Autumnnever approaches quietly. When summer cools into fall, just look for nature’s gradual wardrobe change. Leaves begin to blush in shades of persimmon, amber and gold. With a nudge from the autumn wind, the colorful confetti leaves part with their branches, carpeting the ground, leaving tree limbs bare.

As soon as you spot the mannequin dressed as a mermaid in EcoChic Consignment Boutique’s window display, you know the store will be full of surprises. Once you step through both doors, you aren’t disappointed. The top of every wall is decorated with a full outfit displayed on a hanger.

Syracuse is lucky to have a healthy assortment of consignment shops at which you can practice your green sensibilities. And the beauty of these shops is you don’t have to be a shopaholic to frequent them; perhaps you have clothes you no longer wear and want to empty your closet in an environmentally friendly way.

The YMCA has a reputation for encouraging good health through exercise and athletic development. But to Hank Leo and countless kids, it is so much more. “The” Y is often perceived as just a gym, a weight room. But the body isn’t the only focus,” Leo says. “We also try to nurture the spirit and the mind.” And one way the Y tries to care for young minds is through music.

Just shy of 11 a.m., and Syracuse was already sweltering. With only a lazy breeze for a fan and a summer sky sparsely spotted with clouds for cover, there was little reprieve from the heavy heat. And yet, on this 90-degree day, Syracuse appeared far from wilting.

For about a year, the sidewalks bordering the 100 and 200 blocks of Montgomery Street have worn pale, frozen faces. Sure, the concrete footpath has been covered in snow, pedestrian feet and fall’s confetti leaves. But for 12 months, the stretch of sidewalk has held anything but art.