Syracuse, N.Y. - A travel writer for Forbes magazine says Syracuse is one of the most underrated cities in the country, describing it as "brimming with excitement and charm."

"Perhaps known mostly for college basketball and snowy winters, Syracuse has been undergoing a modern-day renaissance in recent years and has more to offer locals and visitors than ever before," Roger Sands writes in a piece on Forbes.com.

"Throughout Greater Syracuse there are art galleries and museums, historical societies and theaters for those looking to enjoy a bit of history and culture during their trip," he says. "A visit to this friendly city will fill your days with an array of activities, fine dining and historic tours."

Sands lists as "must see" attractions the Erie Canal Museum, the St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview ("one of the region's best seasonal open-air concert venues"), the SUArt Galleries ("proudly displays works by some of the world's most notable artists") and the Landmark Theatre ("features major Broadway shows which can be enjoyed without having to make the trip to New York City").

In addition to Syracuse University "Orange" basketball, sports lovers will find "high action" options that include the Syracuse Chiefs Triple-A baseball team and the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Sands says.

He also praises the historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the former Hotel Syracuse which debuted in 1924 and reopened in 2016 after a "painstaking, two-year renovation" by new owner Ed Riley.

"Today, visitors enjoy many of the same glamorous venues that played host to Roaring Twenties parties and post-war fetes," he said. "Marriott Syracuse Downtown finds itself with so much history of its own that the Onondaga Historical Association conducts free weekly tours of the hotel for guests and locals alike," he says.

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