Mattydale, NY

The Town of Salina, Mattydale included, used to be a part of the city of Syracuse. The area surrounding the Onondaga Lake was profitable for salt mining, supplying salt for the entire nation. The two towns split later, with Mattydale and four other communities remaining with the Town of Salina. Syracuse remained a city unto itself.

The Salt Museum in Liverpool tells the story of how salt became Syracuse's gold industry. Recreators dressed in period clothing transport visitors back to that important period in the area's history. The Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse continues the story. This canal, "the ditch that salt built" proved integral to the success of salt mining in the area because salt was transported by way of the canal.

Nearby Dewitt hosts the annual Canal Days, an event that provides free horse-drawn wagon rides along the canal along with fireworks and musical entertainment.

Foodies rave about the cuisine at China Road Restaurant on Brewerton. Immigrants appreciate the menu, written in Chinese, with authentic Asian cuisine that reminds them of home. The duck-tongue casserole and pig intestines in hot sauce taste just like mom's. Make sure to try the filet mignon Hunan style or, if you're less adventurous, the moo shu pork. This restaurant also has something to please vegans who rave about the fake duck and chicken in plum sauce. Simple dessert items include honey-glazed fried banana. Be sure to try the fuki sake or plum wine with your meal.

Have you ever had a Brookie? Zebb's Deluxe Bar & Grill on Breweton Road sells a double-chocolate brownie-cookie amalgamation that makes you want to have your dessert first. This family-friendly spot lets kids eat free on Sundays. Enjoy a loaded fry burger, made with fresh ground beef and served with blue cheese and fresh-cut Idaho fries. The wedge salad has blue cheese too. For dessert, Zebb's has an in-house bakery that serves up Reese's Pieces pie and Brookie a la mode.

Hollywood Theatre on Brewerton Road charges only $2 for first-run movies a few weeks after their release. In business since 1966, this movie theatre does brisk business, especially with large families that want affordable entertainment. You won't miss this star of the neighborhood. The fancy marquee and bright lights lead the way.

The oldest bar in Mattydale, Town Tavern opened in the 1930s. This bar and grill retains an old-tavern feel with its charming decor and friendly atmosphere. Throw back a brewski as you watch the Orangemen play during basketball season and the Packers play during football season. The wings at Town Tavern taste better than those found over in Buffalo, at least to the locals here.

Its location directly off Interstate 81 makes Mattydale easily accessible via car. Bus service provided by Central New York Regional Transportation Authority helps commuters make it into the city for only $2. Uber does not service upstate New York, so residents rely on Syracuse Regional Taxi service for rides. You may hail a cab from the streets, but most residents call ahead for pick up service. Mattydale has plenty of free public parking at stores and restaurants.

Residents don't have a problem walking and biking in this safe and quiet hamlet. Although there are no bike lanes in the area, cars yield to both bikers and pedestrians along busy Brewerton Road.

Locals find it easy to access conveniently located family parks in Mattydale neighborhoods. Richfield Park has a swimming pool and children's playground, both which experience heavy use during the summer. The Town of Salina gives free swimming lessons to children during the summer as well.

Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville has one of the few glacial lakes in the area. This beautiful, crystal-green, meromictic lake affords attendants the opportunity to swim among plant and animal life that has thrived in the lake for a long time.

Leashed household pets may enjoy the park with their owners, but the pets are not allowed in the swimming areas. This state park charges $8 for entry during the season, which runs from June through September. Additional fees apply for its other amenities, including a golf course and camping grounds. Children enjoy the large playground and bikers and hikers make good use of the 10 miles of paved trails in the park. Annual events at the park include an Animal Tracks Hike, where visitors track animals in the snow. Additionally, a fun Owl Love Calls track guides hikers following the owls of Green Lakes State Park.

It is slightly less costly to live in Syracuse than in Mattydale. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Mattydale starts at $772, while gas sits at 17 percent above the national average cost. Getting to Syracuse via Centro costs $2 for a one-way trip. Pay $4 for a pint of beer at China Road and $2 at most other places during happy hour.

The Northern Lights Shopping Mall on Brewerton Road has traditional stores to meet the needs of residents, especially if they don't want to deal with the crowds at Destiny U.S.A. It houses grocery store Giant, as well as clothing chain Avenue.

EchoChic Boutique in DeWitt cares about its customers as well. This ecologically conscious consignment shop prefers to recycle and sell clothing, rather than see the pieces end up in landfills. Owners carefully organize the merchandise, making designer items easy to find. Customers have responded to this shop, naming it one of the best of Syracuse in 2013.

In business for nearly 30 years, Rebecca's Bridal in North Syracuse bestows the personal touch that larger chain bridal stores cannot. This vendor cares about its brides after the sale, asking past brides to connect with them so that their gowns may be displayed on its website.

Several small, family-owned grocery stores moved out and have been replaced by larger ones, including Tops Friendly Market on Brewerton Road. Discount shoppers use ALDI's for discount items. Vince's Gourmet Imports in North Syracuse stocks a selection of fancy foods with Toschi cherries in liquor proving a best-seller.

Chuck Hafner's Farmer's Market in North Syracuse sells fresh vegetables and fruits in-season, in addition to perennial flowers and plants. It opens during summer months and again at Christmas, providing trees and wreaths to local families. The Central New York Regional Market on Park Street fills in for fresh produce during the rest of the year. This market opens on weekends; it started as a farmer's market, expanding some sections into a flea market with prepared foods and musical concerts on occasion.