A local chain on Route 80, Jreck Sub has a long history in the area as well. The Great New York State Sub started up in Watertown and features branches all over Central New York. A simple menu of hot and cold sub sandwiches goes over well with this easygoing population. Empire Brewing Company on Walton ventures out of the Valley. An eco-brewery popular during the area's annual Jazz Fest, this establishment sells award-winning craft brews. Order the live and let rye craft brew - not only does it taste amazing, but the spent grain also goes to a local livestock company to feed its animals.

The Landmark Theatre on South Salina Street used to be a movie palace back in the day, but now you can catch a show here. The theatre also broadcasts Syracuse University basketball games on its big screen.

This quiet end of Syracuse has CENTRO bus service. The number 10 line originates at Valley Plaza and continues down to Brighton Avenue for $2. It's not uncommon to see individuals strolling down South Salina Street, and expect to see bikes and vehicles on the streets as well. A dedicated bike lane starts at the entrance of Interstate 81 and continues down to the 5800 block of South Salina Street. Free and abundant public parking makes finding a spot here simple. Although an elaborate prank by Syracuse University raised hopes of Uber coming to the city, the ride share program doesn't operate here.

The pond at Webster Park has a romantic and familial feel. Many first dates happened here. Alternatively, young families come down to feed the ducks.

Interstate 481 off South Salina Street quickly leads to Clark Reservation State Park in Jamesville. It costs $8 to enter this branch of the New York State Parks system. Although too small for bicycling, naturalists enjoy numerous activities. Hikers choose from five different trails, including an awe-inspiring one that circumnavigates the woody park and climaxes at the apex of a 175-foot cliff. Listen for the woodpeckers as they pierce the air with their pecking.

This cliff overlooks one of several meromictic lakes left over from the last Ice Age. Crystal green in color, this 10-acre lake reflects that area's salty past. Annually, the New York Flora Association meets her for a nature walk as they search for new and undiscovered floral species.

Additionally, New Yorkers gather at Clark Reservation to clean for I Love My Park Day. Leashed dogs may visit New York State Parks, but upscale grocer Wegmans has an off-leash dog park for those willing to travel to Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool.

The low cost of living makes this an ideal place to live, with averages sitting at over two percent lower than the Syracuse average and roughly 10 percent lower than the national average. Although gas prices average 11 percent above the national average, CENTRO only costs $2 for a one-way ride. Rent on a one-bedroom apartment averages about $680, and you get a beer at an Armory Square micro-brewery for a pricey $11, with cheaper costs in the Valley running about $5.

Valley Shopping Plaza along South Salina Street houses the new Top's Friendly Market, which replaced P&C when it closed in '09. Although closer to Nedrow, Green Hills Farm handled the load when it was the only grocer in town. Its great meat selection and impressive craft beer choices have kept some of those grateful customers.

Bargain hunters stake out the Valley Thrifty Shopper on West Seneca Turnpike. A handy saving program encourages them to save $10 for every $100 spent. The Salvation Army on Erie Boulevard takes a bit of a ride on the CENTRO from the Valley, but tons of bargains make it worth the trip.

Boutique shopping at Armory Square can be fun when you have a little money to splurge. With wardrobe consultants on-hand to help you select daytime separates and night-time dresses, Showoffs eases the stress of picking out suitable ensembles. Kellie knows her fashion and will set you up with the perfect thing to wear to work or to a show at the Landmark. Pick up a piece of handmade jewelry, and you'll be the showstopper.

Chocolate-lovers descend upon Sweet on Chocolate, also in Armory Square. Owner Petit-Jean Goodman loves to dip interesting foods in chocolate. In fact, his chocolate-dipped potato chips fly out of the store. He also makes more traditional confectioneries, such as truffles and creams.

From June through October, Downtown Clinton Square holds a popular farmers market. Shoppers can peruse produce from more than 50 different farmers in Central New York. Beside fresh fruits and vegetables, this market also features live entertainment and handcrafted items. The Green Hills Farm grocer holds another farmers market in its parking lot during the same time.