By Fran Piraino
USBC Communications

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Warmer days and sunny skies finally are here, which means it's time to make the most out of your 2018 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships experience and get outside to enjoy some Central New York's cool locations and funky events, many of which feature outdoor dining and summery drinks.

The month of May is also the official launch of Central New York's outdoor festival season, and this month's schedule includes the celebration of food trucks, chicken wings and barbecue.

Not into festivals and just looking for a cool cocktail on a warm night? Well, CNY has got you covered there, too, with several great places to enjoy a frosty brew or a bite to eat outside on deck or patio overlooking a scenic lake.

Here's a list of some outdoor spots and festivals in and around Syracuse that are guaranteed to help you get into summer mode. Click on the name of each for more information.

Also, check out VisitSyracuse.com for more great photos and ideas! 
 
INNER HARBOR WING FEST
May 18-19
Syracuse Inner Harbor
Central New York (and most of Upstate New York for that matter) is nationally recognized for its finger-licking chicken wings. Come and crush some wings, or sample a few other delicious food creations from vendors. Live music is also on the menu.

SALT CITY BBQ FESTIVAL
May 19 (noon-11 p.m.)
New York State Fairgrounds, Chevy Court
Tickets: $5 at the gate
Serious grillers will compete for prizes and prestige as this fourth annual festival is a Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned barbeque contest with money raised going to Phoenix Philosophies, an organization that purchases and renovates homes for homeless veterans here in Syracuse. Go for the mouth-watering BBQ meats, and stay for the music, as 10 bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day.

TASTE OF SYRACUSE
June 1-2 (11 a.m.-11 p.m.)
Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse
Bring your appetite because for just $1 you can sample some scrumptious food at one of the 75 local vendors or restaurants during this annual food festival which draws thousands to Clinton Square each year. Although it's considered Syracuse's most popular food extravaganza, the event also features live music on three different stages in and around Clinton Square.

DRINKS AND EATS WITH A VIEW

WATERFRONT TAVERN
Brewerton, N.Y.
Watch boats pull up to the 300-foot landing dock while enjoying casual dining and drinks on a spacious outdoor deck that offers a great view of Oneida Lake.

BLUE WATER GRILL
Skaneateles, N.Y.
Situated next to a gazebo and the long walking pier at Skaneateles Lake, one of the regions' Finger Lakes, the Blue Water Grill's deck has a breezy, summer vibe for lunch or dinner. It's extravagant Bloody Mary Bar on Sundays is a can't-miss experience.

BORIO'S
Cicero, N.Y.
Outdoor seating at this family-owned establishments has a panoramic view of Oneida Lake from its lakeside patio. Sit back and watch the sunset while dining on seafood (which is what Borio's is noted for) or sipping on a cool beverage.

MUDDY WATERS
Baldwinsville (Seneca River)
With an open-air deck next to the rushing waters of the Seneca River, diners can nosh on Southern, New Orleans-style comfort food like gumbo, a Po' Boy or barbecue. If you're up for a drinking challenge, the Lobster Bloody Mary, 32-ounce concoction featuring a 5-ounce lobster tail, is touted as a 'meal in a glass'.
*Sammy Malone's is located just upstairs and offers a great beer selection to go along with some unique eats.

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