T.L.C in Syracuse

Graphic by Anika Dua

As each day gets a little colder and the midterm season is upon us, one thing SU students can all relate to is feeling down more often than we’d all like to admit. Don’t worry though, we at Jerk found some of the best off-campus spots to escape to in the hopes of curing the inevitable mid-semester burnout.

1. Salt City Market

One of Syracuse’s newer spots, the cafeteria-style market attracts all types of foodies. The market hosts 12 different food vendors, making everything from shawarma to pies to soul food and dare I say, some healthy options. The market even has a store in case you want to get your grocery shopping done too. When you sit within the modern interior space and feel the sunlight streaming in from the large glass windows, you will be transported away from your dorm room or daily study space — well, at least for a few hours. We recommend trying the honey bear smoothie from Farm Girl + Catalpa. It may or may not change your life. You’re welcome.

2. Wildflowers Armory 

After eating at Salt City Market, walk a few blocks over (or drive we don’t judge) to Wildflowers Armory. If you’re really into small businesses, this is the perfect place for you. As one customer says, the market is like “Etsy IRL,” so expect to see jewelry, candles, body lotion, paintings, clothes, and more food in case that honey bear smoothie wasn’t enough for you. Supporting local creatives will leave not only your conscience feeling good, but your mental health will thank you later — there’s a reason why it’s called retail therapy.

3. Earthbound Metaphysical Shoppe

Witch, please. This spiritual shop sells crystals and herbs to clean up your messy aura, hosts tarot card reading workshops, and offers crystal hypnosis consultations to help with issues, such as depression, chronic migraines, and PTSD. Or maybe you need to forget that frat boy from last week and manifest a new lover by buying some love candles and asking for employee recommendations on the best manifestations to recite while burning the wick (hey, it’s spooky season, who knows what could happen).

4. Trader Joe’s

Okay, we know, super basic, but nothing gets your serotonin levels flowing like some seasonal goods and flirting with hot Trader Joe’s cashiers. Walking through the shelves is like autumnal heaven. We love the pumpkin soup and the pumpkin face mask. Where else can you find that? Obviously, you can’t forget to pick up some fresh-cut flowers before checking out — talk about self-care!

5. Thanos Import Market

The smell of freshly baked cookies and bread alleviates anyone’s stress, especially when the aroma is from Syracuse’s specialty Mediterranean store, Thanos Import Market. Their mouthwatering sandwiches, soups, and salads are just a short drive away from campus. Outdoor picnic tables offer a perfect place to sit and treat yourself after a long week of homework and exams. Or if that isn’t your vibe, you can order a charcuterie board from Thanos and take it to Thornden Park with your friends for an Insta-worthy sunset picnic, soaking in the last days of fall to conclude your day of T.L.C.

Trust us. This will be better than buying that pint of Ben & Jerry’s.