Two local groups want you to add some stamps to your passport. But you can do so without booking a flight. The idea is to travel locally, visiting some new and old establishments. Our Iris St. Meran tells us some places you can go with your 'Passport to Syracuse.'

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- These are places most people living around the Syracuse area have at least seen or heard of. But the young professionals group, 40 Below and business organization Syracuse First would like natives and visitors to dig deeper.

Syracuse First Executive Director Chris Fowler said, "Get out and engage with your community, see what's out there. There are so many exciting things happening in Central New York right now. And the more people are involved with it, the more they're going to feel a part of it."

There's a new challenge to help them feel part of it called, Passport to Syracuse.
You get a passport with more than 50 places listed to visit. They vary from restaurants to retail to cultural organizations. Each visit gets a stamp worth a certain amount of points.

"At the end we add up all the points, both for the check-ins. Also, you get additional points if you write reviews and send them into info@itsallhere.com. And the winner with the most points is our grand prize winner. They're going to get a Kindle Fire," said It’s All Here Taskforce Chair of 40 Below Cecelia Cannon.

The idea behind passport to Syracuse is not just to get people out and about around town but also to encourage them to spend their money locally.

Recess Coffee Shop Baker and Co-Owner Adam Williams said, "For every dollar spent here, the percentage is exponential of what money stays in the neighborhood, especially for people that live in the neighborhood. They're really doing their own neighborhood a service."

Recess Coffee Shop has been in service for 6 years in the Westcott Section of the city.
The co-owners say patrons could benefit from the food and hours offered. They along with other businesses look forward to sharing treats with people looking to get their passports stamped.

The program runs through July 28. If you'd like a passport of your own, it's easy to get one. Visit 40belowsyracuse.com for more information.