You are in luck. Syracuse University has a long tradition in photography, both VPS and Newhouse. Also the community has fine photographers living in the area.
You must stop by the Community Darkrooms:
http://communitydarkrooms.com/
I wasted countless hours there as a Freshman. It is open to the public, not just students. They publish a fine quarterly magazine 'Light Work' that I recommend you subscribe to.
You'll find wonderful landscapes and architecture throughout the region.