Some may be fortunate enough to wake up, draw the curtains and welcome a sunny day with open arms, but Syracuse residents aren’t fortunate enough to have this opportunity during the cold winter months. Even when the temperature outside isn’t frigid, it seems inevitable that any pleasant weather bears the promise of many dismal days to come. But there are those occasions when enjoying the outdoors becomes imperative. It’s just a matter of knowing how to enjoy it.

New York becomes a treasure chest of places to go and enjoy in the springtime warmth, with plenty of opportunities to take in the sights. As the weather gets warmer, here are a few options beyond campus lines for the adventurous student:

GREEN LAKES STATE PARK

Located in Fayetteville, N.Y., the glacial lakes of Green Lakes State Park are a 20-minute drive from campus. Strap on those hiking boots that haven’t been used since your high school biology class field trip, put on a bathing suit, grab a football and channel your inner outdoorsman for a picturesque day at Green Lakes. And yes, the lakes are actually green.

‘In the summertime, they have this very blue-turquoise color that you just don’t see in other inland freshwaters,’ said Tom Hughes, natural resource steward biologist at Green Lakes.

Pack up the cooler tight for a nice grill session. Fine-tune your Frisbee skills on the disc-golf course and afterward, take a scenic jog next to the undisturbed lakes. Any way you slice it, Green Lakes State Park is a crowd-pleaser, for just $7 a vehicle.

ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO AT BURNET PARK

Otherwise known as the Syracuse zoo, this revamped attraction just four miles from campus contains more than 700 animals large and small, nearly three dozen of which are endangered species.

‘People think, ‘Oh it’s just a little Syracuse zoo,” said Lorrell Walter, public and guest relations and webmaster at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. ‘They don’t realize we actually have lions, tigers and yes, we do have bears.’

Instead of spending the afternoon day drinking, take a calming afternoon to check out the new penguin chicks or gaze at snow leopards. The zoo also features a half-mile outdoor walk and a tropical aviary. Tickets are $4.50 for this alternative daytime activity.

FINGER LAKES WINERY TOURS

Get a little tipsy off some of New York’s finest wines, learn how Pinot is made and have a non-drinker drive around beautiful lakes with the most affluent friends you can muster. What’s not to love? Different companies offer both private and public tours, with varying prices. Finger Lakes Winery Tours allow you to pick your own ride from nine options, including everything from touring coaches to a two-seater sedan.

Though she has never taken a tour, senior advertising design major April Hirsch went to the winery at Belhurst Castle, which overlooks Seneca Lake. And although Hirsch said the employee serving wine knew little about the wine, the scenery was really pretty.

‘If I had the money I’d take a Caz Limo wine tour,’ Hirsch said. ‘My wine and beer teacher told me it’s really fun.’

For those 21 and older, getting a group together for a Finger Lakes Winery Tour promises to be a good time. Guests can make their own itinerary at the winery or follow ones suggested by the company, depending on which trail — Seneca, Keuka or Cayuga — is chosen. Each trail is a bit different. Pickup is available from anywhere in New York state, and though the whole experience is pricy, it will certainly relieve those final-exam blues.

ONONDAGA LAKE PARK

A student favorite for its proximity and sunbathing potential, Onondaga Lake Park is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon catching rays and taking it easy. Though swimming isn’t allowed, the lake is the cleanest it has been in 100 years and is fit for boating and fishing. And best of all, it’s free.

‘It’s definitely one of the premier spots in Central New York,’ said Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Bill Lansley. ‘You can get a couple thousand people out there and still have room to be by yourself.’

SKANEATELES

A little farther away but certainly worth the trip, the quaint town of Skaneateles has a lot to offer. Located at the center of town is a crystal blue lake so clean that Syracuse uses it for drinking water. There is often live music on Friday and Saturday nights around town, along with both fine and casual dining.

Stop by Valentine’s Deli for a sub. Kick back near the lake for a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere. Skaneateles is the kind of place where the juice is certainly worth the squeeze. While it can be expensive to experience everything the town has to offer, the 30-minute drive will not be one you regret.

‘Students want to come here to relax, take a little break from studying for exams, and get a little peace and quiet,’ said Sue Dove, director of the Skaneateles area Chamber of Commerce.

JUST GET OUT THERE

No car, no problem. There’s plenty to do on campus, whether it be tossing a Frisbee on the Quad or barbequing on South Campus.

‘Even just a barbeque with friends outside is nice,’ said Kelly Helmuth, a sophomore elementary and special education major. ‘Or a walk in Armory Square, as long as you’re outside.’

akgould@syr.edu

Published on April 28, 2010 at 12:00 pm