Sometimes it seems like New York City gets all the attention, but Syracuse is another city in New York that you don't want to overlook. There's something to do here no matter the season, making it a popular destination all year long.

You definitely don't want to miss the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. It's ranked in the top 10% of zoos and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Founded in 1914, the zoo started as a small four-acre education facility. It's now 43 acres and home to hundreds of animals. Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology is a hands-on science and technology museum with an amazing planetarium. It also has the only domed IMAX theater in the state.

Museum lovers should also stop by the Everson Museum of Art, which has over 11,000 paintings, sculptures, and videos. This museum was the first to ever be dedicated to American art. It also has one of the largest ceramic collections in the country. If your art taste is a little more eclectic, head to the ArtRage Gallery. In the past, it's housed exhibits on the suffragist movement, ageism, and human and animal relations.

Syracuse is home to the largest shopping mall in the entire state, Destiny USA. The mall features well-known stores, sit-down restaurants, outlet stores, and even nightlife and entertainment. Sometimes the mall even host events, so definitely check out their calendar.

If you're feeling hungry from all that shopping, grab some barbecue at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Featured on Good Morning America, the Food Network, and the Travel Channel, this popular spot has even written an award-winning cookbook. They are known for their pork ribs and brisket. Another popular food destination is Stella's Diner, which features almost every classic American diner staple known to mankind.

Escape downtown and relax at the Beaver Lake Nature Center. It has over nine miles of trails, where you can spot over 200 bird species and walk through over 800 plant varieties. The park also has a 200-acre glacial lake. In the summer, it's quite popular to rent a canoe and explore the waters. You can also meander through Onondaga Lake Park, which has four trails throughout its seven miles. There's a fishing pier, skate park, dog park, and playground area. Throughout the year, the park is also home to a variety of festivals.

Syracuse has enough nature and entertainment to last a lifetime, so you definitely don't want to be stuck at home mowing your lawn and trimming trees all weekend. If you're looking for ongoing lawn care or someone to design and install landscape features, look no further than LawnStarter. Our easy-to-use app is full of licensed landscapers ready to tackle any size project. You can book, reschedule, or cancel an appointment with one click. Honestly, it will take you longer to read through the Stella's Diner menu than book a landscaper with LawnStarter.