For those who do not know, my family moved away from Syracuse in the summer of 1989 just before my senior year of high school. I could have thrown a fit about it but I wanted to be with my family (and it did not hurt that the house we moved to in PA had an apartment attached to it that I got to use). So I did not get to enjoy many activities those in their college years and younger 20′s got to experience in Syracuse (I also joined the Army at 19 so that may have impacted that as well).

So for many years, when I got back to town, there were certain things I loved doing to get reacquainted with Syracuse. Since all my visits were spent at my grandparents house in Bridgeport, that mean utilizing their resources as best I could. I would grab their Post Standard and read it from the front page to the last. I would make sure I got some great pizza, Hofmann’s (even though they are closing the East Syracuse Hot Haus location I visited most often), and later added Tully’s to the tradition when I learned how awesome they were thanks to my family.

There was another tradition as well and if the title did not give it away, it was tuning in to watch Bridge Street on NewsChannel 9, which you can find on Twitter and Facebook. Over the years the hosts have changed but I have always enjoyed the show regardless. I loved sitting down at my grandparents house and watching the show live to learn more about what was happening in Syracuse. I am sure most local TV markets have a show similar to this format but for me, I enjoy learning more about Syracuse so this is my favorite.

The current hosts are Chris Brandolino and Kaylea Nixon and I have to admit that I really enjoy their chemistry. So much so that not only do I watch it when I am back in Syracuse, I also stream it in North Carolina when I am not working.

Then the other day I found out that not only can you stream it from the website but you are also able to do so by using the 9 WSYR Android app, which I did Friday morning because I knew Twitter friend Kim Brown was on and I always enjoy her segments. Kim is not only a 2006 Syracuse alum but also works in their Career Services department so she has some great advice for those seeking work and is like a LinkedIn Jedi master. And since that day was spent covering the student store instead of constant travel throughout the campus, I gave it a try and was happy that I did.

Does this mean I hate Charlotte so much that I have to keep watching things in Syracuse? On the contrary, I believe Charlotte has some great local news and I love waking up to WCNC NewsChannel 36 every weekday morning. I also have a job I love, great friends, and family here that live in the Charlotte area so my love of all things Syracuse is not in any way but I enjoy staying in touch with both cities.

So if you are looking for a fun show to help learn more about Syracuse or life in general, I highly recommend the TV tradition that is Bridge Street. With the New York State Fair starting on the 23rd, this is also a great chance to check them out there in person or watch them as they explore the fairgrounds since they usually broadcast from there (and if you go, enjoy some Gianelli’s Sausage for me). They have great hosts and great features and even if you are not in front of a TV, you can stream it on your computer or your phone or DVR it for later if you are in the Syracuse area.