The Peel
This year I’ve had the opportunity to work for Syracuse University’s Student Experience Office. As a Communications Intern, my main responsibilities include regularly writing for The Peel, a student newsletter and blog that updates students on off- and on-campus news and activites. Check out some of my work!
February 19, 2025
As March approaches, we’re getting ready to celebrate Women’s History Month! It’s time to reflect on the amazing female accomplishments of the past and show your appreciation for all the incredible women in your lives. In honor of the month, why not check out some of Syracuse’s woman-owned businesses?
Golden Bee Bookshop
For all the bookworms out there, the Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool is a buzzworthy spot. Owner Casey Rose Frank has dedicated her shelves to books that represent a diverse audience, ensuring everyone can find a piece of themselves in a story from her shop. Aside from selling a large selection of books, the Golden Bee also hosts various events, including book clubs for every genre. The store even has a partnership with Libro.fm if audiobooks are more your speed. So if you’re looking for a new hobby or want to fuel an existing one, go pick up a book (or many), and don’t forget to read bee-tween the lines!
The Sweet Praxis
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? In 2011, two female friends, Jennifer Walls and Natalie Evans, started a catering business before settling into their shop downtown, The Sweet Praxis, in 2016. Sadly, Evans passed away in 2022, but the business has continued to flourish under Walls. This bakery carries an elaborate assortment of baked goods, along with fancy drinks and lattes, and even some more hearty lunch foods. Plus, there are various gluten-free and vegan options. If you’re looking for a goodie to bring to a friend’s potluck or you’re planning a coffee date, consider making an order or stopping by!
BeeKind
Window-shopping at a boutique is one of my favorite pastimes. If you’re into that sort of thing, you’d love BeeKind in Tipperary Hill. While the shop is filled with tons of knick-knacks ranging from home decor to jewelry to beauty products and more, the homemade soy candles are the main attraction. In fact, co-owners (and sisters!) Jillian Barret and Jenna Graf formed their business after perfecting their candle-making craft during the COVID-19 shutdown. On the whole, BeeKind is about sharing products that were created close to home. So if you need a sweet gift for a loved one, products from BeeKind are as kind as can bee!
Mamma Hai
Calling all the foodies! Located in Salt City Market downtown, Mamma Hai is a Vietnamese restaurant that shares traditional recipes mixed with some local Syracuse flavors. They also have gluten-free and vegan options. Owner Ngoc Huynh opened the restaurant in 2021 to share her culture, family recipes and love of cooking. With the intention of being a place of comfort for the community, Huynh named her restaurant after the endearing Vietnamese term “Mamma Hai,” meaning “Mother number two,” someone who cares about you unconditionally. So if you’re feeling homesick or just looking for a nice meal, grab a bite and remember to spread the love.
CNY Women’s Market
On International Women’s Day (March 8), CNY Women’s Network is hosting a CNY Women’s Market, showcasing woman-owned businesses, artists, makers, curators and creators. The event will be held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is free for anyone who wants to come support and celebrate women in business.
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
December 4, 2024
Let’s be honest. The best part of the holiday season is the food, or rather, the desserts! Even better, the day of baking countless trays of cookies until you’re covered in flour and all your tupperware is filled by enough cookies to feed an entire high school football team.
This extravagant cookie-baking process is something I look forward to each and every year! While my mom and I tend to make at least five different types of cookies each holiday season, we often recycle the same recipes year after year. Now, don’t get me wrong, they are just as delicious every winter, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a few new recipes into the mix. If your family is anything like mine and you’re in need of some new holiday cookies to try, check out these specialty sweets.
Chocolate Crinkles
Crinkles are a staple in my family’s annual cookie selection. If you haven’t already tried them, you’re missing out! This brownie-like dessert is a great choice for any chocolate-lovers out there. Something about the way the cookie crinkles as it bakes adds such a nice, fudgy texture that brings it to a whole new level.
Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies
To me, this cookie sounds like a cozy Christmas morning breakfast with my family. But you know what’s better than breakfast? Dessert! Plus if you don’t enjoy the day-long cookie-baking extravaganza as much as I do, these cookies are a great option because you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months until you’re ready to bake.
Eggnog Cookies
Having a glass of eggnog around the holidays is a rare treat for me. While I don’t have this seasonal beverage every year, when I do, I try to savor its creamy and spicy goodness. When I stumbled across this recipe, I was shocked that I never thought to try something like this before. If you have any holiday parties this year, bring a platter of this unique sweet and steal the show!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
There is no better way to warm up after being out in the cold than enjoying a large mug of hot chocolate. I grew up skiing every weekend at my grandparents’ house and whenever I was done for the day, my grandma would greet me with a cozy cup of cocoa. If you’re someone who loves spending time outside in the winter months, this is the cookie for you!
Linzer Hearts
For anyone who likes a more fruity dessert, I recommend Linzer cookies, or as my family calls them, Linzer Hearts (we make them heart-shaped, but that’s completely up to you). A sort of elevated cut-out cookie, this treat combines the subtle sweetness of shortbread with the fruity tartness of raspberry (or whatever kind you prefer) jam.
Almond Snowballs
Personally, I love almond flavor in my desserts, and I can vouch that these cookies are amazing! They’re also an excellent option for anyone who isn’t the biggest chocolate fan and just wants a little something sweet after dinner. Not to mention, this is another recipe that you can prep ahead of time before the hectic holidays.
Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles
A freshly brewed chai is a cold weather essential. Anyone who agrees with me should try this specialty recipe that puts a twist on a long-time crowd favorite, snickerdoodles. The blend of sweet and tangy makes this sweet a reliable choice sure to be enjoyed by almost anyone.
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies With Brown Butter Icing
Gingerbread cookies are one of the most underrated desserts. Their gentle sweetness and spiced flavor is something I crave all year long. It just screams holiday! These cookies would make the perfect holiday movie night snack. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll appreciate the extra sugary icing.
Wishing you all good luck in the rest of the semester, and may you all have a dough-lightful holiday season!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
October 2, 2024
We are officially approaching midterm season! The good news? Now is the prime time to set yourself up for success.
Starting Small
It can be hard to balance multiple classes’ worth of projects and midterms, let alone just regular coursework. The best place to start is going through all of your syllabi and writing down when all of your bigger assignments are due. Getting these tasks on your radar sooner than later will help you stay organized and plan accordingly.
When it comes to methodology, it’s completely up to you; whether you’re a chronic Quizlet-maker or a flash card stan, everybody learns differently. If you want to spice up your old study habits, you could try making a Kahoot and inviting some friends over for a study night. Another major tip I have: schedule study dates. Regardless of whether you’re studying together or doing individual work, marking down some dedicated study times with a friend helps keep you accountable. You’ll thank yourself later for setting aside some time!
Conversely, if the problem seems to be content-based, seek help. Take advantage of your professors’ office hours, your teaching assistants and Syracuse University’s tutoring services. All of this is to say that gradual preparation is key to dominating midterm season!
Study Spots
A change of scenery can sometimes set you free when you’re feeling stuck. Getting yourself into a productive and focused mindset starts with your environment. One of my favorite study spots on campus is Food.com in Newhouse. I highly recommend you check out your home college’s cafe; it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a snack and hone in.
If you’d rather head to the library, Bird is an excellent candidate. The noise level decreases as you go higher up in the building, with some floors being open 24 hours a day. Bird also has study rooms you can rent, and its own cafe, Pages. For those of you who need silence to get in the zone, check out Carnegie. Being surrounded by other working students can give you that extra push of positive pressure to get to it.
On the other hand, if you’re craving a break from campus, some of my favorite close-by coffee shop study spots include Recess, Salt City, Starbucks and Peaks.
R and R
Know your limits and recognize when you need to take a step back. Midterm season can be a demanding time and it’s very easy to overexert yourself. Prioritizing your self-care is pertinent to being at your best during midterms. Be sure to take breaks between study sessions—take a walk down Marshall Street and pick up a snack, throw on some Netflix or run an errand with a friend—anything to give your mind a break. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed and refocused your brain will be when you get back to work. It’s easy to forget the necessity of breaks when you’re overloaded with work—that’s where scheduling can be quite handy. Plan out time for yourself, whether it’s a night out with friends, a relaxing evening in or a lazy Sunday morning. Squeezing in some time for a workout can also be a great way to relieve stress. Take a trip to the Barnes Center at The Arch and schedule a workout class, go for a run around Thornden Park or go on a hike at Green Lakes. Getting your body moving and breathing in some fresh air will help put you in a better mood and ready to tackle your assignments.
Accepting Defeat
Midterm season is one of the biggest hubs for germs; a bunch of sleep-deprived people living in the library for days and days. One person gets sick and before you know it, you likely do, too. Quality sleep and constant hydration can help reduce your chances of getting super sick, but to be frank, it’s almost inevitable. If you’re feeling under the weather, grab a warm tea from People’s Place, make an appointment at the Barnes Center, and then go home and get some rest. In the long run, accepting defeat and prioritizing your health and wellness will ultimately help you be at your best for the remainder of midterms.
In a few weeks, you’ll look back and smile: midterm season isn’t so bad.
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
October 11, 2024
Hello, Spooky Season! Bring on the tricks and treats. If you’re throwing a ghoulish gathering, here’s a guide to ensure your guests have the most spooktacular time!
Dreadful Decor
Let’s be real—unless you’re a die-hard Halloween fan, you probably don’t want to be spending your limited funds on a whole new set of accessories for your place. Here’s some creative, but minimal effort, decoration ideas using items that are likely lying around your home.
Bringing it back to the good old days, instead of snowflakes, try making some paper spiderwebs! Throw on one of your favorite shows or podcasts and craft away.
I know a fair amount of you likely have some fairy lights hanging around. To spook-ify them, try using Command hooks or tape to arrange them into Halloween-themed shapes or words, such as a ghost or “BOO.” A more crafty idea is to grab a couple of spools of yarn and make an orange and black pompom garland. If you’re feeling daring, you could even try shaping them into some pumpkins or ghosts.
Lastly, bring out the orange! As Syracuse University students, I’m sure you have an excess of orange accessories in your closet or under your bed–you’re practically set. It’s like Halloween was made for us. While you could always just buy your decor, these are great options for jazzing up on a budget.
Spooky Snacks
Hosting Priority #1 should almost always be the food. While I’d consider myself a foodie, I don’t think many people would disagree with me! My favorite place to look for inspo for just about everything, especially recipes, is Pinterest. Lucky for you, I’ve already scoped out a couple of Halloween-themed winners. First on the menu is mini peanut butter cup and pretzel stick witches’ brooms, making the perfect mix of sweet and salty. For those big sweet tooths, try white chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts. Another fan-favorite is crescent mummy dogs. They’re super easy to make and very festive! Personally, I’d suggest a caramel apple charcuterie that you can load up with all sorts of toppings—M&Ms, chopped peanuts, sprinkles—the sky’s the limit! Pro tip: the key to a killer party starts with the menu.
Frightening Festivities
Depending on your crowd, it might be necessary to plan some fright-tastic activities. If crafts or games sound like your kind of night, I’ve got some suggestions for you! A simple paint-and-sip night using pumpkins as your canvas and a mug of cocoa is the perfect cozy night in with friends. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try planning a murder mystery night. Instead of framing the plot points around “Clue,” create a storyline that involves your favorite Halloween figures (witches, goblins, you know the drill). For competitive folks, or anyone who is in need of a good laugh, spend the night playing Halloween charades. Compile a list of Halloween-related characters and topics, turn on your acting skills and bring on the competition!
Murderous Mocktails
To pair with your tasty goodies, serve some sweater weather drinks. Starting out with a classic: good old apple cider. To spice things up a bit, try it mulled. All you have to do is add some cinnamon and citrus fruits, then simmer. It’s completely customizable and guaranteed to be delicious!
A cherished childhood beverage that never fails to satisfy those sweet cravings is hot chocolate. Set up a hot chocolate bar with loads of toppings–marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, whipped cream—the works. For a more elevated approach, gather different kinds of chocolate and milk and make the base from scratch on the stove.
If you’re trying to soak up all the pumpkin you can before winter hits, try making warm pumpkin chais. You’ll need chai tea bags, milk, honey and some pumpkin puree. To boost this already lovely latte, froth some milk and top it off with a garnish of cinnamon.
Wicked Watches
Sometimes a simple movie night is the way to go, especially if you’re feeling wiped out from the week and just want a cozy night in with friends. While you could always throw on a Halloween classic, here’s some atypical suggestions to add a twist: “Knives Out,” the “Twilight” series and “Saturday Night.”
“Knives Out” is your run-of-the-mill murder mystery (think “Clue”). With a storyline that will keep you second-guessing the whole way through and a spotlight on Chris Evans, this movie is a great choice.
Next up, “Twilight.” Throwing it back to middle school, Halloween is the perfect occasion to rewatch this guilty pleasure. Vampires, Taylor Lautner and a steamy romance—talk about trick-or-treat!
Last but not least is “Saturday Night.” This newly released film features the chaos that was the 90 minutes before the first-ever “SNL” episode went live in 1975. Starring celebrities like Dylan O’Brien and Willem Dafoe, this movie is likely to be a hit amongst any crowd!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully passed “How to Host Halloween for Mummies.” May all of you have a witchin’ Halloween!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
March 5, 2025
After a well-deserved Spring Break, classes resume on a very important holiday: St. Patrick’s Day! A celebration dating back to 1631 to honor the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved through new traditions of celebrating Irish heritage and culture. Syracuse has a long history of celebrating this green festivity due to its high population of Irish inhabitants. If you want to join in on the fun this year, there are several events planned to celebrate on and around campus from now through March 17.
Late Night at the Rink: St. Patrick’s Day Skate
On Thursday, March 6, from 8–11 p.m., head down to the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion for a special St. Patty’s-themed late night event. Attendees are in for a night of St. Patrick’s pride, skating to Irish hits under festive green lighting. There’s even a chance to win a prize if you chase and tag the leprechaun skating around the ice. So wear your green and (don’t) break a leg!
Crazy Daisies Weekend-Long Celebration
After closing down for their annual winter break, Crazy Daisies is back up and running for the upcoming spring season. If you’re unfamiliar, Crazy Daisies is a local greenhouse and garden cafe that hosts a number of workshops beginning in April. But it’s not spring just yet! To bide their time until nature’s in full bloom, Crazy Daisies is hosting a weekend-long St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music and reuben refreshments. While they are not open on March 17 itself, be sure to check them out in the days leading up to it!
St. Patrick’s Parade
Syracuse’s 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Parade will take place on Saturday, March 15, starting at noon. The parade route will wind around Armory and Clinton Squares. This year’s parade theme is “Irish in the 315,” and the parade will celebrate with two honorees: Mayor Ben Walsh (parade Grand Marshal) and Meg O’Connell (“Gael of the Year”). For anyone who wants to enjoy the parade without subjecting themselves to Syracuse’s fickle mid-March weather, check out Marriott Syracuse Downtown’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party beginning at 11:30 a.m. With purchase of a $15 ticket, guests can enjoy a hot food buffet, live music, Irish step dancing, bagpipes and more. However you choose to attend, be sure to wear your green and show your Irish pride!
Enjoy Traditional Bites
If big events aren’t your thing but you still want to participate in the celebration, visit a local restaurant and grab a traditional Irish meal. One great option is Kitty Hoynes, located in downtown Syracuse. They have a wide selection of foods and will even have live music various days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Check out their Instagram account for more details. Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub is an excellent alternative, located in Tipperary Hill. They too regularly host live music, with day-long performances on St. Patrick’s Day. If you’d rather go on another day, be sure to go on a Tuesday night and participate in their free weekly trivia nights. I can’t forget to mention that they even have a leprechaun door next to the entrance!
With so many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Syracuse, you’re sure to have a shamrockin’ good time!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
September 18, 2024
It’s almost that time of year! As chronic autumn lovers, we couldn’t be more excited to jump into all of the fall activities Syracuse has to offer this season. Cool weather, hot drinks and warm clothing—it doesn’t get much better than that. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with some fun local activities you can enjoy in Central New York’s incredible fall landscape!
An Apple a Day Means Fall’s Here to Stay
Although apples are a year-round staple, somehow they taste so much better during the autumn months. A sack of Honeycrisps or Ginger Golds is the perfect transitional treat to get you into the fall spirit. What’s more, you could visit an apple orchard to PYO (pick-your-own)! Beak and Skiff is an iconic autumn attraction among Syracuse University students, and was even nominated by USA Today for Best Apple Orchard in America. They have pre-picked and ready-to-pick apple varieties, a petting zoo and a plethora of delicious pastries and goods sold at the General Store, The Stand, and the Café and Bakery. If you want a more hearty meal, check out the 1911 Tavern, which offers a range of tasty sandwiches and sides.
Fall Fashion for the Win
Nothing screams fall like a cozy flannel or an oversized sweater, and of course we can’t forget the Dr. Martens. No need to worry about being an “outfit repeater” this season. If you’re looking for some new pieces to spice up your wardrobe, check out some local thrift shops. A few favorites are 3fifteen on University Ave. and Cluttered Closet in Wescott. Both offer a range of prices and styles to fit your fashion needs.
An Elevated Cozy Day In
If you want a chill fall day, grab a chai from Salt City or one of Recess Coffee’s specialty fall drinks. While I’m a strong supporter of local shops, one of my favorites still has to be an iced pumpkin chai from Campus West’s Starbucks. Who can resist a relaxing stroll by all the beautifully colored trees? Once you’ve got your autumn bev, light a “Leaves” candle, snuggle up in your favorite blanket and throw on a fall classic like “Gilmore Girls.”
Make Some Room, Otto
Otto, don’t take it personally, but there’s a new orange in town! While you can usually spot Otto on some adventure around campus, a trip to the fields is the best place to find this autumn icon. Take some friends to The Pumpkin Hollow or Tim’s Pumpkin Patch to go on a fall adventure. They both have a range of attractions; anything from pumpkin picking, to tasty treats, hayrides and even farm animals. Another hideaway for this spooky-time star is at Abbott Farms’ Fall Festival, occurring every weekend from Labor Day to Halloween. From sunflower fields to barnyards to corn mazes and, of course, pumpkin patches, there is sure to be something for everyone! The farm also has its own Country Store, where they provide fresh and locally cultivated produce such as brown eggs, honey, beef and cheese, along with a bakery that features seasonal desserts like apple fritters and fruit pies. Whether you’re into the activities, the treats or just wanting to get some postable social media content, pumpkin patches are a must-visit for every fall season!
Witching Hour Ventures
For our night owl friends, Syracuse has fabulous fall nightlife. Worth checking out is the locally adored Dunkin’ Donuts’ family-friendly Halloween stroll. Operating from 5-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday every week of October, the Spooktacular Stroll is an opportunity for you to dress up, walk along a half-mile trail and celebrate the festive atmosphere! From the Pumpkin Patch to Dog-O-Ween (a Halloween costume competition for your furry friends), there is something for everyone. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that there is a huge spread of mouth-watering treats to enjoy!
If you’re looking for more after-dark light shows, one of our personal favorites is Beaver Lake’s annual fundraising event! Taking place over four nights in October, Enchanted Beaver Lake features a stunning display of Halloween-themed LED lights and over 400 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns, along with a festive concession stand (think caramel apples and cider), plenty of photo opportunities and storytelling sessions. It also supports the Friends of Beaver Lake, a nature conservation mission!
Charlie Brown’s Choice
Fall season or football season? Buy your tickets to the next Syracuse Orange football game, grab some friends and get decked out in all your orange pride. If your orange wardrobe is lacking, pick up some school spirit from the Syracuse University Campus Store, or stroll down to Marshall Street and stop by Manny’s.
If you’re feeling bold, you could even organize a football game of your own at Thornden Park. Whether you want to play or just cheer on your friends, you definitely don’t want to miss the breathtaking fall scenery that you won’t get from just walking around campus!
Moral of the story: if you find yourself with a bit of free time on the weekends, immerse yourself in Syracuse’s amazing autumnal atmosphere!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture
October 28, 2024
We’re nearing that part of the semester when the days blend together and it feels like no time is passing, when the end is in sight but still seems so far out of reach. In the midst of the mid-fall slump, I’ve compiled a list of activities to brighten your days just a tad and help you get unstuck.
Glow in the Dark
As the days grow colder and darker, the crave for light and warmth intensifies. If you’re a holiday season fanatic, I’ve got a dazzling proposal for you. Starting on Nov. 18, Central New York’s annual Lights on the Lake tradition officially begins! This sparkling sensation at the Onondaga Lake Park features over 600,000 lights that encapsulate the holiday spirit. The best part? You can enjoy them from the comfort of your own car, where you can sing along with the event’s own official radio station. Most importantly, tickets are exclusively sold online, so make sure to secure your spot now!
Seasonal Art
With winter coming up fast, it’s increasingly crucial to mark the calendar with some indoor activities. I guarantee this to be an entertaining experience for anyone, but especially for those dedicated museum-lovers. Mark your calendars: on Friday, Nov. 22, the Erie Canal Museum launches its annual Gingerbread Gallery! The gallery is up until Jan. 12 and features a number of intricate creations. General admission to the museum is $10 for adults and includes access to this festive exhibit. If you’ve got some time on your hands, you could even enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize (visit the Erie Canal Museum website for more details on entering). However you want to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity to lift up the holiday spirits and put you in the mood for wintertime.
Music to Your Ears
During your time at Syracuse University, you must check out the Landmark Theatre at least once. A historical piece of Syracuse, the theater showcases beautifully designed architecture. In the gloominess of this time of year, getting dressed up and having an elegant night out makes for the perfect medicine. This month, “The Nutcracker” will be playing on Sunday, Nov. 10. The theater is located on South Salina Street, in the hub of fun restaurants, so grab some friends and head downtown! Warning—restaurants book up like crazy on show days, so be sure to make a dinner (or pre-show lunch) reservation weeks in advance.
While I personally prefer the Landmark, a closer and equally as entertaining choice is Syracuse Stage. Bonus points for this theater being within walking distance from campus! The shows also sometimes feature fellow Syracuse University students, making your attendance even more worthwhile. Check out their upcoming shows and book your tickets for a lively night out.
Farewell Football
As we near the end of the semester, football season is sadly coming to an end. November brings the last few Syracuse games of this year. If you haven’t already, make sure to attend at least one game this season. Your absolute last chance is on Nov. 30, which will bring you a matchup of Syracuse Orange vs. the Miami Hurricanes. So, stop by the Syracuse University Campus Store to pick up some merch, buy your tickets and bleed orange alongside the Syracuse University football team!
Not to worry, if you aren’t able to make it to a football game, you have plenty of time to attend a basketball game. The season started Oct. 26 and carries into the spring semester (obviously with the peak being March Madness), creating countless opportunities for you to go and show your Syracuse University spirit.
Good luck to you all in the remainder of the semester, and remember to embrace all of Syracuse’s fall-time festivities.
P.S., Happy Halloween!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications