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Binghamton Sights and Landmarks Guide, New York

Binghamton is often known as the Parlor City. It was named the ninth greenest city in the country by Country Home Magazines in 2007. The city of Binghamton is home to many popular sights and attractions. It is surrounded by great cities like Port Dickinson, Glen Castle, Endicott and Johnson City. The city of Binghamton is home to Binghamton Broom City airport. The airport is served for a large number of domestic flights from Binghamton to Phoenix, Atlanta, Wilmington, Honolulu, Hawaii and Indianapolis to Binghamton etc.

Binghamton Sights – Ross Park Zoo

The Ross Park Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the country. It was opened in 1875, and is only open from April to October. Located on ninety acres, the land for the zoo was donated by Erastus Ross who wanted to build a park for the community. The initial park included roller coasters, a bear exhibit, a carousal and even band concerts in summer. It was easily accessible to all due to the electric trolleys. After the two World Wars and the Depression, the park started to decline in popularity, and the USDA announced that it would close down the park unless it was renovated. In 1966, a committee was formed to upgrade the park and they made it into a zoo.

Initially, entry was free to all visitors as Mr. Ross had left a substantial sum of money for the park. However, now a small fee is charged to visitors. The carousel is still free of charge, however. And outside the zoo, but inside the park, is an area for barbequing and restrooms. The zoo holds many events and activities, including “Boo at the Zoo” around Halloween. There are over two hundred animals at the zoo, including grey wolves, tigers, leopards, and penguins.

Binghamton Sights – Kopernik Observatory

The Kopernik Observatory and Science Education Center is open every Friday night from March to November, at eight pm. During winter months, it is only open on clear Friday nights.

Binghamton Sights – Shopping

Oakdale Mall is the only indoor mall in the Great Binghamton area. Downtown Binghamton, however, has several shopping alternatives like the department store, Boscov’s.

Binghamton Sights – Eating

Speidies is a regional sandwich made with grilled meat cubed and in August there is a cook-off organized at the Spiedi Fest and Balloon Rally. Other great restaurants include Lupo’s S&S Char Pit, and the Rib Pit. The Pine Lounge has the cheapest pitcher of beer in the city.

Binghamton Sights – Cutler Botanic Gardens

This is a botanical garden, built on three and a half acres of land. It is opened daily in summer free of charge. It was established by Miss France Cutler who donated the land. In 1978, it was converted into a botanical garden and opened for public in 1979.

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