40. Oswego, NY

Oswego is a college town about 45 minutes north of Syracuse (3-1-5 represent). The campus isn't much to look at, but the rest of the area is. A river cuts through the city and it also borders on Lake Ontario offering visitors a great view and many activities (fishing, relaxing on the beach, watersports, etc.).Unfortunately, as my friend Jay says "that city has so much potential, but they never seem to use it right or make the area look that nice until Harborfest." Harborfest is a great time for anyone. Whether you like carnivals, live music, a walk along water, family fun, fireworks, or late-night partying, Harborfest will suit you. Oswego probably doubles in population as the streets become lined with parked cars and pedestrians. All day, it is easy to find a live band that fits your musical preference. At night, a few blocks are shut down for a scene reflecting Mardi Gras.Other than that, the area could be one of the great places to visit if it would just realize its potential. Maybe the college life just extends too far into the town for that goal to be realized. If partying is your thing, Oswego has it. Just drop a comment card at the town hall before you leave telling them to do something productive and to turn that place into what it could and should be... those hippies just aren't getting it done (although they do give Oswego a relatively laid-back feel).