Party in Canastota, Graziano's World Famous Inn

We went to a surprise 40th birthday party in the little town of Canastota this past Friday night, Lil spent her youth there. We bedded down in the world famous Graziano’s Inn, not really sure if world famous fits. Graziano’s Restaurant next door was the scene of the shindig and the food wonderful. The town developed as a stop on the Erie Canal and retains that feel. This tiny burg is also the home of the International Boxing Hall of Fame; Canastota was home to 2 world champs, Billy Backus and Carmine Basilio.

Today the surrounding area is known for the mucky soil where onions and potatoes thrive, Lil used to harvest the onions as a kid, 35 cents a box. Nearby is Lake Oneida and it's superb Pike fishing. Best of all I got to meet many of my brother- in- law, Chuck’s family. The Le Blanc family well represents Canastota. Little towns sometimes have great off the radar attractions, book a room at the world famous Graziano’s and see for yourself!