In January of 2021, Syracuse dropped the mic when it introduced the Salt City Market, a new public market/food hall concept that beautifully blends culinary cultures, cakes, cocktails and communal space. Syracuse is a diverse, artsy, funky, Foodie city, and this public market/food hall successfully captures the Do Your Thing vibe of the town.

I had heard about the plans for this venture years before it hit the streets, and now that it was finally open, I was eager to try it out. My first time venturing into the market, was solo, on a cold winter day, on my lunch break. Upon entering, I was greeted by a sign that invited you to “grab a drink” from the Salt City Bar and “browse the market or enjoy your food at the bar.” If I didn’t have to go back to work, I would have enjoyed taking in the scenery over a cocktail, but that was for another time.

What I immediately noticed was the open, modern, lofty and sleek layout, as well as the worldly selection of food: Middle Eastern, Jamaican, Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Soul Food, Southern, and more! “Regional and international cuisine from entrepreneurs” in the neighborhood is part of the market’s theme. I wanted it all but had to quickly browse the menus and let my stomach select, so I could get back to work. It chose Miss Prissy’s Pink Plate (oxtails and white rice) and Erma’s Island’s Beef Patties. I was craving Ahki & Saltfish but was told it would be coming soon (I’ll be waiting).

Back to my office I rushed, with my new bags of gold. When I finally sat down to eat, it was a “close my eyes and moan” type of experience. The oxtails were falling off the bone and the patties were seasoned just right!

My next venture to the Salt City Market was when my best friend, Brooke, came to visit. I hadn’t seen her since last year, due to the pandemic, and knew she would enjoy checking out the market. This visit was an experience! We walked in to hear music that we like to vibe to… and even better, it was coming from a live DJ! Who I later found out was there to promote his new business, Imprinting at The Life, that was having it’s Grand Opening in the market that very day!

We also noticed how there were accommodations for kids – high chairs and even small tables and chairs. Brilliant!

We browsed around for a while because there were too many mouth-watering choices, but we finally settled on Mamma Hai’s Báhn Mì (also known as Báhn Bao or Bao), which offers a choice of homemade steamed chicken sausage, char siu pork, or sliced pepperoni, served inside their signature pâté. Brooke was familiar with the dish, so I followed her lead, especially after I asked the clerk for silverware and they both replied in unison that I was supposed to eat it with my hands. I was horrified at the thought in this new pandemic world and made a trip to the ladies room to scrub my hands. After the first bite, I didn’t give a $%@# about the hands. My Bao had one of the most glorious flavors, mixed with the pork I chose, and I immediately wanted more!!!

Halfway through our Bao, we decided to grab some cocktails – Brooke ordered a Mule. I went back to my roots and savored the Old Fashioned.

Then we had to try the Baghdad Restaurant’s Hummus and Shawarma (beef) Salad. I have to say, no lie, it was one of the best salads I’ve ever had (I still dream about it.)  the There was so much synergy in the market – from the food, to the aesthetics, the music, the people – everything about it just felt so chill and inviting.

Four hours later, we had moved to some tiered seating near the DJ to enjoy the 90’s R&B music, before finishing our drinks at the bar. Four hours. I guess time does fly when you are having fun.

As we were heading out, I bought cupcakes for my twins from the Cake Bar, which had such lovely looking pastries, it was hard to choose.

When we got back to my house, my husband asked, “Where are my Jamaican Beef Patties?”

Didn’t have to twist our arms. Within minutes, we were back in the car, for another adventure at the Salt City Market, to pick up Erik’s food. It was the least we could do since he had sponsored our girl’s day out.

To get the inside scoop on the Market and to learn about kid-friendly features, check out this cool video interview with Market Manager Adam Sudmann below:

The post Salt City Market: Soul of the City first appeared on Xochoble.

We have always been an active family. COVID-19 may have slowed us down a little, but we still find ways to get out and enjoy the world… at a distance.

Here are few fun fall family activities we have found in Central New York that may fit your budget and your heart! Plus, the scenic views of fall foliage en route to all locations below are absolutely breath-taking.

1. HIKING – We’re so lucky to have Clark Reservation State Park in such close proximity. It’s one of my favorite New York State Parks. Located in Jamesville, NY, the park’s natural rugged cliffs and rocky paths make you feel like you’ve traveled hundreds of miles outside of the State to experience a secluded hike. There are five trails to choose from, including the Cliff Trail, which has a point that overlooks a 175 foot drop down to Glacier Lake, a meromictic lake (also the spot where we once saw six-foot black snake chilling in a tree next to the path). You must wear a mask near park buildings, including the bathrooms. Tip: Take the Cliff Trail and wear closed-toe shoes (preferably sneakers).
   • Guidelines: Masks must be worn near all park buildings and social distancing is required.
   • Fees: Depending on the season, there may be a parking fee or an entrance fee.

2. APPLE PICKING – There are plenty of options for this activity throughout the area. The most popular being the Number 1 Apple Orchard in the country, Beak & Skiff, in the town of Lafayette. During any other time, I would be there for the breath-taking views, apple picking, tractor rides, the myriad of hard cider options, and the thousands of people, but… Covid. So, we took our kids to O’Neill’s U-pick Orchard & Barbeque, a smaller orchard down the road, which was perfect! The parking lot was full but that meant no more than about 40 cars, the staff was super friendly, and the walk to the orchard was short and swift (and great when you have little feet trying to keep up with you). Plus, social distancing was amazing! We did not come within 20 feet of any other family. We filled up a few bags of our favorite apple (Honeycrisp), picked some fresh raspberries (that were free). They also have a large variety of jams, baked goods, cheese, apple fritters, apple cider donuts, BBQ, and cider!
   • Guidelines: Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing is required.
   • Fees: No entrance fee. Pay for apples by the pound.

• PUMPKIN PICKING – Springside Farms is a family owned agritourism farm in Pompey, NY. I stumbled upon years ago, while scoping out fall locations to promote when I worked for Visit Syracuse. It’s so darn cute! With a pumpkin patch (that we had to ourselves), a jungle maze, corn maze, petting zoo (currently non-touch due to Covid), kiddie train rides, slides, zip lines, barn rope swings (off hay bales) and more, this is a perfect way to spend a fall day with the family.
  • Guidelines: Masks must be worn at all times.
  • Fees: There is a minimal entrance fee for anyone over the age of 2. Pumpkins are charged by the pound.

The post Fall Family Fun first appeared on Xochoble.