If you are visiting a friend with a Syracuse zip code, or just taking a trip through the state of New York, you might be interested in what there is to do and see in the city. One of the most beautiful and historically rich locations in New York, Syracuse is a great place to visit whether it's for business or for pleasure. Whether you are here to take in the sights or want to hand out some Oregon business cards, here are a few things you can do.

Sports

Syracuse is the development home of several Major League teams. If you want to see some of the world's best athletes play before their names become common wall lettering on the walls of pre-adolescent boys throughout the country, this is the place to go.

Syracuse is home to farm teams of three of the major sports leagues in the country. The Washington Nationals, of MLB, send their developing players to the Chiefs, while the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL operate the Crunch. Fans of basketball, rugby, and soccer can also catch games at the professional level in the city.

For those who love university sports, enjoying the pure love of the game before players get big contracts and the finest homes designed by the hottest Toronto architect, Syracuse also has lots to offer. In fact, university level sports draw more crowds than professional within the city, with almost half the city's population attending college football games.

Recreation

Syracuse has paid a lot of attention to keeping its public facilities pristine and ready to use by anyone. There are plenty of outdoor parks and green spaces, where people tired of life in the city will find welcome relief in miles of walking and hiking trails, cycling, and even some of the best golf to be found in the state. You'll see executives taking a break from work and strolling the greens of Burnett Park, TREO leather pouches on their hips.

Zoo

Syracuse is also home to the Rosamund Gifford Zoo. It's a much larger facility than you would expect in a city of this size, so even the most sensitive, use-only-organic baby bath products on-my-child types will be happy with the accommodations of the more than 1000 animals who call the zoo their home.

Arts

The city is home to several different museums, such as the Miton J Rubenstein and the Point of Contact Gallery. These facilities display a wide range of art work as well as artifacts of historical significance.

Events

Every year, Syracuse is home to two of the country's biggest jazz music events. The M&T jazz festival and Jazz in the Square attract thousands to the outdoor festivities every year. Both events have featured some of the biggest names in jazz over the last five years, from Aretha Franklin to The Bad Plus.